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OMAGH Academy coach Ross Hunter insists his players will have to pull out all the stops this Saturday morning if they are to reach the last eight of the Danske Bank Schools' Cup.
For the first time ever the Academy have been seeded in the top eight however that proved to be no real advantage when paired away to Wallace High School in the last -16 draw.
Wallace are considered among the favourites to win this year's competition and earlier in the season defeated Omagh 31-7 in Lisburn.
Despite the odds being stacked against his team, Hunter believes his charges are capable of pulling off a shock result.
"When they beat us early in the season we had an off day," he insisted.
"Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong. Our setpiece just didn't function. We didn't play well, all round we were pretty poor.
"Wallace have been going well this season but so have we, for the majority of it. That was reflected in us being seeded in the top eight.
"Granted we will have to be at our best on Saturday but I feel there are areas we can exploit and attack.
"We are going to have to play to our potential and, if we do, then we have a chance and can compete."
Hunter rates his current first XV as the best he has worked with since taking up employment at the Dublin Road seat of learning and that has been reflected in their results so far.
Omagh have won 11 of their 15 matches to date and scored nearly 300 points in the process.
Their captain and vice-captain is the backrow pair of is James Longwell and Nathan Sides respectively while team-mates Taine Lagan, Glenn McKinley, Jake McCay and Robbie Sproule are members of the Ulster U17 squad.
"It's a very mature team with 11 players in upper sixth," continued the coach
"We have a good side and if we click on the day then we are in with a shout.
"When our lineout and scrum functions well we play well. It's important we compete up front and if they do that then we can playing running rugby.
"We have played quite an expansive game this season but on Saturday we'll be looking to mix it up a bit."
Wingers Ryan Gibson and Gary McIlwaine have been ruled out with injury. Kick-off 11pm
ACADEMY Squad
Matthew Hill; Gary McCrossan; Glenn McKinley; Nathan KIlfedder; Jordan Brolly; Matthew Bell; Jake McCay; Robbie Sproule; Ben Henderson; Neil Logan; Nathan Sides (vice-captain); James Longwell (captain); Troy Booth; Danny Ritchie; Kyle Beattie; Scott Ballantine; Deane Kane; Fintan Lagan; Oisin Shiels; Oscar Nelson; Ryan Gibson; Taine Lagan; Finn Small.
Posted: 7:30 pm February 3, 2017
OMAGH'S Kelan Grant is going into his debut Enduro World Series season with confidence after enjoying a solid winter...
RSD coach Gareth McClintock paid tribute to his players after they brushed aside Grosvenor in the Danske Bank Schools'...
THE good times are back at Omagh as the Accies finished a memorable year on a high.


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Loteprednol vs Prednisolone for the Treatment of Intraocular Inflammation Following Cataract Surgery in Children.
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01475643
Recruitment Status : Active, not recruiting
First Posted : November 21, 2011
Last Update Posted : April 26, 2017
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- Results Submitted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Condition or disease
|Drug: Loteprednol etabonate Drug: Prednisolones acetate
|Phase 3
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Estimated Enrollment :
|170 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Parallel Assignment
|Double (Care Provider, Investigator)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|Safety and Efficacy of Topical Loteprednol Etabonate 0.5%, Versus Prednisolone Acetate 1%, for the Treatment of Intraocular Inflammation Following Surgery for Childhood Cataract
|Actual Study Start Date :
|June 2013
|Estimated Primary Completion Date :
|July 2017
|Estimated Study Completion Date :
|August 2017
Experimental: Loteprednol etabonate
Loteprednol etabonate 0.5%
Drug: Loteprednol etabonate
1-2 Ophthalmic drops administered to study eye four times daily (QID) for 14 days post surgery. Tapered to twice daily (BID) for 7 days. Then once daily (QD) for 7 days.
Other Name: LE
Active Comparator: Prednisolones acetate
Prednisolone acetate 1.0%
Drug: Prednisolones acetate
1-2 Ophthalmic drops administered to study eye four times daily (QID) for 14 days post surgery. Tapered to twice daily (BID) for 7 days. Then once daily (QD) for 7 days.
Other Name: PA
- Anterior Chamber Inflammation [ Time Frame: Postoperative Day 29 ]Mean grade of converted anterior chamber inflammation
- Anterior Chamber Cells & Flare [ Time Frame: Over all visits 42 days ]Proportion of subjects with anterior chamber inflammation.
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|up to 11 Years (Child)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Subject is a candidate for routine, uncomplicated surgery for childhood cataract
Exclusion Criteria:
- Subjects who have a severe/serious ocular condition, or any other unstable medical condition that, in the Investigator's opinion, may preclude study treatment or follow-up.
- Subjects with glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or those receiving intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering therapy in either eye or systemically.
- Subjects with a history of steroid-induced IOP elevation in either eye.
- Subjects who have known hypersensitivity or other contraindication to the study drug(s) or any components in the drug formulation.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01475643
|United States, New York
|Bausch & Lomb Inc
|Rochester, New York, United States, 14609
|Study Director:
|Johnson Varughese
|Valeant/Bausch & Lomb
|Responsible Party:
|Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01475643 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|First Posted:
|November 21, 2011 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|April 26, 2017
|Last Verified:
|April 2017
|Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement:
|Plan to Share IPD:
Keywords provided by Bausch & Lomb Incorporated:
Pediatric cataract
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Pathologic Processes
Lens Diseases
Eye Diseases
Uveal Diseases
Prednisolone acetate
Methylprednisolone acetate
Methylprednisolone Hemisuccinate
Prednisolone hemisuccinate
Prednisolone phosphate
Loteprednol Etabonate
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Hormones, Hormone Substitutes, and Hormone Antagonists
Physiological Effects of Drugs
Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
Antineoplastic Agents
Autonomic Agents
Peripheral Nervous System Agents
Gastrointestinal Agents
Neuroprotective Agents
Protective Agents
Anti-Allergic Agents

subset: commoncrawl


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Genealogy Lesson #1
Why do family history?
In the Foreword to the book Ethnic Genealogy: A Research Guide, Alex Haley wrote: "Tracing ancestors as far back as possible has brought to many people great satisfaction and pleasure. Even documenting one's family thoroughly for but a few generations can prove just as exciting and fulfilling as a more sketchy documentation across two or three centuries. Each individual ancestral relative previously unknown and genealogically discovered is its own special thrill! No less thrilling is the discovery of records rich with information, which would have remained untouched, which would never have come to light, unless you had gotten caught up in the multiple, magnetic lures of genealogy."
Who doesn't like to solve a good mystery puzzle? Many books and TV shows are plotted on an intriguing mystery. TCasteel, who writes the Tangled Trees blog says: "Genealogy and mysteries, they go together rather well." Solving who your ancestors are and how they are related to you can be very satisfying. Finding their stories and pictures from their life not only keeps their memory alive but brings you great piece.
When you search for ancestors, you find great friends!
If you have any questions or you need help getting started or if you are stuck pushing at a brick wall, please contact me and I will help you.
If you have any questions or you need help getting started or if you are stuck pushing at a brick wall, please contact me and I will help you.


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Middlesex win closes history on county ground at Portsmouth
Robin Smith - may miss NatWest Trophy quarter-final
Photo © Hants CCC
Paul Weekes hit the second ball of the last over from Shane Warne to the long-on boundary to bring Middlesex a four-wicket victory over Hampshire in the Second Division of the National League and to bring to an end over a century of county cricket at the United Services ground in Portsmouth.
The result was in line with current form as Middlesex have now won five of ten matches and Hampshire lost eight of nine. Bearing in mind that these same two teams clash in the quarter-final of the NatWest Trophy at Lord's on Tuesday, Justin Langer invited the home county to bat first when he won the toss in front of some 2,500 spectators.
At first all went well for the hosts as Giles White and John Stephenson added 58 for the first wicket, but even captain Robin Smith (42) could not inspire an increase in the scoring-rate. In the 36th over Smith pulled a hamstring and from the following delivery his runner, White, was run out. Hampshire managed to score just 190-9. The start of the Middlesex innings was similarly tepid with Andrew Strauss, David Alleyne and Richard Johnson out by the time the score reached 52.
The tide was turned in a 82 run fourth-wicket partnership between Mike Roseberry and Mark Ramprakash. The former scored another ten runs after being dropped on 44 ad his innings included a six and three fours. Ramprakash was more cautious in scoring only one boundary in his 46.
Then quick bowler Peter Hartley seemed to regain the initiative for Hampshire with 3-41 and Warne had his compatriot, Langer, caught spectacularly by Derek Kenway. Hampshire's problems did not end with the end of the match: Smith could miss the NatWest Trophy match because of his hamstring trouble and White, who did not field, is having problems with a calf-strain.


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In need of Thomasville Bail Bonds? Our network helps you find and contact a licensed bail bond agent in Thomasville, Alabama. Numerous Thomasville AL bail bonds companies can bail you (or another person) out anytime of the day or night in Thomasville AL. At your convenience, many bail bonds companies will come pick you up privately. Payment plans are often available depending on the situation.
Upon arrest anywhere in Clarke county, a person is usually processed at the Clarke county jail. To be released from jail, several steps must occur, including being booked into jail and posting bail. Once the bail amount is confirmed, a bail bond agent is sent to post the bail bond at the local jail. Now the release procedure begins and typically takes anywhere from 1-2 hours to be completed. Although cash bonds are acceptable, it is usually not a common practice due to financial limitations.
Thomasville Bail Bonds agents can help you with all your bail needs:
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Bail Bonds in Thomasville AL
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30.21 miles away
Phone: (251)575-3255


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Friday, November 28, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Ok, Ok, Ok, I need to post! I am totally partial to this one because they are family :) But they had a great session!
I love this pic, one of my new faves! (below)
I have TONS more on the way so check back ;)
Posted by The Elmers at 11:44 AM 3 comments:
Labels: Families
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
My Three Loves....
Posted by The Elmers at 10:03 PM 6 comments:
Labels: My Family
Sunday, November 9, 2008
These two were a photographers dream!
Sooooo easy goin' and SOOOOO EASY ON THE EYES!!!
Congratulations! And thanks for picking me to be a part of your special day :)
Posted by The Elmers at 9:39 PM 2 comments:
Labels: Weddings
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As you can see, Carter enjoyed the Black Bottom part of our muffins.
Then of course it's off to every little kids favorite Saturday morning activity: Cartoons! Carter loves to sing especially to some of his favorite shows.
And then there is the important job of helping with the mission:
Next it's off to helping Dad out in the backyard cleaning up leaves and planting bulbs for the Spring.
This is hard work!!


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8th of February 2013, 7pm. Opening speech by Judit Csatlós, anthropologist
On View
24th of March 2013
Trafo Gallery
Ticket price
free entrance
Desire Path - exhibition of Beatrix Szörényi and Zsolt Tibor
You can download the exhibition handout here.
Trafó Gallery hosts the works of two emerging Hungarian artists, who became emblematic figures of their generation, because of the consistent methodology with which they work since the beginning of their career. The exhibition draws attention on the paralell practices of Szörényi and Tibor, and also casts light on the gently ephemeral nature of their pieces. Beatrix Szörényi's aquarelles based on absurd conceptualism are of definitive importance within the increasingly popular genre, while Zsolt Tibor's deconstructive works have become indispensable within the discourse on contemporary Hungarian drawing.
The exhibition of the two artists on the other hand doesn't focus on the status quo of the genres, rather on the appetite for experimentality. The apropos of their present introduction is the way how the artists modified their sharp practices through incorporating other genres into their work, which has become more and more object-based recently. In the context of the exhibition they also expand their two-dimensional works into the third dimension of the space, and they extend their production onto objects. Different installation-based hibrid genres occur in the gallery, where paperworks, assemblages and objects are all mixed up.
Beatrix Szörényi tries to redefine the genre of the relief with her latest wall-experiments. The relief for Szörényi becomes an instrument, which makes her capable of re-editing the linearity of her paperworks. While the pieces of Zsolt Tibor are exhibited on twisted out and dissorted furniture, containers and archivers. These vehicles are parts of a mobile modular system which makes the artist's work perceiveable as variable and homogenous units.
It is of utmost importance to highlight that the nature of the presentation of the works of both artists is rather non-hierarchical and justaxposed; and that both of them are inspired by a pool of motifs which have a common referentiality in the childhood. Szörényi and Tibor are also reflecting in their works on the status and aesthetics of institutionalised archiving and the museum, as such. For the duration of the exhibition their latest works produced for this occasion will be presented in a new constellation, which will serve as a new intersection and path for their future practices which will intervene with further innovative forms in the genre of drawing.
Beatrix Szörényi graduated from the intermedia faculty of the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, while Zsolt Tibor graduated from the painter faculty of the very same university. Both artists were Derkovits Scolarship awardees and both won the Herczeg Klára Prize of the Studio of Young Artists' Association. Zsolt Tibor was the first Hungarian artist to be awarded by the Strabag Artaward International in 2009. The audience today has more chance to encounter Tibor's and Szörényi's works not merely in the region's centrals such as Vienna and Prague, but throughout Germany, Finland and Switzerland as well.


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Pretend To Bee – Tortoise Tabard Dressing Up!
My 4 year old preschooler is absolutely besotted with tortoises and turtles, and we have no idea why or how this obsession started! For two years now she has been collecting any tortoise or turtle toy we find on our travels, and we even now own our very own Hermanns tortoise called Bert.
But what makes this obsession a little more extreme is how for the past 2 years she believes she is also a tortoise too, I thought it was a passing phase, but 2 years on and she will still only respond to the name tortoise or turtle. Of course along side the obsession is the books she reads, her favourites at the moment are 'Eric Carle, The Foolish Tortoise', and Mr Men 'Pets' where Mr Muddle needs a new pet, and Little Miss Slow has a pet tortoise, on a skateboard (yes, really!). Both of these books go to bed with her every night. So what's the most perfect item for a tortoise/turtle obsessed little preschooler? This…
Bemma now has her very own Tortoise tabard to dress up in. It's made by 'Pretend To Bee' and has a RRP of £16.95. It's a nice comfortable design, it pops over the head, and you can wear the hood up or down. It has a couple of velcro bits for around the neck. It also has elastic sides, which also velcro apart for easy removing. The shell design on the back is all soft, as is the front too. This is a big difference to other dressing up outfits which are often not suitable to be worn for any longer than 10 minutes, which means Emma can wear this everywhere, she can sit in it, she can even jump around in it too….
I would like to say this is the perfect World Book Day outfit, but realistically it's an everyday outfit here.
You can buy your very own Tortoise Tabard online here, and check out the rest of the Pretend To Bee website too.
We were sent the much loved Tortoise Tabard for this review, all thoughts and gushing are our own words and thoughts.


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Happy Easter to all
Sunday mornings are good for.....
You are in size 9 month and 12 month clothes
You wear a size 3 diaper
You are picking up puffs and putting them in your mouth
You have mastered the paci flip
You are crawling all over the place
You are starting to stand unassisted holding onto furniture
You are saying Bah Bah and Ki Ki (which is kitty)
You are a little fish in the water, you are kicking your legs and paddling your arms
You are in the big bath tub now
You eat 2 baby food meals a day, one fruit at lunch, vegetable and fruit at dinner
You are sleeping a little bit better now, going down at 7:30, up at 3 to eat, up for good around 8
You are learning how to kiss and like to kiss anything and everything
It seems like you have grown up over night. You are changing and learning so much day by day. You are the sweetest gift we have ever had. We love you our little bird.
Here we are practicing floating on her back.
One of these things.....
I am.....a mother.
I want....to be able to afford to go to graduate school.
I have...more empathy than I can stand sometimes.
I wish...I could stay at home with my daughter verses bring home a paycheck.
I hate...close mindedness.
I fear...aliens (seriously).
I hear....myself tell others advice but rarely take my own.
I search...for a career that will make me feel good about myself.
I wonder...if my daughter will ever know how much I love her.
I regret...that I had too much fun in college and didn't go to grad school while I still qualified for financial aid!
I love...God, my family, and my friends.
I ache...for children who do not know all encompassing love.
I always....react impulsively and never think things through fully.
I usually....clean the kitchen before I go to bed. I can't stand it messy when I wake up.
I am not....as nice to my husband as I should be.
I dance...every time Ellen does.
I sing...to my daughter several times a day.
I never...get enough sleep.
I sometimes...watch a little too much reality tv.
I cry...everday, sometimes two or three times.
I am not always...as positive as I should be.
I lose...my mind several times a day.
I am grateful...for my parents who would walk backwards and shoeless to the ends of the earth for me.
I need...nothing.
I should...eat less, worry less, smile more often, and relish in the moment verses wishing days away.
You're next: Courtney, Beth, and Renee!!!


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1. The Beatles Anthology
A thorough celebration of the life and times of the greatest band we've ever known, The Beatles Anthology is my favorite documentary. At 10+ hours, time has never flown faster than when I was watching this. The filmmakers used bits of interviews, photos, performances, and sometimes songs to illustrate where the band was and what they were thinking and creating at any given time in their history. Going from their births to the end, I couldn't ask for more from this doc as a look into the group that has inspired me the most as a creative person, and been the best of the soundtrack of my life. This movie encapsulates all of that and more.
2. Hoop Dreams
A wonderfully human look at the lives of two up and coming basketball stars in inner city Chicago in the late 80's early 90's. Hoop Dreams started as a 30-minute project looking at how 8th graders were recruited by suburban schools to play basketball, the project grew and grew until it became something totally different, the best documentary I've ever seen. A look at how the business of basketball, and of trying to find the next Michael Jordan, can chew up and spit out unsuspecting families and people, Hoop Dreams has a right to be angrier than it is. Director Steve James instead encompasses all the human emotions, even taking us into the life of one of the young men's mother as she works her way through nursing school to help provide for her family. It's a tough life for these kids, made tougher by the fact that neither was the next Michael Jordan (as most young men aren't). It may look like a doc about basketball, but really it's about life in America.
3. 4 Little Girls
Spike Lee's most passionate, angry, and emotional movie is this doc about the young girls killed in the September 15th, 1963 church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. Lee brilliantly sets the scene with newsreel footage, home movies, family interviews and more to get us in the mindset of the time. We're put in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement, and its contentious place in the South. A lot of things surround what happened, but one thing is certain: These girls were taken from their families and the world by racism, pure and simple. But Lee doesn't make pure and simple movies, thankfully. This is, like his later When the Levees Broke (about Hurricane Katrina), a movie full of life, love, and yes a lot of anger at the senselessness of what happened.
4. The Last Waltz
The Band is one of my all time favorite groups. This is Martin Scorsese's account of their final concert, which they called The Last Waltz. For their last show, they invited some friends to help out. Those friends included Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Muddy Waters, Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Ronnie Wood, Dr. John, and others. But my favorite performances are those from The Band by themselves. "Up On Cripple Creek" "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and especially their definitive take on Marvin Gaye's "Don't Do It", which opens the doc.
I'm saddened that Richard Manuel, who had the most heartbreaking and beautiful voice in all of rock music, was so broken down through his addictions and hard life on the road that we only really see him sing a verse of the Dylan/Band classic "I Shall Be Released". This has always been drummer/singer Levon Helm's problem with The Last Waltz, both he and bassist/singer Rick Danko considered Manuel to be the lead singer, and yet he is nearly absent from the final cut of the concert we see. Guitarist/songwriter Robbie Robertson says that Manuel was too far gone in his addictions, and he and Scorsese did the best they could with the material they had.
There's a sadness alongside the joyousness of the music here. A type of sadness not usually seen in concert films. You can see that the guys love playing music together, and with their friends, but there's a sort of knowing wistfulness in everyone's eyes, particularly Robbie's. The Last Waltz was a wonderful celebration of one of the great bands of all time, but also a melancholic goodbye to the music that they made together. The Last Waltz is the greatest of rock docs, about one of the greatest of bands.
5. Encounters at the End of the World
Encounters at the End of the World is a splendid little documentary about the wild sights, sounds, and people that occupy Antarctica. Made in association with the National Science Foundation, legendary German filmmaker Werner Herzog guides us through this land and its people, while narrating in that familiar and comforting accent of his. We find that the people who inhabit this place are mostly intellectuals there doing scientific research, but also we find that the general sense of everyone is that of an outsider, a misfit, an adventurer. After all, if you want to get away, or even just explore a new land, where's a better place than the "end of the world"?
Whether it's in the breathtakingly shot underwater scenes (filmed by a diver friend of Herzog's), the gorgeous innards of a volcanic vent, or just the barren landscape of ice (some of which is 9,000 feet thick) Herzog feeds us these unbelievable images. Some of the underwater stuff wouldn't look out of place in the "Beyond the Infinite" sequence of 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Herzog even likens the divers to astronauts exploring outer space. Encounters at the End of the World is a fascinating, educational, occasionally humorous, and definitely adventurous journey to the otherwordly continent of Antarctica, and I highly recommend taking the trip.
6. Woodstock
Whether it's in the breathtakingly shot underwater scenes (filmed by a diver friend of Herzog's), the gorgeous innards of a volcanic vent, or just the barren landscape of ice (some of which is 9,000 feet thick) Herzog feeds us these unbelievable images. Some of the underwater stuff wouldn't look out of place in the "Beyond the Infinite" sequence of 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Herzog even likens the divers to astronauts exploring outer space. Encounters at the End of the World is a fascinating, educational, occasionally humorous, and definitely adventurous journey to the otherwordly continent of Antarctica, and I highly recommend taking the trip.
6. Woodstock
Director Michael Wadleigh and his team of editors (including a young Martin Scorsese and his future editing partner Thelma Schoonmaker) took an ungodly amount of footage shot at the 1969 Woodstock festival and with it made one of the great documentaries. Not just a celebration of the music of the festival, but of the people, the time, and even just the feeling of being there. Although 3 hours long, the time flies by as we're transported back to that muddy field over 3 days. And it really is a transporting document now, as we grow further and further away from that hippie Mecca that sprung up and was a beacon for hundreds of thousands of people in attendance, and became a landmark and symbol for many of those who wanted to be there. Wadleigh and his team make us feel like we're there, and it's an amazing viewing experience.
7. Touching the Void
Almost a horror movie, as it recounts and recreates the terrifying mountain climbing incidents that befell Joe Simpson and Simon Yates in 1985 while climbing Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. We see the men, in talking head interviews now, talk about the normal mountain climbing preparations that were made, and watch and hear them talk about the horrifying things that happened when things don't go as planned on the way back down. These sequences are re-created with actors as Simpson and Yates essentially narrate. A harrowing "what would you do?" of a movie, crossed with the life affirming triumph of the human spirit kind of documentary, Touching the Void is quite a thrilling, frightening time at the movies.
8. Jiro Dreams of Sushi
That's right, a documentary about a guy that makes sushi. But not just any guy. Jiro Ono is the master of sushi. Chef/food writer Anthony Bourdain has said the 20 minutes he spent at Jiro's 10 seat restaurant may have been the best meal he's ever eaten. When Jiro was awarded a 3-star rating from the Michelin Guide, they said that 3 stars (a rating which only around 100 restaurants in the world have achieved) was the only acceptable rating for Jiro's food. Not that it makes a bit of difference to Jiro, he is not spurred on by outside praise. He seeks only to achieve perfection in the simplicity of his own mind. He is the harshest critic of his food, he seems to take less pleasure in his food than most chefs, but it's not because of a lack of pride. He, like our traditional view of the Japanese, takes all the pride in the world in his work. His work just happens to be sushi. No appetizers, no entrees, no salads. Sushi. And the waiting list is often months long.
The movie is a fascinating portrait of the pursuit of perfection. We don't meet Jiro's wife, but he has two sons. The oldest, Yoshikazu, is 50+-years-old, and in the Japanese tradition, working for his father, intending to take over when the old man retires. But Jiro is almost 90 now, and seems to only want to do one thing in the world, make sushi. The younger son, Takashi, opened a mirror image of his fathers restaurant (mirrored because one is right handed and the other is left handed, and the restaurants sit accordingly), but admits that he'll never be as good as his father. So although his restaurant is very successful, he must charge less money than Jiro, because his sushi is inferior to his dads. Jiro admits to not being a great dad, and others talk about how he hates national holidays because he must close. He seems to be only interested in obsessive perfection of his sushi. I wouldn't have thought a movie on this subject (despite being a big fan of sushi) would be as engrossing as this, but the relentlessness that Jiro possesses is fascinating. The single mindedness with which he lives his life is quite a sight to see and explore on screen. It's one of the best explorations of obsession we've ever seen on screen.
9. The Up series
Down the list a bit simply because I couldn't pick just one to put on here, Michael Apted's Up series first started in 1964, and has then revisited as many of the participants as wanted to join in again every 7 years. As of 2012's 56 Up, only one of the 14 children has refused to participate (ironically, the person, Charles, has gone on to be a documentary filmmaker for the BBC). A fascinating snapshot look at people's lives and how they evolve from childhood. We feel like we get to know these people, really know them, more than we do in pretty much any other project in movie history. I can't really describe what's so great about these movies, they must be experienced.
10. Once Brothers
Another basketball doc, this one part of ESPN's great 30 for 30 series. Focusing on the crossroads of political turmoil and athletics, this looks most at the tension between players on the Yugoslavia national team as the country was slowly dividing up due to the Yugoslav Wars. Specifically this movie looks at the relationship between the Serbian Vlade Divac and Croatian Drazen Petrovic, the team's biggest stars. Most famously, after winning the 1990 FIBA World Championship, Divac took a Croatian flag out of the hands of a fan rushing the court and threw it to the ground. Divac wanted the game to have meaning in keeping Yugoslavia together, to be a unifying force, so he wanted Yugoslavia to be celebrated and not individual states (and future countries). Unsurprisingly, it wasn't viewed that way by the Croatian public, who the doc shows still to this day some people spitting on the name of Divac. As the players went on to NBA careers, it got worse as the spotlight grew bigger. With Drazen's untimely death in 1993, the situation was never really able to be healed either, giving a bitter taste to so many things the friends should've been able to share.
Honorable mention to:
Burden of Dreams
two brilliant behind-the-scenes docs on the disastrous productions of Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo and Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now, respectively.


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searching for more of you ..
"What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?" – Robert Schuller
Most people do not know what they're good at simply because they have seldom been praised for their attempts. Nothing is more motivating than being told how well you did something. Remember every great artist was first an amateur. Motivation is what gets you started and then motivated habit is what keeps you going. Living in L.A. and being surrounded by people who are success driven, I have come to realize that most men are trying to become men of success and not men of value. They have greed motivated desires. There are also a lot of mechanical professionals and not only in the entertainment industry but in the pulpits of churches. Don't forget that you have something "beyond the ordinary" deep inside of you and to discover that does not take much in terms of intuition. During your life, people will attempt to guide you along the "ordinary" path in order to get you to "fit in" or be accepted by the populace, however remember you have to connect with something fundamental to your sense of identity, purpose and well-being. What are you apt to be, to do?
British author Ken Robinson wrote the ecstatic sequence of finding your place; "I GET IT, I LOVE IT, I WANT IT… WHERE IS IT?"
Recently, while teaching a class, I was telling my students how important it is to know who you are before you can discover what you can do. I told them that when God communicated with Adam in the Garden, He was nourishing Adam and Eve with the words that proceeded out of His mouth and also giving them dominion. How was God giving them dominion? By informing them of the domain that existed within them. The more you discover yourself, the righteous you, the more dominion you have. Never stop searching for more of you – THERE IS MORE TO YOU THAN MEETS YOUR EYE! When you discover a gift or talent that you have, which was hidden or undiscovered, you have increased your ability to conquer and to accomplish things in life. The Kingdom of God is inside of you but how much of that Kingdom (domain) are you manifesting? Is it 20%, 50%? The more you discover the more you can show. What you comprehend you can apprehend. When God speaks to you it's usually about you. Read the Scriptures and you'll see how concerned God is about you discovering more about you.
JOHN 1:29, "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'"
God speaks to Jesus through John the Baptist, and from Heaven, and reveals who he is and what he can do.
An aptitude is a natural facility for something; an intuitive feel or a grasp of what that thing is, how it works and how to use it in your life. Some people have a natural feel for dance, others for telling stories and others for Economics and Math. This applies to music, sport, poetry or politics. Then it can be highly specific; not music in general but jazz or rap, not Science but Biochemistry, not track and field, but the long jump.
As most of you know, I was not very good at Math in school. The last announcement that was made to me about my keen sense of Math failure was at the end of the school year when awards were given in the presence of all the students and teachers. Names were called out, awards announced and applause erupted. Suddenly I heard, "Kim Clement please stand up." I slowly stood up and waved in the hope that I had inadvertently achieved something unbeknown to me. The voice heightened in pitch and announced, "Congratulations. You have broken a record at Muir College by achieving the lowest Math points ever in our history… three percent." I bowed and sat down as I heard cheering, sarcastic foot stomping and applause. I was delighted to leave Math behind and search for something more valuable. I was yet to discover that I had been fashioned for something very special.
Romans 8:28: For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
What a beautiful promise! I realize, however, that there is a condition attached to this promise. Many people love God and serve Him with their hearts and deeds and then expect this promise to be applied in their lives, but this scripture specifies that it is not only their love that causes all things to work together for good, but also their obedience to God's purpose. It's easy to love God; it's not so easy to serve His purpose because sometimes we think we know better. The benefit is applied when we "walk according to the call and purpose of God."
CALL: The Greek meaning for the word call is "Calleo," which translated means "Summons – An authoritative command, message or signal to appear at a specified place, for a particular purpose."
PURPOSE: Design, end, intention – a proposal, to plan and fashion skillfully and to assign.
What God purposed for you to perform was not suddenly thought about in a moment of emotion or passion, but it was planned, fashioned skillfully with preliminary sketches and plans WITH YOU IN MIND. God doesn't want anyone else to do what He fashioned for you to do because before He designed the purpose…HE DESIGNED YOU. He fashioned you!
Jeremiah 1:5 "BEFORE I FASHIONED/FORMED YOU IN THE WOMB, I KNEW YOU; BEFORE YOU WERE BORN I SANCTIFIED YOU, I ORDAINED YOU A PROPHET TO THE NATIONS."
Doesn't it make you feel special that God first fashioned you before He designed His purpose? After He saw His masterpiece – you – He designed a purpose for you so that you would always be fulfilled doing exactly what you were formed to do. Finding and developing your creative strengths is an essential part of becoming who you really are. As you walk with God on this journey, you will find that when He communicates with you that you are discovering more about yourself than you realize. Once you have prophetic revelation about yourself, you are constantly saying, "I GET IT, I LOVE IT, I WANT MORE OF IT… WHERE CAN I GET MORE OF IT?"
Prophet Kim Clement
One CommentLeave a Comment
Stop Dreaming Start Action / Jun 30 2009 9:08 am
nice post


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Then it was over. Rafael watched as they carried the body down from the cross and quickly laid it in Joseph of Arimathea's tomb. He followed. He watched as they pushed the rock over the door and began his vigil. The air was cold and still. He waited. He passed the night in silence and about halfway through that Saturday he began to work. Rafael began to loosen the shroud, light pulsing from his hands as he prepared body for Jesus' return. The flesh began to heal. He waited a little while more. He was hoping he would be able to sense the return of Lord's spirit, but nothing was happening yet. One of the angels guarding the door looked in, wanting to know if anything was happening. Rafael waved him off. He peeled back more of the shroud. He staunched the wounds that had started to bleed again, but left the scars as he had been instructed. No breathe yet. No Jesus. Rafael washed his hair and cleaned off the dirt and the blood. He took the clothing he had brought with him and dressed the body. He waited. Watching impatiently as the sun went down.
Rafael leaned over and kissed Jesus' forehead. He heard a shocked gasp and Jesus' eyes fluttered open. Overcome, Rafael embraced him, crying, and Jesus pulled away. He looked at the angel with compassion in his eyes and softly said, "Don't do kiss the women when they come, the shock will kill them."
"Lord..." he muttered. "It's not, you're not, the body's not ready yet. You must rest, Master." He watched him crumple up the shroud at the foot of the slab, and stand up.
"I have to go meet my brothers." He leaned over and kissed Rafael on the forehead and told him what to tell the women when they came to the tomb. Then he left. Rafael sat there for a few minutes, trying to process what just happened. Michael came in and patted him on the shoulder.
"You alright, brother?"
"He just got up, told me what to do to send the women to him, and left. Wouldn't sit still for even a moment. I'm not even sure he's.." Michael put a finger to his lips to stop him talking.
"He got back up and started working, right?" Rafael nodded. "Rafi, he's fine. That's what he does."
Rafael started to speak again, to protest, when he heard something rustle outside. "It's them, Michael, let's stand aside while they look around." They faded into the back wall of the tomb.


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Made using my Cricut and the Design Studio and the paper is from DCWV Once Upon a Time stack.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Another card
2 comments:
- Lori said...
I love this, the background paper and the flower are awesome!
- May 6, 2010 at 7:31 AM
- Svetlana said...
Beautiful cards, Brandy.
- August 2, 2010 at 7:51 AM
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Much like a scene from a movie, film star Dhanush and his family have been going through a tough journey with an old couple from Madurai claiming to be the parents of the actor.
The case filed by the couple in the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court asks for a maintenance of Rs 65,000 per month from Dhanush.
The drama started with the couple - Kathiresan and Meenakshi - seeing similarity between Dhanush and their son who ran away from home to join the film industry. Later the couple showcased a birth certificate of their son Kalaiselvan. They also showed his transfer certificates from school. This was further countered by Dhanush's lawyers who presented his birth certificate which was issued by the Corporation of Madras and also his school transfer certificate.
Now while the case is in court, Dhanush's school teachers have come out in support of the Kolaveri star saying that they have evidence of the fact that Dhanush did his schooling from Thai Sathya Matriculation school from LKG to 10th standard.
"He was a very shy boy, but also very naughty and he did his schooling from LKG to 10th standard. He was an above average student and had got 62-63% in his 10th boards. We have his mark sheets in our records. His parents are Kasthuri Raja and Vijayalakshmi," said Sudha Vijaykumar, the Principal of Thai Sathya Matriculation school.
Claims and counter claims:
1. Kathiresan and Meenakshi claim Dhanush is their son Kalaiselvan who ran away from home to persue a career in films and they traced him only after Dhanush's 'Manmada Rasa' song was released.
Dhanush claims that he was born and brought up in Chennai and he did his schooling in the city and that his parents are Kasthuri Raja and Vijayalakshmi.
2. The elderly couple in Madurai claim Dhanush's real name is Kalaiselvan
Dhanush claims that his name was RK Vengadesha Prabhu at the time of birth when his father was called Krishnamoorthy, but later, his father changed his name to Kasthuri Raja. Dhanush's name was changed from Vengadesha Prabhu to K Dhanush.
3. The elderly couple claims that their son's birth was in Madurai and that his birth certificate and school transfer certificates are in their custody.
Dhanush has presented his birth certificate and transfer certificate of his schooling in Chennai.
Identification test:
On February 28, Dhanush had to present himself before the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court to get an identification mark-verification test and later on March 2, further hearing of the case was also heard in the court and now the case has been adjourned to March 9.
The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on February 14 had even suggested a DNA test to resolve the issue but then Dhanush and his lawyers had declined this saying that the claims of the elderly couple was false and that the case has to be quashed. Moreover, the maintenance amount requested by the elderly couple has been highlighted by Dhanush and his lawyers, and they have stated that the couple are being used to blackmail and extract money from the actor.
The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, which is hearing the case has been clear on its part. On February 14, the court had said that whichever side is found to be presenting the false details will be severely punished. Will Dhanush be able to prove that Kasthuri Raja and Vijayalakshmi are his real parents or will he be paying maintenance allowance to couple from Madurai? Well it is just a matter of time before we know the climax of this drama.
ALSO READ: Couple claims Dhanush is their son, Madurai court summons Kolaveri D star
ALSO READ: Dhanush appears in court with mother to quash Madurai couple's claims
ALSO SEE: Dhanush, Hansika, Trisha's private photos leaked
ALSO READ: Baasha re-release is more phenomenal than a Jackie Chan release, says Latha Rajinikanth


text: IN PICS: Chic beach boutique in Cornwall IN PICTURES UncategorizedMarch 22, 2016 Pebble House in Cornwall is an award-winning six bed-boutique B&B owned by escaping Londoners, Andrea and Simon Copper. It opened in April 2013 after an 18-month renovation period, which saw it taken from a traditional bed and breakfast to a booming, chic beachside boutique. Simon worked in cars all his life before the career change and most notably Mercedes Benz, Corporate, for 22 years. Andrea has had a varied career path, from publican, UK recruitment & HR manager for an international group, spa manager for a five-star hotel group in London, to marketing manager for multinational company, and her last job, as a business manager for a national charity in central London where she also lived for 22 years.Just five months after opening, Pebble House was awarded the AA five-star Gold for both guest accommodation and breakfast and a five-star Gold VisitEngland award quickly followed. This year has also started with a bang for the pair, as Pebble House was given a bronze award at the 2016 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, after winning double Gold awards in Cornwall Tourism and South West Excellence Awards. The property, which was originally built in 1933 and previously named Southcliffe, has been designed to make the most of its coastal location, with all rooms, bar one, boasting panoramic sea views.The guest house is an adults only accommodation and while there is no restaurant on site, Pebble House is licensed for Champagne cream teas and light snacks on the terrace in the summer for both residents and non-residents. The innovative business also offers everything that is on show for sale to guests, offering customers the chance to take a piece of Pebble House home with them; everything they see touch and use is for sale and resident guests receive 10% off selected items. Advertisement Sharing Twitter0 Facebook0 Google +0 Linkedin0 Email this article Print this article Authors Zoe Monk TAG CLOUD Escaping Londoners Andrea & Simon opened Pebble House in April 2013


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Global Shampoo Market Trends, Analysis, Growth, Industry, Classifications, Applications, Competitive Landscape, Manufacturing and Technology 2015
Report Overview:
Research Beam adds a report titled "Global Shampoo Industry 2015 Deep Market Research Report" that provides latest market trends and opportunities. The report offers detailed analysis of the Shampoo Industry.
The Global Shampoo Industry 2015 Deep Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Shampoo industry.
The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Shampoo market analysis is provided for the international markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.
Development policies and plans are also discussed and manufacturing processes and cost structures analyzed. Shampoo industry import/export consumption, supply and demand figures and cost price and production value gross margins are also provided.
Browse Complete Report with TOC: http://www.researchbeam.com/global-shampoo-industry-2015-deep-research-report-market
The report focuses on global major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity production, price, cost, production value and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The Shampoo industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.
With 156 tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.
Table Of Contents:
Chapter One Shampoo Industry Overview
1.1 Shampoo Definition
1.2 Shampoo Classification and Application
1.3 Shampoo Industry Chain Structure
1.4 Shampoo Industry Overview
1.5 Shampoo Industry Policy Analysis
1.6 Shampoo Industry News Analysis
Chapter Two Shampoo International and China Market Analysis
2.1 Shampoo Industry International Market Analysis
2.1.1 Shampoo International Market Development History
2.1.2 Shampoo Product and Technology Developments
2.1.3 Shampoo Competitive Landscape Analysis
2.1.4 Shampoo International Key Countries Development Status
2.1.5 Shampoo International Market Development Trend
2.2 Shampoo Industry China Market Analysis
Chapter Three Shampoo Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis
3.1 2014 Global Key Manufacturers Shampoo Capacity and Commercial Production Date
3.2 2014 Global Key Manufacturers Shampoo Manufacturing Plants Distribution
3.3 2014 Global Key Manufacturers Shampoo R&D Status and Technology Sources
3.4 2014 Global Key Manufacturers Shampoo Raw Materials Sources Analysis
Get Enquire About Report: http://www.researchbeam.com/global-shampoo-industry-2015-deep-research-report-market/enquire-about-report
Chapter Four Shampoo Production by Regions By Technology By Applications
4.1 2010-2015 Shampoo Production by Regions(such as US EU China Japan etc)
4.2 2010-2015 Shampoo Production by Product Type
4.3 2010-2015 Shampoo Production by Applications
4.4 2010-2015 Shampoo Price by key Manufacturers
4.5 2010-2015 US Shampoo Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis
4.6 2010-2015 EU Shampoo Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis
Chapter Five Shampoo Manufacturing Process and Cost Structure
5.1 Shampoo Product Specifications
5.2 Shampoo Manufacturing Process Analysis
5.3 Shampoo Cost Structure Analysis
5.4 Shampoo Price Cost Gross Analysis


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"Barack Obama's wife stops in Anderson"
Independent Mail (SC):
Speaking before a crowd of more than 360, Michelle Obama asked supporters to help her husband, Democratic presidential candidate Barrack Obama.
Mrs. Obama was in Anderson Monday stumping for her husband and in her nearly 45-minute speech, she told voters her husband was ready for the office, but he needed their help to get there."The question is not whether or not Barrack is ready," she said. "The question is 'Are you ready?' This is a serious question … Are you really ready? Are you tired of being led by fear, manipulated by cynicism, … of giving up your seat to someone else? … Are you ready to strip off your cynicism and roll up your sleeves and get to work?"
What the campaign needed, she said, was for those excited about Mr. Obama's mission and vision to each bring another 30 to 40 people to the campaign.
Terry Metcalf of Seneca said she would be working to help spread the word.
"I'm going to be encouraging my neighbors and family and friends to vote, and to vote for who I like, Mr. Obama," she said. "I think he's the man who's going to do the job."
Vanessa Beaty of Anderson agreed.
"I think she hit on a lot of topics we've been looking forward to hearing about," Ms. Beaty said. "It's something new and different, something refreshing. We've had the same old routine for so long and we need something fresh and new."
For 16-year-old Chardae Anderson, an Anderson native now living in Greenville, the message was an inspiring one.
"I've never heard a politician talk like that," she said of Mrs. Obama. "I was very touched…. I want to be a lawyer and I want to go to Harvard (like Sen. Obama). It makes me want to step-up my game and make the sacrifices that need to be made to do what I want to do."
Although too young to vote, she said she would be helping as much as she could on the campaign.
After the 3:30 p.m. speech, Mrs. Obama was scheduled to return home to Chicago, said Kevin Griffis, spokesman for the campaign.
"She likes to get home to put their daughters to bed," he said.
Mr. Griffis said Sen. Obama would make a campaign stop on Thursday in Rock Hill.
Mrs. Obama alluded to that visit in her speech.
"We need you to stand with us and work with us," she said. "We can do this, when we do it together. Barrack is coming back here (South Carolina), and on that day… I want the rolls here doubled, I want this room full, so he'll know I was here."
Labels: barack obama, michelle obama


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Wiltshire early childhood focused inspection outcomes: Ofsted letter to LA
Ofsted's Wiltshire inspections provide a clearer view of the quality of provision for young children in disadvantaged areas.
This letter has the outcomes of the 8 inspections in March 2015 during Ofsted's early childhood focused inspection event in Wiltshire; the findings from the telephone survey completed during the same period; and the information gained from the focus group of local authority staff and its partners.
Inspection reports for Wiltshire are on Ofsted's reports website.
Published 12 June 2015


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Image That Videogame Blog
The Fan Interview questions were sent to Bethsoft, now it's time to wait for the replies. Here is the final list, chosen by votes of the Bethesda Games Fallout 3 forum members:
1) Which of the following, if any, will be featured in Fallout3; Romance, Sex, Homosexuality, Nudity, Prostitution, Slavery, Cannibalism, Children, Child killings, drugs, addictions? And of the things that won't be featured, can you explain why they won't be included in the game?
2) Are children and otherwise non essential or non quest related NPC's vulnerable or invulnerable to accidental or purposeful (deadly) harm? And how about quest essential people? Please elaborate as much as you can, especially on why you choose to do it that way.
3) Could you outline your thoughts on the matter of ensuring that choices and consequences provided by the various quests within your game are crafted so as to be more nonlinear than simply the superficial choice between "good, bad and neutral"/"affirmative, negative and nothing?" Also, will there be other aspects to choices in Fallout 3? Political? Philosophical? Exactly how far will you go with the player's moral freedom, the "gray" solutions?
4) Are most of the non human entities in the game, of hostile intent, or can some be reasoned with, or even recruited as companions under the right circumstances…?
5) Will crimes committed in one place, automatically be known everywhere and by everyone? Or is this limited to the zone the PC committed the deed in?
6) Would you take us through a hypothetical dialog tree that demonstrates the typical choices made available to the player?
7) What can you tell us about the way Armor works, will it come as a full set or as parts, and how will it influence perception? Will there be a special HUD when wearing it?
8 ) How does the inventory system work? Is it slot based? Or a never ending back pocket like with the original games?
This question came from the IGN Beth blog and was asked by Astral Proxy:
9) Will the PC version of the game include some sort of SDK or level editor like Elder Scrolls games have? If not, might one become available via download in the future? And how about the console versions, what have you done to give them the same options PC players have?
10) How advanced will the AI of NPC's be this time around? Are they really going to have a life? Speaking to other NPC's in a logical manner, traveling and trading with/in faraway places, Submitting to the player rather than fighting if they know, or think, they're no match for him?
11) How common are the 'Dungeon' areas, and do they play a part in the main story, or are they isolated side quests of their own with little bearing on the outside world. And regarding the creatures inside the dungeons, do they re-spawn or can players clear the area permanently?
12) From the four archetypes ( Charisma Boy, Stealth Boy, Science Boy and Combat Boy) which of these are carried over into Fallout3 and to what degree will that change the gaming experience? Will it change our starting equipment? Will the rewards and/or results of quests actually differ depending on the way you play through it or the way you play at all?
13)What will the map travel look like? A dotted line that slowly crawls towards the destination on the map, or Oblivion type fast travel? And will there be random encounters during said map travel?
14) How much diversity will there be in the factions (and structures of factions) found in Fallout 3? And what can you tell us about those factions and inter-faction politics?
15) How will the real time combat skills work? Will the chance of missing be larger as the skill is lower, or does it affect the amount of damage done? Or will this be featured in weapons swaying and/or recoil compensation?
16) What will be the Interaction between two aggressive NPC's or creatures in regards to each other? On a scenario where a couple of ghouls and some mutants are at a close distance do they fight among each other? Do they ignore you? Do they both attack you? Will they follow you until you reach the next town?
17) How much can you tell us about the stats, skills, traits and perks featured in the game? And what skills/perks were carried over and which were dropped from previous Fallout games? And why choose the ones you did carry over and why did you not choose the ones that were dropped?
18)How far will physical character creation be able to go? That is can we go so far as to add scars and tattoo's in player selected places? Can we decide the body type, facial appearance etc? And will stat changes or fights or anything else later in the game change that appearance?
19)Will the PC be able to crouch, kneel, lie down, and climb? And what are the benefits to that overall and in a combat situation?
20) What sort of weather effects will we be seeing and will it effect the game play in some manner (e.g. change the landscape, people get off the street to take cover etc.) or is it more or less just 'eye candy?
21) What can you tell us about companion NPC's? About their limits, their abilities, how everything works exactly.
22) How much will the main storyline tie into the storylines of the previous games? And how have you worked towards making it both accessible to new players and recognizable for veteran players? And do you think it will feel more like a reboot of the series or a continuation from the previous games?
23) One of the previews mentioned perception effects when you see enemies on your radar. How does the player's Perception affect the radars maximum number of targets? Should we think of something along the lines of Counter strike, or a quest compass like Oblivion had? And if the latter, are we able to toggle it?
24) Will it be possible to finish the game using no weapons but only hand to hand combat? And when you level that skill up, do you just do more damage with the attacks you already have or do you learn different and more moves?
25) How much of a role does morale or fear play for an enemy? And how much difference is there in intelligence and combat tactics found in different enemies?
Thanks go to Gizmo and Loretta (Alexander) for the great work of compiling and editing everything. I helped too, it was fun but a lot of work.
Also my personal thanks to Blinzler, Aonaran, Sina567 and Gstaff for their contributions and advices.
My post mortem on this can be read here.


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Wednesday, September 1, 2010
SOS to Hold General Elections and Meeting after Eid
Under the new regulations of the Home Ministry SOS will hold general elections for the new board after the Eid holidays. With new members and focus on youth empowerment SOS hopes to conduct more programs with greater outreach. Updates of the final date of the GE will be announced shortly. Your ideas on what areas we should focus on would be helpful. Send us a mail at email@example.com
Posted by S.O.S at 10:29 PM
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text: I'm not an internet guru or a techi parse. I have an interest in entrepreneurship which is what I do part time. I'm always looking out for the next big thing. My goal is to earn enough passive income to be able to retire within the next 5-10 years. 've kept my eye open for legitimate businesses, and only present what I myself find worthy. If I didn't find what I'm writing about interesting or worthy believe me I wouldn't waste my time promoting it. That said I want to conclude by saying this famous quote "It is a good idea to be ambitious, to have goals, to want to be good at what you do, but it is a terrible mistake to let drive and ambition get in the way of treating people with kindness and decency. The point is no that they will then be nice to y".


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Magic Webcam Lens
Fun Games Online Games Twix Game 13 May , 2018 0
The magic webcam lens is a game wherein you would be required to take pictures using the hidden webcam on the screen. The magic lays with the web cam being hidden and the task to use it intelligently to tae the snaps. Therefore, the game gives the player a good chance to test his intelligence quotient too.The magic webcam lens game is best featured with its user-friendly interface. You would be able to control the game with clicks of the mouse and strokes of the direction key. The player requires visiting the website of the twix game to relish the gaming session.


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*Author's note:
This has nothing to do with the current adventure. It's a little side thing I wanted to write*
Plot: The players have been hired by the Church of Desna to find a trio of bandits named The Mudder Brothers. The three had attacked a small shrine and corrupted it, allowing it to be overrun by goblins. The characters defeated the goblins and found that the shrine was a two way teleporter connected to another, hidden, shrine on the other side of the world. The Brothers had taken over that shrine, hidden in Rahadoum, as well. Before the players decided to press their attack, they were told not to take anything in the second shrine as everything was trapped against looters. The characters fought through the orcs that held the shrine and triumphantly killed the orcish leader. They found clues that the Brothers now have a map, one that was hidden in this second shrine, to another lost Densa temple near the Mwangi Expanse. They also found hints that the Brothers are working towards a larger mission. After getting a small reward from the elder caretaker of the hidden shrine, the players did some shopping, hired a ship in the small Rahadoumi port and got ready to head for the pirate city of Port Peril, chasing the Brothers before they finished their mission. All characters have just reached level three.
Player 1: Chris- Character: Rexal the noble fighter. Human male. Chris is bored with his character and has decided to "liven things up" by giving Rexal a family curse that has "driven him crazy".
Player 2: Matt- Character: Decker the universal wizard. Android Male. Matt really wanted to play Shadowrun but got roped into Pathfinder instead. He's still playing like a Runner, though. Last adventure, Decker looted the shrine while the other characters were busy, earning him a powerful magic robe but the robes were actually cursed, something he found out when he put them on. He also got a bunch of scrolls but, because the curse has affected his ability to cast magic, he's stuck holding onto them.
Player 3: Josh- Character: Myrius the Paladin. Dwarf male. This is Josh's first time playing and he really wants to be a fantasy hero. He's trying hard but has to cope with the other players.
Player 4: Dave- Character: Ferik the brawler. Sulis male. Dave is the class clown of the group who use to play when he "was a kid" but has been pulled into this game by his wife, Rachel.
Player 5: Dan- Character: Ryroris the Infernal Sorceress. Tiefling female. Dan isn't really taking any of this seriously and is trying to just have a laugh by gender swapping.
Player 6: Rachel- Character: Marconi the burglar. Halfling male. Having just watched a Grease/ Wise Guy marathon, she made a "greaser" halfling from "Da Shire". Is trying to work on her Brooklyn accent while she plays.
DM: Mike. He wrote this adventure for 4 players and now has 6 to contend with so he's constantly trying to keep everything balanced but this group has, so far, breezed through most of the encounters.
Mike: Okay, let's recap. You've left that little town pretty fast after cleansing the shrine to Desna…
Dan: Yeah, really fast. One might say "Suspiciously fast".
Matt: Well, we finished what we had do to and we got the information we needed. We really had no reason to stay.
Dan: I know, but you were literally like "Job done. Got to go" to that old guy.
Matt: I was eager to get going. We still have to catch up to the bad guys.
Rachel: "Da Mudder Brothers."
Mike: Yes, the Mudder Brother. Who you now know were behind the desecrations. And left behind clues which has lead you onto this ship heading for Port Peril.
Dave: So we're on the boat? My character is out on the deck sunning herself while wearing a skimpy bikini. Is there medieval bikini's? Bet they're made out of deer skin or something. How are the sailors taking it?
Mike: Umm…. Well, your character is certainly distracting, Dan.
Dave: She rubs oil over herself a lot. (in a falsetto) "Hey Marconi? Can you get my back for me? Tee hee"
Chris: It's so disturbing to listen to a grown man talk like this…
Rachel: My character is all nervous and is all like: "Yeah, yeah babe. Uh, one second, right." Then he runs and gets some oil to put on her.
Dave: While hiding his boner.
Rachel: Yes, while hiding a massive halfling boner.
Mike: Okay. You are all on the ship, The Nimble Shot, as you head into the tropical lands called The Shackles. This place is a notorious pirate kingdom ruled by the dread Hurricane King Kerdak Bonefist. As you get closer you see, raging in the distance, the perpetual storm called The Eye of Abendego.
Josh: I ask the captain how long it will take to get to this port.
Mike: Port Peril? The captain, a grizzled old sea dog, tells you three days or so. As long as they steer clear of any trouble.
Josh: Pirate troubles?
Mike: Not for this captain. He's running under a Sargavian flag, so the sanctioned pirates, The Free Captains, don't bother him. But The Shackles are famous for having any number of problems, monsters and the like, that can crop up. Also, the captain thanks you for what you did at the shrine. "Those folks have been through a lot, what with the Rahadoumi Cleric Hunters coming through all the time looking for religious types," he says, "It's good to see someone step up and put in a good deed for Desna."
Josh: I thank him. "It was nothing," I say and leave him to his work.
Matt: When I get a chance to get the captain alone, I'm going to approach him. "Hey, can I ask you a question?"
Mike: "Sure."
Matt: "You know this area pretty well, right?"
Mike: "Yep. Sailed it most my life."
Matt: "Our party is short a cleric. I was wondering if you knew of any near by that we could talk to?"
Mike: "To go adventuring with you?"
Matt: "No, no. Just to do some healing."
Mike: Let me look at the books here. Okay, he tells you that there is two that he knows of. One is a druid. A powerful one, named The Master of The Gales…
Dan: That's his name?
Mike: That's what it says. And he has a kraken as a pet.
Rachel: A kraken? Does Keira Knightley hang out there? (Doing a Keira Knightley impression) "Johnny? Johnny darling. Have you seen my breasts? They seem to be missing."
Mike: She is not there, I'm afraid.
Matt: Druid isn't going to cut it, is it?
Mike: Sorry, no.
Matt: And the other one?
Mike: Let's see what it says… Okay, he tells you that there is a cleric of Besmara on this island here (points to small dot on map). Named Ozzi Albus. And he's pretty powerful. Not as big as Master of the Gales, but pretty much exactly what you need.
Josh: What's does that mean?
Matt: Don't worry about it. How long would it take to do a side trip to this place? (Reads) "Marid's Rock"?
Mike: It'll add a day, let's say.
Matt: Okay guys. I need to go to this island and talk to this Ozzi character.
Dan: Why?
Rachel: Yeah, why? "You needz a healer for somethin?"
Matt: No, I just want to check this out, just in case. Besides, I need to ask this guy something.
Rachel: What?
Matt: It's personal.
Mike: Okay, the captain changes course and sails to the island. You'll get there the next afternoon. As you approach it, you see a line of tall statues doting a cliff face, all of them the same.
Chris: What do they look like?
Mike: Let's see. They all look like statues of a smiling halfling. But each statue is, like, 80 ft tall.
Chris: God, this adventure is weird. Okay, before we get to the island, my character is going to do something. Remember that orc's head I said I kept?
Mike: The one from the shrine, yes. It's a little ripe from being in the bag but you still have it.
Chris: Okay, I said I was buying a helmet with a really long spike on the top? Right? It's written down.
Mike: Okay….
Chris: I put the orc's head on the spike and I wear it.
Mike: Do you clean it, at least?
Chris: No. I think my character is losing his mind and this is a good way to show it. He just walks out of his room wear this head and smiles at everyone with, like, orc blood oozing down his helmet.
Dan: Wow. I ask, "Do you know there is an orc's head above your own head?"
Chris: "Yes. He's my friend. He tells me stuff."
Dan: "Okay. Cool. Talk to you later". And I look at Ryropus…
Dave: It's Ryroris. Not Rip-roar-us or what ever you said. Ryroris. Like "clitoris". Jeez.
Rachel: Yeah, jeez.
Dan: You know what? I say nothing and just walk away.
Matt: Does the captain know where to find this guy?
Mike: He tells you the guy is a pirate so the best bet is to look in the bar. The boat pulls into a harbour that is (rolls) empty of ships. A single flat bottom skiff guides your boat up to the dock and the crew ties it off. You look out and see a small village that kind of surrounds an old fort that the pirates here have refurbished.
Josh: As a dwarf, can I tell anything about the fort?
Mike: It's an old Cheliaxian fort. Strong walls and places for siege equipment. You see a couple of catapults dotted about.
Dave: I guess we go look for the bar. Ryroris wears her standard tunic and dress. The tan one that shows off her cleavage. If it's one thing pirates like, it's tits.
Matt: I guess we are all looking for this bar…
Mike: It's pretty easy to find. Unlike the last place you were in, these people have their religion out in the open and this bar seems to be part drinking establishment, part temple. There is a lot of little shrines around the outside of it. All different religions too. Including some that you wouldn't normally see out in the open like this. That's when you notice that there is some of charau-ka just milling about with the other citizens.
Dan: Charau-ka?
Matt: Monkey people. They like to worship jungle demons and the like.
Dan: Lovely.
Josh: So there is shrines to demons around this bar?
Mike: Shrines to all sorts of gods. Good and Evil. Seems pretty open minded about these sorts of things. The sign above the door says "The God's Rest". Josh, as the dwarf and the paladin, you also notice that the building use to be an old church to Aroden that the pirates have converted.
Josh: Is that a problem?
Mike: To you? No. Aroden's dead, see. And most of his former temples were taken over by Iomedea. Looks like Besmara claimed this one. It might be seen as disrespectful to some people.
Josh: Okay. I guess we go inside.
Dan: Tally-ho.
Mike: Okay. It a bar alright. Cheaply built tables and chairs. The smell of cheap booze. A couple of the locals are sitting around drinking. They see you come in but don't give you much mind. You notice that there is symbols on the walls to a few Gods. Nethys, Cayden Cailean, Shelyn and, of course, the huge skull and cross bones of Besmara behind the bar, which a stout looking woman is tending.
Chris: I sit down and order a drink.
Matt: I find the darkest corner and sit there. I open up my laptop and try to blend in.
Dave: With a laptop in a pirate bar? Real subtle.
Matt: Hey. It is just a cheap Dell.
Mike: Okay. What are the rest of you doing?
Josh: I guess I ask the bartender if she's seen this Ozzi.
Dan: I hang out near Myrius.
Rachel: Marconi slips into the shadows and keeps a look out.
Dave: And Ryroris adjusts her cleavage in front of all of the men. (rolls) An 11. With my modifier that's a 15. Are they all staring at her?
Mike: Sure Dan. Your milkshake has brought all the boys to the yard. Okay. The woman behind the bar serves Rexal the ale but doesn't take her eyes off the severed head he's sporting. She tells you that, in a surprisingly low pitched voice, "Ozzi might be around. Who's asking?"
Josh: I tell her we need a healer and we heard that this guy might be able to help.
Mike: The woman shrugs, tells you she'll go get him and walks into the back.
Rachel: While she's gone, I steal the til.
Mike: Make a roll. People are watching.
Josh: Don't steal the til.
Rachel: Too late. (rolls) Natural twenty!
Mike: Okay, you find the lock box and get inside and clean it out. You get (rolls) 19 GP.
Rachel: That's it?
Mike: It's a small village. What are you expecting?
Rachel: Fair. I put it back and slip out.
Mike: Fine. The woman returns and she brings the cleric with her. Let's see his description. He's young…
Chris: How young?
Mike: Says "around seventeen or eighteen".
Dan: That is young.
Rachel: My character is only nineteen.
Mike: Let's see. He's thin and his head is shaved bald with a long braided strand of hair down his back.
Dan: How emo alternative. Does he have eyeliner too?
Mike: No eyeliner. Does say he has a bunch of tattoos on his forearms. Oh, and he's missing his left hand. Just has a hook.
Dan: "What a shitty healer you are."
Mike: Do you actually say that to him?
Dan: Oh yeah. "What kind of healer is missing a hand?"
Mike: (rolls) The cleric is unimpressed.
I don't know what happened. The last thing I remember is drinking with Ryrun and Idoki and Renza. The next thing I know, Carla's pouring water on me. I must of passed out trying to open an ale keg in the back or something because I was apparently just cuddling one like a baby back there. She told me there was a paladin looking for me and I though she meant Ryrun's first mate so I stagger out still cover in dirt and my own drool. I hope it was my own! I was so hung over that I couldn't even see straight. I come out and I run head long into this group of fucking assholes. There was this dwarf just standing there with this symbol to some dwarven God and he's got this tiefling hooker flapping her tits around. Then this mealy mouthed chump steps up and just lays into me before I even say "hello".
Mike: He asks what you want or did you just wake him up to insult him?
Dan: "Oh. Did we interrupt nap time?"
Chris: My character looks at the cleric and says how he wants to dance in the boy's guts. Then realizes he said that out loud and hurriedly goes back to drinking.
Mike: (rolls) The cleric is still unimpressed.
I tried to talk to these guys and the mouthy one just keeps on me for some reason. I don't know what the fuck his problem was. Then this fucking nutter sitting at the bar pipes up about wanting to kill me and he's got a fucking severed orc head spike to his helmet. I mean, the smell! And the flies! Even the dwarf was looking at him like he'd lost his fucking mind.
Mike: He looks at you, Chris, then to you, Josh, and whispers, "Is that the patient? Because I don't think I can heal that."
Matt: My character closes his laptop with a click and stands up, flourishing his coat while he does. "No," he says, "I am."
Mike: (rolls) The cleric remains unimpressed.
I was thinking the nut was possessed or something and they need an exorcism but then this weird looking dude stands up all important like and claims that he's the one who needs my help. He's got all of these strange looking tattoos over his face and I'm thinking he's some sort of tech-wizard or something.
Mike: And seems to be keeping his back to the backdoor. You think it might be to make a quick get away. "What's the problem?" He asks.
Dan: God, this guy just keeps getting better and better. Incompetent and chicken.
Matt: "I seemed to of pick up something and I need some help getting over it. I heard that you might be the guy to help."
Mike: "Who told you that?"
Matt: "That's unimportant. What is important is I need to know if you can help me or not."
Mike: He tells you that he'll have to cast a few spells and ask some questions. Is that okay with you?
Matt: I tell him that's fine.
Mike: Okay. He casts a detect magic and looks you over. "You've got Spellblight. And a secondary curse that blocks it from being cured."
Matt: "I fucking know all that, you fucking idiot cunt. Can you fix it?"
Mike: Do you actually say that to him?
Matt: "Sorry. This has me under some pressure."
Mike: (rolls) The cleric is…
Dan: Let me guess… "Unimpressed"?
Mike: Well, he is.
I ask what the guy's problem is and he refuses to tell me. So I cast a couple of spells and look the guy over and tell him what's wrong with him. And he goes and fucking lips me off. And the fucking mouthy one is just snorting at me like he's about to throw up. I'm trying to figure out where he picked this up and he's not saying, which is getting me real nervous. I don't know if this is something we need to worry about, you know. That's when it dawns on me that everybody's ditched me. I have no idea where the Admiral is and I'm not sure that, if I cast a Sending, that these jerks won't just try and kill me. And there is just too many people just standing around the place for me to start throwing spells around. So I try to play it cool and hope that, if shit goes down, I can get them somewhere I can lay down some real fire without killing too many bystanders, you know. Or burning the bar down.
Mike: Anyways, he says he can heal it but it'll cost you.
Matt: How much?
Mike: Normally, it would be about 330 for the Remove Curse and 660 for the Heal. But this guy isn't exactly motivated to help you. What with the name calling and all.
Dave: Ryroris adjusts her cleavage and leans in to him and asks if there is anything she can do to change his mind. Shows just a bit of nipple. Not too much, just a little.
Matt: I've been meaning to ask. Does she have like little cherry nipples or are they…?
Dave: No, the aureola is like a silver dollar. Just huge. Easier to show off that way.
Mike: Umm…. Roll Diplomacy? It'll be against his Sense Motive.
Dave: (rolls) An 8. Plus my Charisma mod, that's a 12. How much of a boner is that?
Mike: (Rolls) The cleric is not impressed.
Then the tiefling shoves her sweaty purple tits in my face. I mean, like yanks one out and puts it right up to my chin. My mind just goes out the window for a second. What kind of paladin pimps for a tiefling? What worse, Sandara and I haven't been able to spend too much time together because of Harrigan and it's been difficult. The last thing I need is for her to hear that I've been getting rough with some devilspawn and here she is playing with herself right in front of me in the middle of the fucking bar. I'm sure everyone found it funny but I was pissed. What worse, she's right up to me and now these people are starting to surround me.
Mike: He looks at your horns and says something like "I've got enough woman problems without you, thanks."
Dave: So you're saying the guy is gay.
Dan: Well, he is a kid on a pirate ship. Probably takes it up the poop deck every night, if you know what I'm saying. Might explain why he is so tired. Sucking too much pirate cock the night before.
Rachel: I say, "Hey. If you help us out, then maybe we'z can help youz out in the future, ya know. Wash our back and we might wash yourz?"
Dan: Is Marconi going to show him some nip as well?
Mike: (rolls) The cleric didn't realize you were there and is a little startled when you start talking. Roll diplomacy.
Rachel: Is that based on Charisma? Because I have a negative mod there?
Mike: Afraid so.
Rachel: (rolls) a thirteen, so a twelve.
Mike: (rolls) The cleric remains unimpressed.
Then this fucking halfling steps up out of nowhere. Fucking scares the fuck out of me. Starts talking but I could barely make out what he was saying because he's got this accent that's just a nightmare. Kept talking around this little cigar he was puffing on. He was going on about bathing with me, I think. Now I was almost totally surrounded with this halfling on one side and the tiefling on the other. I was getting real nervous and tried to signal Carla to get some help and kept stalling until someone shows up.
Mike: He tells you that, if you want his help, you got to pay him up front like everyone else. And you might want to sweeten the deal because he is not willing to help as things stand.
Josh: Do we even have 990 GP? And what's this curse all about?
Matt: It's not important. I just need it removed. And now this little prick isn't playing ball. Okay, I have an idea. I pull out the robes.
Dan: What robes?
Matt: It's just something I found.
Dan: Where? Where did you find them?
Rachel: "Yeah. You been holding' out on us?"
Matt: "No, I haven't been 'holdin'' out. I just… found them."
Chris: Wait. Is that from the shrine?
Mike: Are you saying any of this out loud?
Matt: Oh, god no.
Josh: We were told not to take anything from that place. That everything was trapped. What did you do?
Dan: When we were fighting those orcs and you drank that potion of invisibility and just disappeared…
Dave: He fucking went back and looted the place. Even though we all agreed not to because we thought it was trapped.
Matt: This isn't what it looks like.
Dan: Really? Because it looks like you rob the people we were trying to help and got cursed. And now you need our help to get un-cursed.
Matt: And a bang up job you guys are doing so far.
Dan: It's not our fault you went to the biggest loser you could find.
Rachel: And you were going to hold out on us too.
Matt: Look, we can discuss this later. Right now I just need to get this shit removed so I can get my spell casting abilities back.
Dan: That's the curse? That's hilarious. The wizard can't cast magic. That makes you almost as worthless as this cleric.
Mike: Okay, you have the robes. What are you doing?
Matt: I tell him that these robes are very valuable. And it looks that way under a Detect Magic, right?
Mike: Yes. They appear to be Robes of Useful Items.
Matt: Okay. I tell him I'll trade him the robes for the healing.
Mike: You're going to have to roll a Bluff against his Sense Motive.
Matt: Really? Even though they look valuable?
Dave: Can we assist?
Mike: He gets a chance to see through your ruse. And everyone can assist, if they think their character would go along with this. He will get a penalty because he is greedy.
Chris: (rolls) I don't help.
Rachel: (rolls) Oh, I do. Even with my penalty.
Dave: (rolls) I help easily.
Dan: (rolls) Same.
Josh: I'm not going to help. This is wrong.
Matt: (Rolls) I get a seventeen. With all the help that's 23.
Mike: (rolls) Okay. He'll take the robes in exchange for the healing.
At this point it's pretty obvious that these guys don't have the money to pay for the healing and they aren't willing to try and trade. The wizard dude whips out this bundle and says they're some expensive robes or something. I give them a once over with a Detect Magic spell and, sure enough, they look pretty powerful. Then his friends all start bickering. They're all asking where he found them and the like and he's trying to shut them up. I use the little distraction to give everyone a once over with the detect spell. You know, get an idea of what I'm dealing with. And I figure out pretty quickly that they're pretty light on the magic gear, you know. So now I'm wondering why this wizard isn't wearing the robes, if they're that powerful. I mean, it looks like he was holding out on his friends but still doesn't really make sense. Then they all start telling me what a good deal this is, even though they didn't even know about these robes until just a second ago. And the paladin is just shaking his head and keeping his mouth shut, even though crazy head dude is gibbering at me.
Matt: So how much change are we looking at?
Mike: What?
Matt: Well, the robes are worth 3500 GP and the healing is only 990. And I only need to offer him a bit extra, so he owes us money.
Then the wizard starts telling me I owe him money. They fucking walk in here, wake me up, start name calling and then expect me to give them money for privilege? Fuck these people.
Mike: He says "No" and gives them back to you.
Matt: Fine. What a fucking cheapskate.
Dan: Wait. He isn't going to give us anything?
Mike: No. He seems to think that you've insulted him enough that this should cover it.
Dan: Okay. I call him a "Fudge packing, whiny, ugly, crippled little douche bag and his momma sucks dick and his daddy touched him funny. And he liked it." Then I say "Okay. Now we're even." (Mimes mic drop) Just like that. I say, "Now we're even."
Mike: (rolls) The cleric is unimpressed.
When the wizard tells me to keep the change, I knew that this was fucked. These guys are broke and he's just giving up the money for a couple of spells? Yeah, right. Then Mouthy just goes off on me. Starts ranting about what a cunt I am. Counting off all these insults like he's keeping some sort of tally. Couldn't help but notice that he's hidden behind his buddies, you know.
Dan: Like I care what this little fucker thinks. I hate guys like this.
Chris: Hey, umm… How hard would it be to get close to this guy?
Mike: Well, seeing as you're 6'6", wearing banded mail and have an orc's head stapled to your helmet, I'd say you're not the stealthiest person. And the bar has had some more patrons enter since this exchange started. Looks like it's drawn the village watch. You see some armed pirates watching you.
Chris: Okay. Just let me know if there is an opening.
Mike: Will do.
Then the nutter starts getting all twitchy. Started standing then sitting back down. Eyeing me up like he's going to start swinging. Luckily Aspar came in with a couple of the boys because I was sure that guy was going start something. Poor Aspar took one look at him and sure didn't want to start anything himself. Problem was, now there was even more people cramped in here so I sure couldn't start laying out magic. I wasn't even sure I could drawn my rapier, you know.
Mike: Okay. Do you want the cleric to cast the spells or not?
P2: Fuck me. Okay. Fine. I let the fucktard do it. Fucking little cunt.
Mike: Okay, he removes the curse and heals the damage. You can now use magic again. But you will have to re-memorize your spells. You don't have them right now.
Matt: Fine. I leave.
Dave: Good idea. I don't want to be here when he puts those on.
Rachel: "Good idea, doll. Let's scram".
Chris: I'm going to wait until until the cleric's back is to me, then I'm going to charge and kill him.
Mike: The watchmen are talking to him right now and he's doesn't look like he's going to be turning his back to you.
Josh: What are you doing? I grab Rexal and I pull him out.
Chris: Jeez. Ruin all my fun.
Dan: As I leave, I turn around and look at the little prick and say "Pleasure doing business with ya". Just like that. "Pleasure doing business". Then I leave.
Mike: Okay. He tells you to go die in a storm.
So I cast the spells and they fuck off in a huff. Wizard just bails out without a word and the tiefling and the halfling split behind him. But Nutter is still sitting there sipping his drink, trying to look all innocent like but his hand is on his sword, like he's waiting for me to drop my guard. So I grab Aspar and put him between me and him. Then the paladin grabs him and pulls him out. Mouthy just stands in the door and fires off some parting shot that screams "We fucked you". So I told him off and he looked like I took the wind out of his sails.
Mike: You also notice some of the pirates follow you out.
Dan: Bring it, you dirty fuckers.
Mike: They aren't attacking. They just seem to be making sure you leave.
Josh: Let's just leave, okay.
Mike: Do you leave?
Dave: Yes. We go back to the boat and we leave this island before that cleric figures out what we've done.
Mike: Okay. You notice the captain is waiting by his boat, talking to someone. A halfling. Probably the harbour master.
Matt: I tell him that we're leaving right now. And I lean in threateningly when I say that. I want him to understand that we need to go now.
Dan: So. What else did you take from that shrine?
Matt: Nothing of value. Obviously. I was hoping to get something for those robes. To make up for that fucking curse.
Rachel: "I just think you might be holdin' out on us. Your friends. You ain't holdin out on your friends, are youz?"
Matt: I just took the most valuable thing I could see. The robes. That's it. Jeez.
Dave: "Are you sure that was a good idea?"
Matt: That pirate is a piece of shit and deserves what he gets. Now lets get out of here.
Chris: Rexal is going to say, "I think we should of killed him." Then look around confused and mutter about pleasing Dark Gods.
Josh: Seriously? What the fuck is wrong with you?
Chris: Never mind. It's not important. Let's go.
Josh: I agree. Not with the rest of your weird stuff that you're going on about. Let's just get out of here.
Dan: Fine. But this isn't over.
Mike: The ship uncouples from the dock and pulls out and you all say good bye to Marid's Rock.
I mean, I was ready to call up everyone and just burn that fucking boat to the waterline I was so angry. The Admiral came in and I explained everything to him and he took one look at the robes and told me they were really cursed. Like I figured. But he also told me that their boat was flying Sargava flags so we could just kill them without a really good reason. Well, better than some passengers insulted me. Although we were pretty sure no one would care. But then The Admiral gave me this idea that was too good to pass up…
Mike: Unless there is anything pressing you want to deal with, the ship will sail towards Port Peril.
Dan: I think we're good.
Mike: Okay. The ship is sailing…
Matt: I find a private place to work.
Mike: This is a crowded ship so and you are all sharing the one private room…
Matt: Okay, fine. I find a place on deck to work.
Mike: You know what? That's a good idea. So the ship sails for a few hours. The sun sets and a meal is served. You are all chilling up on deck. Maybe you should place yourself on the map here.
Chris: Fuck. Combat map. That means we're getting jumped. I'm going to be over here by the mast.
Dave: Ryroris will be standing over here by the front, getting drunk and trying on her different boots. Looking at which ones make her butt looks good.
Rachel: Marconi will be next to her. In his full armour. Sweating heavily.
Dave: Yeah, he is.
Josh: Myrius is going to over here meditating.
Dan: I think Ferik will be over by the railing here. Assuming whatever is attacking is going to come from below.
Matt: Decker will be sitting behind these ropes here. How many hours have passed since we started sailing?
Mike: About 4.
Matt: So I should be to regain all my spells then? And copy the rest into my book.
Mike: I'll let you get your spells back and copy two of them. But you can't pick those two as spells you currently know. Okay. The ship is sailing along and the man in the crow's nest calls out that there is something following.
Dave: What do we see?
Mike: It's a speck in the distance. Looks like something large flying towards the ship.
Dan: Can we tell what it is?
Mike: Not yet. Then the speck disappears and a… thing lands on deck. It just appears suddenly. It has surprise, I'm afraid.
Matt: What is it?
Mike: It's an 8 foot tall vulture man who towers over everyone. It has multiple copies of itself shifting randomly around it. It casts it's pitiless black eyes over the deck, holds out a large sack and screams "Stand and deliver! Give sparklies or die!" (rolls).
Josh: I cast Detect Evil. Is it evil?
Mike: Oh yes.
Dan: What is it? Can we attack it?
Matt: It's a vrock.
Mike: Did you roll your Planes check?
Matt: I know what a fucking vrock is.
Dan: Can we fight it?
Matt: Yes. No. I don't know. (rolls) I get a 26. What do I know about vrocks?
Mike: Demon. Big DR. Immune to electricity and poison. Resistant to everything else. Lots of Hit Points. Stunning screech. If given time it can summon up an electric storm. Shock trooper of the Abyss.
Dan: Can we fight it?
Matt: Maybe. Myrius is the only one who might be able to get passed it's damage resistance, I think. What is the crew doing?
Mike: Well, it made it's Intimidation check so the crew is scrambling to find money to put into it's bag. Even the captain has gone to get the payroll to keep this thing happy. It looks at (rolls) Marconi and says "Put shiny into bag or you die". It waves it's sack at you threateningly.
Rachel: I tell it I don't have any money.
Mike: It looks at you and tells you to put your sword in the bag. Or it'll start killing people.
Rachel: I…
Dave: I get it's attention and try to convince it to leave.
Mike: Make the Diplomacy check.
Dave: (rolls) I get a 13.
Rachel: I (rolls) help!
Mike: A 15 isn't going to cut it. It shakes the sack again and demands the sword.
Dan: I move behind it so I can flank it. Then I attack.
Mike: What is everyone else doing before we roll initiative?
Matt: I ready my spells. It don't know if we can win though. These things are tough.
Josh: I draw my axe and pray to my God.
Mike: Do you want to ask for anything in particular?
Josh: Victory in battle?
Mike: (rolls) Torag doesn't answer.
Josh: Typical. Let's do it.
(One short and violent battle later)
Mike: Josh, someone pours a potion down your throat. What kind of potions are you carrying?
Josh: Just 3 Cure Light Wounds.
Chris: Did we party wipe?
Dan: I'm bleeding out.
Dave: I'm nearly gone too.
Rachel: Same.
Matt: Don't ask.
Mike: Josh, (rolls) Myrius gains back 5 hp. Where does that put you?
Josh: I'm at zero hp.
Mike: Okay. You regain consciousness and the vrock is kneeling over you with the potion bottle in it's hand.
Josh: It saved me? Great. Now what?
Mike: It orders the sailors to strip you guys of valuables. And they comply quickly. Everyone who needs to make Con checks should do so.
Chris: (rolls) I make it.
Matt: (rolls) Nope. I'm really close to dying here.
Dan: (rolls) Same. I'm gurgling out my last breath.
Dave: (rolls) I make it.
Rachel: (rolls) Nope. Still dying.
Josh: What is the vrock doing?
Mike: It holds out it's bag and the sailors fill it with Myrius' stuff. It holds up your magic shield, sniffs it, then throws it into the bag.
Josh: I use lay on hands on myself. (rolls) I get back 3 hp.
Mike: The vrock watches you as it snatches Decker's bag out of the hands of one of the sailors. It looks inside, makes sure the laptop is there and then stuffs everything into it's own bag. It also takes Marconi's sword and Ryroris' boots. All of your boots. Then it slides the orc head off of Rexal's helmet and eats it.
Chris: Not my friend!
Mike: It also seems to not want to steal your stuff, though. It even tells the sailors to put another one of Myrius' potions down your throat. Which they do. (rolls) Get back 6 hp.
Chris: Oh. That's not good. It's good that I'm not dead but it's not good that it likes me. I'm still unconscious, though. So I don't know any of this.
Mike: That leaves the three of you to make Con checks to stabilize. Good luck.
Rachel: (rolls) I make it. Whew.
Dan: (rolls) Still bleeding.
Matt: (rolls) Same. This is really close for me.
Dan: Too bad you can't used that android heal thing again.
Josh: Can I heal them?
Mike: You move to them and the vrock simply continues it's work but it is watching you. Do you continue?
Josh: I have no choice. (rolls) I heal Decker for 1 hp. Does that stabilize him at least?
Mike: Yes. And the vrock finally finishes stripping Ferik of his valuables. Then it takes the last potion and feeds it to him. (rolls) Get back 8 hp.
Dan: That puts me to zero.
Mike: Good. You now wake up to a vrock leering at you.
Dan: I look at it and tell it "You were ugly when I fell asleep and you're even uglier now."
Mike: (rolls) It laughs. "You funny", it says…
Dan: "I try."
Mike: It rummages through the bag and pulls out something from the bottom. "Here," it says, "This for you." It pulls out a wad of cloth and drops it on your chest.
Dan: What is it?
Mike: A familiar robe. "That yours," it croaks as it takes to the sky. It circles once and laughs at you before flying off. "'Pleasure doing business with you'", you hear it say inside your head, followed by a lot of demonic cackling.
Matt: My laptop. Are you kidding me? You took my laptop. This is totally unfair.
Mike: You know what other spells are on the list with Heal? Summon Planar Ally. It lets someone call an up to 12 HD outsider. I don't know what you were expecting when you pissed off an 11th level Chaotic Neutral cleric.
Dan: That's it. Turn this boat around. We're going back to that island and killing that little son of a bitch…