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Children's Health
Vaccination Delays Put Many Children at Risk
Childhood Vaccination Delays Common continued...
Overall, the study showed that children were undervaccinated an average of 172 days for all vaccines combined during their first two years of life. About 34% were behind on their vaccinations for less than one month and 29% for one to two months, but 37% were behind for more than six months.
"These data show that during certain periods of time children are susceptible to infections that could be pretty serious and at a time when they could have been be protected if they had adhered to the vaccine schedule," says Robert S. Baltimore, MD, professor of pediatrics at Yale University School of Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases.
About a quarter of the children experienced delays in getting four or more of the six recommended vaccines. About one-fourth of the children were considered severely delayed because they were behind for more than six months and for four or more vaccines.
Researchers say few of these delays were short. Instead, 39% of vaccination delays ranged from three to 12 months.
How to Curb Vaccination Delays
The results suggest that several factors increase children's risk of experiencing severe delays in getting their vaccinations, including:
- Having a mother who is unmarried or does not have a college degree
- Living in a household with two or more children
- Being non-Hispanic black
- Having two or more vaccination providers, such as a doctor and a clinic
- Using public vaccination clinics
Baltimore says those risk factors are of particular concern because they may occur in clusters.
"Children of mothers who have these risks may not only be at risk because they have delayed vaccination but because they're in contact with other children who have delayed vaccination, so there is a potential for infections to spread within their community," say Baltimore.
Researchers say the results show that efforts are needed to address the needs of these mothers in order to reduce immunization delays, including:
- Offering extended office hours to mothers who have trouble taking time off work
- Explaining the benefits and safety of vaccinations in a manner appropriate to the mother's education level
- Ensuring the availability of sibling child care in the workplace
- Putting systems in place to identify children who are falling behind in their immunization schedule, such as issuing reminders to the parent when vaccinations are due or late
But most of all, Luman says the most important thing that can be done to reduce vaccination delays is to emphasize the importance of timely vaccinations.
"Timely vaccination is one of the most important things for a parent to do to protect the health of their children," Luman says.
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The computer industry uses version numbers to track the evolution of software. The first release after trial versions is called version 1.0. Major changes are reflected in the first digit of the version number, as in version 2.0. Any minor changes are reflected in the second digit, as in version 2.1. I've recently realized that this labeling scheme could apply to hormones as well. Think of it this way – each decade, along with its associated hormonal changes, is a major version change.
In the midst of writing about Alzheimer's and dementia, I find myself in Hormones 4.9. So far, the transition into middle-aged versions is reflected more in my mental preoccupations than in any physical manifestations. All I think about is aging and dementia.
These topics dominate my conversations now, partly because most of my friends are somewhere near Version 5.0. My colleague Rebekah and I used to talk about technical specifications and industry gossip. But when she called me from Kansas City the other day, my favorite subjects came up. She was driving her dog Max to his acupuncturist appointment, for treatment of arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. I told her about my scheme for labeling hormonal stages, and we wondered how it would work for dogs.
Then she told me her father-in-law had fallen at the nursing home. "Nine stitches and a bump the size of a prairie chicken egg," she said. "I went to visit him yesterday, and said 'That was really a nasty fall.' 'Fall!' he said, 'I didn't fall – I was taken down by a mob in the bathroom! Then the lady who sits on people at football games got me…."
With a sense of humor and an occasional glass of wine, I figure we can handle Hormones 5.0. But I'm more worried about 6.0 and beyond. It seems no one is immune to serious problems such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease. Maybe this is why when Gail Rae Hudson (The Mom and Me Journals) and her mother watched the movie Cocoon recently, they decided they would drink from the fountain of youth if they had the chance.
I thought of them when I watched 10 Years Younger yesterday [I had turned on the television for research purposes – really!]. During the program, image experts succeeded in moving a woman's appearance from Hormones 4.9 back to Hormones 3.9 or so. But what good is looking like Version 3.9 if I can't remember where I left my car?
Is there anything we can do to decrease our actual version numbers and avoid serious health problems? As far as I can tell, scientists don't understand aging very well. The most popular idea about why we age is called the Free Radical Theory on Aging. According to this theory, breathing in air allows unstable molecules called oxygen free-radicals to build up in the body. These oxygen free-radicals then combine with other molecules, causing cell damage in a process similar to the way rust damages metal.
Researchers have shown that calorie restriction in mice and other organisms extends their lifespans. Fans of the Free Radical Theory think this may be because reducing food intake decreases the rate of metabolism and thus oxygen intake, and so the amount of free-radicals accumulating in the body also goes down. Some studies have contradicted this hypothesis, though. Even more discouraging, the anti-oxidant vitamins I thought might keep me in the equivalent of Hormones 4.9 for a few more years may not be effective. Maybe the Free Radical Theory of Aging won't lead to Gail's fountain of youth.
But Dr. Craig Atwood at the University of Wisconsin thinks a theory called the Reproductive-Cell Cycle Theory of Aging may eventually show the way. As discussed in an earlier post, he believes the same theory explains the chain of events leading to Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Atwood's 2004 paper "Living and Dying for Sex: A Theory of Aging Based on the Modulation of Cell Cycle Signaling by Reproductive Hormones," explains how calorie restriction might extend lifespans a bit differently than free radical [theorists, proponents]. The paper was co-authored by Dr. Richard Bowen of Voyager Pharmaceutical Corporation and published in Gerontology in 2004. It outlines the idea that when estrogen and testosterone levels go down in mid-life, the body cranks up other hormones (luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, for example) in an attempt to maintain fertility.
"The increased levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone signal bone, muscle, brain and other cells to divide inappropriately," Dr. Atwood explains, "leading to cell dysfunction and death. This increased cell death leads to tissue dysfunction and disease, thereby killing less fertile older animals or people, preventing them from competing for resources with younger, more fertile individuals."
Dr. Atwood thinks this theory better explains why stresses like extreme calorie restriction, exposure to cold, and "excessive" exercise appear to be associated with longer life, since calorie restriction has been shown to reduce reproductive hormones in female mammals. It may be the body interprets these stresses to mean that it's not a good time to reproduce, and so decreases the amount of sex hormones it manufactures.
Maybe hormones hold the key to real anti-aging, rather than just changing appearances. But what about reports that hormone treatments may not prevent disease and dementia in women? In the U.S., the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) hormone therapy trials were discontinued in 2002 because researchers found somewhat higher rates of some diseases in the group taking hormones. This same study also found that the estrogen plus progestin combination used in the trials didn't prevent cognitive decline and actually seemed to increase dementia in some women over 65.
I asked Dr. Atwood if the results of the Women's Health Initiative trials mean I shouldn't consider taking hormones to decrease my risk of dementia. He said he feels that it's very misleading to extrapolate the results of this study, in which Prempro and Premarin were used, to all forms of hormone replacement therapy. Prempro is a combination of conjugated equine estrogens and progestin in the form of the synthetic medroxyprogesterone acetate, and Premarin is made up of conjugated equine estrogens.
"Current hormone replacement therapies do not come close enough to replicating normal reproductive hormone levels," he says, "since conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone are not the major forms of sex steroids in the human body." He points out that the WHI study contradicts results from numerous other animal and human studies showing that natural or bioidentical forms of these hormones protect neurons and may prevent dementia.
Hormones affect men too. A new study by researchers at the University of Washington Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System found that low testosterone levels in men are associated with increased mortality rates. Looking specifically at dementia, the picture seems less clear. Scientists at the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands studied the link between reproductive hormones and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 2,974 men, aged 71 to 93 years for six years. They concluded "testosterone levels are not associated with risk for cognitive decline and AD, whereas higher estrogen levels increase risk for cognitive decline and AD". In a small study at the University of California Los Angeles, testosterone supplementation in 16 men with Alzheimer's improved their quality of life as reported by caregivers, but not their cognition.
It doesn't seem to me there's been enough research yet to know how various hormone replacement therapies will affect aging in general, let alone the risk of developing dementia. Dr. Atwood agrees that further research is needed. He and his colleagues are studying the neuroprotective effects of different formulations and delivery methods of female sex hormones.
He reminded me that research on aging and dementia has to have a broader focus than simply looking at estrogen and testosterone levels. "There are many other hormones that become dysregulated in the body following menopause and andropause," he says, "and these have not been studied in any detail. Therefore, the dysregulation of estrogens and testosterone may be only part of the story."
In the meantime, at least in theory, Gail and her mother could try to fool their bodies into keeping levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone low by subjecting themselves to some of the stresses listed above. It's hard to say whether this would slow their rate of progress to higher versions. For his part, Dr. Atwood doesn't view calorie restriction as very attractive. "Rigorous exercise is the most practical anti-aging strategy until therapies that modulate reproductive hormones are developed," he says.
I don't think Gail will starve her mother, or sign her up for an Ironman race and the Polar Bear Club, but I guess this is the place to say that information in this post is not a substitute for medical advice. These measures could have life-threatening ill effects, particularly in older people.
With software, higher version numbers indicate greater stability and added functionality. Could this be true for life? Although I don't want to develop dementia or another serious disease, I don't really want to go back to Hormones 2.9 or even 3.9 either. So for now, I'll watch for more research on the role of reproductive hormones in Alzheimer's and aging, and head to the gym as often as I can. But I'm rebelling against the idea of looking "10 Years Younger", and am growing my gray hair out. At least people will understand why I can't find my car.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Homeschool Decision: How the Lord Changes Hearts and Minds
- Monday, June 06, 2011
The Lord started my homeschool many, many years ago. I have two grown daughters. They went to private Christian school and to public school. I must say public school was one of the biggest mistakes I ever made. I was a single mom at that time. The Lord brought a wonderful Christian man into my life after being single for 12 years. We married when my older children were 16 and 17. I saw how public school turned them away from God. From that moment on, we knew we were going to homeschool any children we had. Praise the Lord—He gave us a beautiful girl . . . . She is almost 11 now and she knows nothing but homeschooling. We know without a doubt it is God's calling; it is not a year-to-year thing;, it is a lifetime. We homeschool just as we breathe. ~ Nancy Timbrook, Pensacola, Florida
Childhood Longing
...Going through our many boxes in the attic, I came across a box from my public school experience. I found many copied worksheets that I had saved and I had written on them as a young girl, "Homeschool." I shared them with my husband and we started talking about our experiences in public school. . . . I used to beg my parents to homeschool me . . . . I made copies of my worksheets and kept them all those years. My husband and I had plenty of time to decide, since our first child was still an infant. But as time went on and we were blessed with another son, we were determined to homeschool and felt that was what the Lord was calling us to do. Today, I am so blessed to be at home with my three children . . . . This is our 4th year into it and yes, we do have some rough days, but we cling to Jesus and He reminds us of why we are here and where He will take us. ~ Jamie Tvedt, S.H.I.N.E. Academy
Change of Heart
...I had no intention to homeschool. That was for "them," not me. As my son started kindergarten, I assumed the local public school would be where he'd begin first grade, so my mind was set, and that's what I planned. Speaking through my husband, the Lord said, "No, you will not be placing your children in public school." . . . I really struggled, dragged my feet, and tried to convince hubby that if we placed our son in public school I promised to be very involved in our son's classroom, would join the PTA, etc., so his tender, innocent heart would be "protected" at all times by my presence. Hubby kept saying, "No." I'm not always a submissive wife. But I knew I had to obey my husband, and God. Reluctantly, I agreed to do it. But I didn't want to. My mother-in-law was very supportive . . . and investigated and researched curriculum, and I also did some searching. Near the end of that summer, we had chosen our core curriculum. . . . Six school seasons later, I occasionally struggle and drag my feet. I'm teaching a 6th, 3rd and 1st grader, but even with heel marks on the floor, I have homeschooling through high school in "my" plan, which looking back, is evidence that the Lord did indeed change my heart. I'm thankful He did! ~ Sydney Hennessy, Tacoma, Washington
Because of the "System"
...The whole idea would take me several years to get wrapped around this brain of mine. I spent nearly all my life wanting to teach . . . . I finished high school and went to college for Education. But, when I was in the end of my first teaching experience, I monitored a study hall. Many children were "herded" in and seated and I had a bad feeling about the whole thing. I decided then, I really didn't want to teach in the public field—not because of the children but because of the system. . . . In short, we've had six children, 16–8 in ages, and we homeschool. It took me 7 years or so to finally say, "God has called me to homeschool; I love being home; teaching my children is the hardest job but I wouldn't do it any differently, as long as I have the choice." ~ Danell Pribis, Phoenix, NY
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William R. Robinson
direct dial: (908) 252-4256
PDF of Biography
Areas of Practice
- Intellectual Property
- International Business and Tax Planning
- E-Commerce & Information Technology
- Antitrust/Trade Regulation
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices
Bar Admissions
- New Jersey
- New York
- U.S. District Court
- District of New Jersey
- Southern District of New York
- Eastern District of New York
- U.S. Court of Appeals
- Federal Circuit
- U.S Supreme Court
- U.S Patent and Trademark Office
- University of Maryland School of Law
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- B.S., Chemical Engineering, 1969
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- New York State Bar Association
- New York Intellectual Property Law Association
- New Jersey Intellectual Property Law Association
- Somerset County Bar Association
- Thirty-Two Norris McLaughlin & Marcus Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in Best Lawyers
- Twenty-Eight Norris McLaughlin Attorneys Recognized by New Jersey Super Lawyers 2014
- Thirty-One Norris McLaughlin & Marcus Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in Best Lawyers
- Thirty-Two Norris McLaughlin & Marcus Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in Best Lawyers
- Twenty-Seven Norris McLaughlin Attorneys Recognized by New Jersey Super Lawyers
- "Final Rules For Implementing The America Invents Act (AIA)," NM&M Intellectual Property Law Alert, September 2012
- "Using Experienced Trial Lawyers to Win Patent Cases," The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel, February 2003
- "A Question of Liablity - Who's to Blame When Products Developed by Licensees Cause Unforeseen Injuries?," New Jersey Law Journal, April 3, 2003
- "Security Interests in Intellectual Property," Intellectual Property Law Alert, April, 2001
- "Current State of the Patent Cooperation Treaty," Norris McLaughlin & Marcus Intellectual Property Law Group in association with the National Association of Patent Practitioners, April 14, 2008, Bridgewater, New Jersey
William R. Robinson, a member of the firm and former chair of its Intellectual Property Department, has practiced intellectual property law since 1972.
Bill regularly represents clients in connection with domestic and international transactions including licensing arrangements, joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures, due diligence, non-disclosure agreements and the preparation and prosecution of patent, trademark and copyright applications. Bill has litigated and arbitrated numerous infringement and validity, trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition and breach of contract claims.
Additionally, with substantial experience in the corporate world, Bill is able to provide counseling on a variety of matters related to intellectual property while understanding a company's business needs and concerns.Prior to joining the firm, Bill was the managing partner at Brooks Haidt Haffner & Delahunty, an intellectual property firm. Before joining the Brooks firm, he was a member of the Legal Department at Bestfoods where he served as both Senior Patent Attorney and Corporate Counsel. He has also served as in-house counsel to Stauffer Chemical Company and as an associate with Brumbaugh Graves Donohue and Raymond (now Baker & Botts, LLP).
The Intellectual Property Department serves clients in a variety of manufacturing, marketing and service industries including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, telecommunications, consumer foods, computer hardware and software, Internet, medical devices, health care and banking.
Bill is included in the Intellectual Property Law section of the current edition of The Best Lawyers In America.


text: Farah Khan made a very weird condition for the shooting of her upcoming film Happy New Year, and that is that none of the crew is supposed to have mobile phones. And no this is not because she thought that people were spending way too much time speaking on phone instead of working, it is because of all the leaking pictures of Happy New Year that are doing rounds on the internet, which all happen to be taken by the people working around on their mobiles. A source from the sets confirms this saying, "Some background dancers had been called from outside and they clicked some pictures


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Welcome to the Central Texas Dressage Society, your USDF Region 9 GMO promoting dressage education and competition in Austin, Texas and the surrounding area.
more about our club…
more about our club…
- About
- Learn about the club's operation and meet the governing board.
- Join
- Join or renew your membership. The Central Texas Dressage Society is a USDF GMO.
- Events
- Check the calendar for upcoming events including clinics, schooling shows, recognized shows and more.
- Mini-Shows
- Schooling shows sponsored by CTDS that offer the chance to show in front of licensed judges to increase your skills, prepare for rated shows, or just have fun.
- Rated Shows
- CTDS's recognized shows held each year
- Advertise with CTDS
- Rates and guidelines for advertising and article submission.
- Awards
- Learn about our awards program and check out past award winners.
- Resources
- Miscellaneous dressage-related links for education and reference.
- Volunteer
- Learn about our volunteer opportunities. CTDS is an all-volunteer organization.


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For the first time since her birth inside Zoo Atlanta in 2006, Mei Lan is outside the Grant Park habitat, and up in the air.
Atlanta's famous panda flies today to Washington, D.C., where she'll be joined by her cousin, National Zoo panda Tai Shan. They'll fly to China together on a direct 14-hour FedEx Express flight.
The pandas and their luggage will be the only cargo on board. Here are more photos from Mei Lan's departure, and still more photos from her farewell party last weekend.
Zoo Atlanta officials said Mei Lan is a calm, laid-back bear they don't expect to stress much over travel, or even her new surroundings. She had a normal night at Zoo Atlanta on Wednesday, but knew something was up this morning when keepers arrived two hours early. She noshed on a breakfast of bamboo and leafeater treats, then went into her crate about 5:40 a.m. with no problems. Her reward: sugar cane, her favorite food.
After a caravan to the airport and a ride past dozens of waiting photographers, Mei Lan was lifted into the 777 Freighter emblazoned with panda logos. Shortly after 8 a.m., the door was closed, the plane taxied and the flight took off.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed agreed it was fine to be "reflective, or even wistful" about Mei Lan's departure, but important, too, to remember that she's a healthy member of an endangered species, and by moving to China, she can help her kind survive. (Reed's advice to her: "be fruitful and multiply.") Scientists estimate there are about 1,600 Giant Pandas in the wild. About 300 live in captivity, mostly in China.
Three of them still live at Zoo Atlanta. Boy cub Xi Lan should be weaned toward the end of March and will transition to a solitary enclosure, like other adolescent and adult pandas. Come spring, Zoo Atlanta officials expect Lun Lun and Yang Yang, Mei Lan and Xi Lan's parents, to try for another cub.
Want to go? Zoo Atlanta. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $13.99-$18.99, free for kids younger than 2. 800 Cherokee Ave. inside Grant Park, Atlanta. 404-624-9453, www.zooatlanta.org.
For instant updates, follow @insideaccess on Twitter.
February 4th, 2010
1:22 pm
I watched the day you came into this world and have followed all of your time here in Atlanta.You will be missed Mei Lan but good luck on this next journey of your life. Your paw prints will always be imprinted on the city of Atlanta.
February 4th, 2010
1:01 pm
Again with the proofreading! If this is the stuff being put on the web, I need to apply for a job!
(Reeds advice to her: "be fruitful and multiply.")
Someone forgot the apostrophe!
February 4th, 2010
12:56 pm
Oh no! No more panda stories in the AJC!
February 4th, 2010
12:53 pm
@BigdaddyJ – Mei Lan was always going to China. The donations are to keep 2 (or maybe 3, don't remember for sure) of the adult pandas here.
February 4th, 2010
12:43 pm
Guess they got to get her out of Georgia before bear season starts again next fall. Happy trails, cutie pie.
February 4th, 2010
12:38 pm
Jamie – what happens to all the money people donated in trying to keep her here?
February 4th, 2010
12:36 pm
Jamie Gumbrecht, I'm glad you're here to clear things up! You have no idea how much "crap" you just saved us from. It all starts with one misinformed poster to turn things ugly. It doesn't matter how you look at it, this is a sad day for those of us who care. I wish you the very best in health and life, Sweet Baby!
February 4th, 2010
12:24 pm
I love how everyone say "going back" when she's never been. I hope she stays brave during the flight. She was really pacing the other day.


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Virginians proudly promenade through their communities, fellowship in festivities, and stare in awe of the fireworks set off in celebration of our independence.
Virginia is home to such a great variety of summer festivals - there's something for everyone and every taste. From music, to local artisans, to food and produce, the events run all the way to Labor Day and beyond. Start here for the Summer Festival rundown.
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Found February 06, 2013 on Celtics Green ...a boston celtics blog.:
PLAYERS: Fab Melo, Kris Joseph, Micah Downs
TEAMS: Boston Celtics
TEAMS: Boston Celtics
With Fab Melo staying with the parent club and Kris Joseph released, we haven't been paying as much attention to the Red Claws. but it's time to update on the news coming out of Maine. First up, Kris Joseph, who was released by the Celtics on January 6 ahead of the deadline for guaranteeing all contracts, has returned to the Maine Red Claws on a D-League contract is expected to join the Red Claws in Springfield, MA as the team faces the Springfield Armor tomorrow night at 7:00 pm ET. Joseph had originally considered signing a contract in France but changed his mind because he felt that the D-League is the best way to get back to the NBA. I really liked what I was from Joseph. I think he has a big upside and hopefully he can continue to grow his game in Maine and maybe get another shot with the Celtics next season. Joseph appeared in 10 games on assignment with the Red Claws before he was released from the Celtics. He averaged 17.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game over the 10 games. To make room on the Red Claws' roster for Joseph, forward DaJuan Summers, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, has been moved to the Inactive List. The Red Claws announced that 4 Red Claws players have been selected to participate in the 2013 NBA Development League All-Star Game to be held at Sprint Arena at NBA All-Star Jam Session at Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center at 3 PM (ET) on Saturday, February 16. The 4 players chosen are: guard Shelvin Mack, forward DaJuan Summers, forward Chris Wright and guard/forward Micah Downs. Downs was one of the last cuts from the Celtics training camp roster and has been playing very well in Maine. Red Claws Head Coach Mike Taylor and his staff will coach the Futures Team at the 2013 NBA Development League All-Star Game when the Prospects and Futures teams take to the court at Sprint Arena on February 16. Taylor, along with assistant coaches Tunde Adekola and J.P. Clark, earned the trip to Houston by virtue of a 17-10 record and winning a head-to-head tiebreaker with the Canton Charge, who had the same record through games of Jan. 27, for the League's second-best winning percentage. [Discuss on CG Forums!]
Original Story: http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2013...
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Paul Pierce vs Fab Melo at practice
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Updated Feb 3, 2013 - 9:26 am
Goodyear's K-9 unit receives more protection
GOODYEAR -- Thanks to a donation from the Sahuaro Kennel Club, Goodyear's K-9 unit has another ballistic vest.
It will be used during high-risk deployments and provides the same level of protection as the vests that their handlers wear.
K-9's protect their handlers, conduct searches, and detect explosives and drugs. Currently, the city has four dog teams.
This is the second donated vest for Goodyear's K-9 unit. Each vest is valued at $2,500.
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Categories > Celebrities > My Chemical Romance > Forever means Forever
It Will Rain0 Reviews
"Frankie! Frankie!" Screamed Donna running towards me, my weary blood shot eyes snapping open at the sight of the bedragled blonde woman who was frantically wiping fresh tears from her face and was smiling widely. "He's awake! He just woke up! He wants you!" She was jumping for joy as I breathed a sigh of relief and ran. He was awake.Everything was going to be okay. This time for real.
"He's asleep." Mikey snarls as i repeat again that i'm staying at his bedside.
"Mikey, he asked for Frankie before. He wants him here when he comes around again, he is his boyfriend." Donna hisses as Mikey flops down in a chair and returns to giving me intimadating death glares and not so discreetly plotting his revenge. I hope he gets it. I hope he gets to watch me scream in pain as blood pours from me, as every bone twists and snaps until i'm so broken any chance of ever breathing again slips right through my fingers. The way Gerard almost did.
"Hey." Dayle cautiously steps inside carrying four cups of black coffee. I glanced at Gerard lifeless body again. My eyes burning even more than the mere seconds ago from when i had last looked at him straight in the face. Black coffee. His favourite. Black. It's all black, every last fragment of life left inside me.
Donnas POV
"Gee, Gee. Look who's come to see you." I smile down at my drained son who's eyes wander carelessly and without control around the antiseptic dowsed, too white room. He looked scared, panicked and then the eyes that mirrored his fathers so perfectly rested upon Frank's face. A wave of something new flashed across his face. I couldn't quite place what it was. Relief almost. Happiness, joy, excitement. He looked almost the way he used to on Christmas Morning, or the day he came to the hospital after Mikey was born, his face lit up at the sight of the tiny bundle in my arms back then. Now, he was looking at the boy he had fallen for. Hook, Line and Sinker.
"I'll leave you boys alone." I said smiling softly at Frankie, reassuring him it was okay, and i grabbed my coat and bag and ran from the room. Hiding behind a corner to see exactly what was going to happen. Was Frank really going to be there for him now he had come back to us? Or was he going to flake out and leave him in this mess alone? Like so many had done before.
Gerards POV
Mom left the room. And suddenly my delight was gone and replaced by a stabbing fear that was overtaking my clouded mess of a mind. This was it. He was going to leave me. Think i'd fallen back into my old ways ten times harder, falling into a pit of despair so harsh that this time i didn't want to stand a chance of surviving. It was all an accident though. Like he'd believe me and now he was going to leave for good.
"Hey Gee." He says quietly sitting down and reluctantly taking my hand in his.
"Just spit it out Frank. Kick me while i'm down." My voice cracks but comes out stronger than i expected, my raw emotion burning in the back of my dry throat.
"I'm sorry Gerard. It's all my fault. And i'm so so sorry." He cries, gently kissing each of my knuckles as he shakes like a flame dancing in the icy wind of December.


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Front yard parking ban may be widened
Date: June 12, 2009
by: Robin Roy | City Editor
When a front-yard parking ban was instituted last July in the Gillepsie Park neighborhood, some residents criticized it as an assault on the poor and minorities in the community.
But since that time, Gillespie Park residents have generally complied with the pilot program with few complaints.
Two-dozen tickets have been written for violations, and only two of those tickets were challenged.
City commissioners will vote Monday on a proposal to extend the program for another year and possibly expand it into the Park East neighborhood.
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Categories > Books > Harry Potter > Reading Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts
Chapter Eleven: The Dueling Club1 Reviews
Reading Chapter Eleven: The Dueling Club
Harry woke up on Sunday morning to find the dormitory blazing with winter sunlight and his arm reboned
Hermione opened her mouth but Harry cut her off. "I know it isn't a word." He said quickly.
but very stiff. He sat up quickly and looked over at Colin's bed, but it had been blocked from view by the high curtains Harry had changed behind yesterday. Seeing that he was awake, Madam Pomfrey came bustling over with a breakfast tray and then began bending and stretching his arm and fingers.
"All in order," she said as he clumsily fed himself porridge left-handed. "When you've finished eating, you may leave."
"She let you leave that early?" Remus asked in surprise. "She kept me once for two days after I had taken the Skele-Gro."
"What can I say, I'm special." Harry said with a straight face.
"Yes but Harry," George began.
"There are schools for that now." Fred finished and they both laughed at Harry's glare.
Harry dressed as quickly as he could and hurried off to Gryffindor Tower, desperate to tell Ron and Hermione about Colin and Dobby, but they weren't there. Harry left to look for them, wondering where they could have got to and feeling slightly hurt that they weren't interested in whether he had his bones back or not.
"Of course we were interested, we just had slightly more important things to worry about," Ron said.
"Uh-huh." Harry said with a smile to let his friend know he was kidding.
As Harry passed the library, Percy Weasley strolled out of it, looking in far better spirits than last time they'd met.
Percy blushed as he remembered what would have caused him to be in such high spirits. He really did miss Penelope, but like his parents, she believed all the rumors about You-Know-Who and Dumbledore being right.
"Oh, hello, Harry," he said. "Excellent flying yesterday, really excellent. Gryffindor has just taken the lead for the House Cup - you earned fifty points!"
"You haven't seen Ron or Hermione, have you?" said Harry.
"No, I haven't," said Percy, his smile fading. "I hope Ron's not in another girls' toilet ..."
"Of course that's where he is!" Fred laughed. "Where else would he be?"
Harry forced a laugh, watched Percy walk out of sight, and then headed straight for Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. He couldn't see why Ron and Hermione would be in there again, but after making sure that neither Filch nor any prefects were around, he opened the door and heard their voices coming from a locked stall.
"Oh voices were there Harry?" George broke off saying.
"You sure you didn't see anything?" Fred stressed and they laughed at the beet red color that was on Ron's face, as well as Hermione burying her head.
"It's me," he said, closing the door behind him. There was a clunk, a splash, and a gasp from within the stall and he saw Hermione's eye peering through the keyhole.
Simultaneously, Fred and George each raised their right eyebrow.
`Harry!" she said. "You gave us such a fright - come in. How's your arm?"
"Fine," said Harry, squeezing into the stall. An old cauldron was perched on the toilet, and a crackling from under the rim told Harry they had lit a fire beneath it.
"Wait, all three of you, plus a cauldron fit into one stall?" Neville asked in confusion.
"Big stalls," Ron said simply.
"Not that big," Harry corrected. "I think I was squished a few inches."
Conjuring up portable, waterproof fires was a speciality of Hermione's.
There were many snickers (Remus hid his mouth behind his hand to hide his grin) and open laughter (Fred and George) as they recalled Hermione setting Snape on fire. Snape glared at Hermione who refused to meet his eyes.
"We'd've come to meet you, but we decided to get started on the Polyjuice Potion," Ron explained as Harry, with difficulty, locked the stall again. "We've decided this is the safest place to hide it."
"In a girl's toilet."
"Well," Ron defended "Who would want to go and purposefully have a conversation with Moaning Myrtle?"
"Myrtle is actually quite nice," Luna said mildly.
"Luna, that's who." Neville answered Ron's question.
Harry started to tell them about Colin, but Hermione interrupted.
"I'm sure the heads already told their houses," Remus said.
"We already know - we heard Professor McGonagall telling Professor Flitwick this morning. That's why we decided we'd better get going-"
"The sooner we get a confession out of Malfoy, the better," snarled Ron. "D'you know what I think? He was in such a foul temper after the Quidditch match, he took it out on Colin."
"But what has that boy ever done to him?" Mrs. Weasley demanded angrily.
"I think that is partly the point Molly dear," Mr. Weasley said, trying to calm her.
"There's something else," said Harry, watching Hermione tearing bundles of knotgrass and throwing them into the potion. "Dobby came to visit me in the middle of the night."
Ron and Hermione looked up, amazed. Harry told them everything Dobby had told him - or hadn't told him. Hermione and Ron listened with their mouths open.
"The Chamber of Secrets has been opened before?" Hermione said.
"Yes it was," Dumbledore said solemnly, reflecting on previous time it had been opened,
"This settles it," said Ron in a triumphant voice. "Lucius Malfoy must've opened the Chamber when he was at school here and now he's told dear old Draco how to do it.
"No he didn't." Remus said at once.
"Why not?" Ron questioned.
"Because Lucius Malfoy was five years ahead of us at school." Remus said and seeing the twins smirks added, "Which wasn't fifty years ago." Fred and George just chuckled.
It's obvious. Wish Dobby'd told you what kind of monster's in there, though. I want to know how come nobody's noticed it sneaking around the school."
"Wouldn't we all?" Remus muttered to himself.
"Maybe it can make itself invisible," said Hermione, prodding leeches to the bottom of the cauldron. "Or maybe it can disguise itself - pretend to be a suit of armor or something - I've read about Chameleon Ghouls-"
"You read too much, Hermione," said Ron,
"What? It's true!" Ron protested to the look Hermione was giving him.
"Yes but you see Ron, you don't go saying things like to her, or any girl." Fred explained as though talking to a child.
"Or she will hurt you." George added.
pouring dead lacewings on top of the leeches. He crumpled up the empty lacewing bag and looked at Harry.
"So Dobby stopped us from getting on the train and broke your arm." He shook his head. "You know what, Harry? If he doesn't stop trying to save your life he's going to kill you."
"You know, I actually think you might have had a point Ron," Harry mused with a grin. "Maybe I should talk to him about that."
The news that Colin Creevey had been attacked and was now lying as though dead in the hospital wing had spread through the entire school by Monday morning. The air was suddenly thick with rumor and suspicion. The first years were now moving around the castle in tight-knit groups, as though scared they would be attacked if they ventured forth alone.
"You cant really blame them for that," Professor McGonagall sighed and Harry jumped. For the past few chapters, the professor's had been so quiet he almost forgot about them.
Ginny Weasley, who sat next to Colin Creevey in Charms, was distraught, but Harry felt that Fred and George were going the wrong way about cheering her up. They were taking turns covering themselves with fur or boils and jumping out at her from behind statues.
"Sorry about that Ginny," they apologized, truly looking sorry.
"You did what?" Mrs. Weasley yelled.
"Mum its all right," Ginny said tiredly. "They couldn't have known."
They only stopped when Percy, apoplectic with rage, told them he was going to write to Mrs. Weasley and tell her Ginny was having nightmares.
Meanwhile, hidden from the teachers, a roaring trade in talismans, amulets, and other protective devices was sweeping the school.
"Actually, it wasn't that well hidden," Professor Flitwick squeaked.
"You knew about it and you didn't stop it?" Umbridge said sweetly. "Even when they were selling illegal items?"
"But it did give the students peace of mind. Surely that couldn't be all that bad could it Dolores?" Professor McGonagall said, her tone almost matching Umbridge's.
Neville Longbottom bought a large, evil-smelling green onion, a pointed purple crystal, and a rotting newt tail before the other Gryffindor boys pointed out that he was in no danger; he was a pure-blood, and therefore unlikely to be attacked.
"They went for Filch first," Neville said, his round face fearful. "And everyone knows I'm almost a Squib."
"No you're not Neville!" Harry said shaking his head.
"Yeah, I mean, look at how well you've done in-"
"Herbology this year." Hermione said quickly cutting Ron off. Under her breath she hissed, "You almost told them!"
In the second week of December Professor McGonagall came around as usual, collecting names of those who would be staying at school for Christmas. Harry, Ron, and Hermione signed her list; they had heard that Malfoy was staying, which struck them as very suspicious. The holidays would be the perfect time to use the Polyjuice Potion and try to worm a confession out of him.
Unfortunately, the potion was only half finished. They still needed the bicorn horn and the boomslang skin, and the only place they were going to get them was from Snape's private stores.
Snape's eyes narrowed. He knew that Potter had stolen from him, and now he would have the proof of it.
Hermione meanwhile, saw the expression on Snape's face and shrank in her seat a little. She had already set him on fire, wait until he found out that she stole from his stores as well.
Harry privately felt he'd rather face Slytherin's legendary monster than let Snape catch him robbing his office.
"And before anyone asks, yes I still would." Harry said quickly, seeing the curiosity in Fred and George's eyes.
"What we need," said Hermione briskly as Thursday afternoon's double Potions lesson loomed nearer, "is a diversion. Then one of us can sneak into Snape's office and take what we need." Harry and Ron looked at her nervously.
"I think I'd better do the actual stealing," Hermione continued
Fred gasped and George dropped the book. "What!" They exclaimed.
"How come –,"
"After all this time –,"
"We've never seen –"
"This side of you!" They finished and Hermione blushed, but her voice was still strong.
"Because I only break the rules if it is absolutely necessary." She said. "And none of your little toys are necessary."
"T-toys?" George spluttered.
Harry rolled his eyes. "George, just pick up the book and read. You can have this fight later."
in a matter-of-fact tone. "You two will be expelled if you get into any more trouble, and I've got a clean record. So all you need to do is cause enough mayhem to keep Snape busy for five minutes or so."
"Miss Granger." Snape said in a menacing tone. "I believe we shall have to have a talk after this book."
Hermione looked down and sank in her seat.
"Severus, is that really necessary?" Remus cut in. "I would think that you should be proud of her abilities! Brewing the Polyjuice Potion in second year? Clearly she must have learned something in your classes, is that really something you wish to punish?"
McGonagall took in Snape's closed off, but no longer furious, expression. "And that," she whispered to Pamona Sprout, "Is how the Marauders always managed to get out of trouble."
Having heard the exchange, Remus grinned at his former Head of House.
Harry smiled feebly. Deliberately causing mayhem in Snape's Potions class was about as safe as poking a sleeping dragon in the eye.
"And you know this how?" Fred asked Harry curiously.
"Norbert." Harry said shortly.
Potions lessons took place in one of the large dungeons. Thursday afternoon's lesson proceeded in the usual way. Twenty cauldrons stood steaming between the wooden desks, on which stood brass scales and jars of ingredients. Snape prowled through the fumes, making waspish remarks about the Gryffindors' work while the Slytherins sniggered appreciatively.
"Are you certain that there is no favoritism in your classes Severus?" McGonagall said crisply, but her lips were twitching.
"No more than there is in yours Minerva," Snape replied in the same manner, without the lip twitching.
Draco Malfoy, who was Snape's favorite student, kept flicking puffer-fish eyes at Ron and Harry, who knew that if they retaliated they would get detention faster than you could say "Unfair."
Harry's Swelling Solution was far too runny, but he had his mind on more important things. He was waiting for Hermione's signal, and he hardly listened as Snape paused to sneer at his watery potion. When Snape turned and walked off to bully Neville, Hermione caught Harry's eye and nodded.
Harry ducked swiftly down behind his cauldron, pulled one of Fred's Filibuster fireworks out of his pocket,
"I wondered what happened to that," Fred said. "Glad it went to good use."
and gave it a quick prod with his wand. The firework began to fizz and sputter. Knowing he had only seconds, Harry straightened up, took aim, and lobbed it into the air; it landed right on target in Goyle's cauldron.
"Excellent aim Harry," George applauded but quickly continued to read under his mother's glare.
Goyle's potion exploded, showering the whole class. People shrieked as splashes of the Swelling Solution hit them. Malfoy got a faceful and his nose began to swell like a balloon; Goyle blundered around, his hands over his eyes, which had expanded to the size of a dinner plate
"Serves them right," Ron said under his breath. "Gits."
- Snape was trying to restore calm and find out what had happened. Through the confusion, Harry saw Hermione slip quietly into Snape's office.
"Silence! SILENCE!" Snape roared. "Anyone who has been splashed, come here for a Deflating Draft - when I find out who did this-"
Harry tried not to laugh as he watched Malfoy hurry forward, his head drooping with the weight of a nose like a small melon.
Having no such worries now, Harry laughed out loud, as did Ron and the twins.
As half the class lumbered up to Snape's desk, some weighted down with arms like clubs, others unable to talk through gigantic puffed-up lips, Harry saw Hermione slide back into the dungeon, the front of her robes bulging.
When everyone had taken a swig of antidote and the various swellings had subsided, Snape swept over to Goyle's cauldron and scooped out the twisted black remains of the firework. There was a sudden hush.
"If I ever find out who threw this," Snape whispered, "I shall make sure that person is expelled."
Snape's narrowed eyes fell on Harry who stared calmly back. He wasn't going to let Snape scare him. Not this time at least.
Harry arranged his face into what he hoped was a puzzled expression.
"You really need to work on that," Ron laughed.
"You're not much better," Harry teased back.
Snape was looking right at him, and the bell that rang ten minutes later could not have been more welcome.
"He knew it was me," Harry told Ron and Hermione as they hurried back to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. "I could tell."
Hermione threw the new ingredients into the cauldron and began to stir feverishly.
"It'll be ready in two weeks," she said happily.
"Snape can't prove it was you," said Ron reassuringly to Harry. "What can he do?"
"Knowing Snape, something foul," said Harry as the potion frothed and bubbled.
A week later, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were walking across the entrance hall when they saw a small knot of people gathered around the notice board, reading a piece of parchment that had just been pinned up. Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas beckoned them over, looking excited.
"They're starting a Dueling Club!" said Seamus. "First meeting tonight! I wouldn't mind dueling lessons; they might come in handy one of these days..."
"Too right they will." Harry said glaring at the Ministry members. "Heaven forbid we actually learn how to defend ourselves."
"What, you reckon Slytherin's monster can duel?" said Ron,
"Not anymore," Harry said grimly and Remus looked over at him. He already had the feeling that Harry would meet the monster, but he was valiantly hoping he was wrong.
but he, too, read the sign with interest.
"Could be useful," he said to Harry and Hermione as they went into dinner. "Shall we go?"
Harry and Hermione were all for it, so at eight o'clock that evening they hurried back to the Great Hall. The long dining tables had vanished and a golden stage had appeared along one wall, lit by thousands of candles floating overhead. The ceiling was velvety black once more and most of the school seemed to be packed beneath it, all carrying their wands and looking excited.
"I wonder who'll be teaching us?" said Hermione as they edged into the chattering crowd. "Someone told me Flitwick was a dueling champion when he was young - maybe it'll be him."
"Unfortunately not," Flitwick squeaked from the table.
"As long as it's not -" Harry began, but he ended on a groan:
"Let me guess. Lockhart?" Remus sighed, knowing that anywhere he was, it wouldn't end well for Harry.
Gilderoy Lockhart was walking onto the stage, resplendent in robes of deep plum and accompanied by none other than Snape, wearing his usual black.
Lockhart waved an arm for silence and called "Gather round, gather round! Can everyone see me? Can you all hear me?
"Unfortunately," Harry said with a frown and Ron, Neville and the twins sniggered.
"Now, Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little dueling club, to train you all in case you ever need to defend yourselves as I myself have done on countless occasions - for full details, see my published works.
"Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape," said Lockhart, flashing a wide smile. "He tells me he knows a tiny little bit about dueling himself and has sportingly agreed to help me with a short demonstration before we begin. Now, I don't want any of you youngsters to worry - you'll still have your Potions master when I'm through with him, never fear!"
"It's not him I'd be worried about." Remus said grimly. He knew that Snape was an excellent dueler and could easily overpower Lockhart. Well, most people could easily overpower Lockhart, but still.
"Wouldn't it be good if they finished each other off?" Ron muttered in Harry's ear.
Snape's upper lip was curling. Harry wondered why Lockhart was still smiling; if Snape had been looking at him like that he'd have been running as fast as he could in the opposite direction.
"Good to know." Snape said under his breath.
Lockhart and Snape turned to face each other and bowed; at least, Lockhart did, with much twirling of his hands, whereas Snape jerked his head irritably. Then they raised their wands like swords in front of them.
"As you see, we are holding our wands in the accepted combative position," Lockhart told the silent crowd. "On the count of three, we will cast our first spells. Neither of us will be aiming to kill, of course."
"I wouldn't bet on that," Harry murmured, watching Snape baring his teeth.
"One - two - three-"
Both of them swung their wands above their heads and pointed them at their opponent; Snape cried: "Expelliarmus!" There was a dazzling flash of scarlet light and Lockhart was blasted off his feet: He flew backward off the stage, smashed into the wall, and slid down it to sprawl on the floor.
"Excellent!" The twins cried and Remus laughed.
"He couldn't have even stopped a disarming spell?"
Malfoy and some of the other Slytherins cheered. Hermione was dancing on tiptoes. "Do you think he's all right?" she squealed through her fingers.
"Who cares?" Fred and George said together.
"Who cares?" said Harry and Ron together.
"Hey we think like Ron and Harry!" They continued.
"I'm Ron!" George said.
"But I don't want to be a scrawny git!" Fred complained like a small child.
"Oh shut up!" Harry said rolling his eyes good naturedly.
Lockhart was getting unsteadily to his feet. His hat had fallen off and his wavy hair was standing on end.
"Well, there you have it!" he said, tottering back onto the platform. "That was a Disarming Charm - as you see, I've lost my wand - ah, thank you, Miss Brown - yes, an excellent idea to show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don't mind my saying so, it was very obvious what you were about to do. If I had wanted to stop you it would have been only too easy - however, I felt it would be instructive to let them see..."
"Of course you did," Remus said rolling his eyes.
Snape was looking murderous. Possibly Lockhart had noticed, because he said, "Enough demonstrating! I'm going to come amongst you now and put you all into pairs. Professor Snape, if you'd like to help me-"
They moved through the crowd, matching up partners. Lockhart teamed Neville with Justin Finch-Fletchley, but Snape reached Harry and Ron first.
"Time to split up the dream team, I think," he sneered. "Weasley, you can partner Finnigan.
"Er Ron?" Ginny said. "Isn't your wand broken?"
Ron grumbled something along the lines of, "Didn't think about it then."
Harry moved automatically toward Hermione.
"I don't think so," said Snape, smiling coldly. "Mr. Malfoy, come over here. Let's see what you make of the famous Potter. And you, Miss Granger - you can partner Miss Bulstrode."
Malfoy strutted over, smirking. Behind him walked a Slytherin girl who reminded Harry of a picture he'd seen in Holidays with Hags. She was large and square and her heavy jaw jutted aggressively. Hermione gave her a weak smile that she did not return.
"Face your partners!" called Lockhart, back on the platform. "And bow!"
Harry and Malfoy barely inclined their heads, not taking their eyes off each other.
"This wont end well," Remus said wisely. "For either of you."
"Wands at the ready!" shouted Lockhart. "When I count to three, cast your charms to disarm your opponents - only to disarm them - we don't want any accidents - one ... two ... three-"
Harry swung his wand high, but Malfoy had already started on "two": His spell hit Harry so hard he felt as though he'd been hit over the head with a saucepan. He stumbled, but everything still seemed to be working, and wasting no more time, Harry pointed his wand straight at Malfoy and shouted, "Rictusempra!"
"And there went 'Disram only'." Remus sighed.
A jet of silver light hit Malfoy in the stomach and he doubled up, wheezing.
"I said disarm only!" Lockhart shouted
"What do you know Remus?" Harry said teasingly, "You sound like Lockhart!"
Remus groaned. "Great. Just what I needed."
in alarm over the heads of the battling crowd, as Malfoy sank to his knees; Harry had hit him with a Tickling Charm, and he could barely move for laughing. Harry hung back, with a vague feeling it would be unsporting to bewitch Malfoy while he was on the floor,
"You see? You are too noble for your own good!" Hermione said but Harry shrugged.
but this was a mistake; gasping for breath, Malfoy pointed his wand at Harry's knees, choked, " Tarantallegra!" and the next second Harry's legs began to jerk around out of his control in a kind of quickstep.
"Stop! Stop!" screamed Lockhart, but Snape took charge. "Finite Incantatem!" he shouted; Harry's feet stopped dancing, Malfoy stopped laughing, and they were able to look up.
A haze of greenish smoke was hovering over the scene. Both Neville and Justin were lying on the floor, panting; Ron was holding up an ashen-faced Seamus, apologizing for whatever his broken wand had done;
"I wasn't even sure what it had done," Ron grimaced.
but Hermione and Millicent Bulstrode were still moving; Millicent had Hermione in a headlock and Hermione was whimpering in pain; both their wands lay forgotten on the floor. Harry leapt forward and pulled Millicent off. It was difficult: She was a lot bigger than he was.
"Dear, dear," said Lockhart, skittering through the crowd, looking at the aftermath of the duels. "Up you go, Macmillan..."
"Careful there, Miss Fawcett... Pinch it hard, it'll stop bleeding in a second,"
"I think I'd better teach you how to block unfriendly spells," said Lockhart,
"You think?" Harry said sarcastically.
standing flustered in the midst of the hall. He glanced at Snape, whose black eyes glinted, and looked quickly away. "Let's have a volunteer pair - Longbottom and Finch-Fletchley, how about you-"
"A bad idea, Professor Lockhart," said Snape, gliding over like a large and malevolent bat. "Longbottom causes devastation with the simplest spells. We'll be sending what's left of Finch-Fletchley up to the hospital wing in a matchbox."
"Severus!" McGonagall scolded. "You are supposed to treat students with respect!"
Neville's round, pink face went pinker. "How about Malfoy and Potter?" said Snape with a twisted smile.
"Excellent idea!" said Lockhart, gesturing Harry and Malfoy into the middle of the hall as the crowd backed away to give them room.
"Now, Harry," said Lockhart. "When Draco points his wand at you, you do this."
He raised his own wand, attempted a complicated sort of wiggling action, and dropped it. Snape smirked as Lockhart quickly picked it up, saying, "Whoops - my wand is a little overexcited-"
"Why not just teach them Portego?" Remus asked. "It would be easier and more effective."
"This is Lockhart we're talking about," Harry reminded him.
Snape moved closer to Malfoy, bent down, and whispered something in his ear. Malfoy smirked, too. Harry looked up nervously at Lockhart and said, "Professor, could you show me that blocking thing again?"
"Scared?" muttered Malfoy, so that Lockhart couldn't hear him.
"You wish," said Harry out of the corner of his mouth.
Lockhart cuffed Harry merrily on the shoulder. "Just do what I did, Harry!"
"What, drop his wand?" Ginny said sarcastically.
"What, drop my wand?"
"They think a like!" Fred and George cried.
But Lockhart wasn't listening.
"Three - two - one - go!" he shouted.
Malfoy raised his wand quickly and bellowed, "Serpensortia!"
The end of his wand exploded. Harry watched, aghast, as a long black snake shot out of it, fell heavily onto the floor between them, and raised itself, ready to strike. There were screams as the crowd backed swiftly away, clearing the floor.
"Don't move, Potter," said Snape lazily, clearly enjoying the sight of Harry standing motionless, eye to eye with the angry snake. "I'll get rid of it..."
"Allow me!" shouted Lockhart.
"No, don't allow him!" Ron said shaking his head.
He brandished his wand at the snake and there was a loud bang; the snake, instead of vanishing, flew ten feet into the air and fell back to the floor with a loud smack. Enraged, hissing furiously, it slithered straight toward Justin Finch-Fletchley and raised itself again, fangs exposed, poised to strike.
Harry wasn't sure what made him do it. He wasn't even aware of deciding to do it. All he knew was that his legs were carrying him forward as though he was on casters and that he had shouted stupidly at the snake, "Leave him alone!" And miraculously - inexplicably - the snake slumped to the floor, docile as a thick, black garden hose, its eyes now on Harry. Harry felt the fear drain out of him. He knew the snake wouldn't attack anyone now, though how he knew it, he couldn't have explained.
"Oh because I can talk to snakes," Harry said casually.
` He looked up at Justin, grinning, expecting to see Justin looking relieved, or puzzled, or even grateful - but certainly not angry and scared.
"What do you think you're playing at?" he shouted, and before Harry could say anything, Justin had turned and stormed out of the hall.
Snape stepped forward, waved his wand, and the snake vanished in a small puff of black smoke. Snape, too, was looking at Harry in an unexpected way: It was a shrewd and calculating look, and Harry didn't like it. He was also dimly aware of an ominous muttering all around the walls.
"You should get out of there quickly," Luna said.
Then he felt a tugging on the back of his robes.
"Come on," said Ron's voice in his ear. "Move - come on-"
Ron steered him out of the hall, Hermione hurrying alongside them. As they went through the doors, the people on either side drew away as though they were frightened of catching something. Harry didn't have a clue what was going on, and neither Ron nor Hermione explained anything until they had dragged him all the way up to the empty Gryffindor common room.
"They were ganging up on you eh Harry?" Neville said.
"Not the first, and definitely not the last time either," Harry replied.
Then Ron pushed Harry into an armchair and said, "You're a Parselmouth. Why didn't you tell us?"
"Because I didn't think it was important," Harry answered.
"I'm a what?" said Harry.
"A Parselmouth!" said Ron. "You can talk to snakes!"
"I know," said Harry. "I mean, that's only the second time I've ever done it. I accidentally set a boa constrictor on my cousin Dudley at the zoo once - long story - but it was telling me it had never seen Brazil and I sort of set it free without meaning to that was before I knew I was a wizard-"
"Okay, maybe that wasn't the best way of telling the story," Harry admitted.
"You think?" Ron replied with an eye roll.
"A boa constrictor told you it had never seen Brazil?" Ron repeated faintly.
"So?" said Harry. "I bet loads of people here can do it."
"Oh, no they can't," said Ron. "It's not a very common gift. Harry, this is bad."
"What's bad?" said Harry, starting to feel quite angry. "What's wrong with everyone? Listen, if I hadn't told that snake not to attack Justin-"
"Oh, that's what you said to it?"
"Yes, well sort of." Harry replied.
"What d'you mean? You were there - you heard me-"
"I heard you speaking Parseltongue," said Ron. "Snake language. You could have been saying anything - no wonder Justin panicked, you sounded like you were egging the snake on or something - it was creepy, you know-"
"That wasn't exactly reassuring you know mate," Harry told Ron.
"Sorry," he answered sheepishly. "But well, I was kind of in shock."
Harry gaped at him.
"I spoke a different language? But - I didn't realize - how can I speak a language without knowing I can speak it?"
Ron shook his head. Both he and Hermione were looking as though someone had died. Harry couldn't see what was so terrible.
"D'you want to tell me what's wrong with stopping a massive snake biting off Justin's head?" he said. "What does it matter how I did it as long as Justin doesn't have to join the Headless Hunt?"
"Because now people will believe that you are descended from Slytherin because he was the most famous Pareselmouth to date." Remus said.
"Not necessarily." Harry said with a grimace. "Voldemort's one too."
"Yes but not many people were aware of that," Remus answered with a shrug. "Many still aren't."
"It matters," said Hermione, speaking at last in a hushed voice, "because being able to talk to snakes was what Salazar Slytherin was famous for. That's why the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent."
Harry's mouth fell open.
"Exactly," said Ron. "And now the whole school's going to think you're his great-great-great-great-grandson or something-"
"But I'm not," said Harry, with a panic he couldn't quite explain.
"No you're not. You're probably more closely related to either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw if memory serves me right," Remus said thoughtfully.
"How do you know that?" Harry asked, stunned.
"Your father was quite proud to boast that in an attempt to get Lily's attention. We thought he was making it up until his father told us it was true."
"You'll find that hard to prove," said Hermione. "He lived about a thousand years ago; for all we know, you could be."
Harry lay awake for hours that night. Through a gap in the curtains around his four-poster he watched snow starting to drift past the tower window and wondered...
Could he be a descendant of Salazar Slithering? He didn't know anything about his father's family, after all. The Dursleys had always forbidden questions about his wizarding relatives.
"Is there a family tree like the one Snuffles has?" Harry asked and Remus shrugged.
"It's entirely possible but there wasn't one in the old manor."
"Manor?" Harry asked in surprise.
"I'll explain later," Remus told him and gestured for George to continue.
Quietly, Harry tried to say something in Parseltongue. The words wouldn't come. It seemed he had to be face-to-face with a snake to do it.
But I'm in Gryffindor, Harry thought. The Sorting Hat wouldn't have put me in here if I had Slytherin blood...
Ah, said a nasty little voice in his brain, but the Sorting Hat wanted to put you in Slytherin, don't you remember?
Harry turned over. He'd see Justin the next day in Herbology and he'd explain that he'd been calling the snake off, not egging it on, which (he thought angrily, pummeling his pillow) any fool should have realized.
By next morning, however, the snow that had begun in the night had turned into a blizzard so thick that the last Herbology lesson of the term was canceled: Professor Sprout wanted to fit socks and scarves on the Mandrakes, a tricky operation she would entrust to no one else, now that it was so important for the Mandrakes to grow quickly and revive Mrs. Norris and Colin Creevey.
Harry fretted about this next to the fire in the Gryffindor common room, while Ron and Hermione used their time off to play a game of wizard chess.
"Who won?" Neville asked.
"Ron of course," Harry said automatically. "Sorry Hermione, but you know we'll never beat him."
"For heaven's sake, Harry," said Hermione, exasperated, as one of Ron's bishops wrestled her knight off his horse and dragged him off the board. "Go and find Justin if it's so important to you."
So Harry got up and left through the portrait hole, wondering where Justin might be.
The castle was darker than it usually was in daytime because of the thick, swirling gray snow at every window. Shivering, Harry walked past classrooms where lessons were taking place, catching snatches of what was happening within. Professor McGonagall was shouting at someone who, by the sound of it, had turned his friend into a badger.
"Interesting," Fred mused. "A badger… Are you thinking what I am George?"
"Badger Badge?" George asked and Fred nodded.
"Badger Badge."
Resisting the urge to take a look, Harry walked on by, thinking that Justin might be using his free time to catch up on some work, and deciding to check the library first.
A group of the Hufliepuffs who should have been in Herbology were indeed sitting at the back of the library, but they didn't seem to be working. Between the long lines of high bookshelves, Harry could see that their heads were close together and they were having what looked like an absorbing conversation. He couldn't see whether Justin was among them. He was walking toward them when something of what they were saying met his ears, and he paused to listen, hidden in the Invisibility section.
"You know what happens when you eavesdrop Harry," Fred mock scolded in a tone reminiscent of his mother.
"So anyway," a stout boy was saying, "I told Justin to hide up in our dormitory. I mean to say, if Potter's marked him down as his next victim, it's best if he keeps a low profile for a while. Of course, Justin's been waiting for something like this to happen ever since he let slip to Potter he was Muggle-born. Justin actually told him he'd been down for Eton. That's not the kind of thing you bandy about with Slytherin's heir on the loose, is it?"
"Well it didn't take long for the news to spread," Luna said brightly and many people were silently questioning what went on in that girl's mind.
"You definitely think it is Potter, then, Ernie?" said a girl with blonde pigtails anxiously.
"Hannah," said the stout boy solemnly, "he's a Parselmouth. Everyone knows that's the mark of a Dark wizard. Have you ever heard of a decent one who could talk to snakes?
"Yes." Ron said confidently. "And his name is Harry Potter."
They called Slytherin himself Serpent-tongue."
There was some heavy murmuring at this, and Ernie went on, "Remember what was written on the wall? Enemies of the Heir, Beware. Potter had some sort of run-in with Filch. Next thing we know, Flich's cat's attacked. That first year, Creevey, was annoying Potter at the Quidditch match, taking pictures of him while he was lying in the mud. Next thing we know - Creevey's been attacked."
"Okay, I can see his reasoning about Mrs. Norris, but Colin?" Fred complained.
"He always seems so nice, though," said Hannah uncertainly, "and, well, he's the one who made You-Know-Who disappear. He can't be all bad, can he?"
Ernie lowered his voice mysteriously, the Hufflepuffs bent closer, and Harry edged nearer so that he could catch Ernie's words.
"No one knows how he survived that attack by You-Know-Who. I mean to say, he was only a baby when it happened. He should have been blasted into smithereens. Only a really powerful Dark wizard could have survived a curse like that." He dropped his voice until it was barely more than a whisper, and said, "That's probably why You- Know-Who wanted to kill him in the first place. Didn't want another Dark Lord competing with him. I wonder what other powers Potter's been hiding?"
"You know, its good to see that Ernie's paranoia is still working," Harry said rolling his eyes.
"What I don't get is why no one is looking at the Slytherins," Neville wondered. "I mean, if the Chamber was Slytherins, then shouldn't it be a Slytherin that would open it?"
"Honestly Neville, if half the people back then were as smart as you, the year would have been a lot easier," Harry sighed.
Harry couldn't take anymore. Clearing his throat loudly, he stepped out from behind the bookshelves. If he hadn't been feeling so angry, he would have found the sight that greeted him funny: Every one of the Hufflepuffs looked as though they had been Petrified by the sight of him, and the color was draining out of Ernie's face.
"You know, even looking back on it, it wasn't that funny."
"Hello," said Harry. "I'm looking for Justin Finch-Fletchley."
"Really Harry, you just heard them say that they think you're going after Justin next, then you ask for him?" Hermione said in exasperation.
The Hufflepuffs' worst fears had clearly been confirmed. They all looked fearfully at Ernie.
"What do you want with him?" said Ernie in a quavering voice.
"I wanted to tell him what really happened with that snake at the Dueling Club," said Harry.
Ernie bit his white lips and then, taking a deep breath, said, "We were all there. We saw what happened."
"Then you noticed that after I spoke to it, the snake backed off?" said Harry.
"All I saw," said Ernie stubbornly, though he was trembling as he spoke, "was you speaking Parseltongue and chasing the snake toward Justin."
"I didn't chase it at him!" Harry said, his voice shaking with anger. "It didn't even touch him!"
"It was a very near miss," said Ernie. "And in case you're getting ideas," he added hastily, "I might tell you that you can trace my family back through nine generations of witches and warlocks and my blood's as pure as anyone's, so-"
"- I don't care what sort of blood you've got!" said Harry fiercely. "Why would I want to attack Muggle-borns?"
"Especially since my best friend is a Muggle-born!" Harry said.
"Hey I thought I was your best friend!"
"I've heard you hate those Muggles you live with," said Ernie swiftly.
"Who doesn't?" Remus growled softly
"It's not possible to live with the Dursleys and not hate them," said Harry. "I'd like to see you try it."
He turned on his heel and stormed out of the library, earning himself a reproving glare from Madam Pince, who was polishing the gilded cover of a large spellbook.
Harry blundered up the corridor, barely noticing where he was going, he was in such a fury. The result was that he walked into something very large and solid, which knocked him backward onto the floor.
"Oh, hello, Hagrid," Harry said, looking up.
Hagrid's face was entirely hidden by a woolly, snow-covered balaclava, but it couldn't possibly be anyone else, as he filled most of the corridor in his moleskin overcoat. A dead rooster was hanging from one of his massive, gloved hands.
"Poor rooster," Luna sighed dreamily.
"All righ', Harry?" he said, pulling up the balaclava so he could speak. "Why aren't yeh in class?"
"Canceled," said Harry, getting up. "What're you doing in here?"
Hagrid held up the limp rooster.
"Second one killed this term," he explained. "It's either foxes or a Blood-Suckin Bugbear, an' I need the Headmaster's permission ter put a charm around the hen coop."
He peered more closely at Harry from under his thick, snow flecked eyebrows.
"Yeh sure yeh're all righ'? Yeh look all hot an'bothered-"
"I don't think he'll tell you Hagrid," Hermione said, shaking her head slowly.
Harry couldn't bring himself to repeat what Ernie and the rest of the Hufflepuffs had been saying about him.
"It's nothing," he said. "I'd better get going, Hagrid, it's Transfiguration next and I've got to pick up my books."
"You know Harry, it wouldn't kill you to talk about what's on your mind once in a while," Hermione said rolling her eyes.
He walked off, his mind still full of what Ernie had said about him. "Justin's been waiting for something like this to happen ever since he let slip to Potter he was Muggle-born..."
Harry stamped up the stairs and turned along another corridor, which was particularly dark; the torches had been extinguished by a strong, icy draft that was blowing through a loose windowpane.
"Is anyone else getting a bad feeling about this corridor?" Neville asked.
He was halfway down the passage when he tripped headlong over something lying on the floor.
He turned to squint at what he'd fallen over and felt as though his stomach had dissolved.
Justin Finch-Fletchley was lying on the floor, rigid and cold, a look of shock frozen on his face, his eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. And that wasn't all. Next to him was another figure, the strangest sight Harry had ever seen.
"Wow it must have been really strange for Harry to think it was strange." Fred commented eagerly. "What was it?"
"If you would let me read," George said, shoving his twin lightly. "I think we might find out.
It was Nearly Headless Nick, no longer pearly-white and transparent, but black and smoky, floating immobile and horizontal, six inches off the floor. His head was half off and his face wore an expression of shock identical to Justin's.
"What could harm a ghost though?" Remus asked in surprise.
Harry got to his feet, his breathing fast and shallow, his heart doing a kind of drumroll against his ribs. He looked wildly up and down the deserted corridor and saw a line of spiders scuttling as fast as they could away from the bodies. The only sounds were the muffled voices of teachers from the classes on either side.
Wait a minute, Remus thought. Spiders are fleeing from whatever monster it is, roosters have been killed, people are being petrified, and it all has to do with Slytherin's monster which is some sort of serpent… As he came to the realization of what the monster was, his face paled considerably.
"Are you all right?" Harry asked. Reus turned to look at him and Harry knew that he had figured it out.
"No, but keep reading." Please Merlin let me be wrong.
He could run, and no one would ever know he had been there. But he couldn't just leave them lying here... He had to get help... Would anyone believe he hadn't had anything to do with this?
As he stood there, panicking, a door right next to him opened with a bang. Peeves the Poltergeist came shooting out.
"Not if Peeves is there they wont." George sighed.
"Why, it's potty wee Potter!" cackled Peeves, knocking Harry's glasses askew as he bounced past him. "What's Potter up to? Why's Potter lurking-"
Peeves stopped, halfway through a midair somersault. Upside down, he spotted Justin and Nearly Headless Nick. He flipped the right way up, filled his lungs and, before Harry could stop him, screamed, "ATTACK! ATTACK! ANOTHER ATTACK! NO MORTAL OR GHOST IS SAFE! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! ATTAAAACK!"
"It's nice to know that he cares so much about warning us," Luna said softly.
Crash - crash - crash - door after door flew open along the corridor and people flooded out. For several long minutes, there was a scene of such confusion that Justin was in danger of being squashed and people kept standing in Nearly Headless Nick.
George frowned and looked up at Harry. "Do you have any idea how weird of a sentence that was?"
"Hey! For the twentieth time, I. Did. Not. Write. This." Harry said slowly and carefully.
Harry found himself pinned against the wall as the teachers shouted for quiet. Professor McGonagall came running, followed by her own class, one of whom still had black-and-white-striped hair.
Fred and George laughed again.
She used her wand to set off a loud bang, which restored silence, and ordered everyone back into their classes. No sooner had the scene cleared somewhat than Ernie the Hufflepuff arrived, panting, on the scene.
"Caught in the act!" Ernie yelled, his face stark white, pointing his finger dramatically at Harry.
"He really is dramatic isn't he?" Neville mused, thinking about the D.A meetings.
"That will do, Macmillan!" said Professor McGonagall sharply.
`Peeves was bobbing overhead, now grinning wickedly, surveying the scene; Peeves always loved chaos. As the teachers bent over Justin and Nearly Headless Nick, examining them, Peeves broke into song:
"Oh, Potter, you rotter, oh, what have you done, You're killing off' students, you think it's good fun-"
Fred began to whistle the tune and Harry, after closing his eyes for a moment, launched a recently arrived pillow at Fred's face.
"That's enough Peeves!" barked Professor McGonagall, and Peeves zoomed away backward, with his tongue out at Harry.
Justin was carried up to the hospital wing by Professor Flitwick and Professor Sinistra of the Astronomy department, but nobody seemed to know what to do for Nearly Headless Nick. In the end, Professor McGonagall conjured a large fan out of thin air, which she gave to Ernie with instructions to waft Nearly Headless Nick up the stairs.
"You know, if he hadn't said those things about you mate, I'd almost have felt sorry for him," Ron said.
This Ernie did, fanning Nick along like a silent black hovercraft. This left Harry and Professor McGonagall alone together.
"This way, Potter," she said.
"Professor," said Harry at once, "I swear I didn't-"
"I didn't think you did," McGonagall said.
"Thanks Professor, good to know someone believed me," Harry said quietly.
"This is out of my hands, Potter," said Professor McGonagall curtly.
They marched in silence around a corner and she stopped before a large and extremely ugly stone gargoyle.
"Lemon drop!" she said. This was evidently a password, because the gargoyle sprang suddenly to life and hopped aside as the wall behind him split in two. Even full of dread for what was coming, Harry couldn't fail to be amazed. Behind the wall was a spiral staircase that was moving smoothly upward, like an escalator. As he and Professor McGonagall stepped onto it, Harry heard the wall thud closed behind them. They rose upward in circles, higher and higher, until at last, slightly dizzy, Harry saw a gleaming oak door ahead, with a brass knocker in the shape of a griffin.
He knew now where he was being taken. This must be where Dumbledore lived.
"You think?" George said sarcastically as he closed the book.
"Well look at it this way, I made it to Dumbledore's office before either of you did," Harry said with a smug smile.
"Er Harry? I really don't think that's something to brag about," Hermione pointed out.
"Oh come on 'Mione, I've got to beat them at something!" Harry protested with a smirk.
"Anyway," Ginny began loudly and the babble quieted down. "I think its my turn to read." She calmly reached for the book.
"You sure Ginny?" Harry said quietly.
Ginny nodded. "I can't let myself be afraid of it anymore." She said firmly, taking the book.


text:
Do not post questions about Ace in this section. Any and all Ace related support should be posted in the Ace section found here.
Animation - Customized, Possiblities of expansion
Jul 18 2008, 10:08 AM
Post #1
Type: Designer
Alright heres my question which I dread to think I already know the answer to....
Is it possible to increase the size of the animation area (Acording to PRG VX) so that you can animate over 3x3 or 4x4?
Alright heres a more detailed analysis:
When you want to animate a treasure chest you select the '!Chest' tileset and the maker knows that, that tileset only takes up (I believe) a 1x1 square on the map so it cycles through the images on the tileset of the treasure chest in 1x1 squares
When you want to animate a door you select the '!Door' tileset and the maker, once again, knows that, that tileset only takes up 1x2 (basically 2 squares on the map 1x 2y, sorry if your not good with maths...its hard to explain but ill keep trying) and then the animation cycles through the images on the tileset of the door in 1x2 squares
finally when you want to animate a larger object like a gate you select the '!$Gate' tileset and the maker knows that this tileset takes up 2x2 squares (2 across x 2 up for you non mathematical literates...like me ) therefor the animation cycles through the images on the tileset of the gate in 2x2 squares (by cycling through I mean this is like choosing the quick create option to create a door that opens, then you 'should' know that behind the scenes the animation occurs because the RPG Maker selects the first section of the tileset, then the second, then the third ect. until it reaches the end of the animation.)
so if youve managed to 'Digest' any of that then your a saint so now onto my predicament (and sorry for all the writing...I type quite fast )
I have been designing several 'Prototypes' and 'Mock-ups' for scenes I will impliment later into my game, I have been making a whole hearted attempt to create unique animations for my game which use the same mechanisms as the doors in RPG VX, For example: the doors used in rpg maker VX animate by the maker selecting a certain area (of a fixed parametre) on the image then then cycles through the image in blocks of however big the maker things the animation is (1x1, 1x2, 2x2)
As I was creating an animation I realised it was expanding over the 2x2 limit ive been using, so heres my question! you ready!?:
Is it possible to expand the area of which the animations cycle through for example instead of the limit being 2x2 (for gates) could I expand that area and maker it animate every 3x3 section on the image? or does RPG VX limit you to only using 2x2 squares as the largest area for something to animate...
I appologise if this sounds slightly like JARGEN....But its the only way I can explain it...Ill attempt to add images when I get home (around 6pm today)...
Before then....Any clues?
Jul 18 2008, 10:15 AM
Post #2
Ever-Present, Ever-Lurking Mad Scientist
Type: Undisclosed
Alignment: True Neutral
I guess you would set up the sheet the same way you would any other. Not terribly sure, though.
Jul 18 2008, 10:18 AM
Post #3
Type: Designer
Ah sorry I diddnt say what ive tried ok here goes:
Ive tryed just making the tileset bigger = Not work
Ive tryed exchanging it for the already made '!$Gate' = Not work
Ive tryed manually streching the selected section = Not work (you cant select it)
I havent tryed renaming it yet though since it appears that
'!$' makes the rpg maker know its a 2x2 animation....so I guess I would have to add another certain symbol which I have not tryed yet....
ive also tyed setting the sheet up as any other...if I go over 2x2 then the maker doesnt pick it up...from what ive tryed anyway...
This post has been edited by stoney153: Jul 18 2008, 10:20 AM
Jul 18 2008, 10:40 AM
Post #4
Type: Undisclosed
Alignment: Unaligned
from VX help "If you put a "$" at the beginning of the file name, only one character per file will be used. In this case, the character size is 1/3 the width and 1/4 the height of the file. It is possible to use this in conjunction with the special symbol "!". "
I just successfully tried this with a 4x4 event, no problem.
For an easy quick try, make a paint file 384x512.
Name it $GrandmaDeb
Fill it with blue. Import it.
Add it as an event.
Note that it treated your file as a single event.
(each square is usually 32 x 32. If you want it 4x4 it is 128 x 128.
But the char sets need up, down, left, right and walking animation.
So you gotta have a four rows and three columns. 128 x 3 = 384, 128 x 4 - 512 )
Obviously, you'll need to either add twelve copies of your 4x4 pic, or views of same.
Let me know if it works 4u!
This post has been edited by GrandmaDeb: Jul 18 2008, 10:49 AM
Granny's Lists - Faerie, Magic and Mushrooms
Granny's Lists - Pirate Resources
Granny's Lists - EB/Tsukuru Resources
VX/Ace Emo Sets for Ace only Characters
**Animal Sprites**
Granny's Resource Showcase Directory
Christmas Stuff Gory/Horror/Carnival Resources
Grandma's Little Bits Star Wars Collection
***Underwater Collection***
Japanese Themed Resources Mack-style Sprite List
Fix Broken Project Files Tut for people Who Didn't Make Backups - Make Backups!!!!!
Jul 18 2008, 10:44 AM
Post #5
Type: Designer
I see....ill fiddle about with the size of the sets ect. when I get back...thanks for replying btw I hope it works...
Also: I suppose I could create two seperate animations, 1 for half of the object, and 1 for the other half (or 1 for a specific section and 1 for another section) this im guessing would work...It just means that 'Little bit' more work...
This post has been edited by stoney153: Jul 18 2008, 10:48 AM
Jul 18 2008, 11:22 AM
Post #6
Type: Undisclosed
Alignment: Unaligned
No, no.
Whatever size it is, make it twelve copies of that.
Granny's Lists - Faerie, Magic and Mushrooms
Granny's Lists - Pirate Resources
Granny's Lists - EB/Tsukuru Resources
VX/Ace Emo Sets for Ace only Characters
**Animal Sprites**
Granny's Resource Showcase Directory
Christmas Stuff Gory/Horror/Carnival Resources
Grandma's Little Bits Star Wars Collection
***Underwater Collection***
Japanese Themed Resources Mack-style Sprite List
Fix Broken Project Files Tut for people Who Didn't Make Backups - Make Backups!!!!!
Jul 18 2008, 11:57 AM
Post #7
Type: Designer
haha ah uhh ok ill give it a go, 12 copies? alright well ok...ill report back in a few hours....
Jul 19 2008, 12:46 AM
Post #8
Problem Solver
Type: Designer
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
A character sheet is comprised or twelve "scenes" organized into a 3 wide and 4 tall sheet. the size of the characer (or door or whatever) doesn't matter as long as they are a uniform size. as long as there is a $ in front of the name. VX automatically detects the size of the sprite by dividing the width of the picture by three and the hight by four.
...If I lost you just ask what you didn't understand K? Cool
TileB CHECK!!!
Look at the top left tile on TileB. It needs to be set to a star, not a 'O'.
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Tight Abs and Tush: Ballet-Inspired Moves
Moves that require balance and stabilization to fire up your glutes and make your core sizzle.
Double-Heel Plie
Targets abs, butt, thighs, and calves
Holding a resistance band, stand with feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes turned out slightly; fold band in half, then grasp an end in each hand.
Raise arms to shoulder level in front of you, pulling ends of band to create tension, and lower into a plié squat.
Maintaining plié position, pulse up and down a few inches for 5 reps, then lift both heels off floor and pulse up and down for 5 reps. Lower left heel to floor and pulse for 5 reps with right heel lifted; then lower right heel and lift left heel and pulse for 5 reps.
Return to start and repeat. Do 2 sets.
MAKE IT HARDER: Pull arms farther apart to create more tension in the band.
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Kate Hudson and her boyfriend, Muse rocker Matthew Bellamy, are expecting a baby, People reports.Check out photos of Kate Hudson"They couldn't be more excited," a source tells the magazine. "Kate is really happy. She was always excited to have kids again at some point."Hudson has a 7-year-old son, Ryder, with ex-husband Chris Robinson. The one-time Oscar nominee is 14 weeks' pregnant, according to Us Weekly, which first reported the news.Get the rest of today's newsHudson, 31, and Bellamy, 32, have been dating for nine months. She previously dated Owen Wilson, who is also expecting a baby with his girlfriend, Jade Duell.An e-mail to Hudson's rep was not immediately returned.
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