text:
The Further Adventures of Janice and Mel
by Judy (Wishes)
Chapters 36-41
Chapter 36
His companion gone, the smaller man starts yet another pile in the middle of
the floor, this one made of parchment scrolls and papyri. "This stuff will
burn good," he comments. He blows out the wick on one of the lamps and
carefully pours oil over the flammable materials. I wince, both at the
waste of history--and at the implications for Janice and me. It occurs to me that Bertie's arson skills almost killed us in Amanda's loft.
Janice hasn't given up. "Good idea. You let us go. Then torch the place. Nobody, not even Max, will ever know. Then you find yourself swimming in American money. More than you can imagine."
He stands up and studies my friend's face. He jerks a thumb at me. "That one really worth that much money?"
"Millions," Janice exaggerates. "Her father owns half of South Carolina."
"What's that?"
"Place she comes from."
I can see he's tempted. "Yeah, she looks like money." I hold my breath,
afraid to interfere with the spell Janice is weaving. Then he shakes his head.
"Nah. Won't work. You get out, you'll forget everything you said. And if
the boss finds out. . . . I got off easy the other time, but there
are rough people involved. They can't get me now, but they will after the war. War can't last forever, you know." He says this with regret.
Bertie sets his lamp on the floor and walks over to a box I noticed when Janice
and I first entered. I remember that it's filled with ancient and medieval weapons.
He pulls out a heavy, roughly wrought sword and touches the blade. "Sharp,"
he notes. "Just like a razor." He turns and, sword
in front of him, approaches Janice. Lifting it slowly, he places the point under her chin. It is only three or four inches from the square bandage that hides another wound.
"You don't want to do this," Janice says quietly.
"You're wrong." Bertie's voice is now low and dangerous, and it holds a strange excitement as he goes on. "I always wanted to kill someone with a sword. See what it would feel like. Push a long piece of steel through someone's gut."
"That's iron."
"You're funny," he responds. "So I'm going to let you watch. See what you can expect." With that, he removes the sword point from Janice's throat and moves toward me.
I lick my lips and try to think of something persuasive to say, but all that
comes out is "Please don't." Then I feel the sharp point pressing
against my stomach, just where my jacket separates from my slacks. The thin
fabric of my blouse is no protection, and I pull back until I've used
up the small amount of slack in the ropes. My arms are pulled taut, and he still presses.
"What's the fun in that?" Janice's voice seems overly loud in the small space, and he pulls back. I take a breath.
"What do you mean?"
"You were a boxer, right?" she asks. "So you must like a fight, some contest. Wouldn't it be more fun to cross swords with an opponent? Be a real warrior for a change? Even if it is just against a woman."
I think this can't possibly work, but Bertie looks interested. "You mean fight one of you? With swords?"
"Why not?" Janice is selling now, for all she's worth. "Look
at me. How small I am. You know I couldn't beat you. But you would have the
fun of a fight. And I would die knowing I had tried. Think of it. A real sword
fight. A kill in the heat of battle, just like your own private war. It's
something you would remember the rest of your life."
"I'll do it." His decision is sudden. He sets his lamp on the floor and walks quickly to the weapons box to retrieve another sword, also iron, smaller than the one he carries. He returns to stand in front of Janice.
"Come on," she urges. "Cut the ropes, and we'll have at it."
Bertie turns sharply and brings his heavy blade through the ropes only an inch or so above my fingers. He laughs as my arms drop to my sides, and I rub them to restore the circulation. He watches me but speaks to Janice. "I ain't that dumb. I know how you got that scratch on your neck. I know you can use a sword. I'll fight, but I'll fight HER."
"No!" Janice yells, and she pulls frantically at her bonds.
I can feel my fingers now, and I say, "Give me the sword."
"Mel, don't."
"I don't see that I have a choice."
"Get him close. . . ."
"Shut up," Bertie orders. To me, he says, "She stays tied up. You try to quit, I kill her first. Understand?"
"Yes," I say. "Are there any rules?"
"Yeah, kill or be killed." With that, he lunges at me sharply. I
back away and see that he's only feinting, not really trying to touch me with
his sword. I circle, trying to get more room between him and me, trying to get
away from the wall. He leaps toward me again, this time cutting the
sleeve of my jacket. I pull back, almost falling over the heap of scrolls in the middle of the floor.
"Get your sword up," Janice instructs. "Parry."
"Shut up!" the man yells as he takes a swipe at my leg. I sidestep and meet his blade with mine. His slides off harmlessly, and I leap away. I'm trying desperately to keep my feet under me and remember some of the things Gareth told me while Janice and Kate fenced. And breathe. I can't seem to remember how to breathe.
Bertie lifts his sword in both hands and tries to bring it down on my head. I hold my blade up and stop his, but then I find I can't move. Slowly, he presses down, and my knees bend inexorably toward the floor.
"Roll," Janice cries, and I push up as hard as I can with my sword
and then throw myself sideways. The floor is hard on my back and shoulders,
but I land several feet away as my attacker's sword scrapes on the concrete.
I reach for a large amphora with my free hand and, struggling, pull myself
up. The fire of battle in his eyes, Bertie is already on me. He holds his sword in front of him and runs directly at me. This is no fencing match, and he needs no skill for what he is about to do. The point of his blade is just a sword's length away when I thrust mine out and flick my wrist in the movement Gareth called a capture. I miss his blade point and prepare myself for the pain that will follow. But my point catches in the guard of his sword. His blade flies high in the air, hitting the ceiling, and, as
he scrambles to catch it, he stumbles on the lamp that is still lit. His pants leg is already ablaze as he falls into the pile of scrolls and oil he earlier prepared. His horrible screams fill the cellar.
I start forward, whether to help Bertie or to release Janice, I'm not sure. My intentions don't matter, as my right leg buckles beneath me and excruciating pain in my back pins me to the floor.
"Mel! Mel! Did he hurt you?" I look up to see Janice struggling with
her bonds. Then I see something else. The oil from the second lamp has spread
out and, as I notice it, it ignites, sending a stream of fire toward a crate
filled with shredded paper. That crate bursts into flames and next
to it is another crate and then another. . . . and then Janice, helpless in the path of the fire.
Using the sword like a cane, I push myself from the floor and lurch toward my friend. I lift the sword and slash through her ropes, but, deprived of support, I fall hard. I feel Janice's hands under my arms. "Hurry," she yells. "We've got to get out of here."
"I can't." I try to shove her away and toward the stairs.
"Get up, damn you!" Realizing she won't leave me, I push to hands
and knees, and she helps me to my feet. "Lean on me." As always, I
marvel at the strength concealed in that small frame. She grabs something off
the floor as she helps me toward the stairs.
"Bertie. . . ." I begin.
"Too late." As she pushes me up the stairway, I feel heat on my back. And I realize the screaming has stopped.
Chapter 37
"Remembering that Max was waiting a block away, Janice and I managed to go two blocks before finding a phone and calling police. No one knows how long Max waited in the lorry for his friend," I say.
Dr. Satterley shakes his head in wonder. "And when the police came, they found Max, too?"
"Yes, when he realized something was wrong, he probably tried to run down the stairs. He had gone down only a couple of steps when the whole stairway collapsed under his weight."
"And he died of a broken neck?"
"That's what the policeman told Sir Robert. Max and Bertie grew up together and died together," I comment.
I'm lying on the bed in Janice's and my room. After driving Mr. Satterley to
distraction during his examination, Janice has been relegated to the hall. Mr.
Satterley speaks quietly, knowing an ear won't be far from the door. "Mel,
this is more than the sprained back you told your friend. I
suspect it's related to that small scar on your side."
Knowing Janice better than he does, I whisper, "That scar was caused by a bullet. Which is still lodged in my back." I hesitate, then confide, "I've been told it has to come out."
"Tell her."
"She still has things to do." It's hard to explain it. He gives me a sympathetic look, and I try. "Janice has to settle some things."
"This business of the stolen treasures?"
"That, but also something about her own life. I think she can do it this evening. But if she doesn't do it now, if she's distracted, I don't think she ever will."
"Your friend wouldn't consider caring for you a distraction, Mel." He pats my hand. "Your well-being is very important to her. How will she feel if you permanently damage yourself? You know that could happen--if it hasn't already."
"Tonight," I say. "I need to give her tonight. Tomorrow I'll tell her."
"Or I will," he says. "Meanwhile I'll arrange for a room for you in my hospital. If you don't mind, I'll do the surgery myself. I'm the best, you know." He stands. "You're a good woman. If I had a daughter. . . ." He doesn't finish, but says loudly, "Take one of those pills tonight to help you sleep. Use the cane, and no more sword fights. For at least two weeks." There's a twinkle in his eye as Janice peeks in the door. He waves goodbye and is gone.
"You all right?" Janice asks hesitantly.
"Fine. I just need to finish dressing, and I'll be ready to go downstairs." I stifle a groan as I get up. "Stiff," I say. "That floor was hard. How did Xena do it?"
"That fight with Ares. You say you saw it." I button my blouse and look around for my shoes.
"Sit." I perch on the edge of the bed, and, kneeling, Janice places my shoes on my feet. "Don't worry, kid. Xena had nothing on you. I'll try to remember that from now on."
I say what has troubled me since the fight. "I didn't mean to kill him."
My friend is still kneeling in front of me, and she takes my right hand in both of hers. "You didn't kill him. It was an accident. Or he killed himself." I can't meet her gaze, and she moves her right hand to my chin to make me face her. "You're innocent of his blood. Believe me."
I nod, still unsure and knowing this will be something else to deal with later. "Where's that cane?"
She retrieves it from under the bed and hands it to me. "Are you sure you're up to this?" Concern shines through her green eyes.
"I wouldn't miss it." She helps me stand, and I try to pretend I don't need the support as we leave our room and approach the staircase. "Go get 'em, Mad Dog."
The group in the library is much as it was the night we arrived, with only
the addition of Margaret. Janice had laughed when her mother asked her about
this. "She might as well be included. More comfortable than leaning her
ear against the door." So Margaret is there, sitting with her hands
folded, straight in her chair. Kate and Flora share the smaller settee and Gareth and Amanda the larger. Sir Robert stands by the liquor cabinet and tries to look aloof, not at all a part of this gathering. Clearly his presence is due to habit and indulgence of his wife's daughter.
When we enter, Gareth rises and offers me his place. I take it gratefully, and he pats me on the shoulder. "You're a good soldier," he says and limps across the room to stand by his father. I notice that he doesn't seem to be dispensing drinks tonight.
Sir Robert clears his throat. He speaks, not to Janice, but to his wife. "My dear, could we conclude this business quickly so we can get on to dinner?"
"I think that's what my daughter intends to do," Amanda answers. "Janice?"
"Yeah," Janice says, "I just want to get a few things answered,
some questions that still bother me. Then we can all move on. Okay?" She
looks around and seems satisfied that everyone is in agreement. As Janice continues,
she paces slowly around the room. "When my friend Mel and I
came here, we learned that there were two problems. One was to figure out who took my mother's negatives and photographs, the ones for her book about the Blitz, and to then get them back. The other was to find out if someone was really threatening her safety and to protect her, if they were."
"Amanda!" Sir Robert's voice registers surprise.
"Don't worry, Sir Robert," Janice assures him. "I think I have both problems worked out. There are just a few details, a few questions I want to ask. But first, if no one minds, I would like to tell a story."
No one objects, and Sir Robert says brusquely, "Please get on with it."
Continuing her pacing, Janice begins:
"This story probably starts back farther, clear back to when a little
girl in Turkey was eleven years old, but I'm going to start in February 1936.
That month two people realized a dream. They started a business and celebrated
by giving a party. The business was the Grace Gallery. And the
two people were Kenneth Grace, an importer of antiquities, and Sarah Steenburgen Lund, an artist, and the mother of Kate here."
I know that Janice has gotten some of the details she'll use from Hank's friend at the Times and some from her own investigations.
"Sir Robert had known Kenneth Grace for a number of years and, even before the Grace Gallery was formed, had bought a number of ancient artworks from him." She looks at Sir Robert, who grudgingly nods. "Of course, the provenance of these pieces and the licenses to import were always carefully researched because Sir Robert bought them to donate to the British Museum. When Grace decided to leave his previous employer and start his own business, he approached Sir Robert about financial backing. It didn't hurt that Grace chose to invite Sarah Lund, who just happened to be the best friend of Sir Robert's wife, to become his partner. Grace would look after the antiquities and the business side, and Sarah would provide the artistic flair that would make the gallery special."
"The display rooms were beautiful," Kate interjects. "Like a dream of ancient lands." Amanda nods sadly, and I know she's missing her lost friend.
Janice continues. "This is when the story gets a bit. . . . convoluted,
but I'll try to simplify it. Sir Robert agreed to invest in the gallery, and
in February 1936, it was opened. As I said, there was a party. Sir Robert and
Lady Amanda had a house guest at the time, in fact, the very
friend who had introduced them in the first place. His name was Dr. Franz Gruner, and he was a well-known archaeologist. What could be more natural than inviting him to attend the event at the gallery with them? Now, I don't know whether Grace and Gruner knew each other before that evening, but they made an association after that which would last until Grace's death in 1940."
She looks around to make sure she has everyone's attention. "Grace and
Gruner became partners in crime. Gruner had been stealing artifacts from digs
for a long time and selling them on the black market. Grace had been buying
stolen treasures and dummying up the records so they looked
legitimately acquired. Once they met, they were able to cut out the middle man." Janice smiles warmly at me. "Mel and I asked the middle man." Remembering our visit to Ben Black, I smile back.
Amanda asks quietly, "Are you saying Franz and Kenneth were. . . ." She can't say it.
"Crooks, Mother," Janice finishes. "A grave robber and smuggler, in Gruner's case. I guess swindler would be the best title for Grace. Together, they stole the historical treasures of a dozen countries and peoples, fixed them up with phony papers, and sold them to the highest bidders." Here she glances at Sir Robert, who looks steadily back. Janice shrugs and goes on. "It's possible that Horst Lund, Kate's father, knew what was going on. He may have been the contact between Gruner and the Germans, who were soon looting treasures from every country they came to control. In any event, by the time the war began in Europe, Gruner, the "Swiss citizen," and the Nazis were being very helpful to each other. I suspect the only Swiss connections Gruner actually had were numbered bank accounts for himself and his Nazi partners."
"Mother?" Kate asks quietly. "Did she know?"
Janice looks at her kindly but doesn't answer right away. "On both the
legitimate and the illegal sides, the Grace Gallery was a very profitable business.
When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Horst Lund was repatriated to serve in
the army. Sarah and Kate, of course, stayed in England. In
1940, the Grace Gallery and other buildings in the block were hit by a German bomb. Shortly after that, both Kenneth Grace and Sarah Lund were dead."
"Accidents," Amanda says.
For the first time, I speak up. "No, Lady Amanda. The man who held us prisoner, he as much as admitted to killing both Kenneth and Sarah."
"But why?" Kate asks. She turns to me since Janice hasn't answered her other question. "If all this is true, was my mother involved in the crimes at the gallery?"
I meet Janice's eyes, but she gives me no sign. I feel I must answer. "We
don't know for sure why Kenneth was killed. Knowing Gruner, it was probably
greed. He saw a chance to get rid of a partner. Or, with the gallery gone, maybe
Kenneth just wasn't of any use any more. Your mother
was not involved, Kate. In fact, she was murdered because she discovered that something was wrong about the business. Bertie said it was because she looked at the books."
Emotions war in Kate's eyes as she deals with her mother's innocence and that her death was deliberate.
"There isn't much more to this story," Janice says. "The gallery
was gone, but Gruner continued to operate his illegal business from the cellar
beneath it. He was out of the country a lot, gathering more merchandise, but
he had helpers to take care of business when he was gone. Just as he
had help in other countries to get artifacts out of those countries and into England." Janice stops, and I know her mind has returned to Egypt. "Gruner hurt a lot of people, and one night that came back on him in the form of a bullet."
Gareth asks, "With Gruner dead, wasn't that the end of his business? I mean, there wouldn't be any more treasures sent into the country. And no one to run things on this end."
Janice shakes her head. "The business went on much as before. As Mel and I found out, it had quite an inventory to fall back on. And a person who could run it just as well as Gruner, the person who ran it all the times Gruner was out of the country, the person Bertie and Max called the boss."
Chapter 38
"This is all very interesting, I'm sure," Sir Robert comments. "But now it's time for dinner, and I think we know all we want to about this sordid business."
Janice regards him with interest. "Doesn't it bother you at all that two
people you considered friends were killed at the orders of another of your pals?
Or that their murders revolved around a business you invested in and artifacts
you and others bought? And that maybe some of those artifacts
are now sitting in your British Museum with phony histories attached?"
He harumphs, looks at his watch, then puts it away. "It bothers me. I'll see that all this is investigated, including the artifacts I donated. I don't know what else I can do."
"You can be a little more patient, dear," Amanda says quietly. She holds Sir Robert's gaze until he nods. Amanda asks, "Janice, is there more to the story?"
"More like questions, Mother," Janice answers. "Several of them are for you." When her mother doesn't object, she continues, "You said that you put the prints from Dad's film into an envelope and stuck them in your desk at the studio. Who saw them besides you?"
"No one."
Janice persists. "I suspect that Gruner knew the film existed, but Dad got it sent to you, not Dr. Pappas, before Gruner could get his hands on it. But someone here had to know you had the pictures. Who was it?"
Her mother remembers. "John. He knocked on the darkroom door as I had
taught him, but I was already hanging the prints, so I told him to come in.
When he gave me the message from the hospital that you were worse, I dropped
two of the prints, and, before I told him to hurry, he hung them
Janice nods. "John. And, Mother, besides Mel and me, who did you tell about the notes and the photographs that came with them?"
Her mother's first impulse is still "No one." Then she thinks. "I didn't tell anyone, but someone saw them. When the third note came, I laid out all the notes and photographs on that small table in my bedroom. I was called to the telephone and, when I returned, I realized I had left them out."
"Who saw them?" Janice asks.
"When I returned, Beatrice was cleaning my room. I quickly put them away, but I'm sure she saw them."
"Did you tell her not to tell anyone about them?"
Amanda shakes her head, and I know what she is going to say. "Dear, one doesn't discuss such things with servants."
"Kate," Janice says, "I have something to ask you, too. When Mel and I entered the breakfast room yesterday, you and Margaret were having an argument. You mentioned a man who could cost you your job. Who were you talking about?"
Kate shoots a glance at Sir Robert, but looks back at Janice to answer. "My father. Sir Robert has been under pressure to discharge me. Because my father is in the German army."
"Why were you talking about your father with Margaret?"
"She said she had news about him, that she could tell me how he was doing." Kate hangs her head. "I told her I didn't want to know."
"Did Margaret want to give you this information because she used to work for your mother?" Janice asks. "For old times' sake?"
"Then why?"
"She wanted a favor." Kate seems reluctant to tell more, but silence follows, and she finally fills it. "She said that she had a package she wanted to send to a relative in the States. She wanted me to help her get it included in mail being sent from the ministry. She said it was so she wouldn't have to pay the duty."
"Did you do this favor?"
"No." She looks at Sir Robert. "I know I should have reported what Margaret asked me to do. But that would have brought up my father again. So I just told her no. I'm sorry."
"You'll have to be discharged," Sir Robert states. "Margaret, too."
"I'll hire her," Gareth says. "Kate, that is."
His father glares at him. "You can't."
"Fine. I'll marry her instead." He and Kate lock eyes.
Sir Robert opens and closes his mouth. Now I'm sure who the young woman was meeting in Blackfriars, as well as in the park. And I wonder, in the aristocrat's eyes, which part of Kate's parentage makes her an unsuitable match for his son.
Janice grins but quickly sobers and goes on. "Two more questions for Kate. You said that Margaret worked for your mother before she went into service with Sir Robert and Lady Amanda. Did she actually work for your mother or for the Grace Gallery?"
"I meant that she worked for the gallery."
The doorbell rings, and Margaret rises. "Beatrice will get it, Margaret," Janice says. "Mother asked her to stay late. Please don't go." Margaret stays but doesn't sit back down.
Although she has said she had two questions for Kate, Janice turns back to Amanda. "Mother, the second time you were ill, when you thought you had been poisoned, was that the evening before your studio was burglarized?"
"Yes," Amanda answers. "I had planned to go to the studio to
work that day, but I was still too ill to leave the house. That was the only
positive thing about my illness. If I had gone to the studio as I had
planned, I might have been there when those awful men broke in."
"If they broke in," Janice answers. She has already explained to
me her doubts about the unbroken lock and hinges. Taking a locked door off its
hinges would have been difficult for anyone. Much harder than simply breaking
the lock. But lifting an open door off its hinges would have been
easy work for Max. Janice doesn't bother to enlighten the others. "There are a number of other things I could ask," she says instead, "such as who would Beatrice and John share information with? Who knew that Mel and I were going to the studio the day of the fire? And that we would be walking from the park the other morning, when Mel was almost hit by a truck? Who had access to our room to both take a certain book and leave a note? Who handled the ice that was the only difference between what my mother and the others ate and drank on the two occasions she was ill?"
Janice pauses, obviously in need of a breath. "But instead, I'll just ask my final question of Kate. What was Margaret's job at the Grace Gallery?"
Margaret is glaring at Kate, who glares back and promptly answers. "She worked in the office. She was the bookkeeper."
Janice's pacing has taken her between Margaret and the closed library door. Margaret tenses, and I think for a moment she will test Janice, but then there's a light knock on the door. "Police," a male voice intones.
Janice steps aside. "Come on in," she calls. Three large men enter, two in uniform, one in a dark suit. Janice points to Margaret, whose shoulders have slumped. "I want you to meet the boss."
Chapter 39
Watching Margaret being escorted out, Sir Robert follows. "I'll make sure this is handled discretely," he says.
Gareth grins. "You've accomplished a miracle, sister," he says to Janice.
"Catching a criminal?" she asks.
"No, making father forget about dinner." He puts out his hand to Kate. "We have some things to talk about." She puts her hand in his, and they walk from the room.
Flora rises. "Sit back down," Janice directs. A pout forms as the young girl takes her seat again. "Why don't you sit beside Flora, Mother?" Amanda raises an eyebrow but does as her daughter requests.
"Flora wants to tell you some things." Janice finally relinquishes the floor and comes to sit by me. She momentarily puts a hand on my shoulder, a question in her eyes. I've very tired, but I know this last task is best performed tonight. I nod to show that I'm all right. "Well, Flora?"
The girl is clearly on the edge of rebellion, but then she suddenly seems to deflate. Dropping her eyes, she says, "I did some things."
Amanda asks quietly, "What do you mean?"
"On the first night Janice and Mel were here, I left something in a drawer in their room."
"I don't understand. What did you leave?"
"Amanda," I say, "I don't think that's important."
Janice interrupts. "Yes, it is. Tell her what it was and where you got it."
Flora sighs. "It was a dead rat. I got it at the stable that day and brought it home. You had gone shopping for all those new clothes for her and had put them in the room beside yours. So I knew where to put it."
"Why would you do something like that?" Amanda asks. "You didn't even know Janice yet."
I laugh. "Yes, most people don't give her rats until they've known her a while." Janice shoots me a look, and I subside.
"Tell her the rest."
"I cut the girth on your saddle." She hastens to add, "It was the day you told us that you had written to Janice and asked her to come. Then you offered to go riding with Gareth. You never rode with me anymore, but you were riding with him."
"Dear, I did it to get him to try," Amanda says. "Since he had gotten out of the hospital, he was just sitting around."
"I didn't really try to hurt you," Flora says. "When I saddled your horse, I slit the girth with a hoof knife. But I cut it all the way through so it would come off when you mounted. That way you would take a spill, but you wouldn't be injured, just embarrassed."
"You were that angry with me?"
"Keep going," Janice prods.
"The worst thing I did was the evening Kate fenced with Janice." Flora finally looks up and finds Janice's eyes on her. She speaks directly to her. "I'm sorry. What happened taught me my lesson. I'll never do anything like that again."
Amanda takes Flora by the shoulders and turns her to face her. She seems about to shake her stepdaughter. "What did you do?"
"While Janice was getting ready, I took the epees out onto the lawn."
She takes a deep breath, struggling not to cry. "I stepped on one of them,
right at the foible, the weakest part. Kate had warned me many times to always
check the epee at that point, so I knew where it could be broken.
Then, when Janice and Kate came to get the epees, I gave that one to Kate. If they had just done slow drills like Kate talked about, no one would have really gotten hurt. But, instead, they decided to have a real contest, and that's when the capped point broke off entirely. . . ." Her voice trails
off as Amanda drops her hands.
"How could you do something like that? Don't you know that Janice could have been seriously injured?"
Now tears do slide down Flora's face. "I was having a good time watching
them fence. By the time Kate disarmed Janice, I had almost forgotten about the
foible. Then I saw the blood. There was so much blood." I remember how
Flora had seemed about to faint or get sick. "Suddenly it wasn't just
a mean joke. I thought Janice might die. Then I would be a murderer. And you would hate me forever. For killing your real daughter."
"Your real daughter," Janice repeats. "That's why Flora is so angry. You're the only mother Flora has ever known. And she's the daughter you raised. But you suddenly started talking about me, making plans that involved me, someone you hadn't even seen for almost as long as she's been alive."
Amanda touches Flora's cheek, then turns to speak to Janice. "Gareth was a teenager when I married Robert and is more like a friend than a son. But Flora was only two years old. She had a nanny, and her father had made it clear I was not expected to take over as her mother. But she was a sweet baby, and I found myself loving her more every day. It was me she called Mama, and, when it became clear how spirited she was going to be, I was the one who could handle her."
"Why did things change?" I ask.
"I think it started when Janice was in the hospital here in London."
Amanda's eyes meet her daughter's. "For a long time, I pushed you to the
back of my mind. I'm not proud of that, but it's what I did. Then I saw you,
and I remembered the years I had you and all the years I missed. I
became obsessed with getting to know you, with being your mother. I made plans, all the things we would do when you got out of the hospital and came to live here. Then you were gone again. But I didn't give up. When the problem concerning my photographs came up, I saw it as an opportunity to
get you to come back. I got someone to track you and found out how to get a letter to you in New York. And I wrote a letter I thought would bring you here."
"And, because I have a soft-hearted friend named Mel," Janice says, "I did come."
"She would have come anyway," I correct, but Janice shakes her head.
"I wouldn't have come, Mother, because I spent too many years hating you to just give it up."
Amanda jerks back, as if from a blow. "You hate me?"
Janice gets up and walks over to kneel in front of her mother. "I hated
you for years for deserting Dad and me. Now I realize that your leaving Dad
was your own business. Your leaving me is what I have to deal with. Mother,
doing that was wrong. I'll never be able to understand how you
could do that to me." Tears course down Amanda's face, and she does nothing to brush them away. I can't see Janice's face, but her voice, which has been flat, is now choked with emotion. "Don't make the same mistake with Flora that you made with me. She's your daughter. Don't
desert her. Don't leave her behind because your attention is elsewhere."
Amanda puts an arm around the young girl and pulls her close. Flora tenses, then relaxes and lets her head rest on her mother's shoulder. "I'm sorry I haven't been there for you lately," Amanda tells her. "I love you, and you are my 'real' daughter."
"Finish it, Janice," I say.
Janice is silent, unmoving.
I refuse to give up. "It's time."
She nods and looks up at Amanda. "A wise woman told me not to wait when my heart tells me to do something. Mother, I'm ready to give up the hate. I forgive you."
Chapter 40
I wake up looking into bright green eyes. Janice is standing beside the bed and grinning down at me. "What was in those pills Mr. Satterley gave you?" she asks. "Give me one the next time I have trouble sleeping, all right?"
"When do you ever have trouble sleeping?" I ask. "Except in
the early morning."
I pull the covers up to my chin and close my eyes.
"Early?" She laughs and pulls the covers back down. "It's almost noon, sleeping beauty. I let you sleep in honor of our big day yesterday--and emotional evening."
I open my eyes again so I can study her face. "Are you okay?"
She nods. "Mother and I spent the morning talking. I think we got some more things worked out."
"Still Mother, not Mom?"
"Don't push it," she says, but her smile stays in place. I wonder if it's really so important that I give her my bad news today. "Now get up. We'll go down to the kitchen and get you something to eat. Might as well shock the 'help' a little more."
I push back the sheet and start to rise. I stop and lie back. Oh, no, not now. I want to tell her first. Janice has turned away and is at the wardrobe. She turns back, my robe in her hand, and her smile fades. "Mel, what's wrong?" She strides to the bed and sits beside me. As she jars the mattress, I try not to react. "Is it your back? Your head? You took quite a beating yesterday. No wonder you're sore."
"Yes, and your day was a piece of cake." I remember Bertie's punches, directed at Janice to extract information, and I shudder.
"Mel, come on," Janice says. "You're scaring me. Roll over, and I'll massage your back. You probably just have a muscle cramp." She can't resist adding, "From lying here so long."
"It's not that."
"Well, what?" Janice takes my hand, a rare show of affection.
I swallow and begin to confess. "Do you remember in New York, when I told you I had something I had to do?"
"Yeah. I used that to put pressure on you to come to London with me." She gives me her best shame-faced smile. "I knew the Bedouin tent part would get you. You never did tell me what you were going to do. Mel?"
"I didn't go shopping that day," I begin. "I went to see someone. A man."
"A man?"
"Yes." Even in light of what I've told her about Bill, her eyebrows go up. "A doctor." Now that I've gotten this far, I rush on. "He told me that I needed an operation. To remove the bullet from my back. I was going home to South Carolina to have it done."
Janice lets go of my hand but stays seated on the bed. At first, her expression is unreadable. In her flat voice, she says, "How could you keep that from me?"
"I thought it was more important that you work things out with your mother," I explain, knowing as I say it how inadequate the reason sounds. "I thought she was ill and that this might be your only chance to do that."
"What kind of risk were you taking?"
I hesitate.
"That big a risk, huh?" I nod, and her anger instantly explodes. "Damn you, Mel, what the hell were you thinking?" Her energy suddenly too great to be contained, she jumps up and starts pacing around the room. She stops and faces me to continue. "Did you even give a thought to me in all this?"
"I was thinking about you," I answer quietly, trying not to let the tears flow.
"Then you should have seen how this would make me feel. I'm so angry with you I . . . . I don't know what to do. I want to hit something," she decides. My eyes must widen, because she adds, "Not you."
"I didn't do it to hurt you."
"Why do you think I'm so angry?" She takes a deep breath as if fighting for control. "I can't stand it sometimes that you don't value my best friend any more than you do."
"I don't understand."
She comes back and perches again on the edge of the bed. "You're my best friend, but sometimes you make me so mad. Whoever gave you the idea that you aren't as important as other people? That your happiness comes after everyone else's? After your father's. After Aunt Helen's. After mine."
"I just thought. . . ."
"No," she cuts me off. "You didn't think. You felt." She takes a breath and seems to notice for the first time that I'm crying. "You felt."
Janice rises again and turns her back to me. "I'm sorry. Please don't go away."
She returns with one of the hankies from the top drawer of the dresser. "Here. Blow your nose." She flips a straight-backed chair around so she can straddle it and leans her head against the back. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm angry with you, but I'm angrier at myself. For days, everyone else has noticed that you weren't feeling well, but I ignored it or accepted your excuses."
"You had a lot on your mind," I pardon her.
"Yeah, me and my problems." She shakes her head. "I didn't want
to see that you were in pain. That you were in trouble. That might have been
inconvenient. Might have required that I worry about someone other than myself.
I've always been a selfish bitch, but I thought I was changing.
This just proves I haven't."
"Don't," I order.
"Don't what?"
"Don't beat up on my best friend."
She studies me. "I guess it's unhealthy to do that, huh?"
"Around me it is." I put on my toughest expression, and she chuckles. "Janice," I say, "you're a good person, the best. Someday I hope you'll realize that. And know why I did this." I wait, knowing that, if she asks, I'll tell her.
Instead, she asks, "So what do we do next? Do you want us to go home right away? So you can get that operation?"
"No," I say, knowing this is the hardest part. "I want you to
call Mr. Satterley. I can't move my right leg.
Chapter 41
Although John has driven us as close to the building as he can, I still pause before attempting the long flight of steps in front. Janice watches me with concern. "Are you sure you're ready to do this? It can wait."
"I can do it," I answer. Right after my surgery, I had used crutches but now, over a month later, I've returned to using the cane. I look up the steps and try not to show how high they now appear to me. Janice takes my free arm, and we start to climb. At the first landing, she signals a rest.
"Are you sure everything is set for our return to the United States?" I ask. I've been thinking about this all morning, but this is only the third time I've asked.
Janice feigns patience. "Yes. Laura Solari and her crew ferried another Fortress over here this week, and they're flying a decommissioned bomber home for use in training missions. Two world famous members of the press will be their passengers."
"So I get to be world famous this time, too?" I ask.
"Yeah," she says, "now that you've actually taken pictures with your camera."
"I'm just glad you grabbed my camera before we left that cellar--and that the pictures turned out." I can't help feeling a little pride at my accomplishment.
Janice laughs. "Your first photos at a dig, and it happened in a London
cellar. With everything in the storeroom damaged by the fire, your photographs
are the only way to show what was there." She sobers. "I know that
some of those things came from Cashi Zun, but without Dad's other
photos, there's no way to prove it now."
"Has Margaret admitted that she destroyed your father's photographs?" I ask, having missed out on most of the aftermath of her arrest.
"No. She's admitting nothing. Mother's photographs were recovered from Margaret's room, but Dad's weren't found. When there was talk of charging her with espionage because of her association with the Nazis, I thought she might crack, but she's toughing it out."
"Didn't Sir Robert get that investigation dropped?"
"Yeah. It wouldn't look good for his maid to be a spy." Janice looks thoughtful. "I'm sure she isn't, anyway. Gruner and she were about money, not politics. And there are plenty of charges that can be proved, including smuggling and fraud."
"Murder? Attempted murder?"
"She probably had knowledge of what happened to Kenneth Grace and Sarah Lund, but it would be hard to prove it with Bertie and Max gone. As for ordering them to kill us. . . ." Janice shrugs. "We're here, aren't we? I don't think we need to worry about that."
"Ready to go on?" I tease.
"Me? Yeah, I think I can make it," she answers, and we walk up the rest of the steps.
I turn to her as she opens one of the big doors at the front of the British
Museum. "It means a lot to me how you stuck by me during the last few weeks.
You know, through the surgery, and afterward, when I needed help. . . ."
I blush when I remember how helpless I was at first. "Anyway, thank
Janice shakes her head. "Mel, I can't believe you. It was on my account
that you got shot when we were in Egypt. Then you came to England with me instead
of going home for the surgery you needed. And you're thanking me?" We walk
into the front gallery and, as I did the first time, I gaze in
wonder at the friezes that decorate the walls. "Just one thing. If you ever do anything like that again. . . ." She doesn't seem able to come up with a threat dire enough, so she lets it drop.
"Can we take another look at the Elgin marbles?" I ask, ready to duck through the archway.
"Let's do that on the way out, okay?" she asks, and I can see she's
getting impatient. We walk toward a small display room near the rear of the
building. "I brought Flora here when you were in the hospital. Do you know
she's lived in London her whole life and had never seen the marbles?"
She shakes her head at such an impossible thought.
I smile, knowing that Janice has gained during the last month, not just a mother, but also an adoring younger sister. "What does Sir Robert think about his daughter running around the city in boots and khaki?"
"He's not too happy about it," Janice admits, "but he hasn't interfered. Thank God he wasn't the one who caught her trying to smoke that cigar."
"No," I say, "it was Mrs. Gareth Blessingham who did that." Kate.
We're standing outside the room now, and, both of us taking a deep breath, we enter. The object we're seeking is small, not more than eight inches high. It stands on a pedestal in the middle of the room. We approach it and stand unspeaking for some minutes.
It is a statue of a young woman, what archaeologists call a kore, and it is
an object of uncommon beauty. Although statues of females, unlike those of males,
were usually draped, this woman is shown completely naked. The light-colored
stone is highly polished and shows remarkable definition of the muscles of her
body. Her posture is straight, like that of a soldier. Her head is held proudly,
and the sculptor has indicated long full hair that flows across her shoulders
and back. The high cheekbones and sharp planes of her face seem to show that
this is a portrait, not a generalized
picture of a Greek girl.
Janice unbuttons her breast pocket and pulls out the kore photograph taken by her father. She looks at it and hands it to me. I nod. There is no doubt it is the same one.
"In the photo the eyes just look dark," I say. "But now, seeing the statue, you can tell the eyes are azure stones."
"I can't believe it took me so long to put it together," Janice comments. "Not until Sir Robert got me a list of artifacts recently donated to British museums did I realize that my father's Egyptian kore was here. With a fake pedigree that said it was found by Gruner in Greece."
"It does look Greek," I say.
"A combination," she corrects, "just like Ben Black said. Somewhat
natural in the Greek tradition, a little stylized as the Egyptian artist would
normally do. I think it was done that way to honor the subject, the Greek warrior
woman who had saved a pharaoh's son." She sighs. "Think of the
trouble it might have saved if I had listened to that little girl the first day. The one who said there was a statue in another room that looked just like you."
Then in silence we stand, my friend and I, and gaze at the Xena kore.
fan fic index <> homepage


text:
The next Australian Mango Conference will be held in Bowen, north Queensland, and will focus on growing profitability through innovation and new technology.
A number of presentations on a wide range of topics will be discussed, that will help growers to streamline processes in both the orchard and packing shed. The conference will also be a great opportunity to catch up with your industry colleagues, reflect on another mango season and plan for future seasons. Don't miss this year's conference, at the birthplace of the Australian mango industry.
Download a copy of the Conference Program here.
Travel and Accommodation
Bowen is located just over 2 hours south of Townsville and 45 minutes north of Proserpine. Both have daily air services. Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) is serviced by Jetstar and Virgin, while Townsville is serviced by Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin.
A shuttle bus operates between Proserpine Airport and Bowen. Bookings are required so, if you need to utilise this service, please contact Bowen Travel on (07) 4786 1611.
Both airports have a range of car rental companies
For a list of accommodation options, please click here. Make sure you book early.
If you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact us on: 07 3278 3755 or by emailing Jess: firstname.lastname@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels
Located on Barbados's popular west coast, Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels upgraded the rooms of its 32-room, beach-front 32-room property, including the onsite hotel restaurant in 2018. In each room of the 4-star property is a print of my collage, Juhanah, while the restaurant features my commissioned original large work, Celine.
The Commission
Working with Treasure Beach's in-house art consultants, the client reviewed a portfolio of my work and chose to go with a print of Juhanah for each of its 32 rooms. After some consideration, the art consultants then commissioned an original large-scale collage for the on-site, beach-facing restaurant and bar. Printing was done locally as was all of the framing by Frame & Art Co.
A 52in. x 40in. commissioned work, Celine hangs right of the dessert bar in Treasure Beach's onsite restaurant. The work features more than 150 individually collaged pieces mounted to give a three-dimensional impression of the figure. The work reflects the surrounding landscape as well as honors the staff and crew of Treasure Beach.
Juhanah, an original work in the "My Girls" series of collages, hangs in all 32 rooms of the resort. In the instance above, it is situated in the bathroom of a ground-floor suite.


text:
Did iPhones make the desktop virtualization call easier?
I had the opportunity to sit down with MokaFive CTO and founder John Whaley while I was at RSA, and we caught up on the adoption of desktop virtualization, where the hypervisor belongs, and more. He was even so kind as to allow me to shoot some video, though the cafe where we were meeting makes the audio a little scratchy.
One thing John brought up was the mobile vs. desktop virtualization debate. His stance was that, far from detracting from desktop virtualization, mobile devices and tablets actually helped start the conversation in getting companies to seriously look into a broader desktop virtualization strategy.
"A lot of times people want to use their iPhone and hook it up with their corporate e-mail, or use an iPad at work," he said. "That starts the conversation about what are we going to do about people wanting to bring their devices in, and how are we going to manage them."
Whaley also said that that desktop would still dominate for the foreseeable future, even in more tablet-friendly businesses. "It's not 'We're going to give iPads only,'" he said "It's, in every case, an iPad is in addition to a laptop. It's good for consuming but it's not as good for creating content."
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/ScUKZoDwJzw" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
Michael Morisy is the editorial director for ITKnowledgeExchange. He can be followed on Twitter or you can reach him at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Day 1: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our representative, outside the airport arrivals section and after a briefing Depart on scenic drive North West wards through the beautiful terraced hillsides that display Rwanda's landscape. Arrive at Ruhengeri, the base for Gorilla trekking at the Parc National des Volcans. The town itself is located only 25km from Uganda boarder, is relatively a small city of about 70,000 people. The constant flow of humanity is quite remarkable. The Town has great views of the surrounding volcanoes. People are very friendly here and although a former Belgian colony (and thus French-speaking), many people speak English here.
Overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 2: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trek
Early breakfast
0620 hrs: Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park HQs for your first day of trekking.
0700 hrs: Briefing by your trackers then drive to the trail head for the start of your amazing Gorilla Tracking adventure. Porters may be hired for the trek to carry your backpack and gear.
The cost is ten USD per person/per day. We advise that you utilize this service.
Your trek starts in the cultivated foothills of the Virunga's, offering stirring views in all directions. When it enters the national park, trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the colorful bird calls, chattering golden monkeys, littered with fresh spoor of the mountains' elusive buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, among the highest in Africa yet easily accessible, beckon an ascent.
Weaving through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia trees and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate, our experienced trackers, who have spent their entire lives in or close to this forest, soon bring us up close with one of the Gorilla Families.
Upon sighting the gorillas, you will stay with them for a magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting; raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth!
Depart from foothills of the volcanoes and drive south past coffee, tea and banana plantations on a scenic drive to Kigali. Everything and everywhere, sheer green and hanging on the hills; Rwanda truly – land of a thousand fertile green hills.
Overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 3: Kigali/Depart
Breakfast at the hotel
Enjoy a City Tour of Kigali. (Cost of city tour included)
The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, Kigali has been a part of it for 100 years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda's independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare.
Visit the Kandt museum, see old Kigali and the craft centers then visit the genocide memorial site. Learn about Rwanda's history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide; learn about other genocides in the world and how this country has dealt with that past. Tour more and see the new developments in Rwanda; the recovery has been incredible, a testament to humankind's resilience.
Lunch at Kigali's Heaven Restaurant and Boutique or Similar at own cost
After lunch Transfer to Kigali International airport for your scheduled departure flight
High Season-
16th June – 30th June
01 July – 31st October
22nd Dec – 2nd Jan
Mid-Season –
2nd Jan – 31st March
01st Nov- 21st Dec
Low Season:
01st April – 15th June
The safari Includes:
• Airport transfers and assistance at Customs
• Accommodation on Full Board basis
• Kigali City tour
• Private transport in a 4×4 Land cruiser
• Services of an English speaking driver-guide
• One gorilla permit per person
• Unlimited Bottled drinking water while trekking and in vehicle
• All applicable government taxes
Costs Excludes:
• Meals and beverages, other than specified.
• International, regional and local Airfares.
• Airport taxes.
• Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas.
• Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
• Gratuities to driver/guides and other conveyance attendants.
• Laundry and other items of a personal nature such drinks, telephone calls ETC
• Personal and baggage insurance.
• Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above.
• Insurance coverage is available for Baggage, Accident and Trip Cancellation/Interruption at special low cost group rates.
Ruhengeri area is located at 2400 meters above sea level and is chilly early morning and evening. While trekking, it can rain unexpectedly, hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. You will also need boots that can cope with some mud. Gorilla permits are only confirmed upon payment of a deposit. The balance payable 60 days before trekking dates. (Non-refundable)


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"To those who came
And smacked their lips,
To those who thanked
And taught me tricks.
To those who support(ed)
And taste it all,
To those who fearlessly
Told me to get some balls.
To those who are patient
People old & new,
To those who with me
Bid 2013 adieu!
I love you much
With a heart so true,
Here's to 2014, and cooking
Many more storms for you..."
29. wishes all it's readers, supporters, commenters, criticizers a very very happy Holiday season!
Today I hosted the EatWith Management team for my last meal in 2013. Personally, it was a great deal. The team who has been monumental in helping me grow, market and keep working on what I love were actually in my living room. And thankfully, did not leave disappointed.
My meal was inspired with the colors of christmas - Red, Greed and a touch of Gold. And no, I don't believe in food colors. Why use artificial 'helpers' when nature offers so much. Don't believe me? Scroll down for the pictures and you'll see!
I started the team with warm Lentil Soup with a dash of Chili Sesame oil. Sounds strange? Try it - the Indian spices with a slight chinese kick was quite a combination. Be careful though, don't add too much. The soup was paired with spoons of curried chickpea hummus & homemade wholewheat crackers (baked namak paare). Notice the red, green & golden?
The conversation started just as the courses were heating up. I served
- Spicy Spinach Chicken in Bread Cups w/ a dollop of cream cheese. Inspired by all things green and similar to my Spinach Corn Deep Dish Pizza Bites.
- Masala Gobi (cauliflower) with Potato Fritter Nests & smashed Avocados. Yes please! My take on a sort of a deconstructed Aloo Gobi. This was an experimental dish but the combination did wonders, specially the spice from the gobi, crunch from the fritters and the creaminess of avocados! One satisfying bite. Inspired by the gold twinkle of the season. I also served some chilled Pomegranate & Mint tea along for those who might need some help with that tingling heat.
- Last but not the least was the South Indian Tomato Brown Rice w/ Mint yogurt & homemade wheat crisps. Inspired by the happy red, I think this won the show - both by taste & presentation!
(PS-I was too excited to get pics of the first two, but will upload them when I make them next time!)
I ended the afternoon with Fig Milk Pudding Truffles dipped in a gooey dark chocolate ganache. And of course,the sprinkles for added happiness. I sneakishly grinned as I watched the guests play which-sprinkle-color-do-I-like-more? I think red won. Paired with some warm Cardamom Masala Chai, this had holiday written all over it!
The best part. The sunset decided to join in the fun and co-operate with my color theme! Bye bye 2013.
To try any of these dishes or teas, join me for my upcoming Dining Experiences in 2014, or contact me for a private tasting! I'll see you there.


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Orlando Bike Tours is a movement to highlight Orlando's cultural identity through food, drinks, and bike riding. It is a great chance to get outdoors, meet new people, and see Orlando in a alternative way. We sponsored the first tour on February 22, starting at Cocina 214 in Winter Park. We then rode through brick roads, Mead Gardens, and the Orlando Urban Trail to Maxine's on Shine, The Brass Tap, and finally Latitudes downtown.
New tours will be announced here.


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We are a pet friendly campground, as we love our four-legged campers almost as much as you do. We do, however, ask that you respect the rules of the campground and your fellow campers. Please read the rules and regulations below before bringing your pet.
Pet Rules & Regulations
- All pets must be on leash (6 feet or less) unless you are enjoying the dog park.
- Please pick up after your pet. There are pet receptacles throughout the campground and at the dog park for your convenience. This is the pet owner's responsibility and will be monitored. Please notify the office if bags are needed at any pet station.
- Do not leave your pet unattended or tethered. Management will reserve the right to call law enforcement to remove a pet from a hot car. If you are tent camping and your pet is a nuisance to other guests, you will be asked to leave the campground.
- We advise against bringing cats while tent camping as we are close to the National Park.
- Your pet may enjoy the river as long as your pet is not disturbing other guests. If your pet is disturbing other guests, you will be asked to remove your pet from the river area. Please be courteous of others fishing in the river and do not allow your pet to disturb anglers.
- Pets may be left in a RV however if the pet disturbs other guest with excessive barking, you will be called to return to the campground.
- Respect the wishes of other campers with pets. Not all pets are as friendly as others.
- Pets are not permitted in the bath house, game room, laundry room, pavilion or general store.
- No more than three pets at any RV/camper site. No more than one dog per tent site.
- Pets must not have an aggressive nature.


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Hello everyone!
After many trials, tribulations, and technology fails, we can announce that tickets for IVFDF 2018 are now on sale! If you head over to our tickets page on the website, you can buy weekend, day, evening, and individual event tickets, as well as indoor camping and t-shirts. Our early bird prices run until the 31st of January, so get in there quick!
A quick word on waged/unwaged tickets. This is entirely for you, our attendees, to decide as to which best applies to you; if you are technically waged, but your budget is better suited to the "unwaged" bracket, please do not feel you have to pay more. The "unwaged" rate is there for those who genuinely can't afford the "waged", and while we're not going to ask anyone to qualify their choice in either direction, we'd encourage those who can afford it to consider the "waged" rate. No set of words is going to cover all the options, but hopefully that makes enough sense to be going on with for the moment!
We are also opening applications for stewards. Stewards are what keep every IVFDF running, whether by sitting on the door of events, managing sleeping venues, acting as first aiders, or helping us with logistics. Whether you've done this before or not, you are very welcome to apply. Rewards include an obnoxiously brightly coloured t-shirt, a reduced price (or free) ticket, and the warm fuzzy feeling of having helped the Rustle, the committee, and IVFDF to keep the show on the road. Head on over to our stewarding application form to sign up!
Finally, no IVFDF would be complete without the Saturday afternoon Display Ceilidh. We are trying out a new idea, courtesy of IVFDF Central, that we hope will get more societies involved. Not every society wants to or is in a position to display something, but we want everyone to feel just as included nonetheless. Therefore, if your society is unlikely to be displaying, we would like to encourage you to send us the name (and calling card, if you've got it) of your society's favourite ceilidh dance that you would like to share with IVFDF. We'll need these a little ahead of time so our fabulous callers, Patrick and Sol, have time to get to grips with them. We are planning to have time for one item (performance or chosen dance) from each society, at the very least, but as we've never tried this before, we can't make any promises just yet! The e-mail address is firstname.lastname@example.com, and we can't wait to see what you come up with 🙂
We hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and New Year, and are looking forward to the countdown to IVFDF 2018 as much as we are! As always, if you have any problems or questions, please do get in touch with us at email@example.com – please bear in mind we are as busy enjoying our holidays as you are, so we might not be as quick off the mark replying as usual.
Rustle and the IVFDF 2018 Committee


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The Demon is a superhero and antihero appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Kirby, the titular character, named Etrigan, is a demon from Hell who, despite his violent tendencies, usually finds himself allied to the forces of good, mainly because of the alliance between the heroic characters of the DC Universe and Jason Blood, a human to whom Etrigan is bound.[1] Etrigan resembles a squat, muscular humanoid creature with orange (or yellow) skin, horns, red eyes, and ears resembling bat wings. Blood is a tall, thin, suave man with dark red hair and a lined face. The character was originally based in Gotham City, leading to numerous team-ups with Batman.
Etrigan was inspired by a comic strip of Prince Valiant in which the titular character dressed as a demon. Kirby gave his creation the same appearance as Valiant's mask.[2]
Jack Kirby created the Demon in 1972 when his Fourth World titles were cancelled.[3] According to Mark Evanier, Kirby had no interest in horror comics, but created Etrigan in response to a demand from DC for a horror character. Kirby was annoyed that the first issue sold so well that DC required him to remain on it and abandon the Fourth World titles before he was done with them. [4]
While his first monthly comic book series was short-lived, and his second was canceled after five years, Etrigan remains a popular supporting character with occasional additional mini-series. Popular series in which Etrigan has appeared include Neil Gaiman's The Sandman (see Characters of The Sandman - Minor Angels and Demons), Alan Moore's Swamp Thing, Kevin Smith's Green Arrow and Batman: The Widening Gyre, Garth Ennis's Hitman, and Cosmic Odyssey by Jim Starlin and Mike Mignola.
DC Comics launched a new series featuring Etrigan called Demon Knights, with issue #1 on September 14, 2011 as part of their company-wide relaunch.[5] It is written by Paul Cornell and drawn by Diógenes Neves.[6][7][8]
Etrigan, son of the demon Belial, is summoned by the wizard Merlin, his half-brother.[9][10] Unable to gain the creature's secrets, he bonds the demon with Jason Blood, a knight in King Arthur's Camelot. This renders Jason immortal, though at times he considers this either a penance or a curse.
Centuries later, Jason is called to the crypt of Merlin and discovers a poem that changes him into Etrigan. Unfortunately, he is followed by the long-lived Morgaine le Fey, who lusts for Merlin's secrets. That leads to Etrigan's first major battle. Over the years, Etrigan both clashes with and occasionally aids Earth's heroes, guided by his own whims and Jason's attempts to turn his infernal power to good use.
After the Fall of Camelot Jason Blood and Madame Xanadu keep traveling England for an unspecified time, assembling a rag-tag team of Dark Ages based heroes and villains, such as Vandal Savage, the female Shining Knight, and the warrior woman Exoristos (The Exile in Greek) to fight Mordru and the Questing Queen. As eventually they parted ways, Jason Blood resurfaces in recent times, becoming a prominent demonologist in Gotham City.
Some time after his first appearance, Etrigan begins speaking in rhyme due to a promotion in Hell,[11][12] though he is not limited to rhyme.[13] He led the forces of Hell in the great battle against The Darkness and was in brief contact with the entity in its questions about its nature - he barely survived the attempt.[14][15] His high rank would also see him guide Dream of the Endless from Hell's gates to Lucifer.
When Jason Blood's daughter was born, he decided to destroy Etrigan and hired metahuman hitman Tommy Monaghan to help him. After a battle against both Merlin and Etrigan, the two of them rescued the baby and Blood was able to steal the demon's heart, essentially neutering the demon and binding him to Jason's will. However, at the end of the battle to gain the demon's heart Jason Blood left the child, Kathryn Mark, with her mother, Glenda Mark. Jason told Glenda before he had left, "Take care of our daughter, Glenda. I think it would be best if she never knew about her father." Blood then skipped out on paying Monaghan the $2 million he'd promised.[16] Etrigran became listless and ceased to rhyme. However, when Monaghan needed an edge against the demon Mawzir, he conned Blood into returning to Gotham and using Etrigan to retrieve an anti-demon rifle from Hell, all while preparing to force the demonologist to let the monster onto Earth again. Despite the real risk that Etrigan would kill him in vengeance, Monahgan traded Etrigan his heart for the Ace of Winchesters, once more forcing Blood to have the full burden and returning Etrigan to his full strength (though Etrigan went back on the deal and tried to kill Monaghan anyway).[17]
Despite Blood's own doubts about himself, when the Justice League vanished during their attempt to rescue Aquaman from the past, Batman's emergency program — designed to assemble a substitute Justice League in the event that the originals were ever killed — selected Blood as the team's magic expert, a pre-recorded message Batman had left for Blood assuring the sorceror that he would not give Etrigan the keys to the Watchtower unless he was certain he could be controlled. While working with the team, Jason spent some time reinforcing the Watchtower's magical defences. During the subsequent fight with Gamemnae, Jason sacrificed himself to free Zatanna from her control, although he later escaped Gamemnae's quagmire spell thanks to the Martian Manhunter telepathically prompting his transformation into Etrigan.[18] The crisis resolved, Jason handed his duties as the League's magic expert over to Manitou Raven, newly arrived in the present, before departing.[19]
The series Blood of the Demon, plotted and drawn by John Byrne, and scripted by Will Pfeifer, began in May 2005. Etrigan apparently loses the restrictions imposed upon him by the wizard Merlin which turned him from evil, caused by his "murder" at the exact moment he was transforming from his human guise, Jason Blood, into his demon self. It turns out that the incident has resulted in Jason Blood being able to exert some will over Etrigan's violent nature, whereas previously the two remained separate, only one existing at a time. Blood of the Demon ended with issue #17 in July 2006.
Etrigan later attempts to use Lucifer's trident to take control of Hell. A makeshift Shadowpact team successfully takes the Trident from him and flees to the supernatural Oblivion Bar. Etrigan follows and battles the team inside the bar. He is turned into stone via magical pistols and is used as a hat rack. The pistol's magic would return Etrigan to normal at sunrise, which never happens within the bar.[20]
Etrigan takes part in the war for control of Hell on behalf of Neron, duelling Blue Devil. Later, due to the effects of a magical drug Satanus had infested Hell with, he was transformed into a physical human, a perfect duplicate of Jason Blood. Blood, meanwhile, has taken steps as to interfere with any possible attempts of Etrigan's to re-merge.[21]
During the Blackest Night, Blood's body is possessed by Deadman, who invokes Etrigan's transformation, using his flames to hold back the Black Lanterns.[22]
Etrigan briefly appears in the prelude to the JLA/JSA crossover during the Brightest Day event. Etrigan travels to Germany in order to find a crashed meteorite that contains an unconscious Jade, and is drawn into a confrontation with the Justice League after attacking a squad of German superheroes. He mocks the League by claiming they are an inferior team of substitutes, but is ultimately defeated when Donna Troy uses her Lasso of Persuasion to force him back into his Jason Blood form. Jason apologizes for the trouble he caused and departs from the scene, but not before warning Batman and his teammates that the meteorite possesses supernatural qualities. The meteor is later revealed to be the Starheart, a legendary entity that has the power to possess metahumans with magical or elemental abilities.[23]
Etrigan is shown aiding the JLA during their mission into Hell, where he helps Hawkman defeat a demonic beast.[24] He also was the guide to the Secret Six in their trip to Hell and led Catman to see the fate of his father, all the while amused by the confusion and pain they were suffering as a result of their visit.
In The New 52 (a reboot of the DC Comics universe), His past and origins largely unchanged. Etrigan is still shown as a demon forcibly bound to a young Jason Blood in a gambit to stave off the destruction brought by the Fall of Camelot and in the revised continuity he is tied to other Dark Ages based heroes and villains as Vandal Savage and the "female" Shining Knight. Furthermore, the Dark Ages Madame Xanadu, a survivor of Camelot herself is seen traveling with the merged Jason Blood/Etrigan being in a relationship with both individuals, each one believing she's humoring the other for the sake of their forced merge.[25] In the present Etrigan's body lies buried in London, is explained that he was sealed there by his own friends because of his betrayal on them, but magic emanating from it is able to possess persons above, eventually freeing the demon who promptly attacks Apollo and Midnighter.[26] The entire Stormwatch then battles Etrigan but even after being defeated, he is able to possess a host and flees.[27]
During the "Trinity War" storyline, Etrigan the Demon is among the superheroes that feels the disturbance in the magical plane when Shazam picks up Pandora's Box.[28]
The poem that releases Etrigan is:
Jason Blood's first transformation into the Demon occurs when reading the inscription on the surface of a stone tomb:
Generally, only the last two lines are actively recited, and the words have been known to vary slightly; the phrase "yarva daemonicus etrigan" has occasionally been used, but not consistently.
The reverse spell has several different wordings, all with the basic form "Gone, gone, O Etrigan! / Resume once more the form of man!" Alternate words include, "Begone, begone, O Etrigan!" and "Rise again..." (or "once more"); virtually every combination has been used at one time or another. The spell itself does not need to be recited by Jason or Etrigan to be effective, merely within their range of hearing. In emergencies when Jason cannot speak (for instance, when he was turned into a fly), writing it is sometimes sufficient to effect the change. On one occasion, Blood released Etrigan by using a parody of the spell ("Gone, O little man so tame / And rise the demon Whatshisname").
Even among demons, Etrigan is considered to be extremely powerful. He has above superhuman strength (mystically enhanced) to the degree that he can stand against other powerhouses such as Superman, Wonder Woman, and Lobo. He has a high degree of resistance to injury and can project hellfire from his body; usually from his mouth. He has a very high command of magic. Other powers include mystically enhanced fangs and claws, enhanced senses, super speed, agility, telepathy, energy blasts, and precognition. His sadomasochistic nature allows him to enjoy pain as if it were pleasure, making him generally fearless in the face of combat and torture. His healing factor can handle an incredible amount of damage, allowing him to recover from wounds that have removed large sections of his body.
As seen in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, it appears that he also has some matter manipulation power on a molecular level. His powers can be extended by other magical devices, such as the Crown of Horns. Etrigan is also provided with insight to religious aspects and other forbidden or secret knowledge.
Jason Blood is a highly skilled hand-to-hand combatant. His skills include mastery in swordsmanship. Jason is also adept at magic, and is often called upon to act as an advisor or investigator in occult matters (such as in the series Arkham Asylum: Living Hell). He also has limited precognition and telepathy. Jason is technically immortal as he is connected to the demon Etrigan. He also has the combined experiences of all the time since he was bonded to the demon. Jason Blood unfortunately shares all of Etrigan's weaknesses.
Etrigan has all the limitations usually associated with a demon, including a weakness towards holy powers and iron. Additionally, when Green Arrow once shot a "fire extinguisher arrow" into his mouth, Batman told Etrigan that the only way to stop the pain was to change back to Jason Blood.
His command of magic is strong, but considered to be less than his father, Belial, and half-brother, Merlin the Magician. Additionally, Belial granted "power of Etrigan" to both Merlin and another son, Scapegoat.
He is also helpless against those with powers strong enough to control Etrigan, such as Morgaine le Fey. Also, Jason Blood has longevity due to his betrayal of Merlin.
Super Friends #28 (January 1980) features a hapless costume-party guest dressed as Etrigan, enchanted by the sorcerer Felix Faust to assume the powers and persona of the demon and wage battle with Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman uses her magic lasso to command the guest to ignore Faust's commands, breaking the spell.[29]
In the continuity of the DC animated universe, Etrigan first appeared in The Batman Adventures Annual #2, where he teamed up with Batman to fight against Ra's al Ghul.[30] Jason Blood/Etrigan were also introduced and fought alongside Batman to stop Klarion from obtaining a magical artifact in the episode "The Demon Within". Due to his immortality and friendship with Bruce Wayne, Jason Blood/Etrigan was able to team up with the future Batman in several issues of the Batman Beyond comic series, although he never appeared in the actual show. He was featured in "Magic is Everywhere!" (Batman Beyond mini-series #4, July 1999) and "Many Flights of Demons Sing Thee to Thy Rest" (Batman Beyond #14, December 2000).
In Justice League Europe Annual #2, a time-lost Dimitri Pushkin ends up in the court of Camelot. He becomes a favorite of King Arthur, partly due to the futuristic capabilities of his armor. Filled with jealousy, Merlin summons Etrigan, who slays Dimitri with hellfire. This alternate-past is neutralized by the efforts of Waverider.
In the Speed Demon one-shot, the second Speed Demon (Blaze Allen) is an amalgamation of the second Flash, the second Ghost Rider, and Etrigan (Speed Demon even refers to himself as Etrigan). The way Etrigan empowers Speed Demon is reminiscent of Marvel Comic's Zarathos, a demon who was bonded to Ghost Rider in a similar manner.
Etrigan appears in The Batman Strikes! #50 (December 2008)[31] and asks Batman and Robin to help him find an ancient artifact stolen by the Riddler. However, he and Riddler are manipulated by the vengeful Demons Three into releasing them from the artifact, and attempt to possess Etrigan. Batman and Robin stop them and return the artifact to Etrigan. His dialogue in the issue rhymes.
Etrigan appeared in the Superman and Batman vs. Vampires and Werewolves storyline, aiding Batman and Superman.
In Tangent: Superman's Reign #3, the Etrigan of Earth-9 is revealed to be a human necromancer, part of the Dark Circle group.
A sketch of an alternate version of Etrigan called "Superdemon" was featured in Final Crisis: Secret Files #1. Described as a denizen of Earth-17, Etrigan was sent to Earth by Merlin from the doomed Kamelot, where he entered the body of Jason Blood, son of a Kansas preacher. Over time, Jason learned to control the demon's powers, and now uses them to protect the world.
In the Flashpoint universe, Etrigan and the heroes are running from the Amazons, until Etrigan is rescued by Canterbury Cricket. The heroes then hide in the bushes and learn Canterbury Cricket's origins, until the Amazons breach their hideout.[32] During this same period, Etrigan joins the Grifter's Resistance.[33] After an ambush by the Furies, Etrigan is seen eating the Furies member Cheetah. While the Resistance head to Westminster, Resistance member Miss Hyde betrays them and contacts the Furies. Etrigan was shot with the magic arrows.[34] However, Miss Hyde regains control of the body and fights the Amazons, allowing Etrigan and the Resistance to gain the upper hand.[35]
Jodrell Bank Observatory, Mark II (radio telescope), Science and Technology Facilities Council, Lovell Telescope, Hubble Space Telescope
Dream (comics), Neil Gaiman, William Shakespeare, Lucifer (DC Comics), DC Comics
Justice League, Justice Society of America, Green Lantern, Jack the Ripper, Batman


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In the moment
Moments with rooftops.
I was having a Marilyn moment with this maxi and felt glamorous while staying casual. I dressed it up with over-the-knee suede boots and a gold braided choker. You can also dress it down with your favorite sandals or booties!
I love contrasting pieces—my black boots complemented the white dress really well.
It was nearing golden hour, and that explains the amazing glow in these shots.


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- Style Notes
Day or night, our Lace Peplum Dress exudes chic sophistication. Highlighted by a stunning floral lace print bodice, this sleeveless design features a sexy illusion neckline, seamed waist with belt loops, a removable belt, lined bodice and a chunky centre back zip.
- Size & Fit
Model wears a size XS & is 175cm in height. Center back measurement - 87cm, 34.3".
- Content & Care
ContentUPPER: 100% POLYESTER, LOWER: 60% VISCOSE 35% POLYESTER 5% ELASTANE, LINING: 100% POLYESTER
CareCare InstructionsRemove belt before washing • Wash separately before use • Cold gentle machine wash • Wash in garment bag • Do not bleach • Do not tumble dry • Line dry without delay • Cool iron on reverse side • Do not dry clean (X)


text: GEORGE JOHNSON writes regularly about science for the New York Times. He has also written for National Geographic, Slate, Discover, Scientific American, Wired, and The Atlantic, and his work has been included in The Best American Science Writing. A former Alicia Patterson fellow, he has received awards from PEN and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and his books were twice finalists for the Royal Society's book prize. He appears regularly on "Science Faction" on bloggingheads.tv and writes the blog "Fire in the Mind" for Discover. He lives in Santa Fe.


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France and Germany focus on terrorism and migration
Germany – Fight against terrorism/migration - Communiqué issued by Ministry of the Interior
Paris, 18 September 2016
M. Bernard Cazeneuve, Minister of the Interior, spoke today to his German counterpart, Mr Thomas de Maizière, about the main priorities being promoted by France and Germany at European level concerning security and migration issues.
Regarding the fight against terrorism, the two ministers reaffirmed their shared determination to uphold their proposals – contained in the joint Franco-German initiative on domestic security, presented on 23 August 2016 – during the next JHA Council on 13-14 October.
In particular, during this forthcoming meeting of European Union interior ministers, they will reiterate their call for a legislative initiative by the European Commission on the issue of encryption, the interoperability of databases to improve information-sharing at European level, and a full-scale simulation exercise by the new European Border and Coast Guard before the end of the year, so that it can be fully operational as soon as possible. France is deploying 170 officers as part of the new corps.
Regarding migration issues, Bernard Cazeneuve emphasizes that he sees eye to eye with his German counterpart on the need to continue the EU's support for the countries of first entry – Greece and Italy – through the establishment of hot spots and security checks at the EU's external borders, including at airports, and in the programme to relocate people in clear need of protection, in which France and Germany are taking the lead. Likewise, the Interior Minister welcomes the agreement reached on the need to strengthen Europe's policy of returning irregular, economic migrants to their countries of origin.
Lastly, on the issue of visa liberalization, the two ministers recalled that the adoption of the clause suspending visa liberalization is a precondition for any granting of this liberalization, which can take effect for each country concerned only if all the criteria set out by the European Union are strictly complied with./.


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Danuta was fantastic to work with. This was my first time using a wardrobe stylist. She helped me with a complete new wardrobe with clothes in my own closet and got me out of my comfort zone.
Definitely worth it!!!
Liby C., Short Hills, NJ
Danuta is awesome! I loved working with her! She knows her stuff, is totally professional and makes the wardrobe overhaul and shopping experience fun and stress free. I felt like a new woman after all her wonderful help. One thing that makes her unique to is that she goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. I was a little uneasy about this, mostly because I had never done it before prior to meeting her but once you meet her, you'll understand. She not only helps you find things that fit your own personal style but gives suggestions to enhance it and get you the "look" that you are going for. I totally recommend her if you are looking to change, enhance your style or just need some directions or tips on what looks great. She was on time and followed through on everything she promised. Thanks so much Danuta!
Christine C., Bethlehem, PA
Had a great session and Danuta was fun, decisive and is a great stylist. Helped me purge a ton of stuff that wasn't working. Will contract her again!
Cathy T., Nutley, NJ
Danuta was fantastic! She helped me with a closet audit and a color assessment. We created about 30 new looks using just the pieces in my wardrobe, and got rid of about 15 pieces that weren't serving me. She was able to combine my clothes in ways I never would have dreamt of but looked killer. She was also great at listening to my opinion and taste, and tailoring the outfits to fit the style I'm going for. Throughout the session she took pictures of each outfit to create a lookbook for my future reference, and created a shopping list of basic pieces that I was missing or needed to replace. I'm looking forward to working with her in the future!
Kira S, Philadelphia, PA
Danuta provided excellent fashion advice and guidance. I was comfortable with her from the moment she opened my closet. After she assessed my wardrobe, she put together a look book with my current clothes and new items she thought would add to my wardrobe. She did an amazing job. I felt like she really got to know my style and the style I wanted to portray. And shopping with her was a great experience. Very comfortable and efficient. She had clothes waiting for me before I even walked into the store. I would recommend A Fashion Page to everyone. Truly a great experience.
Jasmine F., Rutherford, NJ
Danuta was amazing. She helped me clean out my closet and establish what fit well, what could be donated and how to pair outfits together. She was so positive and easy going and made it very easy to connect. I wish I had already established what already fit so we could have spent more time together putting the clothes back and organizing. I will definitely be looking forward to my look book and will be looking forward to shopping together.
Allison H, Macungie, PA
Danuta is great, she came over and we went right to it- reviewed everything in my closet, made a bunch of looks and got rid of a lot of past due items. we also made a shopping list to tackle together during our next meeting. definitely worth it! you can tell she's very passionate about what she does and listens to you. i felt super comfortable and had a to of fun. super productive session!
Caroline R. Jersey City, NJ
Danuta is truly great at what she does and very creative!! Will hire her again.
Leesa R. New York, NY


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It's time for a new challenge at Riley and Company, and our hostess Vera has challenged us to make a one layer card. OMG if you know me at all, you know that I am a huge fan of layers! This truly was a challenge!! I chose to use Balloons Riley and create a cloud filled sky for him to be floating up in.
I created two different "cloud" strips of paper and sponged the edges with Bashful Blue (SU!) ink, alternating the positions as I went. I colored Riley and the balloons with the following Copics: Riley: E31, E33, E35, E47, Balloons: YG03, YG05, YG07, RV00, RV02, RV04, BG000, BG01, BG02, Y00, Y02, Y04, YR01, YR02, YR04.
Let's see what the rest of the design team has come up with:
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you'll join us, we'd love to see what you create!


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Miami Dolphins
Dolphins at Chargers: Who won the key matchups?
Dolphins O-line vs. Chargers D-line
Who won: Chargers
Impact: Nothing went right. What didn't look good before left tackle Branden Albert went down looked even worse when the Dolphins put in practice squad graduate Ulrick John after Albert's injury. John got so turned around that he looked like John Ulrick before they replaced him with guard Dallas Thomas' whiffs and holds. Then, center Mike Pouncey left the game. In all of this, Dolphins runners often got hit at the handoff, thus killing the running game (44 rushing yards, 2.3 per carry) and any reason for the Chargers pass rush to pause before blowing by the Dolphins' tackles (three sacks for 29 yards, a lot of heavy hits on Ryan Tannehill).
Dolphins' pass coverage vs. Chargers' passing game
Who won: Chargers
Impact: Whether it was linebackers on San Diego running back Danny Woodhead, Dolphins corners such as rookie Bobby McCain often barely being close enough to receivers to be blamed for the reception, San Diego quarterback Phillip Rivers didn't have windows to throw through — he had sliding glass doors. Rivers finished 26 of 36 for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Even the Dolphins' interceptions embarrassed. Reshad Jones fumbled his back to the Chargers. Brent Grimes' was beaten by two yards on his pick, but Rivers noodle-armed the throw to Malcolm Floyd.
Dolphins on third down vs. Chargers defense
Who won: Chargers
Impact: The Dolphins went 2 for 14 on third down. But as usual for one of the worst third-down teams in the NFL, the problem lay on first and second downs. Average length for Dolphins' third downs Sunday: 9.7 yards. That's not the Dolphins' personnel and no NFL team's playbook teems with good third-and-9 plays. The Dolphins converted a third-and-1 and a third-and-8, so the failures averaged 10.6 yards. With the porous pass protection giving quarterback Ryan Tannehill about the length of time between a green light and a South Florida honk, third-and-long conversions counted as fantasies.


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Description: Large, chunky body, with high-arching back and short legs. Long guard hairs on front half of body, quills on rump and tail. They are black or brown in the East and yellowish in the West. Porcupine feet have unique furless soles with small, pebbly-textured fleshy knobs and long, curved claws.
Geographic Range: Most of Canada and U.S., south to Mexico.
Status: No special status
Length: 26 – 27 inches
Weight: 10 – 28 pounds
Habitat: Deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests. In west, dry, scrubby areas with scattered trees
Typical Diet: Porcupines are strict vegetarians. They feed on leaves, twigs, and green plants such as, skunk cabbage, lupines, and clover in the spring.
Life Span:6- 8 years
Special Notes:
-In the Order, Rodentia.
-The porcupine's generic name means "one who rises in anger."
-Porcupines are solitary and active year-round. During extremely cold periods, they may den up, sometimes with other porcupines. -They are primarily nocturnal and may rest during the day in a hollow tree or log, underground burrow or in a tree.
-About 30,000 quills on its body, which are modified hairs.
-Fishers are adept at eating porcupines; other predators include coyote, bobcat and mountain lion.
-Mate in October – November – most vocal at this time of year.
-Gestation is about 7 months, 1 young born May–June


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Our Ambassadorial Advisory Group
Our Ambassadorial Advisory Group is made up of people who share a great passion for our academy.
Led by a chairperson, AAGs meet once per term, and will have at least two parent ambassadors elected to the group. They work closely with headteachers, regional and national staff as well as our trustees, and focus on the four Cs of Communication, Celebration, Complaints and Community.
At least two Ambassadorial Advisory Group members are asked to sit on any disciplinary, admissions or exclusion panel hearing, ensuring that any hearing panel will have a majority of non E-ACT employees.
Please note that the board of trustees is the governing body for E-ACT and all E-ACT academies. The AAG is an advisory body only.
Attendance of trustees at meetings is published on the trust website within E-ACT's annual report which also contains information on the structure and responsibilities of the board and its committees.
Other important documents that can be found on the trust website include:
- Trustees' business and financial interests
- Articles of Association
- Master Funding Agreement and Supplemental Agreements
- E-ACT's Scheme of Delegation which shows all delegated authorities from the board of trustees
- E-ACT's detailed governance overview, showing how we continue to meet all our statutory and regulatory requirements under our regionalised governance model
All of these documents can be found by clicking here.
Our AAG members are:
- Errol Lawson – Chair
- Julie Taylor
- Andy Winmill
- Sue McGrady
- Catherine Preece
- Sarah Williams
- Simon Bolwell
- Stephen Corfield
- James Davies
- Rajinder Mann
- Jenny Smallman
The Ambassadorial Advisory Group can be contacted via Carole Hill, PA to Headteacher at email@example.com
Chair of the Ambassadorial Advisory Group:
c/o North Birmingham Academy
395 College Road
Interested in becoming an Ambassador?
Are you a parent or carer, involved in business and commerce or a member of our local community or just feel you have something to offer? We would love to hear from you. Please write to email@example.com for assistance.


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A series of Evening Lectures - Introduction to the School of Legerete
A series of evening lectures covering the French Classical system as taught by the former ecuyer of the Cadre Noir Phillipe Karl.
Nikki has been studying and training with Phillipe Karl for the past 6 years. His training is based on the upmost respect for the horse and is a progressive and logical system. From the unbroken horse to high school, these lectures will endeavour to explain the basic concept, how to relate this to your own horse, riding, and use a gadget free horse friendly system.
Here is a link to a student taking her PK instructors exam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXIIo46b2nU. This will give you some idea of the good basic level of work than can be achieved with any horse.
Later in the summer there will be more sessions demonstrating in-hand work and the chance to train in this field yourself.
To express an interest in these sessions please email Nikki - firstname.lastname@example.com
Please label your email PK lectures.
Lecture duration 1 and half hours. Cost per evening lecture £20
If all four lectures are attended a discount will be applied.


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The X-ray image sensor market trend is to move away from analog based silver films to Digital technologies with computed radiography (CR) and Direct digital Radiography (DR) based on Flat Panel Detector. The DR penetration rate depends on the market segment. The main drivers for DR market penetration are ultra low operational cost, lower X-ray dose, higher throughput, superb image quality and no chemical waste, while the main restraints limiting DR penetration are the investment costs of the systems and a low mechanical robustness against impacts compared to film.
LORIX will strengthen DR market penetration by developing new organic based sensors lowering the overall system cost, providing higher mechanical and environmental robustness. The LORIX innovative action will bring the organic X-ray sensor technologies from Lab validation to Fab demonstration for three different market segments: Security, Health and industrial Non Destructive Testing.


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Choosing a Summer Camp
As school lets out and summer begins, kids across the country are gearing up for summer camp. Children with diabetes have some special needs to keep in mind when choosing a summer camp.
Diabetes or Non Diabetes Camp?
The first question to address is whether your child wants to attend a diabetes camp or a "regular" summer camp. Be sure to tell your child that a diabetes camp isn't a school setting where they just learn about diabetes - it's a summer camp where they will take part in regular camp activities like swimming, hiking and drama.
The difference is that they will be with other children with diabetes, staff with diabetes, and trained medical staff who are experts in diabetes care.
Many children also start at a diabetes camp to become more comfortable away from home before branching out to another camp.
Things to Consider
Whether you are considering a diabetes or regular camp, here are some things to keep in mind.
- Make sure the camp is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA). This assures that the camp has adequate medical staff and safety precautions.
- If you are considering a diabetes camp, ask if they follow the guidelines from The American Diabetic Association for diabetes camps.
- Talk extensively with the medical director. Ask how often blood glucose levels are checked, how they handle changes in insulin dosages, and what is done in emergency situations.
Parents and children should visit summer camps under consideration, if possible, three times, before choosing.
- When camp is not in session. This is a good opportunity to meet the camp director, medical director, and tour the facilities.
- Open House. This allows both parents and child to get an idea of how the camp is run, both programmatically and medically.
- Most importantly, when camp is in session. This provides an opportunity to view (and possibly participate in) regular camp activities.
The most important factor is that you and your child feel comfortable with any camp, whether it is diabetes-specific or otherwise.
Take your time, visit, and ask questions, and your child can have a safe and fun summer experience
Related Links
Page last updated: September 20, 2019


text: I am Naomi Stafford. I am from Holland, Michigan. I recently graduated from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, IN where I studied to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. I am one of 8 kids. I am a daughter of The King, and I do this for Him. I love all things outdoors and active. My dream is to live out west someday so I can hike and ski all the time. I love to smile and laugh. If I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life it would probably be fruit snacks or tacos. I never ever thought I'd be shooting weddings, but here I am, and I LOVE it. I am an introvert and photography is the most extroverted thing I have done in my life, prooving that there is so much JOY to be found outside of the comfort zone! Can't wait to meet you, friend!