text:
Nutrition and extra info
- Easily halved
Nutrition: per serving
- kcal386
- fat16g
- saturates6g
- carbs20g
- sugars13g
- fibre1g
- protein43g
- salt0.97g
- 2 slices white bread
- 2 onions, chopped
Onions are endlessly versatile and an essential ingredient in countless recipes. Native to Asia…
- 25g butter
Butter is a dairy product made from separating whole milk or cream into fat and…
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1kg packet lean minced beef
- 2 tbsp Madras curry paste
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 3 cloves
A clove is the dry, unopened flower bud of the tropical myrtle tree family used to flavour a…
- 5 allspice berries
- 2 tbsp peach or mango chutney
- 3 tbsp sultana
- 6 bay leaves
For the topping
Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Pour cold water over the bread and set aside to soak.
Meanwhile, fry the onions in the butter, stirring regularly for 10 mins until they are soft and starting to colour. Add the garlic and beef and stir well, crushing the mince into fine grains until it changes colour. Stir in the curry paste, herbs, spices, chutney, sultanas and 2 of the bay leaves with 1 tsp salt and plenty of ground black pepper.
Cover and simmer for 10 mins. Squeeze the water from the bread, then beat into the meat mixture until well blended. Tip into an oval ovenproof dish (23 x 33cm and about 5-6cm deep). Press the mixture down well and smooth the top. You can make this and chill 1 day ahead.
For the topping, beat the milk and eggs with seasoning, then pour over the meat. Top with the remaining bay leaves and bake for 35-40 mins until the topping is set and starting to turn golden.


text:
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
oct, 30th - pumpkins, ghosts and skeletons....
day 990 / 89:
halloween is still a bit of a novelty in our house. neither A. nor i experienced halloween in Australia and South Africa, growing up.....so we're playing catch-up on the traditions. there's been plenty of preparation over the last couple of days....i guess that's the great thing about having kids, you get to absorb yourself in these holidays in a way that would seem odd otherwise....
this year, there were many firsts.......i carved my first pumpkins (with Limi's help and exclamations of 'we're carving pumpkins'...'we're carving pumpkins'.....!) and we roasted the seeds for Limi to try.....i also had to do my first school-bake....so, i went for gingerbread ghosts fashioned from my Christmas angel cookie-cutter (probably a first for these two holidays to collide)....and after desperately wanting to make all Limi's and Claya's costumes from scratch, i've realised that after the debacle on Limi first year {see day 258} i can probably only manage to customise something. so this year, we're combining two celebrations and they are dressing up as Day of the Dead/ Halloween.
tomorrow i'll show you the results and you can grade us on how we're doing for halloween novices.
Posted by dee at 16:42 3 comments:
Labels: celebrations, Halloween
Monday, 29 October 2012
oct, 29th - h&m supports unicef....
day 989 / 88:
i am absolutely blown away by the kids collection that h&m did in support of unicef.....the clothes, the branding, this film and the causes that they are supporting: children in the cotton growing community in Tamil Nadu, India and children in the garment making community in Dhaka, Banglabesh, all make this an incredible campaign. i couldn't resist half the collection....especially the dress-up pieces...and when it all arrived, I was especially impressed by the superb quality.
hopefully i'll get to capture more of the collection but this dress has to be my favourite non-dress-up item.
p.s. we've been following the news closely and i hope everyone is keeping safe in the US and other areas affected by the hurricane.
Posted by dee at 16:57 No comments:
Sunday, 28 October 2012
oct, 28th - ballet....
day 988 / 87:
Limi has started ballet. i was keen for her to start tap instead {after this groundwork - see day 503} but they will only take them from five. dance classes bring back so many memories of my own childhood. i started ballet and tap at five and i'm sure that i was already convinced that i was as graceful as a swan. now, i get to see it from my mum's perspective who was probably thinking more along the lines of 'as graceful as a foal in rollerskates'. honestly, Limi's ballet class has become the highlight of my week (i have to hide my giggling behind my scarf.....is it bad to say that i've actually had tears rolling down my face?). the only swan in this class, is the teacher, who was a prima ballerina for the London Royal Ballet and makes walking across the room look like an extract from Swan Lake. the rest are a dozen mini rhinos in trainers with the laces tied together.
i was anti putting Limi into ballet this young but the structure of these classes is so brilliant that i decided to go ahead. the classes all follow a make believe story and the ballet positions are taught via the storyline e.g. going on a picnic and eating a long sandwich (second position of the arms). wonderfully, they are also accompanied by a live pianist. i did wonder what Limi would make of the teacher's sing-song voice and the girliness of it all.....but she is just as captivated as the other eleven girls. my favourite moments have been when the girls are asked (and guided) into a line and within a few steps the line disintegrates into a rugby scrum or; they were pretending to be graceful reindeer prancing across the room but resembled those stomping rhino instead or; when they were telling the story of Cinderella and hopping across the room on one booted foot (which is just a cruel thing to ask two year olds to do). and usually what tips me over the edge, is the curtsey at the end of each lesson where every girl resembles twisted spaghetti and at least one falls over in a tangled mess.
but they are completely oblivious to what they look like from our perspective (which is brilliant), they get to dress up in tutus/ wings/ whatever takes their fancy every week, take part in some fantastical adventure and try and imitate extreme elegance (and i'm sure in their heads, completely nail it)....so i'm not surprised that Limi is always excited on 'ballet days'.
i haven't had my camera to hand so i've captured it via Instagram (i've recently become hooked on this again). so, if you want to follow the ballet days and more mundane moments of our days, then you can find me here.
and in case you are experiencing any start-of-week blues, then this will cheer you up. it's not Limi's class (but it closely resembles it)......
Posted by dee at 16:05 5 comments:
Labels: dancing
Thursday, 25 October 2012
oct, 25th - jamie....
day 985 / 84:
we met some friends for lunch at one of Jamie Oliver's new British restaurants (his ventures seem to be springing up fast and furiously around town). i do love his ethos of fresh, simple and good ingredients and use his cookbooks (well, let's be honest, used to use his cookbooks pre-small-kids) but i'm not the hugest fan of chain restaurants (unless it's this small chain). but, given the all-things-British year that we're having, this restaurant felt quite apt. his design team have certainly done a god job on making you feel like you've stepped into a Famous Five annual.....
we did love the fresh lemonade, snack of homemade fish fingers and as for A.'s pork and stilton pizza......it was worth travelling for.
Posted by dee at 03:31 6 comments:
Labels: restaurants
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
oct, 24 - in the detail....
day 984 / 83:
i found this sweet top on sale for Limi. it's by April Showers by Polder. i love the detail of the black ribbon at the back. it reminds me of this dress. it's not surprising that this label is designed by two Dutch sisters who have learnt their trade in France. there is a 'romantic yet practical' air about this piece.
Posted by dee at 14:01 2 comments:
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
oct, 23rd - and so to bed....
Posted by dee at 15:04 2 comments:
Labels: photography, shoebox
Monday, 22 October 2012
oct, 22nd - king's cross ice-cream festival....
day 982 / 81:
back in August, we went to the King's Cross Ice-cream Festival held in Granary Square. Granary Square, is a new public space in the King's Cross development and is situated on a historic railway goods yard dating back to the 1850s. it's a beautiful space and i'd be very keen to visit more events here in the future.
the ice-cream festival brought together talented ice-cream makers from around the country, who set up their vans around the square and scooped to the crowds until the last icy morsel was gone. the festival celebrated ice-cream from it's originator (the cow) to traditional methods and then onto the latest technology (liquid nitrogen).
Limi got to milk a fibre-glass cow; pet goats, sheep and cows; build sandcastles on the beach and wash off in the fountains.....and for most of that, either my mum or A. stood in our chosen ice-cream queue for Ginger's Comfort Emporium, only to see every flavour except two sell-out. so instead of our first choices of hazelnut, truffle and chocolate or salted caramel and peanut butter ball.....we had to make do with marmalade on toast and orange blossom sorbet. they were surprisingly delicious. even though i'm not a fan of marmalade, it really was an incredible flavour: chewy, creamy and toasted. Limi loved it. i had the orange blossom sorbet which transported me straight back to Marrakesh and i felt like i'd dived head-first into a refreshing, riad fountain. so, if you ever see the pink Ginger's Comfort Emporium van in your neighbourhood, i definitely suggest that you join the queue.....it's worth the wait.
Posted by dee at 14:57 5 comments:
Labels: Things To-Do in London, weekend
Sunday, 21 October 2012
oct, 21st - conversations with a two year old....
Posted by dee at 13:30 5 comments:
Labels: conversations, singing, weekend
Thursday, 18 October 2012
oct, 18th - fred and mabel....
day 978 / 77:
a good friend has started a small business called Fred & Mabel. with her partner (mum of Fred), they are selling vintage toys and creating beautiful cut-out images and words using gorgeous old fabrics. they are both mums who worked in the creative industry and are now trying to find that balance between having careers and being the main childminders. i love what they are doing.
they had their first stand at a Vintage Home Show over the weekend and their space looked incredible. i had to leave before i bought up all their stock, although i did snap up an old school slate board, a teapot for Limi (in pink....yes, old pink), a lace collar for Claya, the abacus in the second picture, above and the trolley horse.....i could have bought more.
they take commissions for their cut-out prints and will ship their toys worldwide.
p.s. this is not a sponsored post :) but i do get handed these brown paper packages by Bon {see day 975 / 74}
[Limi sneaking off with the loot?]
Posted by dee at 01:13 2 comments:
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Maestro is more a thinking system than a mere digital system.
It is the result of a steady commitment and big investments in research and development, made by SCM in its continuing effort to design and integrate software and tools that streamline and optimise the daily work of industry professionals.
Hundreds of engineers and technicians with their eyes focused on the future, rather than the present, are seeking to provide advanced solutions that can be seamlessly integrated with production machines, optimise human-machine interactions and increase the overall efficiency of your production system.
Maestro Digital Systems is a set of digital products and services that further expands SCM's woodworking knowledge-rich DNA.


text:
the more criminalsI try to stop
the more justcome out of the back alleys
and dilapidated bars.
The city isa dying whore.
She calls out to meto save her
and I don'tknow if I can.
But she is still my city
and I cannot justsit and watch
as innocentpeople are...
Who the hell is that ?
Who the hell are you ?
I am an angel keepingwatch over the city at night.
As violence and darknesstake over the streets,
I work to ridthe streets of crime.
I am the symbolthis town needs.
Oh, no,no, no, no, no.
I am the symbolthis town needs.
Dude, seriously,you can't do that.
Go home, I was doingthis first.
Yeah-huh !
You heard ofThe Coon
and now you'rebeing a copycat !
Is that yourname, Copycat ?
I am Mysterion.Mysterion ?
That's fucking retarded.
You just gave yourselfaway, Craig.
Only you would thinkof a name that dumb.
I might be Craig,
and then againI might not be.
My identity mustremain a secret.
You cannot know.
Yeah, well, you can't knowmy true identity either !
I assume you must be Cartman,because you're fat.
Well, you're wrong !
I'm not Eric Cartmanand he's not fat !
Care to guess again ?
I really don't carewho you are.
Oh, all right, Kyle.
Yeah, took me real longto figure it out.
Only you, Kyle,would be a buzzkill
and try to stealmy thunder.
You don't care aboutstopping crime.
You're just doing this'cause you hate me, Kyle !
Kyle hates Eric Cartman.
Are you sayingyou're Eric Cartman ?
NO, I'm--I'm saying that--
Goddamn it, Stan,is that you ?!
It is you, isn't ?
Clyde ?!
Clyde, you're nota superhero, I am !
I cannot stand here and makeidle conversation any longer.
The city needs my help.
There are innocentsto protect.
No !
Dude, I'm seriously,you're being a copycat !
I'll sue you !
Motherfucker !
The Symbol This Town Needs
While watching over South Park, the Coon discovers he has a mysterious rival.


text:
DWTS: How Will Astrology Effect The Dancing With The Stars Season 14 Finalists?
The Stars (in more way than one) are aligned for the Dancing With The Stars Season 14 Finale. What does this mean for Monday and Tuesday night for William Levy & Cheryl Burke, Katherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas, and Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd?
If you've been following Pure Dancing With The Stars for the last couple of Seasons, you know that one of my interests in life since my mid teens has been Astrology. I like to use it to help me to understand people and myself more and why we are the way we are. Taking it one step further, it's even more fun to see what certain signs 'combined' together might produce such as what we see in the unions on Dancing With The Stars. So, this season, we're back again with another Zodiac Edition to study and explore the three remaining finalists in this area. You may have studied Astrology too in some fathom. If so, feel free to elaborate on what you think of these combinations and how it might effect the outcome on Monday and Tuesday night? So, let's get started….


text:
If you're one of those people who always seems to be cold, but won't let that stop you from skating and snowboarding in cooler temperatures, you can find sensible neck warmer from top brands like Anuell, Antix, Airhole, DC and SK8DLX. You can decide for yourself if you prefer the classic tube-style neck warmer or a modern one with hood and drawstring. Both will keep you warm thanks to high-quality materials such as fleece, polyester, polyacrylic and other pleasantly soft and warm fabrics. They'll protect you from the weather so you can devote your thoughts to the board under your feet.
Just as the weather is constantly changing and never seems to be the same, at skatedeluxe you'll find a variety of different neck warmer. Regardless of which conditions you need your neck warmer for, you'll find a suitable one in our vast selection of different types. In addition to thinner polyester neck warmer that protect you from the wind while providing good ventilation, there are also thicker variations made of polyacrylic or fleece. Wind, rain and snow will sometimes require more intense protection; therefore, you'll also find neck warmer with hoods. They'll keep you warm and dry all the way around and you can trek into the cold wilderness without a second thought.
Whether cat-overload, slip-on tube, simple logo or tasteful camouflage – at skatedeluxe, you'll find neck warmer in a variety of different styles. From chic and sleek to in-your-face designs, anything is possible. You just have to know what best suits you and your style. Whatever you choose, you can be sure that quality is a given. On many models, you'll find intricate stitching, logo tags or chic patches so you can proudly rep your favourite brands with this top-quality accessory.


text:
King of the Road
From far away, you hear it coming. The sky clouds up and you notice that birds are flying away as fast as possible. Your glasses begin to fog up, and then tiny cracks appear in the lenses. Slower birds fall from the sky like rocks. The sheet metal on your hood buckles under the intense sound-pressure wave front. Women faint. Then it crests the hilltop in front of you, and everything goes dark.
Consider this car sound system: seven 3.5-inch coaxial midrange speakers with seven integrated tweeters in the instrument panel, rear doors, and rear deck; two 6x9-inch subwoofers in the front doors; two 6x9-inch subwoofers in the rear deck; one 10-inch subwoofer in the rear deck; 12-channel amplifier outputting 900 watts.
No, this isn't some concept vehicle sound system. And it's not a wacko customized job. It's an actual car that comes equipped this way from the factory. Man, I wish I worked at that factory. Imagine if they let you crank up all those sound systems as the cars rolled along the assembly line. But I digress.
This sound system is installed in the new Chrysler 300 SRT8. It is from Harman Kardon, which is clearly the leader in high-end OEM sound systems. With all due respect to Bose and the others, they can't hold a candle to HK. And this particular system would blow out their candle, and blow the candle out of their trembling hands. I thought the 10-speaker Dr. Dre system in the Chrysler 300S was impressive. This new system makes that system cry for its momma.
After careful mathematical analysis, I have determined the following: The SRT8 sound system can power a medium-sized city for a year. It will cause California to slide into sea. It will massage the hearts of dead people and bring them back to life. And make them complain about the noise. It will create a sonic vortex that will shift you 10 milliseconds into the future. It will make the French army surrender. Although, frankly, that last thing is pretty easy to do.
The rest of the car is pretty awesome too: 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine delivering 470 HP; 20-inch wheels; Alcantara sports seats; black chrome trim; LED running lights. I'm sure it's pretty awesome. One thing is for sure:
19 speakers
5 subwoofers
900 watts
100% badass
My advice is this: when a 300 SRT8 drives by, duck and cover. If your office is on a high floor, call your wife and tell her you love her.


text:
|Help Search Members Calendar
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Posted: Mar 30 2018, 03:12 PM
Group: Advantagecom Staff
Posts: 4,340
Member No.: 9
Joined: 12-July 02
We've added free 24/7 technical support by phone for hosting plans that include phone support. Just call the regular phone lines you'd use for tech support during business hours, but now someone will be there to answer and assist you by phone 24/7.
If you have a routine technical support issue and your hosting plan includes phone support, just call 888-509-8644 option 3 or 509-522-3696 option 3.
We'll be updating our phone system voice prompts and web site soon.
The previous method of getting "off-hours" technical support for a $35 fee remains available for the time being. We'll re-evaluate this in the near future. http://support.schmolie.com/weekend-support.shtml
Andrew Kinney
CTO, Advantagecom Networks
Please do not private message me. My regular management duties preclude responding to every customer that sends me a support issue. Instead, post on the forum or contact tech support.


text:
Questions regarding fences are common. This page has some helpful information on fencing and its regulation in the City of Austin.
- You do not need a permit to build an at or below 8' high fence of any material, i.e. wood, metal or stone provided it is not located within a floodplain hazard area. If you are uncertain whether your property is located within a floodplain area, please contact the Watershed Protection Department at 512-974-2843.
- You can build a "solid" fence between the heights of 6 and 8 foot, given it either meets the requirements of City Code 25-2-899 (Sections E-G) or you obtain a variance from the City of Austin Board of Adjustment. In both circumstances, the homeowner will be required to obtain written authorization from the adjacent property owners that are affected by the fence. If the adjacent property owner is the City of Austin, you will NOT be able to obtain that authorization letter; you must go straight to the Board of Adjustments and ask for a variance.
- You cannot build a "solid" fence over 8 feet high. A fence considered "ornamental" may be built higher than 8 feet after a permit has been obtained. Please see Section (B) of City Code 25-2-899 for the difference between "ornamental" and "solid."
- The City of Austin does not regulate, delegate, prevent or police the types of materials that may be used in the construction of a fence.
If you have additional questions about fences, please contact the Development Assistance Center at 512-974-6370.


text:
Mat(redirected from gone to the mat)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Encyclopedia.
A general term for Russian profanity. The use of mat is illegal in Russia, though this is only enforced sporadically. However, inadvertently using mat can make it more difficult (or at least awkward) to conduct business in Russian.


text:
June 16th, 2010
Throughput enhancement without compromises
Adimec announces the Q-4A180 camera. Utilizing the latest global shutter CMOS technology, the Q-4A180 delivers 4 megapixels at 180 fps. This camera is designed for metrology and inspection applications used in the electronics and semiconductor manufacturing industries. Through its proprietary 'True Accurate Imaging' technology, the Q-4A180 allows an increase in throughput without compromising measurement accuracy. The repeatable & consistent image quality also makes the camera ideal for those who want to go from 2D to 3D inspection.The Q-4A180 is the first member of the QUARTZ Series. This new camera series will deliver cameras combining excellent images at the highest speeds with 4,8 and 12 megapixel resolution.The QUARTZ series uses standard Camera Link interface (10 tap) and can be equipped with CoaXPress interface for even higher speeds over longer distances using standard flexible coax cable.
Adimec, since 1992
Adimec focuses on development and manufacturing of high-performance cameras, and partnering with major OEMs around the world. The company has the distinction of serving industry leading companies in three application areas: machine vision, medical, and defense imaging. Adimec's unique expertise facilitates the creation of industry-leading cameras that deliver a performance advantage to high-end systems. Adimec achieves long-term customer satisfaction by offering a unique combination of product configuration/performance, life cycle management, and total cost of ownership. Adimec has offices around the world dedicated to creating customer value and satisfaction through local support by knowledge people.
Contact Information
Adimec Advanced Image Systems b.v
Phone : +31 40 2353 900
Fax : +31 40 2353 905www.adimec.com
Press Contact: M. Raaijmakers ()Sales


text:
'Travel & Leisure' Brings Back Global Bazaar With New Charity Partner
After introducing the first Global Bazaar last year, Travel & Leisure looked to build on its experiential platform with the second run of the consumer show this past weekend. The three-day ticketed event held at the 69th Regiment Armory that opened September 28 and ran through September 30 was, through installations, wine and food tastings, and travel-inspired activities, intended as a physical representation of the magazine's brand of content as well as the offerings of the participating travel-related organizations.
"Travel & Leisure's mission, and that of the T&L Global Bazaar, is to inspire people to see the world," said Pamela Norwood, the magazine's vice president and associate publisher of marketing. "Our editor in chief Nancy Novogrod says that the world would be a better place if people traveled more. With that in mind, we hope that our guests left the event thrilled by the experiences we created and moved to visit the many destinations that came to life this past weekend."
New to the bazaar was a collaboration with Room to Read, a nonprofit aiding global literacy and girls' education in developing countries. A portion of the event's ticket sales are being donated to the charity, and the organizers set up an online auction with Charitybuzz.com that will run through October 10. To further highlight the partnership, Katie Couric read for the crowd at Friday night's kickoff party.
For the production of the show, the Travel & Leisure team enlisted producer 13 Designs and caterer Mary Giuliani, which set up a back-of-house command center and industrial kitchen to coordinate the needs of 22 different partners. Square Design even constructed a wood shop to help fabricate the installations for the different exhibitors on site.
"We worked with our sponsors to create large installations that were engaging and authentic," said Norwood. For instance, lamps and rugs filled a dimly lit Moroccan lounge, a giant moai or Easter Island head served as a marker for the Rapa Nui stall, and a colossal sailboat indicated the booth for British Virgin Islands.
Seabourn Cruise Lines also had a nautical installation, with men dressed as sailors handing out champagne to guests and accompanying them to get free hand massages from Molton Brown.
Other interactive efforts included See Puerto Rico's indoor zipline and hair braiding, sand bracelet making, and hula and ukelele lessons from Hilton. On the social media front, Baume & Mercier set up a photo booth with a virtual Hamptons backdrop and invited guests to pose with props like kites, croquet sticks, floppy hats, and sunglasses. A card with a code to enter on the watchmaker's Facebook app enabled participants to retrieve and share their photos.
- Featured Venues/Suppliers:


text:
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text:
Front Royal, Va.: ....Hey Tarik,
...are the playoffs still a possibility, or are we in yet another rebuilding year...at what point do we make management changes?
Tarik El-Bashir: That's a tough question. It's way too early to say that they are completely out of it. But they've dug themselves quite a hole. They've got 13 points and there are six teams between them and a playoff spot. Are all of those teams going to tank? No. In fact, some of them, like Pittsburgh, are going to pick it up at some point. I would have to say it's going to be very difficult for the Caps to make up that ground.
Very difficult?...Here's how difficult. The Caps have 13 points in 18 games. If 92 points is enough to get in, they need 79 points in their remaining 64 games.
That is a 101-point pace over a whole season.
Now, go ahead and repeat the question in your own mind.


text:
In Ha Tay Province, about 100 km outside of Hanoi, lies one of the most popular religious sites in Vietnam. ThE Perfume Pagoda actually consists of a series of pagodas built inside grottoes. The sacred shrines are typical of Buddhist shrines found all over the world, but their uni1ue context and importance to Vietnamese Buddhists – who show up in the springtime in large numbers – make the Perfume Pagoda an obligatory stop in Vietnam's north.
07:30 We pick you up at your hotel and depart for the Perfume Pagoda.
10:00 Arrival at the Perfume Pagoda. After a scenic hour and a half boat ride along the Yen stream and a 2 hour trek, you reach the Huong Tich Cave, which houses the Pagoda of the Perfume Vestige. Next, you'll visit the Thien Tru Pagoda – or Pagoda leading to Heaven – before stopping at a restaurant for lunch.
16:30 After, the boat trip back to Ben Duc, we depart for Hanoi, arriving in the city around 19:00
Price: USD60.00 per pax
Inclusive: Transportation in private van with A/C, English speaking guide, boat travel, meals, entrance fees,
Exclusive: Drinks, insurance, visas, personal expenses, tips & gratuities
Extra of vip class: cable car
What to bring:
Appropriate clothing for the season
A hat and sunscreen
Comfortable clothing and footwear for walking


text:
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text:
|*September 6 - 12
|Mission in a Pagan
Daniel and Company
Read for This Week's Study:
Daniel 1-3, 6.
Memory Text:
"But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way" (Daniel 1:8, NIV).
Key Thought:
|The accounts of Daniel and his companions in Babylon offer us insights
into faithfulness and mission that remain relevant even after twenty-six
hundred years.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28).
In the darkest of circumstances, when things seem to be going totally wrong, we can comfort ourselves that in the end all things will work together for good. Not that all things are good but only that, with God, they can work together for good. We are not guaranteed it will be the way we want it; and we may never witness the good that does finally result. But the promise remains.
This week we will focus on God turning bad into good in the experience of four young Jewish men who, through no fault of their own, were exiled to a foreign country. Yet, because of their unswerving commitment, God was able to use them as witnesses for His purposes and power. Through various ordeals, such as a fiery furnace and a den of lions, God not only displayed His care for Daniel and his friends, but He demonstrated His power before pagans who knew only their idols. Who but God knows the eternal results of the faithfulness displayed by these young Hebrews?
*Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 13.
|September 7
A Spiritual Foundation
Most of us know the basic story of Daniel and his friends, who were taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, about six hundred years before Christ. Through their faithfulness, God used these young men to further His plans and mission in Babylon, the world's most powerful nation at the time. Yet, to a large extent the stories of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah are a tribute to the faithful training by their parents.
Jewish families were not to take lightly the duty of instructing their children. Much of this took place through storytelling, an important part of family life. Parents were to tell and retell the stories of God's leading in the history of their nation. Children were to learn how following God's commandments leads to life, while disregarding them leads to death.
Read Deuteronomy 6:6, 7 (see also Deut. 4:9). What spiritual principle is found here that is important, not just for children but for all of us? In what ways is daily, personal devotions a means of applying this principle in our own lives?
The parents of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah could not have predicted what would happen to their children. But through faithful, daily religious instruction, they provided a strong spiritual foundation for the rest of their lives. How important that parents seek to do the same for their own children today. At the same time, the constant dwelling upon God, the constant recounting of the miracles, the goodness, and the love of God can be as much a benefit to the parents as to the children. Even for those who do not have children or for those whose children are gone, how important to keep the reality, goodness, and power of God before us at all times. After all, how can we share with others what we, ourselves, have not experienced?
|How consistent are you in your personal devotions? How can they help strengthen faith and make us better witnesses?
|September 8
The Early Tests
Immediately after the boys arrived in Babylon, it was clear that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah would face many temptations and negative influences.
Read Daniel 1:4. Where does the first potential attack on their faith occur? Why could it be so deadly?
It is all too true that what we read, what we are exposed to, cannot help influencing our thoughts. Perhaps for the first time in their lives, these young men were exposed to literature that espoused values and beliefs opposed to what they had been taught. In Babylonian literature they were confronted with astrology, false gods, and myths of various descriptions. The battle for their minds, and hence their souls, had begun (see Phil. 4:8).
And their bodies as well, which, as modern science has aptly shown, is linked intimately with our minds.
Read Daniel 1:8. What key word there shows why Daniel and his friends (see vss. 12-14) did not want to partake of the king's food?
The key word is defile, which in Hebrew means just that, to "pollute, defile." Thus, for these young men, the issue was not just healthful living or a mere preference. It was a moral issue.
What kind of excuses could they have made to themselves to justify eating the food?
From the beginning of their time in Babylon, the four young men resolved to stand for principle, no matter what the cost. It set the pattern for the rest of their time in Babylon, where more than once they were tested for their faith. Through their faithfulness, they bore a strong witness to the God of heaven.
|It is a human tendency to make excuses for bad choices or wrong behavior. In what areas of your life do you rationalize what you do? What steps can you take to deal with this spiritually dangerous tendency?
|September 9
No Compromise
The biblical story clearly shows God's involvement in the life of the Babyloniansinteracting with King Nebuchadnezzar and later with King Cyrus. He is portrayed as the God not only of the children of the Israel but of all nations.
Read Isaiah 56:1-8. Think of the time when it was written. What is the crucial point made there?
Read Daniel 1:6, 7. What is going on here? What reasons did their captors have for doing this?
The meaning of names was important to Jewish families, and children were named carefully. The names Daniel (God is my judge), Hananiah (God has favored), Mishael (who is what God is), and Azariah (Jehovah has helped) reflect the high priority the parents placed on their children's spiritual lives.
Nebuchadnezzar's top official, Ashpenaz, gives the four young Jewish men new Babylonian namesBelteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednegowhich were mainly tributes to Babylonian gods.
But that is the closest these four men would get to idolatry, names over which they had no choice but to go by. Under God's blessing they soon moved into prominent positions in the court and government of Babylon.
After their period of preparation, Ashpenaz presents the four young men to the king. The king talks with them and "found none equal" to them (Dan. 1:19, NIV). "In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom" (vs. 20, NIV).
What a tremendous testimony to what God could do through four faithful young men. Taken from obscurity in Jerusalem to the court of the most powerful person in the world, they rose to the occasion and stood before the king as witnesses to the power of God.
|Why was it acceptable for the four Jewish young men to take pagan names but not acceptable for them to eat pagan food? How do we draw the line in our own lives between what are merely cultural issues and what are moral or religious ones? Be prepared to discuss your answer in class.
|September 10
Interpreter of Dreams
Daniel and his companions had made it to the highest levels of the court in Babylon, the greatest empire in the world at that time. However, as in most of the courts of power, perils awaited them.
Read Daniel 2:1-13 and answer the following questions:
1. How were the wise men trying to fool the king?
2. How did the king ensure that their tricks would be of no avail?
3. What words of the wise men revealed the impossibility of what the king asked? Why would those words later help witness to the power of God?
God had earlier given Daniel the gift of interpreting dreams and visions (Dan. 1:17), but Daniel was not going to be presumptuous and take anything for granted. He gathered together his three friends and urged them to pray (Dan. 2:18), for clearly without divine intervention they were going to meet the same fate as the charlatans and frauds in the king's court.
Read Daniel's prayer of thanksgiving (Dan. 2:20-23). What is the essence of his prayer? What hope and encouragement can you take from it for yourself, whatever situation you are facing?
Most of us know the rest of the story (if not, then read the chapter). Think about what it meant for the monarch of the greatest empire in the world to bow down and worship a foreign captive in his court (vss. 46-48)! The king was obviously impressed, no matter how much more he had to learn.
Through Daniel, then, God spares the lives of the wise men throughout Babylon, leads a pagan king to at least the beginnings of belief in the true God, and advances Daniel and his friends to positions of authority, where they can be a greater witness to Him.
|September 11
Two Life-or-Death Tests
Two more major tests give Daniel and his three friends opportunity to witness to the true God in a public and influential way.
As much as your time allows, read through Daniel 3 and the test of faith the three Hebrew boys faced there.
Read Daniel 3:16-18. What is the essence of what they were saying? How is the principle still important for all believers today? See also Matt. 10:28.
Read Daniel 3:28-30 to see just how impressed the king was regarding what he had seen. Though the king still had a lot to learn, through the faithfulness of these young men, a powerful witness for the living God was spread through the pagan world.
Again, as much as your time allows, read through the story of Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6), another test of faith but now in a new kingdom.
What evidence can you find in the chapter that shows that the king already knew something about the power of Daniel's God?
What kind of testimony does Darius give about Daniel's God? How accurate a testimony is it? What does this show about what God can reveal to pagans about His power and wisdom without the Written Word?
Imagine if in both stories these Jews would have compromised to save their own lives. Again, how easy in both situations it would have been to rationalize doing the easy thing. Instead, they remained faithful, and as a result, they helped spread a knowledge of the true God.
In times in the past, have you sought the easy way out and compromised what you knew was right? How did you feel? How can you fortify yourself in faith so that whenever the next test comes, you do what you know is right?
|September 12
Further Study:
|Read Ellen G. White, "In the Court of Babylon,"
pp. 479-490, "Nebuchadnezzar's Dream,"
pp. 491-502, and "The Fiery Furnace,"
pp. 503-513, in Prophets and
"As God called Daniel to witness for Him in Babylon, so He calls us to be His witnesses in the world today. In the smallest as well as the largest affairs of life, He desires us to reveal to men the principles of His kingdom. Many are waiting for some great work to be brought to them, while daily they lose opportunities for revealing faithfulness to God. Daily they fail of discharging with wholeheartedness the little duties of life. While they wait for some large work in which they may exercise supposedly great talents, and thus satisfy their ambitious longings, their days pass away."Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, pp. 487, 488.
"The tidings of their wonderful deliverance were carried to many countries by the representatives of the different nations that had been invited by Nebuchadnezzar to the dedication. Through the faithfulness of His children, God was glorified in all the earth."Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 512.
Discussion Questions:
| As a class, talk about your answers to the question at the end
of Tuesday's lesson.
The stories in Daniel are powerful lessons of how, by staying faithful to God in trying circumstances, these men were able to witness to others about the Lord. At the same time, how many of us have heard stories of folk doing crazy things in the name of God, even to the point of losing their lives? When faced with a difficult situation, how can we know whether we should stand firm or whether we could be a more effective witness for God by showing our willingness to compromise with the given situation?
For every Daniel in the lions' den story, there is a story of John the Baptist. How are we to understand these different endings?
The book of Daniel describes the experience of four young men who, in the face of massive challenges to their faith, remain true to principle and to their God. Their faithfulness is a dramatic witness not only to the people and rulers of Babylon but also to people of surrounding nations.
|I N S I D E Story
|Terrorist Meets the Savior
by VASANTHAKUMAR VETHAMUTHU
I was a political activist in my village in India. I worked for justice and fair treatment for the poor of the community. But some politicians didn't like me and wanted me out of their way. So, when a clash between two groups in the community resulted in the death of several people, I was accused of inciting the riot. I had nothing to do with it, but some politicians called me a terrorist and had me put into jail. The judge, however, saw the injustice and gave me probation. However, the accusation made me an outcast in my own village and among the people I had sought to help.
My own church disfellowshiped me, so I decided to build my own church on land at the edge of the village where my family and I could worship. As I was building the church, I met an Adventist pastor. When he learned why I was building a church, he said, "That's a good idea. But since you are building a new church, why not make it a true Bible-believing church, an Adventist church?"
I was intrigued and listened to this man explain the Sabbath, the state of the dead, and other basic Bible doctrines I didn't know. I agreed to make my church a Sabbath keeping church. I helped the pastor hold evangelistic meetings in the area, though some of my political enemies accused me of political activism again, and we had to stop the meetings.
After explaining our position to the police, they finally allowed the meetings to continue. The pastor focused his talks on God's love, salvation, and general topics, but in our private studies, he challenged me to study the Bible to understand the Sabbath and other important doctrines. I did, and I realized they all were true. I began telling people about the Sabbath. I knew that the Christians in the village would not accept it, so I told my idol worshiping friends and invited them to come to meetings in the half-finished church.
Following the pastor's meetings, 35 people were baptized, including my wife, my father, and me. The new church members and even some non-Adventist believers worked to finish the new church. Some two hundred people came to the dedication, including some political officials. It was a grand day for the entire village.
I have given up my political activity and now work for Christ. I am driven by the love of God rather than social justice. Now I work as a lay evangelist in my area, helping the pastor and going from village to village to teach people about Christ. We now have congregations in eight nearby villages. Your Thirteenth Sabbath offerings provided two of these congregations with simple chapels. Thank you for your gifts to God that support God's work in
VASANTHAKUMAR VETHAMUTHU is a lay evangelist in India.
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text:
On this, my 47th birthday, as others lavish gifts upon me in their kindness, I'm writing this column as my gift to you. Want to be more innovative? Want to be more creative? Want to be a better you? I pondered these questions; I've thought about what's worked in my life, and what hasn't. So far, here's a list of what works:
- Be passionate about what you do. Ultimately it's you that motivates you.
- Be authentic. Kind of like #1 but it's about acknowledging who you are in all your various facets and embracing you. You are your brand. Rock the world with it.
- Don't let others bring you down. I don't care if it's your boss or the president or a family member. Rise above – you're the best you. You made a mistake? So what. (See Rules #7, #8, #11, #12)
- Get plenty of sleep. Seriously. It will help in synthesizing ideas. Also, when you sleep you…
- Dream. Do it while you're awake.
- Take time off from your work. Hike, pray, meditate, play. Get some of the benefits of sleep but you're conscious.
- Be curious. It might drive people nuts, but then you're living according to Rule #3, right?
- Don't be afraid to look like an ass. This might seem like #3 but it's not. This is about doing things that you think others are looking at you funny about. It's got nothing to do about what others have said or done.
- Have empathy for others. Tolerance is the easy way out. Empathy.
- Revel in your successes! Don't look ahead to the next challenge without appreciating what you're doing, and have done, to get to the now.
- Don't be afraid to try things and make mistakes. It' s important because we not only learn from successes we…
- Learn from mistakes.
- Love=Service
Are there any that you would add?


text:
The Patriot Supersonic 64GB USB 3.0 flash drive is the latest addition to the growing list of new drives clamouring to make the most of USB 3.0's capacious amounts of bandwidth.
So, make the most of your unloved USB 3.0 ports and pick up some high-speed storage,
But as we've seen flash memory has its own foibles where it can work like lightning in one direction and then run like treacle uphill in another.
At 64GB this is already at the larger end of the current market, couple that with a USB 3.0 interface and this could be an exceptionally portable and exceptionally fast thumb-sized block of storage.
If you're willing to pay for it.
At this price range you could pick up an internal 64GB SSD or a portable HDD tens of times bigger, but obviously that's a choice you'll make based on your functional needs.


text:
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text:
HIV/AIDS News
Statement from Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Regarding National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
"United We Can Stop HIV and Prevent AIDS. Unidos Podemos Detener el VIH y Prevenir el SIDA." That is the message for the seventh annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, which our nation observes today, October 15. This day is an opportunity for us to honor the dedicated family members, neighbors, coworkers, spiritual and community leaders, people living with HIV and AIDS, educators, health care workers, and advocates who want to stop the spread of HIV and to link people living with HIV to treatment and care. We must all work together to tackle the disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS on Latino communities in the U.S.
The number of people living with HIV and AIDS in the U.S. continues to grow, especially among Latino and other minority communities. While Hispanics represent approximately 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for an estimated 18 percent of people living with HIV in the U.S. Most new infections among Hispanic men (72 percent) occur among men who have sex with men (MSM), according to the most recent CDC estimates. In addition, the rate of new HIV infections among Hispanic women is nearly four times that of white women.
The Latino Commission on AIDS and the Hispanic Federation, in partnership with a variety of faith and community organizations, started National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) to provide Latino communities with an opportunity to encourage HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. This observance gives us an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to addressing HIV within the Latino community. From planning a National AIDS Strategy, to reauthorizing the Ryan White Care Act, to launching the CDC's Act Against AIDS campaign, we will continue to make HIV prevention a priority in the U.S. Today, I encourage Americans to take an HIV test. To find your local HIV testing center, send a text message with your ZIP code to "KNOWIT" (566948) or visit www.HIVtest.org.
We must recognize the individual needs of specific communities, and reach beyond the borders of own communities in order to respond to HIV as a nation. In recognition of NLAAD, let us commit to continuing our efforts in the Latino community and beyond to promote HIV testing and link people who test positive to crucial treatment and care.
"United We Can Stop HIV and Prevent AIDS. Unidos Podemos Detener el VIH y Prevenir el SIDA".
To learn more visit www.AIDS.gov and www.nlaad.org.


text:
Here's what was reported in the news during Semana Santa (Easter):
'According to Tránsito 5,600 tickets were issued during Semana Santa for all types of violations of the Ley de Tránsito. Tránsito subdirector, Huanelge Gutiérrez, explained that 975 of the tickets were for speeding, while the rest ranged from driving without a license, faulty lights and not wearing a seatbelt.'
Also indicated in the article was that Police arrested 88 persons for drunk driving- they must have missed my original post, now these 88 could face jail time (funny, I thought it was mandatory, but the article clearly stated, "could face jail time"…ummm. I'll have to check into that one.
Well, we had spent a week in San José doing what we do (Do'in Costa Rica), videotaping, hotel and bar reviews etc, and when we got invited to Samara (Southern Guanacaste/Nicoya Peninsula area on the Pacific coast), we jumped at the CHANCE. We had been trying to visit there for quite some time.
Our friend was passing a few cars that in our opinion were going way to SLOW, and actually, I saw the policeman about a quarter of a mile up ahead in the middle of the road speaking with the driver of a stopped car, but didn't think anything of it, even as we ZOOMED past the 4 cars. What I didn't see was the radar gun, but we still thought we were cool and we weren't traveling 'that fast',,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, the policeman felt otherwise.
Our friend sorta, kinda tried to plead his case, but the cop wasn't having any of it. He wasn't mean, just matter-of-fact and kept showing my friend the speed indicated on the radar gun.
This would be a good time to mention 'bribes'. If you really believe all Costa Rica authority types accept bribes- you'd be sadly mistaken. And that mistake could cost you about 400 bucks. We wouldn't have even thought to bribe this guy, and he was working ALONE. You could tell this cop took his job seriously and I'll bet when he lays his head on the pillow at night, he knows who he is.
Technically this ticket was in the range of 'reckless driving', and our friends was a tad nervous to say the least.
But like they frequently do in the States, this cop gave our friend a break. Cost of the ticket- $9.00.
It's nice to see discretion used appropriately- this could have been SO much worse.
We were part of the Semana Santa statistics, but I can't help thinking we may have gotten off a lot easier than most… Pura Vida to 'us' as this could have been a MAJOR Semana Santa BUZZ KILL…. it wasn't.
Samara was GREAT! Upcoming VIDEOS and INFO and post about our visit to Samara.
Here's just a snippet of video of the cop that pulled us over. I give this guy serious PROPS and Costa Rica should be PROUD he represents them in his everyday interactions with the gringos and the public in general. He displayed good judgment and discretion and was professional at all times.
I DARE you to try and BRIBE him... double dare you.
We have ALL your Costa Rica Travel Information at Travel Costa Rica NOW. and don't forget our Costa Rica Travel Tip Videos posted on YouTube. Hope it HELPS!


text:
|WoWWiki has moved! See this article on Wowpedia.
- "In the time before time, when the world was still in its infancy, a battle between a Titan and a being of unimaginable evil and power raged on this very soil. The prophecy is unclear about whether or not the Titan was vanquished ... but it illustrates that a Titan fell."
- —Geologist Larksbane
The Old Gods (a.k.a. the Old Whisperings[1], the Elder Gods, the Old Lords[2] or the Dread Elders) are mysterious, godlike and greatly malefic horrors which ruled in tyranny over the infant universe before they were defeated and sequestered within the primordial world of Azeroth by the Titanic Pantheon. Only very few mortals have ever been aware of the Old Gods' existence. Fewer still considered them anything more than ominous myths from a time before time began; the rumor of a dread and ancient past that should forever stay forgotten to the mortal races.
The Ordering of Azeroth
None now remember how Azeroth came to be, yet legends persist that the Titans traveled to the newly formed world--shaping the land and first seeding it with life. Beings as the Earthen were then created by the Pantheon to complete the mighty works the Titans had begun, and to prepare Azeroth for the time when it would give birth to the first mortal creatures. After the Titans had departed from Azeroth however, a great calamity befell the young world. From the endless void of the universe, unspeakable terrors known only as Old Gods came. The world buckled to its foundation under dire power unimaginable, and the elements were thrown into such great disorder that Azeroth degenerated back to a state of primordial chaos, atrophy and destruction; a world where no life could ever form or exist.
The creations of the Titans too were subjugated by the Old Gods, becoming afflicted with the Curse of Flesh. The elements that comprised the world had become as the dark pawns of the Old Gods, and the Titans' creations had either been destroyed or were suffering a far worse fate. When the Titans discovered what transpired upon their youngest seedling, they made their return. The Pantheon struck down the four Elemental Lords who were devastating the world and shattered the Old Gods' citadels, which caused the greatest battle Azeroth would ever know to erupt. One by one, the Old Gods were defeated and sequestered, but from this great siege between the gods, the rumor of a Titan having fallen echoes across the ages.
The Curse of Flesh had grown so malign however it had symbiotically bound the infant world to the Old Gods, and their destruction would have ensured the annihilation of Azeroth. Instead, the Pantheon neutralized the power of the Old Gods, and sealed the entities away within the deeps of the world for the remainder of its existence. After the Old Gods were contained and their elemental servants banished, the spirits of the elements again settled into balance, and Azeroth's ability to birth and sustain life returned. The Titans reseeded the world, re-created the Earthen and empowered defensive measures, such as the Titanic watchers and the Dragon Aspects. They then departed from the world anew, leaving Azeroth to once again await the awakening of the first mortal beings.[3][4]
Whispers of the Old Gods
Since the dawn of life on Azeroth, the imprisoned and sleeping Old Gods have been whispering to the subconsciousness of mortal and eternal beings alike, subverting their thoughts and feelings, and sometimes driving them to great malice, complete insanity, or both.[5][6][7] The most notorious and tragic victim of the Old Whisperings is Neltharion the Earth-Warder; the once mighty Dragon Aspect who had been empowered by the Titan Khaz'goroth with dominion over the deep places of the world. Yet, not even Neltharion's great wisdom and power proved capable of breaking the grip the Old Whisperings had on his mind, causing the Earth-Warder to eventually lose all his sanity. Neltharion renamed himself Deathwing, seeking the genocide of all non-draconic life on Azeroth as well as the enslavement of the other dragonflights.
Malfurion Stormrage and Varo'then momentarily heard the Whisperings when they held the Demon Soul within their grasp. Malfurion has since stated that "Ysera's noble brood has fallen victim to the Old Whisperings", as well.[1] The Highborne Queen Azshara is said to have heard the Whisperings moments before what would have been her death, causing her and her Highborne people to transform into the monstrous Naga-- an offer they either accepted willingly to avoid their fate or which has been coerced on them. The remainder of her surviving Highborne who made landfall in the Tirisfal Glades are rumored to have succumbed to insanity after hearing these same Whisperings.
The most striking historic account of the Old Whisperings however is found within the ancient scrolls of lore of the Tauren, located in their capital city of Thunder Bluff at Elder Rise. The legend of creation of the formerly nomadic Tauren tribes makes a direct reference to the Whisperings, stating that the first incidents of Tauren committing acts of deceit, murder or warfare were because their early brethren "harkened to the dark whispers from deep beneath the world."[8]
The War of the Ancients
During the War of the Ancients they corrupted the great benevolent Dragon Aspect Neltharion, to create for them the extremely powerful Demon Soul which they empowered as well, to have Sargeras use to unintentionally set them free. The Demon Soul was taken from Neltharion by Malfurion, then taken from him by Illidan and put in the Sargeras-summoning matrix, then taken back by Neltharion, who shortly thereafter was struck away by the Old Gods, who wished to have the summoning completed. Malfurion picked up the Demon Soul after Neltharion dropped it, and used it (in conjunction with Illidan) to prevent Sargeras' entry. It was then given to the dragons, stolen by Nekros ten-thousand years later, taken back by the dragons, and then destroyed.
Recent history
10,000 years later the Old Gods invaded Nozdormu's realm and managed to open a rift in time, that, as they had planned, tossed some beings back through time, beings that would change the way the war of the ancients took place, and give Sargeras a new chance to enter the world, and therefore give them a new chance to set themselves free. Their plans were although again crushed by the very same Malfurion Stormrage.
The Blackfathom Deeps in Ashenvale was once, long ago, a temple to Elune. The Great Sundering ruined the temple and left it submerged in water and buried under rock. Corruption from the Old Gods seeped up and tainted the sacred moonwell.[9] One may be in the Blackfathom Deeps.[10][11] Hints that old gods lie in or under the Blackfathom Deeps. Not to be confused with Aku'mai who was only influenced by the powers of the Old Gods.
Some time between the Third War and the re-opening of the Dark Portal, C'thun awoke completely and was able to physically return to Azeroth in the ruins of Ahn'Qiraj. Packs of brave heroes marshalled outside the great Qiraji gates, tore them down and slew the old god.
At some point during his stewardship of Ulduar, Loken came under the sway of Yogg-Saron imprisoned within and eventually betrayed both the Pantheon and his own brother, Thorim. He resides in Ulduar's Halls of Lightning, seeking to free Yogg-Saron completely and bring down the Pantheon. During the crusade against the Lich King in Northrend this came to the attention of the Kirin Tor, who recruited adventurers from the Alliance and the Horde to lay siege to Ulduar. They were victorious and Yogg-Saron was defeated.
According to Malfurion Stormrage, one of the Old Gods is behind the Nightmare corrupting the Emerald Dream. Although the Nightmare Lord in the dream turned out to be the Satyr Lord Xavius, it is suspected that he was working for higher powers.
The Old Gods are characterized as the sleeping evil beneath the earth, whose telepathic whispers eventually become indistinguishable from one's own maddened thoughts. Beyond the things attributed to the Old Gods as a whole, individual Old Gods share some common factors between them. Both C'Thun and Yogg-Saron are fought with a section of their bodies sticking out of the ground in the center of a room, with an unknown amount of their forms remaining invisible below. They both appear to have countless tentacles below ground, which can come to the surface to aid in combat. The battles with both Old Gods call for damage to be done to something within each Old God's submerged form to weaken or remove a shield: Killing a Flesh Tentacle in the Stomach of C'Thun and weakening the Brain of Yogg-Saron in the Mind's Eye (which may or may not represent physical places within the two Gods).
The avatars of C'Thun and Yogg-Saron, the qiraji and faceless ones respectively, are similar in a few ways. Faceless ones have similar posture and shape to qiraji gladiators (Which may be due to recycling of wireframes, to some extent). Also, both groups have a general with vaguely similar names, General Rajaxx and General Vezax, and a religious leader, The Prophet Skeram and Herald Volazj (Harbinger Skyriss too, but his affiliation is unknown).
The Number of Old Gods
Depending on the source, three, four, or five Old Gods lie imprisoned. Some of these sources seem to imply that these numbers were the limit to the number of Old Gods. The roleplaying game seems to imply that there were more than five Old Gods, including those imprisoned or killed.
- The Warcraft III manual states that five Old Gods were chained beneath the world.
- The Pantheon shattered the Old Gods' citadels and chained the five evil gods far beneath the surface of the world. Source: [12][13]
- According to the War of the Ancients Trilogy, there are three Old Gods still living, imprisoned and chained by the Titans deep beneath the surface of Azeroth. There may be more however, these three are indicated to have formed some sort of alliance in order to escape their imprisonment.[4]
- According to "The Old Gods and the Ordering of Azeroth", four Old Gods were imprisoned beneath the world. This could perhaps be reconciled with the War of the Ancients trilogy if it were taken to include the fallen C'Thun in the count of the imprisoned Gods. This is however unlikely as C'thun was believed dead and not imprisoned. Note that the version of this chapter presented in the story section of the official site does not reference the number of Old Gods.[14]
- "There are more Old Gods than just the ones trapped on Azeroth. It takes a lot for them to become manifested on a physical plane, however."[15]
In the Burning Crusade expansion, a group of Arakkoa known as the Dark Conclave attempted to summon an entity described as an "ancient and powerful evil" into Outland. It is nearly identical in appearance to the first named Old God, C'Thun.
Named Old Gods
- Main article: C'Thun
C'Thun was the first of the two Old Gods to be named so far, having received that name from its creations; the Qiraji. C'Thun was struck down in Silithus during the dawning of the world, in a battle which may have also resulted in the defeat of a Titan. C'Thun was believed to have been slain permanently, but the Old God resurfaced over the course of history as the driving force behind the Qiraji. It is trapped deep beneath the ruined temples of Ahn'Qiraj, where it has exerted its will for thousands of years over its Qiraji avatars, who in turn command the Silithid swarm.
C'Thun is the final boss in the Temple of Ahn'Qiraj.
- Main article: Yogg-Saron
Described by the demigod Ursoc as "the beast with a thousand maws", Yogg-Saron is only the second Old God to be explicitly named as such. The dire entity refers to itself in ways as "the lucid dream", "the god of death" or "the true face of death", and appears to secrete a substance named Saronite across Northrend which is capable of driving any that have been exposed to it to murderous insanity. Slinkin the Demo-gnome discovered shortly before his demise that a mysterious connection seems to exist between the Old God Yogg-Saron and the undead Scourge. In his final note, he claims to have overheard some undead uttering the name "Yogg-Saron" with a tone of tremendous hatred and contempt, and that this was usually followed by outbursts of rage from other undead. Yet, the Scourge appear to be mining for Saronite on an industrial scale.
Yogg-Saron's underground prison extends through much of east-central Northrend; his influence has been felt directly in the Grizzly Hills (Vordrassil, the Grizzlemaw Furbolgs and Ursoc), Dragonblight (Ahn'kahet: The Old Kingdom, with faceless ones and a sect of the Twilight's Hammer dedicated to Yogg-Saron) and the Storm Peaks (Ulduar, and the corrupted Titanic guardian Loken). The Old God is located within his prison deep inside Ulduar, and is the final boss of the raid instance, much as C'Thun was the final boss in Ahn'Qiraj.
Mortal worship
Until recently, only little was known about the Old Gods and their maddened worshippers--practically none on Azeroth were truly aware of the existence of the Old Gods until C'Thun made its ominous presence clearly felt within the depths of Ahn'Qiraj. It is self-evident however the Old Gods possess worshippers across all the world's peoples and cultures somehow. The Old Gods are imprisoned and asleep deep beneath the earth, but their power is so vast that their maddening, destructive taints seep from their prisons and appear to tear at the sanity of unknown numbers of Azeroth's inhabitants. To what extent sentient creatures can fall under the influence of the Old Gods in this manner is not well understood, but those who hear the Old Whisperings most clearly have joined together in a coalition that is known as the Twilight's Hammer. Many among these cultists and followers have lost every ounce of their sanity and have become completely unpredictable and malefic, and, sometimes, things which are much worse. Through the leadership of the ogre-mage Cho'gall, a powerful servant of C'Thun, the Twilight's Hammer has in recent times become the focal point for mortal worship of the Old Gods, and the cult's influence has since begun to increase alarmingly. Former members of both Alliance and Horde inexplicably flock to join in service and seek to assist in bringing about the final hour of mortal existence on Azeroth. Large groups of the Twilight's Hammer have been observed to settle at or near sites where they believe the Old Gods or their minions are sealed away; many await C'Thun's awakening in Silithus, while others appear to serve Ragnaros in the Blackrock Depths alongside the Dark Iron dwarves.[16] The largest concentrations of the Twilight's Hammer however are located at Grim Batol and the Bastion of Twilight, within a region of the Eastern Kingdoms that is now referred to as the Twilight Highlands.
In some cases, evil but still sane individuals deliberately attempt to turn to worship of the Old Gods out of spite, when they feel that other, more mainstream powers have mistreated them. Anarchists also sometimes turn to worship of the Old Gods out of a desire to destroy the world; some believe a new, better world will rise up in the wake of the destruction. In either case, these individuals are deluded or misinformed and any who do manage to make even the barest real contact with the Old Gods go hopelessly and irrevocably insane.
C'Thun created avatars from the silithid in its own image. These avatars, known as the qiraji, represent dark and powerful mockeries of life and have served as the Old God's heralds for millenia. Likewise, Yogg-Saron is associated with the entities known only as faceless ones, which appear to serve the Old God as its heralds and avatars as well.
Queen Azshara and the bulk of her Highborne people seem to have struck a pact with, or have fallen to, the power of the Old Gods, and have since become the monstrous naga. The naga have been seen in the presence of faceless ones in regions such as Vashj'ir, suggesting that the darkest fears about the change which overcame Azshara and many of the Highborne indeed hold true.
CataclysmThis section concerns content exclusive to Cataclysm.
In World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, players who decide to quest in Vashj'ir, will first sail on a ship that will be destroyed by mysterious giant tentacles. There will also be strange tentacles in dark pools in the naga area on the Lost Isles. It appears that Stonetalon Peak is being attacked by an Old God or or some of its minions. In Twilight Highlands, a minion of the Old Gods - Iso'rath can be found.
In Blizzcon 2010's Quests and Lore panel, Chris Metzen revealed that the third named Old God, which is to be revealed in Cataclysm, will be called N'Zath. Metzen also implied that this Old God may be the one "signing Deathwing's checks".
- See also: The Whispers of C'Thun and The Whispers of Yogg-Saron
Whispers to Neltharion
- Main article: Deathwing
- "The night elves will destroy the world..."
- "The Well is out of control..."
- "No one can be trusted... they want your secrets, your power..."
- "Malygos would take what is yours..."
- "Alexstrasza seeks dominion over you..."
- "They are no better than the demons..."
- "They must be dealt with like the demons..."
Whispers to Azshara
- Main article: Queen Azshara
- "There is a way... there is a way..."
- "You will become more than you ever were... more than you ever were..."
- "We can help... we can help..."
- "You will be more than you have ever been... and when the time comes, for what we grant you... you will serve us well..."
The names and overall nature of the Old Gods are an homage to the various group of deities from the Cthulhu Mythos in the works of H.P. Lovecraft (first stage), Brian Lumley (third stage), and the Call of Cthulhu RPG. C'Thun appears to be based on Cthulhu and Yogg-Saron appears to be based on the Outer God Yog-Sothoth. Furthermore, the story which concerns the Titans' imprisoning of the Old Gods is an inspiration from the story August Derleth proposed as the ancient outcome of the war between the Elder Gods (represented in the Titans) and the Outer Gods (represented in the Old Gods). Interestingly, the origin of the Titans is alien to Azeroth, while the Old Gods are native to it, swapping the names and some facts. An alternative name of the Old Gods is the Elder Gods.
Fan art
See also
- C'Thun
- Yogg-Saron
- N'Zath
- The Old Gods and the Ordering of Azeroth
- Tribunal of Ages
- Lorgalis Manuscript
- Prophecy of C'Thun
- Forgotten one
- Faceless one
- Aqir
- Naga
- Elemental Lieutenants
- Old Gods speculation
- Twilight's Hammer clan
- ^ a b Waking Legends, WoW. Blizzard Entertainment. Malfurion:
"Ysera's noble brood has fallen victim to the old whisperings.".
- ^ The Master's Glaive, WoW. Blizzard Entertainment. Onu:
"That cult worships the old, old lords of the earth. Lords defeated long ago.".
- ^ Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 155
- ^ a b The Sundering, 157
- ^ The Old Gods and the Ordering of Azeroth. Retrieved on 2007-12-06.
- ^ The Founding of Quel'Thalas. Retrieved on 2007-12-06.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. The Sundering. ISBN 978-0-7434-2898-9.
- ^ WoW. Blizzard Entertainment. Elder Bluff. Scrolls of Lore:
"As the children of the earth roamed the fields of dawn, they hearkened to dark whispers from the deep beneath the world.".
- ^ Dark Factions, 164
- ^ Lands of Mystery, 8
- ^ Horde Player's Guide, 169
- ^ History of Azeroth
- ^ Warcraft Lore FAQ 1
- ^ http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/story/chapter1.html#3
- ^ World of Warcraft Forums - Ask CDev #1 Answers. Retrieved on 2010-06-30.
- ^ Horde Player's Guide, 169


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The Lakai Griffin Shoe features
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Lakai bring you a rad steady colourway of the Griffin. The Griffin is a sleek looking skate shoe that looks great either on or off the board. Features of the Griffin include a durable suede upper, seamless toe piece for last, hidden misole for cushioned landings and Lakai detailing. It is available in Copper Suede only.
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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
The Carrboro Recreation and Parks Department offers a variety of classes open to adults interested in exploring their creative side or pursuing physical well-being. Classes are taught by contractual instructors. Registration for programs is accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please check our current program brochure or our online registration system for more information about each program.
* Program also offered during other brochure sessions


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It will be tougher to get credit in the months ahead. So what should consumers do?
Amber Dakar, a personal finance adviser with Weiss Research's Money and Markets newsletter, recommends people pay extra attention to maintaining a good credit score of 700 or better.
"Scores of less than 620 are subprime which means possibly being declined the line of credit or being hit with very high rate," she says.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
Credit scores range from 300 to 850 and the average credit card score is 678.
Consumers will also have to pay attention to the fine print.
Travis Plunkett, of the Consumer Federation of America, says there seems to be rising incidences of "back-end pricing abuses" by credit card companies unilaterally raising interest rates or imposing "high fees for small problems."
"It is a risky situation for consumers," says Plunkett. "Not only is there less credit being offered but to the extent that they have existing balances those balances might be more volatile because of these practices."
Up to 25 percent of account holders are being hit with such arbitrary, but currently still legal, fees which Plunkett says companies resort to make up for declining revenues.
Last week the House of Representatives passed a credit cardholder "bill of rights"' with strong bipartisan support (312-11) aimed at curbing a range of common abuses the Federation says traps consumers in a vicious cycle of debt.
Americans have about $850 billion in credit card debt, which represents an average of $17,000 in debt for the roughly 50 million households that do not pay their credit card balances in full every month.For more stories from CNBC, go to cnbc.com.


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Checklist developed for new superintendent
The Des Moines School Board released a new list of guidelines Thursday to guide the hiring of a new superintendent.
"The leader of our school district plays an important role for our entire community, and on behalf of the Board I want to thank citizens who provided their input on the qualities we should have in our next Superintendent," said Dick Murphy, chair of the Des Moines School Board. "This brings focus to the skills and abilities we will be seeking in applicants for this position."
The list is expected to be voted on by the board during a meeting Friday.
The desired qualifications are:
-- Possesses the leadership skills required to respond to the challenges presented by an ethnically and culturally diverse community.
-- Inspires trust, self-confidence, and models high standards of integrity and personal performance with the ability to develop and communicate a vision of quality education for the future to the board, staff and community.
-- Is a strong communicator; speaking, listening and writing.
-- Is strongly committed to a "student first" philosophy in all decisions.
-- Possesses excellent people skills, presents a positive image of the district and will listen to input and make a decision when necessary.
-- Possesses the ability to enhance student performance, especially in identifying and closing or narrowing the gaps in student achievement.
-- Has knowledge of emerging research and best practice in the area of curriculum/instructional design and practice.
-- Has experience in the management of district resources and knowledge of sound fiscal procedures.
-- Is able to identify and select building and central office administrators who are capable of advancing the district vision.
-- Has the ability to develop and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship between the business community and the school district.
The district said parents and the public can keep up to date on the search by visiting http://SuperintendentSearch.dmschools.org.


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Welcome to Watch List, where we identify five things on TV to watch while you stay at home and say a silent vigil for Bret Michaels. No way I'm letting Bret Michaels go to the Valley Of Lost Souls before his time. LET'S GO!
AMERICAN IDOL – 8PM (FOX) Shania Twain returns to the judge's table for her own theme night. Twain, in case you missed it, was excellent in the preliminary rounds. Her analysis was spot on without any grandstanding. Now she'll be judging this weak crop of Idols singing her own catalog. God knows how this bunch will ruin her oeuvre. I see a coffeehouse version of "That Don't Impress Me Much" in our future.
Reality shows are noted for their harsh judging, but you will find that, as the number of contestants are whittled down on a show like "Runway" or "Idol," the judging takes a turn. In some ways, the judges have to sell you on how talented all the finalists are, because they were the ones responsible for giving you this supposed cream of the crop. The finalists have to validate the judges' opinions (and the show itself), and that's why you'll see a lot of smoke blown up these kids' tushies, even from Simon himself. Which is silly, given that this year's "Idol" batch is so weak and useless. I'd like to see Simon say, "You know what? This is total waste of a season. We should boot them all." But he won't do that. Probably because he's far too busy packing a suitcase. ANTICIPATION: LAST LEGS!
GLEE – 9PM (FOX) Tonight's songs all feature the theme of home, and Broadway star Kristen Chenowith pops in to sing and dance and do all that stuff people on "Glee" do. The most notable cover this evening is of Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful," a song for unattractive people sung by a wildly attractive person. A little pedantic, dare I say. ANTICIPATION: WORDS CAN'T BRING GLEE DOWN
BIGGEST LOSER – 8PM (NBC) The seven remaining contestants travel to Dallas in a quest to get Texans to eat healthier. Good luck with that. There are a lot of people with guns down there, and it's not to defend themselves from the government. It's to defend themselves from celery. ANTICIPATION: FAT FAILURE
30 FOR 30: SEE RICKY RUN – 8PM (ESPN) A profile of Dolphins running back Ricky Williams. One of tonight's revelations is that Ricky's father was charged with "sexually annoying" him when he was 6. Sexual annoying people is a crime? Oh man, I should be serving 90 consecutive life sentences for my hair alone. ANTICIPATION: WEEEEEED!
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO A GIANT! – 8PM (TLC) You mean this ISN'T a Sly Stallone/Billy Crystal comedy vehicle? Color me surprised. ANTICIPATION: BIG!
Tuesday Watch List: Shania! Glee! Potheads!
Welcome to Watch List, where we identify five things on TV to watch while you stay at home and say a silent vigil for Bret Michaels. No way I'm letting Bret Michaels go to the Valley Of Lost Souls before his time. LET'S GO!


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Mrs. Johnson's 4th Grade at Legacy – Kiss Class of the Day
There just can't be a better example of what's RIGHT with America! Thank you to Mrs. Johnson's 4th Grade at Legacy Elementary School for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance today!
They're our featured Kiss Country "Class of the Day" and they couldn't have done a better job! Make sure you join us each morning at 6:45 for a new Kiss Class of the Day to be featured with the Pledge!


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Richard Ishida - Xerox
Richard Ishida is a Global Design Consultant with Xerox, based in the UK. Through seminars, courses and consultancy he helps product groups around the world develop web sites, documents, software and on-screen information so that it can be easily localised for the international marketplace.
In addition to Xerox and Fuji Xerox, Richard's client list includes several large multinational corporations as well as government and trade related institutions in Europe. He is a popular and regular speaker at globalisation-related conferences, mostly by invitation, and has delivered tutorials twice a year at every International Unicode Conference since 1995.
He has a background which includes translating and interpreting, computational linguistics, and translation tools. And has spent time studying French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Japanese and Arabic.
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Unicode and the Unicode logo are registered trademarks of Unicode, Inc. Used with permission.
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Champions of California's historic move to fight global warming are celebrating.
They are delighted with a landmark vote Thursday in Sacramento that sets up a trading system that industry must use for air pollution credit.
It's called "cap and trade", approved by the state Air Resources Board. It's a novel barter system that's meant to reduce the state's dependence on fossil fuels.
U.S. & World
But at what cost? Business groups condemned the move as creating a new system of taxation at the expense of further slowing job creation.
Assemblyman Dan Logue (R-Linda), has been a consistent opponent of the state's campaign against greenhouse gases that kicked off in 2006 with then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's signature of AB 32.
"It is irresponsible that these unaccountable, unelected state bureaucrats went out of their way to wreck an economy that is already on life support," Logue said.
Logue is the same lawmaker, by the way, who unsuccessfully tried last year to get voters to kill AB 32. By a wide marging, voters turned down the measure, Prop 23, which was heavily bankrolled by Texas oil companies Valero and Tesoro.
The cap and trade system approved this week will heavily impact the state's oil refineries and cement plants. They'll have to buy the ability to produce certain amounts of pollution. Those allowances could then be bought and sold by companies to meet air quality rules. The industry says the result will be higher fuel prices that will damage the economy.
Sound complicated? It is. This kind of marketing system has never been attempted on this scale before in this country. There are worries about market manipulation by unsavory traders.
The outcome of Thursday's vote was never in doubt. The Air Resources Board has a history of such moves, tangling with Detroit automakers several years ago in passing tough tailpipe emission standards.
But for the state's biggest manufacturers, it means new uncertainty.
Let us know what you think. Comment below, send us your thoughts via Twitter @PropZero or add your comment to our Facebook page.


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Dear Annie: My mother-in-law has a serious medical condition, and her health is rapidly deteriorating. Unfortunately, her failing health is not something she is willing to deal with.
My husband and I live in a different state. When we last visited, we were shocked at how bad things were. Bills were unpaid because she couldn't remember to get to them. Garbage was piled up because she didn't have the strength to drag the bags to the curb.
There are no other family members in the area who are willing to check up on her. The kindest thing would be to help her transition into an independent living facility and arrange for periodic in-home care. The problem is, most facilities have an age requirement, and my mother-in-law is only in her late 40s. How can I find out more? -- Worried Daughter-in-Law
Dear Worried: First search online for a support group or national organization for your mother-in-law's specific disability. And please do not assume that all of the facilities in your area are age-restricted. Ask. However, a better option might be a group home for disabled adults. You can search online or get a referral from Mom's doctor, a local hospital or through a care manager.
Another possibility is to have an in-home health aide or visiting nurse come to Mom's house to check on her. All of these choices depend on Mom's finances and insurance coverage and what is available in her area. Call 2-1-1 for resources. You sound like a caring daughter-in-law, and we hope you can arrange this with Mom's cooperation.
Dear Annie: Is customer service a thing of the past? I recently went to a drive-through window. After repeating my order numerous times, I saw that the youth running the window was chatting with his co-workers. When he brought my order out, it was still incorrect, but he was more interested in continuing his conversation than fixing it. I finally became frustrated and gave up, and he yelled that I could scrape off the incorrect contents myself. I found this totally unacceptable, so I parked and went to speak to the manager. Meanwhile, the young man continued to make rude remarks about my order to his friends and then yelled that, yes, he was talking about me.
Last Friday, I went to the deli at the grocery store to order some luncheon meat, only to be told that the woman in charge was not cutting any more meat that day. When she turned her back on me, I asked the manager what time the deli closed. I was told that it was still operating for another hour.
Is it asking too much for employees to do their jobs? Why do I have to go to management in order to get decent service? -- Tired of Poor Customer Service
Dear Tired: Complaining to the manager is the proper way to handle this. Some employees understand customer service, but others have no clue and need to be trained. If management does not demand appropriate behavior, you won't see it in the workplace. Forcing the manager to address these failures is the way these employees learn. Unfortunately, some of them take a very long time to get it.
Dear Annie: You've printed a few letters about handicapped parking. I definitely give a disapproving look now and then. Why? Because if you can walk into the store with no obvious struggle, you're just not that handicapped. Many of us have physical problems, but that doesn't make each of us special.
We all know that the handicapped license plate is abused. If Grandma isn't with you, don't use it. If you're feeling good enough to go shopping today, don't use it. Your foot hurts? Get over it. -- Salem, Ore.
Dear Salem: We hope you never need a handicapped license plate, because you obviously do not understand what it means to need one.
Send questions to anniesmailbox @comcast.net or Annie's Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 Third St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.
Mother-in-law needs extra care
Dear Annie: My mother-in-law has a serious medical condition, and her health is rapidly deteriorating. Unfortunately, her failing health is not something she is willing to deal with.