text:
Pathfinder pbp: Howl of the Carrion King
Posted 08 November 2010 - 05:23 PM
Part 1 of the Pathfinder Adventure Path: Legacy of Fire
Adventure by Erik Mona
Various artwork that might be inserted into the adventure done by the following: David Bircham, Jeff Carlisle, Concept Art House, Tyler Walpole, Svetlin Velinov, and Kevin Yan
GM: haldir(me of course)
Vil-hatarn: human Rogue
Talespinner: human Fighter
Kreve Lavelle: human Oracle
Qwyksilver: Sorceror (with Djini bloodline)
WanderingChild: human witch
The setting for this adventure will be:
As far as the expedition, you've all been hired by a semi-mysterious merchant-princess named Almah Roveshki. She being a mystery as you've never met her, nor have you heard of her. The only contact you've had is with her major domo, Garavel, a Garundi male. Acting on her behalf, he has said they you will all be paid handsomely for your participation. as his employer need strong able bodies, as she is cleaning up a mess in a small town north of here. Here, being the town of Solku, a town not the size of Katapesh but still a popular trade destination + pilgrims flock to the Sarenrae's Lambent Citadel, a sacred holy site dedicated to the goddess, Sarenrae, goddess of the sun & redemption.
The town has been besieged by gnolls in the area, but recently they have slowed their attacks, some think the gnolls are preparing for something major, such as all out war on the walled city. The nearby small fort of Fort Longjaw, stand ready to bolster the towns defenses.
You all have been together for about a week probably more before Garavel even came up to you offered employment, that's up to you) into the journey of the caravan of camels (each of you are on a camel, but it belongs to the caravan) & other supplies heading to a destination in the northern scrubland of Katapesh, called Sultan's Claw. The caravan travels at night as the days have been hot (it is the summer season). Early evening brings the pale outline of a large mountain looming like a giant tombstone in the haze to the West, Pale Mountain, Katapesh's highest peak. Also mostly avoided by travelers as it infested with gnolls.
"Not far now." Garavel says to the party, as he wipes his eyes clean of blowing sand with the side of his keffiyeh.
The older man hasn't said much about his employer or the job that requires "clean up" during the journey, he mostly has kept to himself. Only saying when the party will stop & go & other menial tasks regarding the caravan. Luckily the party hasn't encountered any gnoll parties, apparently the Fort Longjaws patrols have kept the area free of those, but your not sure how well your luck will hold this far from civilization thou.
Feel free to discuss what your character looks like, relationships to the other players he/she might have (Again, you've been out here in the desert for a week + the time in Solku & abroad before the adventure even starts). So you've gotten to know each other at least for a week.
Oh what the hell--
ReaperCon goer since 2005!
"The Road Goes Ever On......
"Lop that mutt's nards off spike! " orcsoul
Posted 09 November 2010 - 02:07 PM
Day break:
- Help in breaking down the caravan for the rest period of the day.
- Set up his tent.
- Eats whatever meal the caravan provides at end of day.
- Finds a quiet spot away from others where he can go through the martial training exercises that his father taught him.
- Retires to his tent to sleep (He sleeps in his armor; refer to the Endurance feat).
- Takes his turn at watch or sleeps as required.
- Wakes and washes, minimally.
- Eats the evening meal.
- Restocks his water skins
- Helps break the camp and get everything going again.
- Takes his position as an outlier guard.
- Rides his post, staying clear of lights so as to not ruin his night vision in the open desert
As for Garavel's employment offer, it would depend on the following:
- Will his current contract be over before Garavel's commences?
- What are the terms of the new contract, i.e., length of service, expected duties, etc...
- What is the compensation/expected compensation?
- Other benefits of the contract, such as room and board, armory service, water, mounts, etc...
Others in camp would see Dru as a withdrawn person who rarely speaks. When he does, it is usually monosyllabic and only enough to convey what he needs to convey. He is a hard worker and likes to help others with whatever physical chores they may have for him to complete, so long as it doesn't interfere with his duties to the caravan.
Posted 09 November 2010 - 04:13 PM
Those who have spoken to him find him friendly and kind-hearted, but tight-lipped about his past or what he's doing with the caravan.
Ask me about CAV 2.
deviantArt: painted miniatures and occasional miscellaneous artwork.
Vil's Workshop: commentary and content for RPGs and wargames of all varieties.
Posted 11 November 2010 - 01:59 PM
Also, there is just 1 guard with Garavel along with the party in this caravan. He doesn't say much either, but he does keep a stern eye on the party.
Oh what the hell--
ReaperCon goer since 2005!
"The Road Goes Ever On......
"Lop that mutt's nards off spike! " orcsoul
Posted 12 November 2010 - 06:32 AM
Garavel doesn't say much but he always refers back to his Highness, Lady Almah. She will reward the party for their work, he is only her messenger. She will provide all the details needed for the job at hand.
Also, there is just 1 guard with Garavel along with the party in this caravan. He doesn't say much either, but he does keep a stern eye on the party.
Then I shall tentatively accept the offer, pending more information from the Lady.
Posted 12 November 2010 - 08:34 AM
Ask me about CAV 2.
deviantArt: painted miniatures and occasional miscellaneous artwork.
Vil's Workshop: commentary and content for RPGs and wargames of all varieties.
Posted 18 November 2010 - 08:21 PM
"Not far now, Sultan's Claw & her ladyship Princess Almah." in a slighty cheery voice, or at least cheerier then usual.
The camel caravan travels over the hill & upon reaching the summit, you see in the distance, the Sultan's Claw. A craggy tree with 5 immense leaf-less branches that resembles a giant hand in a claw-like grip. You also see a 6 wagons & massive tent clustered around it. As you reach the bottom you see there is also a open pen with camels, goats & other livestock in it, thou there is a bunch that has escaped the pen, a old man & couple other people run around trying to catch the loose animals.
What is causing the commotion is obvious, one of the wagon is ablaze! There are people trying to put out the flames. Various people are running with buckets of water to try & put the flame out. You can make out the burning wagon as it looks different then the others. It's a brightly painted purple wooden wagon with gold moons & stars painted on it. Also there is a door that is on the back (it resembles a gypsy wagon). A plume of smoke rises from the open back door.
As the party approaches the camp, something floats out of the back of the burning wagon like a someone just grabbed a large sheet of paper & fanned it in your direction. These are small rectangle objects, one slightly burning floats toward Ranieer, the oracle, it hits him in the chest & drops to the ground. It's a playing card, the image on the card is of a twisting cyclone. The card succumbs to the fire on it & burns away into ash.
Something explodes in the distance, drawing yourself from the card, it's the tree, Sultan's Claw it is ablaze!
Suddenly the flap of the tent opens & a regal looking woman, who can only be Almah. She is dressed in a long white robe with gold accents starts shouting & pointing at the wooden wagon--
"Douse that fire!"
She also sees the tree is on fire,
"Douse the flame on the Claw as well, before it spreads to the other wagons!"
You can see she is looking around & shouting out commands,
"Round up the livestock!"
As she is looking around she eyes the party & Garavel,
"Ah, Garavel! You've returned, & just a moment later than the nick of time, as usual."
You see she is now looking at the party, she says
"Find a way to help!"
(& away we go!)
Oh what the hell--
ReaperCon goer since 2005!
"The Road Goes Ever On......
"Lop that mutt's nards off spike! " orcsoul
Posted 18 November 2010 - 08:45 PM
Handle Animal 10+3 = 13
Ask me about CAV 2.
deviantArt: painted miniatures and occasional miscellaneous artwork.
Vil's Workshop: commentary and content for RPGs and wargames of all varieties.
Posted 22 November 2010 - 08:30 AM
Dru assesses the situation (Wis Check: 17 + 0 = 17)
If he thinks he can approach it and pull it away, he will try that, yelling for any around to help him (Str Check: 11 + 4 = 15).
If not, follow the lead of any who are dousing the fires. Perhaps grab a shovel from the caravan supply wagon and start shoveling sand onto the fire.
He also has Endurance which should help him withstand being near the heat, for a little while at least.
Posted 22 November 2010 - 04:59 PM
You rush over to the where most of the animals have gathered. There is a old man & a middle aged woman try & herd the various frightened animals back into the pen. You rush over to a camel, you try to bring it back to the pen, but the animals skirts away from you & goes further away from the pen.
You move toward the burning wagon, Garavel moves toward the burning wagon as well. You see various men & women dressed in a distinctive red chitin-plate armor (the armor of the Pactmaster Guard) moving about with buckets of water from anther wagon with a large wooden barrel, 20 feet away, throwing it onto the wagon. Their efforts aren't quenching the flames as the wagon is totally engulfed right now. The bucket brigade might work if more people were in line to help quench the fire.
You don't think moving the wagon would be a wise idea right about now, it appears to be a total loss.
As you look at the situation thou, you do see anther wagon, this one with a large canvas covering some crates, barrels & other various goods that are probably vital to the camp/expedition that if not moved could go up in flames. You see 4 mercenaries trying to move it. You rush in to help them, using your added strength, you help push it far enough away that any random sparks flying from the wagon will not reach it. The mercs are thankful for the help. One is smelly fellow with long hair & wears ragged clothing. The man reeks like he has taken a bath in weeks. As he walks away, you notice a slight limp.
Situation at the camp (this is what is going on)
Gypsy like wagon is engulfed in flames, burning badly.
Animals are frightened & are out of their pen.
Sultan's Claw (the tree) is on fire. Potential for spreading the fire more throughout the camp, but not a priority, at least compared to the burning wagon.
There are 2 people, a man & woman lying down on the ground, there is old man kneeling down tending to 1 of them, the man. Both are in pain due to being burned by blazing wagon. You do see the woman appears to be dying from her wounds, but the old man is busy with the man trying to stablize him.
Oh what the hell--
ReaperCon goer since 2005!
"The Road Goes Ever On......
"Lop that mutt's nards off spike! " orcsoul
Posted 23 November 2010 - 10:57 AM
Posted 29 November 2010 - 09:37 PM
Yuko-san is dressed in a full-length black gown with long flowing sleeves, decorated with hundreds of detailed shimmering butterflies. Teal beads encrust the silver sash around her wait. Her long black hair is wrapped around a large intricate hairpiece, also dripping strands of teal beads. A large, decorated necklace wraps itself around her shoulders and frames her face. In one hand she carries a tall staff, and in the other, a long smoking pipe.
Posted 29 November 2010 - 09:39 PM
Handle Animal 15+3 = 18
Ask me about CAV 2.
deviantArt: painted miniatures and occasional miscellaneous artwork.
Vil's Workshop: commentary and content for RPGs and wargames of all varieties.
Posted 01 December 2010 - 10:24 AM
He places the saddle bags and small pack on the camel and pulls the hood over his face to fasten the cloth portions over his face to protect from sun & sand. He sits with his spear across his lap. He is wearing seemingly new traveling cloths high boots, gloves and a hat with the feather of a rare bird affixed to it, which he stores in one of his saddle bags. He hears a short sword at his waist.
In the week of traveling Raineer is someone who is easy to talk with, jokes and tries to make light of any tense situation. He will do whatever he can not to do any physical work. In fact, when you consider this over that week, you have not seen him do much of anything related to the caravan, unless there was no other way but to help. If a tent needed to be put up in order to sleep in it, he was the absolute last person to help set it up. He has the air of expecting others to do these tasks for him. He is not rude or unkind just expectant of others.
He never leaves the spear further away than a couple feet and he often raises his hand to his chest and fingers something beneath with a distant look. His packs contain light bulky items. He seems to brood on something and overly distracted by something but over the span of the week he seems to master this more and more and become filled with some kind of steely resolve. It is almost frightening to make eye contact with him after he is finished fingering whatever is beneath the clothing of his chest and as quickly as that his expression softens when he realizes something and seems to return to his more pleasant self.
Posted 01 December 2010 - 10:31 AM
He dismounts from the camel and heads toward the tree, as if drawn to it. Walking at first, then jogging and finally running towards it, spear in hand and falls to his knees nearer the tree than is likely safe and spreads his hands wide over head, his right hand still clutching the spear and his left fingers spread wide. He lets out a animalistic primal scream so loud and long is doesn't seem possible after he ran up to the tree. He should be winded.
Then he points the spear at the tree and slowly backs up several paces.
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users


text:
Looking back at pictures from our childhood we often think, "How did I EVER wear that?"—Like it or not, our past is back to haunt us as '90s fashion makes itself very much part of the present. One trend in particular, denim overalls, is popping up in some form or another in all the brands we love to shop. So the question cannot be avoided: will we wear them again? The answer is easier to arrive at than you thought, now that our options have expanded from the OshKosh standard to color-blocked, acid-washed, super-short, and other styles of this infamous one piece. Our answer? Yes! If you're short on cash, don't fret: there are plenty of affordable denim overalls too. Ready to rock this trend? Scroll down and see which pair of overalls is right for you!
1. Madewell Chambray Coveralls ($145) – buy it at Madewell.
2. Shakuhachi Patch Overalls ($206) — buy it at Pretty Pennies.
3. True Religion Bridgette Boyfriend Overall Shorts ($250) — buy it at Revolve Clothing.
4. Replay Denim Overall (on sale $59) — buy it at Yoox.
5. Forever 21 Destroyed Denim Overall Shorts ($28) — buy it at Forever 21.
6. Free People Taverniti Overall Shorts (on sale $140) — buy it at Free People.
—Elyssa Linden
Tags: '90s fashion, Denim of Virtue, Denim Overalls, Forever 21, free people, Madewell, overall shorts, Replay, Replay Jeans, Shakuhachi, summer denim trend, True Religion

subset: commoncrawl


text:
(CBS) You go to the gym to get in shape. But if you aren't careful, that trip to the fitness club could be hazardous to your health.
"Early Show" Consumer Correspondent Susan Koeppen notes that more than 45 million Americans belong to health clubs.
She said, "That adds up to a lot of dirt and sweat, and as we found out — a lot of germs. They say no pain no gain, but when you go to your local gym you want to get fit not infected."
And all those weights, bikes and barbells can be loaded with germs.
Shelby Hoff, of Naperville, Ill., knows. She picked up methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at her local gym.
Hoff told CBS News, "I never thought that working out could cause a life-threatening infection. … At one my point my arm got so big, my skin burst and shed like a snake."
So could a trip to the gym put you at risk? Koeppen and her team wanted to find out what was lurking on gym equipment — so we swabbed surfaces at four major gym chains in New York City.
They sent their samples to Sanipure, a Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture certified lab.
Ron Schnitzer, the lab director, said of the samples, "We had astronomical total bacteria counts in the many millions on just about every surface examined."
Schnitzer says the tests also found E. coli. The highest numbers came from a mat at one gym and a shower at another.
Schnitzer says at every location, Koeppen's team found pseudomonas, which can cause a nasty rash. The highest concentration was in a shower.
But Schnitzer says perhaps the most disturbing finding was the staph aureus detected on a locker room bench. He says that's an indicator some people could be at risk for contracting MRSA.
Schnitzer said, "We don't want to see staph aureus because that's an infection."
The National Athletic Trainers Association just announced new guidelines for preventing skin diseases at gyms, including using new towels for each wipe down and cleaning equipment before and after every use.
And gyms across the country are moving away from the spray bottle with a rag. At a gym in Pittsburgh members are now offered paper towels, and encouraged to use hand sanitizer.
Hoff has healed but still suffers from occasional numbness in her hand.
She says, "There are things out there that you can't see that can harm you and I want people to be able to prevent anything like that from happening to them."
The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association told "The Early Show" maintaining a clean facility and protecting members is a top priority, adding, "It is important for clubs to educate their members about simple ways to increase cleanliness."
To guard against germs, Koeppen added gym patrons should also wash their hands before and after working out with anti-bacterial soap, and also shower with anti-bacterial soap. Additionally, she said people should not only wash their gym clothes, but also their gym bag.
For more information on MRSA, go to MRSA Survivors.org.
Source (article): CBS


text:
Outrage-Off: Tennessee Mayor Charlie Brown Jesus vs. Fox News
We're a Christian nation with a Muslim president who hates Charlie Brown. It's outrageous. The only solution is more outrage, in the form of outrageous right-wing idiot statements. Today's outrage-off: a Jesus-fearing Tennessee mayor vs. Fox News and News Corp.
Candidate #1: Arlington, Tennessee mayor Russell Wiseman, who took to his Facebook page with a message of despair upon learning that Obama's speech had trumped Charlie Brown, on the teevee. We'll just blockquote this thoroughly worthwhile Commercial Appeal story:
"Ok, so, this is total crap, we sit the kids down to watch 'The Charlie Brown Christmas Special' and our muslim president is there, what a load.....try to convince me that wasn't done on purpose. Ask the man if he believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and he will give you a 10 minute disertation (sic) about it....w...hen the answer should simply be 'yes'...."...
In Wiseman's extensive thread that attacked the president, his supporters and Muslims, he stated "...you obama people need to move to a muslim country...oh wait, that's America....pitiful."
At another point he said, "you know, our forefathers had it written in the original Constitution that ONLY property owners could vote, if that has stayed in there, things would be different........"
No further comment. Contestant #2: News Corp! Which just bought a 10% stake in Rotana, a media company owned by Saudi Prince Waleed. Why the outrage? Well after September 11, you see, various Fox News commentators were outraged at Waleed! Because he suggested that maybe US foreign policy had something to do with the attacks. So NYC rejected a $10 million check from him. Media Matters has some choice quotes:
Bill Sammon: "[I]t's blood money and we're better off without it."
Sean Hannity: Al-Waleed's statement was "such an egregious, outrageous, unfair offense that I would have nothing to do with his money either."
Unless that money comes in the form of dividends from media company profits! So, vote for your god damn favorite. [Pic via]


text:
En español | The experts can't repeat it enough: The best ammunition to reduce your risk for cancer is a healthy diet packed with superfoods. Arm your kitchen with the top cancer-fighting ingredients, and try these flavorful recipes your family will enjoy.
Arugula Salad With Apple, Grapes, Quinoa and Toasted Walnuts
Serves 4
For the dressing:
- 1 teaspoon toasted ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the salad
- 1-1/2 cups packed arugula, rinsed and dried
- 1 cup packed baby spinach, rinsed and dried
- 1/2 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (regular or red), cooled
- 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds
- 3 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts
- 1 cup seedless grapes (red and green mixed), cut in half
- 1 medium apple, quartered, cored and diced
- In a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients and mix well.
- In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients.
- Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss to mix well and serve immediately.
Nutrients per serving: 244 calories, 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium
Curried Broccoli With Tomatoes, Garlic and Coconut Milk
Serves 4
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped or diced tomatoes
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoons mild curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or less to taste)
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can light coconut milk
- Half a lemon
- Steamed rice, for serving
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until the onions are just soft but not browned, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes more.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for about 3 minutes, until they begin to soften.
- Add the broccoli, carrots and cilantro. Cook for about 1 minute more.
- Add the curry powder, salt and coconut milk and mix well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until all the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Just before serving, sprinkle some lemon juice over the meal.
- Serve hot over steamed rice.
Nutrients per serving (not including rice): 164 calories, 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 9g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium


text:
In the grand scheme of Coachella style round-ups being posted on our favorite blogs this week (ours is coming along too, stay tuned!), we were happy to stumble upon the number one trend noted by Fashionista of the festive tiny dancers and PYT's roaming the grassy plains all weekend:
"Denim cut-offs aren't going anywhere. Yes the reign of the shredded, itty-bitty shorts continue. We can't say we're upset!" —Fashionista
We can't say we're upset either. Images via Fashionista: Check out their Coachella trend roundup!
Check out our round-up of cut-off shorts for spring/summer if you haven't already. You're bound to find something that suits your festive summer style.
—Michelle Christina Larsen
Tags: coachella, cut off shorts, denim shorts, denim trends spring 2011, fashionista


text:
The Chuppers (UNM Electric Ensemble)
The Chuppers are sound & video contraptions put together from various components that offer unique and hands-on "instruments" for creative inspiration. At the Mini Maker Faire, there will be a Diorama Chupper that will allow folks to stage a miniature "set" and with cameras and video mixer, insert their face in the scene, taking their own Chupper portrait, which will be emailed to them immediately. We will also have some audio Chuppers for all to manipulate to provide sound ambiance.
Follow them on Facebook


text:
Three tries from Richie Gray, James Gaskell and Mark Cueto gave Sale a crucial Aviva Premiership victory over Worcester on Friday.
Three tries from Richie Gray, James Gaskell and Mark Cueto gave Sale a crucial 33-27 Aviva Premiership victory over Worcester on Friday.
The Sharks have been rooted to the foot of the table since the start of the campaign but they dug deep to claim a precious victory in a fraught encounter at a windswept Salford City Stadium.
The result lifted Sale to within one point of second-bottom London Irish and encouraged hopes that survival is within their grasp.
Fly-half Danny Cipriani was steadily influential throughout and claimed a 18-point haul after being dropped for his side's defeat at London Wasps in their previous outing.
He kicked four penalties and converted tries from Richie Gray, James Gaskell and England winger Mark Cueto, whose touchdown saw him draw level with former Sale team-mate Steve Hanley's all-time Premiership try-scoring record of 75.
With the wind at their backs, Worcester opened the scoring in the fifth minute when former England international Andy Goode converted his first penalty.
He added two more in quick succession to increase the visitors' lead to 9-0 after 13 minutes before Sale finally responded in the 21st minute.
They won their first line-out and forced Worcester back towards their own line before towering forward Gray touched down under a pack of bodies.
Cipriani converted to cut Worcester's lead to just two points and the pendulum swung firmly in Sale's favour.
Yet Worcester claimed their first try in the 27th minute when Matt Kvesic's simple offload sent fellow flanker Neil Best burrowing over the line from close range. Goode converted with ease to put Worcester 16-7 ahead but the visitors lost full-back Chris Pennell to the sin-bin 10 minutes before the break for holding down.
Three minutes before half-time, and with Worcester down to 14 men, Sale hauled themselves back into the game with a well-worked try.
They won a line-out on the left flank, switched play to the right corner before Cipriani and hooker Marc Jones combined to send Gaskell over unopposed inside the left channel.
Cipriani converted to leave the scores neatly poised at 16-14 in Worcester's favour at half-time, an advantage extended two minutes after the break when Goode kicked his fourth penalty.
Worcester were reduced to 14 men again in the 45th minute as Walker was then sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on and Cipriani kicked the resultant penalty. He then landed a penalty from almost 50 metres to put Sale ahead for the first time in the 54th minute before Goode missed from distance moments later.
Sale replacement Fraser McKenzie was then sin-binned within a minute of his introduction for flattening Semisi Taulava and Goode kicked the penalty to edge Worcester back in front.
However, Sale struck a decisive blow in the 59th minute when Gray's astute offload found Richie Vernon and he cleverly sent Cueto scampering over in the left corner.
Cipriani landed a fine conversion to put Sale 27-22 ahead before Goode missed a relatively straightforward penalty.
Cipriani then kicked two more penalties with aplomb before a scrappy late try in the right corner from replacement Aleki Lutui – which Goode failed to convert – gave Worcester a deserved losing bonus point.
The scorers:
For Sale Sharks:
Try: Gray, Gaskell, Cueto
Pens: Cipriani 4
Con: Cipriani 3
Yellow Card: McKenzie
For Worcester:
Try: Best, Kvesic
Pens: Goode 5
Cons: Goode
Yellow Cards: Pennell, Walker
Sale: 15 Rob Miller, 14 Tom Brady, 13 Johnny Leota, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Mark Cueto, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Cillian Willis, 8 Richie Vernon, 7 David Seymour (capt), 6 James Gaskell, 5 Kearnan Myall, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Eifion Lewis-Roberts, 2 Marc Jones, 1 Ross Harrison.
Replacements: 16 Aston Croall, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Tony Buckley, 19 Fraser McKenzie, 20 James Doyle, 21 Dwayne Peel, 22 Corne Uys, 23 Cameron Shepherd.
Worcester Warriors: 15 Chris Pennell, 14 Nikki Walker, 13 Alex Grove, 12 Josh Matavesi, 11 David Lemi, 10 Andy Goode, 9 Paul Hodgson, 8 Semisi Taulava, 7 Matt Kvesic, 6 Neil Best, 5 Chris Jones, 4 James Percival (c), 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ed Shervington, 1 Ceri Jones.
Replacements: 16 Aleki Lutui, 17 Rob O'Donnell, 18 John Andress, 19 Dean Schofield, 20 Sam Betty, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 Danny Gray, 23 Jon Clarke.


text:
Request for Proposal
Emery School District is now requesting proposals for a 2-3 year tree
care project at Castle Dale Elementary. Must field verify proposed
treatment, duration, and location. Contractors must be participants
of Federal "E-Verify System". Mandatory Walk-Through will be held on
Thurs. April 12 beginning at 9 a.m. at Castle Dale Elementary.
Proposals will be accepted until 11 a.m. on Thurs. April 26, 2012.
Bid opening will be Thursday, April 26 at 12 noon at the Emery School
Board Office at 120 North Main in Huntington.
Questions and Bids may be directed to:
Kerry Lake or Irene Allred
855 No. 155 West
Castle Dale, UT 84513-1297
Phone: (435) 381-5280
Emery School District reserves the right to reject any or all
proposals and to waive any informality or irregularity in any proposal
received. Owner reserves the right to accept or reject the lowest
responsible proposal.
Published in the Emery County Progress March 6 and 13, 2012.


text:
Stainless Steel Black Onyx Fleur De Lis Ring is crafted from quality 316L surgical grade stainless steel. The perfect ring for any style. Stainless Steel jewelry for men. The unique designs range from classic to contemporary to edgy and urban.
Receive offers and be in-the-know about special events and new products when you sign up.


text:
Brought to you by Steve Strauss
July 2012
Your Big Break
Summertime is a time for daydreaming, and who better to daydream than an entrepreneur, or would-be entrepreneur? After all, businesses are the stuff dreams are made of. People don't start a business without a dream, but in my estimation, that is too often where the vision ends, even though it should probably be where it begins.
If you don't dream big, if you don't Think Big, your business very likely won't get big. It is as simple as that. Big dreams set the table for big breaks.
Example: Steve was a 21-year-old kid who loved movies. The trouble was, he had no contacts at all in Hollywood. Although he tried to set up meetings and start his career, he had no luck whatsoever. Undeterred, one day, Steve sneaked onto a major studio's back lot, walked into the office tower, and found an empty office. Call it what you will – brash, bold, chutzpah, whatever – but young Steve decided to make that empty office his own. He had a nameplate made, set up some files, and went to "work" there everyday.
No one ever said a thing.
Each day, Steve would call studio executives and talk to them about this sharp new kid they had on the lot. Each day he got rejected. Undeterred, Steve finally got a television producer interested enough to want to meet him. Steve met and impressed the man and was offered a chance to direct a half-hour episode of Night Gallery, which, two years later, led to a motion picture offer.
Summer would never be the same again after Steven Spielberg invented the summer blockbuster with that movie, Jaws, and ended up changing movie-making history in the process.
In my life, my big break came the day when, while unhappily slaving away in the big law firm, I received the following letter:
"Dear Mr. Strauss, A while back, you wrote to us proposing a series of small legal guides for the layman. Have you done anything with that idea? We might be interested. Please call me at your earliest convenience. Very truly yours,
Starling Lawrence
"Dear Mr. Strauss,
A while back, you wrote to us proposing a series of small legal guides for the layman. Have you done anything with that idea? We might be interested. Please call me at your earliest convenience.
Very truly yours,
Now, mind you that I had never had a single thing published at that point, but that had not stopped me from thinking and dreaming big and trying to get a book deal.
I had no idea who Starling Lawrence was, but with a name like that, he had to be important. I called him the next day and we ended up having a great chat and he turned out to be a wonderful man. Here I was, a thoroughly unpublished, second year lawyer and this big New York publisher was interested in having me write not one, but four books. That letter, and that daydream, changed my life.
So this summer, amid all of your to-do lists, your ever-burgeoning inbox, and family plans, let's not forget to slow down, look at some big billowing clouds, and daydream a bit about what could be.
Because the evidence is, it is what can be.
Summer Fun
I bet the thing most of us miss most about school is summer vacation. I know that for me, even now, 20 years after my last bit of formal education, I still have a little pang of jealousy when I see kids riding their bikes freely down the street as I drive off to the office.
Of course there still are ways to juggle the work, fun, vacation, and dress issues that routinely come up this time of year while still enjoying the warmer weather. But it is definitely a balancing act.
For instance, now that casual Friday seems to have become casual everyday, the question arises: How casual is too casual? And that is a dilemma that seems to become especially acute in the summer months. Are flip-flops OK? What about shorts? Yes, it is true that the casual look is becoming more and more acceptable in the work place, but it is also true that work is called 'work' for a reason. It's not called play.
But that doesn't mean that everyone can't have a good time too. I have a friend who is one of the hardest working guys I know. From September through May, he takes no vacation at all. But come June, he has accumulated plenty of vacation time and he uses it wisely. He takes a lot of three-day weekends, for example. And instead of taking three weeks off in a row, he takes a week off each month for three months in a row. By September, he is refreshed and ready to sue again.
I think his is a smart plan. If you can allow staff some extra time off, maybe some three-day weekends here or there, do so. They will appreciate it and usually make it worth your while. The important thing to remember is that as long as their job gets done and they remain a valuable commodity to the business, a little extra time off should be no problem. If you are willing to work around their schedules a bit, they will surely be willing to work around yours.
Another way to make the summer more enjoyable is to organize some extra-curricular work activities. For example:
- If you have never had a group picnic, it might behoove you to organize one, and invite the families along
- Have a girls-night-and/or boys-night out once a month
- Go to the ballgame together
- Close the office down for a day here and there and have everyone do a volunteer project together
The idea is to break things up a little bit. It's good for morale, its good for employees, and its good for you. Soon enough, we will all be cocooning again around the fireplace, so now is a great time to change the pace.
Wellness In the Workplace
Even though the Supreme Court has ruled on Obamacare, it is still very difficult to say whether the law really is going to begin to curb healthcare costs, and even if so, when. And yet, of all the various issues that small businesses deal with, the high cost of health care has to rank among the most important. So that then begs the question: What, if anything, can you do?
Well, here is an idea that I would like to suggest that really makes a lot of sense, especially in these warmer summer months: Wellness programs. These innovative programs are a great way to both keep healthcare costs down and also bring morale up.
Wellness programs are on the increase throughout the country. According to a recent survey I saw, more than 80% of businesses with 50 or more employees have some form of health/wellness programs. The most popular types are:
- Exercise and weight loss
- Stress reduction
- Stopping-smoking, and
- Back care
Needless to say, these programs are popular among employees for obvious reasons, but that such wellness programs positively affect the bottom line has made them maybe even more popular with small business owners and management.
Businesses that have adopted such programs especially like the savings in insurance premiums and time lost due to sickness. For example, at Berk-Tec, a manufacturing plant employing 1,000 people, a wellness program reduced health care costs in one year by 18%. Or consider the city in California that offered back health classes and fitness training. Worker's comp claims went down, and so did medical costs and sick days related to back injuries.
So the medical cost savings to your business resulting from having health and wellness programs are quite real. And yet even so, the benefits go beyond money savings and include higher productivity, reduced absenteeism, less injuries, and greater morale.
So, how would you implement a wellness program in your workplace?
Start by picking someone to coordinate the program. This obviously needs to be someone enthusiastic about health and exercise. If your business is big enough, you may even want to create a wellness committee. They then need to come up with a sensible budget for the program. But remember, every dollar spent should save you more than that down the road.
Next: the person or people in charge need to decide upon the goals of the program and which types of classes might be the most popular. Summer hikes are great, as are other outdoor activities. Consider also offering healthier food and snacks, bringing in speakers, and having health-oriented contests.
Some employees may be resistant to your new efforts, while others will be excited. That's OK. The important thing is to make the program fun, educational, and flexible. Do that, and watch your workplace - and healthcare budget - change in a variety of healthy ways.
In Praise of Spouses
Early summer is the traditional time when we as a nation honor moms with Mother's Day and dads with Father's Day. But we in the small business world know that if we were creating holidays, there would be one more person we would want to acknowledge: Spouses. Husbands. Wives. Girlfriends and boyfriends. Partners.
Long-time readers of this blog know that I like to refer to my dad now and then, as he was the first and best entrepreneur I ever knew. But dad didn't do it alone, just like you don't and just like I don't. Dad had a great, if to all outwards appearances silent, partner: Mom.
But I didn't know it at the time. Back then, when I was growing up, I remember my mom saying how she and my dad had created that businesses and grew it together. Being young and arrogant, I always humored mom when she said that, but in my heart I figured that it was really my dad who built that business.
That is, of course, until I grew up.
I have started and run several businesses over the past twenty years or so, and if it wasn't for my sweet wife, I could not have done it, or at least not nearly as well.
I have this pet theory: I think every great cuisine has a 'secret ingredient' that gives that food its unique flavor. For Chinese food, it is sesame oil. Mexican food? Cilantro. What I now know, what I didn't know when I was a young boy listening to my mom, is that a spouse, be it a husband, wife, partner, or significant other, is often the secret ingredient in the recipe that makes for a great small business.
This is true for all sorts of reasons.
First of all, the vast majority of small businesses are run by intrepid solopreneur, self-employed people. These may be sole proprietors or freelancers or even LLCs, but whatever the case, it is usually a situation where one-person wears a lot of hats, and that is where a mate comes in. If the good news about working alone is that there is no one to report to or to bug you, the bad news is that you end up in a vacuum where it is hard to get perspective. For many people, it is their spouse who becomes their trusted advisor and sounding board.
Another reason a partner is so important to any small businessperson is that they can be more frank with you than probably anyone else. Is that idea as great as you think? Maybe, but maybe not, and certainly your spouse will tell you why.
Additionally, the advice you get from them will likely be unique: While mates usually do not know our businesses as well as we do, that can also be a blessing. By discussing business issues with a 'layman', you get a perspective that can at times be invaluable.
And of course, your spouse keeps the home fires burning. We all know that starting and running a small business is a major commitment. Having a supportive partner can make things easier by taking care of some extra household duties, especially in the first few years of the business when the time commitment to the business is usually the worst.
Finally, a great mate can help boost morale when it is needed, and cheer you on when things are going well.
So, although my dear, sweet mom is no longer with us, I would still like to say, "You were right, mom. You did help build that business." And to all of the great spouses out there (including mine) who help we entrepreneurs live the dream, I would like to say thank you very, very much.
We couldn't do it without you.


text:
Creole Corn Bread RecipeRead Reviews Be the first to add a review
5 1 3
Corn bread is a staple of Cajun and Creole cuisine. This is an old favorite that I found in the bottom of my recipe drawer, and it really tastes wonderful.
Recommended: 20 Classic Comfort Food Dinners
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 to 2 tablespoons seeded chopped jalapeno peppers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 can (16-1/2 ounces) cream-style corn
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Additional cornmeal
- In a large bowl, combine rice, cornmeal, onion, peppers, salt and baking soda.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, milk and oil. Add corn; mix well. Stir into rice mixture until blended. Fold in cheese. Sprinkle a well-greased 10-in. ovenproof skillet with cornmeal. Pour batter into skillet.
- Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until bread tests done. Cut into wedges and serve warm. Yield: 12 servings.
Editor's Note: Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.
Originally published as Creole Corn Bread in Country December/January 1995, p49
Reviews for Creole Corn Bread
Please Log In or Join to add a rating and review.
Click stars to rate
Any changes to your rating or review will appear where you originally posted your review
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2013
"made this several times and once for a bbq contest, placed second with it. very good."


text:
By PATSY STODDARDEditor
The annual Relay for Life was held on July 9-10 at the Emery High Track. Event organizer, Cathy Sitterud, and cochair, Debbie Wilson said they more than exceeded their goal of $20,000 for research for a cure for cancer. Teams raised more than $24,000 at the event. Survivors were honored at a ceremony and they took to the track for their survivor's' lap to begin the relay. RP's Diner donated a spaghetti dinner for the participants. The luminary ceremony was held at dusk and Dana Olsen read a poem about honoring those lost to cancer.
Relay Reflections
I am tired. I smell. My feet hurt. My eyes feel like grit, and my head is pounding from lack of sleep...but I am grateful. I have all of my body parts with which I was born. I have all of my hair. I didn't lose my breakfast in a bucket. I can hold my children.
My house is a wreck. My car is full of junk. My children are exhausted, hungry and dirty...but I am grateful. I can clean my house and my car. I can bathe my children and feed them supper. I can read them a book and rock them to sleep while filling myself up with their clean little smells and my arms with warmth.
I will collapse in my bed tonight and pray for all the people we raised money for through Relay for Life. And, I will cry for all the people we were too late to help. I will give thanks for every minute of my life and for all the blessings in it.
I never ask myself why I wear myself out raising money for cancer because I know why. It's not for mom, who is a cancer survivor, or for friends who have died from cancer, or even my husband and children. I do it because...I can.
Kay Horton, Carroll County, Ga.


text:
Gucci Leather Wedge Pump
Sorry, this item is sold out!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Item # dsw12prod3790003
Known best for its Italian craftsmanship and elegant style, Gucci is a worldwide legend in designer fashion. With timeless style & iconic appeal, this leather wedge pump is the perfect addition to your shoe collection.
- PLEASE NOTE: For this style, we recommend ordering a ½ size larger than normal
- Leather upper
- Round toe
- Fully lined in leather
- 3¼" wedge heel
- Leather sole
- Made in Italy
- Exclusively at DSW
- View more Women's Gucci Shoes
- Online Exclusive!
By: Motek
Location: Long Island
March 04, 2013
So comfy and in the same time so stylish
"I got them in two colors and love them to death....they are sooooo comfy I don't even feel I am on heels. Such vivid colors, unique and will never go unnoticed."
By: SHRN
Location: Puerto Rico
February 26, 2013
"Love, Love and Love my Lake Blue wedges!!!"These shoes is beautiful , bello and VERY comfortable! Runs true to size.. I am In Love with this shoe, so classy and elegant! I also truly LOVE DSW!!!""
By: onlydesigner
Location: Merrimack, NH
January 30, 2013
must be the color
"Very comfy, true to size, loved the back GG. Problem: I bought brick red in 2 different gucci shoes this one and the nameplate pump---the colors looked a little different, but that was not the problem. The problem was both of these shoes had areas on the shoe where the dye did not take and white showed through---also the back stitching on the heel of this one was sloppy looking. Very disappointing, loved the shoe. I thought of buying a replacement----but as two different style shoes in this color in gucci had the same problem I decided against it. I would be afraid that the dye was just on the very surface and if you got a small scuff it would show stark white like this ones defect. Returned to store and employees were great quick return, they suggesting I call DSW to let them know of the problem so they could address the quality issue. Great customer service."
By: AA528
Location: Denver, CO
January 11, 2013
Brick Red
"Simply stunning, classic and comfortable, match with everything!!"
Click anywhere to close this.


text:
A Yakima man is charged after being arrested on child rape allegations.
Yakima police says 39 year old Travis Padgett was arrested from his home last Thursday night.
Police say Padgett is suspected of having a relationship with a 15 year old boy -- including giving the boy meth and having sex with him.
Officers say the boy went to police and told them he had sex with Padgett over 50 times.
When police searched Padgett's home, they found a 14 year old girl in his basement.
In 2002, a female roommate was shot in the back at Padgett's home in Union Gap.
One of the people arrested from the incident was Jacob Lucey, who made headlines last month after failing to return from a 24-hour furlough.
Yakima police are still at the beginning of their investigation into Padgett's home.
Padgett's bail is set at one million dollars -- he's facing a count of child rape and giving meth to a minor.
He will be arraigned at the beginning of February.


text:
It just went into open beta and i really wanted to try it but i heard there is a IP block on it is there any way to play it?
It just went into open beta and i really wanted to try it but i heard there is a IP block on it is there any way to play it?
Really? you have like 10 MOBA's that you can play, what makes this game any different?
The art style the heroes stuff like that there's over 500 different mmorpgs you don't see people complaining about those tho do you?
people always complain, but you got a point.
If you mean the JP version then good luck. You'll have to get how screwed up their japanese catchas tend to be. If thats easy enough then I'd say try it. If at the very least you can patch the game however the game does it then you should be good. Just don't expect it to not lag like nuts considering you're playing a game in Japan.
I'm already registered for the NA version. Why not try SMITE/DOTA2/HoN/LoL/Dawngate/MarvelHeroes/Strife/GuardiansofMiddleEarth/PrimeWorld??
Last edited by queenvoo; 04-25-2014 at 03:08 PM.
Be warned - I am a major player of Regnum Online the mmo. I've been playing it for about 2 years and rarely go without logging in at least once a day. You can also look at good alternatives to Regnum such ase Aion online and Aika Online.