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The president's been shot!
In fact, in Pete Travis' vaguely political action thriller, the president of the United States gets shot a lot. Or at least we see footage of the man being shot over and over again, from different points of view. That is, if we can even be sure he has been shot ...
Confused? Intrigued? Vantage Point offers a promising set-up in which viewers will see the president's shooting and subsequent melee through the eyes of several individuals on the scene. Each story is incomplete, but having seen all sides, an intelligent movie-goer will neatly assemble the puzzle pieces into the complete picture. Unfortunately, the frantic and sketchily plotted Vantage Point quickly devolves into tedium, gimmickry and incoherent nonsense, so that the clearest picture materializing for any intelligent movie-goer will be that of his eight dollars swirling away.
The drama all takes place in Salamanca, Spain, where President Ashton (William Hurt) is attending an international summit on the war on terror, or something similar. (Background is not this film's specialty.) Regardless, lots of world leaders will take a single small stage for a speech and photo-op.
You'll simply marvel how any country's security detail allowed its precious leader to turn up at this event -- held just mere inches from a protesting crowd in a fully enclosed courtyard surrounded by four walls of windows. (Every room's a guaranteed head-shot!)
We watch our first version of the event from inside the mobile unit of Global Network News. As a producer (Sigourney Weaver) barks out orders, we study the multiple camera feeds: the president's motorcade; angry crowds waving signs reading "Anti-U.S."; the onstage presentation; a prickly on-site reporter (Zoe Saldana). Suddenly, two shots fell the president; the Secret Service jump a bearded guy; the crowd panics; a bomb goes off outside the plaza; more panic; and finally, a bomb goes off in the plaza, seriously disrupting GNN's coverage.
Travis now rewinds the sequence -- literally, in a gimmicky technique that just gets more irritating each time we see it -- and we start again, 23 minutes earlier, on board with Secret Service agent Thomas Barnes (Dennis Quaid).
Barnes, we've already learned from news crews' keen eyes, took a bullet for the president just last year (this guy gets shot at a lot!), and is newly returned to the job. He's the kind of stand-up movie character you can rightly expect to be the hero. His perspective on the incident introduces us to his Secret Service colleague, Kent Taylor (Matthew Fox); a mysterious bearded guy (Eduardo Noriega); and a camcorder-wielding American tourist named Zapruder ... no, wait, Howard Lewis (Forest Whitaker). This sequence ends with Barnes in the GNN van, where he spots something on the videotapes that changes everything. It's the first of many cheats that we're not privileged to see.
Subsequent replayings of the event follow: one from the bearded guy, who initiates the first of many foot and car chases beyond the plaza; another from tourist Lewis; now it's President Ashton's version; and finally, a chaotic multiple-perspective wrapper-upper that purports to follow the villains. This final sequence throws plotting and logic to the wind, as new characters are introduced, old ones morph without any reason, and coincidence reigns.
This is a film that doesn't even remotely earn its plot twists, especially the final big one, which for obvious reasons I can't discuss with you now. Suffice to say it happens, but there's no explanation why.
Additionally, it's offensive and amateurish that Vantage Point never identifies the obviously well-organized band of terrorists and just passes them off as conveniently evil swarthy foreigners. And that's the sum of their badness: They look suspicious; we never learn their agenda. For all I know, they could be hell-bent against poorly plotted U.S. films that reduce much of the world's population to cardboard stereotypes.
Vantage Point can't even be excused as a gimmick in search of a story, since the multiple-POV Rashomon style it trumpets is hardly fresh; it's regularly employed in films and TV shows.
And neither the plot nor the technique make any attempt to broaden the context and shed light on the provocative issues Vantage Point flirts with: the war on terror; America's place in the world; what exactly constitutes visual truth; crime and crime-solving in a world of omnipresent media. Vantage Point just adds up rigged coincidences to construct a pedestrian dime-novel narrative, rather than to create the sensation of shifting realities that reveal hidden truths. In English, with some Spanish, with subtitles.


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View the Video Battery Gum Mom
What should the penalty be for a student bus rider whose spit lands on a driver?
Five day suspension 40% (286)
Supension and transfer to alternative education 8% (61)
Suspension, transfer and criminal battery charges 25% (182)
None of the above 27% (191)
720 total votes.
A Chula Vista middle school student whose spit sailed out a school bus window and into a nearby sunroof says the landing was inadvertent.
The recipient of the saliva was so incensed by the act that he chased down the bus and pressed criminal charges.
Michael Crowe, 12, was suspended for five days in January, kicked out of Eastlake Middle School and is now facing a criminal charge of battery recommended by the Chula Vista Police Department.
"There's the letter of the law and there is the spirit of the law and I think our Police Department in this regard in our educational system has forgotten about that," said Michael's mother, Lisa Crowe. "My son, for him to have a record, it gives the appearance that he did something really, really egregious and that's just not the case. It's false."
Or, as Michael described his punishment, "It was heartbreaking and a little harsh."
Battery is defined in the state penal code as "any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another," and is listed among the requisite reasons for a suspension or expulsion in the state education code.
"That is a battery, spitting on someone," said acting Capt. Lon Turner of the Chula Vista police. "I don't think it's excessive. I think I would probably be very upset if someone spit on me and my daughter."
Michael was not expelled from the district, but was transferred to alternative education to finish out seventh grade.
Michael's mother contends that her son spat his gum out of the window, and some of the saliva landed on the driver inadvertently. The school's report of the incident indicates Michael aimed his spit at the car.
The following day, Michael was questioned and arrested by the school resource officer.
Michael was then asked to clear out his locker and leave Eastlake Middle after he was cited in school documents with willful use of force or violence upon the person of another and for disruption and defiance.
The Chula Vista Police Department would not release its report on the matter, only a brief summary. It identified the victim as M. Young, and indicated "the spit landed on his face and his daughter's face." The report places the incident at Clubhouse Drive and Hunte Parkway, near Eastlake Greens Golf Course.
Michael was scheduled to meet with a county probation officer Tuesday morning in Chula Vista as part of the criminal process, county documents show. His mother requested that the appointment be rescheduled as she appeals the misdemeanor charge.
In disputed juvenile cases, a judge determines whether claims against a juvenile are true. If valid, the charge remains on the youth's record until the age of 18, at which point, the offender may request the record be sealed, Capt. Turner said.
Robert Fellmeth, executive director of the University of San Diego's Children's Advocacy Institute and former deputy district attorney and assistant U.S. Attorney in San Diego, said intent is key.
"Unless he was maliciously trying to spit in the face of someone who was driving, the expulsion and the rest is completely insane," Fellmeth said. "We've got kids engaged in serious drug dealing. We've got kids engaged in gang activity and we really need to keep our focus on significant things, keep our priorities straight."
Fellmeth said the reaction to the incident "sounds like incredible overkill" and that the battery charge "is not meant to cover simple negligence."
Michael was recommended to the county's Juvenile Diversion program, but Crowe refused the services, indicating her son did not belong with older and higher-level offenders, she said.
District officials declined to comment on the incident.

subset: commoncrawl


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60 Seconds with the Cast of A Haunting...
Ahead of their first performance of A Haunting, we caught up with the cast in rehearsal to find out a bit more about the production and what they've been getting up to in rehearsal.
So who's who?
Jake Curran – Ghost
Helin Belbin – Anna
Roly Botha – Mark
Where are you from?
Helen: Born in Ireland but grew up in Scotland from the age of 7
Roly: Originally, I'm from the Isle of Wight and grew up there and in New Zealand.
Jake: I'm from London originally but am currently in Margate, Kent
Great to hear you're all from different areas! Tell us about your route into theatre?
Jake: Well I have to walk, both to rehearsal and the show at least part of the way but often for several hours. It's a great way to go over lines, notes and ideas. I find it burns off excess nerves too.
That's great Jake, but I meant, how did you get into theatre?
Jake: Oh I see, haha, I trained at Drama Centre London (1999-2001) under its founders Christopher Fettes and Yat Malmgren.
Helen: I originally studied performance at the University of Northumbria, before going on to train at Drama Studio London (2008).
Roly: Well I didn't actually go to Drama School, I finished school and went to train with the National Youth Theatre for a month. After that I just applied and auditioned for everything I could, before landing Strangers In Between at the King's Head which kicked off everything for me.
Tell us more about what you've been up to?
Roly: Other than A Haunting at VAULT Festival and Strangers in Between at The King's Head which is now transferring to London's Trafalgar Studios, I've played Alan Strang in the Peter Shaffer Memorial Gala at National Theatre directed by Jamie Glover. I've also been on tour with Kinetics for DT2 Productions, and I've had some television appearances in Doctors, Eastenders and Casualty for the BBC. Oh and I've been a part of two short films: Playing Field, Hillfort Productions and Wolves, LFS, which was nominated for Best British Short at the Iris International Film Prize 2017.
Jake: I've also been in A Haunting before, both at Festival 46 (King's Head Theatre) and VAULT Festival and I'm an Associate Artist with the theatre company Rough Haired Pointer. Other than that my TV credits include: Primeval, Criminal Justice, Waking the Dead, Whitechapel and Spotless. While my Film credits include: Oliver Twist, The New World, Stardust, Robin Hood, Fury and the upcoming releases, Journeys End and Maze Runner: The Death Cure.
Helen: This will be my first time performing in A Haunting, so I'm excited to get started! For Screen I've been in: Mad to be Normal, Waterboys, Silent Witness, Call the Midwife and Wolfblood. For Theatre I've performed in: About Last Night (Arcola); Kings (Smoke & Oakum/ VAULT Festival); The Non Stop Connolly Show, Flouers O' Edinburgh, Northern Star (Finborough); Verdict (Agatha Christie Theatre Company).
And I've also done quite a bit of Radio & V/O for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Learning English.
Got any interesting facts for us?
Roly: hmm. I'm a black and gold sash instructor of traditional southern Chinese Kung Fu. Not sure if that counts?
Jake: I gave Roly his last haircut! I'm a full trained barber. When I'm not working as an actor I can be found at Hobbs Barber in the heart of Borough Market.
Do you remember your first experience of the internet?
Jake: I first accessed the internet on a hand-me-down Macintosh laptop the size of two paving slabs. It was dial up and sounded like aliens fighting in a drainpipe, it took forever and I never made it to an actual website. I didn't honestly think it would catch on.
Helen: No internet growing up, a few computers in secondary school and you went to the library to study at Uni. I remember handing in a handwritten essay in approx. 2001.
Roly: I can't really remember my first experience of the Internet, it's pretty much been around for my whole life. It was probably looking up hints on how to complete The Curse of Monkey Island (an old school PC game).
A Haunting runs on the B2 stage on Tues 4 & Weds 5 Oct. Grab your tickets now by calling the Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or book online.


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Our shark dive adventures are the culmination of many years in the waters we operate. We currently sail from Fairhaven, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and Chatham. Our vessel Fins has been outfitted to run at speed with our super strong, custom built cage. The cage comfortably holds two at a time. and The entrance and egress into and out of the cage has been designed to easily provide access by everyone. If your not comfortable in the cage, the view from the cockpit is also spectacular. Most who begin watching from the cockpit quickly see how exciting and safe the cage is and find themselves venturing into before the trip has ended. You do not have to have any experience as a diver to fully enjoy the beauty of sharks.
The Blue shark is the most prolific shark of our home waters. They are extremely inquisitive and remarkably beautiful given their bioluminescence. They are electric blue! We also enjoy Mako sharks so easily recognizable as the original snaggle tooth and black piercing eyes while the bashful and solitary Threshers sporting their extremely long and unmistakable whip tail which makes up nearly half of their body length. Great White's and Porbeagles also frequent our waters.
We recommend that you bring two changes of clothes and two suits as many times after someone has changed they decide to go back in for one more time. It's just nice to change into something dry. You also need to pack a lunch, hat, sunblock and any additional camera or video gear you would like to bring. We do our best to get as many pictures and video as possible but the more the merrier.
We will have an ample supply of water, Gatorade®, ice, a selection of wet suits, masks and snorkels. If you have your own gear then by all means bring it along.
We typically depart at 8:00 AM and return to port at 2:00PM. We will sail approximately 25 miles off shore to insure excellent visibility and good viewing opportunity.
Our customer mix represents the most eclectic cross section of friends, from preteens to grandparents. If anyone in your group has any special needs we would be happy to discuss any and all opportunities. We have enjoyed Grammies with their granddaughters, Aunts with their nieces and nephews, Families, doctors, nurses, varsity football players, lawyers, industry executives, lobbyist, painters, artists, funeral home directors, Mothers and daughters, neighborhood friends and hair dressers, and yes we do open boat charters so if you can't put a group together we will do our best to make a group for a day on the water.
Call our reservation line and ask to speak with Captain Eric or Captain Vinny


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What can I say?
I am enthusiast of free/libre and open-source software, but my OSS track record is scarce.
OSS project that I'm involved in a bit (not a member): Alpine Linux. In the past: SystemTap.
Some of my old notes that may be still useful for some of you: linux tips, math papers (PL).
In 2018 I think I'll finally start some small and infrequently updated blog. Stay tuned!


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@Vipper said:
Other units with passive heal:
Paratroopers Vet 2
Ranger Vet 2
Air landing officer vet 3
Commandos vet 3
Infiltration Commandos vet 3
Those squads are all expensive, the cheapest one there is a full 100mp more than Volks.
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Saturday 3rd January 2009, as tanks and troops massed on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip approximately two thousand people gathered in Glasgow to show their anger at and opposition to the Israeli bombing of the Palestinian people.
A diverse mix from most parts of the Glaswegian community gathered in Blythswood square for a demonstration hastily arranged by, amongst others, the Glasgow Palestinian Human Rights Campaign and the Glasgow Stop the War Coalition. A sizeable crowd had gathered and the march was ready to leave on time at 1p.m.
It was heartening to see such a diverse crowd with Celtic supporters marching alongside Palestinians and Scottish Jews for a Just Peace as well as the expected assortment of lefties.
The route of the march, as has come to be the norm in Glasgow, seemed designed to minimise any interaction the march may have had with Saturday shoppers. Starting as it did in Blythswood square and finishing hidden away in the Merchant City any and all dissent voiced by those on the march was castrated from the off.
This was a crying shame as the anger in the air was palpable and could be felt like an electric buzz as the crowd marched down back streets guided by the cops into a dead end of ineffectualness. This is why we should not negotiate with the police. They can not control the anger at what is happening in the middle east unless we allow them to!
The one success of the march was that it let people in Gaza know that there are those of us in Glasgow who feel for their plight and who want to do what it is we can to help.
After marching from a to b we headed home to avoid the inevitable speeches.
It was later on that evening that we heard that Israeli troops had moved into northern Gaza and that there was an emergency demo called for the next day outside Borders bookshop on Buchanan street; now here was a chance to actually be seen.
We gathered on Buchanan street from one o'clock where around twenty people covered in blood stained sheets lay on the floor in an attempt to bring home the reality of the situation in Gaza. The 'dead' were surrounded by around a hundred of us, not bad numbers considering the extreme short notice, with placards. Chants of 'Free, Free Gaza' ensued before activists from the Glasgow Palestinian Human Rights Campaign gave emotive reports from Gaza.
Unbelievably the Socialist Workers were attempting to sell books and newspapers to those gathered to express their anger. The depths that this party will stoop to never cease to amaze.
The crowd gathered and chanted and marched in circles around the 'corpses' on the floor. Unfortunately there was very little decent analysis, with the notable exception of the Jews for a Just Peace leaflet, on hand to inform passers by what was going on. The only analysis aside from this came in the form of the SWP punting a cut price copy of their Hamas supporting rag.
The rage around the world at what is going on in Gaza can only grow as the Israeli state continues to slaughter Palestinians.
With the growth in this anger there is a very real danger of the energy being misdirected into either racialising the issue into Jew=Nazi Arab=Saint or into simply marching from (hidden)point A to (hidden)point B. There are groups that will seek to cloud this issue for their own benefit or to poach themselves a few new members. We must beware of these groups.
The actions of the Israeli state are reprehensible and can not be defended in any way.
This does not however mean the anti-semitic groups like Hamas should be supported.
Demonstrations against this latest assault should be regular, they should be loud and they should not be stifled or hidden away by anyone!
With future demonstrations the Police will again attempt to make sure that they are hidden away from public view, heavens forbid that Glaswegians should be exposed to anything besides council approved 'culture'.
As has been shown by the vibrant Smash-EDO campaign in Brighton there is no need to negotiate with the Police. The streets belong to us, not them! We shall make our voices heard!
Pics from the Sunday 4th Demo.


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I'm super pumped about today's post! A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Le Tote and asked if I would like to try out their unique membership plan. After looking around on their site, I was completely on board. Le Tote is a program that allows you to "borrow" clothes and accessories from an unlimited closet as many times as you want for a simple monthly payment.
Here's how it works: Once you sign up, you fill out a style profile and "heart" items that you like. This allows their resident stylists to pick out and personalize a tote just for you. They mail you your tote and then you get to keep/wear all the items for as long as you want. Two days, two weeks, two months- it's totally up to you. Once you decide you'd like some new options in your wardrobe, send it back. Oh, and free two day shipping both ways.
I realize I'm not the best at explaining things, so I found this helpful video below that shows exactly how Le Tote works:
You guys know I don't do outfit posts because, well, because I'm an awkward person and they never turn out (selfies by self-timer is a straight-up recipe for awkwardness). But here's one picture to show off the totally cute dress I got in one of my Le Totes. The bracelet, which I love, is also from Le Tote.
Click here to learn more about how Le Tote works and to sign up for your own. I'll be sure to post more of the awesome clothes and accessories that I get from Le Tote in the future.


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Price: $32.50
Quantity: 1 available
Book Condition: Very Good
xix, 564pp. plus ads at rear. Save for the number 50 in red pencil to front endpaper the interior is free of blemish. Blue boards with gilt titles to spine; top edge gilded. Frontispiece is tissue guarded; hinges sound and binding sturdy.
Title: The Life of Henry Labouchere.
Categories: History,
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: New York, G.P. Putnam's Sons: 1913
Binding: Cloth Boards
Book Condition: Very Good
Size: 8vo
Item: 1.00 Item
Seller ID: Books000268
Keywords: BRITISH POLITICS LIBERALISM HISTORY victorian


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How can I change my Double's nickname?
Your Double is unique to you because you are able to call it whatever you want!
1. To change your Double's nickname, simply tap the Double bubble. This will enable you to edit the nickname of your Double.
2. Once you have entered your Double's desired nickname, tap the keyboard icon on the lower right hand side to save it.
If you have any more questions, please contact email@example.com
Last Updated: Sep 12, 2016 02:29PM PDT


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I don't put time limits on my session because I know that you will take a while to relax and feel comfortable (just like I do in front of a camera!). This is completely normal! Professional models should be expected to be comfortable in front of the camera right from the start; you should not.
My deepest desire, and the foundation of my every decision related to our time together, is for you to enjoy this process and be encouraged, from start to finish. Of course one of my goals is to create images that you love and that represent who you are, but even more than that, I hope and pray that you will truly see the beauty that is in you, and have a greater view of just how blessed you are.
This quote exemplifies my heart in photography, and what I strive toward…"Jesus would have been one of the best photographers that ever existed. He was always looking at the beauty of people souls. In fact Jesus was constantly making pictures of God in people's life by looking at their souls and exposing them to his light." – Francis Bacon
How Do I Prepare for my Session?
The documents below will give you an idea of what to expect from your session, and how best to prepare. Choose the most appropriate link to download a PDF to view at your leisure. Of course, if you have questions not covered here or need further clarification, I'm only a phone call, e-mail or facebook message away!
Investments in Your Memories
Portrait sessions are $350 and include a $100 product credit, fully edited 'sneak peek' on Facebook and an online viewing gallery of your proofs for 30 days.
A standard portrait session covers up to six people – add $15 for each additional person. Full-resolution digital proofs are available at an additional cost.
Wedding packages range from $2,300-5,600 (inquire for details).


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"When I began working with Christina, I had to transform from an R&B musician into more of a pop player. I think R&B is a little looser, and you�re able to do extra stuff. Playing pop for someone like Christina or Janet Jackson�who I�ve also worked with�is more about the parts and being a team player. My part has to be played so the bass player can play his part and the keyboard player can play his. It all has to come together."Brain started playing at five years old at Fellowship Tabernacle C.O.G.I. where he learned discipline under the direction of Alexander Ingram. He continued on to pursue music or touring and started to get a lot of recognition in the city of brotherly love. Brian Frasier-Moore was working part-time an editor at a local publication called The Legal Intelligencer" but this job did not satisfy his true love: music. Brian then started to get calls for tours and artist such as Aaliyah, Ginuine and Les Nubians. The last couple of years he plays with Christina Aguilera.
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With pristine snow draped landscapes, gleaming glaciers, soaring peaks and world class outdoor recreation, Alberta is truly a dazzling wonderland in winter. After a day spent outside, exploring and playing amidst our breathtaking backdrops, I love to cozy up beside a crackling wood-burning fire with a mug of cocoa, a hot toddy or a glass of my favourite wine.
When it's time for you to come in from the cold this winter, head to one of these five wonderful wood-burning fireplaces and you'll be totally toasty in no time.
River Café, Calgary
Nestled in downtown Calgary's Prince's Island Park, the River Café is one of the city's most beloved award winning restaurants. Known for its seasonal and sustainable farm-to-fork fare, extensive wine list, vintage fishing lodge décor and spectacular stone fireplace, the River Café offers a warm welcome on a crisp winter's day. Stroll along the scenic Bow River pathway, or ice skate on the park's glistening outdoor rink, then gather around the dancing fire and indulge in exquisite cuisine.
Little Brick Coffee Shop, Edmonton
Touted as one of the city's best independent coffee shops, Little Brick is a quaint café and general store, just steps from Edmonton's River Valley. Throughout the beautifully renovated brick home, where the shop is located, you'll discover painted fireplaces, cozy nooks and an array of local and organic goods for sale. Explore the valley's extensive trail system by fat-tire bike, on snowshoes or cross-country skis. Afterwards, pop in for breakfast, lunch, or a cup of Phil & Sebastian coffee and a delicious house-made treat by the fire.
Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise
For a private hearthside experience, look no further than the suites and cabins at the Relais & Châteaux Post Hotel and Spa in Lake Louise. When it's time for après-ski you'll be spoiled for choice. Enjoy live music while relaxing fireside in the Sir Norman Lounge. Treat yourself to fondue by the fire in the Post's 24-seat specialty restaurant Stübli. Or, if burgers and beer are more to your taste, head to the hearth at Outpost – the hotel's quaint English style pub, featuring handheld favourites and comfort food.
Iron Goat Pub, Canmore
Epic views and gourmet fare are make Canmore's Iron Goat Pub a stellar experience. It's also one of the top fireside spots for refuelling after pursuing Kananaskis Country's array of outdoor adventures, including skating, snowshoeing, tobogganing and downhill and cross-country skiing. A cold, frothy pint and a hearty serving of the Goat's famous Alberta Game Meatloaf, with bison, elk and beef, or Low-and-Slow Bison Back Ribs, will have you ready to tackle K-Country's sparkling winter terrain once again.
The Emerald Lounge, Jasper
With towering snow-capped peaks and the picturesque Lac Beauvert as a backdrop, the Emerald Lounge in the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the ultimate place for post-adventure cocktails and snacks. The double sided, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace is truly the heart of this lobby lounge. Whether you've spent the afternoon on the slopes at nearby Marmot Basin, enjoyed ice skating on the resort's Lake Mildred, or taken a leisurely lakeshore stroll beneath one of the world's largest dark sky preserves, the Fairmont's roaring fire offers an elegant atmosphere for relaxing at the end of the day.
Activity Highlights
- Winter Wonderland
- Dining
- Unique Stays


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Would love to see more extension in the image uploadeder. Take a look at Typepad or MT's image handling -- the options are really nice.
Typepad has an interface that allows users to choose handling options (i.e. align left, align right, etc). It's nice user friendliness for folks who don't necessarily want to add (or know how) image handling in their CSS or in the image code itself.
MT does nice thumbnailing - allowing a user to determine the actual size of the thumbnail, itself with each upload instance.
Even nicer would be the ability to not only determine the size of the thumbnail - but some type of edit interface that allows the user to determine which part of the image is to be thumbnailed.
All of this in teh inline editor - - with a tag to allow users to easily place teh thumbs in their sidebar - clickable to a gallery page.
MT allows the nice ability to create a photoblog that way by using the extended entry and excerpt feature.
Getting the photoblogging down solid would bring more users, I think. Each of the gallery plugins out there lack one thing or another - - plus making the image handling more extensive and user friendly will allow WP to live up to its user friendly rep!
Thanks for the opportunity in the ideas forum - great idea, btw!


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Insurance for Doctors
As a doctor there are numerous risks that you face every day. Of course there are many ways in which you can manage these risks, but they can never be reduced to zero.
For the risks that you cannot control or remove completely, the best option for managing the financial consequences is insurance.
There are a number of different insurance policies available to doctors. Many of these policies are similar to those used by other workers, however there are some important factors for doctors to look out for.
In today's guide we will look at some of the most common forms of insurance for doctors and exactly what they cover, but first we will run through some of the special issues that doctors must consider when taking out personal insurance.
Special Considerations for Doctors
As a doctor you face a number of risks that few other professionals and other workers will ever have to deal with.
Potential risks on the job include needlestick injury, blood splashback, bone dust inhalation and occupationally acquired HIV.
Whilst many people would assume that these risks would all be covered by a doctor's insurance policy, the truth is that most policies do not cover all of these risks.
When looking at any form of personal insurance for doctors, including income protection and life insurance, it is important to choose a policy which provides cover for all of these risks.
Life Insurance for Doctors
The road to becoming a doctor is a long and challenging one. Each doctor will have different reasons behind their motivation, but many will agree that part of the attraction is the ability to provide a strong financial future for themself and their family.
Doctors know better than anyone that life can be cut short at any time, and if that was to happen to you, how would your family's financial future look? Could they still achieve everything that you had envisaged and planned for?
Life insurance can help by providing a lump sum amount in the event of your death or upon diagnosis of a terminal illness.
The funds from a doctor's life insurance policy can be used to repay any personal and business debts, and can also be invested in a way which will provide an ongoing income to your surviving family and loved ones.
Income Protection for Doctors
One of the most important forms of personal insurance for doctors is income protection insurance.
As a doctor your ability to work depends heavily on your continued health. Any injury or illness that limits your movement (especially your hands) or your ability to think clearly could seriously affect your ability to work and earn a living.
Income protection insurance can replace up to 75% of your income (and up to 100% in some cases for new doctors) if you cannot work for a period of time due to illness or injury.
There are plenty of different options and levels of cover when it comes to income protection for doctors, so it is best to speak with a qualified financial adviser before making any decisions on your income protection.
TPD Insurance for Doctors
As mentioned above, it can sometimes be easy for a doctor to suffer an injury or illness that leaves them unable to work for a period of time. But what if the injury or illness what serious enough that you could never work again?
TPD stands for total and permanent disability, and the insurance covers you if you suffer an injury or illness that leaves you unlikely to ever return to work.
There are two definition options which apply to TPD insurance, and the choice of definition is arguably more important for doctors than for any other professional.
The two TPD insurance definitions are known as 'own occupation' and 'any occupation', and you can read more about them on our dedicated TPD insurance for doctors page.
Trauma Insurance for Doctors
Trauma insurance is a very important form of cover for a doctor or any other worker.
Dr Marius Barnard, who was part of the team who performed the world's first heart transplant, was also the inventor of trauma insurance. He famously said:
"As a medical doctor, I can repair a man physically, but I can't repair his finances."
Trauma insurance pays a lump sum upon diagnosis of a critical illness. There are dozens of illnesses covered, however the most common conditions include heart attack, cancer and stroke.
The funds from a trauma insurance payout can be used to cover out-of-pocket medical bills, travel and accommodation costs and any other expenses that need to be covered.
Other Forms of Doctors Insurance
The types of insurance outlined above are regarded as personal risk insurances. Other forms of insurance needed by some doctors include liability and indemnity, however these are classified differently and are not handled by our team.
If you require assistance with any other form of insurance for doctors that is not listed above, please get in contact with us and we will put you in contact with one of our referral partners who may be able to assist.


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Welcome to
Our Nail Salon!
The SlyNails Studio as the largest artificial nail salon in Budapest, guaranteeing you the highest quality with the strictest rules. Our work is supervised by a professional leader who is one of the most sought after instructor and product development consultants of Crystal Nails which the world's leading artificial brand is.
Our permanent nails artists works in three categories (Junior, Senior, TOP), which levels can be accessed through working time spent in our studio or successfully passed exams. All of our nail artists and chiropodists provide our services at unified price in their service category.
Our unique SlyNails Trainee Program is a great opportunity for freshly-talented and skilled junior clerks, because they can deepen their skills in artificial nail art and gain experience in real salon work. Our Trainees are waiting for you at a much cheaper price than our regular nail artists at the Slynails Studio.
Lastminute appointments
Our Services
Nail Extension
Whether it's acryl or gel nail extension you want, excellent choice to come to us! From your own nails length to the extreme length of nails in a great variety of colors, shapes and decorations you can ask nail extension of your dreams. Come and choose from hundreds of colors and decorative materials.
If you don't want to have nails longer than yours, gel-varnish is the best choice for you! You can choose from a wide palette, available for you the pocket money-friendly SuperRapid technique and the 3 weeks lasting premium gel varnish service too. You can request all decoractions known as nail extension decoration as well as french, ombre and baby boomer nails.
The good appearance begins with manicured hands. Nowdays manicure for men is as natural as going to a hairdresser. Regular treatment provides nice nails shape, healthy nails beds and last but not least maximum comfort. You should request your nails polished or matt effect too.
Beautiful and groomed feet are equally important for ladies and gentlemen. Regular pedicure provides soft feet and nice nails. Besides replacing broken feet nails ladies' feet can be decorated with gel-varnish or nail extension, and in complete harmony with the masterpieces on nails of hands.


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Selling your home?
We understand that selling your home can be an emotional experience. You've invested time and money making your house into your home.
We'll be there every step of the way to ensure that your home is sold at the correct price point and within a prompt time frame. We will be able to help you through a successful and timely sale.
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Our Realtor VIP Program is very simple… we would love to be your preferred buyer for all distressed properties that are suitable for rehabbing and then re-selling. If you are an agent and frustrated with short sales, need help selling foreclosure listings, exhausted from dealing with banks, or are interested in working with us, be sure to drop us a message in the box to the right of this page and ask about the Realtor VIP Program and how we can help you make more money in 2014 than any other year of your entire real estate career.
We'll take the entire deal from beginning to end–collecting all the documents, negotiating with the banks, securing the short sale approval, locking in an end-buyer, etc., and you'll collect your commission at the end of the deal. Please note that commissions in a short sale are determined by the bank.
Fill out the form on the right and we'll contact you within 24-48 hours.


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Wedge Salad with Elegant Blue Cheese Dressing
Ingredients1 d 30 m servings 362
- Adjust
- Metric
Directions{{model.addEditText}} Print
- Combine 1/2 pound blue cheese, sour cream, buttermilk, mayonnaise, vinegar, olive oil, sugar, garlic, and pepper in a bowl; blend using a hand mixer; chill until serving.
- Build the salad by placing 1 lettuce wedge on each of 8 plates. Drizzle equal amounts of dressing over each wedge. Scatter tomatoes, onion, and 1/2 pound blue cheese over each salad.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving: 362 calories; 30.6 9.1 13.7 51 892 Full nutrition
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ReviewsRead all reviews 114
148 Ratings
I love this dressing. But like the other reviewer, that is alot of blue cheese. I just added about 1/4 cup(eyeballed it), put it all in a blender for a few pulses, and I have to say, it is the ...
My family thought this dressing was absolutely terrible. Way too much sugar and vinegar. Yuck.
I love this dressing. But like the other reviewer, that is alot of blue cheese. I just added about 1/4 cup(eyeballed it), put it all in a blender for a few pulses, and I have to say, it is the ...
This is a great salad! In a hurry and don't have time to make dressing? Simply docter up bottled blue cheese dressing. I add just a bit of red wine vinegar, milk, sugar and black pepper and i...
Fabulous dressing! I cut the amount of blue cheese in half. I love the tang from the red wine vinegar coupled with the sweetness from the sugar. Definitely give it time for the flavors to come...
Years ago I made a similar salad. I placed a wedge on each of 2 plates and they looked great. I was so proud of my efforts. My husband began to eat and very soon found an angleworm lodged betw...
This was VERY good...they serve this at one of my favorite restaraunts and I was so glad to find the recipe...only thing I did different was to also add some crumbled bacon on top of it!
My husband loved this and asked me to save the recipe. I served grape tomatoes and omited the onion. Next time I will add the onion and some applewood bacon crumbles.
This dressing was wonderful with half of the blue cheese--both in the dressing and on top of the salads (I think it would have been way too over-powering with all of the cheese in and on top of ...
Love this - I eat it every week for lunch sometimes for dinner too! I use the blue cheese gorgonzola dressing - yum! But I add a little water to the dressing to try to save some calories.
Excellent! I made this as a surprise for my husband for his birthday with dinner, and he loved it. The dressing was amazing! We will no longer use store bought blue cheese! Thanks for the gr...


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So, without further ado, here's Lilly as Sarah, Alison, Cosima, and everyone's favorite serial killer, Helena.
Sarah Manning
Alison Hendrix
Poor high strung Alison. She tries so hard to make everything perfect, that she's liable to strike out if
Cosima Niehaus
Sweet and brainy, this... You know what? I can't think of anything appropriately silly to say about this photograph because LILLY IS MELTING MY BRAIN WITH CUTENESS.
Damn. That is one pissed off seestra.


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I stumbled upon a good website selling game currency, and then I always bought the game currency I needed on their website, bought it three or four times, and there was no problem. Of course, if you need coins, you can buy them at mmoah You are ready to enjoy huge discounts at MMOAH. Of course, their customer service is also very enthusiastic and responsible, very satisfied with the game website, and their website is very safe.
So if you need to buy a game currency, please be sure to get it at MMOAH, it won't let you down! This is their official website: https://www.mmoah.com


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This article is a stub, an article too short to provide more than rudimentary information about a subject. You can help Pro Wrestling Wiki by expanding it.
Powerful Women of Wrestling (also known as POWW) is a defunct professional wrestling promotion based out of Indianapolis, Indiana founded by David McLane, founder of Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling and Women of Wrestling. It was also the name of the promotion's TV program, which aired during the company's run from 1987 to 1990.
After David McLane left Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), he returned to Indianapolis and created Powerful Women of Wrestling (POWW). Many wrestlers left GLOW due to pay disputes and joined McLane's new POWW promotion under altered ring names. Unlike GLOW (which focused on comedy, variety, and skits), POWW focused more on actual wrestling. POWW was briefly aligned with the American Wrestling Association during 1989. That same year, many of the POWW wrestlers were featured in the 1989 film American Angels- Baptism of Blood. The promotion closed the following year in 1990.
- Bambi
- Jeanie Beret - Formerly Attache in GLOW
- Brandi Mae - Formerly Amy the Farmer's Daughter in GLOW
- Donna Spangler
- Tiffany Crystal
- Danya
- Destiny
- Devila
- Candi Devine
- Essence
- Futura
- Hot Rod Andie
- Insanity
- Katie Kincaid
- Kimmie Kozak
- Lady Soul (Envy)
- Peggy Lee Leather
- Liberty
- Lock
- Madusa Miceli
- Malibu - Formerly California Doll in GLOW
- Heidi Lee Morgan
- Nina- Formerly Tina Ferrari in GLOW
- Natasha the Russian - Later became Major Tanya in GLOW
- Shannon O'Brien
- Paisley
- Passion
- Pocahontas
- Polynesian Princess
- Princess Jasmine
- Queen Kong - Formerly Matilda the Hun in GLOW
- Goldie Rae - Later became Babe the Farmer's Daughter in GLOW
- Wendi Richter
- Rockin' Rebel
- Sasha the Russian - Formerly Dementia and Sugar in GLOW
- Susie Steele
- Pali-Azzar the Terrorist - Formerly Palestina in GLOW
- Thora the Barbarian
- Luna Vachon
POWW Championship
Natasha the Russian was the first POWW Champion. She lost the title on the second TV episode. Nina was the second POWW Champion. She lost the title to Sasha, but later regained it.
POWW Tag Team Championship
Luna Vachon and Hot Rod Andie were the POWW Tag Team Champions.


text: #SpiceIslandArtTrail @royalnavalclub @PortsFest @FestivalLee #Portsmouth #Hampshire Published on June 18, 2016 by kimwhitby Hello to all last year's mini artists! Can you remember drawing a black and white boat like this? Come and say hello tomorrow; perhaps you could draw another boat? See everyone tomorrow for a great day, 11-4 pm, Old Portsmouth. Share this:TwitterFacebookTumblrEmailPinterestWhatsApp Related


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Randy Piersall
The passing of a life is a time of emotional upheaval for family and friends. There are many details and decisions associated with a funeral, and unfortunately, they come at a time when people are least able to manage them. Today, many people recognize that planning a funeral in advance provides peace of mind and demonstrates love and consideration for their families.
Most people prefer a traditional funeral; however, we understand the importance of personalization, which is why our goal is to make the service meaningful to your family. Memorial services, cremation, military and fraternal tributes and special music requests are just a few of the possibilities. We consider it an honor to fulfill your special preferences and requests.
At Piersall-Benton, we offer a variety of pre-planning options that can be tailored to suit your specific needs. Arrangements can be made in the comfort of your home or in the privacy of our office. Funeral services and merchandise can be planned and paid for in advance and are guaranteed at today's prices. This may include having the service in church of your choice or in the Piersall-Benton Chapel and/or at the gravesite.
Whether the need is now or there is a funeral arrangement and pre-need plan in place that we are happy to honor, we will be strong shoulders for your family from those first moments of grief through the funeral service and beyond.


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Google Lets Me See My Home Away From Home…
Google has added a new satellite feature to Google Maps and Google Local. The feature is only available in the United States and parts of Canada, but luckily for me it is the right parts! I live and work in the UK but I am Canadian and although I get to spend three to four months out of the year back in the 'Peg (Winnipeg, Manitoba), I still miss it. This morning, thanks to Google's new tool, I got to have a wee glimpse.
Nic 'N' Cher checked out our favorite New York hotspots from our latest excursion: of course the Hilton, Scruffy's, and the Milfo. Anyone know where the Yahoo 10th Anniversary party was? We cannae mind….
The Official Google Blog elaborates:


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On a recent visit to the new Harvard Art Museum, I came across two lovely 6-panel painted folding screens from Japan's Edo period (also called the Tokugawa Period,1603 to 1868) containing images of Japanese small craft.
|A Portuguese ship arriving in a Japanese port. Western ships obviously being unfamiliar to the artist, it is not depicted with much verisimilitude. (Click any image to enlarge.)
|The exhibit card for the above images, which show only the left of two folding screens mentioned (the right-hand screen not being of interest to this blog).
|The exhibit card for the two images above. The screen shown here is the left of the two referenced, the right one not being relevant.


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3 PR lessons from 'Beauty and the Beast'
Get ready to be Disney's guest with these savvy takeaways for brand managers.
The "tale as old as time" is getting a fresh take.
Disney is rebooting "Beauty and the Beast" with a live-action film that's hitting theaters this week. The excitement is palpable: The first trailer earned 127 million views in the first 24 hours of being posted, Attitude reported.
Here are a few takeaways PR pros can learn from the film's PR campaign:
1. Play to people's emotions.
From the casting announcements to the final trailer and film clips that Disney has shared with moviegoers, people have been sharing their excitement on social media and with friends.
For PR pros, the content marketing tips from Disney's latest live action film campaign are plentiful: Use captivating visuals, get your "employees" (in this case, the cast) to tell your brand's stories and encourage fan interaction with questions and contests.
The underlying theme in all of the content that Disney has produced for this film, however, is simple: Play to people's emotions. Decent stories may be interesting, but excellent stories evoke emotions. Tug at heartstrings or make people laugh (even by surprise, as in the BBC's "dadinterview"), and you're golden.
PR pros can also keep the momentum going without exhausting their own resources by boosting outside content.
Though the move might seem contradictory to a strong content marketing strategy, encouraging others to share content can increase brand awareness, along with buzz surrounding your launch.
Take, for example, James Corden's recent spoof on the musical:
Each additional piece of content created by fans, entertainment hosts or reporters serves to play to your audience's emotions as well—especially if the tale you're offering (one as old as time) is enticing.
2. Anticipate issues, but know that you can't make everyone happy.
Though the project is a remake of a classic Disney film, there's a big difference in the live-action version: LeFou is portrayed as homosexual.
Played by US actor Josh Gad, the character of LeFou serves as the sidekick to the film's primary antagonist Gaston (Luke Evans), and is set to feature in a small but significant subplot of his own when it comes to his sexuality.
"LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston," reveals Condon.
"He's confused about what he wants. It's somebody who's just realising that he has these feelings. And Josh makes something really subtle and delicious out of it. And that's what has its payoff at the end, which I don't want to give away. But it is a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie."
Though many fans have reacted positively to this change, several others have lashed out against the film and its makers over it—with at least one theater boycotting the film. Disney has also received criticism in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Russia and Singapore, where leaders have spoken out against the representation.
The backlash has even led to Disney pulling the film from Malaysia. Fortune reported:
Contradicting earlier reports that the musical, starring Emma Watson, had already been censored, Disney told Bloomberg via email that "the film has not been and will not be cut for Malaysia."
The Southeast Asian country's Film Censorship Board had deemed over four minutes of the flick unsuitable, and had asked for those scenes to be cut, reports Bloomberg. The footage in question involves a subplot with a "gay moment," the board's chairman Abdul Halm Abdul Hamid told Reuters via text message.
More organizations—including Coke, Cheerios, Twitter, Honey Maid and Target—are facing diversity issues, whether because of same-sex (or interracial) couples depicted in marketing campaigns or a growing PR problem over the lack of diversity in hiring employees and executives. Even if you're never faced a specific diversity issue, brand managers are having to prepare for increased contention and the possibility of a crisis as consumers and organizations take a stand on political and societal issues.
Disney remains firm on its decision to add themes of diversity to its film, though the organization's officials are letting the film's director, Bill Condon, do the talking.
Condon also added that "Beauty and the Beast" features much more diversity than just the highly-talked about LeFou.
"That was so important," said Condon on going for a level of diversity. "We have interracial couples—this is a celebration of everybody's individuality, and that's what's exciting about it."
Anticipate crises before you launch your PR or marketing campaign—especially if it contains a risqué or controversial element—but also realize that you can't make everyone happy. Stick to your beliefs and your supporters will come to your organization's defense.
3. Invite audiences to an experience.
Though the excitement for "Beauty and the Beast" is huge—Disney is projected to earn more than $100 million on opening weekend—the early reviews on IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes contain quite a few critics, with some saying that the live-action film is a disappointment.
Whether viewers will say the project was a success or a bust, they'll be coming to theaters to experience the characters' revivals.
It's also not the only way fans can put themselves in Belle's (or Gaston's) shoes. Reservations for Walt Disney World's Be Our Guest restaurant are notoriously hard to get—so much that many travel sites have created guides for how to secure a spot.
Contests—such as Gameloft's Beauty and the Beast Sweepstakes—also offered consumers money or a stay in the Beast's castle, which increased engagement and offered winners the chance to experience a bit of magic.
PR pros don't have to go all out with sweepstakes and prizes to invite consumers to experience their brand, either. In October, PSFK reported that Disney and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art teamed up to retell "Beauty and the Beast" on Snapchat, for its 25th anniversary on Nov. 22, 2016.
As visuals and mobile-friendly content becomes crucial for PR pros looking to be heard above the noise online, you can jump on the opportunities available to brand managers.
Invite Snapchat and Instagram followers to go behind the scenes with exclusive videos or stream interviews and take questions from fans via Facebook Live. Help your audience feel like they're part of the action and they'll more willingly advocate for you.
(Image via)
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Our expertise and resources enable us to provide a wide range of survey services, innovative solutions and applied technologies in areas such as sparse Long Base Line-aided inertial positioning, difficult access spool metrology, efficient seabed rock dumping and accelerated tree installations.
Tree-on-wire installation
Innovative tree-on-wire installations can reduce installation time by days compared to conventional rig install methods. Our multipurpose vessels offer an extended range of services and remove dependency on high cost rigs. Increased efficiency and reduced interfaces combine to provide a lower cost, more flexible solution for field development.
Built-in monitoring
We can work with you to build in surveillance sensors and monitoring systems at the development stage. Integrating condition monitoring into the field development reduces costs long term and maximises benefits during production.


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Your Handmade Wedding – Card Suitcase
Every wedding reception needs a table or area for guests to leave their wedding cards for the Bride and Groom. I wanted to create something a little different and fun and decided to make a card suitcase.
Our guests left lots of lovely cards for us, when it came to collecting them it was very easy, I just closed the suitcase and off I went!
Your Handmade Wedding – Card Suitcase
You will need
- Old suitcase
- A selection of photographs A4
- Blu Tack
- Wooden letters
- Mache letters
- Ribbon
- Lace fabric
- Fabric dye
- Fabric salt
- Pegs
How to make
1. I searched high and low in charity shops and on ebay for an old turquoise suitcase. Finally I found one!
2. Once I had the suitcase I played around with ideas on how to decorate it. We had recently had our engagement photo shoot so I wanted to incorporate our photographs from there. I printed them on A4 white paper and using blue tack stuck them to the top of the inside of the suitcase as a back drop.
3. To let everyone know that this was the guests table to leave their wedding cards I wanted to use the word 'cards'. I found some wooden lettering in the type I was thinking of on the internet. Once the letters had arrived by post I used blue ribbon to to make the bunting. Using some white pegs I personalised the letters further with small artificial flowers which I attached to the edge at the top of the suitcase.
4. For the base of the suitcase I used some lace which I had dyed turquoise using fabric dye, to match the rest of my decorations.
5. I then visited charity shops and collected the fabric dollies.
6. To decorate the handle of the suitcase I used some white ribbon and a paper tag that I created when making my wedding invitations.
7. I decorated the table with some homemade triangle bunting using the same fabric as my fabric garland and fabric garland photobooth bunting. The bunting sat on the edge of the rounded table.
8. Using brown cardboard letters, blue tissue paper and glitter I decoupaged them to finish off the table.


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Tours in Croatia
Can't decide which is more attractive the Dalmatian coast or the Plitvice Lakes National Park? Island hopping in the Adriatic or wandering ancient city walls?
Croatia is a combination of so many factors, if you factor in the time, all make excellent exploration choices. With its warm climate and warm people, you will understand why it's such a hot destination right now. The capital Zagreb is for those with a zest for life, vibrant and captivating, whilst Dubrovnik stands firm, its red rooftops sprawling to the sapphire sea, a classic favourite.
Sample tours in Croatia
Activities to try in Croatia
What would you like to do in Croatia?
Go to Croatia on your next trip
Email firstname.lastname@example.com.
More about Croatia
Try something else
Don't see what you're looking for?
Email firstname.lastname@example.com.
196 of us went to perform as part of the Disney Performing Arts programme and they made it a fantastic experience. We had all sorts of obstacles thrown at us with snow and Eurostar strikes but nothing was too much trouble. 'No train to Disneyland???', 'no problem', coaches were organised to take us the rest of the way. Becky kept in touch the whole time checking we were taken care of. I highly recommend South Quay Travel, we have memories to last a lifetime.
I recently took my group on a wonderful tour of India's 'Golden Triangle' and then on up to Shimla in the Himalayas, arranged for us by South Quay Leisure and Travel. Everything had been taken care of from the moment we arrived. The transport, the transfers, the hotels, the guides, the porters, the admissions to all the wonderful places we visited, plus much much more besides. We had the experience of a lifetime and the company had left no stone unturned in ensuring the content and comfort of our tour.
Thank you so much for a fantastic Numeracy trip to Disneyland Paris. The experience was excellent for all our pupils. They all enjoyed themselves enormously. We will certainly be booking again with South Quay Travel.
We are just back from Lyon, and I wanted to say the organisation from your end was excellent, we both had a wonderful weekend.
South Quay Travel have organised a number of trips away for us. Disneyland Paris being a highlight for us this year, they looked at many options to get this within a price range I knew our group would pay, fantastic value for money. Well done guys.
A superb trip. The hotel was great both in location, quality of facilities and the meals provided. The pacific anchorages cruise was the best for many on a luxury catamaran yacht that went the 12 miles or so out in to the Pacific Ocean to make sure we got to see every ship! Well done with all the plans and arrangements for this trip which meant for all of us it was a trip of a lifetime in every sense.


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IGN: MatthewKilp
Hello, this is a brief overview of what you should post in the feature request forum on the site.
So, you have an idea that you think will improve our network or website? We love hearing suggestions from our players, as at the end of the day, you are the reason we are here. In your post, you should include the following:
Including all these points is a good idea in your post, as it means we don't have to ask for more information about your suggestion after the post is made. Feel free to include more details, as the more information we have on the suggestion, the better we can create it.
If you see a suggestion thread in this forum you like, rate the post, and reply to the thread saying you like the idea, or possibly giving your view on it if you think it would be done slightly differently - we ask for you to reply as if we see a thread with a lot of replies we know the feature is highly desired, and are therefore more likely to release the feature.
Need support? Email [email protected] or open a thread on our website.


text: Careers Physics and Astronomy are rare disciplines that train you for a staggering array of possibilities. You can be an engineer working on a Mars rover, an architect, a crime scene investigator, a computational biologist, a banker, a high school teacher, a video game designer, a social worker, a geophysicist, a web designer, or a .com-style millionaire. Computer Science Job Resource Center Check out this sample list of jobs held by our recent graduates. Colorado Bureau of Investigation (network operations) Environmental Protection Agency (water quality assessment) Department of the Interior (managing network and computer security) Lockheed Martin (software engineer) Ball Aerospace (designing Martian rover) IBM (software engineer) Sun Microsystems (software engineer) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Raytheon (software engineer) Bank manager Artsyl Technologies, Inc. (VP of Business Development) Graduate school (studying artificial life, environmental science, and mathematics to name a few) Graduate school for teaching high school science (a popular choice by many graduates) Infotrust (developing and managing a paperless initiative for Continental Airlines) Starz! National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Many ".coms" (another popular choice) Video game programmer Gaming services provider Drummer in a rock band Artist (watercolors) Regis online-education network operations And more -- these are just a few of many amazing jobs held by our recent graduates.


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Siri LindleyAll plans by this Coach
16 Weeks
4 Swim, 2 Bike, 2 Run, 1 Brick, 1 Day Off, 1 Strength
1:20 hrs swim
3:30 hrs bike
1:40 hrs run
triathlon olympic
This plan is protected by our Refund Policy and may, with the author's approval, be exchanged for a plan of equal value from the same author.Still have questions about this plan?
Every training plan is built specifically to use within the TrainingPeaks desktop apps, iOS app, and Android app. During purchase you will be asked to login or create a free account to start your training.
I am excited to present to you Team Sirius's
16 weeks Advanced Olympic Distance plan to prepare you for your key Olympic Distance race.
This plan is perfectly suited for the advanced grouper who is not as time limited, eager
to complete their key race at peak fitness!
Starting this plan you should be at a very good fitness level before you begin. This means, able to swim 3000m, bike 90 mins and run 1 hour easily.
This plan build up to 20 hours.The plan includes 2 sessions per day on most weekdays and weekends.
The plan covers all the bases, and leaves no stone unturned.
I am also certain that it will keep you motivated, inspired and continually progressing!
Should you have other races during this 16 week block, you can purchase the 10day Taper plan from Training Peaks that I have on sale. This plan would be inserted into the 10 days leading into your race..and the days after the race. This allows for you to be able to train for your "A" race but race successfully in all other races you hope to compete in, throughout the season.
If you are the serious Olympic distance age grouper wanting to podium your races with good time availabilty to train twice a day this plan is for you!!!
For an additional price you can purchase one on one email sessions, or Skype calls with myself or
my assistant coach, Rebekah Keat.
The cost for this would be:
250.00/hr for myself.
100.00/hr for Rebekah Keat
I hope that you take on this awesome plan.
It will be awesome to welcome you to Team Sirius, and be a part of your quest for excellence!!!
warm up:
300 snorkel or swim choice
main set:
12x50 every 3rd one fast. on :15 seconds rest 400 swim build every 100.
8x50 every 2nd fast paddles only on 15 seconds rest.
200 build every 50.
4x50 all fast on 30 seconds rest
200 build every 50.
warm down:
200 easy swim and done.
check bike fit,and make sure all seems perfect for you. Getting a bike fit at the start of this plan would be very beneficial.
on any easy spin...it's good to play around with cadences...doing some 5 minute intervals of:
20 seconds 100plus cadence. 40 seconds 90 cadence x 5. ( for 5 minutes). do 2 of these and you will find it really helps your cycling performance to become efficient at a big range of cadences
warm up:
800 easy swim done as 50 drill/50 swim on 10 seconds rest.
8x25 kick every 4th one a bit faster. 15 seconds rest for all.
main set:
8x100 descending in effort every 2...
all leaving on the same interval giving you 7-10 seconds rest at a steady aerobic pace.
so for instance:
2 at 1:30 pace, leaving on 1:40
2 at 1:27 pace, leaving on 1:40
2 at 1:25 pace, leaving on 1:40
2 at 1:23 pace , leaving on 1:40
800 pull with pull buoy and band.
400 drill/swim warm down and done.
45 min run in undulating terrain or include some hills etc
practice proper up and downhill run form.
feel good. start easy and build slightly in effort throughout the run.
bike 90 mins aerobic/ jog 30 mins off the bike
Warm up :
200 swim easy.
8x25 kick on 15 secs rest.
200 pull.
8x25 build 1-4 swim. on 15 secs rest.
200 swim.
8x25's kick n 15 sec rest
200 pull
8x25 all fast on 15 secs rest.
main set: 6x300:
1 easy/1 moderate/ 1 fast and repeat all on 20 seconds rest.
warm down:
100 and done.
Warm up:
10 mins easy
we will do some feel good pickups just to wake up the system and get you accustomed to doing these sorts of pickups to help with speed building.
5x(20 seconds building in speed every 5 seconds, 40 seconds easy jog)
10 mins easy
5x20 seconds as above
10 mins warm down and done.


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The Lost Continent, by Cutcliffe Hyne, [1900], at sacred-texts.com
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IT was Naïs herself who sent me to attend to my sterner duties. The din of the attack came to us in the house where I was tending her, and she asked its meaning. As pithily as might be, for she was in no condition for tedious listening, I gave her the history of her nine years' sleep.
The color flushed more to her face. "My lord is the properest man in all the world to be King," she whispered.
"I refused to touch the trade till they had given me the Queen I desired, safe and alive, here upon the Mountain."
"How we poor women are made the chattels of you men! But, for myself, I seem to like the traffic well enough. You should not have let me stand in the way of Atlantis's good, Deucalion. Still, it is very sweet to know you were weak there for once, and that I was the cause of your weakness. What is that bath over yonder? Ah! I remember; my wits seem none of the clearest just now."
"You have made the beginning. Your strength will return to you by quick degrees. But it will not bear hurrying. You must have a patience."
"Your ear, sir, for one moment, and then I will
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rest in peace. My poor looks, are they all gone? You seem to have no mirror here. I had visions that I should wake up wrinkled and old."
"You are as you were, dear, that first night I saw you—the most beautiful woman in all the world."
"I am pleased you like me," she said, and took the cup of broth I offered her. "My hair seems to have grown; but it needs combing sadly. I had a fancy, dear, once, that you liked ruddy hair best, and not a plain brown." She closed her eyes then, lying back among the cushions where I had placed her, and dropped off into healthy sleep, with the smiles still playing upon her lips. I put the coverlet over her, and kissed her lightly, holding back my beard lest it should sweep her cheek. And then I went out of the chamber.
That beard had grown vastly disagreeable to me these last hours, and I then went into a room in the house, and found instruments, and shaved it down to the bare chin. A change of robe also I found there, and took it instead of my squalid rags. If a man is in truth a King, he owes these things to the dignity of his office.
But, if the din of the fighting was any guide, mine was a narrowing kingdom. Every hour it seemed to grow fiercer and more near, and it was clear that some of the gates in the passage up the cleft in the cliff, impregnable though all men had thought them, had yielded to the vehemence of Phorenice's attack. And, indeed, it was scarcely to be marvelled at. With all her genius spurred on to fury by the blow that had been struck at her by wrecking so fair a part of
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the city, the Empress would be no light adversary even for a strong place to resist, and the Sacred Mountain was no longer strong.
Defences of stone, cunningly planned and mightily built, it still possessed, but these will not fight alone. They need men to line them, and, moreover, abundance of men. For always in a storm of this kind some desperate fellows will spit at death and get to hand grips, or slingers and archers slip in their shot, or the throwing-fire gets home, or (as here) some new-fangled machine like Phorenice's fire-tubes make one in a thousand of their wavering darts find the life; and so, though the general attacking loses his hundreds, the defenders also are not without their dead.
The slaughter, as it turned out, had been prodigious. As fast as the stormers came up, the priests who held the lowest gate remaining to us rained down great rocks upon them till the narrow alley of the stair was paved with their writhing dead. But Phorenice stood on a spur of the rock below them urging on the charges, and with an insane valor company after company marched up to hurl themselves hopelessly against the defences. They had no machines to batter the massive gates, and their attack was as pathetically useless as that of a child who hammers against a wall with an orange; and meanwhile the terrible stones from above mowed them down remorselessly.
Company after company of the troops marched into this terrible death-trap, and not a man of all of them ever came back. Nor was it Phorenice's policy
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that they should do so. In her lust for this final conquest, she was minded to pour out troops till she had filled up the passes with the slain, so that at last she might march on to a level fight over the bridge of their poor bodies. It was no part of Phorenice's mood ever to count the cost. She set down the object which was to be gained, and it was her policy that the people of Atlantis were there to gain it for her.
Two gates then had she carried in this dreadful fashion, slaughtering those priests that stood behind them who had not been already shot down. And here I came down from above to take my share in the fight. There was no trumpet to announce my coming, no herald to proclaim my quality, but the priests as a sheer custom picked up "Deucalion!" as a battle-cry; and some shouted that, with a King to lead, there would be no further ground lost.
It was clear that the name carried to the other side and bore weight with it. A company of poor, doomed wretches who were hurrying up stopped in their charge. The word "Deucalion!" was bandied round and handed back down the line. I thought, with some grim satisfaction, that here was evidence I was not completely forgotten in the land.
There came shouts to them from behind to carry on their advance; but they did not budge; and presently a glittering officer panted up, and commenced to strike right and left among them with his sword. From where I stood on the high rampart above the gate I could see him plainly and recognized him at once.
"It matters not what they use for their battle-cry,"
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he was shouting. "You have the orders of your divine Empress, and that is enough. You should be proud to die for her wish, you cowards. And if you do not obey, you will die afterwards under the instruments of the tormentors, very painfully. As for Deucalion, he is dead any time these nine years."
"There it seems you lie, my lord Tatho!" I shouted down to him.
He started, and looked up at me.
"So you are there in real truth, then? Well, old comrade, I am sorry. But it is too late to make a composition now. You are on the side of these mangy priests, and the Empress has made an edict that they are to be rooted out, and I am her most obedient servant."
"You used to be skilful of fence," I said, and indeed there was little enough to choose between us. "If it please you to stop this pitiful killing, make yourself the champion of your side, and I will stand for mine, and we will fight out this quarrel in some fair place, and bind our parties to abide by the result."
"It would be a grand fight between us two, old friend, and it goes hard with me to balk you of it. But I cannot pleasure you. I am general here under Phorenice, and she has given me the strongest orders not to peril myself. And besides, though you are a great man, Deucalion, you are not chief. You are not even one of the Three."
"I am King."
Tatho laughed. "Few but yourself would say so, my lord."
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"Few, truly, but what they are they are powerful. I was given the name for the first time yesterday, and as a first blow in the campaign there was some mischief done in the city. I was there myself, and saw how you took it."
"You were in Atlantis!"
"I went for Naïs. She is on the Mountain now, and to-morrow will be my Queen. Tatho, as a priest to a priest, let me solemnly bring to your memory the infinite power you bite against on this Sacred Mountain. Your teaching has warned you of the weapons that are stored in the Ark of the Mysteries. If you persist in this attack, at the best you can merely lose; at the worst you can bring about a wreck over which even the High Gods will shudder as They order it."
"You cannot scare us back now by words," said Tatho, doggedly. "And as for magic, it will be met by magic. Phorenice has found by her own cleverness as many powers as were ever stored up in the Ark of the Mysteries."
"Yet she looked on helplessly enough last night, when her royal pyramid was trundled into a rubbish heap. Zaemon had prophesied that this should be so, and for a witness, why, I myself stood closer to her than we two stand now, and saw her."
"I will own you took her by surprise somewhat there. I do not understand these matters myself; I was never more than one of the Seven in the old days; and now, quite rightly, Phorenice keeps the knowledge of her magic to herself: but it seems time is needed when one magic is to be met by another."
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"Well," I said, "I know little about the business either. I leave these matters now to those who are higher above me in the priesthood. Indeed, having a liking for Naïs, it seems I am debarred from ever being given understanding about the highest of the high Mysteries. So I content myself with being a soldier, and when the appointed day comes, I shall fall and kiss my mother the Earth for the last time. You, so I am told, have ambition for longer life."
He nodded. "Phorenice has found the Great Secret, and I am to be the first that will share it with her. We shall be as Gods upon the earth, seeing that Death will be powerless to touch us. And the twin sons she has borne me will be made immortal also."
"Phorenice is headstrong. No, my lord, there is no need to shake your head and try to deny it. I have had some acquaintance with her. But the order has been made, and her immortality will be snatched from her very rudely. Now mark solemnly my words. I, Deucalion, have been appointed King of Atlantis by the high council of the priests who are the mouthpiece of the most High Gods, and if I do not have my reign, then there will be no Atlantis left to carry either King or Empress. You know me, Tatho, for a man that never lies."
He nodded.
"Then save yourself before it is too late. You shall have again your viceroyalty in Yucatan."
"But, man, there is no Yucatan. A great horde of little hairy creatures, that were something less than human and something more than beasts, swept down upon our cities and ate them out. Oh, you may sneer
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if you choose. Others sneered when I came home, till the Empress stopped them. But you know what a train of driver-ants is that you meet with in the forests? You may light fires across their path, and they will march into them in their blind bravery, and put them out with their bodies, and those that are left will march on in an unbroken column, and devour all that stands in their path. I tell you, my lord, those little hairy creatures were like the ants—aye, for numbers and wooden bravery, as well as for appetite. As a result, to-day there is no Yucatan."
"You shall have Egypt, then."
He burst at me hotly. "I would not take seven Egypts and ten Yucatans. My lord, you think more poorly of me than is kind when you ask me to become a traitor. In your place would you throw your Naïs away if the doing it would save you from a danger?"
"That is different."
"In no degree. You have a kindness for her. I have all that and more for Phorenice, who is, besides, my wife and the mother of my children. If I have qualms—and I freely confess I know you are desperate men up there, and have dreadful powers at your command—my shiverings are for them and not for myself. But I think, my lord, this parley is leading to nothing, and though these common soldiers here will understand little enough of our talk, they may be picking up a word here and there, and I do not wish them to go on to their death (as you will see them do shortly) and carry evil reports about me to whatever Gods they chance to come before."
He saluted me with his sword and drew back, and
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once more the missiles began to fly, and the doomed wretches who had been halting beside the steep rock walls of the pass began once more to press hopelessly forward. They had scaling-ladders certainly, but they had no chance of getting these planted. They could do naught but fill the narrow way with their bodies, and to that end they had been sent, and to that end they humbly died. Our priests with crow and lever wrenched from their lodging-places the great rocks which had been made ready, and sent them crashing down, so that once more screams filled the pass, and the horrid butchery was renewed.
But ever and again some arrow, or some sling-stone, or some fire-tube's dart would find its way up from below and through the defences, and there we would be with a man the less to carry on the fight. It was well enough for Phorenice to be lavish with her troops; indeed, if she wished for success, there were no two ways for it; and when those she had levied were killed, she could readily press others into the service, seeing that she had the whole broad face of the country under her rule. But with us it was different. A man down on our side was a man whose arm would bitterly be missed, and one which could in no possible way be replaced.
I made calculation of the chances, and saw clearly that if we continued the fight on the present plan, they would storm the gates one after another as they came to them, and that by the time the uppermost gate was reached there would be no priest alive to defend it. And so, not disdaining to fashion myself on Phorenice's newer plan, which held that a general
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should at times in preference plot coldly from a place of some safety, and not lead the thick of the fighting, I left those who stood to the gate with some rough soldier's words of cheer, and withdrew again up the narrow stair of the pass.
This one approach to the Sacred Mountain was, as I have said before, vastly more difficult and dangerous in the olden days when it stood as a mere bare cleft as the High Gods made it. But a chasm had been bridged here, and a shelf cut through the solid rock there, and in many places the roadway was built up on piers from distant crags below so as to make all uniform and easy. It came to my mind now that if I could destroy this path, we might gain a breathing-space for further effort.
The idea seemed good, or at least no other occurred to me which would in any way relieve our desperate situation, and I looked around me for means to put it into execution. Up and down, from the Mountain to the plains below, I had traversed that narrow stair of a pass some thousands of times, and so in a manner of speaking knew every stone and every turn and every cut of it by heart. But I had never looked upon it with an eye to shaving off all roadway to the Sacred Mountain, and so now, even in this moment of dreadful stress, I had to traverse it no less than three times afresh before I could decide upon the best site for demolition.
But once the point was fixed, there was little delay in getting the scheme in movement. Already I had sent men to the storehouses among the priests' dwellings to fetch me rams and crows and acids and hammers,
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and such other material as was needed, and these stood handy behind one of the upper gates. I put on every pair of hands that could be spared to the work, no matter what was their age and feebleness; yes, if Naïs could have walked go far I would have pressed her for the labor; and presently carved balustrade and way-side statue, together with the lettered wall-stones and the foot-worn cobbles roared down into the gulf below, and added their din to the shrieks and yells and crashes of the fighting. Gods! but it was a hateful task, smashing down that splendid handiwork of the men of the past. But it was better that it should crash down to ruin in the abyss below than that Phorenice should profane it with her impious sandals.
At first I had feared that it would be needful to sacrifice the knot of brave men who were so valiantly defending the gate then being attacked. It is disgusting to be forced into a measure of this kind, but in hard warfare it is often needful to the carrying out of his schemes for a general to leave a part of his troops to fight to a finish, and without hope of rescue, as valiantly as they may; and all he can do for their reward is to commend them earnestly to the care of the Gods. But when the work of destroying the pathway was nearly completed, I saw a chance of retrieving them.
We had not been content merely with breaking arches and throwing down the piers. We had got our rams and levers under the living rock itself on which all the whole fabric stood; and fire stood ready to heat the rams for their work; and when the
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word was given, the whole could be sent crashing down the face of the cliffs beyond chance of repair.
All was, I say, finally prepared in this fashion, and then I gave the word to hold. A narrow ledge still remained undestroyed, and offered footway, and over this I crossed. The cut we had made was immediately below the uppermost gate of all, and below it there were three more massive gates still unviolated, besides the one then being so vehemently attacked. Already the garrisons had been retired from these, and I passed through them all in turn, unchallenged and unchecked, and came to that busy rampart where the twelve priests left alive worked, stripped to the waist, at heaving down the murderous rocks.
For awhile I busied myself at their side, stopping an occasional fire-tube dart or arrow on my shield and passing them the tidings. The attack was growing fiercer every minute now. The enemy had packed the pass below wellnigh full of their dead, and our battering-stones had less distance to fall, and so could do less execution. They pressed forward more eagerly than ever with their scaling-ladders, and it was plain that soon they would inevitably put the place to the storm. Even during the short time I was there their sling-stones and missiles took life from three more of the twelve who stood with me on the defence.
So I gave the word for one more furious avalanche of rock to be pelted down, and while the few living were crawling out from those killed by the discharge, and while the next band of reinforcements came scrambling up over the bodies, I sent my nine remaining
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men away at a run up the steep stairway of the path, and then followed them myself. Each of the gates in turn we passed, shutting them after us, and breaking the bars and levers with which they were moved, and not till we were through the last did the roar of shouts from below tell that the besiegers had found the gate they bit against was deserted.
One by one we balanced our way across the narrow ledge which was left where the path had been destroyed, and one poor priest that carried a wound grew giddy and lost his balance here, and toppled down to his death in the abyss below before a hand could be stretched out to steady him. And then, when we were all over, heat was put to the rams, and they expanded with their resistless force, and tore the remaining ledges from their hold in the rock. I think a pang went through us all then when we saw for ourselves the last connecting-link cut away from between the poor remaining handful of our Sacred Clan on the Mountain and the rest of our great nation, who had grown so bitterly estranged to us, below.
But here at any rate was a break in the fighting. There were no further preparations we could make for our defence, and high though I knew Phorenice's genius to be, I did not see how she could very well do other than accept the check and retire. So I set a guard on the ramparts of the uppermost gate to watch all possible movements, and gave the word to the others to go and find the rest which so much they needed.
For myself, dutifully I tried to find Zaemon first,
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going on the errand my proper self, for there was little enough of kingly state observed on the Sacred Mountain, although the name and title had been given me. But Zaemon was not to be come at. He was engaged inside the Ark of Mysteries with another of the Three, and being myself only one of the Seven, I had not rank enough in the priesthood to break in upon their workings. And so I was free to turn where my likings would have led me first, and that was to the house which sheltered Naïs.
She waked as I came in over the threshold, and her eyes filled with a welcome for me. I went across and knelt where she lay, putting my face on the pillow beside her. She was full of tender talk and sweet endearments. Gods! What an infinity of delight I had missed by not knowing my Naïs earlier! But she had a will of her own through it all, and some quaint conceits which made her all the more adorable. She rallied me on the new cleanness of my chin, and on the robe which I had taken as a covering. She professed a pretty awe for my kingship, and vowed that had she known of my coming dignities she would never have dared to discover a love for me. But about my marriage with Phorenice she spoke with less lightness. She put out her thin white hand and drew my face to her lips.
"It is weak of me to have a jealousy," she murmured, "knowing how completely my lord is mine alone; but I cannot help it. You have said you were her husband for awhile. It gives me a pang to think that I shall not be the first to lie in your arms, Deucalion."
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"Then you may gayly throw your pang away," I whispered back. "I was husband to Phorenice in mere word, for how long I do not precisely know. But in anything beyond I was never her husband at all. She married me by a form she prescribed herself, ignoring all the old rites and ceremonies, and whether it would hold as legal or not we need not trouble to inquire. She herself has most nicely and completely annulled that marriage, as I have told you. Tatho is her husband now, and father to her children, and he seems to have a fondness for her which does him credit."
We said other things too in that chamber, those small repetitions of endearments which are so precious to lovers and so beyond the comprehension of other folk, but they are not to be set down on these sheets. They are a mere private matter which can have no concern to any one beyond our two selves, and more weighty subjects are piling themselves up in deep index for the historian.
Phorenice, it seemed, had more rage against the Priests' Clan on the Mountain and more bright genius to help her to a vengeance than I had credited. Her troops stormed easily the gates we had left to them, and swarmed up till they stood where the pathway was broken down. In the fierceness of their rush the foremost were thrust over the brink by those pressing up behind before the advance could be halted, and these went screaming to a horrid death in the great gulf below. But it was no position here that a lavish spending of men could take, and presently all were drawn off, save for some half-score
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who stood as outpost sentries and dodged out of arrow-shot behind angles of the rock.
It seems, too, that the Empress herself reconnoitred the place, using due caution and quickness, and so got for herself a full plan of its requirements without being obliged to trust the measuring of another eye. With extraordinary nimbleness she must have planned an engine such as was necessary to suit her purposes, and given orders for its making; for even with the vast force and resources at her disposal, the speed with which it was built was prodigious.
There was very little noise made to tell of what was afoot. All the wood-work and metal-work was cut and tongued and forged and fitted first by skilled craftsmen below in the plain at the foot of the cleft; and when each ponderous balk and each cross-piece and each plank was dragged up the steep pass through the conquered gates, it was ready instantly for fitting into its appointed place in the completed machine.
The cleft was straight where they set about their building, and there was no curve or spur of the cliff to hide their handiwork from those of the priests who watched from the ramparts above our one remaining gate. But Phorenice had a coyness lest her engine should be seen before it was completed, and so to screen it she had a vast fire built at the uppermost point where the causeway was broken off, and fed diligently with wet sedge and green wood, so that a great smoke poured out, rising like a curtain that shut out all view. And so though the priests on the rampart above the gate picked off now and
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again some of those who tended the fire, they could do the besiegers no further injury, and remained up to the last quite in ignorance of their tactics.
The passage up the cleft was in shadow during the night hours, for, though all the crest of the Sacred Mountain was always lit brightly by the eternal fires which made its defence on the farther side, their glow threw no gleam down that flank where the cliff ran sheer to the plains beneath. And so it was under cover of the darkness that Phorenice brought up her engine into position for attack.
Planking had been laid down for its wheels, and the wheels themselves well greased, and it may be that she hoped to march in upon us while all slept. But there was a certain creaking and groaning of timbers and labored panting of men which gave advertisement that something was being attempted, and the alarm was spread quietly in the hope that if a surprise had been planned, the real surprise might be turned the other way.
A messenger came to me, running, where I sat in the house at the side of my love, and she, like the soldier's wife she was made to be, kissed me and bade me go quickly and care for my honor, and bring back my wounds for her to mend.
On the rampart above the gate all was silence, save for the faint rustle of armed men, and out of the black darkness ahead, from the other side of the broken causeway, came the sounds of which the messenger had warned me.
The captain of the gate came to me and whispered: "We have made no light till the King came, not
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knowing the King's will in the matter. Is it wished I send some of the throwing-fire down yonder, on the chance that it does some harm, and at the same time lights up the place? Or is it willed that we wait for their surprise?"
"Send the fire," I said, "or we may find that Phorenice's brain has been one too many for us." The captain of the gate took one of the balls in his hand, lit the fuse, and hurled it. The horrid thing burst among a mass of men who were laboring with a huge engine, spattering them with its deadly fire, and lighting their garments. The plan of the engine showed itself plainly. They had built them a vast great tower, resting on wheels at its base, so that it might be pushed forward from behind, and slanting at its foot to allow for the steepness of the path and leave it always upright.
It was storied inside, with ladders joining each floor, and through slits in the side which faced us bowmen could cover an attack. From its top a great bridge reared high above it, being carried vertically till the tower was brought near enough for its use. The bridge was hinged at the third story of the tower, and fastened with ropes to its extreme top; but, once the ropes were cut, the bridge would fall, and light upon whatever came within its swing, and be held there by the spikes with which it was studded beneath.
I saw, and inwardly felt myself conquered. The cleverness of Phorenice had been too strong for my defence. No war-engine of which we had command could overset the tower. The whole of its massive
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timbers were hung with the wet new-stripped skins of beasts, so that even the throwing-fire could not destroy it. What puny means we had to impede those who pushed it forward would have little effect. Presently it would come to the place appointed, and the ropes would be cut, and the bridge would thunder down on the rampart above our last gate, and the stormers would pour out to their final success.
Well, life had loomed very pleasant for me these few days, with a warm and loving Naïs once more in touch of my arms, but the High Gods in Their infinite wisdom knew best always, and I was no rebel to stay stiff-necked against their decision. But it is ever a soldier's privilege, come what may, to warm over a fight, and the most exquisitely fierce joy of all is that final fight of a man who knows that he must die, and who lusts only to make his bed of slain high enough to carry a due memory of his powers with those who afterwards come to gaze upon it. I gripped my axe, and the muscles of my arms stood out in knots at the thought of it. Would Tatho come to give me sport? I feared not. They would send only the common soldiers first to the storm, and I must be content to do my killing on those.
And Naïs, what of her? I had a quiet mind there. When any spoilers came to the house where she lay, she would know that Deucalion had been taken up to the Gods, and she would not be long in following him. She had her dagger. No, I had no fears of being parted long from Naïs now.


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