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Harry Potter Through the Lense of a College Paper
Written by Breanna Totzke, Senior, Teaching Communication Arts and Literature
The genre of children's fantasy literature has been said to follow a pattern where the main character or characters start in a world of reality, go to a world of fantasy, and return to their original world. This circular structure is telling the reader that the characters return to their reality the same as when they left for the fantasy world. But this cannot be true because once these characters gain knowledge of another world their reality becomes a dual reality. The circular structure is altered because the characters start in their own world of reality, enter the world of fantasy, but they return with a new found knowledge of this new world that is out there. The characters return to their new reality, one that contains both worlds, a dual reality. Examples of this new structure can be found in multiple children's fantasy books. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling is a prime example of how the characters understand and use their knowledge of this other world in their dual reality. The circular structure of the past is altered when the characters cross over from their reality to fantasy; these characters can never return the same as they were before, their reality is now a dual reality.
Hermione Granger is a good example of a character that experiences this new structure from the beginning. She grew up in a Muggle home and had no knowledge of another world until her letter from Hogwarts came. She says so at the Welcoming Feast in the Great Hall at Hogwarts that "it was ever such a surprise when I got my letter" (105). Hermione enters the magical world from the Muggle world, her reality, with no previous knowledge and is eager to learn all she can about this new world. Because of her reality, she enters the magical world not understanding taboos and customs of the wizarding community. But as she adapts to this fantasy world she starts calling Voldemort "You-Know-Who" (260). This signifies the blending of her two worlds into one. And when Hermione and Harry are facing Professor Snape's protection test she uses skills from her experiences from the Muggle world in the world of fantasy. She knows that "the greatest wizards haven't got an ounce of logic" (285), but she does because of her Muggle upbringing. This is where her two worlds become completely blended together to form her dual reality. When she returns to her parent's home for the summer she has this knowledge of another world that will affect her. Hermione is an example of a character that experienced the discovery of the magical world and then had it result in creating her dual reality.
Another example of characters being affected by this new structure is the Dursleys. They are living a dual reality from the beginning of the novel because they are already aware of the magical world. Right away the reader is clued in that the Dursley's "[have] a secret, and their greatest fear [is] that somebody would discover it." This family is an example of how having a dual reality, the knowledge of another world, can negatively affect someone. They choose to have fear at the very idea of this other world because it is not considered "normal." The moments before Harry comes to live with the Dursleys are filled with odd events that are "normal" in the magical world. If Mr. Dursley was paying attention to what was happening around him, "fear [would have] flooded him" (4) because he knows the signs of the magical world. His family cannot stand differences; they believe that they are better than the other world. When Harry comes to live with the Dursleys they decide that they would do everything they could to keep the magical world hidden from Harry. They choose this from their previous experience with the fantasy world and their resulting dual reality. Past experiences with the magical world that Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia include being exposed to Petunia's sister Lily and her husband James Potter, Harry's parents. Vernon and Petunia's only view of the magical world is negative because Lily "went and got herself blown up" (53) since she and he husband were "mixed up with [those] wizarding types" (56). Instead of realizing that bad people are going to be in any world someone is in, Vernon and Petunia associate Lily and James's death to the magical world and they learn to fear the "abnormal" (53).
As Harry grows, Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia punish him for anything that is out of the ordinary because of their fear of the magical world. Multiple times before Harry finds out he is a wizard, strange events happen around and to him including: growing his hair "back so quickly" (24), shrinking sweaters (24), "sitting on a chimney" (25), and dreaming of flying motorcycles (25). When the letters from Hogwarts start coming Vernon tells Petunia "I'm not having one in the house!" and he goes on further saying that he would "stamp out that dangerous nonsense" (36). Their knowledge of the other world results in a negative reaction. Since the Dusley family has such a negative reaction to the magical world Harry is being punished because of their fear. They attempt to keep Harry from encountering the magical world and keep him in reality only.
A final example of a character going through this new structure is Harry Potter. What the Dursleys do not know is that Harry is already living a dual reality because he was born to magical parents Harry entered the magical world right away. But since he was taken away from the magical world at such a young age his reality has a pinch of dual reality from the start. This is noticeable from the dreams he has including "a flying motorcycle" and Harry has the feeling he has "had the same dream before" (19). When in all actuality he lived that dream because Hagrid brought him to the Dursley's house on a motorcycle. He thinks that this memory is a dream which makes his dual reality become his reality. Harry takes this new world as his reality and takes the magical world as the other world. He even considers the magical world as a new world because Harry notices that many of his classmates "had come from Muggle families…like him" (134). And right away when Hagrid tells him that he is a wizard Harry does not believe him saying "I'm a what?" (51). Even though Harry starts the novel in a dual reality, he is really starting in the same reality as other Muggle characters. Harry returns to his dual reality more confident than before he learned of this other world. He is not affected negatively by the knowledge of the magical world. Harry is better off because he knows of this other world. His dual reality results in happier person who knows how the world works. He realizes that not every person will have the same knowledge that he does, but he can use what he knows to make his life better.
The characters of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone show the new circular structure. Hermione, the Dursleys, and Harry all go through the structure where they start in their reality, go to fantasy, and end up in a dual reality. They all have different understandings of their resulting dual realities since they all have different experiences of the magical world. But there is no denying that they return the same as when they left. They all gain something new from their experience that they bring back to their previous reality. The significance of this reading of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is that it alters our reading of this novel and other children's fantasy literature. The reader becomes aware that the characters know of both worlds once they return to a dual reality. This new structure is not only applicable to Harry Potter, but to many other children's fantasy also can fit this too. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit also fits this structure. This altered structure helps the reader understand the text better because the reader can understand the characters better. Since the reader can see what the characters are experiences it connects the reader closer to the text. The new structure of reality, to fantasy, to dual reality allows for a better understanding of the characters' experience.


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subset: commoncrawl


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City firms should slash NQ salaries to £50,000, say recruiters
Readers' comments (47)
Would someone from Edward Gibson or The Lawyer like to reply as there are a good number of people here who just don't get what is being reported (myself included!). Has The lawyer mis reported, or do EG stand by the claim as reported?
@Anonymous 11.18am The argument put forward at the seminar is that because clients are increasingly disgruntled with what they see as over-inflated salaries of NQs, they will either be taking work in-house or disaggregating it to lower-cost centres, thereby depriving City firms of fees.
The logic goes that if City firms slash their cost bases in the form of junior salaries, jobs can be saved in the long run. It's a provocative argument but its causality is debatable. However, there's no doubt that many in-house lawyers are resentful at funding what they see as an overpaid tranche of junior City professionals.
Point seems clear, if not clearly reported:
- clients do not want to pay high rates for NQs
- London firms need to cut NQ charge-out rates
- London firms need to cut NQ salaries to reflect reduced charge-out rates
First two points seem uncontroversial. Third point is controversial - easily arguable that same effect could be achieved by partners seeking less "profit".
What will be more interesting to see is whether this article is merely a bellwether for announcements from City law firms over the next few months. Certainly much easier to move in this direction if this is what the "market" is saying.
In the current market it really should be no surprise that fewer clients are willing to pay £300/hour for a City NQ. Much of the work done by these NQ's can be done cheaper elsewhere in the UK, outside the UK, by a semi-literate paralegal or trainee, or simply not done at all. Any responsible client could question, quite rightly, what value someone at that cost with minimal legal or business experience adds. There are hardly any other professions which would tolerate the sort of pay differentials that exist between City firms and the regional firms. Most businesses do not pay 40-50% London weightings to their own staff or management and might well question why that is needed for their advisers. There will be skills and capacity in the City that are not available elsewhere but is the difference that stark at NQ level?
In previous years when salaries have jumped up (e.g. 1999/2000) this was driven by an excess of work and lack of people i.e. market forces. Those same forces are now pushing salaries downwards. The fees brought in need to pay the bills, pay the staff and keep the partners in whatever lifestyle they decide they require. If the fees go down, everything else takes a haircut. Moan about how fair or otherwise that might be if you like. If that business model repels you, though, working in private practice doing commercial law of any kind is not the right career choice.
This article is not saying cutting pay will keep people in the City. It is suggesting that cutting pay will keep clients, and therefore work, in the City.
The premise is that lower pay, means lower costs, means lower charge rates, which makes it more attractive to clients.
1. why only reduction of NQ pay, not everyone's?
2. reduction in pay is unlikely to equate a reduction in rate (been there, seen that - not!)
3. the bulk of service charges to the client are driven by the senior people who oversee/supervise/approve the work of the juniors. Pound for pound, the cost of a junior compared to a senior is usually not proportional to the charge rate for a junior cf. a senior.
This seems ill-founded to me. These HR advisors don't have me convinced...
The HR guy quoted in this article clearly has no idea what he is talking about. Why would being paid a higher wage be compelling NQs to find a move in house or to the regions more attractive? Why would clients be put off the NQ being paid that wage? Clients don't pay the wage. They pay the charge out rate. Which bears little or no resemblance to what an NQ is paid. If charge out rates are too high, leading to clients putting work outside of the City, that is a completely different consideration. Ultimately, were that the case, market forces might dictate a lowering of wages, were the firms that bothered about the loss of the nature of business being resourced in that way. But what this guy wants is to be able to make a percentage of salary for putting out of work NQs into the highest paid jobs he possibly can do (at a City firm). Those firms are taking a conservative view on NQ retention, focussed on quality rather than volume. This guy wants to have more NQ positions at a slightly lower cost to firms so he can get greater results and a much fatter wallet. Simples.
Catrin - thanks for the clarification. Perhaps, in hindsight, the piece should have read along the lines of "Salaries need to come down in order to stop more work being kept In House or being sent up the M1/M6" as its about the distribution of work, not a jobs exodus in the commonly understood meaning of the phrase. Any work being sent to Manchester/Leeds/Birmingham is more likely to see hires being made from within those markets, not through an "exodus" of lawyers from the City.
The day I hear a City lawyer saying they want to come Oop North "because that's where the work is" will be the day I reduce the height between my chair and the floor in order to ensure a softer landing when I fall off said chair laughing.
Actually, says ONE recruiter. Hardly a cry from the recruitment industry is it? More a sound bite from one in-house specialist...
Actually, what is interesting in this comments thread is the widespread lack of understanding of law firm economics. Amazing how many posters see things only from the point of view of associates competing for employment/salaries and not from the perspective of the firm attracting and keeping clients and workin out what to charge them.
The article itself is not crystal clear and the recruiters' argument is tenuous but if these commenters are lawyers (or want to be) they should have a brush up on their commercial awareness and start thinking like future partners
This article is the start of a "kite flying" exercise on the reduction of salary costs by City firms. Just you wait and watch...
We would like to clarify what appears to be some confusion over a breakfast seminar we presented on Wednesday 20th March to a number of HR professionals, entitled How high headline salaries and inflexible compensation structures are harming London law firm competitiveness and costing City lawyers jobs. Some of the comments following the posting of the article point to a perceived attack on lawyers, especially at the junior level.
Ironically, our presentation had at its core a fundamental desire to see London law firms maintain competitiveness and perform well in what is undoubtedly one of the most challenging landscapes in a generation and for City lawyers to have a more sustainable future and the prospect of long careers in the law, should they choose.
Based on a detailed and thorough examination of the London market (as well as a comparison with the US market) and on trends and metrics associated with the dramatic rise in both numbers and expertise of the in-house legal function, the resultant loss to London law firms of hundreds of millions of pounds of non-premium work and the increasing use of outsourcing and near-shoring for this work. We submitted that unless some firms consider the way they compensate a number of their lawyers, in non-premium practice areas, they will simply not be able to effectively complete for certain types of work nor grow at a rate that supports the numbers of lawyers entering the profession. The market for law firm legal services in London has shrunk (the most up-to-date figures indicate by about 14% in real terms) which has already resulted in fewer opportunities to enter, and remain in the profession than previously existed. For newly qualified lawyers it won't so much be a question of accepting a lesser salary, it will be a question of whether junior lawyers are able to secure training contracts or newly qualified roles at all.
To be clear, our presentation was not exclusively aimed at newly qualified or even junior lawyers but rather at proposing a change to compensation regimes in non-premium practice areas which, as a matter of fact, are becoming less and less the preserve of City law firms. To this end we floated some ideas that might enable these firms to continue to profitably maintain certain practice areas in London rather than, as is increasingly happening, outsourcing/near-shoring work out of London or simply dumping whole practice areas altogether (something Magic Circle firms had commenced a decade ago which in turn spread through the Silver Circle and now into medium sized City firms).
To City firms we believe maintaining these practice areas in London provides certain inherent efficiencies for their business and mitigates the risk to them of "brand pollution" arising from outsourcing/near-shoring/ using contract lawyers or indeed losing clients through being unable to fully service their needs.
As an aside we consider that our suggestion may help slow the reduction in the numbers of full time lawyers working in City firms in certain practice areas. To be clear, our suggestion is that that law firms could pay lawyers more in areas where they are competing with firms higher up the value pyramid (in more profitable disciplines) and pay lawyers less where they can command less (less profitable practice areas) where the firms in different positions on the value pyramid are not seeking to compete for free standing work and hence talent.
On our website, under "Market Updates", is a summary of the presentation and full slide show which may clarify the premise of our suggestion.
What an absoluttely terribly written article.
As others have said - presumably it means to say that clients are taking work to the regions because of the high city fees caused (apparently) by high NQ salaries. Decreasing city salaries for NQ's can only mean one thing - further exodus to the regions.
I hate reading tripe
So, minus the management jargon, you're basically saying that non premium work is being done for less by firms outside of London with lower costs. Firms should therefore pay NQs in certain practice areas less to make their costing more competitive.
Three things:
1. As others have eloquently explained, there are far more effective ways to reduce costs.
2. Linked to point 1; cutting NQ salaries by £10k would not save enough to make London firms competitive in non premium fields. One might therefore suggest that London firms should only do premium work.
3. It's unfortunately inevitable that the London legal market will shrink because its huge expansion was linked to the debt fuelled economic growth which is unravelling.
Junior lawyers are overpaid: fact.
The NQ salaries at my previous (top 100, West End) firm were about half of what I, as a salaried/fixed share partner with 18 years experience in my specialist field was earning - something which might well come as a surprise to those NQs – and I believe I was one of the better paid non-equity partners there. Absolutely no bitterness on my part. When I compare my salary to what other professionals – nurses, teachers etc are earning – I can only thank my lucky stars for having been around in what will be seen in the future as halcyon days for the profession.
How did this junior lawyer wage inflation occur? Well to refresh people's memories (or rather to inform many of the commentators who from their comments were clearly at home watching Blue Peter at the time) it was caused about 14 years ago by American firms trying to barge their way into the market quickly. Some of them came a cropper. Altheimer & Gray? Remember them?
Some of them toddled off back to the states with their tails between their legs, unless worse befell them. However, by then the damage was done.
I really sympathise with new qualifiers/0-5 PQE. They have made sacrifices and borrowed heavily to pursue that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow which just isn't going to be there any more. The rebalancing of the market which is coming is going to be very painful, as they always are, and for everyone. I have done everything I can to try to dissuade my two sons from going into the law.
The profession is facing unprecedented challenges in terms of competition and client expectation. Lawyers, junior and senior, have to face these facts, or everything they do is just going to be deckchair rearrangement.
@1:03pm - well said
@ Edward Gibson - yes, I get all that and thanks for the clarification. However the article says "the drift of lawyers away from London firms...to the regions" and talks within the same breath of a "jobs exodus".
Regional firms have always welcomed new blood relocating from the City, indeed such candidates have traditionally been highly sought after. It has always struck me that there has been a steady - and very welcome - trickle of this type of candidate coming onto the market. In most cases the move is triggered by domestic circumstances - the lawyers in question often want to come back "home" upon becoming parents, or just want a (larger) home of their own. Unless I am missing something (and I'd welcome input from others if I am), I think the trickle may have become a bit heavier in the economic downturn, but I don't think it's an "exodus" as such. Furthermore, whilst work "near shored" has in many cases been absorbed by regional offices which may previously have been under utilised. So I think the point about City firms having to adapt is valid, but I'd question talk of an exodus.
In short, I don't see scores of would be lawyerly Dick Whiitingtons making an about face to hit the gold paved streets of Manchester and Leeds.
I love being a recruiter. We can talk loads of guff, no one like us but those same people can't survive without us. Last year I took home more than pretty much any partner in the UK. Not too shabby for a boy who didn't complete his GCSEs. Off topic I know, just love seeing it in writing.
@ 5:15 pm well done, go get yourself a biscuit
Fact is that £55k for someone at the very start of their career and thus knows precisely zero is way too much. Sorry chaps, £35k is probably more the ticket.
Does anyone believe what recruiters say?
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mike September 9, 2013
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'When are the metal ones coming for me?'
14th Sep 2009 | 11:05
Wired for War author PW Singer talks about robots in war
How warzone robots will evolve
Could robots really take over the world? Peter W Singer is an American political scientist who has written a book called Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution in the 21st Century.
Now out in the UK, the book explores the massively increasing role of robots on battlefields.
The book explores the questions that unmanned systems present for everything from when wars begin and end to warriors' very experiences – and the potential threat from AI to humans.
"You can't write a book about robots and war without have to deal with the 'when are the metal ones coming for me?' question," says Singer, who was also coordinator of defence policy for Barrack Obama's Presidential campaign.
But isn't it tempting to think of military robotics as being something of the future rather than the present? "Exactly! That is the point of the book, to capture this immense revolution around us that we aren't much noticing. Look at the raw numbers. When US forces went into Iraq in 2003, they had zero robotic units on the ground. By the end of 2004, the number was up to 150. Today it is over 12,000."
With the increase in drone strikes into Pakistan, as well as the expanded purchasing and use of unmanned systems in the UK's new defence plan, Singer believes that the subject matter of the book is becoming even more timely than ever.
"Already in the prototype stage are varieties of unmanned weapons and exotic technologies, from automated machine guns and robotic doctors to tiny but lethal robots the size of insects, which often look like they are straight out of the wildest science fiction," explains Singer.
For his book, Singer interviewed hundreds of robot scientists, science fiction writers, soldiers, insurgents, politicians, lawyers, journalists, and human rights activists from around the world.
Singer did meet some people he refers to as "refuseniks," such as scientist Illah Nourbakhsh. "Illah is one of the most fascinating people I met in the journey. They are robotic scientists who look at what happened to the nuclear physicists behind the Manhattan Project that built the atomic bomb and then regretted it for the rest of their lives.
- Book extract: The refuseniks – roboticists who just say no
"The Refuseniks like Illah don't want the same thing to happen to them and instead want to push a debate about ethics and robotics, including the ethics of the scientists who build them. So, despite the huge amount of money being offered, he refuses to take Pentagon funding and instead builds robots that he believes will make the best possible contribution to society."
Moore's Law in robotics
So how will robotic technology develop? Singer believes the two trends to keep an eye on are Moore's Law and miniaturisation.
"The multiplying effect of Moore's Law, year after year, is the reason that refrigerator magnets which play Christmas jingles now have more computing power than the entire Royal Air Force did back in 1959.
"If Moore's Law holds true, then within 25 years, this doubling effect will have robots running on computers that are a billion times more powerful than those today.
"To be clear, I don't mean "billion" is the sort of amorphous way that people throw about the term, but literally multiplying the power of an iPhone or Predator drone by 1,000,000,000.
"Now some argue that Moore's law won't hold and it will slow down. That may be true. But let's say the pace of advancement only goes one percent as fast as it has for the last few decades. Then our robots will be guided by computers a mere 1,000,000 times more powerful than today," muses Singer.
And what about miniaturisation, how will that evolve? "I recall seeing at one Air Force lab a tiny rocket engine that fit on the tip of a pen. Imagine the capabilities that can provide in war! A commando will literally fly a 'fly on the wall' in from over 1000 meters away.
"But what the book is about is also how we have to weigh the dilemmas that very same technology will bring. For instance, that the very same technology will be available to terrorists, corporations, criminals, and even my neighbours."
So Singer believes we have to better understand what is happening now if we want to handle it intelligently. "Robotics and AI is no longer just science fiction, but becoming technologic, as well as political reality. Or as one US military-funded robotics researcher put it to me, many may want to "think that the technology is so far in the future that we'll all be dead [and so don't have to talk about it]. But to think that way is to be brain dead now."
When should we salute our metal masters?
When should we salute our metal masters?
Let's not beat around the bush. The future vision described in the book is pretty frightening, isn't it? "Yes, it's pretty darn scary. But then again, the very first line of Wired for War is 'Because robots are cool.' That is my answer as to why someone writes a book about robots… [It's] also written in a way that isn't mean to scare but approach this important topic with a sense of both excitement as well as foreboding."
So how real does Singer think the threat from AI is in terms of having evil intent given the reaction of those he spoke to on this topic in the book? "Perhaps you should rephrase the question as, 'So when should we salute our metal masters?,' he jokes.
"Look, you can't write a book about robots and war without have to deal with the 'When are the metal ones coming for me?' question. Essentially, four conditions would have to be met. First, the machines would have to have some sort of survival instinct or will to power.
"In the Terminator movies, for instance, Skynet decides to launch a nuclear holocaust against humans in a bizarre form of self-defence after their scared attempts to take it offline when it reaches sentience.
"Second, the machines would have to be more intelligent than humans, but have no positive human qualities (such as empathy or ethics)," he continues.
"The third is that the machines would have to be independent, able to fuel, repair, and reproduce themselves without human help. And, fourth, humans would have to have no useful fail-safes or control interface into the machines' decision-making. We would have to have lost any ability to override, intervene, or even shape the machines' actions."
Could it happen?
Singer believes these conditions would present too high a barrier in the short term. "For example, most of the focus in military robotics today is to use technology as a substitute for human risk and loss," Singer explains. "It is the very opposite goal of giving them any survival instinct.
"Second, the ability of machines to reach human level intelligence may be likely someday, even sooner than most expect given the rapid doubling effect of Moore's Law on our technology just under every two years. But it is not certain.
"Third, while our real-world robotics are becoming incredibly capable, they all still require humans to run, support, and power them." Singer reaches for an example – the Global Hawk drone, the replacement for the manned U-2 spyplane.
"It can take off on its own from New York, fly 3,000 miles on its own to London, stay in the air 24 hours, using its surveillance and intelligence gathering systems to hunt for a terrorist over the entire city, then fly back 3,000 miles on its own to New York, and land on its own. But, the drone still needs humans on the ground to gas and repair it.
"Fourth, there are enough people spun up about the fears of a robot takeover that the idea that no one would try to build in any fail-safes is a bit of a stretch. Most importantly, perhaps, the whole idea of a machine takeover rests on a massive assumption.
"As many roboticists joke, just when the robots are poised to take over humanity, their Microsoft software programs will likely freeze up and crash.
"The counter to all of this, of course, is that eventually a super-intelligent machine would figure out a way around each of these barriers. In the Terminator storyline, for example, the Skynet computer is able to trick, manipulate, or blackmail humans into doing the sorts of things it needed (for example, emailing false commands to military units or putting humans in concentration camps), as well as rewrite its own software (something happening today with evolutionary software)."
Singer says the idea that we would not learn our lessons from science fiction is somewhat voided by the fact that real world military expediency has us carrying out research into all sorts of systems that science fiction directly warns us about.
"This is nothing new. HG Wells' warning of what he called an 'atomic bomb' in the anti-war story World Set Free instead served as the inspiration for the Manhattan Project. As I talk about in my book, one robotics firm was actually asked a few years ago by the military if they could design a robot that looked like the 'Hunter-Killer robot of Terminator.'
"It wasn't such a silly request. The design would actually be quite useful for the sort of fights we face now in Iraq and Afghanistan," Singer concludes.
Buy Wired for War from Amazon UK.
Liked this? Then check out an extract: The refuseniks – roboticists who just say no
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text:
Burpee Exclusive
Burpee Exclusive
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Grow a perfect garden without the guesswork. more info
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Plant Markers 25/Pack Garden Growers 1 Pack (25 markers) 95893
Keep track of what you plant and where. more info
Gardeners Kneeling Pad Garden Growers Kneeling pad 94014
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Garden Staples Garden Growers 1 Order (20 Staples) 90041
Secure landscape fabrics, plastic, tarps, netting, row covers and more! more info
Garden Trellis Garden Growers 5x15' Trellis 90039
Support vining crops for better yields and more blooms. more info
Irrigation Kit - Row Crops Garden Growers 1 Kit 94330
Perfect watering for row crops, raised beds and square foot gardens. more info


text:
wait do people use dragon dildos or do they just collect them?
They look like they would hurt.
also, WHY ARE THERE SO MANY POSTS ABOUT THEM ALL OF A SUDDEN?
i dont use them
i just post them bnecause dicks
My new best friend.
Wall of dicks.
I can't decide between one of these three.
I want the cumtube but the first one does not come with one. But its my favorite size and shape.
Waahhh, What do you think? I would love to hear from first hand experiences. xD
Introducing the winner of the 2nd round of fan-voting, The Kippy.
Much like Nox, it will be available in limited sizes and features.
So let me tell you a little bit about the customer service at Bad Dragon. I bought that orange Duke as a flop. It was listed as a large, and even though I wasn't 100% sure I could manage it, I snagged it. It was over half off due to being made in the wrong mold (tubed mold for an untubed toy).
Unfortunately when I got it, I found out that it was actually a medium but had been posted incorrectly on the website. I contacted them to see what could be done, if anything. I had taken it out of the bag just to grab a pic for my ticket, but didn't use it. Honestly, I figured I'd get an "Ooops, our bad!" email back with some complimentary shop credits. What actually happened was above and beyond this.
Remember, this was a flop. Flops are bought as is, and they come with no warranty. They had every right to shrug it off.
- They offered to remake Duke in the proper size since it was listed incorrectly even though it as a flop!
- They refunded me the cost of me shipping Duke to them.
- They remade him and sent him back in the proper size for no extra charge.
- They tracked the shipment themselves and contacted me to make sure that everything was OK once it showed as having been delivered.
- They also threw in a sample disk. :3
I'm still impressed. BD has put out both quality work and excellent customer service.
Duke the Drunk Dragon
The small (metallic red>dark red/black) and large (blue:green/red) were custom ordered. The former was specified, and latter was given an almost free range of color, with suggestion toward a blue or red color scheme. Without a doubt some of my favorite orders, I may (will) have to grab a custom medium in something inspired by the two.
It will be another pseudo-surprise-me.
And also I clearly need another medium.
because colors.
im so torn u guys
cored firmness with translucent outer and coloured inner, or three part marble
which image do i toss at the cocksmiths and yell MAKE ME THIS
Does anyone else have bonding problems with their dicks.
I find often that I am not bonding or happy with dicks that I get without assigning a character to them up front. This has become a really big problem for me as while I may ENJOY the use of the toy in terms of the feel of it or the size or what not- I am just not getting into the mood and the experience that makes me have a good time. I am left unhappy.
Maybe this is because I have a lot of dicks now and it is very hard to get a place in my heart now there is so much competition.
I don't like this idea. As I like having lots of dicks and the like; but this is becoming a really big problem and is likely signalling a very sudden drop off in my interest in buying more toys.
This is not the best time for this to happen as I am going to be getting a lot of stock credit with EE later.
Also my dick cabinet is nearly full. I have no more room for anouther. I need to push my collection down to 30 and keep it there till me and Boo move out, granted I make one or two additions for toys that are for a limited run/on sale or the like.


text:
Nut driver set features rare earth magnetic tips to make work faster and more efficient. Cushion grip handles allow for greater torque and user comfort.
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Accu-Bend level ensures precise 90° bends. Eliminates dog legs in conduit bends.
22-18160 - Beverage Tool Bottle Opener
Beverage tool has a cushioned grip handle that provides a sure grip and comfort for frequent use. Features Tip-Ident® for quick identification in drawers or tool boxes.
Made of high-quality stainless steel
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A fast and reliable installation tool for a variety of voice and data applications. Cuts, crimps and strips paired conductor cables like round STP/UTP and flat-satin phone cable. Crimps 4,6 and 8 position RJ22, RJ11/12 and RJ45 modular connectors.
22-18175 - 28 Piece Electricians Tool Set
An assortment of tools essential for any electrician or service technician. Tool set contains a canvas zipper bag and 16" canvas tool bag to store and carry tools.
50-14795 - Universal TV Stand, For Televisions 32" ~ 60"
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Thousands of uses Fasten accessories to car dash, etc. 3/4" x 61/2' roll
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Great products, fast service, what more could I want.


text:
Can you identify the components of this silverware set, cast in 1849 in an Abyssinian pattern? (Click to enlarge.) We like to think of ourselves as the most sophisticated diners that ever lived, but, really, we've been outclassed previously in several areas of gustatory endeavor. One of them ... More >>
Stephen Morgan, the man police say shot Wesleyan student Johanna Justin-Jinich to death Wednesday in the bookstore where she worked, has been arrested. The Hartford Courant says Morgan called 911 today to surrender; Meriden, Connecticut cops nabbed him shortly thereafter. It is thought that Morgan, ... More >>
New York artists' efforts to teach students biz skills could shift tone of MFA programs
With health insurance out of reach, a generation braces itself for the worst


text:
i WILL FOLLOW YOU
I'm Adrian. I believe in God. I like playing the guitar and I love writing. I like travelling, and music . I like stories that have no ending. I sometimes pretend that my life is a movie. I like banana smoothies, and I love running. I love listening to people tell me about their lives and listening to their testimony. I like long walks on the seaside and finishing other people's sentences. I am an aspiring musician. I love animals, hanging out with my friends even though there is nothing to do. I want to travel around the world. I'm from FLorida. :)
This post is posted on Monday 4 June 2012.
Currently has 7 notes
Currently has 7 notes
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I'm going to see the Dead Sea one day and I'm going to swim in it and get covered in mud and relax while floating...
- smileandluvyourself reblogged this from he-willsave
- he-is-jeal0us-for-me reblogged this from he-willsave
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- futuretravelwishes posted this


text:
Choose your preferred language. We speak English and 41 other languages.
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Berlin, Germany
Linienstr. 133, Mitte, 10115 Berlin, Germany – Show map
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1177 properties in Berlin
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664 verified reviews
We verify all reviews from guests who have stayed at Hotel Märkischer Hof. Find out more.
They speak your language
Hotel Märkischer Hof's staff speaks: Vietnamese, Russian, French, English, German
Booking is safe
When you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection.
WiFi is available in all areas and costs EUR 2 per 24 hours.
Public parking is available on site (reservation is not possible) and charges may apply.
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Vietnamese, Russian, French, English, German
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to room type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.
Children and Extra Beds
All children are welcome.
All children under 6 years stay free of charge when using existing beds.
There is no capacity for extra beds in the room.
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
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MEININGER Hotel Berlin HauptbahnhofThis hotel is in the heart of Berlin, between Berlin Central Station and the Reichstag Parliament. The MEININGER features soundproof rooms with modern design and a flat-screen TV.
Score from 3764 reviews Good
Located beside Oranienburger Straße S-Bahn Train Station and surrounded by trendy restaurants and bars, this non-smoking hotel in the Mitte district of Berlin has stylish rooms and a 24-hour front...
Score from 2033 reviews Very good
In a 19th-century factory building, this hotel in the lively Prenzlauer Berg district of Berlin offers a 24-hour bar and breakfast until 12 pm. Alexanderplatz Square is 8 minutes away by tram.
Score from 874 reviews Good
This 2-star hotel and hostel in central Berlin is a 10 minute walk from the famous East Side Gallery. It offers a variety of units, 24-hour internet terminals and a shared lounge.
Score from 814 reviews Review score
In the center of everything. Near all communications,
The Location is really good.
The pictures are deceiving, you should expect that the furniture is used and not in the best condition, it is not that clean also in the room, you will see spots on the floor...
The hotel was situated in a lively area with lots of choice for bars and restaurants. It was also just a short walk to Alexanderplatz and Berlin Hbf.
The hotel felt grubby and was in need of updating out of the 1980s! We were woken up every morning with bins being emptied and we were unfortunate to be there when they decided to dig the street up! Although that wasn't the hotel's fault! If you just want a bed for the night and nothing else it's fine and with the price you can't expect much more!
Location is good for access to city centre
Being told on arrival that there "had been some over booking" ! and that our room in Linienstrasse was not available , but that we were booked into the "newer and probably better" part of the hotel 10 minutes walk away. Free breakfast was not great compensation !
Excellent position!
The only good point was the location 1 mile walk to Alexandra Platz.
First impressions were correct. Cleanliness was an issue. Removed 16 black hairs from my bedsheet on the1st night. Shower cubicle and sink were in the bedroom, which we were not aware of. Bathroom mentioned in room description. Toilet in hall which we did know, however smelly and unclean. Very small room,uncomfortable beds meant little sleep. Tried to find another hotel it was so bad, but big event in Berlin meant none available. If you like home comforts and have hygiene standards it's not for you, beware.
New Management
wery good location. for budget travelers. the doner downstairs was awsome.
i was able to write on the layer of dirt on the little lamp,plastic cover (by the way was broken with cracks)
Great location, 100 m from nearest U-bahn station for easy travel around. Staff friendly and helpful, very reasonably priced.
Strange layout of room with sink and shower in the bedroom and toilet across the corridor. We did know this in advance, but strange nonetheless!
The only positive thing- good location, near to sightseeings.
The photos in site are quite old, the real situation is totally different. Room we stayed was not on site, room was very small, hardly can move, bathroom floor was dirty, towels old and grey, thousand times washed. Carpet on the floor was dirty, somebodies old chweing gum was stuck on carpet and if steping on it, stuck on your feet. Outside was terrible noise, house is situating where are local trams turing point, so you can imagine the noise they make, reception awful, receptionist was missing, and when needed some information or wifi, after calling him loudly, noone turns up. If possible, choose the other hotel.
Priset och läget
the location of the hotel is in the centre of the city ,so we can take the city tour or event take a walk .There are a lot of good restaurants around the hotel so we can choose the one we like.The German people are very friendly and can talk English ,which make our visit so joyful and lovely.
The employee was nice and tried to help.
The place is old and not totally clean. the bathroom was outside the room. It was quite expensive due to the conditions presented.
Great location, nice room with everything we needed (beds, wardrobe, bathroom, towels), kebab house next to the hotel, 5 min. walk to s-bahn.
Having to pay for wi-fi.
The Hotel was in a very central position, near the Museumsinsel and Friedrichstrasse; I appreciated that the hotel respected all the characteristics described, like the cleanliness and the connection with the public transports.
Unfortunately, I found the staff quite inhospitable and rude just after we insisted to pay by credit card: indeed, before our stay, we asked by e-mail if it was possible to pay by credit card , and the staff answered there was no problem; at our arrival we found an information plaque (quite ruined, that meant it was quite old) which said that the machine for credit cards was -suspiciously- broken. We insisted to pay by credit card; we had to wait until our last day for the payment: I think the staff behaviour was suspicious and distrustful.
Location is close to tourist's attractions
Hotel has no lift, the steps of the staircase are high and it is difficult to bring the luggage up to rooms. The hotel is positioned above the kebab house and the tram lines,so all night the noise from partying visitors and banging trams doesn't allow to sleep with open window.
nothing in particular
toilet is outside the room
Dirty shower noisy ripped off
The location is really good, we were traveling by train and the hotel was in walking distance from the main train station. We could walk to all the main tourist attractions. Good restaurants just in front of the hotel.
When we were going to have breakfast they had closed it before the time it was supposed to be open. No elevator (didn't bother us though).
The most important feature of this hotel is its location. Very close to the metro, tram and bus stations. The saff are very polite and welcoming so i would recommend this hotel for people looking for low budget places.
The facilities are out of date! There is a button you have to press while showering to open the sink.
Amazing location Excellent value for money
No free wi-fi No elevator
The beds were really comfortable with good quality clean linen The shower was really good Almost centrally Located: We were able to walk to most of the famous sights. Trams leave from almost outside of the hotel which was very convenient as we had 3 days pass. We were given a Kettle and hairdryer Lots of choices of restaurants and clubs. Found it a very lively area with good atmosphere.
On Arrival its not very appealing to stay there, the corridors were dark . Cleanliness was ok. The rooms and area was okay once you got used to the space. There are no lifts 3 of us were on 2nd floor and 3 were located on 3rd floor so lots of stairs to climb with luggage.would be a problem for some people
The staff were helpful. The location is good but could not sleep the whole night.
A group of men were talking loudly and laughing outside the hotel till the wee hours of the morning. It was so disturbing.
The location is really good, near to the tube,tram and bus stop. The neighborhood has a lot of restaurants. The room is really clean and the toillet as well.
we had a problem because in our room we had a Window in the roof, so 4:30h in the morning was light in all room. We can't sleep good. We tried to talk with the manager but he said that he can't do anything. We stayed in the 4th floor, and they don't have lifts.. so it wasn't so nice.
Tidy and decent rooms
Wifi is not available for use
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text:
because bathrooms are cool. obviously.
love them boots
happy holidays to all
Photo tagged as: circle_tattoo
i need this.
Photo tagged as: reblog - Reblog from libbethcarmen
Layer series by Nobuhiro Nakanishi.
Photo tagged as: reblog - Reblog from dashingdanielle
cause you used to be my tenderoni.
Text tagged as:
(Source: architecturepictures)
Video tagged as: reblog - Reblog from catchingdreamsalldayerrday
my future studio.
"how fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes"
Text tagged as:


text:
It seems that the longer I've had this blog, the worse I've gotten at posting. But that's not because great things aren't happening. On the eve of my 3rd anniversary with NYC, I can't help but reflect on this past year.
An amazing, transformative, bucket-list-checking, life changing year.
I found my dream job. I didn't know it originally, I was just happy to be with a nice company, designing material. But the more that I work here, the better things get. I am being challenged professionally, but in a positive way. Even on a tough day, when I get home and someone asks me how my day was, 99% of the time I can say "It was good!" Job satisfaction is a powerful thing.
I also met the man of my dreams. Totally unexpected, totally not my "type." But it somehow works, and it is amazing. Crazy little thing called love. Need I say more?
I've left Manhattan behind to move in with The Boy in Brooklyn. I'm pretty sure this new apartment is the size of my last 2 apartments combined. And although this is pretty recent, I've gotta say, so far, so good (um, hello, $6 mani's!!). There's also something so magical about riding home from work and watching the sunset over the Verrazano Bridge. One of my favorite moments each day.
Sure, I had some low times, that's how life goes. But the good days have most certainly outnumbered the bad days. My life is in a "sweet spot" and I couldn't be happier. Every year just keeps getting better, so I can't wait to see what the next year brings!
Happy Anniversary NYC, you're such a babe.
1. Because we have the most iconic skyline
2. Because of Manhattan's grid
3. Because our bars are open until 4am
50 reasons NYC is the greatest city in the world: http://tmout.us/ipw9s
What's yours?
Love #36!


text:
3 / Flowers at Night and Day
This series of brooches is my take on floral jewellery. But rather than using the imagery of flowers and plants I used the way they react to light. It is based on flowers which bloom during daytime, a reaction called 'photoperiodism'.
The brooches look monochrome in a dimly lit environment but when you shine light on them, or rotate them towards a light source through a rotating mechanism in the back, a coloured shape made out of light appears on the white surface and the brooch begins to 'bloom'
Click on 'Video' beneath the images to see how the brooches react to light.


text:
More good news for those of you who managed to score the Galaxy Nexus on this Merry Nexus Day. Not even two hours after the Android 4.0.1 images were released for the Verizon Nexus, Google has decided to drop the 4.0.2 factory images on us as well. The build for ICS 4.0.2 is ICL53F and is the current build you'll have after the phone updates shortly after activation. For those of you who are wanting to flash, mod and tweak your phone it is suggested that you tuck these away just in case. Check back and we should have an update on how to flash these to your phones should you botch a flash.
Full Changelog for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus 4.0.2 update
As we reported yesterday, everyone who purchases a Galaxy Nexus from Verizon today will get a notification for an update shortly after activation. We weren't sure of all the details, but the changelog is out so here you go:
Software Version: ICL53F / Android Version 4.0.2
Device features
- Optimized Mobile Hotspot when used with VPN.
- Optimized 3G/4G data sessions for faster response times.
- Fixed an incorrect notification that "data was disconnected due to roaming".
- Wi-Fi now automatically reconnects when returning to a known Access Point.
- Improvements to special visual effects feature when using front-facing camcorder.
- Visual improvements to the lock screen.
Commemorate The Galaxy Nexus' Release By Unlocking The Bootloader
Happy Galaxy Nexus Day folks! What better way to celebrate this momentous day by having full instructions on how to unlock the boatloader? The good news is that the process is relatively brief and not too challenging thanks to the fine team at Droid Life. Since the Galaxy Nexus is a pure developer device, there's no need to bypass or hack the bootloader like you would another device. Feeling lucky, ambitious, and ready to unlock the phone's true potential? Hit the break for full instructions for those using Windows-based computers.
Read more
[Deal] Verizon Galaxy Nexus Available Tonight at Midnight for as Low as $155 from LetsTalk
Plan on finally picking up the Verizon Galaxy Nexus? Are you are so upset with the way they went about launching the device that you are having a hard time giving them $300 for the phone? Well you in luck! At midnight tonight, LetsTalk.com is offering the device for $154.99 for new customers, and $174.99 for existing customers who are eligible for an upgrade. The phone will retail for $229.99, but by using the coupon code $75VZN, you will get a sweet little revenge discount. Existing customers need to pay a $20 premium in case you were wondering why the price difference.
Head to this link at 12:01 PST to get yourself a shiny new toy at a great discounted price! The coupon code ($75VZN) can be found through LetsTalk's Facebook page in case you don't believe me.
It's Officially Official: Galaxy Nexus Launches On Verizon Tomorrow December 15th For $299
We know what you're thinking. Damn! Finally! And probably some other words we can't officially type on the blog. But here it is folks, finally made official by Verizon, the Galaxy Nexus will arrive tomorrow 12/15 and will go for $299 on contract with a new two year agreement. You'll be able to order the device online around 1am eastern and stores should be fully stocked already in the event you want to skip waiting for the device to arrive by mail. Enjoy it all of you who waited so patiently and don't forget to stay tuned to Talk Android as we get our review up of the Verizon Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich. Feel free to use our comments section below to sing your Hallelujahs.
Press release after the break
Read more
Verizon gives us a Galaxy Nexus simulator, but where's the real thing?
Still hoping that tomorrow will bring the release of the Galaxy Nexus? It's not looking good since they made it clear there would be a press announcement, and as of right now there isn't one. If you like to be teased than hit the source link and you can enjoy a virtual Galaxy Nexus compliments of Verizon. I can only imagine how many suits are at Verizon corporate right now laughing at all of us.
[via verizon]
Verizon Releases PR Statement on Galaxy Nexus Release Status
Well finally after a whole lot of silence after each targeted release date miss Verizon is speaking up about the Galaxy Nexus. In a short PR statement Verizon announced the following:
"The Galaxy Nexus is still on track to launch this year. We will definitely send a press release to announce availability. Feel free to visit www.verizonwireless.com/galaxynexus to sign up for email alerts to be one of the first to know."
So with that being said, it appears that tomorrow's rumored launch is not going to happen. Although it does say that the device is still on track for a release this year and that we will hear it straight from the horse's mouth when it will happen. So even with the rumors of the Nexus launch flying about you can safely bet that it won't happen until we hear it straight from Big Red. If you have missed out on any of the news regarding the Nexus you can read all about it right here. I don't know about you guys though, but I am both saddened and relieved at Verizon's statement.
Telstra to Sell the Galaxy Nexus Tomorrow, December 14th
Australians rejoice! You are next in line to get your hands on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Starting tomorrow, Telstra is offering the device online and in two flagship stores in Melbourne. You can get a hold of this America-illusive device for as low as $69 a month on up to $129 depending on which contract you go with. For all the details check out the source link below.
If you plan on going to one of the Telstra stores you might wanna get there before the doors open. I imagine you aren't the only one craving a piece of the GNex action.
[via Telstra]
Verizon Galaxy Nexus Poses With Extended Battery, Flaunts Its Slim Figure
We may not have a Galaxy Nexus yet, but it doesn't mean we can't get a glimpse of one of its accessories in action. The fine team at Droid Life have stumbled upon that 2100mAH accessory. You know, that oh-so heavy duty battery we spoke of before? There has been minor chatter around regarding the extended battery potentially adding some extra girth to the phone. Well kids, you need not worry any longer as the extended battery will make little-to-no difference in the size of the phone. And for those who are non-believers of the extended battery's slim size, there's actual pictures and video demonstrating the GN wearing the extended battery and you can clearly see the phone remains relatively slim. I've got a funny feeling that many customers will go after the accessory now knowing it won't make their phone resemble a paperweight. Check out additional pics and the actual video after the break.
Read more
Samsung Gets Serious– Boasts Claim Of Record 300 Million Sales For 2011
Samsung isn't just content to sell 30 million Galaxy S and S II phones worldwide, no sir. Sammy has announced its sold 300 million handsets so far this year. Oh and the company doesn't look like there is any sign of letting up either. JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung's Mobile Communications Business is quoted as saying "we look forward to extending this success going into 2012″. Considering it also manufactures that precious jewel and those not-too shabby Notes as well, they certainly have all the momentum in the world for 2012. Oh and it doesn't hurt it's on the offensive against its competition now too.
[via Reuters]


text:
Free Fiction for 10/10/10
By John DeNardo | Sunday, October 10th, 2010 at 12:14 am
- @Subterranean Online: The Lifecycle of Software Objects by Ted Chiang.
- @Strange Horizons: "Seven Sexy Cowboy Robots" by Sandra McDonald
- @ISMs Press: Girl from Bakuu by Russell Bittner. [via TTA Press]
- @Redstone: "His Master's Voice" by Hannu Rajaniemi
- @Lightspeed Magazine: "Hindsight" by Sarah Langan
- Beneath Ceaseless Skies #53 is now posted.
- Expanded Horizons issue #23 is now online.
- @GeekPlanetOnline: "I Will Not Go Quietly Into The Night" by Philip Norris
- At the author's website:
- "Synergy" by Genevieve Valentine
- "La Belle Dormant" by Genevieve Valentine
- @ManyBooks.net:
- "Problem on Balak" by Roger D. Aycock
- "By Earthlight" by Bryce Walton
- "The Natives" by Katherine MacLean
- Audio:
- @PodCastle:
- "The Whistling Room" by William Hope Hodgsonm Read by Paul S. Jenkins
- "The Behold of the Eye" by Hal Duncan, read by MarBelle
- @19 Nocturne Boulevard:
- "From Beyond" by H.P. Lovecraft, read by Julie Hoverson
- "The Cats of Ulthar" by H.P. Lovecraft, read by Julie Hoverson
- "What the Moon Brings" by H.P. Lovecraft, read by Julie Hoverson.
- "The Colour Out of Space, part 1" by H.P. Lovecraft, read by Julie Hoverson
- @Escape Pod: "Only Springtime When She's Gone" by Eugie Fosterm Read by Jason Adams StarshipSofa: "McIIvaine's Star" by August Derleth
- @PodCastle:
- @Craphound: "Jury Service" by Cory Doctrow: Part 1, Part 2. [via Escape Pod]
- @LibriVox: "Let 'em Breathe Space" by Lester del Rey [via SFFAudio]
- @Pseudopod: "Papa Was a Gypsy" By Shannon Celebi, Read by Ben Phillips
- The Nex (Chapter 1) by Tim Pratt. [via Escape Pod]
- "The List" by Kris Truitt
Tagged with: Free Fiction
Filed under: Free Fiction
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text:
Afghanistan's Karzai bans NATO strikes on homes
Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Tuesday he would no longer allow NATO air strikes on houses because they have caused too many civilian casualties. He said a recent strike that mistakenly killed a group of children and women would be the last. [read more; photo via]