text:
HSBC has turned bullish on the U.S. dollar, as a result of a global currency war which the bank said is "intensifying", with a number of central banks following in Japan's footsteps.
A poll across 25 countries revealed the world's most popular nation. The result might surprise you.
The economist who coined the term "Grexit" says the possibility of Greece exiting the euro zone has receded "markedly", reversing predictions he made in July.
The world's biggest investors may be rethinking 20 years of boosting overseas holdings.
European parliament president Martin Schulz gave EU officials a measly three out of ten for their handling of the euro zone crisis.
Shale gas development in the U.K. could halve the country's future dependency on gas imports, according to the Institute of Directors.
Tension has been rising between Russia and neighboring Azerbaijan since the weekend over an alleged vote-rigging scandal.
They may both be "BRICs", but China and Brazil face opposite problems and should take lessons from each other, according to Capital Economics.
Cherie Blair describes her battles with the British press over publishing details about her children's private lives.
CNBC takes an in-depth look at business and finance in the Middle East.
When it comes to keeping the data on their smartphones and tablets secure, consumers are playing a game of cat-and-mouse with cybercriminals.
Hewlett-Packard's effort to reshape its business has begun to bear fruit, CEO Meg Whitman told CNBC.
Twitter used to be cool, but the media has screwed it up, the actor and angel investor Ashton Kutcher says.
Following a spate of high-profile security breaches, Twitter has introduced a two-step login and cleared the way for tougher security measures in the future.
Clearwire says its special committee and its board of directors approved Sprint Nextel's sweetened offer to take over the company and is advising shareholders to vote for the deal.
More women in the U.S. would rather give up sex than their mobile device for a week, according to a recent survey.
Even inside JPMorgan Chase, it's a bit of a mystery. Was it the outreach? Or were investors just not that interested in taking power from Dimon?
The S&P 500 is down one percent for the week after being up four weeks in a row. So far, the declines we have seen this year have been on the order of three percent.
The Dow is up nearly 22 percent since mid-November. Many think the market's overdue for a pullback, but historical correlations indicate that it may not be.
Sen. Rand Paul, U.S. Senator (R-KY), weighs in on the Fed minutes today and his proposed "Audit the Fed" bill last month.
The trials and triumphs of corporate chieftains are daily blood sport here at CNBC, notes the managing editor of CNBC.com.
Gov. Tom Corbett (R-PA) and Austan Goolsbee, Chicago Booth School of Business, discuss the energy boom and the economic recovery in the U.S.
College administrators better take a hard look at what they're offering students if they hope to weather a coming online storm, says a former Secretary of Education.
If Facebook wanted to buy Tumblr, it would have bought Tumblr. But Tumblr has a mobile problem.
The low-cost advantage that China once enjoyed (at least in the East Coast cities called the Gold Coast) is starting to fade.


text:
Friend of Boston bombers had confessed to 2011 triple murders claims FBI
NEW YORK A Chechen acquaintance of dead Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev has confessed to slashing the throats of three people in a 2011 gruesome triple murder, federal law enforcement officials have said. Ibragim Todashev, who made the confession, was killed early Wednesday during a confrontation with the FBI and Massachusetts State Police in Orlando, Florida, a federal law ...
Gill named new Conn. chief medical examiner
Dr. James R. Gill's appointment was announced Thursday by the state Commission on Medicolegal Investigations, which oversees the medical examiner's office in Farmington. Gill succeeds Dr. H. Wayne Carver II, who is retiring after 24 years as the state's top medical ...
Worcester officer cleared in brutality lawsuit
WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - A jury has found in favor of a Worcester police officer in a brutality lawsuit brought by a man who alleged the officer severely beat him with his service baton during a fight outside a ...
Mass. man dies in ATV crash in Vt.
Police said 42-year-old Frank Baker Jr. of Acushnet, Mass., lost control of the ATV about 10 p.m. Thursday. The ATV went off the trail and Baker was thrown from the ...
Portsmouth asks judge kill Sakonnet bridge tolls
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (AP) - Portsmouth officials have asked a federal judge to stop the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority from installing a toll system on the new Sakonnet River ...
64.8°F Overcast
Winds: From the West at 6.0 MPH Gusting to 10.0 MPH
Movie Review
The Fifth Element
What an exhilarating, visual feast is Luc Besson's "The Fifth Element." And what a mess. Combining hokey science fiction, quasi-religious sentiments, and a garish French new wave fashion sensibility, "The Fifth Element" is a tumultuous cinematic experience to say the least. It veers from being passably interesting to insulting to exciting to downright stupid. Writer/director Besson ("La Femme Niki ... ...
On Facebook
Nashua NH police say man in van approached girl
NASHUA, N.H. (AP) - Police in Nashua, N.H., are asking the public to be on the lookout for a man driving a white van who told a young girl to get inside his ...
New veterans center opening in NH
It offers individual and group counseling for veterans and their family members, military sexual trauma counseling, and post-traumatic stress disorder ...
The Best in Boston Real Estate Photos from the BBJ event
Mike Barsamian accepts the Residential award for his Belgrade Place in West Roxbury, MA at the Boston Business Journal's Best in Boston Real Estate Awards luncheon. About 450 people gathered Thursday at the Sheraton Boston Hotel for the first-ever Best in Boston Real Estate Awards. Caesars' Entertainment chairman and CEO Gary Loveman was the keynote speaker. Joseph Fallon, CEO and ...
Maine hospital Boston hospital collaborate
LEWISTON, Maine (AP) -- A Maine hospital group and one of Boston's most prestigious hospitals have announced a collaboration aimed at streamlining services for local cancer patients who need care in ...
Historic Freeport tavern to reopen
FREEPORT, Maine (AP) -- The historic Freeport tavern that bills itself as the "Birthplace of Maine" is expected to reopen this summer under new ...
Making the news
We must define the nature and scope of this struggle, or else it will define us. Neither I, nor any President can promise the total defeat of terror. What we must do is dismantle networks that pose a direct danger.
Barack Obama
The U.S. president was speaking on his administration's counter terrorism policy.
Hotel Review
London Marriott Park Lane
Having taken the Heathrow Express to Paddinton station (a 15 minute ride, with trains running every 15 minutes), I then ...
Keep readingRecord Your Vote
The Boy Scouts of America National Council has resolved to accept gay members. Do you agree with this policy?
Massachusetts Sun
Massachusetts Sun – Massachusetts News – Online NewspaperEvery minute of every day our news editors canvass the issues, and stories making the news to provide our readers with a broad and in-depth coverage of what's happening in the world.
Our first priority is the state. We specialise in Massachusetts news. From Worcester to Boston, we're on the lookout day and night to keep track of issues making the news. We also strive to keep abreast of national news.
Breaking stories out of the continental United States usually break first on the Massachusetts Sun. Neighbouring states and key cities too often feature on our news pages.
We also provide a whole lot of other content you'd expect from any newspaper including international sports coverage and local Massachusetts weather forecasts.
We also provide readers with an opportunity to engage in newsmaking by voting on major stories in the news, and following how other readers are viewing the issues. Our news polls are regularly updated, and attract thousands of voters over each week they're conducted.
Our business writers too work hard to keep you abreast of what's happening in the markets, not only in the U.S. but across the globe. We work around the clock to post stories from major financial centers like Tokyo, Paris, London, and of course New York, where we have extensive coverage of the major indices, particularly the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, S&P and Russell 2000.
U.S. Markets
- Friend of Boston bombers had confessed to 2011 triple murders claims FBI
- Drone strikes are legal and extend to US citizens as well, says Obama
- Kerry holds talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials
- Royalty Pharma takeover bid fails to find Elan ecceptance
- US hoping to further strategic ties with India during Kerry visit Official
- Golfer Sharmila set for Deloitte Ladies Open
- S.D. tourism officials expect good summer season
- Brazilian TAM Airlines appoints Claudia Sender as new CEO
- United Airlines Offers New Yorkers All Flat-Bed Seats
- For Fidelitys BostonCoach a slowdown then a sale
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Coastal Protection & Restoration AuthorityWednesday, July 20, 2011University of New OrleansHomer L. Hitt Alumni Center, Second Floor2000 Lakeshore DriveNew Orleans, LA 701489:30 a.m.
Meeting Agenda
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of Minutes
V. Old Business
VI. USGS Updated Land Loss Map- Phil Turnipseed, USGS
VII. Coastal Louisiana Overall Protection/Restoration Status Update- Robert Routon, OCPR; Harold Daigle, OCPR
VIII. NRDA Update- Drue Banta, Office of the Governor
IX. Navigation Channel Resolution- Garret Graves, Chairman
X. Update on Emergency/Regular Regulations- Jackson Logan, Office of the Attorney General
XI. Levee Armoring Presentation- Mike Park, USACE
XII. Update on Non-Flood Assets- CPRA Representative
XIII. Public Comments
XIV. Adjourn


text:
Latest Activity rss
People suffering from Progeria, cancer survivors, and myriad other conditions/diseases, all seem to have a gathering of sorts about once a year. Anyone willing to collaborate with me, and willing to spend the time necessary time, is more than welcome to help me. I have never attempted anything like this, so a partner with experience would be greatly appreciated.
I am sure we would need people knowledgeable about things such as: Marketing, philanthropic charities, non-profit organizations, etc.. You get the idea.
I live in Omaha, Nebraska, and I think the geographic location of this city, lends itself to being more accessible to those unable to travel long distances. Omaha is not a huge city, but there is more to do here than most people realize.
We could hold this event at the Centurylink Center.
I am looking forward to your feedback. -
I hope you get sorted, large amounts of information out there are designed to be as positive as possible, and true a percentage will continue to work full time in demanding jobs, for me I worked very hard 4 nights a week loading up to 3000 sheets of paper and card a night into a huge machine for laminating for many years 14 years straight with previous employer.
However these days I look back and cannot imagine coping with the travel to work I used to make daily let alone stand for more than 5 minutes, 5 hours would put me in hosp for pain control
If you can manage all of this then fantastic, but do not hurt yourself trying to do more than you are able to manage, severity will vary person to person, some like me cannot carry bags of shopping, that once worked very hard and very active, others continue to run for miles apparently, if in doubt ask GP for work assessment or occupational health referral if you are struggling, help is out there just need to ask the right person


text:
Save the date:2013 NCWN Squire Summer Writing Residency, July 11-14, Western Carolina UniversityRegistration is now open!
Website: www.livingpoetry.net Living Poetry of the Triangle hosts a monthly book club on the second Sunday of every month. The group discusses a book or collection by classic and contemporary poets. The following books are scheduled:
JEvents v1.4.3 RC2 Copyright © 2006-2008
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The Mason School of Business prepares the next generation of business leaders with a personalized education that emphasizes real world business experience. It's located at The College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, Virginia, the second-oldest college in the U.S. and a "Public Ivy" -- one of only eight in the nation. Mason's new business school building is slated to name in October 2009, named for healthcare management entrepreneur Alan B. Miller.
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ADA Artist Management & Representation
Accomplished. Distinctive. Authentic.
Our artists bring a wealth of talents to help realize your vision on the operatic or concert stage.
Matt Boehler: Leone
Attila is a highlight of Verdi's early creative period. The composer's fascination with the dark historical events of the fifth century come to life vividly on the grounds of the St. Gallen monastery.


text:
Fanon:Year Twenty-Three (TYATHYW)
Comments56this wiki
Important Message!
The following story is indubitably fanon and should not be considered actual canon. |
By Originalavatarnerdling | Genre | Rating | Reviews | Updates |
More from Originalavatarnerdling | Adventure | G (all ages) | Positive | No update page |
Chronology | |
Last chapter | |
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Contents |
PUBLIC ENEMY #1 Edit
Yakone grows relentless and Toph's attempts to apprehend his schemes seem all but hopeless. He always manages to find a way out of the charges against him. Witness upon witness accused him of his bloodbending attacks ---also of his crime lord activities, but none of it ever seemed to matter because he was always set free. Chief Beifong was starting to get rather annoyed at both the Council and at herself for not being able to apprehend Yakone---and if Toph had to see his smug grin walk out of that courtroom a free man again...she was going to lose it! However, in lighter news, Toph was excited to discover at the age of three and a half, her daughter Lin started showing impressive skills in Earthbending. Then Tenzin, who had just celebrated his fourth birthday, proved to be a young, baby Airbender, much to his parents' delight. He became the first Airbender born in over One-Hundred and Twenty years!
BEING A NONBENDER Edit
Aang was walking around the island with his wife, taking a peaceful stroll on a quiet evening, when the heart-breaking sound of a child's crying sounded and the parents stopped and listened closer until they realized there was a sad little boy on the other side of the bush about three feet away. Katara and Aang inched closer, thinking maybe it was one of the acolyte's kids at first, but as they stepped nearer, they recognized the voice and frowned instantly when they had to confront him.
"Bumi?" Aang wondered.
Their young son sniffed abruptly and jumped back in shock; spark rocks flew out of his pocket and he had his tiny hand clutched under his arm.
"Bumi, baby what's the matter?" Katara worried, "Why are you holding your hand like that?" She yanked his arm away and saw scorch marks in his hand and Katara exclaimed a series of shocked words before using some water to heal his burns, scolding, "Bumi! What on earth were you thinking!?"
Aang just stood there with large, concerned eyes, watching until the hateful effect of the fire vanished and as soon as his son was healed, Aang let out a sigh of relief, before he to crouched to the grass and took his son by the shoulders, yelling, "We've warned you all about playing with fire---Bumi---what were you doing!?"
Sobbing, the ten year old tried to explain himself, but his words were incoherent; eventually he just tore away from his parents and shouted, "WHY CAN'T I BEND ANYTHING!?" and then he turned and ran into the forest disappearing in haste.
Katara and Aang exchanged a look and stood back to their feet with concerned sighs.
"We knew one day he would ask—" Katara teared.
"I should try and talk with him…" Aang sighed.
"I don't think he wants to talk with either one of us…" Katara admitted, "Now that Tenzin is an Airbender, Bumi feels completely left out of the family---" she grabbed the Spark rocks and shoved them in her husband's face, "He's been trying to bend any element he can find!"
"I think I know how to fix this honey…" Aang pondered, blowing on his bison whistle for Appa, "Try to keep Bumi from hurting himself again---I'll be back in ten minutes."
"Where are you going!?" she called after him.
Appa soared into the sky and Aang called, "I know what I'm doing, don't worry!"
Bumi was huddled high up on a branch of a tree sniffing quietly as he thought about his family. His mother and sister were Waterbenders, his baby brother was now an Airbender, and his father was the flipping Avatar---but then there was Bumi---the nonbender in this family of the strongest people in the world. The poor little boy thought that he was simply nothing special at all. Little Bumi climbed down and stepped towards the lake. He stuck his hand in the water and tossed it across the side, screaming, "Bend, stupid, bend!" He stomped and jumped around in a circle on the grass and yelled to the dirt, "Why won't you budge you stupid rocks!?" Bumi looked to his newly healed hand and shoved it into his pockets… "No water, no earth, no fire…I can't even Airbend…why can everyone else do all these amazing things, and I can't? WHY!?"
"Ahem!" a man's voice coughed.
Bumi gasped and turned around to see his Uncle Sokka a few feet away, with a small smile on his face and his arms folded in front of his chest.
"What're you doing here?" little Bumi gruffed.
"Your mom and dad are real worried about you sport," Sokka grinned.
"Why?" he sniffled, "Because I can't bend anything? Because I shouldn't even be here? I'm gonna run away Uncle---I'm---I'm gonna run and live somewhere with some nonbenders and let everyone here be all cool and talented benders!"
Sokka chuckled and sat back on the grass by the lake to look his nephew in the eyes. Sokka poked Bumi in the chest and when Bumi looked down, Sokka flicked his nose in a teasing manor that made Bumi chuckle before he realized he was still upset and sat back defiantly with a gruff frown.
"Look Bumi, I know exactly what you're going through…"
"Nuh uh," Bumi scoffed, "You're just saying that cause Mom and Dad told you to!"
"Really!" he laughed, "I swear as a councilman that I get what you're going through… You feel useless because you're surrounded by these amazing benders and you feel like there's nothing you can ever do to be equals with them. Stop me if I'm getting close." Bumi pouted and wiped his nose once with a sniff and Sokka continued, "You want to know what I did when I started to feel like that?"
"What?" he snorted.
Sokka reached behind him and pulled a small sword out of his pack before handing it carefully over to his nephew.
"Whoa!" Bumi admired… "What's this for!?"
"When I was feeling left out from my friends---your mom and dad, Chief Beifong, even the Fire Lord---I learned swordsmanship from Master Piandao--- I became a great swordsman and since then I've taught all of your cousins how to fight and train without the need of bending."
"Right… You and Aunt Suki aren't benders---neither is Grandpa---and um…Uncle Ohev wasn't a bender… Honora's Aunt and her mom--- all the Kyoshi Warriors---and the Blue Spirit!" Bumi called off, "None of those guys can bend and you were all awesome during the war!"
"Except for Azula," Sokka mumbled, "but, yeah, you get the point. Bumi, I am going to teach you everything I know about weapons---Everything!"
"Really Uncle!?" Bumi cheered as his eyes widened with excitement.
"You bet champ!" he clapped, "And your parents have already okay'ed it. Once a week you and I are going to practice in the art of deadly warfare and nonbender awesomeness!"
"Alright!" he exclaimed.
"BUT----" Sokka stopped, "But, Bumi you have to promise that you'll stop trying to force bending on yourself and that you won't ever, EVER think that you're not good enough to be in this family just because you can't bend. Do you understand?"
"Well, Duh!" Bumi started cackling, "Who needs stupid bending when you're about to be a completely kick-butt sword fighter!? I won't let you down Uncle Sokka! Oh wow! I'm gonna go rub this in Kya's face---I can't believe that I am going to get to be a sword fighter! This is the best day EVER!"
Bumi charged away towards the house and Sokka stood with a chuckle as he admired young Bumi's short-term depression and building enthusiasm.
"That was really nice of you to do this for Bumi, Sokka," Aang said, coming out from hiding.
"Don't sweat it, Aang," Sokka waved, "I'm just helping the kid realize his full potential, and no offense pal, but you throw a boomerang about as well as Toph can write a ticket. The boy needs someone who can actually handle a manly tool of precision and skill!"
"Oh really?" Aang hummed, shooting Sokka in the air on a lift of earth.
"Hey!" Sokka groaned from the platform in the sky… "Aang! Get me down from here!"
With a teasing tone, Aang scoffed, "Why don't you use your boomerang to get down, Councilman!?"
"Oh that's REAL mature Aang!" Sokka complained, "You know very well that "Trusty" likes to get polished at Wang's Weapon Shiners on Mondays! Now get me down!"
Aang laughed and waved, "Well, I'll be sure to tell "Trusty" where to find you when he gets out of the beauty shop, Sokka."
"AANG!!!" Sokka shouted hopelessly. The Avatar vanished to the point not even his chuckling could be heard, and Sokka looked over the ledge at the ground below before screeching at the top of his angry lungs, "Ugh! KATARA!!!"
TO HEAL MY FRIEND Edit
Tragically, a complication in the birth resulted in the loss of both Zuko's son and also Zuko's wife. Because of such great losses to the Fire Lord, he canceled the Reunion and did not allow the Avatar or his friends into the Fire Nation for many long months---not even to attend Mai and the baby's funeral. Honora was on a week-long visit to Ba Sing Se at the time, and after the tragic events took place, Zuko kept his daughter in the city to live with Uncle Iroh for the remainder of his depression---it is unknown if she even knows about her mother's death? Meanwhile, Aang tried desperately to get through to Zuko, but he was being uncompromising, half of him was in tortured pain, but the other half was envious that Aang got to keep his wife and family, while he had to sit by and lose his own---the sheer sadness of it all was driving Zuko into madness. Toph could relate to his feeling, she nearly broke through to the palace to smack some sense into Zuko herself, but eventually the gang had no other choice but to leave the Fire Lord to mourn. The team believed Zuko would never recover from this loss---that is, until Aang managed to use his spiritual powers of connection in one, three-week attempt to track down the one soul person who could devise a secret plot to heal his friend...Aang was going to reunite Zuko with his mother after a thirty year separation. Now, Zuko had been searching for his mother for years! There was a search that came very close to her whereabouts that Azula led back at the beginning of Zuko's reign as Fire Lord, but it turns out her intel was outdated---half of it was just an attempt to break free of her prison. After Azula's coo, the gang quickly figured out that Ursa had left no more clues for them to follow. The Fire Lord did not give up hope, and not soon after that, Zuko had heard leads from the team of professionals he sent to find her---only leads, they never found any traces and were soon disbanded. Not even June and Nyla were able to find her, they claim she has been changing and masking her scent---she had no smell for the Shirshu to follow---Ursa was simply impossible to track down. That's when Aang knew where he could connect the spiritual trail... Ursa was Roku's granddaughter, if anybody could find her, it was him---and luckily, the Summer Solstice was just a day away.
Roku refused to speak with Aang physically, but in spirit, he did show Aang the right path to follow. This was a slightly more difficult way to track Ursa down, but after severing his relationship with Roku, this was the best Aang could hope for. Ultimately, it took three weeks to find her hiding place, but when he was there, Aang found Ursa in the flesh, and approached her cautiously.
"Excuse me, Ursa? Ursa of the Fire Nation?" Aang asked. He had considered brainwashing, Lion turtles, being trapped in the Spirit World---all possibilities in order to find her, when it turns out, Zuko's mother was hiding out in *CLASSIFIED INFO* with only *CLASSIFIED INFO* and also *CLASSIFIED INFO*
She ignored him and continued what she was doing, "I'm sorry, you must have me confused for someone else? There is no woman here by such a name."
"Let me explain. I am the Avatar, and I know a person when I have been looking for them for a month straight. You're her, you're Ursa."
She barely turned her head, drawing a breath in shock, before she saw a glimpse the Airbender behind her, and at first sight, she threw hot embers towards Aang's eyes and took off in a hasty retreat.
"No, wait!" Aang yelled, blocking the fire, "Please, I need to talk to you!"
She ran her hardest, blocking her path behind her, when she turned round right into the speedy Avatar.
"Leave me alone!" she growled, preparing to fight her way free.
"Please you have to help us Ursa, it's about Zuko!" he pleaded calmly.
At the sound of her son's name she dropped her guard and her expression melted away into pure worry. Her voice sounded dry all of the sudden and her skin went pale, her golden eyes shook desperately at Aang before she replied, "Zuko? W-what is the matter with my son?"
"It's a long story----please, is there somewhere we can talk?"
After a minute of harsh consideration, Ursa led him to a tiny cottage nearby and locked the door behind them. "This home was said to have been abandoned years ago after the Fire Nation---well, you know..." She closed the curtains and told Aang, "We'll be safe here to talk. Though, I must warn you Airbender, it is not safe to mention my name in the world---with the war---"
"The war has been over for over twenty years!" Aang interrupted, "Why have you not returned to the Fire Nation? Zuko, your son, is the Fire Lord…your husband Ozai---he passed away just last year, and the world is at peace, why haven't you gone back!?"
"I know very well that the war has been over!" she snapped in a motherly tone, "News may travel slowly around here, but it does find its way... I know Ozai is gone, that is the only way he would ever let Zuko become the Fire Lord, I also know Azula was placed in a mental hospital after the comet came, and I know Zuko has been keeping peace in the world with you---"
Aang's face was stern, and he looked to Ursa and said in a soft, yet striking tone, "Did you know his wife died?"
Ursa's face loosened and her mouth dropped. A hand slowly clasped over her lips and her eyebrows arched, holding back tears, she replied… "I did not. I only ever heard of their wedding---nothing more... H-how did this happen? "
"Mai died----during the birth of their son---her and the baby both…" he frowned.
Ursa's tears flowed silently over her fingers and onto the floor. Aang stood up and stepped closer, a hand given to comfort her and then another waving towards the world in need of an explanation… "You've been running, hiding, travelling all over the world…Zuko has been looking for you for years! How is it that you let him be alone all this time?"
"He had his uncle," she cried with a slight smile, "Iroh was the best thing that ever happened to our family, his love for Zuko---I knew he would be in good hands. You are the Avatar, you are the reincarnated form of my grandfather Roku---I shouldn't have to explain myself to you. I did what I had to to protect my son---his father----no...Ozai, he was going to kill him as punishment for his own speaking out against Azulon! He already thought Zuko was a disgrace anyway-----and he was going to do this with no remorse; but, Azula found out and she told me when I was scolding her for scaring Zuko.
I travelled to the deepest caverns of the Dragon Catacombs where I searched all night for a loophole---when I found one… You see, the throne will be given to the firstborn son of the Fire Lord, and if he should die, or become unable to fulfill the position, or if he should be absent in time of great need to the palace...the title would be passed down the line to the most suitable successor..." She gave Aang a half smile and then frowned with shame to continue her story, "I devised a plan with my husband…I sent a fake letter to Azulon, that told of his poor son Iroh who planned out his own demise on the journey back to the Fire Nation. With Iroh gone, the throne would have to be given over to Ozai. Dear Azulon's old heart could not bear anymore sad news---and in by the end of the night he was practically begging me to end this pain of his, so I had to ease him of his suffering before he learned the treachery of my letter was false. As soon as he was gone, Ozai would be Fire Lord long before Iroh could return, and being the greedy brother he is, Ozai would never step down from his rule; and, sweet Iroh would not challenge him for it either...there was only one thing standing in the way of this plan working all the way through, and it was Azulon...so-----I ended him."
Aang's eyes shot open and he backed away, "You killed him?"
"To protect Zuko, I had no choice," she sighed, "Ozai and I were the only ones who would ever know, but that wasn't enough---I had to leave to avert all suspicion from Ozai. The blame would fall to me and the Fire Nation would kill me for this unspeakable treason. They wouldn't tell a soul why----in order to protect the image of the Royal Family, but in secret I was public enemy number one. So I said my farewells, I left my home behind, Zuko would remain safe, and Ozai would be the new Fire Lord---it was all perfect..." She spat that last word out coldly and scoffed, turning her back on Aang.
He retaliated, "Do you know that just three years after you left, Ozai challenged Zuko to an Agni Kai duel? He scarred and banished your son, never to return until he captured the Avatar---he tried to kill us multiple times---that isn't safe, Ursa…"
She looked into the corner, "You don't know how many times I'd tried to go back---even if it was just for my children---Azula would never leave her father, but Zuko---we could have gone away together. Of course, Ozai refused---after all I did for him, all I've sacrificed, he told me that if I ever returned my morals would get the better of me and I would confess, ruin his title. As leverage he threatened Zuko's life---but in honor of the love we once had, he spared mine. I could never go back. The one time I did----" her voice broke, "he hurt my baby and blamed it on a war meeting!"
"But, Ozai was defeated, imprisoned, and he died behind bars---Zuko needs you Ursa, he wanted you back in his life for so many years, but right now---he needs you. Zuko is spiraling and I don't know how much longer he's going to make it. Either you go back to him, or there won't be any son for you to protect anymore."
"Avatar," Ursa sighed guiltily, "After all that I've done---all that I didn't do...do you think Zuko really cares to see me?"
"I know he does, he still loves you. But...if you love Zuko at all, you will do everything you possibly can to help him now, when he needs you most of all...you're his only hope. Come back to the Fire Nation with me. Together, we can heal Zuko and get his life back on track before it's too late."
"No..." Ursa shook her head, "I'm his mother. I will fix him, Avatar Aang. You just get me through the Palace Walls, and I'll deal with Zuko on my own."
Poor Zuko was a wreck, the servants fled in sight of him, the palace remained dark and cold; he would march through the halls just itching to take out his frustration on someone, and his eyes were dark from the lack of sleep. He was unstable. This was the routine…he was stomping down the corridor as usual, when one day, Zuko turned around to see a woman in a black hood, standing in the doorway.
"WHO'S THERE!?" he roared, fists flaming daggers and ready to strike.She started stepping closer, and Zuko bellowed, "I SAID WHO'S THERE!? HALT AND BOW BEFORE YOUR FIRE LORD! HOW DARE YOU APPROACH ME THIS WAY! THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE!"
The woman kept coming closer, so Zuko shot the knives of fire right at her; however, with a gentle wave of her hand, the flames desecrated into the air, leaving Zuko silent and in shock. "Who are you?" Zuko asked again.
"Zuko," she said softly, removing the hood as soon as she was standing right in front of him; her hand was held out gently to brush his cheek, but he dodged her and stepped away.
"Mother?" he gasped, jumping as far away from her as he could get, "This is just another one of my mind's tricks---it has to be…it always is..." you aren't real...
"I am real, my son---but this tyrant that you have become is not. My Zuko, you have forgotten who you are…you are more than this destruction and despair---you are a good, gentle man who never gives up fighting---and you can never allow yourself to become this man that you have always been fighting to keep away."
He looked away and shut his eyes tightly, trying to keep her voice out of his head, and as her words kept coming, Zuko grew all the more frustrated.
"Zuko..." Ursa stressed defiantly, as she gently pulled his face back to see her, "I'm here for you now son, I know I have a lot to explain to you---but right now your friend, the Avatar, is worried for your health---you're spiraling into darkness just like your sister, but Zuko, I'm not going to let that happen, I love you Zuko----more than anything else in the world---and I promise you with all of my soul that I will never, ever leave you again for as long as I live!"
"Mom?" Zuko teared, falling right into her embrace; Ursa comforted him and helped him cope with all of the misfortune that has happened around him.
Aang watched their reunion in secret from the other side of the palace columns---his plan had worked wonders, and now Zuko could begin the harsh process of healing over this intense misfortune on his life.
With the help of Ursa, she gradually healed her son of his aching heart and scarred mind, aiding him to become the kind ruler he once was instead of this tyrant that he had become.
Now, Zuko was never the same after losing Mai, but now he wasn't completely unstable either. Ursa explained her story, why she had to leave, how she knew the things she did, and where she was hiding out all this time---Zuko explained his own story and all of its twists and turns---he calmed down and fixed his relationship with both his mother and also the entire palace. The Fire Lord gave his mother a full pardon for her past crimes and convinced the kingdom to forgive her as well---no one dared argue with Zuko after recovering from his dark depression and after they saw how much she was helping their ruler cope, no one had any problem with pardoning Ursa for her brave deeds of misfortune. Why, Ursa even convinced Zuko to send Iroh, Honora, and Azula home where she would take charge of her daughter's actions from now on and watch over her----but mostly, she would be watching out for her son, and this time she would be there in person whenever Zuko needed her, she would always be there for him from now on and forever.
A little while later, Zuko opened his doors to all of his friends again; they were finally able to comfort him, and Toph was very sincere throughout the visit because she could relate with Zuko's feelings about his loss. Later on, Zuko introduced them all to his long lost mother, and even requested he and Aang have a private word out on the balcony. The men stepped outside to see the sun setting over a glorious range of mountains leading to the harbor. Aang recognized the view, and was a little surprised that it was the same after all these years...
"Aang," Zuko said, breaking off his trail of thought, "I just wanted to thank you for what you did---my mother told me that you spent over a month straight just to find her---just so she would come talk to me."
"What are friends for?" Aang replied in a smile, "I made a promise that I would always keep you the Zuko I knew---my firebending master, who occasionally tried to hunt me down and burn me to a crisp..."
The two of them chuckled, as Zuko lead Aang back inside with the others... "We better head back before everyone notices we're gone."
"You go ahead, I'll catch up with you," Aang grinned sincerely; catching the hint, Zuko turned with a sigh of relief and disappeared into the palace.
As soon as Zuko was gone, Aang's smile turned into a concerned frown. Yes, everything was all well and good, but what Aang didn't tell Zuko, was that the power it took on his part in order to locate Ursa was so strong...that same thing happened from the day he took away Azula's bending---that weakness in him came again and felt as though it was draining Aang of all his energy. Now, Aang wasn't sure, but it seemed like the more he used the Avatar State recently...the more and more drained he became. He wasn't sure what to think of this, and no doubt he would talk to Roku about it soon...if he could even do that because it seems even just connecting with his past lives made him weaker nowadays. Either way, Aang knew he had to refrain from using his full-power for as long as he could, or else it may just end up stopping his life, instead of saving it.
Fanon Trivia Edit
- By now, Yakone's trails are turning into annoying, pointless attempts at an arrest from the Chief---mostly because Yakone has an excellent lawyer.
- Bending abilities often appear during a child's early stages of life.
- This is the first time Bumi has really taken notice that he is the only nonbender in his family.
- Sokka went through a similar depression in the ATLA episode: "Sokka's Master".
- This is the first time we really see the "Uncle connection" between Sokka and one of his nephews.
- After knowing that he would become a master with swords, Bumi regained his light and crazy, young attitude and never again worried about being a normal kid in his house---because in all honesty, Bumi was far more than normal and now he knows it too.
- It seems Sokka's new Boomerang is now named "Trusty".
- Aang admitted in a later year, that he tried to teach Bumi how to throw a boomerang once, and the outcome was not very successful.
- Complications while delivering a baby are very rare, but common in less advanced societies lacking modern medical care (or Waterbending Healers).
- Zuko has suffered more than any other ATLA character---it is understandable that he might have started losing his sanity.
- Some part of this year will be referenced again, much later in Year 51.
- Zuko was not the first character to lose the love of his life...Toph lost her husband just three years before in the Great Airship Tragedy of Republic City.
- The Avatar experiences great spiritual power on the Summer solstice.
- The reason Roku refuses to speak with Aang, is that he cut him off as a spiritual mentor after Roku urged Aang to end his own great-grandson's life. This happened in The Promise Part 3.
- Ursa's whereabouts are never truly explained or revealed (at this time).
- The story that Ursa tells Aang can be linked to flashbacks from the ATLA episodes: "The Day of Black Sun" and "Zuko Alone".
- Some of the modern-day news that Ursa's village learned about, had been travelling for miles and years at a time before finally reaching them.
- The last time a member of the Royal Family was seen in the Dragon Bone Catacombs was Zuko in the ATLA episode: "The Avatar and the Fire Lord".
- It is strongly hinted that Ursa is a Firebender. (Spoiler Alert: this rumor will be answered later in the Fanon…)
- By the time things returned to normal, was the first time Honora had returned from her trip to see Uncle in Ba Sing Se…that was nearly a year ago and she still was unaware of why she was never allowed to come home…and she was also unaware of her mother's fate.
- This is the first time photography is shown in the Fanon
- The Promise Aang made to Zuko can be referenced to The Promise Trilogy.
- This is the first time that Aang actually confess to himself that the health problems occurring are a result of using the Avatar State.
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Years | |
Intro - Year One - Year Two - Year Three - Year Four - Year Five - Year Six - Year Seven - Year Eight - Year Nine - Year Ten - Year Eleven - Year Twelve - Year Thirteen - Year Fourteen - Year Fifteen - Year Sixteen - Year Seventeen - Year Eighteen - Year Nineteen - Year Twenty - Year Twenty-One - Year Twenty-Two - Year Twenty-Three - Year Twenty-Four - Year Twenty-Five - Year Twenty-Six - Year Twenty-Seven - Year Twenty-Eight - Year Twenty-Nine - Year Thirty - Year Thirty-One - Year Thirty-Two - Year Thirty-Three - Year Thirty-Four - Year Thirty-Five - Year Thirty-Six - Year Thirty-Seven - Year Thirty-Eight - Year Thirty-Nine - Year Forty - Year Forty-One - Year Forty-Two - Year Forty-Three - Year Forty-Four - Year Forty-Five - Year Forty-Six - Year Forty-Seven - Year Forty-Eight - Year Forty-Nine - Year Fifty - Year Fifty-One - Year Fifty-Two - Year Fifty-Three (Part One) |


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Behind the Scenes Day – Thursday 14 March, 8:00am
As a GP Advantage member you will have access to the exclusive Behind the Scenes Day, on Thursday 14 March starting at 8am before gates open to the general public. Access to the Behind the Scenes Day is via Gate 1 off Canterbury Road. The morning consists of exclusive pre-event access to all merchandise located at Gate 1, a pit lane walk, a free BBQ breakfast, and an entertaining live show consisting of interviews with Motorsport identities in the V8 Village.
- 1. 8:00 am - Gate 1 Opens
- 2. Pre-event access to all Gate 1 Merchandise
- 3. 9:00 am – Cross track and enter Pit Lane for morning Pit Lane walk (Pit Lane will close at 10:00 am)
- 4. 9:20 am – 10:20 – Free Breakfast and Live Entertainment in V8 Village
At 9.00am the morning Pit Lane Walk will take place allowing members an up-close look at the garage activity as teams begin their preparations for the weekend's racing.
The afternoon Pit Lane Walk will commence at 3:05 pm and close at 3:30 pm from the Pit Lane Walk assembly area accessible through V8 Village. The afternoon walk runs in the opposite direction to the morning walk.
For access to the Behind the Scenes Day and both Pit Lane Walks make sure you bring your GP Advantage ticket. This is your key to unlocking all GP Advantage benefits.
In 2013 GP Advantage members will also have special access all day on Thursday to the exclusive Paddock Club viewing deck. Access is from the South End of the F1 Pit Garages through V8 Village.
For patrons with a disability, the free on-site Shuttle Service will be available from 7:30am at Gates 1 or 10. This can be booked through Wheelaway on 1800 133 320 or through the Disability Office at Gate 1.
Main Straight Walk – Sunday 17 March, 9:30 am
The Main Straight Walk will commence at 9:00 am on the Sunday morning and conclude at 10:00 am. Your GP Advantage Ticket will give you access to the walk, which starts at the south end of the Fangio Grandstand, next to the GP Advantage Bar. Access to the circuit at this time will only be via Gates 1, 8 or 10 from 9:00 am to 9:30am. Please allow plenty of time to get to the circuit and walk to the designated entry area.
- 1. 9:00am - Enter Main Straight in between Fangio and Webber Grandstands (Main Straight will close at 10:00 am)
- 2. Exit Main Straight Walk
GP Advantage Bar
The GP Advantage Bar will be located in the same position again in 2013, between the Fangio and Webber Grandstands, in Legends Lane, circuit map grid reference Q10. With spectacular views of the main straight this facility will provide members with a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere throughout the Event. Presentation of your GP Advantage ticket will provide entry to this exclusive facility.
GOLD Members gain access to both the top and bottom level.
SILVER Members gain access to the bottom level.
Merchandise Item Redemption
Visit the GP Advantage Marquee located in Legends Lane, near the GP Advantage Bar, circuit map grid reference Q10, to redeem your official GP Advantage Seat Cushion with the voucher that was included with your tickets.
Official Program Redemption (GOLD Members Only)
Visit the GP Advantage Marquee or any Official Program Seller on Circuit with your program voucher to redeem your complimentary 2013 Official Program.
Circuit Opening Times For GP Advantage Members
Day | Time | Gate(s) |
Thursday 14th March | 8:00 am | 1 |
Friday 15th March | 10:30 am | All |
Saturday 16th March | 10:30 am | All |
Sunday 17th March | 9:00 am | 1, 8 & 10 |
GP Advantage members gain early access to the Event on Thursday 14 March (Behind the Scenes Day), and Sunday 17 March (Main Straight Walk). All other days' access is available from the regular 10:30 am Gate Opening time.