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Categories > Anime/Manga > .hack//Sign > The Twilight Generation
Waking Up, Breaking Out0 Reviews
Ovan and Shino, guildmasters of the Brigade, reveal to newcomer Haseo some of the curiosities and enigmas of The World. But some mysteries - and some people - will forever elude the enamored boy.
A stone archway - Haseo found his mark embedded in a mound of earth gripped by a black and sinister tree. Roots thick with age coiled over the entryway like wooden serpents; cold air and darkness exhaled from the jungle tomb. Haseo squatted in the doorway and squinted inside, bubbling with guesses at the monster count, or the treasures he would find. "I found it, Shino! Hey - Ovan!" Haseo turned, and jerked back from a gun barrel.
Ovan, his left arm a pillar, his face muffled under scarf and glasses, his shotgun pressing the multi-weapon to the earthy wall. The needlenose bayonet drew tiny circles at Haseo's nose. "Don't move, Haseo." And the boy couldn't - his mind was trapped in a looping feed - how many other players had claimed him as a friend before taking him for a kill?
"Turn around, Haseo." He was obedient to every word, he knew the routine - face away; weapons down while they bound and gagged you with paralysis spells. It's only a game, it's only a game - but Haseo's controller shivered with force feedback as Ovan's blade traced imperceptible circles over his back. A thrust and a squelch of flesh.
"Take a look, Haseo." Oh God! He'd never pegged the man a sadist! You couldn't feel the pain, but they could make you watch blood dribble out wounds and off knives. Haseo turned meekly, getting a facefull of the largest tarantula he'd ever seen. "Blah!"
Ovan flipped his gun skyward to examine the skewered monster himself. "Mm-mm," he frowned. "Level 10. Parasite class."
"You need to be careful running through jungle areas," Shino cautioned, reaching on tiptoes to brush an arachnid from Ovan's shoulder. "If you don't catch them quickly, they'll drain your health dry."
"You've found the dungeon," Ovan noted. "Let's proceed."
"Right. Right." God, he felt so stupid, though not entirely unjustified: Ovan's character was a steam gunner, employing bladed shotguns, rifles and chain-guns to attack at any distance: shooting from a range, stabbing up close; steam gunners left no exposed weakness. In a word, that was Ovan - flawless, impenetrable, both in combat and motives. Who could tell what ticked behind those glasses?
The dungeon interior dripped, and squished underfoot. A tap from Shino's jeweled staff illuminated the spider's crypt - every corridor of earth spun with eight-legged weaver's white webbing. Long, endless corridors.
"Are we there yet?" Haseo had given up all effort to walk upright. No. "Are we there yet?" No. " . How about now?" Ovan didn't reply. He only took Haseo by the shoulder and motioned to shimmy along the wall - around a funnel of light cast from a break in the ceiling. "Don't ever step into the light," the man cautioned.
Haseo was this close to pushing away and stomping all over one of those forbidden spotlights, he was so bored! "Shino, this place is a dud! We've gone down at least ten floors, and I haven't seen a monster for the last three!"
"Isn't it suspenseful?" she remarked. "The next one could be waiting just behind the corner."
Ovan offered his own wisdom. "There's more to this game than fighting monsters, Haseo. You should take the time to enjoy all this world offers."
"Like what?" Haseo asked, realizing a second too late he'd walked himself into a lecture. That cunning gleam was flooding Ovan's glasses!
"For example," the guildmaster began, "have you observed how you can interact with the floorplan?" The march paused for demonstration - Ovan reached overhead and seized a fistful of spiderweb, pulling and bundling the sticky net like candy floss. He scraped his glove clean and seized an imbedded root, jerking it from the wall and dropping a miniature cave-in of dirt.
"Look around, Haseo - you won't find any repetition to the pattern of roots, or the webs - every square of this dungeon was hand-crafted. The areas in the previous version were primitive by comparison: basic corridors and boxes that overlapped the same texture every five paces. Today, interaction is limitless."
"So, what - I could make a little avalanche and bury off the dungeon, or light the spiderwebs on fire and burn the whole place down?"
"Exactly!" Ovan's glasses beamed a delighted fire. (/Bloodlust, or my listening?/ Haseo worried.) "The World has no linearity to it, Haseo - no set objectives or storylines to guide you by the hand. It has only possibilities. Detail, and endless possibilities that allow you to approach the game however you please."
"Yeah? Well seems like everyone I know decided that player-killing the new guy was the way you play the game."
Shino's fingers touched his shoulder. "Pity them, Haseo. Intimidation, PKing - Those people only isolate themselves from the most delightful element of this world."
"Yeah? What's that?"
The steam gunner scholar and the fairy princess shared another in-joke smile, and Shino ruffled Haseo's hair. "The company of others, you silly goose!"
Ovan's observations continued as they trekked deeper. "Have you noticed that the floor here is mud? Look back and you'll see the footprints we've left. Or see how your shadow grows and falls as you pass each beam of light - it used to be the only silhouette players cast was a round disc at their feet." Haseo had scooped a spiderweb onto his own fingers, and now marveled at the polygonal netting he could stretch and squeeze and mold like a glassblowing artisan.
"This is insane," he whispered. How much code existed simply to track all the possible permutions of this web? What kind of CC-Corp supercomputers kept this fragile, variable-infested world from collapsing on itself? His head spun! "How do the system administrators keep this thing running?"
Ovan and Shino jerk-stopped, and the scholar's mouth parted into a thrilled grin. "That," he smiled, "is a question well worth some consideration. Another time, though. For now, we've achieved our destination."
The party rounded one final corner and light dawned over the crypt. They'd crossed a threshold into an unspoiled corridor of stone and sand, the earlier erosion warded off by the guardian masks and demon heads carved into the hallowed walls. Haseo squinted towards the light source - a sparkle of gold! The treasure room!
"There, you see," remarked Ovan, "the insurmountable distance has been traversed in spite of the grumbling of our flawed mental perceptions."
Haseo groaned. "In Japanese?"
"That wasn't so bad now, was it?"
Haseo crossed his arms and snorted, prepared to admit any fact but that.
Looking ahead, Haseo could make out a raised altar, and a round pedestal like an oil drum holding the shimmering treasure. "And no monsters? Too easy," he laughed, taking the lead once more. A snap of compressed air, and Haseo's screen flashed red. Wha' the? A blowdart had caught his right leg; his displays blinked a warning for poison! Drawing daggers, Haseo spun around for his attacker. Another rush of air flew by, and another dart struck his character, forcing him to move again, but every jump he took from the line of fire only added another needle into his skin!
"SUVI LEI!" Merciful Shino tapped her staff into the ground, ending Haseo's rapidfire acupuncture treatment with a paralysis spell. "What a silly time to be dancing," she giggled.
"Uh, little help before the monster gets me?"
"Monster?" Shino mock-gasped. "Dear me, Ovan, I can't see any monsters at all! Where could they be?" The steam gunner played along and shrugged, and while Shino squinted and peered around, Haseo clued in.
"Okay, okay, okay - I get it. It's a dungeon trap." Now that he looked, the many masks carved over the walls were riddled with firing tubes. "Yeesh." He checked the ground, noting the darker stone tiles interchanged with a lighter variety of which her currently stood upon. "The black squares fire the darts. Is that it?" Neither guildmaster spoke, but they smiled proudly. A complementary healing allowed Haseo to move on with carefully chosen steps. Ovan and Shino followed as far as the altar, leaving Haseo to ascend its stairs and retrieve the most sacred idol.
Haseo paused. "Wait. This can't be the treasure!"
Shino took a look at the pedistal and gasped. "Ovan, look!" The scholar was equally breathless. "I see it, Shino; the rumors were true! It does exist in this version!" She was melting and he was gushing poetry. "It's magnificent!" "It's splendid!" Haseo's face just drooped like mush. "A sight for sore eyes," Ovan whispered.
Haseo shook his head and double-checked, but the sacred idol remained a gold-plated, pot-bellied hipppotamus with a cereal-bowl haircut. "A golden grunty," Ovan beamed. "Isn't it wonderful?"
"It's the ugliest thing I've ever seen!" Haseo retched. "My God, my skin is going to melt off if I look at this any longer!"
"Don't worry," Shino informed him. "That only happens in the Hidden, Nazi, Island field on the Sigma server."
"And what's with this pile of sand here?"
"It's a mini-game," Shino explained. "You have to guess the treasure's weight, and replace it with an equal amount of sand. There's a bag over there on the floor."
It sounded stupid. "And what if I guess wrong?"
Shino and Ovan exchanged glances. "Don't."
Now a trifle creeped, Haseo decided that cynicism would be a poor guide with which to solve this puzzle. He thought back to science class. Gold was a light metal, right? He filled the bag halfway. Buut, then again, hippos were fat, weren't they? He added another third. On second thought, it looked like a baby. Babies didn't weigh much. He tossed out a handful. Come to think of it, shouldn't he add a little extra? It was ugly. Looking at the mirror every morning into those pudgy, anime eyes, and that balloon belly jiggling around your toes was bound to make you sob and eat ice cream on the couch all day.
In the end, Haseo had trouble closing the drawstrings. Now came the coup de grace. Licking his lips, crouching low to the pedistal, reaching his fingers ever so close to the prize, Haseo swapped grunty for sand. Perfect! You couldn't have flicked a lightswitch any faster. "Hey, I got it!" It needed two hands to carry, but the statue wasn't too heavy. "Ovan, Shino, I - " Turning around he saw two faces raised with concern. "Haseo . . ."
Stones were scraping together at his back. Very reluctantly, Haseo turned around, offering a little-too-late 'oops' while the stone pedistal sank like a button under its newfound weight, stopping with a locking click.
The entire temple trembled; dust and pebbles shook the air. Ovan muttered to himself, but dutifully reloaded his shotgun. Shino gripped her Harvest's wand in both hands like a bowstaff, scanning for the attack. Haseo, very much in need of a comfort doll, squeezed the golden grunty to his chest.
"And now we run," Ovan sighed. A rock landing next to Haseo's foot made for a nice starting whistle. The multi-weapon bolted past his party members into the hall of masks, shooting himself full of darts in his mindless escape.
Ovan and Shino obeyed a different instinct, pressing their backs together and sidestepping through the firing squad with matched steps. Shino twirled and juked her staff like a lightsaber, catching and ricocheting every poison needle fired her way, while Ovan's rapidfire shots blasted each blowdart in midair. Behind them, the altar splintered and cracked like delicate ice, collapsing into abyss. Brick by brick the temple crumbled, hot in pursuit.
Up ahead, Haseo busied himself in another hopping dance, trying to dodge all the falling rocks while pulling the poisoned porcupine quills from his butt. "This is all your fault, you bulemic little jerkwad," and he throttled the golden grunty. He wanted to throw it away except it made such a convenient safety helmet. Dust blasted his vision, but he could make out the halos of light Ovan forbid him to enter. He ran across each one anyhow, screaming as rows of spikes exploded from the walls, floors and ceiling, forcing him into improvised contortions, ducks and bunny hops. "Haseo!" shouted Shino, "Wait for us, Haseo!"
Far back, but gaining ground, Shino slipped around the barricades Haseo had released, while Ovan had to blast through the each row of spiked prison bars to admit his left pillar of an arm. The darkness nipping their heels paused for no obstacle. "Go on ahead," Ovan said to Shino, silencing her protests. "Before he sets off any more traps and kills himself!"
Further up, solo Haseo barreled ahead: tangled in cobwebs, stuck full of darts and mindless of all the rigged floor panels he mashed underfoot. He tripped, and the wire snagged by his ankle drove splinters through the dry earth. The ground past his knees fell in a wave, and Haseo wobbled at the pit's edge, dribbling unlucky pebbles into the deep he would quickly join.
Shino caught his shoulders and yanked him into her chest. "Are you all right?"
Heavenly. . . But Haseo could see no bottom to the gap he'd created. "How do we get across, that's gotta be ten meters!" Shino assessed the trap: the pit left them a small patch of land before a stone archway, slowly shrinking as a slab of granite rumbled for the floor. Dropping Haseo, she took a running start and leapt. For a frozen moment, the black wings across her back buzzed with hummingbird speed, and Haseo stared stupidly, never more convinced he'd found an angel.
Shino landed in a roll and threw herself into the archway, pushing back at the lowering door. "Haseo, jump! I can't . . ." Her arms strained, and actually held off the doom, but her petite Harvest frame couldn't brace such a load for long.
Haseo peered into the bottomless deep. Everything he saw, The World projected in first-person. What roller coaster horrors would rush his brain if he missed? "I . . ." The controller fell from his shaking palms. "I can't . . ."
Armored footthuds crashed at his back. "Haseo! Move!" He paled. The voice was Ovan's, but the sight made Haseo's eyes water: The panting gunman charged a few paces, stumbled; stabbed his casket-bound arm into the soil like a crutch while he caught his breath. Sweat dripped down his chin and breath wheezed out his throat. Meeting terrified eyes, the old man willed his character to move, rushing with right shoulder forward while his dead left arm dug a trench through the ground. He was going to try and jump but - oh, what ungodly mirror had twisted such a dark reflection? - the invincible guildmaster was /limping/: crash-drag, crash-dragging himself through the dirt like a wounded beast. And with a paralyzed multi-weapon in his path, the ruined scholar had to stop entirely.
"Ovan . . ."
"Haseo! Jump!"
He hid his face. "It's too far! I can't do it!"
Shino dropped to her knees, the stone half-down. "Hurry . . ."
"I'm sorry," Haseo whimpered. "I'm -"
The devouring maw was gaining. Ovan cursed. "No time." Snatching Haseo by the collar with his one functional arm, Ovan spun like a discus athlete and chucked the boy over the gap and into the dirt.
"Crawl through . . . Haseo." Shino's stomach pressed into her knees. "Hold it . . . from the other side." He squeezed through the gap like a worm but couldn't wrap his mind around further orders. Oh God, he'd just killed Ovan - the man couldn't run; how could he jump across!?
Shino and Ovan looked to each other - crumbling ground at his back; falling doors at hers; a chasm in between, and hysteric smiles over their sweaty faces. "Just like the old times," she called. "Remember that Carmina Gadelica field?"
He cracked a grin. "Abysmal, Hopeless, Nothingness. Angle jump?" "Angle jump," she confirmed.
They sprinted for each other, making diagonal runs at the dungeon walls. They leapt, and kicked their heels off the wall to spring for each other over the pit. Ovan reached out his hand, Shino grabbed his wrist, and with another humming tremble from her wings she flung the gunner over the pit with a discus toss of her own. He didn't stop once - Ovan hit the ground, rolled through the archway like a log, and jammed his casket into the remaining gap. The hollow iron whined and contorted under the press. "Help me up," he ordered Haseo, and once his feet could dig into the ground and his hand could grip his impromptu wedge, Ovan bellowed and pried the stone up and away.
Shino rolled through with fairy nimbleness. Ovan let the door fall with a final thud. All three of them collapsed and panted there a moment while their stamina bars refilled. "Is . . . is that . . . all?" Haseo panted.
An earthquake more violent and brutal than anything before answered on behalf of the giant stone boulder rolling towards the party. Haseo screamed and hid. Ovan stood up. Shino stood with him. A sphere of light was expanding from his gun barrel, a wave of energy was rolling down her staff. They braced, aimed and loosed the spiraling charge shots into the coming doom.
Haseo's controller twitched for every pebble that plinked over his avatar, but Ovan spared them the worst of the debris - Haseo guarded at his feet, Shino huddled to his chest, his crippled left arm presented as a shield to the onslaught.
"You guys've played this game for a while, haven't you?"
"A while," Ovan answered, offering nothing definite - the standard Twilight Brigade answer. Traversing the top level of the dungeon once more, the awaiting sunlight spread a jolly gleam over the guildmaster's glasses. The sudden light only added to Haseo's dizzy spell and his character wobbled.
"Yeah, but you've got this game all mapped out - all those fancy glitch jumps and special attacks!"
"You'll learn those for yourself, one day," Ovan smiled. "Every day sees you growing stronger, Haseo."
"Whatever," he shrugged, playing it cool while he stole another glance at Ovan's mangled left arm. Their tattered costumes had sown together under Shino's healing spells, but the casket retained its dents and gouges from the escape. A familiar chant rose in his ear - hacked, hacked, hacked - but why on earth would Ovan modify his character to carry such a burden? His run stamina bled dry in seconds, his jump distance halved from weight, and his one-handed carrying capacity automatically barred him from the truly powerful, two-handed weaponry. The man made a good show of hiding his limp at walking speed, but after seeing Ovan force himself through the dungeon, Haseo could pick it up: that slow response from his left leg while it gathered the strength to propel a useless metal coffin. The scholar was a cripple.
Shino interrupted his thoughts. "I was saying: what will you do with the treasure, Haseo?"
"Huh?" Hard to concentrate. All that dungeon crawling had left his eyes bleary and his head spinning. But miracle of miracles, after all that mindless running and jumping he still held the rare and hideous golden grunty to his chest like a plush doll. "I dunno. Why don't you keep it? Here."
"Oh, Haseo, I couldn't," she said, forcing the gift away.
"Take it," he insisted; bold and senseless in his vertigo, he added, "you can turn it into a prince."
"Eh?" Dark and inward Haseo slapped himself, compounding his headache.
"I mean, since it's so ugly and all it's uh, like a frog." She still wasn't getting it. "The frog prince?" Nope. "You know, the princess, she took the frog and changed him into a prince with a ... a k-" He couldn't force out the forbidden word, so he just shoved the idol into her hands. "Look, it's ugly and you like it more than I do. Keep it!"
Shino gave another of her mischievous smiles. "All right, Haseo. You know, I think I'll set it up at our guild hall. That way we can look at him all the time."
Haseo twitched. "Give it back."
"Finders keepers," she sing-songed, and Haseo had to give up. His male mind had been fantasizing of a thank-you hug, but her smile would have to do.
"Hey, I just thought of something," Haseo added as they stepped into the jungle, "don't these bigger dungeons usually have a boss monster at the end?" He made a quick double-take. "Whoa, did we switch fields or something?"
The many branching jungle paths had compressed themselves into a circular arena in their absence. The dungeon entrance slammed shut at their backs; a ring of trees barred escape to the Chaos Gate, and a towering, hooded skyscraper of a cobra reared its coiled neck into the air for battle.
"Snakes," Haseo groaned. "It had to be snakes."
Crippled Ovan locked his rifle into rapid fire and rattled off a scattershot of explosives around the serpent's head. "Level 80!" At that strength, even Ovan's attacks would be down to frustrating chip shots! The cobra snorted off this first round like a cloud of nuissant mosquitos and responded by throwing its tail down like a guillotine.
The party dodged, but when the dust settled, Haseo found himself alone, with a massive scale wall blocking him from Ovan and Shino. The gunner and the Harvest were peppering the slithering titan with shots and spells, but the boss cobra ignored the insect stings, much preferring the black, multi-weapon morsel in its tendrils. Haseo squeaked, weaving left and right, but the monster pursued with an auto-lock, snapping at him, and squeezing the boy's heart with the worst terrors a 3D, first-perspective virtual reality could scare up.
A close lunge threw Haseo against the arena walls. Pinned! The cobra raised its head for a final strike, and Haseo could see the poison dribbling from its mammoth-tusk fangs. His heart drummed through his ears, summoning the dizzy spells with a vengeange. The last he remembered was raising his daggers - useless, little level 20 daggers against the reptile horror speeding for his face like a piston.
Then it all went black.
When he awoke, Haseo was a perspiring mush slumped back in his bedroom chair; once he readjusted the Face-Mounted Display goggles, his character was staring into the green jungle canopy. Shino was bent over and checking his connection. "Haseo?"
"... yeah?" He sat up, a great relief to her.
Ovan stood at a distance, face tight and neutral behind orange glasses. A reptilian skull and its trailing column of spine dwarfed even the tall guildmaster. "Hey, you guys got it," Haseo exclaimed.
Now the smile on Shino's face dimmed. She wrung her hands, seeking for words to speak, but Ovan pinned his good hand over her shoulder and spared the trouble. "You got it, Haseo."
"You scored a critical hit," Ovan explained quickly. "Well done."
"How do you feel, Haseo? Are you hurt? Bleeding?"
Huh? Yeah, he'd fainted, or something, but what made Shino jump to that conclusion? For all they knew, his PC wipe-out could have been him leaving for the bathroom. "Fine ... I guess." Actually, his headache had cleared up - he felt like a hundred million yen! And he'd grown - level 25 in one steroid-boosted shot! New items appeared in his inventory: Poison Fang Daggers - spoils of victory, apparently. "Yeah, I'm perfect!"
Ovan nodded. "I think we've done enough adventuring for today. Haseo, you should log out. There's school tomorrow, isn't there?"
When they returned to Mac Anu, the root town had shifted to evening ambiance: moonlight, and the faint glow of stars over the desert city. Which was strange, considering it was five o'clock and sunny outside Haseo's room. Don't these servers follow Japan time? "And where is everybody?" body, body body. Haseo's exclamation echoed down the street. Sure, one or two players wove around drunkenly and knocked into walls, but the hub city was otherwise deserted!
"There must be a special event on the Omega server," Ovan offered quickly. "You should go now," Shino urged.
"Hey, I'm good for another run!"
Ovan clapped his back, a rare gesture of acceptance. "Part of becoming stronger is knowing how to pace yourself, Haseo."
"Go on," Shino smiled. "We'll organize activities for tomorrow and contact you."
"Well ... all right." The guildmasters even escorted him to the Chaos Gate - that was new. Twilight Brigade meetings usually ended with everyone scattering, not clinging at one another's shoulders like a security detachment.
"Hey, Ovan," Haseo asked, "Is your ... you know, okay?" Gating back to root towns automatically healed all battle damage, but that left arm was still crumpled like a soda can. Haseo could hear a steady lub, lub, lub beat against hollow drum, like drops of oil (/or blood?/ he freaked.)
"Hmm?" The scholar had been busy scanning the empty streets. "Oh, that. No worries." Shino's eyes were also darting quickly.
"You sure?" Haseo checked. The oil drops were increasing in tempo, coming in heartbeat pairs now. lub-dub, lub-dub, lub-dub.
"Positive," Ovan affirmed.
lubdub lubdub lubdub BANG! The giant padlock shivered in its hinge like teeth. Ovan slapped his hand over it. "Until tomorrow, Haseo." The multi-weapon gave one final odd look before finally conceding. "Umm. Okay... See ya." A sphere of blue energy began to dissolve and collect his avatar.
Ovan nodded farewell. Shino waved to him. "Goodnight, Haseo!"
The moment Haseo disappeared, the guildmasters cut their smiles, turning and walking off at a hurried pace.
"You're fine?" Shino confirmed.
"The code's degraded slightly. Nothing I can't edit at home. I'll be fine." The pulses had died off, but Ovan hadn't removed his hand from the lock since. He had to repeat himself to convince her. "I'll be fine."
Critical eyes surveyed the ghost town. Theirs were the only footclops down the cobblestone paths.
"Back in the boss arena, did Haseo awaken?"
Ovan grunted negative. "No, not fully - but he was able to access its power momentarily." It was almost unbelievable! "They boy's only played several weeks; he can barely defend himself, but he's already mastered this ... this reflex control."
"He fainted back there," Shino reminded him.
"It was a stressful moment," Ovan rebutted. "Look at how long he's suppressed it until now. I can't even -" The scholar trailed off.
"Go on, finish your thought."
Off-line, Ovan's hair prickled, hit by a cold aura. In The World, a digital breeze flapped the sleeves of his scarf and ruffled Shino's hair - the only perceptible aftershock rippling out from a meteor impact of massive data. "She's here," he whispered. "Keep walking."
The scholar and the sprite continued silently up the empty streets, halting for the cross-armed shadow stretching into their path. "How predictable," sneered the voice at the silhouette's origin. "You know, when children break something valuable, they have the intelligence to at least run away and play innocent. But you two," she tssked, "always admiring your handiwork."
The stranger waltzed into the light, (chest first): a luscious, long-legged character that held herself stern and serious, unfazed by her gorgeously naked body. A red bikini, straining at the seams to contain her mass, was all the clothing her bare body wore; otherwise, she accessorized in a mess of conflicting fetish gear like an athlete stamped with multiple logos for product endorsement. Bubblegum pink pigtails accounted for the Lolita demographic, while her legs were strapped tight with leather bondage belts. Her tiny nose balanced a coy librarian's spectacles; her hands, a Playboy bunny's white gloves. Snaking down her neck was an office lady's collar and necktie, very much in danger of being swallowed down the bottomless abyss that was her cleavage.
These encounters always brought such conflict - to respect the authority of her office, and the seriousness of her face, or to break into fits of giggles over this little girl who'd doused herself with mommy's perfume and pearls, smeared on clownish lipstick and declared herself 'pretty'.
"Administrator Pai!" and the smile on Ovan's face worked hard to remain serious, "what a surprise to find you in this district, considering the lack of red lights."
Shino was quick to step in. "Ovan," she scolded with a grin, "We should address Administrative Assistant Pai by her proper title. It wouldn't do to name the peon above her station and tease her ego; why, her head's sure to swell up with hot air!"
"No chance of that," Ovan returned. "There's a blockage at her chest."
The player named Pai kept her face rock-steady, but her eyes snuck a confused glance down at her torso (or perhaps she was hoping to look at her toes - both attempts would have yielded the same sight), then screwed her face into a taskmaster's sneer. "We could delete your accounts on whim. Count your blessings System Administration is still willing to talk matters over."
"Of course," Shino nodded, curtseying with mock respect. "To what do we owe the company of Yata's errand girl?"
"If you've come seeking another fight, I am always ready to indulge your masochism," Ovan added, giving his trusty left arm a pat.
Pai snorted and spoke down her nose. "You play such convincing fools. Four-thousand players booted off Japan's Delta server? An entire root town emptied? Really, Ovan - did you think you'd get away unnoticed?"
For one brief moment the guildmasters were left stupid and speechless. They'd been found out. Shino swam in distress - their accounts would be suspended, their guild decommissioned; Haseo imprisoned for testing; oh Haseo!
Ovan's hand brushed her own, drawing her panic to his eyes: focused, collected, masked. Be steady, they whispered, while turning to confrontation. "A weighty accusation, Administrative Assistant. Are you confident I'm to blame?"
Pai narrowed her eyes. "Who else fits the bill? Lord Yata has been highly patient with you and your guild, but don't think he'll tolerate another incident like this!"
"Hmph." A non-committal grunt was Ovan's only response, but at his side, Shino could see the smile he worked hard to suppress, the smile that eased her beating heart. /Haseo/, had he tapped into such vast power so easily, and left sysadmin none the wiser? The smile on Ovan's face was a proud, fatherly grin.
"You have my most sincerest apologies, Administrative Assistant." Now, they had only role-play, and Ovan to present the part of the unrepentant anarchist. The final, missing member of their party would remain hidden. "As you undoubtably know," he droned on, "the Twilight Brigade has only the greater good of the system in its intentions. But perhaps I have been ... overzealous with my personal capabilities. Today's incident will not be repeated."
A self-satisfied nod. "Lord Yata will be pleased to hear of your promised docility, guildmaster."
She made it all too easy to snatch and twist her language. "Lord Yata?" Ovan repeated mockingly. "My, such deference! Tell me," and the scholar took a challenging step forward, "is the puppet master watching us right now? Is the tyrant breathing over your shoulder this instant to keep you in line? Or has his lapdog finally learned to fetch and beg?"
Pai's wrath was swift. "You shut your - "
"It must be so frustrating -" Shino interrupted, "- a woman of your potential, suffering and sniveling under such a taskmaster."
Ovan agreed. "There's no reason to prolonge such misery, Pai. When you choose to resign, there is a home awaiting you with the Twilight Brigade."
The sex-goddess had never heard a more ridiculous joke. "Join the Brigade? Join the crippled schoolmaster and his class of misfits!?" A nasty glimmer twinkled over her secretary lenses; Pai swept her arms open - and Ovan had to grab Shino by the arm to steady her against the hurricane winds unleashed. Streetlamps popped, windows twitched into spiderwebs, and Pai's shadow crawled up the cobblestones for the guildmasters, her pigtails bobbing with the rhythmic flap of wings.
"Join you!?" Pai laughed. "Why, pray tell, would I give up all this delicious power?"
A gleam of madness ruled her eyes, but the woman's next move was interrupted by a mail delivery chime. Pai woke as from a trance - eyes darting back and forth, startled and trying to assess time lost to a blackout. Her pupils then scanned up and down, reading otherworldly columns of text.
"Ah," Shino smiled, eager to prove undaunted, "That must be your master, calling you home with flash mail."
Ovan scoffed. "Flash mail? When Yata wants his lackey's attention he uses Crash mail."
Shino played along. "Crash mail?"
"He throws his coffee cup at her."
Pai snapped. "It was only styrofoam!" She woke again, blushed and slapped her mouth shut. Had she really ... She managed another recovery, and with a freshly renewed scowl, warned them: "We're watching you, Ovan. Don't think there won't be consequences!"
Role-play returned, Shino thought. Pai's hand clutched her chest as if holding in a wound, while her knees shook from even that minimal burst of power.
Against the breathy outrage, Ovan remained the ideal gentleman, bowing his head and teasing her with civility. "Of course, Administrative Assistant. Please, don't let us keep you - you have coffee to purchase, and donuts to deliver. Run along, then."
Cursing defeat, Pai left them with a one-fingered gesture and gated out. "I pity her, sometimes," Shino commented.
"She's a sys-admin hitwoman, payed to harass players," Ovan snorted. "So don't."
To next topic, then. "Is he here?"
"Oh yes," Ovan grumbled. "After her little show-off, thankfully. Come on out, Haseo!"
Across the street, a mop of white hair bobbed up from behind a wayward barrel. "But how'd you -?"
"The town is deserted, so it's no trouble to hear your footsteps against the cobblestones. And from where you were hiding, the streetlamps cast your shadow rather far, don't they?"
Haseo consulted the black taffy stretching from his feet, both surprised and ashamed at its obvious length. "Ovan, I - "
"- should be paying closer attention to your surroundings the next time you try to spy on someone! Log off, Haseo. Now." He was rightly furious, Shino thought. Today's talks on shadows, footprints, and nuances had obviously gone to waste. Worse, one stupid blunder and Yata would have known everything...
Haseo's mouth quivered, his eyes pleaded for her to intercede. Shino looked away. The boy hung his head. "... right."
Ovan watched their protegee slump away - a miserable, shriveling shadow. He did not call out until the teen neared a corner. "Haseo!" The boy spun; a hopeful, puppy-dog look in his eyes.
"The instruction manual is manna from Heaven," Ovan smiled. "Take it in - read the section on stealth action if you want to catch me off guard."
His face lifted like a sun; Shino couldn't help but smile herself, drawing on Haseo's rekindled hopes. The multi-weapon bobbed his head, and ducked the corner with an energized run.
After all that strain, Ovan was looking forward to logging off as well. "Goodnight," he nodded, which set Shino off with a mischievous smile. "Don't speak too soon," she winked.
The scholar lifted an intrigued eyebrow, but she left him hanging, offering a little flutter of fingers before dissolving off-line.
Crouched up on his bed under the lampglow from his headboard: at any other time, Haseo Kiyoshi would have been catching up on his neglected studies with some last-minute textbook cramming. Tonight, his choice of ignored literature was a thin, stapled booklet that might have slid into his pocket. The World R:2. Instruction Manual.
R:2. Right, something had gone screwy with Ovan's much-hailed 'older version'. CC-Corp headquarters had burned down after an electrical fire - that much he'd skimmed off newspaper headlines.
Haseo flipped through, looking for interesting pictures (maybe Shino's character model was in here?), and finally settled for reading cover-to-cover. The fine print inside caught his interest with it's bolded lettering.
Some small number of people - already physically predisposed to epileptic seizures - are known to have experienced dizziness, blurred vision, disorientation, eye or muscle twitches, involuntary movement or convulsion andlossofconsciousnesswhile playing interactive games similar to, but not including "The World R:2". The skilled and highly-experienced legal team of CC-Corporation advises that if you or anyone in your family has ever had symptoms related to epilepsy when exposed to flashing lights, consult your doctor prior to using any interactive game.
Thank you, and enjoy your stay in "The World" - a dazzling, twilight fantasy of no legally-proven health detriments!
He was squinting over the tinier fonts when an angry thrust slammed his bedroom door into the wall. Haseo jumped and shoved the manual under his pillow. "Um ..."
His mother just looked down on him from the doorway; he must have appeared like a toad, hunched over in the dim light. "I was just ..." but his math textbooks were on the other side of the room. He couldn't even give her a good lie. He shriveled, and braced for the lecture on 'making good use of your time'.
She just stepped through his private space, up to the bed and removed the booklet. The World R:2. Her eyes dropped from the manual to her son, and Haseo almost wished she would hide her eyes behind glasses - miserable eyes, weary with life and this bundle of disappointments. He pulled up his sheets, feeling naked under her cold, expecting stare.
"Just go to sleep," she whispered with the last of her strength. "It's the one intelligent thing you could do with your life." She slammed the door on her way out.
Even with the lights off it wasn't dark enough; Haseo smothered his face into the pillow and pulled the bedsheets over his head, shutting himself in his cocoon. It took ten minutes to release all his muffled tears into the fabric. stupid jerk can't tell me what to do! now Ovan's gonna be pissed! hateher! Ihateher! Ihateher!
She wasn't like that. His black thoughts cleared a little, and his sniffles held while he reflected on that reservoir of patience, grace, kindness. She had a smile for everyone, but she smiles at me differently, doesn't she? He was sure of it. God, he'd said such stupid things in front of her ... but she toughed it out, right? He wiped his eyes clean, comforted with this conclusion: /Shino smiled at me/. The thought alone made him lift his lips.
He fell asleep with an ache in his chest, and a lonesome dream in his heart. A white angel in the darkness.
A few final keystrokes logged Ovan out of The World. To onlookers, a sphere of fairy's dust wrapped over the scholar and removed him from existance. To his player, the globe was a shuttle, fired like a bullet through a high-speed tunnel of glowing rings. The velocity pressed at his avatar, red-hot with friction like a spacecraft plummeting for earth; cracks and splinters spread over his clothing until the tugging g-forces stripped the shell away in tiny scales.
His vest and scarf shattered from above cheap jeans and a flannel shirt. His blue hair charred to black, but lost none of it's disorder while it grew past his neck. The orange headlamps over his eyes melted down and spread into a bulky VR headset strapped over his face and ears. The iron casket was the last to disappear, and it did not burn away: the cylinder shrunk, and bent at the middle to produce an elbow; fingers and a palm bulged out the tip, while the metal melted and squeezed to fit his bone structure like tightly wound bandages. The silver fluid slithered into his pores.
The shuttle stopped roughly - but not painfully - dropping him in a cushioned chair before a busy computer terminal. Hands peeled off the game controller to pry the sweaty FMD from his face. His fingers groped the desk blindly for a moment, then fished up his glasses, his real glasses - boring, black and square rimmed. Hardly anything intimidating or fascinating.
Ovan had hung up his costume; now he was just Hideki - plain and tall, another oyster on a seabed of computer techs. He sighed a little, having to give up thrills for an ordinary adventure. This apartment was his guild hall, and it had a marvelous view of the city; it held his library, and the freshwater blast of open air through the windows. Mmm...
Best of all, this world didn't hurt. As was his routine, Hideki stretched and flexed every joint in his left arm, massaging out the leftover pins and needles. He moved a little faster this time - there was work to be done.
In about an hour, his apartment's cleanliness was polarized: pots and pans and spilled spices cluttering his kitchenette; pasta and French bread arranged with meticulate neatness on the tablecloth. Dinner for Two was his portrait, and the final brushstroke it required was a touch of candlelight. He was swiping through his matchbook when a knock startled him, and made him burn his fingers. His gangly legs covered the distance to the front door like a stilt walker. Height was a trait Hideki enjoyed under all his aliases.
His visitor was tiny against her suitcase - its wheels had broke, and hefting the load in her arms had left the woman panting under her business suit.
She was so small; stunted perhaps, as if her body had to conserve its height, its weight, even the colour in her skin to hold together. Blue veins trailed up her thin wrists, and her hair curled in messy little twists. At the same time, she had an energy in her smile, a tiny sun bundled up and concentrated in her blush: an embraceable, heavenly blaze.
"Forgive me," she puffed, breathless with excitement. "Have I kept you waiting?"
Hideki waved off her apology with a smile. "Yes, but just a little bit." Without another thought he scooped her into his arms and spun her over the threshold; she giggled while her heels flew off her feet; they twirled in their celebration dance until his head bonked the light fixture.
"OW!" "Whoa," "Ow, ow -" "You all right?" "ah, yeah -" "not bleeding?" "I'm good" "you sure?" She bent his head down to check the tender spot.
"I'll be fine," he winced. And he smiled. "I have you, don't I?"
"Oh you!" That earned him a nuzzle.
"Welcome home, Ms. Nanao."
He bent to touch her mouth with a kiss, and she pulled him in tight, and squeezed their matching hands: fingers intertwined with bands of gold.


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The mission of the Living Laboratory program is to have each and every student personally and actively engaged in thought provoking conservation minded lessons which also are aligned to the Sunshine State standards. Our learners develop an awareness of the land, our resources and our unique biodiversity. Although we cover the state mandated benchmarks we do so with hands-on interactive activities that promote field investigation and personal conscious ethical thoughts and discussions. We are developing environmentally conscious learners!
Your donation to the Garden's education program will help us fulfill our mission. Donate here.
2013 - 2014 Events & Program Dates
|October 26
|Screaming Green Halloween 10am-2pm
|November 16
|Middle School Service Learning Day 9am-12:30pm
|January 25
|Regional Middle School Science Fair
|February 15 & 16
|Garden Fest
|February 1
|High School Service Learning Day
|April 5
|Migration Mania! The Great Egg Hunt and Wild Bird Show! This family-friendly educational event creates awareness and appreciation for the birds that visit our Garden. Join us for educational activities, egg hunts, arts and crafts, games, live bird presentations, and much more. $5 admission, members free
Education In The News
- Garden Companion Student Volunteer Leaders Recognized (5/20/2014)
- Education Program Receives Dogwood Foundation Grant (6/18/2013)
- Education Program Receives Every Day Events Grant (6/18/2013)
- "Go Green!" Science Fair Recognized as an Integral Component of Youth Leadership Month (5/21/2013)
- Waste Management Sponsors "Go Green" Science Fair (1/29/2013)
- Garden Education Department Receives Dogwood Grant (12/14/2012)
- Garden Education Department Makes Science Come Alive (10/3/2012)
- Garden Receives $149K Grant (11/3/2011)
- Go Green Science Fair (5/19/2011)
- Butterfly Bonanza featured in Citizen (5/1/2011)
- Keys Weekly Features Garden's Ed Dept (4/29/2011)
- Easter Egg Hunt in Conch Color (4/29/2011)
- Migration Mania Featured in Citizen (4/24/2011)
- Former Garden Intern Earns Award (2/20/2011)
- Join students for winter solstice party (12/21/2010)
UCF Intern Program: High School
In partnership with University of Central Florida, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden hosts two weeklong UCF Intern Programs, the first in December and the second in March. The program results in invaluable field study, documentation, identification, inventory records, presentations and promotional materials for the Key West Botanical Garden. More information to come!
The Living Labratory: K - 5
The Program is a collaborative effort of the Key West Botanical Garden and the Monroe County School District, which serves over 3000 children.
Our program actively involves students. Students become "scientists" and collect information to answer questions about the world around them.

subset: commoncrawl


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IRVING, Texas – One week away from leaving for training camp in Oxnard, Calif., and the timing couldn't be better since we've been blasted with 100-degree furnace-like days the past week.
So what better time than now to ask the question, because for some reason there seems to be a cloud of doubt hanging over this Dallas Cowboys team as it is about to embark on the start to the 2013 season, as if going 8-8 last season was an abject failure even though 18 of the NFL's 32 teams finished with no better record and another just a game better:
Is the current Cowboys personnel any worse than last year's, especially if we factor in by Week 17 the Cowboys starters included Dan Connor,
The reason I ask is this, if you allow me to become a tad anal this weekend: The Cowboys were 14 inches away from finishing 10-6 –
Makes you cringe all over again at just the thought, doesn't it?
But on the other hand, does that give you hope, even if taking into account all the ifs, ands or buts that generally can clean up a muddy scene?
So let's do this, since the offseason seems to be littered with lists and polls – I see where on NFL.com
RB Felix Jones, LB Dan Connor, DL Kenyon Coleman, DL Marcus Spears, S Gerald Sensabaugh, CB Mike Jenkins, OLB Victor Butler, NT
Of those 11, honestly, the only guy the Cowboys would have liked back (and could have afforded) is Brent, who for obvious reasons – impending legal and league sanctions – won't be playing this year. I mean, they have now cut four of those guys – Connor, Spears, Sensabaugh and Vickers – and made little to no effort to sign the others who were free agents.
As for the biggest losses of the bunch, I'd rank Jenkins and Brent one, two. And by the way, when it comes to Brent and everyone seemingly screaming for the Cowboys to release him since he supposedly has violated his bond by twice testing positive for THC, if that indeed is the case, then why in the world did Judge Robert Burns release him from jail this past Sunday morning if he's such a threat to society? (Hey, just asking.)
Now then, that's the exit list. Here is a list of the most prominent additions since the start of free agency: LB
Look, of the additions, chances are three will be Day 1 starters: Frederick, Allen and Durant, and as you can see from the list of guys who finished out the season injured, six of those were starters, and Scandrick, the nickel back, might as well be considered one. Oh, and don't forget
Now if you just have to worry, the Cowboys don't have a lot of experienced depth, unless of course for some reason guys like Durant, Allen,
Here are two other factors that must be considered when analyzing this team's possibilities: The change in defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and sidekick Rod Marinelli taking over for Rob Ryan, and Bill Callahan becoming the principle offensive play-caller. Better or worse? To me, better on defense for sure. And really, I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about the transition to the 4-3, at least not as much as is being routinely suggested. My guess is the Cowboys were in the 4-3 when playing their nickel defense versus multiple-receiver sets at least 40 percent of the snaps last year.
Here is another factor to consider if you want to put a smile on your face: This club has developed a very soulful, never-give-up personality over the two full years of Jason Garrett's reign, earning five fourth-quarter comeback wins last year and nine over the past two seasons. Remember, also wiping out that 23-0 deficit to the Giants last year, only to lose in the end by two fingertips.
And while everyone is quick to bash Romo for faltering late in the Washington game last year – OK, you're right, he's not perfect – don't forget it was Romo who got this club in position to at least falter, turning a 21-10 fourth-quarter deficit into a 21-18 deficit with 3:33 left to play thanks to a touchdown strike and a two-point conversion pass.
Also saw this stat thanks to Cold Hard Football Facts research: While the Cowboys are 9-10 over the past two seasons when presented with winning-drive opportunities, the Cowboys were either leading or tied in the fourth quarter in eight of the 10 losses, and that Romo's nine fourth-quarter comeback wins over the past two seasons rank second to only Eli Manning's 10.
But because he didn't earn the 10th, because the Cowboys didn't finish better than 8-8 a second consecutive season, because the Cowboys have failed to qualify for the playoffs the past three seasons, seems few want to realistically look at what the Cowboys really have going on.
That's OK, though. None of this offseason business filled with lists and projections and rankings that seems to have created this pervasive pessimism means a hoot. Only pay attention to what starts taking place a week from Sunday with a roster certainly no worse than what the Cowboys were playing with the final month of last season, and maybe even better.
Hey, and possibly good enough to make up those missing 14 inches.


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Dungeon Fighter Gunner FREE
50,000 - 100,000 downloads
- RPG and beat'em up genres merged
- Retro 2D graphics
- Upgrading system
- Lots of items and weaponry
- Dialogues over the top
- Interface should be enhanced
+ By NEXON Company
"Guns and dungeons"
Reviewed by Emmanuel Lund / Dec 28, 2012
Dungeon Fighter Gunner is a old-fashioned RPG dressed with classic beat'em up elements
Dungeon Fighter Gunner perfectly fits those who like the fighting-style of beat'em ups but don't like plotless games. The storyline of RPG and the action of classic beat'em up like Street of Rage are merged in this title.
Old-fashioned pixelated graphics, upgrading system, weaponry and equipment that can be crafted and sold, final bosses, quests and real-time fights. That's what you'll get in this game, that mixes swords and guns, classic and modern.
Lots of dialogues for storyline lovers and huge Empyrean and Citadel maps to explore, as well as unmapped dungeons. The only catch: dialogues are excessive from my own point of view. Interface should be enhanced: retro 2D graphics doesn't mean that cannot be enhanced. Worthy.
- This unique story is only available in Dungeon Fighter Gunner!
In the peace following Baron and Mari's escape from the evil Siroko, young Mila struggles with her own curse.
Although Kiri was overprotective of Mila because of Siroko's curse, Mila chose to travel with the mysterious Silin, a young man who fell from Empyrean.
- The story unfolds around Empyrean and the Citadel.
This is your chance to explore Empyrean and the Citadel, two high-level areas from DFO!
Test your skills against the brand new monsters that await you.
- Specialize your character with one of four Gunner subclasses!
Similar to DFO, the class advancement system allows you to specialize as a Ranger, Launcher, Mechanic, or Spitfire, and even learn the devastating Awakening skills of each!
Your character can grow just as powerful as those in Dungeon Fighter Online!
- New systems unique to Dungeon Fighter Gunner extends the game as long as you want.
The new Labyrinth system drops you into a spawling, unmapped dungeon to fight the unknown beasts within. Can you find the wily Thief Goblin and claim his incredible treasures? In addition, special Chaos Dungeons provide an all-new way to find rare items and equipment.
Some lists where this application appears: Reviewed by Emmanuel Lund, games.
Ithink while im obseving your games there a bad reports so pls fix them before i try to download thanks
Please make a priest version that would be great
The moving around is weird not fluid. And the combat is weird to. Not as good as the pc movement. Please fix them ill give 5*
Well, reason for 3 star is because the control kinda suck it hard to move up and down like that without switching from 1 arrow to another, but the game play is good but the control need to be one of them controls u see on other games that are like in Dead
I just beat Bakal not to long ago but it took a lot of tokens out of me it was still fun I am now working getting gear in ancient dungeons
Very good......
Im lvl 51 please can anyone tell me where to find terenite fragments? I want to move from launcher to demoloshenist


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Jrad, Pray for Death tour, 2005, Pittsburg
R.I.P. Jared Wenhold. He deserved a whole lot better. It felt really good to lay our differences to rest, to let go of the fact that we were both assholes for a while. It was really nice to him actually smiling and looking happy and relatively healthy the past couple of years. He looked good and I'm glad he had really started engaging with life again. Pray for Death was fun and I'm grateful that I got to have that experience with those guys, even if they drove me absolutely crazy sometimes, I still loved them and had the most fun. If you had to leave, at least it was under a blood moon. That's pretty fucking metal and dorky. Just like him. Gonna miss you bro.


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Are you intending to buy a portable satellite tv antenna? So, Which are the best ones in the market? To find out the answers, I have done a research and made a list of all the most recommended portable satellite tv antenna.
I highly recommend those portable satellite tv antenna below. They are attractive in looking, perfect in quality and also good in budget. Whatever you prefer, I am pretty sure there must be one fitting all your needs.
Just go ahead, scroll through this page and choose one you like.
Best Selling Portable Satellite TV Antenna
The Winegard Carryout Automatic antenna lets you enjoy satellite TV anytime, anyplace. Set up time is simple and easy – just plug it in and let it do the rest.
- "It will automatically find the satellites at 110, 119, and 129 locations." – Gary Faulkner
- "Very easy to set up and use." – C. Ginn
- "I am going to rewire the thing so I know I am getting a good connection." – James F. Gaasch
Dish Tailgater Automatic Portable HDTV Satellite SystemAnywhere Satellite TVVuQube's Dish Tailgater is an automatic portable satellite antenna with fully a integrated antenna and receiver software.
- "I then called Dish and they authorized the receiver and Viola!" – hansonz
- "The tailgater worked great and was easy to set up." – Jeffrey F. Hund
- "The second day when it didn't work we called Dish and eventually got referred to the King Controls tech support for Tailgater." – Informed Shopper
Winegard Sw-0012 Gable End Mount
- "Still a solid well made product.." – Dizzymanfallingdown
- "The installation was simple." – unskilled
- "It is very, VERY sturdy." – M. Larsen
Get everything DIRECTV has to offer with the Winegard TRAV'LER Slimline. This fully automatic, one button on/off roof mounted satellite TV antenna receives programming from all 5 DIRECTV satellites at the same time for maximum HD and standard DIRECTV coverage.
- "Easy installation on my motor home." – Bruce
- "It works perfectly when you have a clear view of the southern sky." – Regular Amazon User
- "Since he was located 50 miles away I called Winegard Trav'ler customer service and can report they are outstanding the best I have ever delt with." – Golfrichv
This is the SWM SL3S Kit. It converts your Slimline non (SWM) Dish to the New (SWM) Dish Technology from DIRECTV. This Kit is designed with an integrated single wire multiswitch (SWM) which allows you to have multiple satellites feeds at Once.
- "This dish is pretty easy to install." – Jerome F. Harden
- "I have two major complaints that have made me an unhappy customer: 1) Your description of the dish indicate that it has "SWM" capability (known as "Swim" compatible)." – Kenneth M. Pallante
- "Advice: If you purchase this item go online and view all the installation videos for these SWM dishes you can find so you will hopefully get all the specifics." – BillDen
Sylvania DSA-20MA, Direct TV multi satellite dish with HDTV and MUL
- "I used my exiting pole and installation was easy and works great." – Dianna F. Mcclung
- "This is a older dish, and will not pickup HD signal for DirecTV DO NOT BUY IT!!" – Matthew A. Davis
- "Good all around, built in bubble level so you know the mast is positioned perfectly." – Matthew DeGlopper
Winegard Carryout Portable Antenna is an economical, portable antenna that weighs only 11 pounds and only requires one time assembly. The feed arm detaches and stores on the back of the dish when not in use.
Directv WNC 18.1″ x 20.4″ Galvanized Steel Dish with triple lnb head; includes supprt arms and all mounting hardware.
In-motion portable satellite antenna with auto-signal-find.
Suggestions of the Best portable satellite tv antenna
Do you have any portable satellite tv antenna suggestions that you think portable satellite tv antenna would love or any feedback on the suggestions in this page? Please feel free to add a comment below.


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+1 and thank you. I'm so tired of the "Apple's not in it for market share" response. Apple may not be in it for every iota of market share, but they damn well better be in it for a stable piece of the market, at a minimum -- or their profits (and piggy bank) will eventually go bye-bye.
8/30/11 at 4:22pm


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Fall Update!
While some may be enjoying the slower pace fall br
While some may be enjoying the slower pace fall br
With the seasons changing, we are naturally taking
After some technical difficulties, we are back up
Whether you are using one of our sample floor plan
The program is called TIMBER KINGS and every week you'll get to see how our Pioneer crafstmen build a different log home or log cabin from raw logs to a completed structure. Each episode features the artistry, craftsmanship and fearlessness of the Pioneer team, and also a little behind-the-scenes construction drama. Read more….
You've Found the Finest Cedar Log Homes on Earth. A handcrafted log home from Pioneer Log Homes of British Columbia is not only a unique option for homebuyers; it also offers a rustic appeal and superior craftsmanship.
Pioneer Log Homes of BC employes architectural experts who definitely will exceed all of your expectations. We craft world-class log homes and timber frame structures that are technically flawless and aesthetically pleasing. We build our luxury log homes with one of nature's most majestic trees: the Western Red Cedar.
At Pioneer, our high quality log homes are renowned for having large character logs and unmatched joinery. Additionally, we have an impressive log inventory to ensure we will always be able to provide the type of log needed to fit the specifications of your custom home.
With more than 40 years of experience, Pioneer Log Homes is able to provide the proficiency needed to build dream homes for our customers. We can even create cedar logs with beautiful woodcarvings symbolizing the beauty of Mother Nature, and outfit your home with custom cabinetry and doors.
There is something special about the way we design and painstakingly handcraft every detail in your log home. Our builders and designers take great pride in a job well done, overseeing every detail from the log home design stage, to the post and beam construction. The custom log homes we craft stand the test of time. Your new log home will be enjoyed for many generations and centuries to come.
Call or email Pioneer Log Homes of BC today to experience first-hand what it means to own one of the world's finest cedar log homes.


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There's been quite a lag in posts here at WB, but we've been tied up with some things. Last week end I dragged my buddy Alberto to Sacramento in the (extremely cool) van for a swap meet. He needed some small Honda bits, and I have plenty of other bikes to focus on, so I made up my mind that I wasn't going to get any more projects. This is supposed to be the biggest motorcycle swap meet in Northern California, though apparently, it's an early bird thing; we rolled in right at 11am and there were maybe 5 vendors left with some sad little piles of Harley parts. Walking up through the gates, we were greeted by some dipshit with his fat wife who said, "Does that van come with a rape kit?". Alberto deftly said, "Let's ask your sister" and it was funny. (He didn't really, but afterwards, we agreed that it would have been a good comeback.)
We thought it was a bust, but then I saw a trailer with some piles of bike parts and a hopeful little twinkle of chrome peeking through. They were literally getting in the truck to drive away when he saw me looking at what I thought was a Honda Dream and he said, "a hundred bucks…". I checked the compression and rolled it into the gears, seemed okay. I offered him $80 and a had him help me roll it into the van. So much for no more projects… at least it came with the title. It wasn't til we got to Stockton that I realized it was a 2-stroke! After a bit of searching for the serial number, I am the new owner of a 1967 Yamaha YDS-5. The good news is, it's nearly 100% there, which is good, because parts are kinda expensive and hard to find.
After a few days of futzing with ignition, condensers and carbs, I got spark and eventually started it up. It sounds awesome: like a damn dragon. I putted around the parking lot and it's like slick shit. It soooo wants to get back to running condition. The more I work on this one, the more I look forward to riding it. I made a quick sketch in Photoshop from a stock image of a similar bike. More updates to come.


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$12 for a SoundLogic Retro-Style Handset with Answering Key - Tax Included ($24 Value)
- At home or on-the-go, get yourself noticed whenever you answer a call!
- Fun design with tons of colourful retro charm.
- Classic telephone handset is comfortable to hold during longer conversations.
- Connects to nearly any brand of cellphone.
Buy Details
- Includes a SoundLogic retro-style handser with answering key.
- Unlimited personal buys. Unlimited as gifts.
- Tax included. Shipping charge: $3. Expected Shipping Time: 3-4 Weeks.
- Available in black, red, white, pink, and purple.
- Return Policy: The Purchaser shall be entitled to a refund up to 15 days from the date the Purchaser receives the Merchant Offering.
Expiry Date: No Expiry
What You're Getting:
- $12 for a SoundLogic Retro-Style Handset with Answering Key - Tax Included ($24 Value)
- Includes a 2.5mm-3.5mm adapter.
- Handset equipped with volume control.
- Compatible with iPhone, LG, Blackberry Motorola, Nokia, NEC, Panasonic, Sharp, Sanyo, Samsung, Siemens, and many other brands.
- Handset measures 2.75" W" x 2.25 D x 8.25" L
- Coiled cord length extends from 22" up to 72".
- Colours available: black, red, white, pink, or purple.
How You Get It:
- Purchase your TeamBuy.
- Pay shipping charge and enter in your address information.
- Product will be mailed out to you once the deal has ended.
- Products
- Website
We guarantee that TeamBuy is authorized to sell this product and that every brand we sell is authentic.


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English | 日本語
15 TWEETS Gucci Marrakech Messenger Bag | The Zoe Report
Ahh, January—a moment to escape to exotic locales where donning your new resort wear and soaking up the sun take first priority. Can't get away? No need to 3 years ago
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White eyes 'dream' Wallabies job
ESPN Staff
December 8, 2012
Former Springboks coach Jake White is currently in charge of the Brumbies where he has worked alongside Wallabies legend George Gregan © Getty Images
Former South Africa coach Jake White has turned up the heat on Australia boss Robbie Deans by declaring that he would welcome the chance to take charge of the Wallabies.
White, who famously steered the Springboks to the 2007 Rugby World Cup crown, is currently in charge of Australian Super Rugby side the Brumbies where he has earned rave reviews, but he has made no secret of his desire to return to the international stage.
The 49-year-old was linked with the England job earlier this year prior to Stuart Lancaster's appointment and has now revealed that it would be a "dream" to coach Australia having helped breathe life back into the under-performing Brumbies since arriving in Canberra last year.
"It was a very conscious choice I made to come and coach at the Brumbies," White told The Australian. "They have always been regarded as an organisation who pushed the boundaries and were at the forefront of innovation in world rugby.
"After I finished with the Springboks, I knew I wanted to get back into coaching, but I needed to wait for the right job, a job which would be mutually beneficial. As a coach, you need to be growing and learning every day, particularly if you have a desire to coach at international level, which I most certainly do.
"That passion has not died in me. It is the ultimate test and I believe I have a great deal to offer as an international coach. Obviously my focus is here with the Brumbies. I am not someone who ever looks too far ahead. I know how quickly things can change. But you ask would I like to coach the Wallabies. Of course that is a dream job. They are one of the premier rugby teams in the world and I would love the opportunity to be a part of the Wallabies set-up."
Deans, who is contracted until the end of next year, saw his future repeatedly called into question during a troublesome year for him and his side. Injuries to key personnel such as Will Genia, James O'Connor, David Pocock and James Horwill hampered their plans while outspoken fly-half Quade Cooper claimed the Wallabies' environment was "toxic".
But they still managed a runners-up spot in the Rugby Championship and ended the year as they began - as the No.2 side on the IRB world rankings. As a result, Deans looks to have ridden out the storm and will most likely guide the Wallabies into their eagerly-awaited series against the British & Irish Lions next year.
White is most likely eyeing a career move ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and his credentials have been endorsed by Brumbies assistant coach Laurie Fisher who added: "Look, you only have to look at Jake's track record to know he would be an outstanding appointment. Jake's great strength is his ability to sell a message and get everyone pulling in the same direction.
"When you have that, it is a very powerful thing. The only thing for me is, I suppose I am a little bit old-school where I would like to see the job go to an Aussie, but that's just me."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
|Live Scores
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He teed up Obolensky's try, fought in Burma and played cricket for Warwickshire - we Rewind to look at the story of Peter Cranmer
With the World Cup just a year away, Tom Hamilton picks out five matches to ensure you have tickets for
Welcome to full-contact cheerleading
Ahead of November's USA-All Blacks match, America's ESPN Magazine explains rugby to its readers who may not be familiar with the game
'Now I can get up in one movement'
Tom Hamilton talks to World Cup-winning captain John Smit about life after rugby, his fears over the South African exodus and the World Cup


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The new 2013 Triumph Boneville moves the Boneville heritage further, continuing a successful story that began 50 years ago in the 1960s. The modern Bonneville offers a perfect mix between the classic lines of its ancestors and a series of modern technologies designed to increase the bike's performances and safety.
The 2013 Bonneville family includes two versions. The first features a late Seventies look (the Bonneville and Bonneville SE), while the second puts more accent on the pure 1960s style (the T100). All models are powered by the same 865cc fuel-injected parallel-twin unit that cranks out 67bhp @ 7500rpm and 68Nm of torque at 5800rpm. The fuel consumption is rated at 43 MPG city and 57 MPG highway.
The 2013 Triumph Bonneville SE sits on light, 17" five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in front 110/70 R17 and rear 130/80 R17 tires.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Triumph Bonneville SE.
The most famous name in motorcycling is as famous today as it was 50 years ago.
Built in the spirit of the all-conquering British twins that ruled the roads in the 1960s, the modern day Bonnevilles uniquely combine up-to-date design and manufacturing methods with traditional styling and attitude.
Whether you prefer the late Seventies look of the agile and accessible Bonneville and Bonneville SE, or the pure 1960s class of the wire-wheeled T100, your Bonneville will be powered by a thoroughly modern and reliable 865cc fuel-injected parallel-twin unit that oozes character and delivers enough go to match the show.
Few bikes attract as much attention as the Bonneville, which is probably why it attracts a wide range of riders that encompasses those who rode the original Meriden Bonnevilles, baby boomers who lusted after them and young riders who appreciate the timeless style and accessibility of a traditional motorcycle.
Bonneville still delivers a unique style and appeal unmatched by any other motorcycle. Enviable glances and engaging chat from passer-bys come as standard.
Triumph Bonneville SE
Bonneville SE. Extra pure Bonneville.
Take a Bonneville. Spec up. Enjoy. The most famous name in motorcycling. A legend. Over 50 years of engineering excellence. A thoroughly modern interpretation of the authentic 'proper' motorcycle. This iconic symbol of rebellion and independence is even more appealing thanks to its modern specification, low seat, fuel-injected 865cc engine and lightweight 17 inch alloys for even sharper handling. SE adds that little bit more: matching tacho and speedo, polished engine covers and traditional chrome tank badge. Optional two tone paint scheme with hand painted pinstripe.
The Bonneville SE takes all the qualities of the standard Bonneville and adds a higher specification for the more discerning rider.
Polished aluminium engine covers and chromed tank badges give the Bonneville SE that premium look while the addition of a tachometer lets the rider match perfectly the engine speed to gear selection. There's also the choice of traditional two-tone paintwork options with a hand painted pinstriping, for riders who want maximum retro from their steed.
Otherwise the Bonneville SE retains all that is good about the standard model, with its 17" alloy wheels, megaphone silencers, short mudguards and low seat for maximum accessibility and minimum fuss.
- Engine
- 865cc parallel-twin is classic British style but fuel-injected for clean running and total reliability. Delivers 68PS with a soulful tone only a Triumph can deliver.
- Wheels
- 17" five-spoke alloy wheels front and back don't just look the part. Their lightweight and tubeless design delivers outstanding agility in town and twisties alike.
- Instruments
- Matching speedo and tachometer sit proudly over the chromed headlight and deliver a comprehensive instrument package for the Bonneville SE.
- Seat
- Heavily sculpted twin unit gives a highly accessible 740mm (29.1") seat height, making the Bonneville manageable for riders of all shapes and sizes.
- Styling
- Our evolution of the classic Bonneville design. Parallel twin engine stands proud as the focal point. Alloy wheels, short mudguards and megaphone silencers complete the late Seventies look.
|Engine Type
|Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 360º firing interval
|90 x 68mm
|Fuel System
|Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI
|Stainless steel headers, twin chromed upswept silencers
|Final Drive
|X ring chain
|Wet, multi-plate
|Oil Capacity
|4.5 litres (1.2 US gals)
|Tubular steel cradle
|Twin-sided, tubular steel
|Wheel Front
|Cast aluminium alloy 7- spoke 17 x 3.0 inch
|Wheel Rear
|Cast aluminium alloy 7-spoke 17 x 3.5 inch
|Tire Front
|Tire Rear
|Suspension Front
|KYB 41mm forks, 120mm travel
|Suspension Rear
|KYB chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload, 100mm rear wheel travel
|Brakes Front
|Single 310mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper
|Brakes Rear
|Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper
|Instrument Display/Functions
|Analogue speedometer and tachometer with odometer, clock and trip information
|2115mm (83.2in
|Width (handlebars)
|790mm (31.1in)
|Height without mirrors
|1130mm (44.5in)
|Seat Height
|740mm (29.1in)
|1490mm (58.6in)
|Fuel Tank Capacity / Efficiency
|16 litres (4.2 US gals)
|Wet Weight (ready to ride)
|225 kg (495 lbs)
|Maximum Power
|68PS / 67bhp / 50 kW @ 7500rpm
|Maximum Torque
|68Nm / 50 ft.lbs @ 5800rpm
|Fuel Efficiency
|43 MPG City / 57 MPG Highway *Estimated from fuel economy tests on a sample motorcycle conducted under ideal laboratory conditions. Actual mileage may vary based upon personal riding habits, weather, vehicle condition, and other factors.


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Originally from the South Lakes area, now live in North Darklands having got here via North Wales and the North York Moors.
Have been climbing for over 30 years. Have a definite preference for proper routes though I have been known to climb the odd unsporting route.
Used to be ugly and hairy, now just ugly. Older than I look but younger than I feel.
Married to Cath, no kids but servant to a couple of cats.
Email Bob
Best Climbing Experience
Memorable would be a better description but ....... deep breath!
One hundred routes in a day on Stanage.
Walker Spur as my second ever alpine route.
Central Pillar of Freney in my first alpine season. Still one of the wilder bivvies that I have had to take.
North Face of Eiger by the 1938 route
Taking 1970's Lakes star Ed Cleasby up Footless Crow.
Calvary (Stanage) on a very windy day.
Skye Ridge the day after my final exam at college.
Diamond Couloir on Mt Kenya.
Winter solo of the Swiss Route on Les Courtes.
Watching a Brocken Spectre whilst climbing the upper arete of the Yellow Edge in the Dolomites, spooky!
Winter ascent of Moss Gill Grooves on a perfect day with no-one else on the mountain.
Route Major on Carn Etchachan on yet another perfect winters' day.
Bowfell Buttress in winter.
Royal Arches Route in Yosemite.
Having my rucksack dropped at 6000m in the Karakoram. Then spending a further 6 nights out on the hill.
The Bob Graham Round (OK not climbing but it is in the hills)
Favourite Climbing-Related Discussion Topic
Grades, styles of ascent, anything that gets people wound up :-)
Recent Postings
List all my recent posts.
Currently at number 29 in the Top 40 Posters.
Latest Blog posts BETA
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Personal Webpage
Articles by Bob
UKC Volunteer
Moderator for 3 crags, checking missing climbs added to the logbooks: Rylstone, Craig Cwm Trwsgl, Whitestone
Interests Outside Climbing
Mountain and road Biking, Fell running Generally like being in the hills.
Click to list photo comments written by me. (48 comments)
I've voted for 18 photos, average vote 3.7.
(27% superb - 33% good - 22% average - 11% poor - 5% rubbish)
Anything Else We Should Know
Not telling!
Been Climbing For
More than 20 years
Best Onsights
Trad - E5
Winter - VII
Sport - 7a+
Ice - WI4+
Worked Grades
Sport - 7b
Trad - E5
Main Sport/Activity
Trad Rock Climbing
Favourite Crag/Rock
Favourite Wall
You must be joking!
I Climb...
Most weekends
In the UK & Europe
Favourite Climbs
Diamond Couloir
Mt Kenya
Bowfell Buttress(winter)
Latest Climbs
Lonscale Fell 715m
Carrock Fell 663m
Latrigg 367m
Raven Crag 461m
Bowscale Fell 702m
Bannerdale Crags 683m
Souther Fell 522m
The Mostest E2 5c
Little Krapper E3 5c
East Gully Wall E1 5c
Death and The Maiden E3 5c
Pinnacle Arete E2 5b
Direct Finish to the East Buttress HS 4b
Llithrig E1 5c
Serth E2 5c
... list all 1766 climbs
Ticklists BETA
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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The gun control debate is coming to the Louisiana Legislature, where Republican lawmakers are launching a counteroffensive to federal efforts to put new limits on guns.
GOP lawmakers are proposing new laws that would penalize people who publish names of concealed carry permit holders and that would seek to prohibit enforcement of any new federal restrictions on semi-automatic firearms.
Bossier City Rep. Jeff Thompson has started a statewide campaign that he says is designed to defend gun ownership rights in Louisiana. He's calling it "Defend Louisiana."
New Orleans Rep. Helena Moreno, a Democrat and vice chair of the House criminal justice committee, says she expects the majority of bills to be considered by the panel to be on gun issues when the Legislature returns for a regular session in April.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Daniele Watts said she was detained by police on Thursday because they thought she was a prostitute.
Fox 8 WVUE-TV
Louisiana Media Company, LLC.
1025 S. Jefferson Davis Parkway
New Orleans, LA 70125
General Number: (504) 486-6161
News Tips: (504) 483-1503
News Room Fax: (504) 483-1543


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This instrument or product has been carefully played/used and returned to us in
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Very Good: This instrument or product has been carefully played/used and shows few,
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equivalent to display units found in retail stores. Its packaging may not meet the
standards set by the factory and it no longer carries the manufacturer's warranty.
Condition 2 products are a terrific value and you can buy with confidence knowing
our 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee on instruments and 30 days on accessories applies to this used product.
This instrument or product is in good working condition but has one or more cosmetic
flaws beyond those of a Condition 2 product. These flaws are typical of an instrument
or product that's seen normal wear and tear, including incidental scratches, chips,
dings, dents or other imperfections. It performs just as well as a Condition 1 or
Condition 2 instrument/product. Its packaging may not meet the standards set by
the factory and it no longer carries the manufacturer's warranty. Condition 3 is
a great choice if you're looking for performance and value and not as concerned
with cosmetics. You can buy with confidence knowing our 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee on instruments and 30 days on accessories
applies to this used product.
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Accidental damage, normal wear and power surges are no longer an issue with these comprehensive and affordable plans. We even pay to ship your gear for repairs. More details.
Covers much more than the original manufacturer's warranty:
Limit of Liability: The least of the cost of (1) authorized repairs, (2) replacement with a product of similar features, (3) reimbursement for authorized repairs or replacement or (4) the price that you paid for the product.
*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
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April 14, 2012
Carrington College has completely changed my life!!! I am a single mom with 2 little girls and one more chile on the way and have always struggled to find a "job" that I truly enjoy. After completing my Medical Assistant Program at Carrington I found a job as a back office Medical Assistant and now I actually have a real "career." I love my job and learn more and more each day. The people I work with are great and it is a gratifying experience to know that what I do for people can actually make a difference in their lifes. I know that I made the right decision by choosing to attend Carrington College


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love life.
Jump into life!
Happy 'cus we're happy!!
Good Vibrations: An Out-of-this-World Retreat!
May 2 - May 4, 2014
In the Joshua Tree Desert, California (2.5 hours from Los Angeles)
On our next expedition, we venture deep into the mysteries of the Mojave Desert. Leaving our everyday reality behind, we strip down to our true nature, singing and dancing in harmony with the universe.
We are spending a night at The Integratron!
The Integratron is an energy machine sited on a powerful geomagnetic vortex. People come here from all over the world for "sound baths" and to experience the high energy and healing nature of this place.
This special place was built by George Van Tassel, an engineer & Tesla scientist who claimed to receive "telepathic directions from extraterrestrials…for the purpose of rejuvenation and time travel…It is built upon an intersection of powerful geomagnetic forces that, when focused by the unique geometry of the building, concentrate and amplify the earth's magnetic field. Magnetometers read a significant spike in the earth's magnetic field in the center of the Integratron. "
Inside the Integratron
We will spend the other night in a giant, 32ft. dome tent in Joshua Tree. (You can bring your own tent if you like more privacy)
Inside the Snuggle Dome
Outside the SnuggleDome
Included in the cost:
-Lodging for Two Nights (the Dome tent & The Integratron)
-Healthy Meals, (vegetarian/vegan, mostly organic)
-Daily Meditations
-Sound Bath at the Integratron
-Morning Yoga
-Dancorcism™ (get happy dance class)
-Hiking in Joshua Tree
-Intense Energy
-Incredible people & an Experience of a Lifetime!
Please RSVP or contact me via my website,
Cost: $550 with a $250 deposit by 3/1
($625 after)
Anthony Bourdain on the Integratron:
Come on, Come on
Feel it, Feel it
Feel the Vibration
Suddenly, everything was crystal clear. Taking a leap at #junipersprings 22 feet and you can still see the bottom! 🐠
☽ Juniper Moon ☾ Cosmic Nature Retreat
In the Ocala National Forest (only a few hours north of Miami)
The springs
Jan. 31 - Feb. 3, 2014
It's time to face the Sunshine! Playing, dancing, singing, yoga-ing, meditating; we know the secrets to staying young forever. Pristine lakes, shady palms, bubbling springs, and a big, secluded cabin will keep us grounded & free-flowing. Dive into the sparkling, crystal blue, fresh waters and feel ALIVE.Weekend package includes:
A miracle really happened!!!
My retreat happened..at this amazing house..that's also a bridge..on a waterfall..built in the '60s..by clowns from Brooklyn. (!)
I was supposed to have the retreat at a friends B&B. A week before the retreat, I was upstate learning Reiki and I got a call that, thanks to a production company with a really big budget, I was going to have to relocate. :*(
Janis, my Reiki teacher, was like "so what? find another place," which seems obvious now but I hadn't really thought of it. Thanks to her boost, I started searching for houses to rent. I found a bunch of amazing ones, but they were all booked because it was only a week away (and the last weekend of summer.)
Then I remembered this photo that I saw on instagram. A photo of a man floating under a waterfall that read, "our backyard." I liked it so much that I took a snapshot and had it printed to put on my manifestation board. (I don't actually have a manifestation board, but I like to put up images of things that make me feel good.) I decided to write the person who took that picture, and she directed me towards her friend who had invited her there. I wrote the friend, "Hi, you don't know me but I saw this picture.. and I've been planning this retreat…" She replied by telling me that the place gets booked up way in advance and it is about to close for the fall/winter (basically that it was impossible) BUT it just so happens that many months ago, SHE had rented it with the intention of doing a retreat and it just so happened to be THE VERY SAME DATES of my retreat!!! So, as if by magic, "Tuned In Turned On" happened there.
The waterfall was in full force and we jumped right in. We meditated, we danced, we yoga'd, we laughed like kids and we feasted on super foods. We asked for what we wanted and gave each other energy. We prayed for peace and for all the things we wanted for the world.
Now whenever something doesn't work out the way I want it to, I just remember that it's because there is a waterfall trying to find me instead.
PHOTOS HERE xo
»>Tuned In & Turned On«<
September 20-22, 2013 at the Magic Waterfall House
A weekend for transformation: Autumn Equinox, International Day of Peace, and Full Harvest Moon!
Disconnect to Reconnect. Lose yourself to find yourself. Your body is a temple of love that extends beyond space and time. Fun heals everything. Listen to the forest and let the breeze whisper all the answers to you.
With a full schedule of activities available, we will harness the shared energy of the group & the Autumn Equinox to reconnect with our source energy, where all creativity stems from.
All inclusive weekend package includes:
-All meals (vegan)
-Daily Meditations
-Morning Yoga
-Dancorcism™ Class
-Star Gazing
-Great people and LOTS of Fun!
Snake Medicine
A couple of friends and I were at a crystal/magic bookstore upstate and the lady who owned the place started telling us about this massage she had just received by a BOA CONSTRICTOR! I guess there's a shaman snake lady who shows up with the boa and "the snake knows where to go." She was getting all worked up describing it.. "You just feel this big muscle contracting itself around you." How SCARY!
(I'm not saying I wouldn't try it if you wanted to get me one for my bday!)


text:
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Ingredients: Fish Bone Meal, Fish Meal, Alfalfa Meal, Crab Meal, Shrimp Meal, Langbeinite, Humates, Kelp Meal, Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Beneficial Bacteria.


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Found January 08, 2013 on Down and Distance:
PLAYERS: Ray Rice, Tiki Barber, Ray Lewis
TEAMS: Baltimore Ravens
TEAMS: Baltimore Ravens
Ray Rice has been one of the better running backs in the game at taking care of the football, having not turned it over once in the regular season. In the Ravens first Playoff game, however, Rice coughed the ball up twice in the win over the Colts. Ray Rice says fumbles won't happen again. (US PRESSWIRE PHOTO) Rice wants to move on from the fumbling questions, as he feels they are irrelevant and laid it all on the table today saying it wouldn't happen again. "I didn't fumble all year. So I don't really get that question," Rice said to ESPN. "It's just me being smart in the situation. You look at how many touches I had already. My fumble ratio is way down. Once again, I'm going to address it — I'm not a fumbler. You guys know that, and that'll be the last time I address me fumbling. It won't happen again." His fumbling issues arise in the postseason, where he fumbles every 30 or so carries, compared to the regular season where it happens every 220. He's been a solid rock for the Ravens team, and he's a valuable piece to the puzzle. The Ravens want to run the ball down the opponents throats, and if Rice gives away possession, that doesn't help them much. He's one of the best in the game at his position, but for some reason struggles in the playoffs with ball security – an issue I know he can overcome. Whether it's on his own, or taking a Tiki Barber approach – I'm sure this isn't going to affect his mentality on the field of play. He's already said it won't happen again, and for the fans sake, we hope it doesn't. The Ravens travel to Denver this week to play the Broncos, who are riding an eleven game win streak. Baltimore hopes to end that Sunday to give Ray Lewis one more run at a ring before he hangs 'em up. Follow us on Twitter Follow @DownandDistance Down and Distance Editor-in-Chief – Justin Arbogast Follow @NFLGuy_SK The post Ray Rice addresses Playoff Fumbling: "It won't happen again" appeared first on DOWN & DISTANCE.
Original Story: http://sports-kings.com/downanddistan...
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