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We live in an era of "say it enough times, and it becomes the truth." Washington politico-marketers have honed this art into a polished near-science in the last dozen years. Our industry may be beginning to follow that trend.
The dictionary doesn't define the word "spin." The closest word that I can think of to describe it is "specious," which was used for generations to describe something that is semi-factual and one-sided but not accurate.
I can't stand spin. And it is extremely challenging for anyone not to be specious because, after all, we all have our own points of view, our own set of rules, our own truths. But I also think there are times when someone should speak out if speciousness starts to take over, so I guess it's up to me.
The following are a few "spins" that are making me dizzy.
A recent Gallup poll, as reported by one of our stalwart industry magazines, "'paints a surprisingly positive portrait of Americans' fitness profile." The poll's results indicate that 72 percent of all adults engage in vigorous or moderate exercise at least once or twice a week. This was claimed by the publication as great news for our industry. But I looked a little deeper.
This "study" was based on phone interviews with 3,027 adults, which is 0.00001009 percent of our population. Hmmmmmm. Vigorous was described as "lasting at least 20 minutes and causing large increases in breathing or heart rate." Moderate encompassed "walking and gardening." And, was it once a week or twice a week? It seems as though this might make a difference.
Seven out of 10 American adults do either nearly sedentary activity or some kind of exercise that gets their heart rate up for somewhere in the neighborhood of about 40 minutes a week, which is 0.00396 percent of the time. Terrific. Is this a breakthrough or a blockbuster story?
Bally Total Fitness also regularly practices spin. The company's executives reported clear evidence of a turnaround in their deeply troubled company. I listened in on their entire June 28 earnings conference call then read an industry magazine's feature interview with their present chief executive officer. Below are some quotes from the article or the conference call, with my findings.
"I think we've done a good job." They came close to losing the company in a proxy fight. They have better than 2.5 times debt to market cap. They have admittedly aging facilities in many of their markets. They collect about $13 per month per average membership across the board. Do you call that a good job?
"Mergers and Acquisitions Report [notes that] Bally has a market cap of $320 million. [They have] suggested that — assuming a multiple of seven to eight times EBITDA — Bally might be expected to sell for $252 million to $289 million." This is a company that has more than $600 million in debt, is questionable as to how it will pay off that debt from still-limited cash flows, and is apparently being played like a roller coaster by short-term equity traders in the stock market. They are trying to sell off unprofitable regions with no potential buyers, and on the books of record, there is absolutely no stockholder equity. Please tell me how anything but a "fire sale" will result for this outfit?
As several investment company analysts have publicly stated on the Internet, Bally continues to practice spin with its numbers and its numbers reporting. It is similar to a lackluster-service club saying, "Well, we're better than our competitors." In other words, is awful better than abysmal and thus by spinning it, it becomes good?
Finally, at a recent conference/trade show, a noted industry expert was heard to say: "I think this industry is headed in exactly the right direction." Is that so? Right now, there are more than 30,000 clubs and no increase in net memberships for the past 18 months, decreasing market-share-of-members-per-club for the last five years or more and clear evidence of down-pricing and commoditization in most major markets.
Spin, spin, spin. It gives me a headache.
Michael Scott Scudder, a contributing author for Fitness Business Pro, owns and operates MSS FitBiz Connection, an online-based club consulting and training service. Scudder can be reached at 505-690-5974 or email@example.com.


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The Atlantic Computational Excellence Network (ACEnet) has a new staff and is well underway to getting Atlantic Canada's first high performance computing (HPS) facility up and running. Graham Mowbray was recently appointed executive director of ACEnet, along with chief technology officer, Mark Staveley and administrative officer, Debbie Earles. The new ACEnet team has begun the process of getting ACEnet set-up.
Memorial University is the lead institution of the partnership between the University of New Brunswick, Saint Mary's University, St. Francis Xavier University, Dalhousie University, Mount Allison University, and the University of Prince Edward Island. ACEnet was awarded $9.9 million by the Canada Foundation for Innovation in March 2004. When provincial and private sector contributions are finalized, the project will be worth nearly $28 million, including $3 million from the CFI Infrastructure Operating Fund. The group also expects to secure funding to support students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty to augment the scientific capacity of the institutions hosting significant ACEnet resources.
The new ACEnet team is (L-R) Debbie Earles, Graham Mowbray and Mark Staveley
Mr. Mowbray hopes ACEnet will encourage region-wide collaborations among researchers at all Atlantic Canadian universities by establishing several ACEnet Institutes founded around research themes such as computational chemistry, materials physics, and computer science. "ACEnet will create and operate HPC facilities to rival the best in Canada and the world," said Mr. Mowbray. "These facilities will be interconnected by high-speed networks, allowing them to behave as a single, regionally distributed 'computational power grid' of enormous capacity." All infrastructure will be installed at the four host institutions, Memorial, UNB, St. Francis and St. Mary's and will be available to researchers at all seven partner universities. Mr. Mowbray believes an important strength of ACEnet is the active involvement of its science directorate. Dr. Mark Whitmore of Memorial championed the project in the early days and now Dr. Robert Deupree of Saint Mary's is the primary investigator and chair of the science directorate.
Scientific guidance for ACEnet also comes from Dr. David Clarke of Saint Mary's, Dr. John Whitehead of Memorial, Dr. Virendra Bhavsar of UNB and Dr. Peter Poole of St. FX. Mark Staveley, chief technology officer, is responsible for the technical implementation and operation this high performance computing facility. Reporting to the executive director and working closely with the administrative officer and ACEnet's Science Directorate, Mr. Staveley is responsible for overseeing all technical activities and operations.
"Our facilities will enable researchers throughout the region," said Mr. Staveley. "Scientists will now have the resources they need, both people and equipment, to complete research that would otherwise not be able to be completed." The ACEnet administrative officer coordinates the day-to-day administrative function for the ACEnet head office located at Memorial University. ACEnet will also create and operate sophisticated video-teleconferencing facilities to bind together our geographically dispersed research communities. For more on ACEnet, see www.ace-net.ca.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Click Stars To Rate
TITLE: Nami ni chidoriTITLE TRANSLATION: Plovers over waves. CALL NUMBER: FP 2 - JPD, no. 1549 (B size) [P&P]Restricted access; material extremely fragile; please use online digital image. REPRODUCTION NUMBER: LC-DIG-jpd-01815 (digital file from original print) RIGHTS INFORMATION: No known restrictions on publication. SUMMARY: Print shows birds standing on rocks and in flight above waves at the seashore. MEDIUM: 1 print : woodcut, color ; 15.1 x 9.2 cm. CREATED/PUBLISHED: [between 1880 and 1920] NOTES: Title and other descriptive information compiled by Nichibunken-sponsored Edo print specialists in 2005-06. Same as FP 2 - JPD, no. 1546. Format: full color woodblock print. Forms part of: Japanese prints and drawings (Library of Congress). SUBJECTS: Birds--Japan--1880-1920. Beaches--Japan--1880-1920. Seas--1880-1920. FORMAT: Woodcuts Japanese Color 1880-1920. REPOSITORY: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print DIGITAL ID: (digital file from original print) jpd 01815 http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/jpd.01815 CONTROL #: 2008660510
Clker.com is owned by Rolera LLC, 2270 Route 30, Oswego, IL 60543 support\at\clker\dot\com


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Latvia/ 1. Historical perspective: cultural policies and instruments
Author: Baiba Tjarve
During the 20th century Latvia experienced several drastic metamorphoses. These include the creation of an independent state in 1918, two consecutive occupations during the Second World War and the regaining of independence in 1990.
During the first half of the 1990s, Latvia passed through a transition period from a totalitarian to a democratic society that brought forth crucial social, political, and economic changes. These changes resulted in the introduction of democratic processes, administrative reforms, liberalisation of the economy and introduction of a free market, stabilisation of the new political and economic institutions through privatisation of cultural enterprises, decentralisation of cultural processes and introduction of new legislation.
Latvia became a member of UNESCO in 1991, and joined the European Cultural Convention of the Council of Europe in 1992; became a signatory to the Berne Convention in 1995. The Memorandum of Co-operation between Latvia and UNESCO was signed in 1998.
Latvia submitted its application on accession to the European Union in 1995. This marked the beginning of considerable work to implement the necessary procedures and laws as part of the accession process. 2004 Latvia became a member state of the EU.
The first cultural policy document The Main Cultural Policy Proposals of Latvia (1995) outlined the most important tasks of state cultural policy for the first 10 years after regaining Latvian independence, i.e.: not to interfere with the regulation of creative process, simultaneously ensuring favourable conditions and necessary resources for the development of cultural process and cultivation of creative initiative.
The next important document was developed in 2000 – The National Programme Culture.The Programme sets more specific aims and serves as a complex long-term target-programme for the period until 2010. The general cultural priorities defined in this document are: provision of continuity of cultural process and encouragement of the development of new cultural processes in the future; improvement of the cultural administration system and infrastructure; decentralisation of the cultural administrative system; improvements in the cultural financing system and diversification of financial sources; promotion of accessibility and participation in cultural life; development and strengthening the role of cultural education; and encouragement of cultural integration. The Programme comprises descriptions of 10 sub-branches: Cultural heritage; Museums; Libraries; Visual art; Traditional culture and amateur art; Theatre; Music and dance; Literature; Film; Cultural education, which fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture. In many points, the programme Culture was appreciated as an ideal, as important totality of guidelines, yet, it lacked linkage to the economic situation and legal procedures in the country, and it was not always harmonised with other normative acts.
The development of each sphere of culture needed to be reviewed and improved, taking into account the new emphasis and the strategic aims of the national cultural policy. The new document – State Cultural Policy Guidelines (2006 – 2015) – calls for a better integrated approach to the planning and implementation of culture policy.
A new mid-term cultural policy document "Creative Latvia" has been elaborated for the period 2014-2020 that corresponds to the main planning documents at national and EU level. Along with the main document, 15 strategy documents have been elaborated for each of the arts and culture sector (see chapter 2.3). The document was adopted by the government in July 2014.
Chapter published: 08-10-2014


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Look around: There's no shortage of bad ideas. The headlines are full of them. Which
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Sharapova sets up clash with Lisicki
Tennis:Women's top seed Maria Sharapova secured her passage into Wimbledon's second week with a regulation win over Su-Wei Hsieh this afternoon.
The French Open champion broke serve three times in the opening set and then recovered from a break in the first game of the second to take the match 6-1 6-4.
Her reward is a fourth-round meeting with Germany's Sabine Lisicki , the woman she beat at the semi-final stage last year.
Sharapova will need to serve better against the German on Monday, having offered up five double faults today, but her unheralded opponent was rarely in a position to cash in.
When Hsieh did break to go 1-0 up in the second she had already succumbed to a heavy first-set loss, losing serve three out of the four times she had the ball in hand.
The 26-year-old Taiwan player, competing in her fourth Wimbledon singles, did move 4-2 ahead in the second set, but Sharapova quickly broke back and then sped away with the match on a windy Court One.
"She was a tricky opponent," Sharapova said afterwards. "She changed the pace really well and her serve is really tricky. The conditions were tough, I had to face a lot out there and be patient.
"The wind was tricky but I knew I had to handle it."


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Originally published Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 5:28 PM
Halladay struggles, Phillies lose to Braves
Nagged by injury, Roy Halladay had one of his worst starts at the worst time for the Philadelphia Phillies.
AP Sports Writer
Nagged by injury, Roy Halladay had one of his worst starts at the worst time for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Freddie Freeman hit a three-run homer to back Mike Minor and the Atlanta Braves roughed up Halladay to move closer to clinching a postseason berth with an 8-2 victory over Philadelphia on Saturday.
The Phillies fell four games behind the Cardinals for the NL's second wild-card spot with only 10 games remaining. The five-time defending NL East champions had won four in a row and 12 of 15 to get in the race. They also trail Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the wild-card standings.
"We still have a heartbeat, but we're getting in a tough position," manager Charlie Manuel said.
Ryan Howard became the second-fastest player to reach 300 homers, but Halladay (10-8) had the second-shortest outing in his 376 career starts.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner lasted just 1 2-3 innings, allowing seven runs and five hits. Halladay's shortest start was on Sept. 10, 2006, for Toronto against the Los Angeles Angels. He recorded just two outs and left after getting hit on the elbow by a line drive off Garret Anderson's bat.
Halladay wasn't 100 percent for this start. He said he felt spasms behind his shoulder area on Thursday, but was cleared by doctors on Friday.
"I wish I could blame it on this, but I felt like I should compete," he said. "I just didn't do my job as a pitcher."
Halladay expects to make his next start, and said the injury isn't a problem long-term.
"It's definitely not structural," he said.
The win, coupled with Milwaukee's 10-4 loss to Washington, reduced Atlanta's magic number for securing an NL wild-card playoff spot to three. The Braves were up 8 1/2 games through Sept. 5 last year, but went 9-18 down the stretch and were overtaken by St. Louis on the final day of the season.
"I don't want to hear anything about it," manager Fredi Gonzalez said with a smile.
Minor (10-10) gave up two runs and two hits in six innings to win his fourth straight decision. The left-hander has a 1.09 ERA in four starts this month.
"It's just experience and having a better game plan," he said. "You put things in your memory bank."
The Braves remained 5 1/2 games behind the first-place Nationals, making it likely they'll have to settle for a wild-card berth. Considering last season's collapse, securing any playoff spot is quite the accomplishment. It would have been the biggest September meltdown in baseball history except that Boston blew a nine-game lead during the same month.
Howard connected for the fourth straight game, hitting a towering shot off the brick wall in straightaway center in the fourth. He reached No. 300 in his 1,093rd game. Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner hit his 300th homer in his 1,087th game.
Halladay, who missed nearly two months with a strained lat, didn't look right from the start. He walked Michael Bourn to lead off the game, but picked him off. Martin Prado followed with a single and Chipper Jones hit a two-out single.
Freeman then ripped an 0-2 pitch off a billboard on the facing of the second deck in right field. Halladay slammed the resin bag to the ground while Freeman circled the bases.
"The two-out hits were really big," Jones said. "It was a good job by our hitters to take advantage of mistakes."
Halladay has been awful in first innings this year, posting a 5.63 ERA in 24 games. He's allowed 15 runs and 31 hits, including three homers.
It didn't get any better in the second.
Halladay walked two batters, including Prado to load the bases with two outs. Jason Heyward fell behind 1-2 in the count before lining a 78 mph curveball into the right-field corner to clear the bases and make it 6-0.
That ended Halladay's day.
"He didn't have a whole lot," Manuel said. "He had a hard time putting the ball where he wanted it. Just one of those days. Rough day."
Jones greeted Jeremy Horst with an RBI double for a 7-0 lead.
Darin Ruf, who hit 38 homers in Double-A to break Howard's record for single-season homers at Reading, drove in his first career run on a sacrifice fly in the third.
NOTES: Phillies are 8-16 on Saturdays. ... Howard has three homers in 15 at-bats off Minor. ... Cliff Lee (6-7) faces Tim Hudson (15-6) in the series finale Sunday. Hudson is 9-9 vs. the Phillies, including 2-1 this year. Lee is 4-3 vs. Atlanta, 1-0 this season.


text: Is it possible to create a bulleted or numbered list in Mail on an iDevice? If so, please share how. I know it'll display them. Like if I create it in GMail on my MacBook, save a draft, then open it on the device, I see the bullets as intended, but I would like to actually create this same thing on my iPad/ iPhone.


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I've been re-reading this thread, and wanted to add an anecdote that seems related to the subject at hand.
Back in the late 80s/early 90s, I was the PR person for the library where I work. As such, I got to be the photographer at various library events. Once, we had Linda Ellerbee as a guest speaker. (If you don't know of her, she was a reasonably famous journalist and television personality at the time.) She had come to the library event partially because she grew up in the community, before she moved off to New York to seek fame and fortune.
Anyway, in order to get good pictures of the event, and of her interacting with people, etc., I had to pretty much dog her footsteps during the reception. I was trying to be as unobtrusive as possible, but clearly she knew I was lurking around with my camera. I know she knew, because at one point she turned around and said to me, "I'm going in the ladies room. And don't you DARE follow me in there with that camera!"
Well, I was dumbfounded, because of course, I'd never have dreamed of doing anything like that. And I was a bit offended that she'd think I would. I believe I managed to stammer out, "No, ma'am, I wouldn't do such a thing."
Now, my point here is this. I know I wouldn't do that--but she'd never seen me before, and had no frame of reference to know what I might or might not be capable of. I'm sure that worrying about the motives and possible actions of random people, especially random people carrying cameras, is learned behavior. And it's probably something that every celebrity learns.


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Gay or Straight, if you're new to the gay community, you might come across a few phrases or labels that you don't have a clue what they mean. For the gays, that lack of understanding might land you in an interesting situation… such as showing up at a guy's house for the first time expecting to go play water polo and finding out that "water sports" is something else entirely.
To avoid these awkward situations, here's my take on a few of the labels and pieces of information you should be aware of- without venturing into the XXX realm of course, this isn't xtube after all! I've added a few I've recently learned, as well as some coined by our very own Homorazzi cast members… and remember, we're defining stereotypes here, so the descriptions are going to be extremely stereotypical in nature.
Redd's article Giver or Receiver? Pitcher or Catcher? already talked a bit about the sexual labels, but I'll recap them here quickly:
Role-based Basics
This label applies to both Mo and Lezzy and is meant to refer to the person who will be doing the penetrating, whether they may or may not actually be on "top". Other colloquial terms are Pitcher or Power Top (which is meant to indicate they don't bottom… EVER.)
This one is pretty obvious since we've already covered "top" but just in case: if you're the bottom you can expect to be getting poked- and it applies to both Mo and Lezzy as well. Strictly speaking, that's about all the top or bottom labels should really mean, but I'm not going to venture into the social implications of these labels at the moment. (That's coming in a subsequent article!) Other terms for this are Catcher, Nelly and Power Bottom.
I would venture to say that behind closed doors, most gay people fall into this category, which means that they are willing to pitch or catch depending on the situation and the partner.
Next, we have the various labels placed on various types of gay people, followed by some various other terms that may be important for you to know:
Gay Classifications
Twinks are generally quite young (18 to mid-20's), skinny, have essentially no body hair and may frequently be found applying foundation or fake tanning lotion. Generally, they act as though the entire world revolves around the fact that they are young and gay.
Essentially, this is a Twink with muscles. This can also apply to twinks as they get a little older and grow out of the initial: "Oh my God, I'm young and free and the world should know it" phase. Also, Twunks don't necessarily wear foundation, but they'll probably be found fake-baking with regularity.
Sandwich was coined amongst our group of friends and is meant to be used whilst in public when you see a hot guy. Sandwiches are definitely hot, usually muscular and in the prime of their life (I'll leave that open to interpretation). If you've seen The Broken Hearts Club, this would be synonymous with "Meanwhile…"
The Bear is the polar opposite of the Twink. Bears are large and in charge, wouldn't dream of shaving ANY of their body hair and frequently don't wear deodorant. Large and jovial, these beasts range from muscle-daddy to Sumo wrestler, are generally a little older and are usually some of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.
Cubs are bears in the making (I know, how creative right?) Just like in good ol' nature, Cubs are going to be smaller, younger and have less hair (usually) than their Bear counterparts. It's not uncommon to see a Bear & Cub couple either (kind of like a Daddy/Twink situation only less… creepy.) [Editor's Note: There is NOTHING creepy about that "situation"… trust me!]
The Otter label is either newer or just a lot less known than the others. There are also a couple differing opinions on what this means… but essentially it's a sub-category of Bears. Otters are skinnier, but still rock the full-out body hair. They will usually be short-ish and although skinnier than bears, they usually still have round-ish features (but sometimes kind of flat, which is where the "Otter" part comes in.)
Chaser (aka, Chubby Chaser)
This is pretty self-explanatory, but it refers to someone who typically isn't fat but who likes to date larger people. This isn't a strictly gay term either, as evidenced by this video (which your boss probably won't think is nearly as funny as you do if you open it at work).
This is a shout-out for all our fabulous Lesbianese girls. Lipstick refers to those lesbians who are ultra-girly and all the dudes want to get with. They are sexy, sultry and every Twink wants to be them… minus the vagina part.
Other Important Terms
These guys really throw a wrench in our Gaydar sometimes. A Metrosexual guy is one who may outwardly appear gay (expert grooming, fantastic style) but who is actually straight. Usually, these guys make pretty awesome friends (as long as you can keep your friends from molesting them anyway).
Learn this term well and put it into practice (unless you're a Bear of course). Manscaping is the colloquial term for grooming… and as a gay man, I'm here to tell you- again, unless you're a Bear- you should be manscaping. Jamie provided us with some excellent tips here.
Fag Hag
There is a whole culture around this one, and you can read more on the specific relationship on Stephen's post… however a Fag Hag technically means a straight girl who wants to have sex with gay men and contrary to popular belief, being called a Fag Hag isn't a compliment. It means you're creepy.
Fruit Fly
Although less popular- and not quite as easily rolled off the tongue- this term actually describes what most people think of when they think "Fag Hag". Fruit Flies don't want to have sex with us, they are just uber-fabulous girls who understand gay culture and love to hang out. The gay boys love them too and buzz around them… like flies,
Fag Stag
This one's a new one for me, but apparently it's code for a straight guy who hangs out with a lot of gay guys. I'd never heard of it before until doing some research on this article and thought it was good enough to make the list!
Water Sports / Golden Shower
This one is important. Water sports aren't actually sports at all, and hopefully you can tell from the synonymous term what it's really all about. That's right kids. Pee.
Gay Curious
Let's be honest- this really means "I've slept with all your guy friends but don't want to admit it".
These are also new terms for me and I just had to include them. A Hasbian is a Lesbian who has chosen to live a heterosexual life. Conversely, a Yestergay is a gay man who has chosen to live a heterosexual life. I love a good play on words and these totally made me laugh.
This list could just go on and on really, and there are a whole lot more sex-related terms that you may want to brush up on… but I'm going to let someone else discuss those if they so choose (and the Homorazzi cast member who fits the profile to do so knows exactly who he is!) *WINK*
Hopefully you've learned something new and/or had a good chuckle or two!


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Possible Duplicate:
What's the difference between 'allow' and 'allow for'?
...or should it be "[subject] allows [object] to [verb]"?
I am asking specifically for sentences in the form "allows for X to Y". Does it make any difference or is that basically equivalent to "allows for X Ying"?
The original sentence that got me thinking about this was from a documentation manual of a programming language: "This allows for named functions to be used before they are defined." I feel like "for" shouldn't be used in that sentence. Is my intuition correct?


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Dealer specials serving Albuquerque, Farmington, Belen/Los Lunas, Gallup, Grants, Las Vegas/Raton, Roswell, Santa Fe, Santa Rosa/Tucumcari, Silver City, New Mexico
This Ram includes:
You deserve a vehicle designed for higher expectations. This Ram 2500 delivers with a luxurious, well-appointed interior and world-class engineering. Taking the road less traveled has never been more fun than with this 4WD. With improved performance, mileage and acceleration, this 2018 4WD Ram 2500 Big Horn is king of the off-road.
Just what you've been looking for. With quality in mind, this vehicle is the perfect addition to take home.
*Offer disclaimers and eligibility included in details.
* MSRP is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the vehicle. It does not include any taxes, fees or other charges. Pricing and availability may vary based on a variety of factors, including options, dealer, specials, fees, and financing qualifications. Consult your dealer for actual price and complete details. Vehicles shown may have optional equipment at additional cost.
* The estimated selling price that appears after calculating dealer offers is for informational purposes, only. You may not qualify for the offers, incentives, discounts, or financing. Offers, incentives, discounts, or financing are subject to expiration and other restrictions. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.
* Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness.
* In transit means that vehicles have been built, but have not yet arrived at your dealer. Images shown may not necessarily represent identical vehicles in transit to your dealership. See your dealer for actual price, payments and complete details.


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Before you can administer data, you must create a Directory Server instance by using command-line tools or the browser interface Directory Service Control Center (DSCC). In DSCC, a Directory Server instance is often referred to simply as a "Directory Server".
When you create a Directory Server instance, the files and directories required for your Directory Server are created in the instance-path that you specify.
You can use DSCC to perform this task. For information, see Directory Service Control Center Interface and the DSCC online help.
If you use DSCC to create a new server instance, you can choose to copy some or all server configuration settings from an existing server.
The dsadm command enables you to manage a Directory Server instance and the files belonging to that instance on the local host. The command does not let you administer servers over the network, but only directly on the local host. The dsadm command has subcommands for each key management task. For a complete description, see dsadm(1M).
The dsconf command is an LDAP client. The command enables you to configure nearly all server settings on a running Directory Server instance from the command line. You can configure settings whether the server is on the local host or another host that is accessible across the network. The dsconf command has subcommands for each key configuration task. For a complete description, see dsconf(1M).
Create a new Directory Server instance and set the instance path.
$ dsadm create instance-path
You are prompted to set a password for the Directory Manager for this server.
To specify a non-default port number for the server instance, or any other parameter, see the dsadm(1M) man page.
For example, to create a new instance in the directory /local/dsInst, use this command:
$ dsadm create /local/dsInst Choose the Directory Manager password: Confirm the Directory Manager password: Use 'dsadm start /local/dsInst' to start the instance
The instance is created in a directory on the local file system and not a network file system.
Check that the server instance has been created correctly.
$ dsadm info instance-path
For example:
$ dsadm info /local/dsInst Instance Path: /local/dsInst Owner: user1(group1) Non-secure port: 1389 Secure port: 1636 Bit format: 64-bit State: Running Server PID: 22555 DSCC url: - SMF application name: - Instance version: D-A00
(Optional) If you installed Directory Server using the native packages and your operating system provides a service management solution, you can enable the server to be managed as a service, as shown in this table.
Operating System
Solaris 10
dsadm enable-service --type SMF instance-path
Solaris 9
dsadm autostart instance-path
dsadm enable-service --type WIN_SERVICE instance-path
Start Directory Server.
$ dsadm start instance-path
The server is running but does not contain data or a suffix. Use dsconf to create a suffix.
(Optional) Register the server instance with Directory Service Control Center by using either of the following methods.
Login to DSCC, and then use the Register Existing Server action on the Servers tab of the Directory Servers tab.
Access DSCC using http://hostname:8080/dscc7 or https://hostname:8181/dscc7 as per your application server configuration.
Use the command dsccreg add-server.
$ dsccreg add-server -h hostname --description "My DS" /local/dsInst Enter DSCC administrator's password: /local/dsInst is an instance of DS Enter password of "cn=Directory Manager" for /local/dsInst: This operation will restart /local/dsInst. Do you want to continue ? (y/n) y Connecting to /local/dsInst Enabling DSCC access to /local/dsInst Restarting /local/dsInst Registering /local/dsInst in DSCC on hostname.
See dsccreg(1M) for more information about the command.
If you want to use a password policy and your Directory Server instance is standalone, or if it belongs to a replication topology that has already been migrated to to-DS6-only password policy mode, move the instance to that mode.
$ dsconf pwd-compat -h host -p port to-DS6-migration-mode ## Beginning password policy compatibility changes . ## Password policy compatibility changes finished. Task completed (slapd exit code: 0). $ dsconf pwd-compat -h host -p port to-DS6-mode ## Beginning password policy compatibility changes . ## Password policy compatibility changes finished. Task completed (slapd exit code: 0).
The above action should be performed in the specified sequence.
For more information about password policies compatibilities, see Password Policy in Oracle Fusion Middleware Upgrade and Migration Guide for Oracle Directory Server Enterprise Edition.


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Mile End is a mini-collection of 4 patterns inspired by my life and times living in this vibrant and exciting part of East London. Featuring 3 brand new accessories and the Ropery garment pattern (that so many of you seem to love!), a wide range of fun and unusual yarns and some fantastic photography from photographer Gareth Williams, Mile End has been a labour of love.
Ropery has been available as an individual download since last November, and features my favourite deep neckline and set in sleeve construction. All previous purchasers of this pattern will receive a £4.50 discount from the collection if purchasing via Ravelry. Ropery Street in Mile End is a cute little street of terraced brick houses, and is one of the few complete streets of Victorian houses in the area.


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NJBIA - New Jersey Business & Industry Association
New Jersey Business & Industry Association
New UsersCreate a User Account
Become a Member
Forgot PasswordForgot your password? Click here
With this portal, you will have the capability to JOIN, update your own membership information, renew your membership, and register for events.
Please log in with your username and password in the box to the left. If you don't know your password, or you've forgotten it, select Forgot Password. A reset link will be sent to your e-mail. You can also create a user account.
NOTE: Only Member Contacts, Dues Contacts and CEO's have the ability to update NJBIA organizational records and pay company invoices. Our membership is company-based. If you need assistance, contact our membership department at 609-393-7707, ext. 2673.


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LeTourneau University assistant professor of criminal justice Paul R. Rickert has earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. His dissertation was titled "Examining crime among college-aged Christians: Are Christian religious beliefs associated with low levels of criminal activity?" Rickert defended his dissertation in November.
Rickert has taught criminal justice courses in both residential and distance learning programs for nine years, and has been a sworn peace officer for 16 years. He came to LETU in 2011 from Liberty University where he was assistant professor of government and criminal justice for seven years.
Rickert previously earned two diplomas from Word of Life Bible Institute, as well as a bachelor's degree in government from Liberty University, a master's degree in Peace Operations Policy from George Mason University, a master's degree in criminal justice from Faulkner University, and an education specialist degree from Liberty University. He has experience developing criminal justice programs, coordinating adjunct professors and creating internships for students to gain experience and skills. He is currently also serving as Interim Assistant Dean for LETU's nontraditional and online programs.
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Fluke Corp. announced that Palmer Thornton, vice president of Sawdy Electric in Palmetto, Fla., was drawn as the winner of a Harley-Davidson 2002 Softtail Deuce Motorcycle in the company's "Take a Test Drive" Sweepstakes.
Thornton was one of more than 170,000 customers who entered the contest by "test driving" eligible Fluke products through local Fluke distributors participating in the promotion or online.
The distributor sales representative who he nominated on his entry form, John Fox of Rexel Consolidated in Bradenton, Fla., was awarded $1,000 cash.
"I never expected to win," Fox said. "I send in for things all the time, but I've never won anything. I just went kind of numb when I heard."
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Gold & Silver are the perfect low risk, long-term investment.
Prices are on the move today and they are trending lower. Have you been looking for that special piece or that limited coin to add to your collection? Here are some suggested unique pieces that you might want to pick up on a down day to round out a beautiful portfolio.


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The Honorable Judge Linda Armstrong presided over the following cases in District Court on August 26, 2008.
Winterwood Inc. v Jessica Edwards. Eviction granted.
Winterwood Inc. v John and Melissa Rogers. Eviction granted.
The Honorable Judge Stephen P. Ryan presided over the following cases in District Court August 29, 2008.
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Recover missing Norton Toolbar in Internet Explorer
Norton Toolbar is installed along with Norton. Norton Toolbar cannot be downloaded separately as an add-on or extension on your browser. The latest versions of Norton are compatible with Internet Explorer versions 8, 9, 10, and 11.
You can get the latest version of Norton from Norton Update Center. If your Norton is from your service provider, check with your service provider to make sure that you have the latest version.
Run LiveUpdate
Start Norton.
If you see the My Norton window, next to Device Security, click .
In the main window, double-click, and then click .
When Norton LiveUpdate is finished, click.
Run LiveUpdate until you see the message, "Your Norton product has the latest protection updates."
Exit all programs, and restart the computer.
After you install all the updates for Norton, and still cannot find the Norton Toolbar in Internet Explorer, turn on the Norton Toolbar add-on.
Enable the Norton Toolbar in Internet Explorer
Start Internet Explorer.
Click, and then click .
In the list of Currently loaded add-ons, click .
If the status is shown as Disabled, click .
Restart Internet Explorer.
Help us improve this solution.
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Browse for solutions, search the Norton Community, or Contact Us.
Operating System: Windows
Last modified: 06/03/2019


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Detectives leading the investigation into the sudden death of a disabled resident in a Randalstown nursing home are still treating it as murder, the Antrim Guardian can reveal.
The probe into the death of former Muckamore Abbey patient Seamus McCollum has been blighted by delays from day one.
The alarm was raised initially in September 2011 when paramedics were called to Maine Private Nursing Home after the 56-year-old was found unresponsive.
At the outset, Mr. McCollum's passing, while sudden, was not considered suspicious. Indeed, it was six months until the P.S.N.I. returned to the premises on the Ahoghill Road.
Investigators revealed that they were spurred into action following the completion of detailed pathologist reports, which expressed "concerns." It is understood that these largely centered on the cause of marks found on the deceased's neck.
[Source: Antrim Guardian]
A further spate of indiscriminate dumping of the toxic waste from illegal fuel laundering has once again blighted the south Armagh countryside, with at least six incidents occurring throughout the area two weeks ago.
Angry residents, exasperated by a perceived lack of progress by any involved agencies in bringing this practice to an end, have voiced their fury to The Examiner about what some describe as a "hopeless situation, with more and more dumping happening every week."
The latest finds have prompted calls from landowners and local people living in the affected areas for improved government initiatives to be set up, public meetings involving all agencies and governing bodies to be held, as well as more involvement from M.L.A.'s and M.P.'s, the P.S.N.I. and Customs and Excise in searching for plausible solutions to the epidemic.
[Source: Examiner Newspaper]
He descended on Carlow in a blaze of fake tan, tweets and dulcet Geordie tones.
James Tindale, the star of MTV's Geordie Shore, who classes himself as "a professional poser," definitely didn't disappoint Wednesday, September 26 when he made a guest appearance in Scraggs Alley and The Foundry as part of an I.T. Carlow student night.
The Geordie stud was the quintessential nice guy and incredibly patient as he posed for hundreds of snaps with eager fans.
[Source: Carlow Nationalist]
Almost 12 percent of the population in County Cavan are non-Irish nationals, according to the latest analysis of Census 2011.
The Central Statistics Office released the figures today, showing that 8,409 (or 11.6 percent) non-Irish nationals were living in the county at the time of the Census last year.
This is largely in line with the national average of 12 percent.
Of the non-Irish nationals residing in Co. Cavan, 2,118 were U.K. nationals (the largest non-Irish nationality in the county), followed by Polish nationals with 1,889 persons.
[Source: The Anglo Celt]
A multi-agency approach is needed in Clare to tackle the scourge of heroin abuse. The proposal comes against the background of complaints that the illicit substance is readily available in Ennis and surrounding areas.
Clare Gardaí (police) has confirmed there is an increase in the use and availability of heroin on the streets in the county, in line with national and regional trends.
[Source: Clare Champion]
Third time was a charm for Bishopstown man Francis Hynes, who was spotted by millions enjoying a spot of golf in his Cork jersey Friday, September 28 at the Ryder Cup. Francis, who was over in Chicago for the week playing golf, made a chance television appearance when he managed to get to the front of the crowd at day one of proceedings at Medinah, much to the amusement of thousands who were watching at home in Ireland.
"I had been at a couple of the practice days with my father," says Francis, "but that particular day I was on my own, I didn't even think about it to be honest with you. I was walking along and a guy with a camera asked if he could get a photo of me and I thought that was it. I also saw three Kerry jerseys and there was a Mayo and a Wexford jersey there as well so it didn't even cross my mind that people at home would see it."
This was Francis's third Ryder Cup and so far luck is on his side as Europe have won the contest each time he has gone, although heading in to Sunday, a win seemed almost impossible.
[Source: Cork Independent]
The North's economic recovery will be damaged if significant upcoming anniversaries are blighted by violence, Martin McGuinness has warned.
The Deputy First Minister said negative headlines about the region would hit the prospects of foreign direct investment.
Mr. McGuinness also told the assembly that work on the long-awaited and, at times, controversial Cohesion, Sharing and Integration (C.S.I.) Strategy was nearing completion.
The centenary of the signing of the pro-Union Ulster Covenant two weekends ago passed off without disorder in the midst of a major security operation. It followed a summer when violence did flare over parading issues in north Belfast.
The next 10 years will see a number of potentially sensitive anniversaries, including the 1916 Easter Rising and Battle of the Somme.
[Source: Derry Journal]
A Donegal coroner has criticised the online culture of websites that detail alarming information on self-harm and suicide methods, saying "we can no longer bury our heads in the sand" on the issue.
Coroner John Cannon made his remarks at Letterkenny Coroners Court, which heard the inquests of three deaths by suicide that occurred just weeks apart last December and January.
He said he has researched this topic recently and his findings made him "so angry" such information was available and, in some cases, was goading people to harm themselves or die by suicide. He called for such material to be controlled.
[Source: Donegal Democrat]
A gang who locked in two men at the back of a bar in Newry, County Down, and then set the pub on fire could have caused their deaths, it has been claimed.
It is believed four men burst into McCoy's Bar on Kilmorey Street at about 11:30 p.m. on Sunday last and tied up two members of staff in the backyard.
They sprinkled petrol in the pub and set it alight, leaving the men trapped.
Firefighters heard the men shouting for help and used a ladder to rescue them.
[Source: BBC News]
A taxi driver, who starred in the TV3 reality series Tallafornia, has been convicted and fined $3,250 for having green diesel in his BMW car.
Cormac Brannigan (30), known as the "Corminator," with an address at Woodbrook Court, Castleknock Dublin was prosecuted by the Revenue Commissioners for an offense under the Finance Act, which on conviction carries a fine but no jail sentence.
Last Wednesday at Dublin District Court, he pleaded guilty to having marked mineral oil containing blue dye in his car's fuel tank, at Airton Road Garda (police) pound in Tallaght, on January 10, 2011.
[Source: Evening Herald]
A part-time receptionist at the Erne Hospital in Enniskillen has told the jury at the murder trial of Trillick man Barry McCarney that tragic 15-month-old baby Millie was brought to the hospital with a burnt finger just five days before she died of a head injury.
McCarney, who was not Millie's biological father, is charged with the murder, causing grievous bodily harm and sexually assaulting the infant. He had been living with the baby's mother at a house at Glebe Park in Enniskillen at the time it is alleged he carried out the murder.
Rachel Martin, the 27-year-old mother, is also on trial charged with child cruelty by willful neglect and allowing the death of her daughter.
[Source: Fermanagh Herald]
Galway has joined cuisine royalty with the awarding of the city's first Michelin Star.
Aniar Restaurant on Dominick Street won the prestigious accolade after being visited by a team of clandestine restaurant experts over half a dozen times.
Its inclusion in the Michelin Star Guide 2013 for Great Britain and Ireland is all the more remarkable given that the eatery is just over one-year-old. It now belongs to an exclusive club of just seven restaurants in the country which boast a Michelin Star – with only one other outside the capital, the Cliff House Hotel in Waterford.
[Source: Galway Bay FM]
Kerry has received their lowest number of all-star football nominations in almost two decades, with Colm Cooper the sole representative among the 45 players left standing.
Naturally the nominations for the G.A.A./G.P.A. All-Stars, sponsored by Opel, are dominated by players from All-Ireland champions Donegal and beaten finalists Mayo.
But for Kerry, it is their smallest haul of nominees in the qualifier era and a return to figures more associated with the mid-1990s, when they hit their last significant slump.
[Source: Irish Independent]
In future the H.S.E. will only deal with emergencies and children will have to travel to clinics in Naas, Newbridge, Kilcullen or Baltinglass to access such treatment.
The embargo on recruitment in the public service is being blamed for the closure of the Athy clinic, but that is no consolation to parents and children who are angry at the removal of this most critical service.
Regina Roche from Athy is the mother of a seven-year-old girl. She said that the closure of the dental clinic in Athy is another example of badly-needed services being lost. "Athy is the most southerly town in the county, and we have already had an announcement that Kavanagh's bus service is to cut back its Athy services. We are being told that we have to go to other towns to access emergency care but not everyone has a car and this is a town where public transport is not consistent."
[Source: Kildare Nationalist]
Kilkenny team manager Brian Cody paid tribute to Kilkenny's supporters at the historic homecoming in Nowlan Park.
Staged at the county grounds for the first time ever, the team manager said that despite being outnumbered in Croke Park, Kilkenny supporters roared on the crowd and were a fantastic lift to the team as the county claimed its 34th All-Ireland title.
[Source: Kilkenny People]
Cash-strapped Laois County Council will have to splash out on upgrading three critical road junctions, one of which is already at capacity, before two multi-million dollar Portlaoise school projects proceed to construction phase next year.
Fine Gael Deputy Charlie Flanagan told the Leinster Express he met with senior officials from the Department of Education & Skills (DoES) and they revealed that plans for the schools were "on target."
And considering road upgrades were necessary to facilitate extra traffic to the Summerhill campus, he explained that Laois County Council "notwithstanding the current budgetary constraints they are operating in, will have to prioritise the upgrades."
[Source: Leinster Express]
E.U. Commissioner for Energy Gúnther Oettinger has informed Drumshanbo Senator Paschal Mooney that no decisions should be taken on hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," for 10 years.
The commissioner's opinion was in response to a serious of questions from Senator Mooney at a meeting of Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport Energy and Communications, which the commissioner attended during his visit to Ireland two weeks ago.
In a series of questions submitted by Senator Mooney about the E.U. Commissions Policy on fracking, Commissioner Gúnther Oettinger replied that he believed no decisions should be taken until the environmental impact of fracking was established, and that could take between five and 10 years. He further informed Senator Mooney that he was already in discussions with scientists and those with technical expertise and has opened a dialogue with the Polish Government where fracking has already commenced. The commissioner revealed that the extraction of shale gas could be chemical-free in a number of years, which is a major point of controversy, and he intended to visit the United States next spring to see at first-hand how shale gas is extracted.
[Source: Leitrim Observer]
It was less "Horse Outside" and more "I Wanna Fight Your Father" as Rubberbandits video star Madeline Mulqueen was "punched in the face" in a fast-food restaurant in Dublin on Saturday, September 29.
The Kildimo model was attacked by an unknown woman as she defended a cashier in McDonald's on Grafton Street.
The 22-year-old star of the "Horse Outside" video and Republic of Telly, who has worked in the hospitality industry, was shocked at the woman's "very rude and aggressive" behavior.
"It was so frustrating that she was being so rude and no one was doing anything about it, so I said to the manager that I had seen her hand over a fiver, not anything more," said Madeline.
"She obviously heard me and ran straight over and punched me in the face! I was sitting down. Then she tried to throw a milkshake at me, missed and got someone else. It was disgraceful behavior."
[Source: Limerick Leader]
A 32-year-old man originally from the Middle East had his hand reattached to his arm at St James' Hospital two weekends ago after he accidentally severed it while using a band saw in a meat shop in Longford Town.
The man, believed to be living in the Longford area, had entered Oasis Food Store on Great Water Street in the town at approximately 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 27.
It is understood he had intended to purchase meat from the Halal store and was told by the attendant behind the counter to wait until evening prayers were finished.
The man then made his way behind the counter and proceeded to cut the meat by himself using a band saw located inside the premises.
[Source: Longford Leader]
Dundalk Town Council has served a notice on a property on the Avenue Road in the town.
This week D.T.C. notified the owner of the property, Mr. Oliver Kelly of Carrinshego, Culleville, Castleblayney, County Monaghan that the structure, known as the Blakely Houses, was now deemed to be a "dangerous structure" under the local authority laws.
The notice says that as a formal request by the council to the owner to carry repairs on the fire-damaged property had not been met by April of this year, that the council now have the right to enter the land and demolish the building. It is believed that unknown to the owner the derelict site had been frequented by local drug users.
[Source: Dundalk Democrat]
Unless the G.A.A. takes serious steps to tackle the issue of on-field violence, more and more assault cases arising from G.A.A. games will appear before the courts.
That's the verdict of a Kiltimagh man who was assaulted by an opposing player minutes after the final whistle of a championship game last year.
Darragh Sloyan (27) was the victim of an assault by Davitts G.A.A. player James Cummins after a Mayo Club Championship match between Kiltimagh and Davitts in Ballindine on June 12, 2011. Mr. Sloyan was left with a broken nose, which required two operations to correct.
Now, speaking after the D.P.P. case against Cummins was finalized in court Friday, September 28. Sloyan has said that too many assaults take place on G.A.A. fields with no thought for the consequences.
[Source: The Mayo News]
Almost 11 percent of Meath's population are non-Irish nationals, according to figures released from the Central Statistics Office (C.S.O.).
The figures show that 19,802 non-Irish nationals were living in Meath at the time of the Census in April 2011, accounting for 10.8 percent of people living in the county.
Of this, 3,867 were Polish nationals – the largest non-Irish nationality in the county, followed by 3,638 U.K. nationals.
[Source: Meath Chronicle]
Two men have been arrested in connection with the discovery of an oil laundering plant in County Monaghan.
Officers from Revenue's Customs service along with Gardaí (police) found the facility at a commercial premise in Aghafad, Killanny in Carrickmacross.
It had the capacity to launder 4 million gallons of fuel a year and would have cost the State up to $10 million in lost revenue.
[Source: RTÉ News]
A number of Offalians who visited the recent National Ploughing Championships at New Ross availed of free diabetes screening.
The Lions Clubs of New Ross, Wexford, Waterford, Carrick-On-Suir, Clonmel and Enniscorthy provided the screening, with New Ross Lions being the coordinators.
New Ross Lions Club President Jim Collins said, "New Ross were delighted to carry on this great service provided by the Lions club for the last 10 years. Registered nurses have signed up as we screened 4,757 people during the three-day event."
[Source: Offaly Express]
A young mother who was followed for 15 minutes by a man in the Demesne area of Castlerea on Sunday, September 30 has appealed to other women in the area to be vigilant.
The woman, who had her young child with her, told the Herald that she was "extremely intimidated" by the man and had to call her own mother to come and meet her after she spotted him staring at her from bushes.
The Castlerea woman said that it was the man's demeanor, which initially sparked fear in her.
"I was pushing my daughter in the pram when I noticed a man walking towards me, who was staring strangely at me. Seconds after he passed by me, I glanced around and saw that he was then following me, walking just a few feet behind me. I quickened by pace and so did he. Moments later he walked by me, heading in the direction of the Demesne, but when I walked on further, I saw him looking out at me from the bushes," she explained.
[Source: Roscommon Herald]
Margaret Madden (58), a B&B owner at Lough Gara House in Monasteraden, is suing three men for the loss of her husband and her own shock, pain and distress.
Terence Madden (52) bled to death after being shot in both legs at close range on January 28, 1999.
Michael Doohan, a former member of the Defence Forces, and formerly of Ashbury Lawns, Ballinode, County Sligo, Joseph Herron, formerly of Chapel Street, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, and Patrick McGrath, formerly of Cuilpruglish, Gurteen, Co. Sligo, received life sentences at the Special Criminal Court in 2000 for their part in the murder.
[Source: RTÉ News]
Doctor Rosemarie Carew, from Drombane, has become the first Irish person to win the prestigious F.E.B.S. Journal Prize for Young Scientists, with a cash prize of $13,000.
A past pupil of the Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles, Dr. Carew was recognised by F.E.B.S. (Federation of European Biochemical Societies) for being the first author of a paper judged to be the best by a graduate student or young post-doctoral research worker published in F.E.B.S Journal 2011.
Carew (29) was awarded her prize in Seville, Spain where she attended a plenary F.E.B.S. ceremony and gave a 20-minute presentation on her work.
[Source: Tipperary Star]
Coalisland traders have pledged to "stand up and fight for their town" as they bid to revive its reputation as a key shopping destination in Tyrone.
The hard-pressed traders made the commitment at a meeting in the town's Corn Mill last Thursday evening, September 27 to re-launch the Traders' Association where they learned that approximately $195,000 has already been earmarked for the town.
However, despite this much-needed cash injection, concerns were still voiced among some traders who suggested that Coalisland was being "neglected" and "run into the ground."
[Source: Tyrone Courier]
City Square has fully reopened following a fire at the plant room of Dunnes Stores last Monday, which saw all staff and customers evacuated from the shopping center.
The fire started at the plant room on the roof of Dunnes Stores, which contains heating and ventilation; units of Waterford Fire Service, backed up by units from Tramore and Dunmore, brought the fire under control.
[Source: Waterford News & Star]
Horseleap residents Sinead O'Neill and her boyfriend Paddy Barrett got the shock of their lives two weeks ago when they discovered they were sharing their home with an unwanted guest – a six-foot boa constrictor.
The young couple, who moved into the rented house four months ago, discovered the snake when they were about to start cleaning out their shed.
[Source: Westmeath Independent]
A group of Wexford fishermen at sea for the previous five days had said last Thursday that the fishermen will no longer abide by E.U. regulations to dump fish back into the ocean if they go over quota.
The crew, which harbored last Wednesday night, was watched over by a member of An Garda (Police) Siochana at Kilmore Quay before representatives from the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority arrived last Thursday morning to investigate the situation.
[Source: Wexford Echo]
Ali Coghlan (29), from Wicklow, started her online party supply site www.harryali.com, named after her toddler Harry, after she was made redundant from her job in television production earlier this year. She says: "I really do feel my redundancy was meant to be.
"I'd always wanted to work for myself and when I was left out of work in March, I figured 'well, this is the time to do it!'
"The idea came from an experience last year when I'd planned a party for my son Harry (2).
"I wanted to do party bags for everyone but it took ages running round all the shops getting stuff to put in them. Moms and dads who are working full time just don't have the time to do that, so I set up a company that delivers the whole party kit complete to their front door."
[Source: Irish Independent]


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text:
Discovering the Agori's mega-village are in fact parts of a giant robot that exploded aeons ago, Mata Nui learns of Bara Magna's past, the Great Beings, and his destiny to reunite the planet with its moons Aqua Magna and Bota Magna to recreate the once-plentiful Spherus Magna.
Beginning his quest, he travels to the north of Bara Magna through a maze occupied with booby-traps and uncovers an unstable power source. Arriving back at the mega-village, Mata Nui convinces the Glatorian and Agori to let him use the prototype robot. They grant him permission, and Mata Nui places the power source, the Mask of Life and his spirit inside it. As an enormous robot once more, he begins the process of reuniting Bara Magna with its satellites.
Later, Makuta Teridax - in Mata Nui's old, larger body - touches down on Bara Magna. Planning to conquer the planet and eventually the rest of the universe, the Makuta offers his brother the chance to join him. He refuses, and the two massive robots begin blasting destructive energies at each other. Disgusted by his brother's new sense of caring, Teridax taunts Mata Nui about the Toa and Matoran inside him, and that he can't destroy him without harming them.
On the ground, several Rahkshi and Skakdi under Teridax's command exit the Matoran Universe via his heel, followed by Tahu, Takanuva and other Toa. The Makuta's forces - now joined by a band of rogue Skrall - announce war on Mata Nui's Glatorian and Agori friends as they ally with the Toa to battle them for the fate of Bara Magna.
Meanwhile, the Mask of Life reduces Tahu into his original Toa Mata form so he can don the Golden Armour; a weapon originally devised to destroy the Makuta species if they were to ever betray Mata Nui Teridax notices and scatters the armour across the desert with an energy blast. With the Glatorian Gresh, Tahu and Takanuva retrieve the armour back from their enemies. When Tahu bestows all six armour pieces, a wave of energy is unleashed that incinerates all the Kraata powering the Rahkshi armor, leaving the Skakdi and Skrall greatly outnumbered who either surrender to the Glatorian or flee into the wilderness.
The loss of his Rahkshi causes Teridax to hesitate in mid-battle, giving Mata Nui the chance to swing his brother's body into the oncoming path of a rock fragment from Aqua Magna that crashes into Teridax's head and damages the robot's core processor, killing the Makuta for good. Mata Nui completes his destiny of reforming Spherus Magna, but the strain is too great as his body plummets to the ground.
The Toa and Glatorian arrive at the crash-site to find Mata Nui speaking from inside the undamaged Mask of Life. He tells them to seek the Great Beings as a last wish while deciding to remain dormant inside the Ignika. The Toa, Matoran, Glatorian, Agori and all other beings from both worlds now begin a new life on Spherus Magna.
2010 - Journey's End| author: Bigwhofan
Discovering the Agori's mega-village are in fact parts of a giant robot that exploded aeons ago, Mata Nui learns of Bara Magna's past, the Great Beings, and his destiny to reunite the planet with its moons Aqua Magna and Bota Magna to recreate the once-plentiful Spherus Magna.
2009 - The Legend Reborn| author: Bigwhofan
Living with limited resources in the harsh conditions of the desert world of Bara Magna, the villagers known as Agori pitch their best Glatorian warriors against one another in arena matches to settle disputes. But while most of the tribes live in amity and are mostly concerned about attacks from Vorox (a former tribe who regressed into wilderness beasts) and a group of nomads called Bone Hunters, the arrival of the Rock Tribe and their 'Skrall' warriors threatens to destroy the peace, as they appear to win every arena match they participate in.
The Skrall later attack Arena Magna - the oldest arena on Bara Magna - during the Great Tournament. The Glatorian and Agori who escaped knew they couldn't defeat the Skrall alone and hoped that help would come.
Months later, the Mask of Life - carrying the spirit of Mata Nui - crash-lands in the wastelands of Bara Magna and creates a new, smaller body for the former Great Spirit. Narrowly escaping a Vorox attack, Mata Nui befriends the Glatorian and Agori of Bara Magna, and with their help, begins a quest to find a way back to his own universe. With help from the Glatorians Ackar, Kiina and Gresh and Agori Berix, Mata Nui discovers an underground cave featuring plans for a giant robotic body that resembles his old one and believes that the giant cave is a laboratory; formally belonging to the Great Beings.
But with rumours of a traitor amongst the tribes, Mata Nui gets caught up in the war against the Skrall and their recently discovered alliance with the Bone Hunters and is taught how to fight by the Fire Tribe Glatorian Ackar with fellow warriors Kiina and Gresh.
Mata Nui later convinces the Agori that they must abandon their arena system and instead unite in order to fight their enemies, but after the Bone Hunters kidnap Kiina and Berix, Mata Nui travels to the Rock Tribe's village of Roxtus to combat Tuma; leader of the Skrall, in exchange for their freedom. Upon defeating Tuma, Mata Nui discovers the Ice Tribe Agori Metus is the traitor who brought the Skrall and Bone Hunters together, who also reveals his plans to become both tribes' new leader.
The Glatorian and Agori later arrive to combat their unified enemies and drive the Skrall and Bone Hunters out of Roxtus. Metus attempts to escape the battle, but Mata Nui tracks him down and uses the Ignika to turn Metus into a rattle snake as his punishment.
After the battle, the Agori assemble the structures of their villages together to create a new 'mega-village' to reside in. Mata Nui notices how the structures link up to form a vast robotic body, similar to his old one. Berix takes note of this too by showing the former Great Spirit a coin picturing the robot as well as a map of an unknown location. Mata Nui sees these as clues of how to return to his universe and announces to his new friends that their quest has begun...
2008 - The Final Battle| author: Bigwhofan
After completing several tasks in preparation of Mata Nui's reawakening, the Toa Nuva - equipped with new adaptive armor and weapons - are teleported to Karda Nui; the core of the Matoran Universe. Finding members from the Brotherhood of Makuta acting on orders from Teridax to stop them achieving their destiny of resurrecting the Great Spirit, the heroes split into two teams. While Kopaka, Lewa and Pohatu remain in the skies to protect the Matoran villages, Tahu, Gali and Onua descend to the Swamp of Secrets to retrieve the Mask of Life previously worn by Matoro to save the Great Spirit.
Kopaka's team receive support from three Av-Matoran and 'Toa Ignika' (a manifestation of the Mask of Life) while fighting a band of blind bat-like Makuta and their Shadow Matoran servants. Tahu's group, unaware that the Ignika is aiding the battle above, are threatened by three more Makuta, mutated by the waters of the swamp.
Both groups reunite outside the Codrex - a giant metal sphere that sits at the swamp's centre - after recover six allusive keystones that connect to disable the sphere's forcefield and open up. Inside, the Toa discover powerful battle machines amongst ancient technology as well as their own origins to who they were before arriving on Mata Nui island. The heroes use the vehicles against the Makuta in a final all-out battle and receive help from a half-light drained Takanuva, who also manages to turn all the Shadow Matoran back into their former states.
The Toa Ignika later sacrifices itself to awaken Mata Nui, causing an energy storm that the Toa and Av-Matoran narrowly escape. However, the Makuta, realizing Teridax had in fact sent them to their deaths, are obliterated by the storm. Slowly, machinery starts grinding in the depths of the cavern, as something begins to happen to the entire universe…
Far above Karda Nui, on the surface of the Endless Ocean, water ripples around the barren island of Mata Nui, stripped of all life and vegetation by reawakened Bohrok hordes. Underwater shockwaves spread to the south and east and west of the sea as the ocean itself heaves up towards the sky. An immense chasm rips upward through the middle of the doomed island, as a tremendous head made of metalic protodermis rises up, followed by titanic shoulders and an immense chest. Water and rock cascade off its face as the giant robot climbs to its feet and towers above the clouds for the first time in 1,000 years. Mata Nui has risen.
The Toa Nuva and Takanuva arrive back in Metru Nui and join the celebrations of Mata Nui's reawakening with the Matoran and Turaga. But in the midst of the festivity, Teridax's laughter is heard throughout the city. The Makuta, thought to be long since dead, reveals that he has taken over Mata Nui's body: the embodiment of the Matoran Universe. Toa Matoro had heroically brought Mata Nui back from death, but before the Great Spirit's consciousness could return, Makuta Teridax replaced it with his own version. Then he had only to wait for the Toa Nuva to achieve their destiny and resurrect the great form of Mata Nui. As the Makuta's reign of terror begins, he seals his victory by placing Mata Nui's spirit inside the Mask of Life and ejecting it into outer-space, taking the former Great Spirit to a destination no-one can know.
2007 - Sea of Darkness| author: Bigwhofan
The Toa Inika and the revived Piraka chase after the Mask of Life, which eventually plunges into the bay encompassing Voya Nui. Receiving a clue about a city beneath the ocean and conversing with the recently freed Toa Nuva, the Inika descend through the stone cord that keeps Voya Nui afloat in the hope of reclaiming the Ignika, while the Toa Nuva begin a set of tasks for Mata Nui's reawakening. Neither group has any idea what the Ignika has in store for them…
Whilst travelling down the cord, the mask transforms the heroes into the water-breathing Toa Mahri - complete with new masks and weapons - for their mission for retrieve the Ignika from the ocean within a time limit of 24 hours.
The Ignika's descent ends in the underwater city of Mahri Nui, where it becomes a beacon of hope for the Matoran villagers as well as the Barraki; six former warlords sent to the Pit - a prison with a seemingly bottomless chasm that sits on the lip of Mahri Nui - after their crimes as part of the League of Six Kingdoms. But after the Pit was damaged in the Great Cataclysm, they escaped into the ocean and were permanently mutated by its waters.
Believing the mask can change them back into their original forms so they can rule the Kingdoms once again, the Barraki and their aquatic armies battle against the recently arrived Toa Mahri and gamble for possession of the Ignika.
Matoro is later imprisoned in the Pit by a robotic Maxilos guard that reveals itself as Makuta Teridax, who possessed the robot after his essence followed the Toa through the stone cord. He informs Matoro that Mata Nui only can be saved if the Toa shatter the cord. Not trustful in the villan's words, Matoro relays the information to his team-mates. They agree and begin evacuating Matoran from both locations before proceeding to destroy the cord that sends Voya Nui plummeting into the ocean towards its original position, demolishing Mahri Nui in the process.
But by the time the Toa retrieve the Ignika, Mata Nui dies. Believing there's still hope, the Toa battle the Barraki's armies while Matoro races towards a hole in the seabed with the mask before Voya Nui descends to close it. Once in, Matoro falls through a waterfall. He dons the Mask of Life and uses its powers to teleport the Toa Mahri to Metru Nui and turn them back into air-breathers, before the mask turns his body into pure energy that saves the Great Spirit. Meanwhile, the Maxilos body that Teridax inhabited is found badly damaged after a ferocious battle with the Barraki, and is so presumed dead.
Mata Nui has been saved, but remains asleep.
2006 - Island of Doom| author: Bigwhofan
The Matoran Arrive back in the contravened city of Metru Nui for the first time in 1,000 years. As work to rebuild the city begins, the Toa Nuva and Turaga learn from the newly-awakened Turaga Dume that the Great Spirit Mata Nui is not only asleep, but dying. To save him, they must venture to the desolate island of Voya Nui and retrieve the Kanohi Ignika - the legendary Mask of Life.
However, when the heroes arrive, they are quickly overpowered by the Piraka; a group of former Dark Hunters of the Skakdi species, who after raiding Makuta Teridax's lair beneath the island of Mata Nui, travelled to Voya Nui in search of the Ignika themselves. The Piraka posed as Toa on the island before enslaving nearly all of the native Matoran to harvest antidermis, a strange green substance that only the Piraka Zaktan knows the truth about...
When the Toa Nuva fail to return to Metru Nui, Jaller suspects the Turaga are harbouring more secrets and organises a protest for the Matoran to stop working in the hope of learning what happened to their protectors. In secret, Turaga Nokama reveals of Mata Nui's potential death and the Toa Nuva's mission and in response gathers five of the bravest Matoran he knows - Hahli, Kongu, Nuparu, Hewkii and Matoro - and with Takanuva, they prepare to travel to Voya Nui in search of their missing Toa. But after Takanuva is forced to turn back, the Matoran arrive in the realm of the ancient tyrant Karzahni, where they are forced to wear organic masks in replacement of their own.
The party eventually escape via Toa canisters heading to Voya Nui, but prior to arriving on the island, bolts of lighting from an object called the Red Star that orbits the planet transform the Matoran into Toa Inika; Toa with entwined lightning powers. With help from a small Matoran resistance force and the ancient being Axonn, the Inika battle the many guardians and challenges of the Ignika and chase the Piraka underground to the Chamber of the Mask of Life.
Upon arriving, the Toa find the Skakdi already defeated by the mask's final guardians; the insane seventh Piraka Vezon that the Ignika has fused itself to and his spider-like steed Fenrakk. After the Inika defeat the duo, Vezon re-arises riding a Kardas Dragon. Another immense battle climaxes with the pair getting trapped in a stasis field. But as Matoro retrieves the Ignika, the Toa's adversaries unfreeze and the Kardas Dragon fires an energy blast that knocks the mask out of Matoro's hands and out of the chamber, heading towards the sea..
2005 - Web of Shadows| author: Bigwhofan
Upon the Toa Metru's return to Metru Nui, they found the city in ruins. In their absence, vicious spider-like Rahi called Visorak had overrun the city by creating poisonous webs and mutating various other Rahi while holding the sleeping Matoran captive.
Under the command of their king, Sidorak, and his viceroy, the Vortixx Roodaka, the spiders captured and mutated the Toa into half-Toa, half-Rahi creatures nicknamed "Toa Hordika", before being rescued by the Rahaga; six small beings once Toa themselves, who explained that if the Toa wished to be changed back, they must seek the legendary Keetongu; a Rahi said to be an expert with poisons and antidotes.
Putting their own problems aside, the Toa retrieved the Kanohi Mask of Light and built airships to transport the Matoran out of the Metru Nui. However, a guilt-ridden Vakama succumbed to his Rahi impulses and betrayed his fellow Toa by joining Sidorak and Roodaka, who made him leader of the Visorak hordes after kidnapping five of the Rahaga. Unknown to Sidorak, Roodaka had plans of her own to overthrow the horde King and accede all six Toa Hordika to rule the Visorak hordes for her, however, the treacherous Vortixx had yet even more schemes...
The remaining Toa and Rahaga changed priorities and searched for Keetongu. Finding the Rahi in Ko-Metru, the group enlisted his help and joined him in a battle against the Visorak at the Coliseum. During the conflict, Roodaka abandoned Sidorak in a fight against Keetongu, leaving the horde king to die at the hands of the Rahi, while Matau attempted to convince Vakama to re-join his team-mates by making him remember his destiny of rescuing the Matoran.
Roodaka confronted the Toa Hordika and demanded their elemental powers. They fired their Rhotuka spinner weapons at her, but the action had little effect. After dispersing the Visorak, a rejuvenated Vakama also fired a spinner at her. This knocked Roodaka unconscious and unknowingly released Teridax from his protodermis prison that she had been carrying a shard of in her armor, before the Makuta teleported her away to safety.
After the battle, Keetongu restored the Toa Hordika back into their original forms so they could carry out the Great Rescue. The Toa Metru bided farewell to the Rahi and the Rahaga and set sail with the Matoran-loaded airships to the island above Metru Nui.
On the voyage, the Toa noticed Teridax's empty protodermis prison cell and feared his return. Still willing to reclaim the Mask of Time, Vakama retrieved the Vahi from the protodermis sea during a battle between the Makuta and The Shadowed One; leader of the Dark Hunters. After, Vakama blackmailed the Makuta into giving the Matoran one year of peace on the tropical island by threatening to break the mask if Teridax broke his word. He agreed, and Vakama travelled on with his fellow Toa.
Once ashore on the island, the Toa Metru sacrificed their powers to awaken the Matoran. Now Turaga, they christened the island "Mata Nui" after the Great Spirit and directed the amnesiac Matoran to building new homes, knowing the Makuta would return and that new prophesied Toa would arrive to fight him.
2004 - Legends of Metru Nui| author: Bigwhofan
As the Matoran prepare for the journey back to Metru Nui, the Turaga reveal age-old tales of how they themselves were once Toa 1,000 years ago in the last days of the city's golden age.
Floating in a dome beneath the island of Mata Nui, Metru Nui was a busy city metropolis boasting state-of-the-art buildings and technology in which the Matoran worked and lived in peace under the leadership of Turaga Dume. However, the city's Toa guardians started to mysteriously disappear, leaving team leader Lhikan as its sole protector.
Knowing there was danger, Lhikan sacrificed his Toa power into six Toa stones and handed them out to six Matoran from each Metru district - Vakama, Nokama, Matau, Whenua, Onewa and Nuju - before mercenaries known as The Dark Hunters captured him. The chosen Matoran headed to the Great Temple in Ga-Metru, where using the stones, transformed into the Toa Metru.
Guided by strange visions from Vakama, the Toa gathered six Great Kanoka discs that could be used to defeat the Morbuzakh plant menace. However, when the Toa proclaimed their victory, Turaga Dume discredited them as criminals. Whenua, Onewa and Nuju were imprisoned, while Vakama, Nokama and Matau escaped as fugitives. After being chased across Metru Nui by two Dark Hunters and Vahki law enforcers, the Toa found each other again as well as Lhikan - now a Turaga as a result of his sacrifice - and the true Turaga Dume, asleep in a stasis pod.
The Toa learnt that the Teridax, leader of the Brotherhood of Makuta, had been posing as Dume as part of his diabolical plan to overthrow the Great Spirit Mata Nui and become the Matoran's new leader. At the Coliseum, the Toa Metru confronted Teridax, who had already placed the Matoran in stasis pods and erased their memories. He subsequently cast Mata Nui into a deep slumber, triggering an event known as the Great Cataclysm that damaged much of the Matoran Universe.
The Toa fled with as many Matoran pods as they could carry and headed towards a bright light coming from a crack in Metru Nui's dome created by the cataclysm. Teridax confronted them with the intention of obtaining the Mask of Time that Vakama had recently forged out of the Kanoka discs. The Toa of Fire clashed with the Makuta in a battle that ended with the loss of the mask and Lhikan's death. The Toa Metru eventually combined their elemental powers to seal Teridax in a prison of crystallized protodermis, before continuing on their journey.
The Toa Metru encountered new dangers in the Maze of Shadows before arriving on a mysterious tropical island that they saw fit as the Matoran's new home. After preparing it, they began the journey back to Metru Nui to collect the rest of the Matoran, who all remained in a deep sleep.
2003 - The Bohrok-Kal Strike / Mask of Light| author: Bigwhofan
Following the defeat of the Bahrag Queens and the Bohrok's return to their hives, the Toa Nuva return to their villages to help the Matoran in the rebuilding process after the damage the swarms caused. However, six new elite Bohrok, the Bohrok-Kal, have arrived on Mata Nui with the intention of releasing the Bahrag from their prison so they can unleash the swarms once again.
The Kal each steal the Toa Nuva's symbol tablets that grant them their elemental powers, leaving the heroes greatly outmatched. Relying solely on their mask powers and combat skills, the Toa chase the Bohrok-Kal all over Mata Nui and eventually find them in the Bahrag's underground nest. The Kal defeat the Exo-Toa guards with ease before attempting to combine all six Nuva symbols to re-awake the Queens from their prison.
Before the tablets join, Tahu unleashes a secret weapon; the Kanohi Vahi - the legendary Mask of Time - to slow down time around them so the Toa can retrieve their tablets. The Toa Nuva then use their connections to their symbols to feed energy into the elite Bohrok, making them believe that their power alone can cleanse Mata Nui. However, the Kal's powers soon run wild and eventually destroy them.
Clean-up begins once again in the island's villages, even to the extent of creating a brand new Kolhii field in Ta-Koro. The Toa Nuva exit the nest, and after hiding their retrieved tablets at secret locations, enjoy a new time of peace on Mata Nui. But worse foes await the Toa and the Matoran…
Weeks later, Takua and fellow Matoran Jaller discover a great Kanohi mask hidden under their village of Ta-Koro. After playing in the Great Kohlii Tournament in the village's new field, they take it to the Turaga who confirm it is the Kanohi Avohkii - the Mask of Light - prophesied to be worn by a seventh Toa with the elemental power of Light who can defeat the Makuta for good and begin the process of reawakening Mata Nui.
Learning of Takua and Jaller's mission to find the seventh Toa, Makuta unleashes his "sons"; six Rahkshi - robotic suits of armor powered by slug-like Kraata created from his essence - to track down and kill the herald before the seventh Toa can be found. The Toa Nuva battle the Rahkshi all over Mata Nui, who level the villages of Ta-Koro and Onu-Koro in their search for the herald.
The Rahkshi find Takua and Jaller at Kini Nui as a final confrontation between the Makuta sons and the Toa endues, killing Jaller in its last moments. The death of his friend convinces Takua that he is the true herald. Donning the Avohkii, he transforms into Takanuva; the Toa of Light, and travels underground to Lair Mangai, followed by the rest of the Mata Nui populace.
Takanuva confronts the Makuta and the pair dual in a game of Kohlii for the fate of Mata Nui. Claiming his victory, Takanuva attempts to take off the Makuta's Mask of Shadows, but they both fall into a pool of energized protodermis and re-emerge as the fused being Takutanuva.
Takutanuva lifts the gate to an underground city for the Toa, Turaga and Matoran enter and manages to revive Jaller, before the weight of the gate crushes him. The Turaga retrieve the intact Avohkii from his demise and use it to revive Takanuva, whereas the Makuta's fate is unknown. Preparing to journey to the city, the Turaga reveal its name as Metru Nui - the Matoran's original home - and go on to reveal that the Toa Nuva are not in fact the first Toa.
2002 - The Bohrok Swarms| author: Bigwhofan
After their battle with the Makuta, the Toa emerge from his lair victorious, only to discover that the villain has launched a new threat to the island of Mata Nui: the Bohrok Swarms; six breeds of robotic bug-like drones designed to "cleanse" the island to its former barren state.
The Bohrok rampage across Mata Nui and begin tearing down the regions of each village, forcing the Turaga and Matoran to flee. And while many Matoran are driven under the influence of the Bohrok's brain-like Krana controllers, others find new ways to retaliate against the swarms.
The Toa begin to collect all eight varieties of Krana from each breed while engaging in combat with the Bohrok and later reunite to travel down to the swarm's underground nests. There, they place the Krana in niches located in each breed's hive, but this alone fails stop the swarms. The Toa later discover and don powerful, sentient robotic battle armor called Exo-Toa which lead them to the chamber of the true swarm commanders; the Bahrag twins Cahdok and Gahdok. While engaging in battle against the nest Queens, the Toa learn that the Exo-Toa are hampering their elemental powers, only after taking them off were they able to re-access them and trap the Bahrag in a cage of solid protodermis (a material created by all six Toa's elemental powers).
On the surface, the swarms stop in mid-action, and the Matoran begin the process of rebuilding their villages using the Bohrok drones now that their Krana are powerless. The Toa's victory is short-lived when the ground beneath them opens up and plunges each of them into tubes filled with energized protodermis, transforming the heroes into...something new. The protodermis mutates the six Toa into more powerful beings with new armor, masks and weapons and creating the end result - the Toa Nuva!
Emerging from the tubes and returning to the surface, the Toa Nuva test their new abilities by combating one another. Their actions lead to anger amongst them and they all think it best to separate and return to their own villages.
2001 - Quest for the Masks| author: Bigwhofan
On the island paradise of Mata Nui, a shadow has fallen over the land. The villagers known as Matoran live in fear of The Makuta; an all-powerful being alleged to have cast the Great Spitit Mata Nui - the Matoran's god-like entity of which the island is named after - into a deep slumber. Now, the Makuta has taken control the Rahi, the island's wildlife, to serve him and relentlessly attack the Matoran and their villages.
One Matoran, Takua - banished from his village due to his lack of work ethic - travels the island looking for stories to tell, earning him the nickname "The Chronicler". On one journey, he finds six ancient stones and brings them to Kini Nui (the centre of Mata Nui) where he joins them together and unknowingly triggers a beacon for six canisters floating in the ocean to wash up on the island's beaches. Once ashore, the canisters burst open to reveal six powerful beings; Tahu - Toa of Fire, Lewa - Toa of Air, Gali - Toa of Water, Onua - Toa of Earth, Kopaka - Toa of Ice and Pohatu - Toa of Stone.
Carrying formidable tools to channel their elemental energies and donning great "Kanohi" masks of power, the Toa remember nothing of their former lives except their names. Prior to meeting each other, they rebuild themselves on the seashores and travel to one of the six villages on the island, where they learn of the Matoran's war against the Rahi. The Toa soon join the conflict, and with the aid of the Matoran and their Turaga leaders, begin searching for more Kanohi masks; each of which possess a different ability.
Collecting six each, they exchange their masks for Golden Kanohi, and descend underground to face the Makuta. Prior to arriving at the villain's lair, the Toa form two Toa Kaita (giant beings created when Toa fuse together) to challenge the Makuta's Manas crabs, and battled dark manifestations of themselves dubbed 'Shadow Toa'. The Toa arrive at Lair Mangaia, where the Makuta appears in the form of a Matoran, before transforming into a swirling vortex of rusty machine parts and tentacles. The Toa battle Makuta and defeat him by combining their elemental powers on him.
Triumphant, the heroes return to the surface, but Takua - who followed the Toa down - discovers a large hive of insect-like nests hidden away from the battle site, revealing a new threat to Mata Nui. He sees the nests begin to hatch, but quickly escapes back to the surface before he can learn more.