text:
Taviers.com Launches - Amazon For The 1% Taviers is an online luxury marketplace catering to the world's most affluent consumers
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The allure of online shopping is not enough for the 1%. Despite the recent spike in online purchases worldwide, high-end products have maintained a relatively low profile on the Internet – until now.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131112/MN15085)
Enter Taviers. This new online marketplace offers a broad range of products for the high net-worth individual. Taviers has transformed the traditional online store with a sleek layout that showcases luxury cars, estates, jets, art and other fine goods. To support its clients, Taviers offers top-notch professional advisory services. The firm's website, www.Taviers.com, is available in Chinese and multilingual specialists are on hand to facilitate international deals.
"We created this platform with the affluent individual in mind," explained Caspian Tavallali, the startup's founder. "When buying a luxury product, one does not want to Buy with 1-Click or waste time in a bid-war. Our wealthy clients want to browse and engage with experts prior to purchasing. Taviers makes this interaction happen."
Tavallali's model comes at a particularly opportune time. According to a white paper released by Observer Solutions, the Chinese online luxury market grew 71% in 2012. Other countries are experiencing similar growth. Taviers is ready to catch this wave and has already teamed up many of the top luxury brokers and agents worldwide. Products already featured on the website range from a $1.3 million Rolls Royce to a $50 million estate. The startup aims to build upon this initial momentum with new products and more supported languages.
"Amazon grew selling books. Taviers will grow selling Lamborghinis."
Media Contact: Carlos Roa, Taviers, 7034758481, firstname.lastname@example.com
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Finalized outfit art for Ghostly Illusion Catcher Z, civilian name Zlaikha Sarbanri
I tried my best to indicate a non form fitting top by adding folds.
Z is a very mysterious Catcher who prefers to work alone as is customary with catchers, as she feels being in a group will only slow her down.
She is Pashtun and her family comes from Afghanistan. She wears a burqa in her civillian form
She's a very powerful catcher, and her 'element/abliity' is smoke.
Her Spirit Guide was a woman fencer (probably of color) who was entered in a competition that spanned over a week. Her final opponent, not willing to lose to a woman, tried to scare her out of the competition by setting a fire outside of her house. Unfortunately, her house caught fire and she died from smoke inhalation. She became a catcher to help others achieve the greatness she was robbed of.
Z's weapon is thus, obviously, a rapier.
The only thing that I am unsure of with this character, as well as Armina who is also a muslima, is that in islam, i believe that depictions of people or animals are forbidden. I'm not sure if skulls fall under a depiction of a human or not.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Vintage Photos
The latest of millions of photos shared by the AncientFaces genealogy community. Upload your own photos
A photo of M.L. Serm Phanomvan taken in 1930 Thailand.
A photo of Wayne Ferris (1963 - 1982)
A photo of the grave of Robbie B Gentry
A photo of Bonnie Beauregard Westphal
A photo of Heather E Sanders (1977 - 1996)
Alice and Ernest Ferriday's Wedding
A photo of Ronald J Loewenstein and family
A photo of Jerry Gracin yearbook - basketball
A photo of Selena M Mills (1927 - 2002)
A photo of Gary Wayne Conover (1949 - 2011) and family
A photo of Gary Wayne Conover (1949 - 2011)
Graduation photo of Ralph McKinley Gates
A photo of Arlene M Gates
A photo of a painting of Ronald J Loewenstein (1938 - 2001)
A photo of Ernest Jacome (1963 - 2008)
A photo of Edith Grace Mahan Gillespie
A photo of Thomas Jefferson Gillespie
A photo of Linda L Bradstock (1950 - 2002)
A photo of Ivah P. Linhart
A photo of Marion R Earles (1930 - 2009)
A photo of Velda M Lake
A photo of Velda M Lake
Dickinson Family taken in Arkansas. Silas Dickinson Seated With His Bible and His Family
Little Cow Girl ---Judy Bosarge age 5 Dallas Texas. Taken in 1954 when they would come to your home and talk Grandma into taking your picture. On back of photo she paid a dollar down and still owed 2 more on picture.
Maiden name: Maria Demitria Victoriana Salandia Borunda born March 1854 in El Paso Del Norte, Mexico. Wife of Saturnino Carbajal; mother of Anastacio Carbajal; Grandmother to Mary Carbajal Hinojosa Meminger; great-grandmother to Louis C. Hinojosa.
A photo of Anastacio B. Carbajal,1878 - 1937. Son of Saturnino B. Carbajal and Victoriana Borunda. Father of Mary Carbajal Hinojosa Meminger. Grandfather of Louis C. Hinojosa. Born in Ysleta, El Paso, Texas July 1878.
A photo of the grave of Frances A Keyser
A photo of Frances A Keyser
A photo of Frances A Keyser (1918 - 1995)
A photo of Robert D. Wooldridge (1929 - 2013)


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Suri Cruise, Is That You?
Suri Cruise is looking like a little lady!
First heels, now red lipstick!
Please leave this LITTLE girl alone!!! It is one thing to talk about celebrities which they signed up for when they became famous, but their children did not! I do not think it is right to make comments about a 3 year old!
Leave the child alone. Who cares if she has red lipstick on?
She is just being a little girl that is what they do! Leave her alone, she is a cutie and this is just dumb.
Oh I think there is nothing wrong with the way she looks or the article/post. She is a cutie and there is nothing wrong with what she is wearing, makeup included. It's just for fun. Now, those little girls who are on that toddlers in tiaras(sp?) show…now thats something to talk about!
She a pretty little girl. As long as they keep the bowl cut away from her head. She looks like her father.
i like this cute girl like a fruty tutty
Hey there, This post is rather educational and fun to read. I am a large follower in the elements blogged about. I also love reading the comments, but it looks as being a great deal of readers have to stay on topic to try and add something towards the original topic. I would also encourage all of you to bookmark this article for the most used service to assist get the word out. Thanks


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Our story begins with reading a lovely article about the charming town of Blue Ridge. We live on the west coast and our son was living in Florida so we thought the location would be ideal for finding a cabin for family gatherings. I can recall the drive up from Atlanta being so beautiful even in the winter. The moment we saw the cabin we felt drawn to the beautiful tranquil setting and could not resist the magnificent sounds of the meandering river. The cabin was under construction at the time so we were able to make changes to the layout and design of the kitchen. Once completed we found it to be even better than expected but unfortunately did not spend the time with family as originally intended. Each passing year we would say to ourselves we need to spend more time with family but our careers seemed to always take priority. Until one tragic day our lives would be forever changed by a phone call. Our precious son had suddenly passed away. We would give anything to take those years back and regret every day that we put our careers ahead of spending time with family. I can still hear the excitement in our sons voice about planning a spring trip to the cabin that never would come to pass. It has been hard for us to take the journey back and at one point we were going to sell the cabin. Thankfully, the house did not sell and as the years passed the grief slowly was been replaced with cherished memories. What helps us with our healing is when guests take the time to share their own special memories of happiness and joy spent with family at the cabin.
Accepts FlipKey Payments
Reviewed by Real Travelers
I do not understand your Rate Structure....will I be sharing the cabin with strangers?
We have friends & family staying in another cabin can we invite them over to watch a Movie?
I am not sure of my guest count and how many bedrooms we will require?
5 BR / 4 BA / Sleeps 10
The River Ridge Lodge is a 5 bedroom 3.5 bath 4,500 square foot riverfront cabin located on the upper Toccoa River in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area. The upper end of the river is most desirable as it is a slow meandering river perfect for tubing and trout fishing! This is a genuine log home not a typical Blue Ridge…
20 guest reviews
80% of guests would stay again
Left on Jun 18, 2014 for a stay in May 2014
I stayed here over Memorial Day weekend with some close friends. We were excited after seeing the pictures and could not wait. The pictures do not do it justice. Place is amazing. Sitting by fire in the gazebo listening to the river rush by or watching a movie in the home theater room..could not have asked for more. Place is clean and has everything you need for a great vacation. I would … See more
Bob S, Jacksonville, Florida


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Snow Sports - Ski / Snowboard / Desk
Part Time - Year Round
The Administrative Assistant will provide support to the managers and supervisors of seasonal recreation departments (Snow Sports and Adventure Park) by overseeing duties in all of the following functional areas: recruitment, orientation, scheduling, payroll, data entry, reporting and seasonal exit interviews.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
QUALIFICATIONS to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Peek 'n Peak Resort is now accepting applications for Fall Fest - don't miss your chance to work and play here! Resort associates receive excellent discounts on the Adventure Park, Golf, Fitness, Meals, Retail and Spa!
HR Department
Monday - Friday 8am-5pm
Phone: (716) 355-4141 ext. 7312
Job Hotline: (716) 355-4141 ext. 7311
Fax: (716) 355-6459
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Depending on business need, the length of time for our hiring process may vary and we appreciate your patience. There are often multiple employment opportunities available and we are working diligently to find you the perfect fit. We appreciate your interest and invite you to check the website frequently for new employment opportunities!
Sunday, October 11th, at 10AM. Located at the Sugar Shack. Lots of great prizes!
Every Friday and Saturday night in the Regency Pub! Check out the live music schedule on the event calendar.
Great drink specials and unique creations from our small plates menu. Sunday-Thursday 7-9pm, Friday 8-10pm at the Regency Pub.
Join us for one our famous, award-winning brunch! Served on Sundays in the Royal Court Dining Room. Call 716-355-4141 x 7155 to make a reservation!
Are you up for an adventure? Check out the Peak's new Aerial Adventure Courses!
We have lots of positions open at Peek'n Peak. Visit our employment page to view employment opportunities!


text:
Home > Post > Post 2 > Post 2 News Release > 2008 News Releases > News Release
News Release
TFC Stu Recke
Public Affairs Officer
Kentucky State Police
Post 2, Nortonville
(270) 676-3313
Click here to e-mail TFC Stu Recke
Felony Drug Arrest in Hopkins County
Date of News Release: 12/27/2008
Madisonville, KY - Troopers were conducting a Traffic Safety Check Point on Old Nortonville-White Plains Road. Upon checking a 2009 Chevy Cobalt, it was determined that the operator was operating on a suspended driver's license. After the operator, Corey Demetrius Craigen, was arrested, Troopers discovered a large amount of Marijuana in the vehicle's trunk. Corey Demetrius Craigen was arrested on the charges of Operating Motor Vehicle on a Suspended Drivers License, Failure to Surrender a Suspended Drivers License, and Trafficking Marijuana over 5 pounds. Corey Demetrius Craigen was lodged into the Hopkins County Detention Center.


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15 Mesmerizing GIFS of Sea Life
Learn some cool facts about the ocean and check out some of its coolest creatures compliments of the hard work of designers with some neat GIFS. Here's 15 Mesmerizing GIFS of Sea Life.
Visit Link (Hat tip: See Here)
Spectacular Office Slides
Some organizations highly value play as a way to increase communications, lift spirits, and maximize team spirit by encouraging employees to get in touch with their inner child. Here's how they do all of the […]
Visit Link (Hat tip: Presurfer)
Earth's Core Far Hotter Than Thought
Scientists have reevaluated past research to plunge to the depths of the earth to determine just how hot its core is. They then predicted it's hotter than sun. Here's more with Earth's Core Far Hotter […]
His Life Was A Country Song
Eighty one year old country music legend George Jones passed away on Friday, April 26, 2013 in Nashville following a fever and difficulty breathing. Here's more with His Life Was A Country Song.
Watch The National Perform Two New Songs On "Fallon"
One of the world's most favorite baritone's and his band are back! Matt Berninger, Bryce Dessner, Aaron Dessner, Bryan Devendorf, and Scott Devendorf of the National are all set to promote their latest work. And […]
"Pink" Full Moon Brings Lunar Eclipse Thursday
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When considering a earth worm farm to cut fishing expenses, it's best to know more than just creating the perfect habitat for the slimy creatures. Especially if you want them to make more. Here's the […]
Welcome to 21st Century Health
This infographic explores four ways 21st century Americans can be thankful for the health they now enjoy. Presented by topmastersinpublichealth.com.
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text:
Today's meeting of EU finance ministers will grapple with banking union and next year's stress tests though with no German government in place, a leap forward is unlikely.
One German official seemed pretty clear yesterday, saying: "We don't want a mutualisation of bank risks." That, some would argue, takes the union out of banking union and is certainly a very different approach to the one promised last year when EU leaders were scrambling to keep the euro zone together.
Some experts argue that with the European Central Bank pledging to support euro zone governments come what may, the urgency has been taken out of banking union and that next year's health checks and cross-border supervision under the ECB is going far enough. Any holes in bank balance sheets can comfortably be filled by creditors and governments.
Others say that without a backstop fund underwritten by all euro zone member states as lenders of last resort, the currency bloc is in little better shape to withstand the next banking crisis, whenever that may come (history suggests it surely will). You certainly don't hear any talk of a mutual deposit guarantee any more, which was billed as the third plank of banking union.
The decisions of Ireland and Spain to exit their respective sovereign and banking bailouts without seeking any financial backstop to ease the way denotes confidence in the near-term at least and it's true that bond market pressure has been notable by its absence all year.


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Duas Torres, Funchal
Hotel -Estrada Monumental 239, 9004-536 Funchal -95 Rooms (On Ciao since: 06/2006)
User reviews
Travel > Europe > Portugal > Madeira > Madeira Hotels
Petit Palace Las Torres, Salamanca
Hotel -Concejo 4-6, Plaza Mayor, 26, 37002 Salamanca -2 Stars -53 Rooms (On Ciao since: 06/2006)
Travel > Europe > Spain > Other Destinations in Spain > Spain Hotels
Torre de Belém, Lisbon
Attraction (On Ciao since: 07/2006)
User reviews
Travel > Europe > Portugal > Lisbon > Lisbon Attractions
Torres de Yomely, Tenerife
Hotel -Avenida Arquitecto Gómez Cuesta, 4, Playa de las Américas, 38660 Tenerife (On Ciao since: 08/2006)
User reviews
Travel > Europe > Spain > Tenerife > Tenerife Hotels
Hotel Torre Sant'Angelo, Tivoli
Hotel -Via Quintilio Varo, 00019-Tivoli, Lazio (On Ciao since: 01/2007)
Travel > Europe > Italy > Other Destinations in Italy > Italy Hotels
Tres Torres Hotel, Ibiza
Hotel -Bahia Ses Estaques, Santa Eulalia Del Rio. 7840 Ibiza, Bahía Ses Estaques, 7840 Santa Eulalia del Río, Spain -4 Stars -118, 114 Rooms (On Ciao since: 02/2006)
Travel > Europe > Spain > Ibiza > Ibiza Hotels
Camera Obscura, Torre Tavira, Cadiz
Landmark (On Ciao since: 09/2009)
User reviews
Travel > Europe > Spain > Other Destinations in Spain > Spain Attractions
Grand Hotel la Torre, Sauze d'Oulx
Hotel -Via Della Torre 4, 10050 Sauze d'Oulx, Piedmont, Italy (On Ciao since: 03/2011)
Torre Del Benaco, Lake Garda (Italy)
(+) tranquil and picturesque. (-) Erratic bus service (*) (On Ciao since: 02/2003)
Travel > Europe > Italy > Lake Garda > Lake Garda Experience
Torre Di Bellosguardo, Florence
Hotel -Via Roti Michelozzi 2, 50124 Florence -2 Stars -16 Rooms (On Ciao since: 03/2006)
Travel > Europe > Italy > Florence > Florence Hotels
La Torre, Benahavis, costa del sol
Restaurant (On Ciao since: 06/2012)
Travel > Europe > Spain > Costa del Sol > Costa del Sol Restaurants
St Mark's Clocktower (Torre dell'Orologio), Venice, Italy
Landmark (On Ciao since: 03/2009)
Travel > Europe > Italy > Venice > Venice Attractions
ApartHotel Binimar, Minorca
Hotel -Urbanización Calas Picas, Calle Torre del Ram, Ciudadela, 7760 Minorca -404 Rooms (On Ciao since: 05/2006)
Travel > Europe > Spain > Menorca > Menorca Hotels
Valentin Son Bou, Minorca
Hotel -UrbanizaciónTorre Soli Nou, 7730 Minorca, Urbanización Torre Solí -Son Bou--Al, 7730 Minorca -312 Rooms (On Ciao since: 08/2006)
Torres, Glasgow
Spanish Restaurant -Address: 327 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3HQ (On Ciao since: 09/2014)
Travel > Europe > United Kingdom > Glasgow > Glasgow Restaurants
Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola, Porto Santo Stefano
Hotel -Cala Piccola, 58019-Porto Santo Stefano, Tuscany -369 Rooms (On Ciao since: 07/2006)
Travel > Europe > Italy > Tuscany > Tuscany Hotels
Torre Girona, Barcelona
Hostel -Passeig dels Til.lers 19, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain (On Ciao since: 05/2009)
Travel > Europe > Spain > Barcelona > Barcelona Hotels
B&B Ligny, Trapani
B&B -Via Torre Ligny, 14, 91100 Trapani, Sicily, Italy (On Ciao since: 05/2009)
Travel > Europe > Italy > Sicily > Sicily Hotels
Husa Tres Torres, Barcelona
Hotel -Calatrava 32 -34. 8017Barcelona -56 Rooms (On Ciao since: 04/2006)
Residenza Torre Colonna, Rome
Hotel -Via Delle Tre Cannelle 18, 00187 Rome, Lazio, Italy (On Ciao since: 02/2011)
Travel > Europe > Italy > Rome > Rome Hotels
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Torres - Torres
Torres - Torres
Release Date: 2013-03-11, Audio CD, Torres
Torres - Torres San Valentin - Spain - 0%
Torres - Torres San Valentin - Spain - 0%
Torres San Valentin from Torres. Wine alcohol content 0%. Created in Spain.
Torres Santa Digna Chardonnay
Torres Santa Digna Chardonnay
Torres Fontenac Reserva Especial
Torres Fontenac Reserva Especial
75cl / 39.25% - An old bottling of Torres Fontenac Reserva Especial - from an old family owned company founded in 1870.
Torres Aqua D`Or
Torres Aqua D`Or
50cl / 40% - Distilled wine from the legendary Spanish master-winemaker, Miguel Torres. The grapes used for the base wine include Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche,...... more
... less
Torres Brandy 20 70cl
Torres Brandy 20 70cl
"70cl / 40.0% - Made with Parellada grapes, a traditional Catalan variety, and Ugni Blanc grapes, which are more commonly found in Cognac and Italian wines, the...... more
Torre Bio Ethanol Fireplace
Torre Bio Ethanol Fireplace
The imagin Torre bio Fire offers stylish design combined with ease of use and no installation.Type of fuel: Bio ethanol.Heat output: Approx 2kWh.Dimensions in...... more
Torre David - Lars Müller
Torre David - Lars Müller
Status: New - Pages: 240, Hardcover, Lars Müller
Torre Boy's Lounge Jacket
Torre Boy's Lounge Jacket
Torres Santa Digna Rose
Torres Santa Digna Rose
Description Compared to more traditional roses, the Chilean Santa Digna is a wine of unmistakable personality: original, young and nonconformist. Its stylish...... more
Torre Boy's Eton Jacket
Torre Boy's Eton Jacket
Torre Men's Mohair Waistcoat
Torre Men's Mohair Waistcoat
Torre Boys Dinner Jacket
Torre Boys Dinner Jacket
Torre Charcoal Mohair Trousers
Torre Charcoal Mohair Trousers
Torre Grey Mohair Trousers
Torre Grey Mohair Trousers
Torres Truffle Crisps, 125g
Torres Truffle Crisps, 125g
These sumptuous truffle crisps are a snack for the truly posh at heart - a crunch to die for, no hint of dryness and absolute lashings of that smoky gourmet...... more
Torres Vina Sol
Torres Vina Sol
It is fruity, crisp and fresh on the nose and a smooth palate with plenty of apples and pineapple fruit.
(*) Reviews by Ciao members
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Advantages: Good food, good atmosphere
Disadvantages: None
...checking menus etc and so when we went out in the evening we had narrowed our choice down to a few select places. In the end we decided, based on location and menu, on La Torre.
There's not much point in describing the location - Benahavis pretty much consists of one road and a few pedestrian streets. Trust me, you'd find it easily.
I can't really describe the interior of the building except that...
03.07.2012 19:38 (03.07.2012 19:43) ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of La Torre, Benahavis, costa del sol
How Europe went to the brink, and beyond
Advantages: Wide-ranging, detailed, incisive look at the years leading up to war
Disadvantages: The occasional omission or questionable argument, inevitable in a book of this nature
...One could argue that the main title of this book is slightly questionable. Throughout the half-century or so preceding the outbreak of hostilities in 1914, Europe had rarely been a conflict-free zone, with the Franco-Prussian, Graeco-Turkish and Balkan wars for a start. However, it is only reasonable to add the qualification that the majority of the continent was at peace with itself and most...
04.01.2014 12:11 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of The War That Ended Peace How Europe Abandoned Peace for the First World War - Margaret MacMillan
The Birds of Europe - Lars Jonson
Advantages: Fantastic Drawings, Very Detailed Information On Every Species
Disadvantages: Quite Expensive
...of Britain and Europe. A couple of years ago I decided that it was time that I updated my reference guide for something a little bit more modern. The book I chose was the Birds of Europe by Lars Jonson.
Lars Jonson is a very well known name in the world of Ornithology. Born in Sweden Lars Jonson is best known as a Bird Artist and has won many prestigious awards. He had an exhibit at the National Museum...
15.01.2007 10:04 ·
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Review of Birds of Europe - Lars Jonson
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From Atlanta's Alliance to Broadway
Two plays that has world premieres at the Alliance Theatre are now on Broadway at the same time.
"Bring It On: The Musical," which launched at the Alliance last year, opens tonight at the St. James Theatre (www.bringitonmusical.com). And "Sister Act," starring Raven-Symoné, continues its Broadway Theatre run through Aug. 26 (www.sisteractbroadway.com). The musical that started at the Alliance in 2007 heads out on a North American tour Oct. 2 that visits Atlanta's Fox Theatre next April.
Underlining the Alliance's role in launching new productions, artistic director Susan V. Booth will direct a private-audience workshop in New York of "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County" aimed at investors. The John Mellencamp-Stephen King gothic musical had its world premiere at the Alliance in April.
The Alliance 2012-13 season features four world premieres, including the season opener, Pearl Cleage's "What I Learned in Paris," beginning previews Sept. 5. www.alliancetheatre.org. HOWARD POUSNER
Indie series at Plaza
The partnership between the Plaza Theatre and the Atlanta Film Festival announced in March during the festival bears fruit with a "Plaza Premieres" series that kicks off with showings of "Snow on tha Bluff" Thursday through Sunday. Damon Russell's feature, locally premiered at the fest, is about an Atlanta criminal who steals a camera in a dope deal and begins documenting his increasingly out of control life. Other independent films coming in the series: "Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai," Aug. 10; "Derby Baby," Aug. 16; and "Code 2600," Aug. 30. 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. plazaatlanta.com. HOWARD POUSNER


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Categories > Books > Harry Potter > Re-run
Chapter 12-13: OotP 3: Tragic Events1 Reviews
someone goes back in time to change to the timeline in Luna Loovegood's body. Luna keeps her promise to Draco
Chapter 12: OotP 7: Tragic Events
(young Luna's thoughts)
{old Luna's tonghts}
[Selena, Luna's mom's thoughts]
"Stupefy!" yelled Draco as Luna rolled off of the top bunk in the nick of time. The sword materialized in her hand as she took stock of her situation. The sheet had slid off of her, but right now, mobility was more important to her than modesty. Draco was on the other side of the bed. Vincent was at the foot of the bed and Gregory was on the same side of the bed as her with a lustful leer on his face. As Luna absorbed a couple of more stunners with her sword, she kicked Goyle in the gonads so hard that his head hit the ceiling. When he came back down, he crumpled like a rag doll, unable to bear weight on shattered pelvic bones. Luna reached under her pillow for her wand and pulled out her mother's.
[Even better!] thought Selena.
Luna caught Crabbe with a roundhouse kick to the Adam's apple. She then blocked another curse from Draco as Crabbe began strangling, unable to breath through his collapsed throat. This got Luna in position to stun Malfoy and she did so.
By now, the entire dorm was awake.
"Nothing to see here. Sorry if our scene disturbed your sleep," said Luna as she waved her wand and her dominatrix outfit appeared on her. As she levitated Draco off to the playroom, she called back behind her: "Could someone get the other two to the infirmary before they die?"
The next day, Harry was just started potions class when Snape asked: "Where are the rest of the Slytherins?"
"Crabbe and Goyle are in the infirmary," said Daphne Greengrass.
"I see," said Snape as he stared intently into her eyes.
Harry realized that he must have been using legilimency on her.
"And Where is Mr. Malfoy?" asked Snape.
"He's still in the Slytherin dungeon, sir." Replied Daphne.
"Yes, well, tell him that if he misses my class again, points will be deducted," said Snape.
After class, Harry went to the infirmary to see what really happened to Crabbe and Goyle. When he got there, they were both lying on cots, heavily bandaged. Harry used some legilimency to peek in their minds and see how they had gotten in this condition. When he saw what they had done, he exploded with rage!
~Retexo Severitas!~ hissed Harry as he pointed his wand at the boys.
Instantly, the two boys flew up into the air and hit the ceiling with a splat! Then, they fell back to floor with another splat! Madam Pomfrey rushed out of her office to see what was going on but, by then, Harry was gone. He was running towards the Slytherin dungeon with murderous thoughts directed at Draco Malfoy!
When he got there, he found that he was unable to get in. He tried everything! Bribes, threats, pleas, nothing would get him in. When the door opened to let out Emily Le Strange, a fourth year student, Harry seized the opportunity and raced into the Slytherin common room. Draco wasn't in there and the students who were in there were too surprised to react, all except Luna.
"Harry? Harry no! Come back!" pleaded Luna has Harry raced into the first door on the right in his search for Draco.
The Slytherin playroom was the kind of sick perverted room Harry would expect the Slytherins to have. It was filled with torture and restraining devices. Draco Malfoy was there, naked, strapped down, bent over a bench. Santorum was running down his legs and a ball gag was in his mouth. Harry walked up
behind him and read the message on his back. It was a rash in Draco's own handwriting that said:
I'm feeling submissive today. Don't remove my gag until sundown. After you do, my safe word is "I love Harry Potter".
To say that Draco Malfoy was having a bad day would be to be putting it mildly. Everybody who held any kind of grudge against him had taken advantage of the opportunity to bugger, peg or torture him. Then, he realized that his worst nightmare had come true. Harry bloody Potter had come to Bugger him!
Harry leaned in and whispered in Malfoy's ear: "You are one sick fuck! It you ever touch my wife again I will kill you!"
Harry started to walk away until he noticed that every Slytherin in the room, including Luna, were pointing their wands at him.
"You shouldn't have come in here, Harry," said Luna. "No outsider is ever supposed to know the secrets of Slytherin House. You have two choices. Either take an unbreakable wizard's oath here and now that you will never reveal what you've learned here or I will obliviate you!"
"I'll take the oath," replied Harry.
After he had done so, Luna led him out of the Slytherin dungeon by the hand as the rest of the Slytherins glared at him. After they had made it into the hall, Harry pulled her into a kiss. As their lips parted, Harry said:
"I was so worried about you!"
"I didn't think you cared," said Luna.
"I do love you Luna," said Harry. "I want to remain your husband."
"Oh Harry!" said Luna as she pulled him into another kiss.
At sundown, Pansy Parkinson was getting tired of Draco's submissive scene. She took the gag out her master's mouth.
"Thank Merlin! Now let me go Pansy," demanded Draco.
"Uh-uh, you're not going to trick me," said Pansy. "I still remember how hard you beat me the last time I disobeyed you. I can't let you go until you give me the safe word."
"Red! Now let me go, slave!" demanded Draco.
"That's not it," replied Pansy. "You're not going to trick me into releasing you before you've said the safe word on your back."
"BUT I DON'T KNOW THE BLOODY SAFE WORD!" yelled Draco.
"Dracee-poo, I'm tired of this game," said Pansy as she picked up a magically powered electric cattle prod. "This always works when you want me to give the safe word."
"Pansy, for the love of Merlin, please don't!" gasped Draco.
In spite of the loudness of Malfoy's screams, Pansy was unable to get him to say the safe word, no matter how deeply she inserted it or high she turned up the intensity. After several hours, Pansy gave up and went to bed.
Exactly twenty-four hours after Draco had assaulted Luna, she came to visit him.
"I told you I would do this if you ever came after me again, but you didn't listen," said Luna.
"You've proved your point," choked a very horse Draco. "Want do you want?"
"You will take an unbreakable wizard's oath that you will not try to harm me in any way, ever again," replied Luna.
"Anything, just let this torture end," whispered Draco.
A couple of weeks later, during breakfast, the owls brought a letter for Luna.
"Those gits!" exclaimed Luna.
"What's wrong?" asked Amanda.
"The Ministry shut down the Quibbler!" explained Luna. "They even confiscated the printing press!"
"Why would they do such a thing?" asked Stan.
"'cause dad reprinted the interview with Harry again after they told him not to," said Luna.
"What is he going to do about it?" said Stan.
"There's not much he can do without a press," said Luna. "If only- Wait a minute! There's an old press at Ravenclaw Tower! I wonder if Harry would let me use it?"
"I would think that Harry would give you anything you asked," said Amanda. "Since you two made up, you haven't slept in your bed once."
"Be right back!" said Luna as she got up from the table and walked over to the Gryffindor table. She came up behind Harry and put her arms around his neck.
"I'd like to see him try and inspect McGonagall," said Ron. "He won't know what hit him."
"Harry honey, do you think that I could use the old printing press in Ravenclaw Tower?" interrupted Luna.
"What do you need it for?" ask Harry.
"The ministry shut down the Quibbler and confiscated our printing press," explained Luna. "I thought we could get the house elves to print it up for us on that old press we have."
"I don't know about that," said Harry. "You'd have to ask Lady Ravenclaw's permission. I mean, she has just as much right to decide these things as I do."
"But, I'm Lady Ravenclaw," said a bewildered Luna.
"Exactly!" said Harry.
"Oh you!" said Luna as she slapped his chest then kissed his cheek.
(I can't believe he thinks of me as an equal,) thought young Luna.
[Looks like you picked a good husband after all] thought Luna's Mother.
"Hang on, what's this about house elves?" asked Hermione. "Harry, you don't own house elves, do you?"
"I can see the head! Moo!" said Luna
"Quiet you." Said Harry to Luna. "Yes Hermione, I do own house elves. But I was planning to set them free next summer."
"Why wait until then?" asked Hermione.
"There are a lot of them. I'm having uniforms made for them so that they will have something decent to wear," explained Harry.
"Thank you for coming," began Professor Scrimgeour. "I see we have some new faces. Welcome to the Junior Aurors. As many of you are no doubt aware, I have recently been appointed the very first Hogwarts High Inquisitor. As a part of the Ministry's effort to reform Hogwarts, you will all be given some inquisitorial powers. Specifically, you will all, even those of you who are not prefects, have the power to give or deduct house points and assign detentions. I will rely on each of you to be my eyes and ears as we root out all potential Death Eaters at the school. Together, we will put a stop to the return of he-who-must-not-be-named hoax once and for all!"
One morning Professor McGonagall came into the 5th year boys' room.
"Wake up Mister Weasley"
"Just five more minutes," protested Ron. "OW!"
"Now Mister Weasley!" said McGonagall in her more stern voice. "I expect you to be dressed and down in the common room in five minutes. The same applies to both of you Mr. and Mrs. Potter."
"We'll be right down," said Luna through the curtains.
Luna had to shadow walk back to the Slytherin dorm in order to get clothes to wear. When she, Harry and Ron went down to the Gryffindor Common room, Fred, George, Ginny and Hermione were waiting for them.
"I'm afraid I have some tragic news for you," said McGonagall. "Mister Arthur Weasley's body was found in the Ministry this morning. Your father is dead."
Authors note: Many of you are probably thinking that owning a dominatrix costume is out of character for Luna. It is for both Old Luna and her mom. Young Luna/Composite Luna has, however, been in Slytherin for more than three years. She, like all the Slytherin girls, does indeed own a dominatrix costume. It is very revealing and kinky looking. But, since it is Luna's dominatrix costume, it is quite different from the usual look these kinds of garments have. Feel free to speculate as to its' appearance in you reviews.
Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling
Chapter 13: OotP 8: Winter
"I'm afraid I have some tragic news for you," said McGonagall. "Mister Arthur Weasley's body was found in the Ministry this morning. Your father is dead."
"I TOLD YOU NOT BOTHER GUARDING THAT STUPID PROPHESY!" yelled Luna. (You have used two spellings for the same word - prophesy and prophecy - both are correct, just choose one.)
"Don't use that tone with me young lady!" said McGonagall.
"Hang on! Are you saying that my dad died protecting that stupid prophesy?" asked Ron.
"Yes, he was bitten by Voldemort's snake while guarding it in the Department of Mysteries, said Luna.
"And just how do you know all this Mrs. Potter?" asked McGonagall.
"I'm a seer remember," replied Luna.
{And it doesn't hurt that I remember him being bitten last time} thought old Luna.
"The point is that your father died for no reason, protecting a prophecy that Voldie can probably deduce if he puts his mind to it," said Luna. "They had your father guarding it after I specifically told her and Dumbledore not to!"
"Is this true?" asked Fred.
"Yes but-"
"Luna told you not to guard that prophesy and you and Dumbledore had my father guard it anyway?" asked George.
"The Order is not in the habit of letting fourteen-year-olds dictate policy," said McGonagall.
"She's a seer, you idiot!" yelled Ginny.
"I can see that you are distraught Miss Weasley," said McGonagall.
"DISTRAUGHT! DISTRAUGHT! DISTRAUGHT DOEN'T EVEN COVER IT!" yelled Ginny. "WHEN HAVE LUNA'S INTUITIONS EVER BEEN WRONG?"
"Never but-"
Seeing that the Weasleys were in no condition to be reasoned with, McGonagall turned on her heel and walked out of Gryffindor tower. Once she was gone, the Weasleys collapsed in a fit of tears.
The Weasleys, along with Harry and Hermione were sent home early for the holidays. The funeral was a sad affair as they usually are. But when the family discussed the circumstances of Arthur's death, they found themselves divided. Percy, Fred, George, Ron and Ginny blamed Dumbledore for their father's death. The rest of the family held Dumbledore blameless. Harry and Hermione spent a couple of weeks trying to comfort their grieving friends until it was almost Christmas. While Hermione went to spend Christmas with her parents, Harry decided to spend the holiday with Luna and her father.
__________________________Scene Break__________________________
With a whoosh, Harry flooed into the Lovegood's home. Luna was waiting for him in a white robe with white fur trim. Mister Lovegood was standing beside her, dressed similarly and was wearing a fake, long white beard. Together they resembled Grandfather Frost and the Snow Queen, the duo that is Russia's version of Santa Claus. As soon as he came to a stop, Luna pounced on him and planted a kiss on his lips. The kiss lingered and lingered, but when Luna started using her tongue, Mister Lovegood cleared his throat.
"There'll be time enough for that later," said Mr. Lovegood. "If you two don't watch yourselves, you'll end up with a case of the nargles. So, Luna tells me that you're now Lord Potter Gryffindor Ravenclaw Hufflepuff."
"Call me Harry."
"What's that other ring?" asked Mr. Lovegood.
"Oh, that's the Black family ring. My godfather loaned it to me for the trial and I haven't had a chance to return it yet," explained Harry.
"Shall we sit down for lunch?" asked Luna. "The lasagna is ready."
When they had finished lunch, Mr. Lovegood and Harry retired to the parlor while Luna worked on the Christmas dinner.
"So, Luna tells me that you're on the Quiddich team, Harry?"
"Yes sir."
"What position do you play?"
"Seeker, sir"
"I was a seeker myself on the Ravenclaw team when I was in school," said Mr. Lovegood. "I was awful! Are you any good?"
"I've been on the team since first year," explained Harry. "So I've had time to get pretty good. Still, I'm not as good as Victor Krum, but-"
An uncomfortable silence settled on the room as Harry brooded on the death of Krum. Finally, Mr. Lovegood broke the silence by changing the subject.
"When did you first realize that you had feelings for my daughter?"
"Well, we've been friends since we were eight," began Harry. "But I first realized that I was in love with her on the third day of our marriage."
"You didn't love her before you married her!" exploded Mr. Lovegood.
"No, we only got married so that we could do magic over the summer," confessed Harry. "We fell in love after the fact."
After dinner and conversation, Mr. Lovegood started preparing the couch for sleep.
"Um, daddy, what are you doing?" asked Luna.
"Preparing the couch for Harry to sleep on," replied Mr. Lovegood.
"Harry and I are married now. We're sleeping in our room," explained Luna.
"Not in my house you're not!"
"Then we shall retire to our own abode. Come husband!" said Luna as she held out her hand for Harry.
"Wait! I-I'm sorry Luna. It's hard to adjust to my fourteen-year old daughter being married. You can both sleep in your room."
The next morning they woke up and went down stairs to open their presents. Harry gave Luna a butterbeer cap necklace that had the Gryffindor, and Hufflepuff Ladyship rings incorporated into it. Luna gave Harry a bottle of massage oil and promise to use it on him. Mr. Lovegood gave Harry a book: Stalking the wild Snorkack. To Luna he gave a set of earrings from which hung miniature shrunken heads. They both got a jumper from Mrs. Weasley. Ron gave Harry a calendar with pictures of all the leading professional Quiddich teams. Hermione gave him a day planer. Amanda gave Luna a sexy lace teddy. Stan gave Luna a book: Kama Sutra for Witches.
After breakfast with Luna's father, she and Harry flooed over to 12 Grimmauld Place, where Sirius Black lived.
___________________________Scene Break________________________
Waiting for them there were Harry's godfather, Sirius Black, his girlfriend, Caitlyn Tyler, Remus Lupin and his new lady friend, Rahne Sinclair.
"Welcome home Harry!" said Sirius.
"It's good to see you again Luna," said Caitlyn as she pull her into a hug.
"Harry, Luna, I'd like for you to meet my friend, Rahne Sinclair," said Lupin. "She's a werewolf like me."
"Oooo! Luna! Tha's a pretty scary name fer peo'le like us," said Rahne.
"Well, the only person whose wild side I'm interested in bringing out is Harry's," said Luna.
"Luna!" gasped Harry with embarrassment.
"Well let's get lunch on the table. Remus and I worked too hard on it for it to go to waste," said Sirius.
During Lunch Harry was able to catch up on what was happening in Sirius', Caitlyn's and Remus' lives. Sirius and Caitlyn had been together for many years but she had refused every time Sirius had proposed to her. After lunch they exchanged presents.
Then, Harry pulled Remus aside to offer him a job.
_________________________Scene Break_____________________________
Lord Potter Gryffindor Ravenclaw Hufflepuff,
The leases on the proxies have expired and as per your request, the ones that you requested have not been renewed. They are now back under your control for you or your agent to use as you see fit.
Accounts Manager
Diagon Alley Branch
Gringott's Wizarding Bank
___________________________Scene Break___________________________
Now that they were back in school, Luna and Harry were adjusting to the new routine. One morning after the mail arrived, Amanda opened her copy of the Daily Prophet and got a surprise.
"Luna, look at this," said Amanda. "They reprinted that interview Harry gave your father in the Prophet! Does this mean that the Quibbler can now stop being an underground paper?"
"No, it means that now that Harry controls a majority of the Prophet's stock, they'll be having a more friendly editorial line to us," explained Luna as she glanced over at Professor Scrimgeour. He was reading his copy of the prophet and turning a deep shade of purple as he began shaking with rage.
Several days later, Harry got an owl from Sirius that said that Remus Lupin had disappeared. The next morning, no one received a copy of the Daily Prophet. Harry owled Sirius to investigate and when he got a reply, Harry was informed that the Ministry had shut the Prophet down.
A week later the Prophet was back in business and back to its old anti-Harry and anti-Dumbledore editorial policy. Harry received a letter from Sirius:
Dear Harry,
Remus has been released. The Ministry had been holding him all along. Your proxies have been taken away from him and awarded to Lucius Malfoy by the Ministry. Caitlyn and I are trying to look in to what we can do about this.
"Those bloody gits!" exclaimed Ron as Harry finished reading aloud.
________________________Scene Break_____________________________
Harry, Ron and Hermione were doing their Transfiguration homework when Professor Scrimgeour walked into the common room. He cast a Sonorous spell on himself and announced:
Once everyone had com down to see what was going on, Professor Scrimgeour began:
"I've called you all together because I have noticed that some of you have not yet joined the Junior Aurors," began Scrimgeour. "This is a time of great uncertainty. The former Death Eaters are trying to fool you into thinking that you-know-who is back. Sadly, some of the people who believe these lies are members of our own house. These lies have even made it into the Daily Prophet. Thankfully, the Ministry has taken steps to remedy this situation."
"Are you saying that Harry and Professor Lupin are liars?" demanded Ron.
"I'm not implying any such thing," replied Scrimgeour. "I'm merely suggesting that Mr. Potter may be the victim of an elaborate hoax."
"It's not a hoax!" roared Ron. "And if you are too stupid to believe someone who has faced Lord V-voldemort and lived to tell the tale, THEN YOU CAN TAKE YOU JUNIOR AURORS AND SHOVE IT UP YOUR ASS!"
With that, Ron tore off his Junior Auror badge and threw it at Professor Scrimgeour's feet.
"WEASLEY! You will report to my office tonight for detention!" said Scrimgeour. "Now then, rumors have reached my ears about a subversive organization known as D.A. Does any one know anything about this?"
"I heard it stands for Death Eaters Anonymous," said Cormac McClaggen.
"Wouldn't that be D.E.A?" asked Hermione.
"Quite right, Miss Granger," said Scrimgeour. "I think it more likely that D.A. stands for Dumbledore's Army. Has the headmaster attempted to recruit any of you into an illegal club or organization?"
No one came forward.
After Scrimgeour left, Ron turned to Hermione and said: "Why didn't you quit the J.A.'s with me?"
"I don't think that quitting is the answer, Ron," said Hermione. "I believe that we could be more successful if we work to bring change from within the system."
"Well, Scrimgeour's little talk has given me an idea," said Harry as he stepped forward to the center of the room with wand drawn and shouted. "Occulo Conscientia!"
This was a spell Harry had learned from the Hufflepuff library. Once it was cast, no one present would be able to reveal the secrets that Harry was about to share.
"This is the ring of Gryffindor!" said Harry as he held his hand aloft. "And I am Lord Gryffindor! As the leading Gryffindor, I invite you all to join my Defense Association. Lord Voldemort is back. To fight him, we need an army. The D.A. is that army. Join with us and save the world!"
"Why should we help you subvert the Ministry?" asked Cormac McClaggen.
"Because the Ministry is subverting us," replied Harry. "They have no respect for our basic rights. Freedom of the Press was taken away from the Quibbler and the Prophet. My property rights as owner of the Prophet were taken away and given to Lucius Malfoy, a Death Eater! This is not democratic government by and of the people! This is despotism! If we don't band together to protect ourselves, Fudge will fiddle while the Wizarding world burns in Death Eater fire! Now who's with me?"
That night, the D.A. made many new recruits.
_____________________Scene break_______________________________
Harry and Luna approached the Entrance to Ravenclaw Tower. Harry held up his ring hand to the painting and announced:
"We are Lord and Lady Ravenclaw. Announce us!"
"Yes, my Lord," said the librarian in the painting and swung open and announced them. "Lord and Lady Ravenclaw!"
As they strode into the Ravenclaw common room Harry and Luna saw that Terry Boot had done his job and assembled the Ravenclaws.
"Good evening," began Harry. "Occulo Conscientia! Now that secrecy is taken care of, let us begin. Fact, Lord Voldemort has returned. Fact, the Ministry is in denial and doing nothing to prepare. Fact, I am therefore forming an army of my own to defend the Wizarding world. Who amongst you would like to join us?"
"Why should we follow you?" asked Marietta Edgecomb.
"Because, as members of our Defense Association, you would have access to training and knowledge that are unavailable at Hogwarts including the Ravenclaw Library," said Luna.
A murmur rose through the crowd. All of them had heard of the legendary lost Library of Ravenclaw. It was reputed to be larger than the renowned Library of Alexandria.
"What proof do you have that you have excess to the Ravenclaw Library?" asked Cho Chang.
"Here is but a sample," said Luna as she pulled a rare Occlumency book out of her robes that she had gotten from the Ravenclaw vault and set it on the table.
A crowd gathered around to examine the tome. By the end of the evening, they had many new recruits to the D.A.
________________________Scene Break_________________________
When Harry and Luna approached the entrance to the Hufflepuff wing the Fat Friar was waiting for them.
"Right this way m'Lord and m'Lady," said the Friar as he directed them in.
When they entered the Hufflepuff common room they were all there. As one, they bowed to Harry and Luna.
"Welcome Lord and Lady Hufflepuff," said Susan Bones.
"Thank you," said Harry. "I've called you all together to ask you to stand with me against Voldemort."
"Hufflepuff House stands with its Lord and Lady," said Susan.
"Isn't someone going to ask me why they should join us?" asked Harry.
"We're Hufflepuffs. Loyalty is what we do," explained Susan.
"But if our loyalty should turn out to be misplaced-" said Zacharias Smith as he glared at Luna, "you will find that we do not tolerate betrayal well. Whenever a Hufflepuff has turned to the dark side, it has always been due to a betrayal."
Harry had been surprised to find that every single Hufflepuff had joined the D.A. As they left, Harry turned to Luna and said:
"Well that was easier than expected. Now how can we change our approach so that we can appeal to the Slytherins?"
"Oh! That reminds me," said Luna as she put her arm around Harry. "Have I ever shown you my dominatrix costume?"
______________________Scene Break______________________________
After Harry showered and got dressed, he hobbled off to breakfast. As soon as he sat down, Luna sashayed over to him.
"Last night did wonders for D.A. recruitment in Slytherin," said Luna.
"Well, when you offered to show me your dominatrix costume, I had no idea that you were going to tie me up and let every Slytherin girl in the D.A. ride me," complained Harry.
"Didn't you enjoy it?" asked Luna.
"Of course I enjoyed it. That's not the point," said Harry.
"Well all the girls are wondering when they'll get another shot at you and the boys are wanting to know when I will reciprocate," said Luna.
"You wouldn't!" gasped Harry.
"Well, not if you object," replied Luna. "I guess I'll have to get someone else to be the party slut. Maybe Daphne, she's well sought after."
_______________________Scene Break____________________________
"So what did you want to talk about?" asked Hermione. "Hey! That door wasn't there a minute ago!"
"After you," said Luna as she held the door for Hermione.
When Hermione stepped into the room, she gasped! Inside the room was an exact copy of the Slytherin Playroom, but she didn't know that. There were racks of bondage and fetish gear on the walls. There were a variety of racks, crosses, benches and even a four-poster bed. All of them had manacles attached to them.
"What is this place?" asked Hermione.
"It's call the room of requirement," explained Luna. "It can be anything you need it to be. I thought it might be a good place for the newer members of the D.A. to practice in. But currently I have it configured as a place for you to fulfill your promise."
With that, she waved her wand and her school robes vanished. In their place, Luna wore a dominatrix costume. She had royal blue platform pumps that made her tall enough to look Hermione in the eye. On her legs, Luna wore fishnet stockings that were made of tiny iridescent blue titanium rings that were woven together like chain mail. These stockings were held up by silver chains with larger links. The other ends of these chains were attached to a corset that matched her shoes. The leather was so shiny that Hermione could see her reflection in it. The corset started just above the hairline of her mound. Her lack of knickers left no doubt in Hermione's mind as to whether or not Luna was a natural blonde. The corset had a one-inch gap that ran up the entire front held together by laces that were tied tight enough to exaggerate her already hourglass shaped figure. The top of the corset squashed her cleavage upward. Hermione could just make out the tops her areolas and guessed that one good sneeze and Luna would pop out of the top of the corset. Luna's head was covered by a chain mail headdress that was a mixture of the silver and blue links. From her ears hung sapphire earrings that matched her Ravenclaw ring.
"After we taught you how to absorb knowledge from books, you promised me anything I wanted in return. I now plan to collect on that debt," said Luna as she walked over and sat on the edge of the bed with her legs spread.
"Kneel! Here!" commanded Luna as she pointed to the spot between her feet.
Hesitantly Hermione crept forward and knelt as she had been told to.
"Give me your hands!" commanded Luna.
When Hermione put her hands in Luna's, Luna rested the back of her hands on her knees, then slowly pulled them up her legs so that the tips of Hermione's fingers brushed along her legs creating faint jingling sounds on the rings of her chain mail stockings. Slowly Luna pulled the hands up her thigh, higher and higher. Hermione was trembling now. Whether it was in fear or anticipation neither Luna nor Hermione knew.
It was very foolish to promise me anything I wanted," said Luna. "I can ask anything of you I want. And I plan to.
With that, Luna activated the portkey.


text:
The "sturdy, adjustable aluminum tripod" (quoted from Meade's ads) included with the LXD500 mount is indeed aluminum, and it is indeed adjustable. Sturdy? Ha! No.
Listed below are some things you can do to improve the standard tripod. They will have varying degrees of effectiveness. My own solution was somewhat radical (but inexpensive, of course!) -- build a completely new wooden tripod. Go to the bottom of the hints to see how to do it.
Tripod Fix-Up Hint #1: Make sure everything is tight!
When my tripod arrived, the nuts on the bolts that hold the legs onto the base of the LXD500 were quite loose. These nuts have nylon inserts to act as lock nuts so they won't vibrate off their bolts. Take a wrench and tighten these down CAREFULLY (you're dealing with aluminum legs and an aluminum base -- too much tightening WILL bend things!) until you can still easily move the tripod legs out and in on their posts, but the sloppiness in the attachment is reduced. While you're at it, make sure all of the screws and nuts on all parts of the tripod are tight enough to remove slop, but not so tight as to bind or bend.
Improvement Factor: 1 out of 10
Tripod Fix-Up Hint #2: Anti-Vibration Pads
An all-metal tripod like this one, when it picks up vibrations, tends to "ring" at a specific frequency. This ringing reinforces the vibration, prolongs it, and makes high-power viewing or focusing damn near impossible.
You can reduce this effect considerably by putting something under the feet of the tripod that absorbs some vibration and keeps it from reinforcing itself. Celestron sells official Telescope Anti-Vibration pads for about $49 that do just this...but you don't need to buy them. Get yourself down to Home Depot (or a similar store), and look for 1-inch round rubber feet intended to protect floors from furniture legs. These have a flat bottom and a cup-like top side, with concentric circles inside the top portion. They sell for about $2.50 for 4 of them, and they work just as well as the Celestron pads. I'm serious! They work great!
Improvement Factor: 3 out of 10
Tripod Fix-Up Hint #2: Make it Heavier!
The first two hints are quick, simple, and very inexpensive. Now we have to get a bit more involved.
The standard tripod just does not have enough weight or mass to avoid vibration. The slightest touch will cause it to move around, and a good bump will start in oscillating for many seconds (even if you use hints #1 and #2). It just plain needs to be heavier. Here are two things you can do to give the tripod some more heft:
1 -- Add an attachable weight
Take an empty 1-gallon milk jug. Fill it up with water or sand, and cap it. Tie a rope to the milk jug's handle, and then tie the other end of the rope around the top of the tripod, so the jug hangs about 1" off the ground. Instant mass increase!
Improvement Factor: 1 out of 10
2 -- Fill the tripod legs with Sand
Remove the caps on the ends of the tripod leg sections. Pour in sand. Re-cap the legs. You've just increased the mass of each leg by over 300%!
Improvement Factor: 2 out of 10
Tripod Fix-Up Hint #3: Add Upper Leg Clamps
One of the reasons this tripod is so shaky is because of the design of the adjustable legs. The center leg piece slides up and down the two outer pieces in a V-shaped channel. The intention here was to keep it in the channel, and so keep it from moving around...but in execution the middle leg doesn't fit tightly in the channel, and so the middle leg wobbles back and forth. You can correct this by purchasing clamps that are made just to fix this problem (sold by ScopeTronix) for about $50, or you can make your own clamps out of wood or metal. Basically, these clamps go on the upper part of the legs, and when you set the tripod at the height you want, you tighten these down just like the existing clamps. This keeps the legs inside their little channels, and keeps them from wobbling quite so much. Jordan Blessing at ScopeTronix tells me that his customers report excellent results using these clamps on the ETX version of the tripod, especially with the heavier ETX-125.
Improvement Factor: 2 out of 10
Tripod Fix-Up Hint #4: Replace it!
I tried some of the above hints (except the filling with sand part). They made the setup more stable, but not nearly stable enough for enjoyable high-power viewing, and certainly not enough for astrophotography! After tapping, twising, and bumping every part of the 203SC/LXD500 setup, I was sure that all of the vibration problems I was having were coming from the tripod alone, so I decided to build my own tripod!
I got 2 cedar boards from Home Depot, 3-inches by 2-inches and 8 feet long. I had them cut each of them into 4-foot long (48-inches) sections, then brought them home. Using my drill press, I drilled a 1/4-inch hole at the top of three of the pieces 1/2-inch from the end for the bolt to mount to the LXD500 base. Using my table saw, I cut a 2-inch deep cutout into the top of the three pieces, 1 1/4-inches wide. These make the three new tripod legs, and bolt right on where the old legs used to be, using the same attachment nuts & bolts.
I used the fourth piece of cedar to make a spreader/brace/accessory tray. This tray is permanently attached to one of the legs with a hinge, and attaches to the other two with bolts that pass through the legs into t-nuts on the sides of the accessory shelf. The legs are now fixed-height, but 48-inch long legs put the scope at a very comfortable height for me.
To assemble the tripod, I spread the legs apart, swing the acessory tray up, then push bolts through the legs to the t-nuts on the sides of the accessory shelf/brace, and tighten them up. Then the GEM gets mounted to the top of the tripod, and the OTA on top of that.
Take down is easy, too. Remove the OTA and GEM, remove the three acessory tray bolts, swing the tray down, and push the three legs together. Collasped, it fits easily in the trunk of my Nissan Sentra.
This tripod has completely changed my telescope! Even with some of the improvements above, vibrations would still take three to five seconds to damp out, and focusing at high power was very difficult because of the shaking. With the new tripod (I still use rubber pads under the new tripod's legs), vibrations are gone in less than one second, and there just aren't as many vibrations to start with. When focusing at high power, I see no vibration through the scope at all unless I kick the tripod REALLY HARD, and then they go away quickly. The new tripod is heavier, more solid, more stable, and the accessory tray is better too! (If you have the #1702 drive system, and you've tried to get the square control box to stay on the stock round accessory tray, you know what I'm talking about).
This tripod cost less than $10 to build, and is worth ten times that much in improvement. I only currently have the not-so-good picture of the unfinished tripod above, but as soon as I get better pictures back I'll post them, along with detailed plans and drawings for building your own tripod.
Improvement Factor: 10 out of 10!
Back to the Unofficial 203SC/LXD500 Home Page
Questions? Comments? E-mail me! email@example.com
(all pages Copyright 2000, Paul LeFevre. No text or images from this site may be used without permission.)
This web site is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or approved by Meade Instruments Corporation


text:
Lega Pro
San Marino
|1959 (as Lega Nazionale
|3 geographical divisions:
North & Sardinia, Central, South
|Number of teams
|Levels on pyramid
|Promotion to
|Serie B
|Relegation to
|Serie D
|Domestic cup(s)
|Coppa Italia Lega Pro
Supercoppa di Lega Pro
|Current champions
|Prima Divisone:
Virtus Entella (group A)
Perugia (group B):
Seconda Divisione:
Bassano Virtus (group A)
Messina (group B)
(2013–14 Lega Pro Prima Divisione
2013–14 Lega Pro Seconda Divisione)
|TV partners
|Rai Sport 1
|2014–15 Lega Pro
The Lega Italiana Calcio Professionistico (Italian for Italian Professional Football League), commonly known as Lega Pro (Pro League), is the governing body that runs the eponymous third highest football division in Italy. It also includes the sole professional club of San Marino. Its headquarters are in Florence.
In the last edition (2013–14), Prima Divisione consisted of two groups: Girone A and Girone B, respectively of 17 and 16 teams. At the end of the season, four teams (two from each group) go up to Serie B and six teams (three from each group) go down to Seconda Divisione.
Also Seconda Divisione consisted of two groups: Girone A and Girone B, but both of 18 teams. At the end of the season, six teams (three from each group) go up to Lega Pro Prima Divisione and nine teams (four from each group plus the loser play-out from each division) go down to Serie D. In both the Seconda Divisione, teams are split by geographical criteria, with the exception of the Sicilian team Milazzo that plays in group A.
The Seconda Divisione, until the summer 2010 consisted of 54 teams, but in the season 2010–11 the teams were only 49 divided geographically into three divisions of 17, 16 and 16 teams each. At the end of the season, six teams (two from each group) went up to the Prima Divisione and four: two for the group A and one for each of the other two groups, went down to Serie D.
On 21 November 2012, it was announced that the two levels would be merged into a unique league composed by three groups of 20 teams each starting from the 2014–15 season.[1] The merge became effective with the 2014–15 Lega Pro season.
Brief history[edit]
A third division above the regional leagues was first created in Italy in 1926, when fascist authorities decided to reform the major championships on a national basis, increasing the number of teams participating by promoting many regional teams from the Third Division (Terza Divisione) to the Second Division (Seconda Divisione).
A new league running this Second Division, the Direttorio Divisioni Inferiori Nord (Northern Directory of Lower Divisions) was set up in Genoa, while the football activity in the southern part of the country was run by the Direttorio Divisioni Inferiori Sud which later became the Direttorio Meridionale (Southern Directory). Those leagues did not last long: after another reform, they were disbanded between 1930 and 1931. Some, mostly high level teams owning large pitches with dimensions of 100x60 metres, were promoted to the First Division (Prima Divisione) a league defined and structured as the "National Championship".
The Second Division had no relegations at all to regional leagues because most of them were reelected at the beginning of the new season. When a critical limit was reached the Italian federation decided to close the two leagues and move all teams to the "Direttori Regionali" (Regional Committees) so that the labour-intensive job of organisation was delegated to well grown, improved, and organised regional staff.
The best teams coming from the Second Divisions in 5 years (from 1926-27 to 1930-31) composed 6 ever growing sections of the First Division (Prima Divisione) which at the beginning had just a few teams in just one section from southern Italy.
This championship was organized by the same league governing Serie A and Serie B (the "Direttorio Divisioni Superiori"), even if, as opposed to the two higher divisions, it was structured in local groups with geographical criteria. The number of clubs belonging to the Prima Divisione continued to increase every year, until FIGC decided to rename it as "Serie C" (at the beginning of the 1935-36 season) and then a big reduction in 1948 that created a sole national division in 1952-53.
The reform creating the actual league was decided by Bruno Zauli in 1959 when, because of the incomplete work started by the former president Ottorino Barassi, professional football was fully recognised and organised. While Lega Calcio had the mission of organising professional and national divisions, the new Lega Nazionale Semiprofessionisti based in Florence had to regulate the two semiprofessional and subnational divisions: Serie C and Serie D, with the first one adopting a format of three groups of 20 teams each. In 1978 the semiprofessional sector was abolished, Serie D became an amateur section, Serie C was divided into two professional divisions (Serie C1 and Serie C2), and the league changed its name to Lega Professionisti Serie C. On 20 June 2008 the league was restructured and took its current name Lega Italiana Calcio Professionistico.
Current season[edit]
After the league reform of 2014, the two previous divisions of Lega Pro Prima Divisione and Lega Pro Seconda Divisione were ultimately merged into a unique one, called Lega Pro Divisione Unica and more informally addressed as just Lega Pro. The new league is composed by 60 teams, divided geographically in three groups of 20 each, and will promote four teams to Serie B (three group winners, plus one coming from a promotion playoff involving the three group runners-up), and nine relegations to Serie D: last-placed teams from each group will go down directly, whereas teams between 16th and 19th place will play a relegation playoff (officially referred to as play-out), with two losing teams of them per each group being relegated as well.
Past champions in Serie C[edit]
- ^ "Calcio: CF approva riforma Lega Pro, 60 squadre dal 2014-15" (in Italian). ASCA Agenzia di Stampa. 21 November 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2012.
External links[edit]


text:
Do Healthier Diets Cost More?
AbstractDo healthier diets cost more? We estimate a hedonic regression model of the U.S. diet. Given food expenditures and information on dietary intake we infer the marginal cost of improved quality. MeetingthePyramidrecommendationsimpliesdecreasedexpendituresfromtwoofthe seven food groups.
Download InfoIf you experience problems downloading a file, check if you have the proper application to view it first. In case of further problems read the IDEAS help page. Note that these files are not on the IDEAS site. Please be patient as the files may be large.
Bibliographic InfoPaper provided by Cornell University, Department of Applied Economics and Management in its series Working Papers with number 127305.
Date of creation: Jul 2002
Date of revision:
Handle: RePEc:ags:cudawp:127305
Contact details of provider:
Postal: Warren Hall, Ithaca NY 14853
Fax: 607-255-9984
Web page: http://aem.cornell.edu/
More information through EDIRC
Related researchKeywords: Consumer/Household Economics;
ReferencesReferences listed on IDEAS
Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:
- Parke E. Wilde & Paul E. McNamara & Christine K. Ranney, 1999. "The Effect of Income and Food Programs on Dietary Quality: A Seemingly Unrelated Regression Analysis with Error Components," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 81(4), pages 959-971.
- Shi, Hongqi & Price, David W., 1998. "Impacts Of Sociodemographic Variables On The Implicit Values Of Breakfast Cereal Characteristics," Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Western Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 23(01), July.
- White, Halbert, 1980. "A Heteroskedasticity-Consistent Covariance Matrix Estimator and a Direct Test for Heteroskedasticity," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 48(4), pages 817-38, May.
- Ladd, George W & Zober, Martin, 1977. " Model of Consumer Reaction to Product Characteristics," Journal of Consumer Research, University of Chicago Press, vol. 4(2), pages 89-101, Se.
CitationsCitations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
Cited by:
- Courtemanche, Charles & Carden, Art, 2008.
"Supersizing Supercenters? The Impact of Wal-Mart Supercenters on Body Mass Index and Obesity,"
Working Papers
09-3, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Department of Economics, revised 29 Jan 2009.
- Courtemanche, Charles & Carden, Art, 2011. "Supersizing supercenters? The impact of Walmart Supercenters on body mass index and obesity," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 69(2), pages 165-181, March.
- Muth, Mary K. & Zhen, Chen & Taylor, Justin & Cates, Sheryl & Kosa, Katherine M. & Zorn, David & Choiniere, Conrad J., 2009. "The Value to Consumers of Health Labeling Statements on Breakfast Foods and Cereals," 2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China 50333, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
- Courtemanche, Charles & Carden, Art, 2009. "The skinny on big box retailing: Wal-Mart, warehouse clubs, and obesity," MPRA Paper 25326, University Library of Munich, Germany.
- PAN, Jay & QIN, Xuezheng & LIU, Gordon G., 2013. "The impact of body size on urban employment: Evidence from China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 249-263.
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text:
- 2015
2014 Toyota RAV4
- 2013 Toyota RAV4
- Used Toyota RAV4
- Repairs Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4 Performance
Most reviewers praise the 2014 Toyota RAV4's accurate steering and composed handling, though some say it still isn't as nimble as rival SUVs like the Mazda CX-5. Test drivers report that the engine offers sufficient power, but that other SUVs feel faster.
- "If you're looking for power, handling or off-road ability, the 2014 RAV4 won't impress you." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "The RAV4's suspension has received plenty of tuning adjustments, but it's still geared toward smooth running in lieu of sporty handling and road feel." -- Autoblog (2013)
- "The new RAV4 drives as though Toyota had borrowed a bunch of Mazda engineers and told them to zoom-zoom the entire vehicle." -- Popular Mechanics (2013)
- "The combination of the updated powertrain and revised suspension (beefier stabilizer bars, revised spring and damping rates, and tweaked struts and bushings) results in a RAV4 that is much more fun to drive than the outgoing model." -- Truck Trend (2013)
Acceleration and Power
The 2014 RAV4 has a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 176 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The RAV4 has three drive modes (Eco, Normal and Sport), which alter the RAV4's throttle response and transmission behavior. The base 2014 RAV4 gets an EPA-estimated 24/31 mpg city/highway, which is comparable to what other affordable compact SUVs get. Equipped with all-wheel drive, the RAV4 gets 22/29 mpg.
The automotive press says the Toyota RAV4's four-cylinder engine provides sufficient power in most situations, though a few reviewers note acceleration is sluggish from a stop. Sport mode adds some pep for passing at highway speeds, they say. A six-speed automatic transmission was introduced for the 2013 model year and most critics say that it is smooth and responsive.
- "Acceleration is tepid but acceptable, with the RAV4 making the 0-60-mph run in just under 10 seconds. To help when passing or merging, Toyota equips the RAV4 with a Sport mode that quickens throttle response and holds shift points longer; the Sport setting also firms up the steering feel." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "We miss the V6, but the four-cylinder is refined and adequately powerful. The six-speed automatic shifts smoothly and right at the 6,200-rpm redline under full throttle." -- Edmunds (2013)
- "The new powertrain combo isn't noticeably peppier off the line, but shifts are dramatically smoother, exhibiting none of the extreme jumps in engine RPMs experienced with the four-speed." -- Truck Trend (2013)
- "The problem is that there's not a lot of grunt in reserve, and with what should be a svelte 3,500 lbs. to lug around, the RAV4 feels a bit pokey." -- Left Lane News (2013)
Handling and Braking
Reviewers say that the RAV4 provides responsive steering, composed handling and a smooth, quiet ride. However, some point out that it isn't as fun to drive as rival crossovers like the Ford Escape or Mazda CX-5. Equipped with all-wheel drive, test drivers say the RAV4 is even steadier.
- "A short time behind the wheel of the Toyota's RAV4 for 2014 reveals a vehicle that is well-balanced, quiet at highway speeds and smooth riding over most surfaces." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "Steering is linear and sharp across all modes (Eco, Sport, and normal)." -- AutoWeek (2013)
- "This doesn't add up to Mazda-style athleticism, but the 2013 RAV4 is well balanced and impressively stable going down the freeway." -- Edmunds (2013)
- "Our first impression of the 2013 Toyota RAV4 can be summed up in one word: Balanced. Our test models felt more dynamic than the Honda CR-V (though a bit less comfortable) but not as sporty as a Ford Escape or Mazda CX-5." -- Kelley Blue Book (2013)
- "The assist is very subtle, but the AWD RAV4 does seem a bit more composed through fast turns than the front-drive models." -- Truck Trend (2013)
Learn More
Next Steps: Toyota RAV4
- View the best prices for the 2014 Toyota RAV4
- Calculate monthly payment and apply for a loan
- See what others paid for the 2014 Toyota RAV4
- Search used Toyota RAV4 for sale (21,961 listings)
- See Affordable Compact SUVs rankings


text:
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2
UK Release Date:
US Release Date:
UK Publisher: Konami
US Publisher: Konami
Developer: MercurySteam
Age Rating: ESRB Pending | PEGI Pending
Since we never did see a PC version of the original Lords of Shadow, here's a quick recap. It was a reboot that took Konami's Castlevania series right back to the very start, telling the story of the first member of the famous Belmont family and his dalliances with the world of the supernatural. Konami enlisted Spanish developers MercurySteam to make it, who delivered a beautiful, Devil May Cry-style action adventure unencumbered by previous games.
This sequel explores the shock twist ending of the first game, in which it's revealed that hero Gabriel Belmont was Keyser Soze (or something along those lines). Lords of Shadow 2's story will span centuries, starring several generations of the Belmont clan.
Latest on Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2's Toy Maker boss shown off in creepy new video
It's easy to forget that Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 is coming out in a few weeks, what with Thief ...
- Castlevania: Lords of Shadow gets fresh PC screenshots ahead of tomorrow's demo
- Castlevania: Lords of Shadow may be heading to Steam, ahead of its whipcracking sequel
System Requirements
- Minimum
- Recommended


text:
New Zealand Embassy Beijing, China
Who is in the Embassy
The Embassy currently has a New Zealand-based staff of approximately 20 and a total staff of more than 100, carrying out the business in Beijing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Immigration New Zealand, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the Ministry for Primary Industries, Education New Zealand, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the New Zealand Police, the New Zealand Defence Force, and the New Zealand Customs Service.
Mr Carl Worker has served as the New Zealand Ambassador to China and Mongolia since April 2009.
Of interest
United Nations Handbook
The UN Handbook is a comprehensive guide to the UN system and how it works. Read more
Elections for the United Nations Security Council
New Zealand is a candidate for election to the UNSC for the two-year term 2015-16. Read more
Registering your overseas travel made easier
New Zealanders travelling or living overseas, registering your travel online now made easier. Read more


text:
- Critic & User
- Videos &
- Codes
& FAQs
- Gameplay
- Similar
Critic & User Reviews
GamesRadar Review of Izuna: Legend of the Unemployed Ninja
You'd be forgiven for thinking that Izuna: Legend of the Unemployed Ninja was based on some obscure anime property. Hell, it looks it, from its pink-haired heroine with eyes the size of baseballs to its light-hearted sense of humor - and you can bet the publishers are betting on that assumption to sell the game. But, to its credit, it's an original property chock full of quirky characters, ridiculous situations, and a pretty solid combat system.
While traveling with her posse, presumably looking for a little freelance ninja work, Izuna's zest for life accidentally earns her a curse from some irritable deities. Hey - could happen to anyone. But goodness, things go topsy-turvy for her ilk and the other villagers. Feelings are hurt, neuroses develop, cats and dogs move in together - mass hysteria.
You'll have to weave your way through some meandering conversion within the small village of Kamiari. They're oftentimes very amusing, with characters exclaiming things like "I suck, I suck, I suck!" - well, we find it funny, at least. But it sucks that you can only unlock the dungeons by sitting through the dialogue. Luckily, our mischievous heroine's tale unfolds fairly quickly, with character development taking a backseat to the on-foot action. And the B button functions as a "dash" to speed up most of the tedious legwork.
Primary gameplay is derived from battling bubbly miscreants through a handful of randomly generated dungeons. A largely competent battle system is in place here; based around an extremely dynamic turn-based procedure peppered with L button shortcuts (for Bombs, Caltrops, Shurikens, etc.) You'll want to take the time to implement your collected Talismans into the weapons found scattered along the dungeon floors, but don't get to attached to them - 'cause they break. Often. Not that it matters much, because given the frequency with which you'll undoubtedly die, you lose all of your items and weapons unless you can get them to the storeroom. Turning the DS off while in a dungeon has the same bankrupting effect... so don't do that.


text:
12 Hidden Playground Dangers Every Parent Should Look Out For
More than 200,000 kids a year are injured on playgrounds. The National Playground Safety Institute has developed a list of 12 "dirty dozen" hazards that parents should look out for:
1) Improper Protective Surfacing
The surface or ground under and around the playground equipment should be soft enough to cushion a fall. Improper surfacing material under playground equipment is the leading cause of playground-related injuries. Over 70 percent of all accidents on playgrounds are due to children falling. Hard surfaces such as concrete, blacktop and packed earth or grass are not acceptable under play equipment. A fall onto one of these hard surfaces could be life-threatening.
There are many surfaces that offer protection from falls. Acceptable surfaces include hardwood fiber/mulch, sand and pea gravel. These surfaces must be maintained at a depth of 12 inches, be free of standing water and debris and not be allowed to become compacted. There are also synthetic or rubber tiles and mats that are appropriate for use under play equipment.
2) Inadequate Fall Zone
The fall zone or use zone is the area under and around the playground equipment where a child might fall. A fall zone should be covered with protective surfacing material and extend a minimum of six feet in all directions from the edge of stationary play equipment such as climbers and chin-up bars. The fall zone at the bottom or exit area of a slide should extend a minimum of six feet from the end of the slide for slides four feet or less in height. For slides higher than four feet, take the entrance height of the slide and add four feet to determine how far the surfacing should extend from the end of the slide. Swings require a much greater area for the fall zone: The fall zone should extend two times the height of the pivot or swing hanger in front of and behind the swing's seats. The fall zone should also extend six feet to the side of the support structure.
3) Protrusion and Entanglement Hazards
A protrusion hazard is a component or piece of hardware that might be capable of impaling or cutting a child if a child should fall against the hazard. Some protrusions are also capable of catching strings or items of clothing which might be worn around a child's neck. This type of entanglement is especially hazardous, because it might result in strangulation. Examples of protrusion and entanglement hazards include bolt ends that extend more than two threads beyond the face of the nut, hardware configurations that form a hook or leave a gap or space between components and open "S"-type hooks. Rungs or handholds that protrude outward from a support structure may be capable of penetrating the eye socket. Special attention should be paid to the area at the top of slides and sliding devices. Ropes should be anchored securely at both ends and not be capable of forming a loop or a noose.
4) Entrapment in Openings
Enclosed openings on playground equipment must be checked for head-entrapment hazards. Children often enter openings feetfirst and attempt to slide through the opening. If the opening is not large enough, it may allow the body to pass through the opening and entrap the head. Generally, there should be no playground-equipment openings that measure between three and one half inches and nine inches. Where the ground forms the lower boundary of the opening is not considered to be hazardous. Pay special attention to openings at the top of a slide, openings between platforms and openings on climbers where the distance between rungs might be less than nine inches.
5) Insufficient Equipment Spacing
Improper spacing between pieces of play equipment can cause overcrowding of a play area, which may create several hazards. Fall zones for equipment that is higher than 24 inches above the ground cannot overlap. Therefore, there should be a minimum of 12 feet in between two play structures. This provides room for children to circulate and prevents the possibility of a child falling off one structure and striking another structure. Swings and other pieces of moving equipment should be located in an area away from other structures.
6) Trip Hazards
Trip hazards are created by play-structure components or items on the playground. Exposed concrete footings, abrupt changes in surface elevations, containment borders, tree roots, tree stumps and rocks are all trip hazards that are commonly found in play environments.
7) Lack of Supervision
The supervision of a playground environment directly relates to the overall safety of the environment. A play area should be designed so that it is easy for a parent or caregiver to observe the children at play. Young children are constantly challenging their own abilities, very often not being able to recognize potential hazards. It is estimated that over 40 percent of all playground injuries are directly related to lack of supervision in some way. Parents must supervise their children in some way on the playground!
8) Age-Inappropriate Activities
Children's developmental needs vary greatly from age 2 to age 12. In an effort to provide a challenging and safe play environment for all ages, it is important to make sure that the equipment in the playground setting is appropriate for the age of the intended user. Areas for preschool-age children should be separate from areas intended for school-age children.
9) Lack of Maintenance
For playgrounds to remain in "safe" condition, a program of systematic, preventive maintenance must be present. There should be no missing, broken or worn-out components. All hardware should be secure. The wood, metal or plastic should not show signs of fatigue or deterioration. All parts should be stable with no apparent signs of loosening. The surfacing material must also be maintained. Check for signs of vandalism.
10) Pinch, Crush, Shearing and Sharp-Edge Hazards
Components in the play environment should be inspected to make sure there are no sharp edges or points that could cut skin. Moving components such as suspension bridges, track rides, merry-go-rounds, seesaws and some swings should be checked to make sure that there are no moving parts or mechanisms that might crush or pinch a child's finger.
11) Platforms with No Guardrails
Elevated surfaces such as platforms, ramps and bridgeways should have guardrails that prevent accidental falls. Preschool-age children are more at risk from falls, and equipment intended for this age group should have guardrails on all elevated surfaces higher than 20 inches. Equipment intended for school-age children should have guardrails on elevated surfaces higher than 30 inches.
12) Equipment Not Recommended for Public Playgrounds
Accidents associated with the following types of equipment have resulted in the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommending that they not be used on public playgrounds:
- Heavy swings such as animal-figure swings and multiple-occupancy/glider-type swings.
- Free-swinging ropes that may fray or form a loop.
- Swinging exercise rings and trapeze bars. These are considered athletic equipment and are not recommended for public playgrounds. Overhead hanging rings that have a short amount of chain and are intended for use as a ring trek (generally four to eight rings) are allowed on public playground equipment.
Rocks, I agree we should ban rocks
i think that the heat of the playground equipment should aslo be mentioned.
children get burned all the time on playground slides that have been sitting in the sun.
these slides, depending on whether they are metal or plastic, can attain temperatures up to 185 degrees.
Kudos Sara! I wondered if I was the only one who noticed that this list basically listed grass and tree roots in a couple places as hazards. For Pete's sake…


text:
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the governing and policy-making arm of the university overseeing the educational, administrative and financial operations. The current members are:
|Residence (City/State)
|Mrs. Christine E. Lynn, Chairman
|Boca Raton, Fla.
|Mr. Stephen F. Snyder, Vice Chairman
|Delray Beach, Fla.
|Mr. Jan Carlsson '94
|Boca Raton, Fla.
|Mr. Arthur E. Landgren
|Delray Beach, Fla.
|Mr. John P. Langan '81
|Alexandria, Va.
|Mr. R. Brady Osborne, Jr.
|Boca Raton, Fla.
|Mr. William J. Rehrig
|Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.
|Mrs. Victoria Rixon
|Delray Beach, Fla.
|Mr. Paul A. Robino '74
|Wilmington, Del.
|Dr. Kevin M. Ross, President
|Boca Raton, Fla.
|Mr. Bill Shubin
|Boca Raton, Fla.