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Find your sanctuary in this West Loch Fairway home nestled away from the street noise of Fort Weaver Road, on an overhanging tree lined street that is picturesque as well as cooling. Features new carpet, lighting fixtures, microwave, glass top stove, interior paint and newer split a/c in mstr bdrm. Equipped w/ PHOTO VOLTAIC SYSTEM (18 panels OWNED). Original owner enjoyed the convenient location and east access to the H-1 Freeway. Low maintenance yard and covered patio welcomes a family to discover tranquil living in this generous sized home. FIRST OPN HSE SUNDAY 6/26 from 2-5. Come on BUY.
- Original list price$630,000
- Sold price$630,000
- Days on market45
- Price per sqft$351/sqft
- Baths2 full 1 half
- Beds3
- Maintenance fees$65
- Total Monthly fees$65
- Address
91-1016 Aawa Dr, Ewa Beach, HI, 96706
- Total area1996 sqft
- Interior area1795 sqft
- Open Lanai area120 sqft
- Land area3756 sqft
- nr.of parking places2
- Property typeAttached, PUD
- Year Built1993
- PoolNone
- NeighborhoodWestloch Fairway
- City of OahuEwa Beach
- RegionEwaplain
- IslandOahu
- Land tenureFS - Fee Simple
- ViewNone
- Listed byList Sotheby's Int'l Realty
Amenities & Features
- FloorsCeramic Tile, W/W Carpet
- StoriesTwo
- FurnishedPartial
- RoofComposition
- ConstructionDouble Wall, Slab, Wood Frame
- SecurityKey
- UtilitiesCable, Connected, Internet, Public Water, Sewer Fee, Telephone, Underground Electricity, Water
- Property ConditionAbove Average
- AmenitiesLandscaped, Wall/Fence
- InclusionsAC Split, AC Window Unit, Auto Garage Door Opener, Blinds, Cable TV, Ceiling Fan, Chandelier, Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Lawn Sprinkler, Microwave Hood, Photovoltaic, Range/Oven, Refrigerator, Smoke Detector, Solar Heater, Washer
Data provided by Greatschools.org
Neighborhood - Westloch Fairway
- Neighborhood average sales price*$583.25k
- Neighborhood median sales price*$629k
- Number or sales*22
- Street median sales price*$615k
Price history
- Current Property Taxes p/month$134
- Property Tax Year2015
- Assessed Improvement value$287,800
- Assessed Land value$268,200
- Land RecordedLand Court
- Zoning51 - AG-1
- TopographyLevel
- LocationCul-De-Sac,Inside
- Lot DescriptionClear
- Property SetbacksOf Record
- Total Assessed value$556,000
Agent viewpoints of 91-1016 Aawa Dr, Ewa Beach, HI, 96706
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on orders of $40 or more
Simply look for the logo to enjoy free shipping on selected items throughout the store. If the items in your order which qualify for 'Free Shipping' total $40 or more, your order ships FREE!
- All Things Christmas
- Accessories
- Books
- Gifts
- Girl Minnows
- Boy Minnows
- Learning Toys
- Water Fun
- Gift Cards

subset: commoncrawl


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Gun Captions For Insta | Shooting Quotes For Instagram
Captions For Gun
You seem to be looking good, having gun in your hand. Be ware, it is not good for younger ones. Just portray it for picture purpose and use it perfectly. Captioning some photo of gun in hand should be sharing some power in you. The strength in inner self, must be expressed in gun captions online. Style differently on camera and boost your image up. It some time it may look bad handling gun in hands for picture purpose. So I would repeat to handle it perfectly. There are some famous quotes and sayings that seem to fit for gun pictures. So why not pick some words from them and then use them for your own purpose. Gun captions and quotes for Insta reflects some power show. So why not have on picture on your timeline.
Insta Captions For Gun
You can pick some popular quotes to be fit on your picture with gun or pistol or rifle.
- Courage Egoism, Motivation, Thats what I believe in.
- Turn your habits into mastery.
- If some one is pointing a gun to shoot you, its better to point yourself.
- Its my jar to pour in some fear.
- I dont mean to kill some body, I mean to kill it.
- Thumbs should be strong for some acts.
Guns captions should not be used to threaten some one, it can make you suffer.


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Koh Samui Wedding Package
We will provide you with peace of mind and assurance that your wedding event will exceed all of your dreams and expectations with this all-inclusive-package.
All inclusive wedding package includes;
- Pre-wedding meeting service with our Wedding Planner upon your arrival to Koh Samui
- Ceremony and reception held on your favorite wedding venues either on a pristine beach or in the beautiful garden
- Beautiful local flower display of your ceremony including a beautiful floral arch, flower stands, flower petal and chair decoration
- Bridal bouquet and corsage for groom
- A ceremonial Wedding Celebrant to conduct your ceremony including a pre-wedding meeting before your wedding day
- Hotel wedding certificate
- Basic sound system for the ceremony
- Flying lantern ceremony
- Wedding cake
- Personal assistance by our Wedding Planner throughout planning of the event and on the day of event
- Professional Hair & Make up for the bride at your wedding venue
- 4 Hours professional photography service (Getting ready, ceremony, cocktail reception with portraits)
- An hour cocktail reception
You might like to include "Something Extra" to make your wedding go off with a bang and keep all your guests entertained.
Get in touch with WIT team to receive full details and pricing.


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46th Annual Cavalcade of Lights – Nathan Phillips Square
Alyssa Reid, Cavalcade of Lights, Christmas Tree, Dragonette, Fireworks, Flamethrowers, GC100, Grey Cup 100th Anniversary, Nathan Phillips Square, Pyro Show, Reflecting Pool, Sean Jones, Sno Ball, Storify, Suzie McNeil, Twitter
Toronto's 46th Annual Cavalcade of Lights lit up Nathan Phillips Square last night.
Scarborough City Councillor Paul Ainslie, standing in for Mayor Rob Ford, flipped the switch just before 7:30 p.m. and with that The Official City of Toronto Christmas Tree was lighted. The tree is crooked due to damage from Superstorm Sandy, but so what, it's still pretty.
Suzie McNeil, Alyssa Reid, Sean Jones and Dragonette kept everyone entertained. Torontonians danced in the night air and jumped and congo-lined all over the reflecting pool turned temporary astroturf football field installed for the 100th Anniversary of the Grey Cup.
Pyrotechnics, Flamethrowers, Zip Lining Fire Dancers, free Timothy's Coffee and twice the fireworks, with the closing set exploding off the roofs of both City Hall's East and West Towers.
With all of that going on, Lori Kufner, YOU have the Tweet of the Night:
Cavalcade of Lights – Saturday November 17 2012
Saturday November 17, 2012, The City of Toronto presents the 46th annual "Cavalcade of Lights".
Storified by HiMY SYeD · Sat, Nov 17 2012 23:46:35
As part of the Cavalcade of Lights show, there will be a pyrotechnic program from the towers of City Hall. A road closure will be in place to prevent both pedestrian and vehicular traffic from entering the fall−out zone around City Hall.
7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Main Stage− Live music (Suzie McNeil, Alyssa Reid, Sean Jones)
7:15 p.m., Tree/Square lighting with the Mayor
8 p.m. to 8:08 p.m., Pyro/Fireworks
8:10 p.m., Main Stage− Live music (Dragonette)
9:15 p.m., Side Stage− Entertainment (Fire Dancers with Pyro Show)
9:30 p.m., Skating Rink− DJ Party (Fire on Scaff Towers, Dancers)
10:30 p.m., Event Ends


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Sacked BSP MPs, MLAs join SP
The ruling Samajwadi Party inducted two BSP Lok Sabha members who were recently sacked by the Mayawati, reports Masoodul Hasan.india Updated: Nov 15, 2006 20:48 IST
The ruling Samajwadi Party on Wednesday inducted two BSP Lok Sabha members-Rama Kant Yadav (Azamgarh), Bhalchand Yadav (Khalilabad) and two BSP MLAs Kuldip Singh Sengar (Unnao) and Kapil Deo Singh Yadav (Mau) who were recently sacked by the Mayawati for anti-party activities.
Talking to newsmen on Wednesday the PWD Minister and SP general secretary Shivpal Singh Yadav said entry of these leaders would strengthen the party. While the Samajwadi Party had expelled Rama Kant Yadav in 2002, the then chief minister Mayawati had inducted him into the party in November 27, 2002. Rama Kant Yadav was one of the main accused in Guesthouse case in June 2, 1995 in which SP leaders had made murderous attack on Mayawati. Last week BSP general secretary Nasimuddin Sidiqque announced expulsion of Ramkant from the party. The BSP had sacked Bhalchand Yadav, Kuldip Sengar and Kapil Deo Singh nearly a month ago. Earlier nearly half a dozen BJP MLAs had joined the SP. Sengar had also been hobnobbing with the SP for a long time.
Bhalchand Yadav assailing Mayawati claimed that BSP had been fast losing ground in the state. He said in eastern UP the BSP would be routed in the assembly election. Kapil Deo said that people with vested interest had surrounded Mayawati and the party had completely lost direction. Deo accused her of collecting money in the name of party tickets.
Shiv Pal said more BSP MPs and MLAs would join the party soon. Shiv Pal said the party today reviewed the electoral performance in local bodies elections. Expressing satisfaction over results Yadav said the meeting has also chalked out plan to further gear up the party for assembly elections. He said five training camps would be organized at various places to train the party cadres for the elections. Referring to sudden power crisis following closure of all units of Annapara thermal power, Shiv Pal, who is also the energy minister, said efforts were being to solve the problem. Yadav said he had sought detailed report about the closure of the units.
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First Published: Nov 15, 2006 20:48 IST


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© Copyright 1995-2017, Clay Irving <firstname.lastname@example.com>, Manhattan Beach, CA USA
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Recipe from: Ferrante
Servings: 6
This recipe is a basic one all cooks can make use of time and again: a refreshing mix of raw diced tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, torn basil, olive oil, and a drop of hot sauce tossed with warm pasta. As the ingredients are combined, the mozzarella melts lusciously onto the hot pasta, resulting in a memorable dish. If you prefer, you can marinate the sauce ingredients in the serving bowl up to 2 hours ahead of stirring in the pasta; they will develop even more flavor. To serve the pasta at room temperature rather than hot, drain the pasta, cool it on a baking sheet (never rinse it to cool it), and then toss it with the remaining ingredients. While penne rigate (ridged penne) are the most common choice for this dish, other short pastas (like shells, orecchiette, and bowties) also work well.
1 pound penne rigate
1 pound tomatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into ½-inch cubes
1 cup basil leaves, torn
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon Tabasco. sauce (optional)
Bring 5 quarts of water to a vigorous boil. Add the salt and penne; cook until al dente; drain. Transfer to a bowl and add the tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and Tabasco. Toss gently to distribute, adjust the salt, and serve hot.


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21" Fashion Doll Clothes Pattern NIP
Sold for:
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- Sold Date:
- Source: eBay
This listing is for a pattern to make clothes for the 21" fashion doll. This pattern is new and uncut and getting harder to find. This pattern will make up several style tops, skirts, a pair of slacks and a belt, purse and scarf. Paypal is my only accepted form of payment and is expected within 3 days from auction end. Please email any questions.


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Landlords Insurance in Farmington and communities throughout Missouri
Rent with Confidence.
A rental property is an important asset that can supply you with a valuable source of income. As the owner of an apartment, home, condo, or other property, you'll want to be prepared in the event that your investment is damaged. With a Landlords Insurance policy from First State Insurance Agency, Inc., you'll receive a complete degree of protection to keep yourself and your rental property insured.
The proper Landlord policy can provide options from Personal Property and Liability to Medical Payments to Others and Dwelling to accommodate the special risks that you as a property owner may face. Landlords Insurance can also cover:
- Damage to your property or other attached structures from a fire, natural disaster, or other peril, including damage caused by tenants
- Expenses you may be legally obligated to pay for the property damage or medical payments in the event of injury
- Legal counsel and fees in the event of a related lawsuit
- Additional expenses to make up for lost income if your property needs repaired through loss of use
Because of the variety of options available, an insurance specialist at First State Insurance Agency, Inc. is available to make sure you have the right amount of coverage for your rental property at a price that meets your budget. With the benefits of a Landlords Insurance policy, you can rent to tenants with the confidence of knowing your investment is secure.
Our Locations
Farmington204 E Liberty Street
Farmington, MO 63640
Toll free: 800-660-4005
Fax: 573-756-2762
Jefferson City Office514 E High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Fax: 573-635-7993
Perryville - Terry Miederhoff (bank location)406 North Perryville Blvd.
Perryville, MO 63775
Toll free: 800-660-4005
Fax: 573-334-2815
Potosi100 HWY P
Potosi, MO 63664
Toll free: 800-660-4005
Fax: 573-438-2292
Washington Office1801 Bedford Center Drive
Washington, MO 63090
Toll free: 800-660-4005
Fax: 636-432-0022
Bonne Terre20 East School Street
Bonne Terre, MO 63628
Toll free: 800-660-4005
Fax: 573-358-3470
Cape Girardeau2527 William Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
Toll free: 800-660-4005
Fax: 573-334-2815
Desloge1135 N. Desloge Drive
Desloge, MO 63601
Fax: 573-431-9434
DeSoto1801 Old Boyd St.
DeSoto, MO 63020-0430
Fax: 636-586-9322
Imperial6021 W. Outer Rd.
Imperial, MO 63052
Fax: 573-664-5745
Perryville - Emmendorfer625 W St. Joseph
Perryville, MO 63775
Fax: 573-547-6515
Sikeston201 N Main
Sikeston, MO 63801
Warrenton1022 North Hwy 47
Warrenton, MO 63383
Toll free: 800-660-4005
Fax: 636-377-8300


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Cherry Lambrini rules.
True Story.
End Of.
True Story.
End Of.
Re: ...!?...Peach Schnapps does not rule and in fact makes you violenty ill and very very pissed if you drink half a bottle in 10 minutes.
Not that i know though. Honest.
Re: ...!?...apple schnapps does the same.
Re: ...!?...you can buy cinnemon schnapps 70% proof with flakes of real gold floating around in it from an off license near me
Re: ...!?...Yeah.
But the Leprachauns who run the shop are real bastards on the ID front.
Re: ...!?...once i drank this stuff called stok 80 which was 80% and i thought i was going to was going to die for the next 20 minutes.
then i went outside and met a hedgehog then i turned round and when i looked back it had DISAPPEARED.
Re: ...!?...Is it something about people from Durham and Cherry Lambrini? My girlfriend gets pissed on half a bottle.
I honestly think its just Cherryade
Re: ...!?...Thats exactly why its cool... you can drink it anyehere and pretend its Cherryade.
Re: ...!?...Yeah but this tastes of Pop.
Pop Rules.
Sometimes i just don't want the aftertaste of alchohol.
Re: ...!?...In Summary.
Cherry Lambrini only gets people from Durham and the surrounding areas drunk.
To all other people it tastes like and has the same effects as Cherryade.
In conclusion Cherry Lambrini sucks. Limeade Lambrini would be better. But only slightly,
Re: ...!?...Limeade is shite.
Ever wondered why none of the "big" soft drinks companies make it?
Cause its shite.
Re: ...!?...I am not afraid to admit i patronise the 'indie' soft drinks companies.
Re: ...!?...The indies are the best.
Re: ...!?...Christ man, get with the programme. These days it's Belle-Vue Kreik (or however the Belgian's spell it) that's the thing. On tap in those poncy glasses and occasionally with truffles if they're in stock.
Re: ...!?...I challenge you all, the next time you go into a Weatherspoons, to get a bottle of Duvel in (8 1/2% beer) Try drinking more than 4 of those - I dare ya!
Last time I had it, I woke up in the morning screaming "No more Duvel!!" - horrible induced nightmare.
Re: ...!?...Duvel rules, that is wicked beer!
Re: ...!?...Cherry lambini with white label vodka. Mmmm
Re: ...!?...Wow, never thought of trying it with Vodka...
Thats an idea...
Re: ...!?...Are you legal?


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TEDxWarwick: The Hidden Survey
From my perspective, TEDx talks exist to help you learn about a topic that was not on your radar, and encourage you to take interest in a topic that you would otherwise have given little thought. Seth Stephens-Davidowitz did exactly this at TEDxWarwick, introducing the merits of analysing Google searches in a witty yet informative presentation. Seth began by highlightingRead more


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To start charging your customers in advance of an event you'll need to setup a payment method. Currently, Bookwhen offers three services for you to integrate with - Worldpay, PayPal or Stripe.
- Before deciding on a payment service, you might want to check out their respective fees and charges to decide which option is best for your business. See Worldpay fees, PayPal fees and Stripe fees.
- You might also want to consider the payment form that your customers face when making a payment. The Stripe and Worldpay form only require card details, whereas PayPal requires address details to also be entered when paying by card. Also note that customers can only pay directly with a card on PayPal if you have a Business PayPal account. See example screenshots below.
- Once you've decided, it's time to set up your payments! In Bookwhen, click on Setup then Payment settings. First, you might want to edit your Currency and Tax percentage settings. Now, select Setup for your chosen payment service. If you're thinking of using PayPal, then you might want to read our PayPal article here.
- Once setup, if you'd like to setup a charge to cover the fees from your chosen payment provider then click Edit on Include online payment fee.
- You might want to ensure all customers pay in advance. To do this you need to disable offline payments. This can be done for a specific entry by Editing entry under the Schedule tab. You'll find the option under Entry settings.
If you want to setup multiple payment options that's fine - you can do this and bookwhen will save all your settings. You can then toggle between the payment providers whenever you like, but only one can be active at any one time.
Worldpay's payment form:
Stripe's payment form:
PayPal's payment form for card payments:
Want to read our view on whether to choose Stripe or PayPal? Click here to find out more!


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New galleries for Aurora Studios and PC of Paris added. Starting tomorrow the retro section will start seeing more updates.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Aurora Studios
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
The images displayed here are part of a much larger collection. At this point it is the largest (over 50,000 nude and non-risque images) collection of the highest quality images which organizes and archives the French postcards from the early twentieth century through to the early post war years.


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Article rewriter needed--- $1/500 words
Budget $30-250 USD
I need dedicated writers on my team who are ready for a long term commitment. If you apply you should have the following qualities:
Constant communication
Quality writing
No copy pasting
Deadline oriented
Follow instructions
Fluent in English
Ready to start right away
I work on a 24 hour deadline. In your bid write the number of words you can do per day. Apply with a sample or don't apply at all.
8 freelancere byder i gennemsnit $55 på dette job
Hi, My bid is for 24 quality rewrites as I have a little concern with your rate. Previous writing/rewriting samples are provided for your reference and feedback. Regards
Hello, I think I meet your criteria. Kindly check your pmb for a sample. Thanks
Hi I am interested to work with you. Please find attached sample.
hi we can do the work to a very high standard. nwt software
I am a proficient and dedicated Journalism student who is very motivated in my work. I believe I have the necessary skills to complete your project to your satisfaction. Please check your PMBs for examples.


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Research In Motion (RIM) has kickstarted the BlackBerry mobile applications portal, App World, in Australia.
The apps distribution service was initially launched in North America and the UK in March but has since funnelled down to other countries.
Prior to App World's availability in Australia, local users had to access third-party developer or software vendor websites directly to obtain specific BlackBerry apps.
With 140,000 software developers registered with RIM, trying to obtain a number of different apps can be a cumbersome affair.
App World acts as an apps aggregation portal so users can download multiple products from one single outlet. It automatically presents customers with the relevant catalogue of apps suitable for their BlackBerry smartphone model.
According to RIM managing director, Adele Beachley, the new portal enhances the experience for customers and presents business opportunity for the vendor's partners.
She pointed to the BlackBerry App World's Facebook fansite, which has 11,610 followers so far, as a testament to the distribution service's growing popularity.
"Feedback has been incredibly positive," she said. "If you look at our Facebook fansite, judging from the comments left there, people are extremely happy to have access to BlackBerry App World."
A front page carousel on the Website showcases features apps and a top download section displays the most popular apps worldwide.
App World currently features free apps only but Beachley indicated RIM's plans to commercialise the portal further in 2010.
"We've launched App World 1.1, that just carries free apps right now. This aligns very well with how we are growing the consumer base," she said. "Moving forward, we will definitely be looking at paid apps in the future."
BlackBerry App World can be downloaded directly onto a BlackBerry device through www.blackberry.com/appworld or mobile.blackberry.com.
The URLs can also be accessed via desktop.


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Join a great team at Charleston Animal Society. Reporting to the Manager of Adoptions, this position supports the Society by working with foster parents, owner surrenders and customers who have lost pets. The schedule for this position is Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon. Click Here for More Details Send resume to: Angel Waterfield Human Resource Specialist Email: email@example.com
- Home
- What We Do
- Take Action
- Support Us
- Adopt / Foster
- Spay/Neuter
- Education


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Gabriella Darlington has been unveiled as the winner of Five's Be a Star on Neighbours competition.
Gabriella, 18, from Essex, beat over 1600 hopefuls to win the role of Poppy Rogers in the popular Australian soap, shown on Five.
Along with fellow finalist Jennifer Hall, Gabriella has spent the last week in Melbourne with cast and crew from Neighbours.
Gabriella will now stay in Melbourne to take up the four-week guest role as Poppy, which starts filming on Monday July 19.
Poppy is a free-spirited young woman who has encouraged her cousin Ruby to accompany her on a backpacking trip around Ruby's native Australia.
Gabriella said: "I can't believe how lucky I am. I never expected to be shortlisted, let alone get to Australia and win. I have had an amazing week and am really excited to start on Monday."
Poppy Rogers will first appear on UK screens on Wednesday November 10.
A documentary about Gabriella's route to stardom will be shown on Five in the same week.
Neighbours will screen an action-packed 6000th episode in the UK in October to mark its 25th Anniversary this year.
Click here to watch whatsontv.co.uk's weekly soaps video preview, the Soap Scoop
Gabriella wins Five's Be A Star on Neighbours comp
Gabriella Darlington has been unveiled as the winner of Five's Be a Star on Neighbours competition.


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The learning landscape continues to evolve in very interesting ways. I've noticed lately, for example, that artificial intelligence (AI) seems to finally be getting significant traction. Enough so thatContinue reading
"Learning begins by emptying your cup, so that you can fill it with what you find." Leo Babauta, Zen Habits from My Pursuit of the Art of Living Leo has inspired me on many occasions. (He isContinue reading
What's the future hold? No matter what the answer to that question, active lifelong learners will be the ones best prepared to handle it. That's just one of the perspectives that emerges inContinue reading
Is our desire to be engaged, effective lifelong learners beaten down, if not killed outright by the time we leave high school? That may be too bleak a conclusion to draw, but the findings of a recent GallupContinue reading
For years my wife and I have dutifully put money into our kids's 529 college savings accounts. Our assumptions, of course, are that (a) a college education is valuable, (b) everyone needs one,Continue reading
I was out on my daily learning walk this morning and the podcast of choice was – as it often is on Monday mornings – Mitch Joel's Six Pixels of Separation. While most people wouldContinue reading
I wrote a while back about the concept of deliberate practice, which is basically the idea that if you want to achieve mastery of something you need to (a) practice a lot, and (b) practice well. A studyContinue reading
While we're often urged by wise people to strive for more than mere competence, it's important to understand the important role that competence plays in learning, growing, and achieving great thingsContinue reading


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SQL Server 2000 includes many new features that extend its capabilities as a high performance relational database system with a rich development environment. This article presents an overview of new product features including AWE support, new data types, new user-defined and built-in functions as well as enhancements in trigger functionality, indexing, collation, and property definition. The article then concentrates on XML support, covering XML data retrieval and manipulation, queries, and HTTP access. It concludes with a discussion of performance improvements in SQL Server 2000.
Carl Nolan
MSDN Magazine August 2000
View Complete Post
SQL ServerT 2000 includes several XML features that let you transform relational rowsets into hierarchical XML documents, read XML documents, and bulk load data via XML. For example, you can pass an XML document to a stored procedure, join the XML to some tables and return a rowset, or even modify data in the database.
John Papa
MSDN Magazine June 2005
Application service providers often must send information to clients automatically rather than on-demand. For example, a manufacturer may want to know each day how many of their products were sold by a retail chain. While SQL Server is ideal for maintaining this type of database, you have to write scripts to get the data out in a client-friendly format. Here you will see how you can use Data Transformation Services (DTS), a powerful tool in SQL Server, to automate the retrieval and formatting of data from SQL Server 2000 and make the process of pushing data to your users a lot easier.
Alok Mehta and Daniel Williams
MSDN Magazine August 2002
As the Web evolves, so does the role that Internet servers play. The Internet has seen the growth of e-commerce, B2B business, collaboration, streaming and other new media, and these new applications require new features to meet increasingly complex needs. Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) has many of the features today's mature Web sites need. This article outlines the features in the upcoming version 6.0 and discusses how they promote better scalability, reliability, and performance. Features such as Remote administration, caching, and metabase improvements, as well as custom isolation and security enhancements, make IIS 6.0 the Web server of the future.
George Shepherd
MSDN Magazine March 2002
Application Center 2000 simplifies the deployment of a Microsoft .NET-based application to clusters, which are shared-nothing, loosely coupled computers that appear as one virtual computer. This allows all the computers in Application Center 2000 clusters to provide the same service or Web application at the same time. This article explains network load balancing and component load balancing for COM+ components with Application Center 2000. Accessing the features of Application Center 2000 though the MMC snap-in interface and the command-line interface for batching administrative tasks is also covered.
Panos Kougiouris
MSDN Magazine May 2001
The Windows registry as it is recognized today first appeared in Windows 95. Its introduction simplified the storage of initialization information and made that data more secure. This article covers the history of the registry, the form it took in the early days, and its current incarnation in Windows 2000. Practical tips for managing data in the registry are outlined, along with descriptions of special keys, functions, and file types. Manipulation of the registry to customize both application behavior and certain features in Windows is discussed. Also covered are future directions of the registry, including the use of XML to store registry information in a hierarchical fashion.
Dino Esposito
MSDN Magazine November 2000
With XML support in SQL Server 2000, you can query SQL over HTTP with a URL, bring the data down to the browser, and manipulate it on the client machine. By adding Internet Explorer 5.0 to the mix and using XSL to convert the XML to HTML, you can lighten the load on your database server. Going still one step further, by using Vector Markup Language you can even create drawings on the fly using the data from your SQL queries. This article illustrates this combination of technologies by leading you through the creation of a Web app that queries a digitized street map database that's been imported into a SQL Server database, sorts and displays the data using XML, and draws maps using VML.
Joshua Trupin
MSDN Magazine March 2000
Could anyone tell me the features comparision between sql server 2000, 2005 and 2008 in the table format like below.
sql server 2000 features | Extra features added/supported in 2005 | Extra features supported in 2008
Note: Please do not give any links.
i would like to ask what the difference between sql server 2000 and 2005
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007 provides great portal and search features and much more, and Ted Pattison puts them to good use here.
Ted Pattison
MSDN Magazine August 2006
SQL Server 2005 offers a completely redesigned SQL Server Integration Services engine, formerly known as Data Transformation Services. It includes many new features such as built-in support for Fuzzy Lookups and Fuzzy Groupings, which help you build powerful data-cleansing solutions. This article provides an overview of fuzzy searching techniques and a dissection of the underlying fuzzy search technology implemented in SQL Server 2005.
Jay Nathan
MSDN Magazine September 2005
Get a peek at the new security features in SQL Server 2005 from a developer's point of view. While there are lots of admin enhancements, there are also plenty of dev-specific security improvements you can take advantage of, such as endpoint authentication and support for the security context of managed code that executes on the server. Here Don Kiely elucidates.
Don Kiely
In SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services you'll find new algorithms, enhancements to existing algorithms, and more than a dozen added visualizations to help you get a handle on your data relationships. Plus, enhancements to the Data Mining Extensions to SQL along with OLAP, DTS, and Reporting Services integration make it possible to create a new breed of intelligent apps with embedded data mining technology. Here the author explains it all.
Jamie MacLennan
MSDN Magazine September 2004
Many organizations analyze their business-critical data using Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) technology. OLAP-based data mining provides a way to query multidimensional data sets and drill down into the data to find patterns. ASP.NET and the Microsoft Office Web Components (OWC) enable Web-based OLAP reporting. The OWC controls include PivotTable and Chart components that can be embedded in a Web page and scripted by programmers. In this article, the authors build a Web-based OLAP reporting app using ASP.NET, OWC, and SQL Server 2000 Analysis Services to illustrate the process.
Jeffrey Hasan and Kenneth Tu
MSDN Magazine October 2003
SQL Server 2000 Meta Data Services is a repository technology that stores and manages metadata for SQL Server. Instead of building database schemas over and over, Meta Data Services allows you to freeze an entire schema for use in other projects. You can also use these schemas for training, testing, or debugging. In this article, the authors will review the various components of Meta Data Services and show how it can be programmed using a Visual Basic client, XML, and XSLT. They will also show you how to manage and manipulate your metadata by generating a simple database schema using a SQL Server repository.
Alok Mehta and Ricardo Rodriguez
MSDN Magazine May 2003
Ken Spencer
MSDN Magazine December 2002
The adoption of wireless devices continues to spread unabated, and organizations are looking for new ways to get in touch with customers through these new mobile devices. In the past, unsuccessful ideas such as push technology were used to send targeted information to customers. Now, SQL Server Notification Services uses the SQL Server 2000 database engine and the .NET Framework to promote a new breed of notification applications that will allow relevant, consensual communications to be sent to any subscriber device.Here the author provides an architectural overview of the core features that make up SQL Server Notification Services. Along the way he discusses how they can be used for pushing Web content.
Mark Brown
MSDN Magazine November 2002
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text:
Patrice Evra has resorted to (surprisingly good) beatboxing to solve his boredom
The former Manchester United hero-turned-social media kingpin has been back to entertain during some airport downtime.
Published31 May 2017
Evra is already renowned for singing in his car, shouting the words "I love this game!" on a regular basis, dancing, and just generally enjoying himself. But now he's had to endure a spot of boredom.
However, in classic Evra fashion, he solved his quandary in the middle of an airport lounge by breaking out some beatboxing. He's even pretty good at it too.
He caps off his performance by saying "sometimes I feel like an iPhone – I can do everything!"
Suffice to say, winning the internet is definitely in his repertoire.
- A Gareth Bale bust has been created to rival Cristiano Ronaldo's
- Ronald Koeman plays as Everton on Football Manager... and loses


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For a basic entry-level speaker, Logitech Z213 speaker system isn't so basic at all, what with the additional features that you would rarely find with computer speakers under the same category. It does come with a subwoofer, and a kind of sound experience that goes beyond entry-level. With this computer speaker, however, you get what you pay for.
The Logitech Multimedia Speakers Z213 sports a less-conventional design, at least, for its satellite speakers. The woofer, on the other hand, is the usual big box that holds the control unit. The entire system is mostly black, except for the silver-colored back of the satellite speakers, which both plug into the back of the subwoofer.
It comes with a control pod, complete with the volume dial and power button, and the 3.5 millimeter headphone jack. Yes instead of attaching it to the speaker, you attach the headphone to the control pod. The controls look rather plain, and the pod feels cheap, what with it being too lightweight that it's at risk of being blown over with just enough force. But for convenience it provides, you would want to take good care of it.
The woofer, on the other hand, features an adjustable bass tuner that you can use to get the acoustic output you are looking for. Just don't look for too much.
One issue that consumers have with the Logitech Z213 is the length of the cord that only spans 4.9 feet. But because the cords are individually wrapped, they can be placed on either side of the woofer or the monitor for better placement.
The down-facing subwoofer features a 4-inch driver that is designed to provide more than the average bass experience. Combined with the 2.1 speakers, you will get an output close to a full bass. You just need to fine tune the amount of bass to mix with the output of the satellite speakers to get better audio quality.
It is loud, but you're going to need something else if you want an audio output that will shake the rafters. Once the volume hits 80%, you will hear significant distortions. But if you're only looking for a speaker system that makes video streaming and movie watching a bit higher quality in terms of sound, the Logitech Z213 does a better job than its peers.
Moreover, the speaker system can be easily combined with Logitech's Bluetooth adapter, giving it a certain level of flexibility. You can use the unit with your music player or mobile phone.
Logitech Z213
Given its price point and the kind of output it provides, the Logitech Multimedia Speakers Z213 is more than good enough. It may not hit the loudest range that you want, but it is better than most basic computer systems, what its satellite speakers said to be acoustically tuned. For less than $30, you get a decent sound system, complete with a convenient control pod and more than average bass output.


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For about $10 a month, it is a plan on a $10 monthly cost.These 2 systems are mosting likely to be able to be made use of on many of today's technology gadgets.You might hinder the performance of your PC or allow your on the internet surfing tracked. Many of the Movie downloading websites put a limit on the variety of times you could pack watch hd movies watch hd movies free the tracks, vivaberlin.net but you don't http://vivaberlin.net/ need to lose just what you have actually currently spent for.
Emerging Guidelines For Rapid Plans Of Download Movies
Assume You Have No Idea The Best Ways To Download Movie? Assume Once more!


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Silas Standard's Farm
This farm was formerly the farm of one Belomuth, who departed (with his family) in the advance of the Zhentarim armies during the Time of Troubles. Soon afterwards, Silas Standard, a refugee from Archendale, took claim on the property and swore allegiance to Lord Mourngrym. A new-comer to the area, Silas is more than a little amazed by the high number of powerful adventurers in the area, and the bizarre and wondrous things which occur when they are around. Silas has a wife, Marga, and two teen-aged sons, Golta and Drenn.


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Issue 7 was a great success and in my opinion the best so far. If you haven't read it yet please take a look. Here is the link: Issue 7
We are open as ever for submissions of photos and stories so if you want to be part of Issue 8 please send before 15th June 2014.
Although Roadside Fiction is primarily a literary magazine we have decided on a foray into publishing also. The first release will be a book called 'Back to the Gaff' by John P Brady, a collection of 15 stories based on the madness of drunken nights in Dublin city. The 'gaff' or house is returned to when the chaos has ended, when a new lover is found or when the party must be continued.
Publication date is set for June 14th 2014. We are NOT currently accepting any novel manuscripts.
In other news congratulations to Daire O'Driscoll, a writer who was included in Issue 5, has published a book entitled 'Undone.'
It's available on Amazon, in paperback and Kindle form and the link is below.
Undone by Daire O'Driscoll
There will be a book launch for it this Thursday, May 8 in The Library Project, Temple Bar, Dublin and everyone is welcome to come along and have a free glass of wine. Here is the Facebook event page


text: Total Package Total Package Band is a 9 piece horn band that has been together for 16 years playing Old School, Motown, and Beach music f... Continue Reading Touch Screen DJs with the EMULATOR Multi-Touch Clear Screen DJ System The most unique, creative, and FUN innovation in the DJ world can now be a part of your event.... Our transparent touch panel screen allows your guests to see the DJ at work, creating a mesmerizing... Continue Reading Vanilla Ice Vanilla Ice really needs no introduction. A celebrity in every right, and a Dallas native to boot, this rapper always steals the show (and a few hearts along the way). Continue Reading Vidya Vox Vidya Vox With her debut EP, Kuthu Fire, Vidya turns another dream into reality, and releases a set of genre-mixing and culture-blending original songs that brings her worlds together in a so... Continue Reading Who's Bad Who's Bad - Beyond this unparalleled achievement, Who's Bad has checked some of the world's most famous pavilions off their 'to-do' list, selling out their first tour of China with stops ... Continue Reading Xperimento Xperimento's debut album Second Floor continues to make fans dance as Xperimento tours the world in search of new genres, grooves and experiences. They have been chosen by Navy Entertainment to play f... Continue Reading Page 9 of 9« First«...789


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decidedly bored with myself October 24
Ezra Furman : Ordinary Life
Ezra Furman : Ordinary Life
Rozi Plain : Best Team
As usual, your unrequested dose of music from your humble hostess.
Warpaint : Whiteout
case/lang/veirs : Atomic Number
Audio joy
Helado Negro : Runaround
Hold me close: and always leave room for me to change my mind
Shura: Make It Up
The call to be tender. On repeat.
Colleen: I'm Kin
Not always a pacifist : song for that sort of feeling
Gemma Ray: We Do War
Nina Kinert: Combat Lover


text:
"I'm disappointed in you"
"You are?"
"Yes! After all, she'll never do it again and I never got to see it!! You could have at least given me some warning."
"It was out of the blue and you already went to bed!"
Maybe some guilty pleasures have no reason to feel guilty after all. Some things are never meant to follow through unless you knew it was alright. You can't appreciate who you're with until you appreciate how far they let you go.


text:
Gaining weight is always a matter of concern among many people. People do exercises and take many supplements to lose weight. Among these supplements, one is Clenbutrenol. It is very popular among athletes and bodybuilders as well. This supplement is very popular among people who want to lose weight. But there has been reviews and reports that this supplement has some fatal side effects which can be harmful for your health. But some believe that it has no side effects while others opine that it has some vital side effects. So, before using this supplement you should be aware of the list of side effects that it can cause to you.
Effects which may thrive for a short span
Prior to the use of Clenbutrenol as a weight loss supplement, it was used for the treatment of respiratory diseases. It was very effective against the disease of Asthma. This supplement was also used in one of the inhalers of Asthma. Later on, it was more modifies to be used as a weight loss supplement. As a weight reducing agent, it works by raising the blood flow level and by improving the process of metabolism. This burns the unwanted lipids and fat deposits. Body builders getbenefitted from this as it reduces the unwanted fat around the muscles by acting upon hormones like dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Research have shown some of the facts that this supplement should be consumed under well supervision or should be consumed under the guidelines of a physician. When these guidelines are disrespected then it may lead to some of the short term side effects. If CLenbutrenol treated meat are taken and if the consumption of the dosage is increased then it may lead to some of the side effects. Some side effects which should be borne in mind before getting addicted to this supplement are insomnia, palpitation, hypertension, sweating, dry mouth, breathing difficulties, anxiety, nervousness, increased heart rate and muscle cramps. It has also been reported that the side effects of Clenbuterol on the heart reported dangers of taking this supplement.
These side effects gradually decreases if you discontinue with this supplement and this drug is totally expelled from your body. So It is advisable to go for a check up to the doctor and examine that whether your health condition is fit enough to consume this drug and also to control the doses. Drinking lots of water each day and controlling the dosage may expel the side effects.
Effects which can spoil your whole life
Researches have been done on rodents to verify the effects of this drug. Researches have shown that this drug increases the size of cardiac muscle tissue of the heart. This occurs of this drug is consumed for many months at a time and if it is taken at higher doses. This drug increases the production of collagen and thus it reduces the effectiveness of the heart in pumping blood. This leads to irregular heartbeats. The increase in number of collagen may lead to the disease of irregular heartbeat known as Arryhthmias. This leads to the risk of stroke as well. This supplement also affect the size and the structure of heart. This also may aggravate any pre-existing disease of the heart, whichwas not known earlier.So, it is crystal clear from the facts proved that the side effects of Clenbutrenol on the heart reported dangers of taking this supplement.


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Prologue in a high place
In the darkening dusk Ratatosk scowled challenging across his bushy tail.
"You can admit it now. You're lost."
"Nonsense. I know exactly were we are."
"Yeah? Where are we, then?" Bran sighed and ruffled his feathers.
The wren looked around. His small band sat in the branches of a tall oak-tree amidst a sea of snow-covered roofs. Immediately to their left, a chasm cut through the expanse of sleet and shingles, of smoke-stacks and aerials. Deep below in the darkness of the impending night headlights chased one another in a continuous stream of red and white light. Far behind their backs this rush seemed to merge with a much larger river of flowing radiance and steaming exhaust leading off to the South, while in front of them the low-hanging winter sky was aglow with the sickly yellow luminosity of a bloated city and in sharp relief thousands of peaks, gables and the flattops of apartment towers were sprawled across the horizon.
Trying to convey a cheerfulness and optimism he did not feel, the wren finally answered:
"We're in Berlin."
"You can admit it now. You're lost."
"Nonsense. I know exactly were we are."
"Yeah? Where are we, then?" Bran sighed and ruffled his feathers.
The wren looked around. His small band sat in the branches of a tall oak-tree amidst a sea of snow-covered roofs. Immediately to their left, a chasm cut through the expanse of sleet and shingles, of smoke-stacks and aerials. Deep below in the darkness of the impending night headlights chased one another in a continuous stream of red and white light. Far behind their backs this rush seemed to merge with a much larger river of flowing radiance and steaming exhaust leading off to the South, while in front of them the low-hanging winter sky was aglow with the sickly yellow luminosity of a bloated city and in sharp relief thousands of peaks, gables and the flattops of apartment towers were sprawled across the horizon.
Trying to convey a cheerfulness and optimism he did not feel, the wren finally answered:
"We're in Berlin."
Chapter 1
Richard Kaussner was not what you might call prime hero material, although he liked to think of himself as of having hidden depths. When his story got on the way destiny seemed to have had some grand design in mind. First of all, like many great heroes, Richard was an orphan. His father was unknown. As his aunt had always been fond to tell Richard, his mother – when queried about Richard's father – had just said he was a child of love, and left it at that. "Isn't that romantic?" his aunt had usually concluded the tale, smiled blissfully, and petted his cheek. Richard's mother had died before her son's first birthday and he had no memories of her at all. He had grown up amongst six older cousins in the house of one of his many aunts.
Also, and Richard had secretly always liked that best, he was the last of his kind, the last Schwarzkolmburger. For two days after his birth his home village of Schwarzkolmburg, together with three other small villages, had been officially annexed to the nearby town of Prussel (although Prussel had only marginally more inhabitants than each of the vanishing villages.) And that meant, administratively speaking, that never again would there be another Schwarzkolmburger; he was the last.
Lastly, the area Richard had grown up in had by his fellow countrymen commonly been known as the valley of the ignorant. The title had to do with politics and the reception of West-German TV programs and Richard mostly chose not to mention it if it could be avoided. But in hours of quiet desperation, when he pondered his promising begins, hero-wise, and to cheer himself up, he argued that the valley of the ignorant really was a lot like that valley Parceval, most glorious of all heroes, had grown up in.
But look at it whichever way he wanted, Richard had to admit that after this initial effort destiny must have had a change of mind, or maybe it had just grown preoccupied with some other project and had forgotten all about him. The rest of his childhood had been completely without indication that the future still might have a career as a hero in store for him. While his aunts all had a soft spot for him, he had never been very popular with his peers, for all the obvious reasons. He had been a bookish child, shy and a bit naive; neither athletic nor intelligent enough to impress either the boys or the girls. He had always felt as if everybody else shared some deep and profound and somewhat terrifying secret nobody had bothered to tell him, and which he had always been afraid to ask about.
Thus bereft of destiny's guiding hand, and not without regrets, Richard had in the end grown up to be a violinist. For some time, he had been hopeful again, as if, having failed as a hero himself, he might at least be part of the beauty of the world and thus provide the colourful background for another hero's stage. But at 23 it became apparent that he was not a particular brilliant violinist, and he began to suspect that he would never be in the spotlight of any grand and internationally famous orchestra, and that at best he would always only be in the background of the background, so to speak.
Chapter 2
In the end, Bran had pulled rank, and decided that the three elves would spend the night in the tree of a cemetery they had stumbled across. Still trying to keep up the spirits, the wren had called it a graveyard, but now, in the bleak morning's light, even with wisps of fog drifting amidst the frost covered headstones, he was forced to admit that this sanitary, orderly, well-groomed piece of communal real estate was nothing of the sort. Here urns were interred just long enough to allow the living to forget the dead, to be removed again soon and make more lucrative space for some other freshly deceased and incinerated sod. There would never be any ghosts to haunt this place, never any spirits to moan, lost in melancholic memories. The elves were depressed.
Yesterday morning, upon leaving the fair lands, the wren, with his aristocratic heritage, had seized leadership and neither Bran nor Ratatosk had challenged him. The wren had always been a little bit ashamed of his family's suburban homestead, and had been glad that for once familiarity with mortal lands would be an asset. And things had begun so well: Asking around among his far flung kith and kin he had soon learned of the correct portal, the transition had been without incident, even the obligatory guardian at the threshold had been a piece of cake, really, with his dusty old riddle. Although they probably were not being fair, after all, where was the riddler whose skill could match that of Bran's prophesising? But from there things had taken a turn for the worse. The wren had never actually been to a real city – unthinkingly he had assumed that all human townships were alike and that his sound area-knowledge of Falmouth, Cornwall, where he had hatched and fledged, would be sufficient to guide them through Berlin and let them find who they were looking for. He had been wrong.
Now leadership had fallen to Bran, who was their eldest anyway, more of a God than an elf, actually, even if a mostly disremembered God. Bran was clothed in the charcoal plumage of the Raven-folk, as it was customary with him when leaving the fair lands, and his voice was rough and grating. Especially when he was lecturing, and even Ratatosk somewhat regretted that the wren had proven such an ill-suited expedition leader. Right now, Bran was reciting the elfish rules of conduct when on a mission in the outside world: No use of glamour or magics, not to speak to ordinary mortals, who would not understand them anyway, and never to consume any mortal food or drink, as both would rob them of their reason and turn them into the dumb beasts whose bodies they wore.
"Sure. Fine. Whatever," Ratatosk said, who was getting cold, and who never could abide sermons anyway. "How in Wotan's name are we gonna find this chick now?"
"The princess," Bran corrected him.
"Yeah, yeah, this princess chick. How are we gonna find her?" The squirrel Ratatosk really regretted that Bran had taken over. But he was a God, after all, and Ratatosk himself certainly would be no great help at the helm, as he would be the first to admit. He was a great three-penny orator, as long as there was something to gossip about, and he was a lightning quick messenger, running up and down the world's tree all day and spreading discord amongst the inhabitants. He liked to mix things up, get them moving, anything to keep the world from falling asleep on its feet. But cool planning, systematic trailblazing and accomplishing a mission to their principal's satisfaction was not his forte. So it would have to be Bran. Ratatosk consigned himself to patience. If the old Raven would at least occasionally give them a straight answer, a forthright direction.
Bran cawed and said:
"To come to the much needed aid
of the imprisoned maid
The herald's triad must make haste
there is no time to waste.
By catgut and cat's cradle
by wicker shield and chocolate-kringel
good plans at full moon's light be laid
or else help be too late."
"Great," Ratatosk remarked, "great deal of good that's gonna do us."
"It's a prophecy," Bran said. "It has to be oblique to be a good prophecy. That is one of the two obligatory attributes. But be at rest: Truth is the other. You just have to interpret it."
"It ain't even good poetry: laid and late, not to mention cradle and kringel..." Ratatosk muttered.
"The first part is easy, innit? Means we've got to hurry." The wren chipped in. He observed a lonely visitor to the cemetery walking along the neatly criss-crossing paths with a wreath of pale flowers cradled in the crook of the arm.
"Well, I bloody would like to, but hurry where to?" Ratatosk asked, his bushy tail flickering back and forth irritably. "When's full moon anyway?"
"The night after next." Bran said gravely. "Epiphany."
"Right, loads of time to hang around in cemetery trees and be frozen stiff by then." Ratatosk grumbled. "I only hope the part about chocolate-kringles comes true soon."
"We must not eat any food here," Bran reminded him.
"I really don't get all this stuff about cat's guts and cradles. What is that supposed to mean?" the wren interrupted.
"Cat's cradle is a children's game, isn't it?" Ratatosk asked, digging through his memories of mortal affairs.
"Children often are the last keepers of ancient wisdom, and in their play the true rites and rituals of old can be found." Bran said.
"I think I know a cat in Berlin." Ratatosk mused. "I guess that is no help, is it?"
"I don't think so," the wren said, who – as any small bird – did not particularly fancy cats. "Unless you wanted to gut her," he added sniggering.
"Who is this cat?" Bran asked.
"Um, name's Kato. I know him from way back when, during the crusades. Bit of a fanatic, Christian knight and all. Decent chap, though, once you get to the truce stage with him." Ratatosk said. "Must be in his later lives, now, I guess, if he's still around."
"What good is he to us anyway," the wren asked, still dismayed at the thought of having to deal with a cat. "I mean, do you know where to find him?"
Ratatosk smiled. The sun had finally found a smudged hole in the overcast sky to glimpse through, and her wan and frosty glance set the whitened trees alight in a wintry golden glow. "Hey, I'm a messenger," the squirrel said. "I might not be much of a pathfinder, but I'll get a message to its address any day."
"We'll start our quest with him, then. Maybe he can point us the way," Bran decreed.
"This is gonna end in trouble," the wren said to his companions. "Mark my words!"
For now Ratatosk was happy to be finally moving again and he dismissed the wren's remark as mere timidity, but Bran, expert in truth-saying of all kinds, recognised it for what it was: Another prophecy, and as such, inescapable.
Chapter 3
Richard had met the princess for the first time on a student party in early November. Of course he hadn't known her to be a princess then, but truth be told, that had not been apparent at first sight. To make things worse, though, he never could remember their first meeting later, try as he might. Fact was the whole affair had gone down rather ignoble.
The first thing about her he would remember was waking up from a dream so sweet and soft he clung to it like a drowning man to the last floating board of his sundered ship. He bunched his pillow and pressed his face deeper into it, as if he could thus squeeze his way back into the fading dream. He breathed in deeply and that was when he smelled her – his world suddenly became saturated by her smell. Mostly it was French tobacco and plain soap, somehow dry and cool, faintly sour with sweat and a bit dusty like wool, and there was something like tar in it, or petroleum, and a hint of exotic spices, or maybe of seasoned tea.
Somewhere in the distance he heard the froth and clatter of someone taking a shower.
Richard rolled onto his back and opened his eyes. He groped for his glasses and found them on the clammy floor to his right. The room that swum into focus now was small and cold enough for him to see his breath and it was utterly unknown to him.
Grey morning light filtered in through pale orange curtains, and behind them he could glimpse first frost's ice flowering on the narrow window panes. The room was furnished with a small table, a kitchen bench and two folding chairs, a fridge, a cupboard and a small electric stove with a cheap aluminium kettle on it, a dusty bookcase and the queen-sized bed he was lying on, which could be folded upright to disappear into a wardrobe. Clothes – some of them his own – were strewn across the linoleum floor. Somebody had painted a midnight blue sky and lots of pointy yellow stars on the ceiling.
Richard yawned; then he moaned and held his hurting head.
Sitting up and looking around not only really woke up Richard but also a killer headache that allowed only one conclusion: Whatever had happened had involved way too much alcohol. From the fuzzy aftertaste on his dry tongue it probably had been mostly cheap red wine and possibly even cheaper vodka.
"Where the hell am I?" he wondered.
The hissing sound of running water came from a door at the back of the room. Thin lines of steam were seeping from the cracks.
Clumsily Richard put his feet out of the bed and almost recoiled from the cold, but the thought of being seen by somebody he didn't know naked, goose-pimpled, and sporting an embarrassing morning erection helped overcoming his reluctance.
Aching and still bleary Richard moved about and gathered the clothes. He dressed in his and put the others orderly onto the bed. Even given his witless state they were painfully easy to tell apart: His clothes were all dark blue, plain and sensible, from the Mephisto shoes to the woollen jumper; sensible, proper and dull. Not much chance to get them mixed up with the paint-stained cargo jeans with the turned up hems or the ringed longstockings, the house-big, hand-knit woollen pullover or black Doc Marten's boots, the slinky tank top or the… the bottle-green… gaiters? Spats?
Richard was puzzling over the purpose of these baggy and rather dirty woollen tubular cloths, when a shrill whistling made him jump. The infernal noise drove white-hot spikes into his hung-over brain. Looking about Richard could identify the steaming camping kettle as the source of this racket. He hurried over to the narrow stove, and without thinking, he used the... spats or… whatever… as oven cloths to take the kettle from the hotplate.
He was just looking around for a place to put the kettle down, when the door to the bathroom opened. The kettle's whistling fell several octaves and diminish into a mute hiss and the quiet burbling of boiling water. In the open door Richard saw the girl. Woman. Girl. Richard had not the least idea who she might be. Only that – to him – she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.
The girl smiled. He guessed her to be about his age, maybe a year older, or two. Thick strawberry blond hair fell in wet strands around her round pink face to her shoulders. The face was freckled evenly and densely from ear to ear, from hairline to chin, and even down her neck and throat. Single wisps of steam still rose from her plump body. The skin was pink and ruddy from the towelling after a hot shower, and her pubic hair was of a much darker red than the hair on her head. Richard could tell because but for a soggy towel-rag approximately the size of a large stamp, which she held loosely across her chest and which did not quite reach to her legs, she was completely naked.
For a moment Richard was stuck dumb. He could feel his face go utterly blank as he stared at her. Then he blushed deeply. He could see in her eyes that in the moment of him staring at her, even though it had been half from being stunned by her beauty, she realised he didn't remember her. Not only her name, or whether they had last night actually had sex rather than immediately falling into drunken stupor, but that he did not remember having seen her ever before.
Her smile dropped from her face and she began to dress.
For a while Richard just stood there, kettle still in hand, and felt guilty. He thought about apologising, but found no words. Besides, what if she hadn't really caught on to him and was sulking because of something he had done during the night? He would just add insult to injury with a needless confession. Or maybe she wasn't sulking at all and just overhung like him. He wasn't even certain that they had really had sex together. He faintly remembered having read somewhere, that too much alcohol depressed the libido.
Eventually the kettle in his hands became too heavy and he put it down – back on the stove. Moments later, the kettle began its terrible racket again. When he fetched it off the hotplate, the girl was suddenly besides him. She got two mugs and a jar of instant coffee from the cupboard and took the kettle off his hands to pour the boiling water into the mugs. Then she took the spats from his hands.
While she finished lacing up her boots and pulled the green woollen spats over her ankles, Richard was still at a loss what to say. He drank some coffee, which was black and bitter and not at all the way he liked it, and looked about.
He suddenly realised that the strange little room with the wooden walls and the camping furniture was a garden bower. Outside of the iced-over windows everything was shrouded in heavy mist, and those few dark shapes that were visible, probably large bushes, Rhododendrons perhaps, seemed menacing, like lumpy trolls lumbering about.
The girl sat up and dug a pack of French cigarettes and a storm lighter from her bulky clothes. She silently offered one to Richard who declined, shrugged and lit one herself. Just then, the sun rose over some distant trees and the mist outside became saturated with a golden glow. And as the golden light flooded the bower, he could see her eyes change from blue-grey to glacier green. Again it took his breath away and he could hardly believe that there could be so much beauty in the world.
She became aware of being stared at and looked at him. She smiled reluctantly and self-consciously brushed her hair out of her face. Richard could see that she had hardly any earlobes, they just merged in one smooth tapering arc with the very end of her muscular jaw.
A shadow fell across her. She looked towards the window and froze. Richard followed her eyes and actually squeaked. One of the trolls had crept out of the mist and was pressing his ugly, misshapen face against the window.
"No, no," Richard thought inanely. "That's wrong. Trolls turn into stone in sunlight, not the other way around."
But the girl had grabbed Richard by the hand, and without bothering with their coats or anything else, she dragged him through the narrow bathroom at the end of the room to a backdoor and out into the frosty garden.
Through bushes and under trees they ran, jumped across a narrow stone wall and continued through a small park-like wood. A narrow alley between two vast gardens followed, and still Richard was certain he could feel the monster breathing down his neck as it gave chase. But when they emerged on a small winding road, lined with chestnut trees, and walked over to a bus stop, they were alone. The troll had not followed.
When Richard had caught his breath he looked at the girl and saw that she was badly frightened. She kept glancing over her shoulder and at her wristwatch. She shivered – Richard did not know if it was because of fear or the cold. Probably both. He thought about hugging her, but before he could muster the courage the bus arrived.
Like a whale out of the depth it emerged from the thinning mist. They boarded and Richard wanted to know of her who the monster had been, but she just shrugged and looked out the window. Richard was at a loss. Then he noticed that he had left not only his coat behind but also his wallet. And when he groaned and complained about it and the girl didn't even take notice but continued to stare out of the window in silence, Richard sulked. He was a polite and well-mannered young man, but enough was enough. Because of this... this floozy, he would have to go through the trouble of having all his cards replaced, from his bank card to the video-rental card, his drivers license, his bloody student ID; he would have to buy a new month-pass for the subway, and the multiple ticket for the Philharmonic his aunt had given him for his birthday was also gone. And she didn't even say sorry. How could she get him into such a situation anyway? Why did she have to drag him to that garden shed at all, didn't she have an apartment? Who was she anyway?
Richard leaned back, determined, not to say a word before she didn't apologise; and promptly fell asleep. He came around when she nudged him gently. The bus was overcrowded by then. The windows where all fogged up. She smiled at him, and before he could remember that he was sulking, Richard found himself smiling back at her.
She pointed out the window. She had doodled on the fogged over glass, a poem or something, the way little kids do it, when they play tick-tack-toe or, giggling, write down dirty words. Through the scribbling Richard could see a kindergarten and children playing in the sun. He also realised that the bus was almost at Rathaus Steglitz, his stop. From here he could catch a subway that brought him to his apartment in Reinickendorf.
"My stop," Richard said.
The girl nodded and got up. Richard stepped out into the crowded aisle.
"Are you getting off here, too?" he asked, but she was busy wiping her scribbling from the window and didn't answer.
Suit yourself, Richard thought. The bus came to a jarring stop. The doors opened and the crowed began to spill out. Richard was almost at the door when he noticed that the girl had again sat down and was not coming along. He tried to fight his way back up the aisle, but the surge was too strong, he was simply pushed out onto the sidewalk.
"Wait. How can I reach you?" Richard shouted. "What's your name?"
The doors closed, the bus swerved and joined the flowing traffic. As it drove off Richard could see the girl sit at her window looking out. She was leaning her forehead against the cold glass and her eyes stared sadly into empty space. Just then the bus moved through a beam of sunlight shining through a gap between two houses. The sun backlit her face, turning her hair into a lambent flame, and painted a glowing halo around her face.
Then she was gone.
Chapter 4
Round about that time, things had got moving in Fairyland as well. While in the mortal world rain and sleet made pre-Christmas shopping even less pleasant than it would have been without, the eternal summer twilight of the fair lands never changed.
Hoagputzer Glummdrengle, a garden gnome of impeccable reputation, was sitting in his rocking chair on his porch, smoking and reading the Horticultural Times. He was just about to get himself in a good huff about the mistletoe situation – Ragnarok or not, you couldn't simply go and ban something like that. Mistletoe was a traditional, what about the Yule feast and all? Regulations for the protection against improper use of plants and animals in celestial battles my aunt fanny, he thought, when he heard something flutter behind him.
Hoagputzer Glummdrengle turned around. A hooded crow had lit on his wheelbarrow (Hoagputzer was a wheelbarrow kind of gnome,) cocked his head and cawed when the old gnome looked at it. The crow took wing again and glided over to the rocking chair. As it was about to land on the ground, there was a rustling of feathers and a fluttering of shadows and in its stead there stood a tall man, hooded like the crow had been, with slim, pale hands and eyes that gleamed silvery in the darkness under the cowl.
"Good evening, my dear Glummdrengle" the man said. His voice was melodious, not at all the grating rasp expected from one who came disguised as a crow.
Hoagputzer slowly took the pipe from his mouth and got to his feet. He hinted at a bow and said warily: "Good evening, my lord Ratkiller. What brings me the honour of your call?"
As if he didn't know. This was not the first time he received such a visit. Although he had hoped the last one would have been, well... the last. There had been angry words the last time. He had refused to ever do this again.
The visitor looked intensely at the gnome. His eyes shone like the moon.
"Something has come up, Glummdrengle, and I need your help. You will put together a team. Messengers, not heroes. Three should do. They are not needed yet, but I may have to deploy them at short notice."
Hoagputzer hesitated. He was about to say something, when the cowled figure asked gently: "Yes, Glummdrengle?" You could hear the soft smile in the voice and a menace behind it. "You were about to say?"
Hoagputzer didn't want to do this. The last time he had sent some kids on a mission for the hooded crow, there had been deaths. The wrong kind of deaths, if there was any other kind, deaths amongst the good guys, amongst the kids he had sent. But a long time ago, Hoagputzer's grandfather had put himself deeply in the Ratkiller's debt. Oh, no doubt, most young garden gnomes nowadays, Moonies and Manniken-Piss all of them, with no dignity or family honour, wouldn't care one wilted leaf of lettuce about a thing like that, but he was a Glummdrengle. The wheelbarrow he owned went back thirteen generations. He couldn't turn his back on that.
Beaten, Hoagputzer said: "Of course, my lord. The mission, what will it be?"
"You don't need to know. In fact, nobody needs to know: neither of the mission nor that it has anything to do with me. Just find me three adequate messengers."
"But lord, how shall I choose them, when I don't know what they will have to be capable of?"
"Stealthy, inconspicuous both here and in the other world, intelligent, independent and dutiful will do the job, Glummdrengle. You're well connected, you know people, people know you. I know I can count on you."
Hoagputzer sighed and nodded.
The man with the silver eyes turned around and changing back into a crow he took flight. The blackbird circled Hoagputzer once and for a last time lit on the roof of the gnome's dwelling. It fixated the garden gnome with its beady little eyes. For a moment they reflected the ever darkening sky and flashed silvery.
"Glummdrengle," it croaked. "It's for a good cause."
With that it spread its wings and disappeared into the evening gloom.
Hoagputzer Glummdrengle stood besides his rocking chair for a long time and stared into that perfect deepening dusk that would never quite turn to night. He did not want to do this. Last time there had been deaths. Then, too, it had been for a good cause. But he couldn't help himself, he was already going through a list of possible candidates.
Chapter 5
Richard had only come to Berlin for the winter. He had planned to earn some money playing on private parties and on receptions, and to look for an orchestra that might take him on more permanently. The first weeks had been very frustrating, which had been why he had gone to that fateful student party at the Academy of Arts, where a few distant acquaintances of his still studied.
In the wake of that first meeting with the princess there were certain repercussions in Richard's life. For one, he couldn't forget her. Images of her, as she came out of the shower, as she sat on the bed, getting dressed; her eyes changing in the sunlight... he couldn't believe that something this beautiful had come into his life and had gone .
Once he was safely home and had gotten through having those cards barred that he had lost together with his wallet, his anger at the princess was evaporating. He began to worry about her. What did he know about her sorrows, maybe a lost wallet was nothing by comparison. Maybe she hadn't even heard him, when he complained about it.
Worrying was something Richard was good at, and he could get amazingly creative once at it. He thought up all manner of terrible problems for the princess, from being an orphan and homeless, to being an illegal immigrant and on the run from dodgy mobsters. He also imagined all manner of gruesome details; she was probably terminally ill (he had vaguely romantic ideas about tuberculosis) or had a poor and ailing elderly father she was trying to support. In the end Richard was racked with guilt about having let her go alone.
He asked those of his acquaintances who had also been to the student party if they remembered the girl he'd left with (and it certainly felt good for once being the one who left with the girl), but although they recalled him getting disgracefully drunk, none could tell him anything about this girl.
So Richard took to visiting the Academy of Arts in the afternoon, when the employment agency for musicians was closed, and prowled its stately hallways in the vague hopes of finding her there. The academy was, after all, the only lead he had.
He walked the corridors and ever so often thought he'd seen her, but whenever he came closer, it turned to be another girl in a similar pullover, or with similar hair. The princess he did not find.
There had been one more contact with the princess' life, but it hadn't helped either. One week after that memorable (although ill-remembered) night, he had been paid a similarly extraordinary if immensely less enjoyable visit:
In the morning – it was a grey and dismal day – he had been to the musicians' employment agency and later he'd had lunch at the academy's cafeteria, once more hoping to run across the princess. Both efforts had been in vain, and so he went home in a rather foul mood.
He found the lock at the door of his apartment forced open and two men waiting in his single room. They were tall, unshaven and wore terminally cool leather jackets and sunglasses. Before Richard could threaten them with the police they had grabbed him by the upper arms and were marching him down the stairs.
"Who are you? What do you want? You can't do this." Richard stammered, even though quite obviously they could.
One of them, he was the stockier of the two and had a hairy wart next to his nose, showed Richard a frightfully big handgun before hiding it under his jacket again, and the other one, who had a tattoo of a snake around the wrist of the hand that was painfully holding Richard by the elbow, smiled gently and said: "You can come quietly and in one piece or a screaming bloody bundle with a fucking big hole where the knee used to be. Me personally I prefer it quiet, but me colleague here is really keen on using his new shooter. So you mustn't worry: either way, you'll do one of us a favour."
They put him in the back of a big old Benz and drove him to a construction site in the Westhafen area. They drove past a gate of wire netting and across a muddy plain to a row of dirty white containers housing the offices of the architects. Everywhere large signs were proclaiming this waste land to be a site of the Saumpfad Building Construction and Civil Engineering Company. The slogan underneath the logo proclaimed: "We get it done!"
During the journey, Snake and the Wart had entertained themselves with swapping graphic tales of how various thug colleagues of theirs had been wasted in various fictitious sounding mob wars. The villains of these pieces invariably were "the spaghettis", "the Croats", "the slit-eyes", "Ivan" and other colourfully dubbed ethnic groups. When the car came to a stop in front of the row of container offices, Snake had won their most-bloodcurdling-murder contest by points and the Wart was sulking because he couldn't come up with anything even remotely credible that would top the last atrocity. Richard felt nauseous and very, very frightened.
Instead of right away bringing him to a freshly poured cement foundation and make him disappear, they directed him to the last container in the row and told him to get in there.
"The boss wants to talk to you," the Wart told him.
"Bye-bye," Snake sing-sang and waved him cheerfully.
When Richard hesitated the Wart grunted and opened the buttons of his jacket. Not waiting for another view of the big gun, Richard turned around and walked into the container.
Inside was a plush sitting room. The air was thick with cigar smoke. Through the haze Richard saw that the room was dominated by a large model of the new shopping centre that was being built here. At the window a bulky man in a garish suit and carrot red hair was peering through the blinds.
For a while the man did not acknowledge Richard's presence. He went on puffing on his cigar and staring out at the mud field scarred by caterpillar tracks and at the distant mountains of sand and gravel that were his kingdom. Eventually he turned around. He was moving so slow and seemingly lost in thought that Richard began to think that maybe the man really didn't know that someone had entered. But the narrow eyes that now strafed Richard were keen and very much aware of what was going on around them.
"This is yours, I reckon," the man rumbled and chucked Richard's wallet through the air. Richard tried to catch it but missed. It fell to the floor and he had to bend down to pick it up. Feeling the keen eyes of the construction king pierce his back as he bent down made Richard's hair stand on end.
Richard got back up and nodded. He didn't know what to say.
"Not much of talker, are you?" the man rumbled again. "Good, I like that in a man."
He strolled closer and looked Richard in the eyes.
"Now, I want you tell me where I can find my daughter."
Richard said: "I... I don't know." And hastened to add: "Sir."
The man grabbed Richard by the neck and snarled: "Don't lie to me, boy, or I'll make you stop lying for good. If you get my meaning."
"I... I get your meaning... Sir. B-but I really don't know where your daughter is. Or who, for that matter. Honestly!"
The man squeezed Richard's shoulder harder and said: "You want to tell me why I found your wallet under the bed at the bower then, son. Because if you haven't been there, for the life of me, I can't see how it got there."
"Oh, you mean Her…," Richard squeaked. "Um, yes, I've been there. But it was only that one night and I still don't know her name. We ran from the troll and before I had a chance to ask, she was gone with the bus. I met her on a party; I don't know where she is. Please... it hurts..."
The man relaxed his grip on Richard's shoulder a little bit but did not let go.
"You mean to tell me that you picked her up on some party, went with her to my bower and without even knowing her name you shagged her. And you left without knowing her address or phone number or anything? Is that the story you're trying to sell here, son?"
Richard began to see that maybe the truth about his brief affair with the princess might not necessarily improve his standing with her father. But he was much too frightened to come up with a believable lie.
Not knowing what to say, he settled for: "Uh, er... well..."
But when the man's hand began squeezing again, Richard blurted out: "Yes. Look, I don't know. I don't remember. Ouch! Look, I was pretty drunk at that party. Maybe she did tell me her name, maybe she told me the whole bloody story of her life, but I really don't remember anything. I only remember waking up and being chased away by a troll. I swear I don't know!"
The man let go of him and scratched the stubble on his chin.
"You think she may have told you, hm?" He looked at Richard as if to figure him out. "You think she might have told you the story of her life."
He looked towards the window again.
"Yeah, well, maybe you really don't know her."
Richard nodded sorrowfully.
"Well, that'd be all then, son. Take a card from the table next to the door and give us a call should you meet her again. I really need to talk to Sovereignty. You see..."
The man coughed, stubbed out the cigar stub in an ashtray the size of a dinner plate and began laboriously lighting a fresh one, which he'd taken from the pocket of his jacket.
Richard asked: "Her name's Suh-vern-tee?"
"Hm? Yes, yes. Sovereignty. Her mother's idea. But then she was from England, wasn't she. All a bit wacky. I wanted to call her Dorothea Luise, after my Grandmothers. But she didn't like my family. Not that she ever said so, but I could tell. Anyway…"
He coughed again and walked back to his place by the window.
"Her mother. It's about her mother. That's why I have to talk to her." The man nodded to himself. "Yes, about her mother. So, when you find her, give me a call. Don't ask her to call me, because she won't. She'll think it's a trick or something. But it's not. So you call me. Will you do that, son?"
"Sh-sure," Richard said, wondering if he was going get out of here alive after all.
"There's a word," the man rumbled, and turned his back to Richard to take up staring out through the blinds once more.
Richard waited for a brief moment and when nothing happened, he hurried to the door. He was already halfway out, when the deep rumble behind him said: "Don't forget the card, son."
Richard picked up a business card from a tall stack on a small table next to the door, and went outside.
He took a deep breath of the wet, cold air and shivered. He was alive!
The Benz was still standing where he had gotten out, but there was no trace of Snake and the Wart. As Richard did not particularly fancy another ride with the two Brothers Grimm of the mobster slasher tale he began to make his way across the miry waste land. When he reached the gate, muddied and wet, he found it still open. He walked to the next subway station and got onto the train home.
Only when he was back in his own apartment, his door closed provisionally by leaning a chair under the knob, the shakes set in. Richard crawled into his bed and cried.
Chapter 6
While in the weeks to come Richard slowly slipped back into his old life only to discover once more how grey and empty it was, Hoagputzer Glummdrengle was busy. He still resented the task appointed to him, but once he had made up his mind, resentful or not, he wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.
He mingled with the crowd, went to all the right parties and met with all the right people. At a drinking feast in the Crown and Lion, down Ludgate, he found his first recruit:
A friend of Hoagputzer's nephew Blitherdrim, the wren was part of the crowd of young goodfellows that haunted the watering holes of the City. The little bird was boastful, as those of his family are wont to be, but also keen and bright-eyed; he was naive – although that hardly counted as a disadvantage as far as Hoagputzer was concerned – but so eager to please that the old gnome only had to drop a hint or two about some secret mission, for queen and country, only suitable for the best of the best, and the wren was practically begging to be let in on it.
A few weeks later Ratatosk, squirrel messenger of Asgard and greatest of scandalmongers in all the nine worlds, was drafted because of his unhealthy curiosity and being wildly known for his inability to keep a secret. It had happened like this:
During the revels in honour of the umpteen hundredth birthday of the Countess of Scathach – the Glummdrengles had been stout political allies of House Scathach since time immemorial, since way before they had specialized in wheelbarrows when they had still been barely tamed spirits of agriculture – Hoagputzer had by cautiously contrived chance been talking to Herne the Horned Man. It had happened on a wild hunt; after the game had been bagged and everyone was on the way back to the castle Hoagputzer had drawn Herne aside and involved him in a seemingly innocent conversation about the heroes of old, and how sometimes it was not the biggest, strongest, and most powerful heroes that got the deeds done, but rather the sly and stealthy one.
Ratatosk, curious as a cat and stealthy as a bat, had observed them and to his keen senses it had been apparent that the hoary old gnome was up to something. Detecting the whiff of secrecy, the squirrel had immediately taken upon himself the task of liberating those secrets for the world at large. He had run up to the pair along the branches of the trees and spied on them. He even might have made it, had not his impatience gotten the better of him.
Ratatosk knew all about body language and information retrieval techniques, and while Hoagputzer might be able to fool a rustic, straightforward god like Herne by claiming that his interest was only of a scholarly nature, the squirrel had seen through his act at once. So, just as they had reached the point where the Herne was telling the gnome just what qualities made such a sly and stealthy hero and who in this day and age might posses them, Ratatosk couldn't restrain himself any longer and squeaked: "And what might you need such a hero for, old Glummdrengle?"
Hoagputzer knew enough of Ratatosk's reputation to realise that his secret would be as good as out as soon as the nosy squirrel was back in polite society. For him only one course remained viable if he was to ensure the silence his principal had imposed: To Ratatosk's great amazement he spilled the beans, told everything but the name of his principal. But before the squirrel could make his getaway with this treasure of information, Hoagputzer turned to Herne and implored the old Hunter to help him.
"This mission is of utmost importance to the summer lands, oh Horned One. Nothing about it must reach the ears of the enemy. You know as well as I do, that the Bushy Tailed Messenger cannot help but talk about it. I hereby recruit him as a member of the task force and officially charge him with a vow of silence until he is underway. Will you second my charge?"
Ratatosk could only squeeze in a high pitched "wait a sec" before the old god answered: "Thus it is witnessed. Ratatosk, Messenger of Asgard, you are not to speak to anyone or about anything until Gnome Glummdrengle has discharged you of this obligation, or all the hounds of hell shall be set upon you to chase you till the day the heavens may fall."
Ratatosk sighed and fell silent. For all his chutzpah he would never dream of challenging the Master of the Wild Hunt. But inwardly he swore he would have revenge.
Chapter 7
Near the end of December, while elsewhere the pixie band was completing preparations for its journey to the real world, Richard dreamt. Later he would wonder if this had been just an ordinary dream with extraordinary consequences, or if it had been a sign by destiny, which might suddenly have been taking some renewed interest in his story. And although he would never learn the truth, we can safely announce at this point that it was indeed a message, though not from destiny.
The dream was being conveyed by an angel. Ezechiel was not a particularly romantic angel, mind you; he had been dealing with humanity for far too long. He somewhat detested this dream, but he was conveying it as an obligation to someone else, and he always paid his dues. It was something of a thing with him.
Earlier that day, Richard had been to a gallery in Mitte that had opened an exhibition of what to Richard had looked like clumsily sculptured plaster busts draped with freeze-dried animal organs. The common cold had left the musical accompaniment one violin short of the required quintet and so – purely for the money – Richard had spent the morning playing technically fascinating although harmonically excruciating twelve-tone pieces. The cello had been lagging behind one or two bars through most of the last two movements which none of the guests noticed. For the first time in his life Richard had seriously contemplated suicide.
Lost in misery Richard watched through a doorway as a young woman approach the art dealer. She was standing with her back towards him but something in her posture and motions made him look up. The art dealer was just shaking his head and his pinched face had 'rejection' written all over it – a writing Richard was only too familiar with. The woman hastily scribbled something down in a notebook, tore out the piece of paper and pressed it into the art dealer's hand. He barely glanced at what she'd written only to shake his head again and mouth an exaggerated "no." He left her standing in the hall.
Richard saw her hold her head high as she stood there and just as his heart went out to this proud stranger she turned and gazed into the gathered crowd. Not few of the folks sipping champagne and pretending to listen to the music had witnessed the exchange. For just a moment she braved their pitying looks before swallowing dry and turning away again. To Richard though this moment stretched into an eternity, as, after all the weeks of futile searching, he at long last beheld his princess again.
Just then, as if spurred by the mere presence of true beauty, the cello leapt ahead and came up to speed. The last of the twelve-tone pieces was nearing its furious finale. The art dealer reappeared and handed several rolled canvases to the princess. Without a word she left.
To Richard's defence it must be said that he very seriously considered putting down his violin and following her right there and then – this was what every cell in his body demanded of him, so painfully aware was he of every step of distance her retreat brought between them – but in the end years of musical education and his exceedingly bourgeois upbringing won out over whatever remained of his heroism: Richard waited to the end of the piece and even through half of the polite applause the crowd paid to the fashionable modernism of the music, before he jumped up and raced towards the exit, no longer heeding whatever amused mutter and raised eyebrows he might evoke.
Destiny might excuse many things in prospective heroes: Rashness, temper, even stupidity. Indecisiveness however is not amongst them. And so, when Richard reached the sidewalk outside the art gallery, he was faced only with an endless stream of exhausted Christmas shoppers. Sovereignty Saumpfad was gone once more, and this time – Richard felt it – she was gone for good.
Richard was suddenly confronted with the immensity of his loss, a loss he knew nobody was responsible for but himself. This time there was no hesitation: He threw back his head and screamed wordlessly to the uncaring skies.
And that could have been the end. In fact, it would have been the end, had it not been for the Aisling – the dream – and for the angel Ezechiel.
Chapter 8
Hoagputzer never would have dared to ask Bran to join his little task force. For all his current remoteness the old god was generally held in far too high regard for the gnome to even consider him a prospective victim – and 'victims' was what he thought Ratatosk and the wren were, victims of the 'good cause' perhaps, but certainly victims of his principal.
So it was to Hoagputzer Glummdrengle's great surprise that he was approached by Bran himself. He had been sitting in the Crown and Lion over a pint and a pipe, when the Great Seer – in his human form, as was his custom in the fair lands – had stepped up to him and asked, if he might take a seat.
"Certainly, certainly, my dear friend," Hoagputzer had stuttered. "Ale?"
"Mead, if you please."
Hoagputzer had ordered and turned to Bran.
"What brings me the honour of your company?"
Bran had regarded him for a long time. Then the pints had arrived and they had drunken to each other's health. The Seer had wiped his broad hand across his bearded mouth before he answered:
"I have seen things… the endeavour you are involved in, it is of great importance."
"It, so, ah-um…" Hoagputzer had stuttered. "It is?"
"Yes, much more than you may realize."
Ouch, that stung. Hoagputzer had already felt slightly insulted by his principal's lack of confidence in his discretion, but to find that others knew more about it than he did – even if it was famous seers…
"Well…" Hoagputzer had leaned forward conspiratorially. "What does it matter to you?"
Bran had been slightly taken aback by the sudden edge in the old Gnomes voice, but had pushed on nevertheless.
"I will accompany those you have already chosen."
"You will?"
"It is decided, then?"
And without allowing Hoagputzer to think about it any longer, he had grasped the Gnome's hand and shaken it. Thus it was sealed.
When two weeks later, the Hooded Crow had again visited Glummdrengle, Hoagputzer had given him the names of the chosen agents. If his principle had been at all surprised by the choice, he had not shown it. Instead he had given Glummdrengle the very instructions he had passed on to the band of messengers. The quest was this: To find the princess lost in Berlin and, upon finding her, to not do anything three times. After that they were free to return to the fair lands or to do whatever they pleased.


text:
DISMAYED Dudley Sports boss Tony Gore held a clear the air meeting with his players following last Saturday's heavy 5-1 beating by Black Country Rangers.
Gore kept his players behind in the changing room for a good half hour and admitted afterwards: "Our performance was just not good enough.
"When Black Country scored their second goal, we just folded.
"There are some players who are not giving what you would expect and that has to change.
"But the last time I tried to make changes and left three players out, two of them left the club and I haven't seen them since.
"This is a difficult time for Dudley Sports and I'm not happy sitting here making the numbers up.
"There seems to be more clubs than ever paying out money this season which is making it an unfair playing field for clubs like us who have no budget.
"By contrast, Black Country have a big budget and it showed. But we have to do better ourselves."
Goals from Kieron Clark, James Fuller, Shaquille McDonald and a Chris Whittington brace completed the scoring for Black Country before Romano Graham clawed back a late consolation for Sports.
Dudley Sports still remain clear of the drop zone but Gore will want a marked improvement this Saturday when they travel to high flying Cradley Town.