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The Jet Black Bride Arc (漆黒の花嫁衣裳編, Shikkoku no Hanayomeishou Hen)[1][2] is the fifth story arc of the Medaka Box series.
Arc Outline
Relieved from her duties as head of the Student Council, Medaka Kurokami enjoys her days as a normal student until she is informed of the start of the "Jet Black Wedding Feast", a battle royale between representatives of the seven branch families of the Kurokami Group for the right to become Medaka's husband and the successor to the main family. By having contestant Kamome Tsurubami relinquish his invitation to her, Medaka joins the competition determined to defeat her suitors and earn the right to keep living her life freely. Upon learning of her situation, Zenkichi Hitoyoshi and his new Student Council start looking for her. As the suitors are eliminated from the Feast, they stay behind to confront the Student Council, trying to prevent Zenkichi from reuniting with Medaka. Ultimately, Zenkichi catches up to Medaka, but is taken hostage, forcing Medaka to compete with her final three suitors in a word game of "Delete Shiritori". The game concludes with Medaka forcing the last suitor to say "surrender", ending the Jet Black Wedding Feast. Together with Zenkichi and her friends, Medaka returns to Hakoniwa Academy.
Invitation to a Feast of Death
Sporting a new outfit and hairstyle, Medaka runs wild around the school, decimating the various sports clubs. Several students confront Zenkichi in the Student Council office, asking him to do something about Medaka, all the while calling him such things as the "Devil President", the "Jersey President", and the "Harmonica President", a series of titles that lead Zenkichi to believe they hold no respect for him as the Student Council President. With a sigh, Zenkichi promises to talk with Medaka, but tells the students that they should be glad Medaka has finally become a kid like them. In the cafeteria, Medaka happily chows down, and asks Konomi Mera for more. Kuroudo Iizuka tells Mera he is surprised by Medaka's appetite, noting that she is eating more than Hansode Shiranui. Mera tells Iizuka that this is most likely Medaka's true appetite, as being a glutton while on top would not be proper, and mentions that, on a whim, Medaka decided to stop eating meat while she was president. Mera concludes that while she liked the stoic Medaka, she likes the released Medaka even more. Iizuka agrees that he prefers this side of her to her stoic self.
Once full, Medaka turns her attention to Tsurubami. He explains that he was willing to wait because Najimi Ajimu requested he do so, but now that it is the third semester, he tells Medaka he came to meet her as Fukurou Tsurubami's hidden son. Medaka excitedly asks him if she can call him her little brother. Tsurubami is somewhat unnerved by Medaka's insistence that they treat each other as siblings, but refers to her as "Meda-nee" all the same. Listening, Mera and Iizuka both think Medaka sounds just like Maguro Kurokami. Tsurubami tells her he heard from Ajimu that she killed his father, and asks her whether that is the truth. Medaka confirms it, telling him that it was her fault the man she loved as a father died, and that the Tsurubami family went extinct. Tsurubami assures her that the Tsurubami family is not extinct, and asks her how the father he never knew died in a place he didn't know of. Medaka explains how she has seven suitors, of which his father was one. She further explains that each suitor was a member of a subfamily of the Kurokami family, and that they all fought three years ago in what is now called the Jet Black Wedding Feast for her hand. Fukurou managed to win, but was killed by an unknown entity; after that, the courting died down. After hearing of the Jet Black Wedding Feast, Tsurubami thanks Medaka, telling her he is relieved to hear what happened, as Ajimu had him imagining something else. Medaka suggests they talk more somewhere else, and makes to leave, calling out to Mera and Iizuka. She and Tsurubami are surprised by the arrival of Bukiko Udou, and Medaka is shocked to see the girl managed to brutally beat both Mera and Iizuka without her noticing.
When Medaka notices her, Udou tosses Mera aside and introduces herself as a member of the Ge'hyoukai, and claims she has great news. Hearing that Udou is with the Ge'hyoukai, Medaka explains to Tsurubami that the title is short for Gekka Hyoujin Kai, and they are the sponsors of the Jet Black Wedding Feast. Udou claims that she knows nothing of what happened three years ago, but reveals that there will be a second Jet Black Wedding Feast held now that Medaka is sixteen, horrifying Medaka. Tsurubami asks Udou why the Ge'hyoukai are trying to marry Medaka to one of the six suitors who lost to his father three years ago, surprising Medaka that he spoke up. Udou tells him that all the original suitors are dead, and that new suitors from each family have been selected; she has in fact come for Tsurubami, not Medaka, to invite him to the Jet Black Wedding Feast, as a suitor and representative of the Tsurubami family. Accepting Udou's invitation, Tsurubami asks her why she is doing this. Udon goes on to explain that everything is for the growth of the Kurokami Group, and that once a suitor is selected, the marriage will take place immediately. She turns to Medaka and tells her that once the process of elimination is over, she will be expected to drop out of school, and that she should make no complaints. Medaka states that only the old her would have agreed with that. She then destroys the tip of Udou's spear with wind pressure, warning the other girl that she is filled with energy after having eaten meat for the first time in nine months. Medaka asks Tsurubami if he wants to marry her; Tsurubami vehemently denies it. Medaka takes his invitation and declares her intent to enter the Jet Black Wedding Feast and defeat all of her suitors. A shocked Udou asks her if she doesn't want to be happy; Medaka states her wish to be free, and that she is happy she can finally fight for herself, a declaration that causes both Mera and Iizuka to smile.
Before leaving, Udou tells Medaka and Tsurubami that they need to find four more people to join them. Carrying Mera on her back, Medaka apologizes to Tsurubami for getting him involved anyway. Carrying Iizuka on his back, Tsurubami asks Medaka who else they will get to fight with them, suggesting Zenkichi. She declines his suggestion, instead having four others in mind. She assembles a group composed of Misogi Kumagawa, Shiranui, Hanten Shiranui, and Ajimu, telling Tsurubami that she chose the strongest people she could think of. Kumagawa's promised reward is Medaka naked in just an apron, Shiranui's promised reward is a full Manchu Han Imperial Feast, Hanten's promised reward is a drinking bar, and Ajimu's promised reward is a waste of time.
Headed Towards War
Later, the All Jokers meet Udou on the aircraft carrier Black, the greatest piece in her collection, and the stage for the second Jet Black Wedding Feast. Udou explains they need to be on the sea because it is a neutral zone. They follow Udou into the ship, with Medaka explaining to her teammates about her situation. Kumagawa notes that Medaka is very popular, though Medaka tells him she would marry him tomorrow if he asked. Passing through a door, Medaka nearly steps on Kairai Kugurugi, though she manages to avoid him. Kairai sits up and apologizes; after Tsurubami accuses him of being a pervert, he accepts the label as a compliment, and reveals the other suitors waiting behind him are perverts as well. Shinkirou Kotobuki introduces himself as pervert number two, and claims his favorite kind of girl is an eight-year-old girl. Genjitsu Momozono introduces himself as pervert number three, and claims he prefers the two-dimensional world to the three-dimensional world. Sakugo Nienami introduces himself as pervert number four, and claims he likes a girl covered in blood. Kariteru Kanaino introduces himself as pervert number five, and claims he likes girls with glasses, and thinks all girls should wear glasses. Gizou Yuzuriha introduces himself as pervert number zero, and states that if there is no bread, panties will also work.
After hearing her suitors introduce themselves, Medaka tries to laugh their perversion off, though she is clearly disgusted; Tsurubami tells her not to force herself. Kumagawa notes he sees a resemblance between Medaka, Tsurubami, and their relatives, though Medaka and Tsurubami both deny it, Medaka claiming she likes being looked at, but not stripping, and Tsurubami claiming he only likes a girl's shoes as much as a normal person, though their socks are a different matter. Listening to Medaka, Kairai tells her to insult them as much as she likes, but reminds her that she will be marrying one of them. He then tells her that once they are married, he will have her step on him every morning. Shinkirou expresses his belief that Medaka will give birth to a wonderful little girl. Genjitsu expresses his belief that Medaka will make a great two-dimensional object if pressed. Sakugo excitedly mumbles about blood. Kariteru expresses his belief that Medaka will look good even in fake glasses. Gizou wonders whether breakfast will be bread or panties. Kairai taunts Medaka about the death of Fukurou Tsurubami; before she can lunge at him, Udou gets between them, stating that taunting is not allowed. She then explains that the second Jet Black Wedding Feast is a six versus six elimination battle; the first team with six victories wins. She goes on to state that if Tsurubami's team wins, then Medaka's ties to her suitors will be cut, while if the Sub-House Joint Team (Udou accidentally begins to call them the Pervert Team) wins, a final round to decide everything will be planned. Kairai asks Gizou what order they should go in, who only smiles. After hearing the rules, Medaka prepares to fight her suitors by herself, revealing that she only picked the other team members by their ability not to die. Tsurubami is shocked to hear that Medaka planned to fight alone from the start, but understands her reasoning for inviting only teammates with the best chances of surviving. Medaka starts to tell the others what they should say to Zenkichi if something happens, but is stopped by Shiranui, Kumagawa, and Ajimu, who tell her they intend to fight no matter what she says; Ajimu states that she will fight first.
Kairai is the first to battle Ajimu, stating he will defeat her in five seconds. Shinkirou is the second to battle Ajimu, stating that he will remove three limiters to fight her. Genjitsu is the third to battle Ajimu, believing he had a 97% chance of winning. Sakugo is the fourth to battle Ajimu, telling her she will regret not losing before she had to fight him. Kariteru is the fifth to battle Ajimu, claiming he had prepared "that" for the occasion should he need to fight. Gizou is the last to battle Ajimu, making another pun concerning panties before he does so. However, Ajimu defeats all six of the suitors using six hundred of her skills, and one more to count up how many she did use. She rather flippantly remarks that, with only six hundred, it wouldn't have been strange if either side had won. Kumagawa is less surprised than the others by Ajimu's easy defeat of the six suitors, having seen what she is capable of fully powered before. The same cannot be said of Medaka, who feels as if she should bow down and apologize. Ajimu shyly claims she only meant to use four hundred and fifty-nine skills, but that reality isn't kind. She then confronts Udou, demanding that she introduce the real suitors, as the six she just defeated were merely doubles. Tsurubami is surprised by the revelation that the six she just defeated are actually only doubles, and asks Ajimu if it is true. Udou admits that the six men were only doubles, and apologizes for tricking the group. Medaka asks Ajimu if she stepped in so she wouldn't have to fight a pointless battle; Ajimu replies that she just wanted to troll Medaka. Udou reveals however that doubles were not used to test the outsiders' strength. Pressed by Ajimu, Udou admits that all the real suitors actually overslept. The real suitors then make their appearance, all of them still in their pajamas. Medaka is shocked to see that the real suitors are all women, while Tsurubami is even more shocked to hear the reason for the doubles was that the actual suitors all slept in. Kumagawa points out that, with six victories for Tsurubami's team, the Jet Black Wedding Feast is technically already over. Udou is put out by how easily Kumagawa brushes off the real suitors, and wonders how they will respond. Namanie Nienami readies her sword to attack, but she is stopped by another of the suitors, who states that they just need to defeat the doubles as well. Kumagawa actually dissuades a suitor from continuing the fight, a success that surprises Tsurubami. Hearing the plan for the continuation of the Jet Black Wedding Feast, Ajimu points out that there is still little reason for Medaka to agree to participate. One suitor however offers to reveal the identity of Fukurou's murderer, stunning Tsurubami and Medaka. Shiranui advises her to decline the offer. Medaka accepts even so, surprising the others, and causing Tsurubami to remark that Medaka views Fukurou as more of a father than Tsurubami himself. The smallest suitor then seals the All Jokers into a set of cards, taking them hostage to ensure Medaka's cooperation.
In the Student Council office, Zenkichi is informed by his new general affairs manager Kudaki Torai that Medaka, Ajimu, Hanten, Shiranui, Kumagawa, and Tsurubami have been missing for the past seven days. She begins to move on to another topic, but Zenkichi cuts her off. Labeling the six as the academy's top troublemakers, Zenkichi decides the Student Council will go find them, despite Torai's protests. She rebukes him, stating that doing so would be a violation of the students' trust in him; Zenkichi tells her that he will not be violating anyone's expectations: "I am always beside Medaka-chan." has been his manifest all his life. Zenkichi's new Student Council is revealed, including Shori Wanizuka as the new secretary, Mukae Emukae as the new treasurer, and Youka Naze as the new vice-president.
Hakoniwa Academy's 100th Student Council in Action
Arriving on the aircraft carrier Black by helicopter, the Student Council discover the ship deserted. Naze expresses her annoyance that Zenkichi doubts she brought them to the right place, citing what she had to go through with Maguro to find out about the Jet Black Wedding Feast, as well as get the helicopter. A flashback shows that Naze decided to be the Vice-President when Zenkichi approached her about finding new members for the Student Council. Emukae promises Zenkichi they will not abandon Medaka, and he gratefully asks her to be his friend forever, which makes her blush. Watching Zenkichi and Emukae interact, Naze thinks that both of them are idiots. Worrying that they have lost their lead, Wanizuka wonders how she will face the other candidates who helped her in the past; Zenkichi reminds her that they just went back to middle school. Torai again expresses her unwillingness to leave the school, and tells Zenkichi to stop using formalities with her. Zenkichi tells her that while he did come to foil the suitors, he is also concerned about the All Jokers, noting that they all share a weakness that could be used to capture them. He begins to elaborate, but then knocks Torai to the ground, as the helicopter splits in half. Naze is horrified, demanding to know what her brother will do to her when he finds out. As Nienami steps forward, Wanizuka is shocked that she was able to cut the helicopter from such distance. Zenkichi is surprised to see one of the suitors is a girl. He tells Torai to hide, then orders the others to use formation thirty-two. The Student Council surrounds Nienami, Zenkichi telling her that she is too dangerous for any of them to fight one on one.
Nienami decides to go for the strongest, and attacks Naze. Naze thanks her for the compliment, and creates two swords, one of fire, and the other of ice. She is surprised when Nienami manages to cut through them, but thinks to herself that the attack isn't too fast to dodge. Though Naze dodges Nienami's attack, Zenkichi warns his master that Nienami managed to cut her true target; the entire ship. Zenkichi is horrified, noting that they are sliding towards her. Emukae wails as she falls, complaining that her skirt is going up. As Nienami approaches, Wanizuka realizes she purposely maneuvered them into one location where she could cut them all down at once. As Nienami approaches, Zenkichi apologizes to her; she tells him there is no point in trying to save his life. However, he reveals he was apologizing for misleading her about the Student Council's strength; Nienami is shocked to find Torai behind her. Interested, she asks for their names. After the other members introduce themselves, Torai delivers a crippling blow to Nienami's middle, knocking her to the ground. Zenkichi compliments Torai on her footwork, who tells him she is still getting the hang of it, and again tells him to drop the formalities. Emukae confirms that the ship empty, and Wanizuka suggests they leave, pointing out that the ship will soon sink. Zenkichi asks Emukae to help him carry Namanei, but Nienami shakily rises to her feet, coughing up blood, and declares that she will tell them the second stage of the Jet Black Wedding Feast if they can defeat her. Torai is amazed, claiming her attack should have immobilized Namanei. Zenkichi orders the others to retreat, declaring that after giving his name, the President must fight one on one.
As he faces down Nienami, Zenkichi introduces himself again, this time adding that he is Medaka's childhood friend, while Nienami adds that she is Medaka's fifth suitor. Torai asks Naze if he will be alright, citing that someone needs to be three times the dan of a kendo practitioner to fight a sword wielder barehanded. Naze tells her that if she were using Kendo, Zenkichi would win. Nienami attacks, chanting "Ruki", and goes for Zenkichi's legs. When he dodges, she grabs his jacket and swings at his head, though he escapes her again by sacrificing his jacket. Watching Zenkichi face Nienami, Wanizuka remarks that Zenkichi is as fast as usual, but that Nienami definitely isn't using kendo. Nienami labels her sword style, and tells Zenkichi that she had no say in becoming Medaka's suitor. Despite this, and that she thinks Medaka an idiot, Nienami claims it would have been wonderful to enter the Kurokami family. Seeing what she is capable of, Zenkichi removes his glasses, and states he will defeat her with his special swords, as his hair turns black. When Zenkichi's hair changes color, Naze explains to Torai his glasses are normal glasses, but as a result of his training with Ajimu and his exposure to Shiranui's Real Eater, he has developed his own Altered God Mode, Model Zenkichi.
Using his arms alone, Zenkichi cuts through Nienami's top, revealing that he will use a two sword style to defeat her. Nienami dodges his next attack however, and declares if he will use a two sword style, she will use her seven sword style. She reveals six short swords hidden beneath her skirt, and then stabs three through each arm. Zenkichi questions her sanity, and asks if she can feel pain at all. Nienami tells Zenkichi it doesn't hurt at all, and asks him why he is chasing Medaka, sarcastically telling him not to say he will be the one to marry Medaka. Questioned by Nienami, Zenkichi states that he will be the one to marry Medaka. He remembers when he cut Medaka's hair; in the Student Council office, Zenkichi asks her what she intends to do from now on. Medaka tells him she doesn't know, but she is excited all the same. In the present, Zenkichi charges Nienami, declaring that he is fighting for Medaka's tomorrow. Nienami cuts his arms; Zenkichi tells her he will use his legs, only to find they have been slashed as well. Nienami tells him that even with his legs, he still has three less swords than she does, and turns away. Torai asks Naze if they shouldn't intervene, who tells her that Zenkichi isn't done yet. Zenkichi retaliates by biting Nienami's shoulder, declaring his twenty-eight swords (his teeth) will trump her seven. Nienami shrieks in pain, and tearfully asks Zenkichi to stop. He does so, and puts his glasses back on as his hair returns to its normal color. He then orders her to tell them where Medaka is, labeling himself as the weakest member of the Student Council. Nienami tells him that out of the six suitors, she was the first to be defeated, thus why she was left on the ship. She then tells them the second location, but warns them of the evil of the Kurokami family.
Suitors on a Plane
At the Black Bunker, the Kurokami base in the South Pole, Udou is seen in a winter coat, remarking on how cold it is. She asks a ragged and chained Medaka is she should raise the temperature; when Medaka declines, a smiling Udou tells her not to push herself too hard, as the wedding feast has just begun. Udou tells Medaka to behave and in return, Udou will keep her companions safe, including the new ones coming to rescue her. Udou adds that they will be captured immediately, of course. Hearing from Udou that Zenkichi is coming, Medaka produces a large smile and blushes, saying that he is an idiot for neglecting his duties and coming to save her. Udou is confused by Medaka's happy face despite her reprimands for Zenkichi. Udou reviews in her head all the information the Ge'hyoukai has gathered about Zenkichi, and wonders if Medaka has fallen in love. Shaking the feeling off, she checks with Medaka, asking her whether Zenkichi might be coming to save her because he loves her. Medaka shocks Udou by revealing that Zenkichi had already rejected her back when they were kids. Medaka was in fact so smitten with Zenkichi for saving her, that she immediately asked him to marry her, though having just met her, Zenkichi refused her just as quickly, a rejection she took quite hard. Medaka admits that it was her first and last rejection, but that Zenkichi let her stay as his friend because he is a nice guy. Noticing Udou shaking, Medaka asks her what is so funny, though admits that it is weird for a girl to propose immediately after being treated kindly. Hearing Medaka's story, Udou panics, though she hides this from Medaka. Worried that Medaka will soon realize she is in love with Zenkichi, Udou decides that the two must be kept from meeting. She approaches the suitors, telling them that they will be moving to the third stage, only to find one suitor absent. Asking where the woman is, Udou is told that she has gone "plane crashing".
Naze flies a jet to the South Pole, informing the Student Council they will be there in one hour, and remarking that the South Pole is remarkably close when traveling at supersonic speed. In the back seat, Zenkichi, Nienami, and the rest of the Student Council are cramped together. Zenkichi asks Naze if there is anything she can do about this, who tells him not to complain as she borrowed the jet from her brother after washing his back while wearing a school swimsuit. Nienami asks why they brought her along, as she has already told them the location of the second stage. She is surprised to hear from Torai that she will be used as a bargaining chip. Looking out the window, Wanizuka asks Zenkichi how high and how fast the plane is going. After he answers, she remarks that their plan to take the plane was useless, as Kanaino crawls along the wing. Zenkichi asks Nienami if the girl on the wing is a suitor; Nienami replies in the affirmative, and tells him they will definitely crash as not even she could defeat the other suitor. Zenkichi laments that they have no way to fight back, only to be stunned as Naze exits the jet to confront her, freezing her feet to the wing. He explains to Torai that Naze can manipulate her body temperature. As he questions Kanaino's posture, Nienami tells Zenkichi it is necessary to keep a low stance to avoid being blown off. Naze tells the suitor that she cannot crash it because it was a major pain to get it from her brother in the first place. Kanaino rushes her, aiming for her legs. Naze dodges by jumping, horrifying the Student Council, who expect her to be blown away by the wind pressure. However, no such thing happens, and Naze kicks Kanaino in the chin, knocking her back. Naze tells Kanaino that she cut the engines earlier so the plane is going at a constant speed. Hearing that Naze cut the engines, Zenkichi remarks that Naze is as prepared as usual. Naze tells Kanaino that she should get up now that the plane is stable, but Kanaino replies by stating her low stance is part of her style, and introduces herself as Medaka's sixth suitor. Naze introduces herself and readies to fight.
Torai asks what Kanaino is doing, referring to her as four eyes, prompting Zenkichi to remind her that she is a four eyes as well. Wanizuka reminds him that he is a four eyes himself, and Zenkichi calls her an eye patch. Wanizuka goes on to explain Kanaino's stance, pointing out that her vulnerable middle is protected. Emukae asks Zenkichi if Naze will be alright; Zenkichi says Naze will be fine, and admits she is more fit to be Student Council President than he is. Naze cloaks herself in her Ice Tank, and freezes Kanaino to the plane's wing while she is distracted by the armor. Kanaino mocks Naze's naivety, and melts the ice. She then throws several rocks at Naze, shattering her armor. Declaring that the members of the Kurokami house have no need to understand the powers of the branch houses, Kanaino throws another rock at Naze. Torai tells Naze to dodge, but Naze resolves to let it hit her so as to figure out the trick. The Student Council is horrified when wounds erupt over Naze's body, though Naze immediately seals the cuts with ice. Emukae questions if Kanaino has an ability similar to Shibushi's Scar Dead. Naze is surprised to find that the wounds are not deep. Naze launches her Aienkien at Kanaino, though Kanaino splashes it with water, dousing the flames. Kanaino lauds Naze's flashy powers, but tells her that she won't be able to figure her out with the peaceful mindset of the main family. Emukae tries to rationalize how Kanaino doused Naze's flames with water, but Torai refutes her, pointing out how little water Kanaino used. Kanaino tells Naze that the branch families will introduce new blood into the Kurokami family, slyly insulting Nienami in the process. Listening to Kanaino, Naze agrees that the Kurokami family is too peaceful; Kanaino asks if she is despairing at her misfortune. Naze reveals a masochistic smile, stating that such misfortune is wonderful. The others (except for Nienami) are appalled. Claiming she has not been this happy since the Flask Plan, Naze recreates her Ice Tank and charges Kanaino. She shrugs off Kanaino's rocks, and then throws her Himekuri at her, forcing Kanaino to dodge. Naze then reveals that Kanaino is a Kanji User, and goes on to explain her style, as well as how to counter it. Kanaino congratulates Naze on figuring out her style. Dropping her kama from her mouth, she declares her kanji will now be reaching the difficult level.
Still watching the fight, Zenkichi worries upon hearing Kanaino is a style user like Tsurubami, and thinks that the scenario is worse than he could have imagined. Naze asks Kanaino to move over on the wing and "not go wild"; Kanaino responds by bucking about, using her abilities to rock the plane and throw Naze off. She explains the trick to the shocked Student Council, but is interrupted by an attack from Naze. Torai explains she used the law of convection. Seeing the others don't understand, she tells them that Naze flew. Naze attempts a punch, but Kanaino redirects it. Listening to Kanaino, Zenkichi remarks that her abilities are nearly limitless. Kanaino then goes on the offensive, throwing multiple scythes at Naze, all of which make contact. Naze freezes her wounds, but is still left with multiple scythes sticking out of her. Kanaino tells Naze that she lost when she no longer needed to hide her abilities; she promises to keep them all alive however, stating that she likes them. Questioned by Naze, Kanaino explains the current Jet Black Wedding Feast is to obtain Medaka's blood, and adds that those who cut their ties to the Kurokami name should not interfere. Hearing the true purpose of the Jet Black Wedding Feast, the others are stunned into silence, though when Nienami acts surprised as well, Zenkichi calls her out on it. Naze remembers her interactions with her younger sister: after becoming vice-president, Naze approaches Medaka, meaning to apologize, but can't work up the nerve. Medaka recognizes what she is trying to do anyway, and gives her a hug, asking her not to worry about it and to call her Medaka-chan. Naze rallies, and tells Kanaino that no one can marry Medaka that she doesn't approve of. Kanaino asks if killing her would make her worthy of marrying Medaka. Turning to the Student Council, Naze warns them that the plane is going to crash. Kanaino tells Naze she did well to last so long, only to find herself frozen to the wing again. She is shocked when the ice won't melt, and is shocked again to hear that the ice is comprised of frozen gasoline, having leaked out from Naze's earlier attack. Kanaino tries to remember the kanji for gasoline, but Naze unfreezes the gasoline for her. The strong smell of the gasoline causes Kanaino to stand up, where she is struck down by Naze, who correctly predicted Kanaino could not manipulate kanji while standing.
Battle at the South Pole
After crashing landing, the Student Council makes their way towards the Black Bunker. Torai and Wanizuka cheerfully point out the base to Zenkichi, who is somewhat put out by how energetic they are. Emukae almost falls due to the blinding snow, but Zenkichi catches her. Zenkichi offers to hold her hand and Emukae blushes at the thought. However, she remembers that Zenkichi is in love with Medaka and declines Zenkichi's hand. At the Black Bunker, the group finds the suitors' abandoned drinks. As Nienami and Kanaino begin to fight, Zenkichi asks them to get along. Finding a cell, Zenkichi determines Medaka was held there by identifying her scent, and asks Emukae to gather everyone at the cell. Studying the floor, Zenkichi finds a note from Medaka, written in blood. Wanizuka wonders if they should call up Kiki Kikitsu back in Japan. However, she is shocked when Zenkichi reveals he has solved the riddle already. Kanaino and Nienami are both surprised by how shocked Wanizuka is by Zenkichi's deduction skills, while Zenkichi is disappointed to find how little Wanizuka thinks of his abilities. Emukae is not surprised when Zenkichi quickly solves Medaka's riddle, thinking to herself that her own abilities would improve in order to save Zenkichi. She thinks about how she said that love is above everything else, but that she is still in love with Zenkichi. Thinking of herself as just a Minus, she ponders her reason for joining the Student Council. As they head back to the plane, Zenkichi promises to explain the riddle to Torai en route, only to find the jet disassembled by Mogura Kugurugi. Naze is furious, though unimpressed by Kugurugi's grandstanding. Kanaino reveals that she is the strongest suitor, and that it took all the other suitors together to defeat her. She agrees to help the Student Council fight, citing that she wants to leave the South Pole as well. Zenkichi prepares to fight Kugurugi himself, but is knocked out by one of Naze's needles. Naze suggests that Emukae fight next, despite Kanaino's protests. Emukae agrees, thinking to herself that her words to Zenkichi weren't a lie, even if she is jealous of Medaka. Telling herself to laugh, she approaches Kugurugi. Confronted by Emukae, Kugurugi takes out a pair of screwdrivers and promises to send her to hell.
Zenkichi recovers from Naze's anesthetic, and is greeted by Naze, who tells him the fight is about to end. Emukae finds her Minus ineffective against Kugurugi, and is quickly worn out. Kugurugi demeans Emukae's Minus, claiming it will have no effect on her and lauding her status as a suitor. Questioned why she hasn't interfered, Naze is shown to be in a bad way, and explains that the others did try to help Emukae, but were forced back. Kanaino recommends to Zenkichi that he go back to sleep, stating that the battle will be over soon. Nienami tells Zenkichi he should let Emukae fight alone, throwing his earlier words back at him. Zenkichi activates Alternate God Mode, Model Zenkichi, and charges Kugurugi, only to be easily repelled. Kugurugi tells the Student Council to give up; Emukae refuses to surrender, telling Kugurugi that she is not wrong, and that she will uncover the suitor's style. Emukae and the others are horrified to learn however that Kugurugi has yet to use her style; Kanaino comments that perhaps the Student Council's hearts have been broken. Remembering when she discussed joining the Student Council with Medaka, who told her, rather than worry about regretting something, Emukae should rather enjoy the satisfaction that comes with doing something, Emukae affirms her resolve, and cuts her hair. Holding her knives properly, she declares that she will force Kugurugi to use her style. Kanaino wonders if she is trying to make herself lighter, but Nienami tells Kanaino that the other girl did it for a very simple reason. Confessing her feelings to Zenkichi, Emukae makes a desperate last charge against Kugurugi – only to be fatally injured by the other girl's screwdrivers. As she falls, Emukae laments her uselessness, only to be caught by Kumagawa, who makes her injuries nothing with All Fiction. He tells Emukae he is disappointed in her – as a Minus – but that he doesn't dislike her naivety.
Zenkichi expresses his surprise at seeing Kumagawa. Ignoring Kumagawa's sudden appearance, Naze asks him for help, promising to wear a naked apron in return. Kumagawa responds by revealing that his new fetish is "hand-bra jeans", arousing a very lackluster response from Naze. Overhearing Kumagawa describe his new fetish, Kugurugi outlines the attraction of hand-bra jeans to him, then demands to know why he has not been moved to the third location. Kumagawa blatantly lies, ignoring the question, while the others are unimpressed. Though the other suitors encourage her not to take Kumagawa lightly, Kugurugi rudely rebuffs them and charges in, blowing off Kumagawa's arm with her attack. Kumagawa easily recovers with All Fiction and counters, only for his screw to disintegrate, as Kugurugi explains her style. She then forces Kumagawa to the ground, and ignites the ice around him as she does so. Pinned, Kumagawa tells Emukae she needs to finish her confession and hear Zenkichi's reply. Torai is disturbed to hear Kumagawa only saved Emukae so she could be rejected by Zenkichi. Zenkichi calls Emukae over, and asks Nienami if he can borrow one of her swords. Deciding to make a grand gesture, Zenkichi drives the sword into his stomach, horrifying everyone except for Kumagawa. Standing tall, Zenkichi tells Emukae that he will always love Medaka, and cannot reciprocate her feelings. Hearing Zenkichi's rejection, Emukae wonders if can still be happy with this, before breaking into tears and thanking Zenkichi, telling him she is happy to love him. Kanaino is unimpressed by the scene, though she is surprised to see Nienami moved to tears. From the ground, Kumagawa laments that he has lost again, apparently wanting Emukae to shift her feelings to him after being rejected. Kugurugi herself finds the scene hilarious, but becomes annoyed by Kumagawa's behavior. Drawing her screwdrivers, she moves to finish him off; only to be struck in the back by Kumagawa's Book Maker. Kumagawa reveals himself to have been truly angered by her treatment of his underclassman; as she finds her style failing her, Kugurugi tearfully begs for forgiveness, only to collapse as Kumagawa refuses her mercy.
After the battle, Kumagawa tends to everyone's injuries using All Fiction, but apologizes to Zenkichi for not being "complete" enough to heal his seppuku wounds. He is unable to restore Emukae's hair as well, leading Naze to theorize he cannot erase strong emotional attachments. She asks Kumagawa for an explanation of what happened at the aircraft carrier Black, while Nienami and Kanaino watch over Kugurugi as she fixes the plane in return for Kumagawa removing his Book Maker seal. Wanizuka is shocked to hear Ajimu has been sealed, but listens on as Zenkichi explains the weakness of the All Jokers, stating that they all share a bad habit of not dodging their opponent's first attack, and therefore can be subdued with a "One Hit KO" strategy. Kumagawa states his belief that Ajimu will escape from her seal soon, as soon as she grows tired of it. He goes on to explain that he escaped from his own seal, and waited for the Student Council as the South Pole so they could all continue delaying the preliminary rounds. Kumagawa tells Zenkichi that he should solve the riddle quickly since the jet repairs will take a while. Zenkichi asks Kumagawa why he was so late to the fight; Kumagawa admits he wanted to hear Emukae's confession first, much to Zenkichi's annoyance. He then goes on to explain Medaka's coded message, revealing it secretly contains the names of several students of Hakoniwa Academy. Each name correlates to a day of the week – the only day missing is Monday, indicating that the Student Council needs to head to the moon. On Kuromaku Island, Medaka, Udou, and the remaining suitors prepare to leave for the moon. She makes a play on words concerning Ge'hyoukai, annoying Udou. In answer to Udou's pessimism, Medaka claims she sees a future where she returns to Hakoniwa Academy with everyone.
The Sea? The Ice? To The Moon!
A flashback: after her marriage proposal was rejected, Medaka took Zenkichi hostage in the Hakoniwa General Hospital nursery so that she could play with him. Hitomi tried to talk Medaka out of the "hostage" situation, but Medaka held her off with the promise of violence, while Zenkichi looked on in confusion. Medaka's demands for juice and snacks had the staff of the hospital scrambling in confusion, but Hitomi claimed she could continue to negotiate, and, if needed to, use force to get Zenkichi back. The director of hospital, Fukurou, stopped her, saying that she had work to do. Fukurou continued to tell everyone to let them be so that Medaka could learn that there were no "special" people in the world. Zenkichi was the first person to deny Medaka anything so Medaka believed Zenkichi to be special. For half a day, Medaka and Zenkichi played, but Zenkichi soon fell ill to high fever from exhaustion. At his bedside, Medaka tearfully apologized for forcing Zenkichi to go beyond his limits; even though she felt that their friendship was fate, still no one could keep up with her. Hitomi silently watched over them from the door. Zenkichi took Medaka's hands and told her to stop crying. With a cheery smile, Zenkichi promised to catch up to Medaka even if they became separated or lost. Since then Medaka, believed there was no one special in the world, Zenkichi included, but that he was someone who stood beside her.
Medaka studies Udou's rocket, Black Light, in silence. At Udou's questioning, Medaka admits that she has been purposefully distancing herself from Zenkichi so that she may learn to stand without out him. Even so, she tells Udou that her efforts are futile, as Zenkichi will catch up with her no matter what. Udou loses her temper and demands to know how Zenkichi will catch them in space…just as a jet crashes into her rocket. After crashing into Udou's rocket with the Student Council's jet, Zenkichi and his group emerge almost entirely unscathed. Parodying Buzz Armstrong's famous moon landing quote, Zenkichi smiles and calls this a small step for man, but a giant step for all of them, though Naze comments that it is more like a catastrophe. Udou is shocked to see Zenkichi, and horrified that her 1 trillion, 700 billion yen (21 billion U.S. dollars) rocket has been destroyed. Zenkichi takes off his winter suit, and cheerful greets Medaka as if they are meeting by coincidence. Medaka forces down her smile and removes her spacesuit, before chastising him for coming after her (though without her usual vigor). Udou is disturbed by Medaka's reaction to Zenkichi's arrival, but tries to remain calm. The two friends lock arms, Zenkichi asking if she has found herself yet. Medaka tells Zenkichi that while she can do anything on her own, she prefers to do things with others. Zenkichi agrees to participate in the Jet Black Wedding Feast, if Medaka listens to his request. Zenkichi tells her that she can deny him if she wants, but asks her to marry him after the battle is over.
The Student Council waits in shocked awe to hear Medaka's answer to Zenkichi's proposal. Medaka smiles widely, accepting his proposal, but tells Zenkichi she proposed first, and reminds him that she loves him the most. Zenkichi, stunned by this development, begins to say he can die…before Udou runs him through with her spear, horrifying the Hakoniwa students. Sweating profusely, Udou blames Zenkichi, claiming he forced her hand by coming to the Jet Black Wedding Feast, and remarks that this event is similar to what happened three years ago. Zenkichi, coughing blood, tries to tell Medaka this is not her fault, thanking her for relying on him, and giving her a last message to pass on to Shiranui. Before Medaka can run to him, Momo Momozono seals the dying Zenkichi into a card to prevent any type of revival. Still sealed within Momozono's card, Ajimu idles in her dream classroom, remarking that quite the unbelievable child and style were born while she was under the effects of Book Maker. Seeing there is nothing she or Kumagawa can do for Zenkichi, she decides to enjoy the seal a little longer. However, she remembers her training with Zenkichi in preparation for the election, and chooses to find a way out after all.
Udou tells those assembled to wait until the rocket can be prepared, only to be confronted by the entirety of the Student Council. Medaka stops them from acting rashly however. Though Torai scorns Medaka's detachment, Medaka stands firm, even as tears pour down her face. Kumagawa tells Torai to think of Medaka's feelings, and reminds her that they can still revive Zenkichi if they can recover his body. Momozono points out that even the Student Council have taken hostages. Nienami wonders why the other suitor is acting as though she cares. Kanaino suspects Momozono is doing so because she is planning something; Kugurugi looks thoughtful. Momozono offers a deal for a release of the hostages, on the condition that the Jet Black Wedding Feast move to the final round. Momozono hints that the moon base has a practical purpose for the next trial. When asked which suitor would face Medaka, Momozono answers that the final round will be a four way battle between all of them. Naze comments that a four way battle is still unacceptable. She is annoyed when Medaka accepts immediately anyway. Medaka demands that her reaming three suitors name themselves; shedding their spacesuits, they do so, and the final round of the second Jet Black Wedding Feast begins as an anxious Udou looks on. Momozono reveals the name of the game: "Delete Shiritori", a word chopping game.
A Furious Word Game - The Final Round!
The group makes their way to another area to start the final round. Momozono asks Medaka which two of the four available hostages she wants released. Medaka requests Ajimu and Hanten, feeling as though Momozono wanted her to chose Shiranui and Tsurubami. Ajimu tells Medaka that Momozono wanted her to choose them, since they were already close to escaping themselves, causing Medaka to ask if Ajimu cannot just thank her. As Ajimu prepares to end everything, Medaka stops her, stating that she desires to fight for Zenkichi's sake. Ajimu chastises her for giving in to her emotions, but acquiesces. Momozono and the other two suitors stand together in the new area, opposite Medaka, as the rules of the game are laid out. Medaka adds the rule that each player must submit their syllable in exactly an hour, or they are disqualified. Momozono adds one final stipulation in order to prevent any violence after the game ends. If Medaka wins, Momozono shall cut out her tongue (and her style). If Momozono wins, Medaka must gouge out her own eyes. Momozono then begins the game with the syllable "Ri".
Momozono stands before the other two suitors as the game begins. Composing herself, Medaka does not answer Momozono's taunts. Wanizuka, in her duty as secretary, records the game's rules onto a tablet. To determine the order of turns in the game, Udou holds out four cards the players to select. Drawing a three of clubs from Udou, it is determined that Kotobuki will go third. Drawing a four of diamonds from Udou, it is determined that Momozono will go fourth. Drawing a two of hearts from Udou, it is determined that Yuzuriha will go second. Drawing an ace of spades from Udou, it is determined that Medaka will go first. Seeing Medaka draw an ace, Naze remarks that she has good luck as usual.The four each take a seat at a table as the game starts. Wanizuka and Torai talk about what strategies could make winning easier; though Wanizuka's suggestions earn her chastisement from both Ajimu and Naze, though Naze admits that Wanizuka's suggested strategy has some merit. Kumagawa comments on possible strategies, pointing out that Momozono's position allows her to attack Medaka directly, while Ajimu wonders what Medaka will do.
Medaka chooses to leave the room, promising to return in time for her turn. Her actions surprise everyone, and annoy Momozono. Angered by Medaka's behavior, Momozono makes an offer of alliance to the other two suitors. Emukae is appalled, while Naze grows concerned. Medaka returns at the right time, and submits her word. Accused by Nienami of cheating, Medaka has Udou join her outside. As Medaka continues to leave each time after her turn, Kumagawa and Ajimu wonder at what her plan is. The game goes forward without a hitch, each player putting forward a word at each hour. As Medaka prepares to leave the room once more, Kanaino expresses her distaste for Medaka's actions. Despite Kanaino's complaints, Udou admits that Medaka is doing noting in violation of the rules, and therefore cannot stop her. Medaka is stopped by Torai, who is also upset by Medaka's tactics, and asks if she intends to win shamefully. Kumagawa wonders why Torai is so adamant about challenging Medaka; Ajimu theorizes that she probably a supporter of the old Medaka. Medaka declares that she will not fight a fight that shames her friends; that has never changed. Fed up with Medaka, Momozono tells her to sit down, promising to tell her about Fukurou.
At Hakoniwa Academy, Kajiki Kurokami meets with Maguro and Hakama Shiranui to discuss the second Jet Black Wedding Feast, Kajiki having ordered Maguro not to interfere. He makes mention of breaking through the schemes of the Ge'hyoukai, the branch families, and "him", and admits that, while he is sulking that Medaka seems to care more about Fukurou than himself, he has always been her only true father. Hakama questions why Medaka loves Fukurou as a father, though Maguro tells him he is looking at the question from the wrong end. He then explains that Kajiki married all seven suitors when he came off age, a revelation that shocks Hakama. Kajiki displays no embarrassment, and instead claims that seven wives were not enough. He goes on to say that excessive love is characteristic of the Kurokami family, pointing out both Maguro and Medaka as examples. Listening to his father, Maguro mentions that there is one person who is trying to accept all of Medaka's love, to which Kajiki makes no comment. Maguro then reveals the mothers of himself and his sisters.
Back on Kuromaku Island, Momozono finishes explaining Medaka's relation to Fukurou. Hearing that Fukurou was Medaka's uncle, Wanizuka realizes that makes Tsurubami her cousin. Momozono finally reveals that he was killed by the overseer of the first Black Wedding Feast. She then goes on to explain that the Language Users, the deaths of the original suitors, and the second Jet Black Wedding Feast were all a part of Fukurou's designs. Having heard Momozono's explanation, Nienami acts surprised, even though she should already have been aware of everything said. Ajimu and Kumagawa wonder at how Fukurou could have orchestrated all that has happened after his death. Momozono pauses in mid-explanation however to continue the game. Wanizuka is stunned to find it is indeed already her turn; distracted by her explanation, the other suitors missed their turns, and now both are disqualified, leaving only Medaka and Momozono playing. Momozono admits that, while the suitors are grateful to Fukurou for teaching them their styles, they are all still competing to become a part of the Kurokami family. Momozono then calls Medaka out on her plan, revealing that she realized the time constraint was to provide time for the hostages to free themselves. As Momozono calls Medaka out on her plan, Medaka questions her, and after hearing more, expresses relief, claiming her victory is assured now that Momozono has seen through. Momozono assumes she is bluffing, and the two continue, burning through several hours. As the conclusion approaches however, Momozono suddenly has an epiphany, and is horrified as she realizes the true extent of Medaka's plan. Medaka remains smiling, confident in her victory.
Naze is confused by Momozono's sudden discomfort. As the game nears its climax, Nienami is completely confused about who is winning. Kumagawa comments on the nature of Shiritori; what makes the game so hard - the players need to keep every syllable in their head, with the winner being the person with the best memory. Ajimu, displeased with everyone else not keeping up, asks Wanizuka to bring up the records for the game so far. Wanizuka does not have the record, so Ajimu produces them on the tablet from her own memory. As the audience discusses each player's standing, Emukae reasons that Medaka still has a chance to win if she uses all her remaining syllables in one go. Naze points out that there is only a single word left for Medaka to use, and it will allow Momozono to win. Kumagawa notices that Kousan ends with N, which is illegal in Shiritori. Udou however shoots down Torai's attempts at discrediting Momozono's seemingly assured victory. Kanaino notes that Momozono used a particularly nasty method to attain victory. Medaka puts forth her next word, leaving her with four syllables left to use. Wanizuka is the first to notice that Momozono has to say "surrender" to win the game. Hearing that Momozono has to say "surrender" to win the game, Kugurugi points out that there are other forms of the word she can use, and even if she does say surrender, the word's meaning shouldn't matter. Clearly frustrated, Momozono reveals Medaka's true plan; to force her to end with "surrender" by manipulating the entire audience not to use the necessary syllables. Momozono realizes that Medaka could have won easily, seeing that her technique overshadows even her own. She demands to know why Medaka gave her the chance to find out her plans and win. Medaka explains herself, revealing that she never believed Momozono would submit even if she did lose the game; instead, Medaka worked to defeat her in a psychological battle. Explanations finished, Kumagawa asks Torai if she is satisfied with Medaka. Torai looks away and blushes, answering that this is the Medaka she admires. Medaka admits she has nothing left to play however, and that if Momozono continues, she can still win. Aware that she has been outplayed, Momozono tearfully surrenders.
At Hakoniwa Academy, Maguro informs Hakama and Kajiki that the Jet Black Wedding Feast has ended. Hearing of Medaka's victory, Hakama remarks that it is a natural outcome for a member of Hakoniwa Academy. Kajiki comments that it is quite a surprise that Medaka won in a psychological battle. Kajiki assures Maguro that this is certainly a good thing, for both Medaka, and for what he has planned for her tomorrow. Zenkichi awakens, having been healed by Medaka with the Five Forks. Zenkichi is depressed that he could not be any help to her, only for Medaka to dismiss his depression with a smile. Zenkichi smiles as well, and, together with the Student Council and the All Jokers (and Nienami), returns to Hakoniwa Academy.


text:
orWine Tastings in the Comfort of you own villa or B&B while on holiday in Tuscany or Liguria
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Anybody seen one of these before?
I couldn't work out whether they had come of those climbing vine-type plants or a low tree. There was one still hanging in the tree, but it may have been a vine climbing up that tree. it's extremely prickly and you can see the size on the photo. There's no discernable smell from the outside. Anyone of you clever people out there...? If no-one comes up with anything I'll cut it open tomorrow and show you the insides too.
8 comments:
Thorn apple? It's bigger than those I've seen before. If it is, you should see black seeds inside. If it is thorn apple, it's poisonous.
- 2 December 2010 at 21:00
- Mr. H. said...
If it has one big seed inside perhaps it is a spiny chayote? - http://rozmena.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/spiny-chayote.jpg
- 2 December 2010 at 22:39
- Laura said...
It's not a thorn apple is it? If so, don't eat it - very poisonous!
- 2 December 2010 at 23:31
I've seen them for sale in the market and down here they are called spikey aubergines or melanzane spinusi, although it looks as though they are also known as cucuzze spinusi, so I'm guessing somewhere between an aubergine and a courgette. But it's definitely a vegetable which goes by many names, chayote,zucca centeneria and I'm pretty sure I've eaten them when more green in the Caribbean where they were called christophene. Definitely more like a watery zucchini/squash than aubergine for taste and water content. A couple of links, with recipes for you http://bleedingespresso.com/2008/03/whats-cooking-wednesday-calabrian-prickly-zucchini.html
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chayote
- 3 December 2010 at 06:46
- Heiko said...
Thanks everyone, Contadina, you hit the nail on the head, although looking at pictures of chayote, it's simliar, but chayote doesn't seem to have the spines.
Laura & Mike H, Italians don't waste space in their gardens to grow poisonous things.
- 3 December 2010 at 10:30
- Jan said...
I'm glad others have come up with the answer, because I haven't a clue!
- 3 December 2010 at 20:48
Spiny Chayote is it! Also known as mirleton. Check out southern cooking. Bought some yesterday to stuff with shrimp.
- 24 December 2010 at 19:29
It is a zucchini. It is from Calabria Italy. I'm not from there but from Greece and my parents used to grown it.At the begging we didn't have trust on it since it wasn't a familiar vegetable. However I have eaten it more than 100 times.
It is more tasty than the regular zucchini, in fact is a bit sweet. You can eat it fried. The plant is very productive, so you can it so much of it and get sick of it. I lost my seeds and I'm try to find some....
- 5 October 2013 at 15:37

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Well dear reader, it has been one hell of a year! I can't quite believe how quickly time has gone, or how little attention I have given my tiny lead friends. I hope to finally finish the posting for Part VII of the campaign in the next few weeks. Stay tuned 🙂
Scenario 5: Warbands
Defend the Mine
Driven by his shamans' need for a particularly rare type of mushroom, Rotfang orders a surprise attack on an isolated dwarf mine.
Thane, Gurni Whitebeard, Gromril Armor, Shield, Rune of Stone
2 Units of 5 Quarrelers, Light Armor, Shields
2 Units of 8 Miners, Heavy Armor, Great Weapons
1 Bolt Thrower, Engineer, Brace of Pistols
Night Goblin Big Boss, Light Armor, Great Weapon
1 Unit of 20 Night Goblins, Spears and Shields, Standard and Musician, 1 Fanatic
2 Units of 8 Night Goblins, Short Bows
1 Squig Herd, 2 Squig Teams
Dwarfs: If Thane Gurni Whitebeard survives he will accompany the dwarf army in the final battle. He comes with the following equipment: Gromril Armor, Shield, Rune of Stone
Goblins: To hold the mine, the goblins must have an unbroken unit touching the mine with twice the unit strength of the nearest dwarf unit to the mine. If the goblins hold the mine at the end of the battle, Mad Max, a Night Goblin Shaman Level 2 may accompany the army in the final battle, he carries Nibblas 'Itty Ring; in addition the mine is loaded with magic mushroom mounds. Each Shaman receives D6 Magic Mushrooms


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|Jen and her team, photo by SmugMug
All the things I love about conferences happened at BlogPodium
- I spent the day hanging out with people who immediately understood why I spend way too many hours writing, editing, styling, photographing, photoshopping, tweeting, instagramming, and web-surfing. No explanations required, no rolling of eyes in my direction. These were my people, and there were almost 300 of them.
- Everyone was as happy and excited to be there as I was. The mood was celebratory, the smiles contagious. It was an amazing day before it even started.
- The speakers and panelists were inspiring. I filled my iPad with quotes and ideas, and had many 'AHA!' moments, nodding my head with all the other bloggers in synchronicity. These guys knew their stuff, and our stuff to boot. I have a resulting to-do list that is for sure going to light my blog on fire.
- It was like a big ol' family reunion. The nature of blogging means that many, many of my friendships and relationships are built online, through comments, tweets and instagrams. I talk more often with these ladies (and Tim) than I do my friends down the street, and as a result, I feel like I know them just as well, if not better! So it is a joy to put faces to Twitter handles and be able to back up blog comments with great big hugs. (I'm a hugger.)
As an added bonus, I got to feel a real sense of accomplishment as I looked around at the sea of grinning faces. I am under no illusion that my efforts brought them all there (the name 'Sarah Richardson' might have had a little something to do with it) but it felt kind of awesome to know that I was able to use my non-blogging skills to bring in a table or two of tickets.
My biggest BlogPodium take-away
The best part of the experience, however, was seeing a beaming Jen Flores floating around the rooms. Unlike most conferences I have attended, I had watched the organizer work her tail end off with passion, poise, and purpose for months on end building up this experience. She arranged the speakers, booked the venue, scheduled the sessions, oversaw the menu, brought in the big name sponsors, coordinated the blog contributions, and oversaw the marketing, social media, website development, event coordination, and all logistics. Jen threw herself into this day with everything she had; refused to get knocked down by any of the setbacks or disappointments that arose; diligently worked through meetings, emails, conference calls, presentations, and every other task required with inspiring determination.
Through her vision and effort, Jen created an epic day that will fuel and inspire not only the 300 people in attendance, but their readers, clients, and colleagues.
To have been able to watch all this happen was the biggest gift of all, and was to me more inspiring even than Sarah Richardson's amazing keynote speech (which was awesome!). Through this process, I learned from watching Jen that having a vision is just the first step.
If you truly believe in something, and are willing to invest yourself completely into making it a reality, not only will it happen, it will be a massive success.
|Jennifer Flores Photography by Annawithlove
Not surprisingly, this philosophy seemed to be thread running through the day for me. I heard it in Sarah Richardson's beautifully honest, sincere, and motivating keynote address.
|New, Old, and Online Media panel, photography by Annawithlove
"I learned everything on the job, by being willing
to pick up new challenges and work hard." Margot Austin
to pick up new challenges and work hard." Margot Austin
"When shelter magazines were shutting down
we saw an opportunity to make our own fun, in the way we had always wanted but couldn't do before. " Rhonda Riche, Covet Garden
I heard it in Keka DasGupta's charming and energizing session on working with agencies, and I heard it in Karen Bertlesen's frank and hysterical session on monetizing your blog.
|Keka DasGupta, photo by Annawithlove
"State of mind matters. Be confident, be sure.
Recognize what you are bringing to the table!" Keka DasGupta
|Karen Bertelsen, photography by Annawithlove
"Creativity is the key to success -
when you can do whatever you want and have fun doing it,
you will be your most authentic." Karen Bertelsen
All in all, it was a thrilling Saturday, and I am exhausted! I met so many amazing people, doing so many amazing things - I wish everyone could have that kind of soul-enriching experience. I can't wait to see what other great things Jen can dream up for next year!


text:
These Polo Bun/Por Lor Yau/Pineapple Bun are what I initially made in accordance with World Bread Day. However, I chose to use the tri-col0ured bread as my post instead of this. Let me clarify first of all, I'm not from Hong Kong but I do love these buns a lot when I was in Hong Kong for a holiday trip and secondly, these buns have no pineapple in it. The name is derived from its appearance (check out the criss cross pattern).
I've used the recipe here which I've nicely translated it to English for you all with important tips and points to note.
This is the bread dough placed in a greased pot and covered with a damp cloth, left to prove in a warm ambience.
That's the polo pastry, the crispy crumbs on top.
The picture above is after being eggwashed and criss-crossed. The first picture above is how it looked like after proving.
You could do criss cross like that too if you like but do not cut in too hard like me. Lightly will do.
The buns ready to be baked.
The pattern is visible but not really touchable.... Hmmmm, probably I cut in too hard. I think the only hard part about making the bun is when you need to assemble th polo pastry with the brad dough. I didn't encounter that sorta problem because I've done that numerous times :) If you look at the original site where I got the recipe, you will notice one need to expand the polo pastry and have it cover at least 3/4 of the bread dough.
It's like wrapping a filling into a bun but you don't do it all the way. Or like wrapping mooncake filling with the skin to get even skin (Picture 9 to Picture 13). Just click on the link leading to original recipe and you'll understand what I mean. It's really not as hard as it seems. And the original recipe posted comes with lots of step-by-step photos.
Recipe translated: This recipe yield 4 large polo buns
For bread dough:
150 bread flour
1 tbsp milk powder
30g white sugar (I use 2 tbsp)
1/4 tsp of salt
1 tbsp beaten egg
1 tsp instant yeast
70g water
1 tbsp (15g) butter
I do not have a breadmaker so I mixed all the above except for buter and knead for about 5mins. I then add in the butter and knead for about 15mins to form a smooth dough. I did not add in any extra water. It was very very very (yes, I stress here, very very very!) sticky even after adding in the butter but as you keep kneading, it will form a smooth, non-sticky dough. Here, a plastic spatula really helps in scrapping the dough off the table and back into the dough again and again. Lotsa of banging and throwing of the dough probably helps as well.
Upon getting a smooth dough, prove it, covered until 2.5 times its original size. I prove it for an hour or so.
While the bread dough is raising, make the polo pastry.
For polo pastry:
30g butter
25g icing sugar (I ran out of this and substituted with white sugar)
1 tsp milk powder
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp beaten egg
50g plain flour
Beat the butter until light and fluffy and gradually add in the sugar, salt and milk powder. For me, I beat until all sugar dissolves.
Add in the tablespoon of egg and have everything bind together.
Lastly, fold in the plain flour and do not overmix. It's alright if it is sticky and you could add in a little extra plain flour (just a little).
Divide into 4 portions and chill it in the fridge fo 30mins.
I did not add in any extra flour and used a plastic spatula to have everything come together nicely. I then weigh it and chill it in the fridge until ready to use. I need to stress this again, a plastic spatula really helps!
By now, the bread dough should be ready. Check the bread dough to see if it pass the finger tip test (use a finger and press into the dough surface. If the indentation made stays, then it's done. If it springs back then it's not ready yet and prove longer).
Once ready, punch out all the gas within the bread dough and knead lightly. Weigh into 4 portions and roll into rounds. Let it rest for 15mins.
After 15mins, remove the chilled polo pastry from the fridge and roll into perfect rounds.
Now, assemble them together. Expand the polo pastry by applying gently even pressure so that it covers more than 3/4 of the dough. Twisting and turning the dough helps in covering it evenly too.
Add 1 tsp of milk into previous leftover egg mixture and use this as egg wash. Brush onto the 4 buns.
With a sharp knife, gently draw criss cross/chequered patterns onto each bun.
Prove it again until 2.5 times its original size. (I did this by leaving the tray in the oven, door closed for 1 hour).
Bake at a preheated oven : 180°C for 15mins or until golden brown.
And the end product. (Mine's obviously not brown enough yet plus I am too stingy with the egg wash!)
Nevertheless, these were good and definitely a keeper. Ver soft and fluffy right our of the oven. Upon cooling or reheating it in the microwave, it sorta got toughen up a little and didn't taste as good. If I'm gonna keep it until tomorrow, I'll probably reheat it in a preheated oven at 160°C for about 7 mins.
I like mine plain or probably with a square of butter. That's the original way and how it's supposed to be.
That's the end of this post. I do hope you all will try it and like it just as much as I did.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Hong Kong Style Polo Buns
Posted by Quinn at Friday, October 17, 2008
0 comments on "Hong Kong Style Polo Buns"
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As the country's leading supplier of sophisticated pumping systems, we have over 160 years' experience recommending and installing units to building and construction companies. Whether you need foundation drying, Bentonite pumping or general dewatering, our qualified technicians will help you overcome problems however large or small. We understand the intricate nature of construction sites and similar environments, which is why we act quickly to avert the damaging consequences of delays or other issues.
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Please tell me what you think so I can improve the beginning of the novel.
This is an unedited version.
Lone Girl [Excerpt] by Kate Bloomfield
Lone Girl [Excerpt] by Kate Bloomfield
Whyyyyyyyyyyy this is too short for my liking. LOVED IT btw can't wait till I out. There about 3 typos only so I'm in the hoping that November comes faster!!!!ReplyDelete
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Although this is too short, I appreciate and love it!I've finished reading 'Alpha Girl' and it's quite touching.Except Mr.Stone is a teacher.By the way, I really love that novel.I'll be waiting for 'Lone Girl'.Love you a lot! :) :)ReplyDelete
And I also thanks a billion for revealing the first 80 something.So that people like me who can't buy a book can read it online.ReplyDelete
When will this be available to buy?ReplyDelete
I actualy like that this story is so much different from others ive read, i mean its like you knew exactly what to write to make the book just perfect and so intelligently written and without the cheesy BS , this was a legitimate and amazing book and i love that the relationship is considered "forbidden " by society, i find nothing wrong with the age difference or his position as a teacher. I think this second book is good too , yes there are a few typos but those can be easily fixed . :) keep up the good work, youre amazing!!!!!ReplyDelete
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Multiple private residential 70 flats new build scheme.
We completed the full tender and construction package after planning, including optimization of the general arrangement plans, and full co-ordination of the structural and M&E design.
All details including the packages for setting out plans, sections and elevation drawings, stair core details, lift core details, external wall details, internal wall details, roof details, floor details, handrail details, balustrade details, windows and door details and schedule, and kitchen and bathroom details and specification. The complete architectural design and detailing ranged from scales 1:100 to 1:5 for the sub-structure and super-structure construction packages.
We liaised with the Local Authority's Building Control Department to provide all required information to meet building regulation compliance.In addition, we liaised and co-ordinated with specialized consultants to ensure that Code for Sustainable Homes and Lifetime Homes compliance was adhered.


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Isn't this cute? It is on it's way to me and I am so excited!!
For those keeping track of my interview/potential job status – I had a follow up interview on Monday with the big manager in the department. Everyone that knows I have interviewed has been very positive and feel it is a definite go. Until I have the actual job offer, I have to just keep a positive thought on it and keep telling myself the job is mine.
Because someone reminded me of it earlier, I thought maybe I would enjoy reminding you as well – 115 shopping days until Christmas!!! Of course it is 115 degrees outside here in Arizona so the thought of Christmas is a welcome one because of the cooler weather. I went to Hobby Lobby last Saturday just to see the Christmas decorations and try to get in the mood a bit early. Didn't happen. The second I walked back out the door and got smacked in the face by the heat, I was back to cursing the day.
My first books that I am offering up for my Read It Forward are the two delightful novels by Nancy Volkers, Scottish Ferry Tale and Scotland by Starlight. (Click the titles for my reviews of them both.) I am sending them together because you are going to want to read the sequel as soon as you finish the first one. As I mentioned before, all I am asking is you post a review on your blog, Amazon, Good Reads, etc and that if you pass the book on you ask the same thing. First person to comment that they want these two books, gets them.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
1 comment:
When I went to mandeville - it was my first trip to a Hobby Lobby ... thats like heaven!
I am working on making all my gifts ... we'll see how that goes!
- September 2, 2011 at 5:30 AM
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2014 NAR Legislative & Regulatory Year in Review
During the 113th Congress, NAR's legislative and regulatory agenda continued to focus on creating a fundamentally sound and robust U.S. real estate market while protecting the business interests of members, as well as consumers. In spite of Congress' lack of actions, NAR achieved several accomplishments and set the foundation for many important issues moving forward.
New QRM Rule Equals QM
After three years of strong opposition from NAR, congressional leaders, and consumer and industry groups, the six financial regulators released the final version of the long-awaited qualified residential mortgage (QRM) rule. The six regulators listened to NAR when finalizing the rule which now equates QRM with the "Qualified Mortgage (QM)" standard. As originally proposed, the QRM rule would have narrowly defined QRMs to require a 20 percent down payment. REALTORS® were among the most vocal opponents of the originally proposed QRM rule and forged the broad-based Coalition for Sensible Housing Policy, which includes nearly 50 organizations, to draw attention to the regulation's onerous 20 percent down payment requirement and other credit limiting
features such as strict debt-to-income limits. The coalition asked for and received an extension of the proposed regulation comment period in 2013. During that time, NAR and its coalition partners gathered the support of 44 U.S. Senators and 282 House members, who wrote to regulators expressing their intent on QRM and opposing the sizable down payment requirement.
For more information visit www.realtors.org/qrm
"Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act" Becomes Law
Following months of intense outreach by NAR, the "Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act" was signed into law which curbs flood insurance rate hikes for homes and commercial properties. This bi-partisan legislation is a responsible and balanced solution to the skyrocketing flood insurance premiums affecting residential and commercial properties that were unintentionally triggered by the Biggert-Waters reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program. NAR advocated for this legislation which brings relief to property owners by ensuring a slow and steady phase in of risk-based increases.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/floodinsurance
FEMA Issues New Rules and Procedures for Flood Insurance
Upon the enactment of "The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act", NAR strongly urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to act quickly to issue new rules and procedures for flood insurance which had been hampered by the Biggert-Waters Act. At NAR's insistence, FEMA announced in May that it was halting the time-of-property-sale increases, rolling back the rates of all older properties to their 2013 level, and stated it will hold these rates constant through 2015, and in some cases, reduce them. In June, FEMA provided guidelines for issuing refunds to property owners who were overcharged for flood insurance above their 2013 rate. Refunds began October 1 and are to be completed by December 31, 2014. NAR will continue pressing FEMA to quickly issue these refunds and implement the rest of the law, consistent with the statutory deadlines and congressional intent.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/floodinsurance
FHA Allows More Electronic Signatures
After ongoing outreach by NAR, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that it will accept electronic signatures on most documents involved in FHA mortgage insurance, mortgage servicing, loss mitigation and FHA insurance claims. The HUD Announcement came two days after NAR convened a second Electronic Signatures Summit meeting, bringing together three dozen representatives of government, lenders, real estate and related industries and electronic signature vendors to discuss ways to foster greater acceptance and usage of electronic signatures, which were first authorized by federal law in 2000. The FHA announcement gives a major boost to that ongoing effort and will serve as a model for other actors in the mortgage arena.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/fha
Rural Communities Protected Through 2020
NAR's work with Congress over the last three years has helped more than 900 communities that were at risk of losing access to federal rural housing programs be protected through 2020 by extending the eligibility of communities under a 40-year old definition of "rural". While this legislative language did not expand any program or authorize any additional funding, it does retain the current pool of eligible communities (including those that have populations up to 35,000). NAR continues to work to revise the outdated definition to conform to current demographic data and needs.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/rural-housing
HUD Allows Dual Agency Agreements in FHA Pre-foreclosure Transactions
NAR achieved a significant victory when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it would allow dual agency agreements in FHA pre-foreclosure transactions. Last summer, HUD had issued a policy which would exclude dual agency agreements in FHA short sale transactions starting October 1, 2013. NAR Leadership and legal counsel met with HUD staff to express NAR's concerns about the policy and the disruptive effect its implementation would have on communities across the nation. As a result, HUD agreed to work with NAR to arrive at a policy that better addresses concerns that pre-foreclosure sales are not meeting HUD's minimum net sales proceeds requirements.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/fha
Elimination of FHA "Prepayment Penalty"
For several years NAR has led the effort urging the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to eliminate postpayment interest charges on FHA-insured single family mortgages. NAR urged FHA and Ginnie Mae to remove this prepayment penalty as the policy placed an unreasonable burden on consumers who already face high housing and closing costs. In August, FHA published its final rule eliminating this charge which goes into effect on January 21, 2015.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/fha
"The Mortgage Choice Act" Passes the House
NAR was instrumental in securing passage of H.R. 3211, "The Mortgage Choice Act", which redefines a provision in the Dodd-Frank Ability-to-Repay rules that limits mortgage fees and points to three percent in order for home loans to be considered Qualified Mortgages (QM). This provision unfairly prevents brokers and affiliated lenders from making QM loans because their affiliate services are collectively counted against the three percent cap, while individual services from large retail financial institutions are not. "The Mortgage Choice Act" treats affiliated and non-affiliated service providers the same way under the rule while still protecting borrowers from risky loan products.
NAR was also actively involved in getting this legislation included in H.R. 5461, a compendium of legislation that had already passed the House, which is designed to present the Senate with a package of widely, agreed upon reforms that it can vote on before the end of the 113th Congress. NAR continue to press for passage in the Senate to ensure that consumers have the full range of choices in settlement service providers and other services related to real estate.
Maintaining Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits
NAR aggressively fought to prevent the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) from reducing conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Through letters, meetings and by rallying industry partners to take similar actions, NAR was successful in getting the FHFA to announce in May it would step back from the proposed reduction. NAR continues to inform the FHFA on this issue to ensure it understands how lowering these limits would reduce financing opportunities for homebuyers.
For more information visit www.realtors.org/gses
Educating Members on How "The PATH Act" Impacts the Housing Market
NAR continues to strongly advocate that H.R 2767, "The Protecting American Taxpayers and Homeowners (PATH) Act", not come to the House floor for consideration. Through meetings, letters and industry outreach, NAR has been the driving force letting Congress know how this bill would hinder American families' access to quality homeownership and rental options, and hurt job growth. H.R. 2767 would end the federal guarantee for a secondary mortgage market and dramatically restructures and narrowly targets the FHA loan program.
For more information visit www.realtors.org/gses
Expired Tax Provisions
NAR continues to follow up with Members of both the House and Senate on NAR's priorities among the expired tax provisions. This has included a letter to the full House urging Members to cosponsor H.R. 2994, the mortgage debt forgiveness tax relief bill. Staff also met with the Ways and Means Republican staff to discuss the extender and mortgage cancellation bills. Mortgage cancellation was also one of two talking points for the FPC's August recess meeting. Other mortgage cancellation related activities included an ad in the DC papers, and a press release urging
Congress to act on the measure. Together these efforts have substantially increased the number of cosponsors to 155, thus raising the support for and the visibility of the measure.
On December 16, 2014, the Senate passed H.R. 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, by a vote of 76-16. The House passed the bill on December 3. It now goes to the President, who is expected to sign it into law.
The bill includes a one-year extension of several expired tax provisions that benefit REALTORS and their clients, including tax relief for mortgage debt forgiveness. The relief is effective retroactive to January 1, 2014, but expires again on December 31, 2014. Also included in the bill are one-year retroactive extensions of the 15-year depreciation schedule for leasehold improvements, the deduction of mortgage insurance premiums, and the deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings.
For more information www.realtor.org/mortgage-debt-relief
Section 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges
Tax reform proposals have listed the repeal of Section 1031 like-kind exchanges as a way to reduce the tax rates. In an effort to head off this possibility, NAR became a founding member of The Real Estate Like-Kind Exchange Coalition established to defend the current tax status of Section 1031 like-kind exchanges. The Coalition has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a study of the importance of 1031 like-kind exchanges to the economy at large and the real estate sector in particular. Interviews with the top candidates are underway. NAR is also continuing to participate in a broader 1031 like-kind exchange coalition. This coalition has contracted with EY to conduct a
study of the effect of like-kind exchanges on the economy and various industry segments. NAR led a successful effort to change the parameters of the study to make it more focused on the real estate industry. At NAR's request, Senator Roberts (R-Kansas) has also asked the Joint Committee on Taxation for a breakdown of the recently released tax expenditure score for section 1031 like-kind exchanges between real property and personal property.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/like-kind-exchange
TRIA Reauthorization Bills Move Forward in Congress
Despite having a bipartisan compromise bill, the Senate failed to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) before it adjourned for the remainder of the year, resulting in the program expiring on December 31, 2014. Sen. Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Hensarling (R-TX) worked together for several weeks in the "lame duck" Congressional session to craft a compromise bill that would reauthorze the program and be amenable to both the House and Senate. Having negotiated the compromise – a six-year reauthorization that raised the trigger from $100 million to $200 million, but did away with the problematic changes to the program present in the House Financial Serivces Committee's original bill – it passed the House by a vote of 417-7 on December 10th. When it came time for the Senate to take it up though, objections to provisions in the bill unrelated to TRIA were raised, resulting in Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid not bringing it up for vote before adjournment.
NAR is extremely disappointed that the Senate didn't act to renew this vital program, and has already begun to work towards its immediate reauthorization once the 114th Congress convenes, on January 6th. Speaker of the House Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) has stated that passing a TRIA reauthorization is going to be one of their top priorities in January. NAR will continue to monitor this issue and advocate for its quick renewal in the new Congress.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/tria
IASB & FASB Maintain Current Lease Accounting Standards
NAR strongly and successfully opposed the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board's (IASB) proposed lease accounting standards that would reduce the overall borrowing capacity of commercial real estate lessees and lessors. As part of its efforts, NAR worked in coalition with other industry groups to craft a strategy and solicit key Congressional offices to express their concerns with the proposal, while also working with FASB on ways to improve it. NAR's efforts proved successful in August when the IASB and FASB announced that they had been unable to come to an agreement on the proposed lease standards, with the IASB opting for a single model and FASB opting to stay with the dual model favored by NAR. The rule will likely be finalized in late 2014 or early 2015, and go into effect in 2018.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/lease-accounting
Creating Common Sense Patent Litigation Reforms
NAR continues to educate Congress on the importance of patent litigation reforms. After helping to secure passage of H.R. 3309, "The Innovation Act" in December 2013, NAR has focused its efforts on raising the visibility of this issue in the U.S. Senate. Through letters and visits with Senators and NAR's first ever Twitter Call for Action, legislation was introduced in the Senate but action was not taken prior to the Congressional recess. NAR will continue to pursue this important issue when the new Congress returns in January 2015.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/patent-litigation-reform
Adhering to Open Internet Practices
NAR is working with Congress and regulators to ensure that broadband providers adhere to open internet practices. NAR has voiced its concerns through letters, op-eds and in-person visits, about the Federal Communications Commission's "fast lanes" proposal which would allow large content providers like Netflix and Facebook and others to negotiate separate, exclusive deals with Internet Service Providers to carry their content on faster connections. In addition, NAR organized a broad real estate coalition including over 100 MLSs, large firms and industry associations opposing the FCC's proposal. NAR will continue to let members of Congress know about our concerns and urge them to weigh in with the FCC.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/net-neutrality
Educating Members about Importance of Data Security
Given the recent data security breaches, NAR took the initiative to develop and launch an online training course through REALTOR® University on real estate best practices for privacy and data security. Additionally, NAR has participated in Tech Edge events across the country to raise REALTOR® awareness of the importance of data security.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/data-privacy-security
Opposing EPA's "Waters of the U.S." Rule
NAR is working vigilantly with Congress and other regulated stakeholders to oppose a proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which would vastly expand EPA authority over more water bodies and increase EPA regulation of land uses on private property. Through NAR testimony, letters and in-person meetings, the House of Representatives passed HR 5078, "The Waters of the U.S. Regulatory Overreach Protection Act", which would prevent the EPA from moving forward with the proposed rule. NAR continues to advocate for action in the Senate and looks for every opportunity to ensure EPA understands the impact this proposed rule would have on real estate.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/cwa
Engaging with the FAA on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
NAR continues to educate the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on how real estate professionals can use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) safely to photograph properties to market for sale. Currently, the FAA prohibits the use of UAVs for any commercial purpose, but is developing draft regulations to allow the use of small UAVs for commercial purposes. The FAA's primary concerns about the use of UAVs are safety and privacy. NAR has made the argument that real estate professionals have an economic incentive to use these devices safely and responsibly. Draft regulations are to be published in November, 2014, with final promulgation due in September, 2015.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/uavs
Affordable Care Act Regulations Recognize Agents as Non-Employees
NAR successfully worked with the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Services to recognize "qualified real estate agents" as non-employees for purposes of the "Shared Responsibility for Employers" provisions under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Earlier proposed regulations were silent on their status, leaving some doubt as to whether brokerages might have to count independent contractor agents as employees for purposes of the ACA. NAR's efforts secured this change to the regulations. With the clarifications included in the final regulations, brokerage firms that contract the services of qualified real estate agents will not have to be concerned whether such agents might be construed as employees under a common law test.
For more information visit www.realtor.org/healthreform
Securing Amendments to ILSA
NAR worked with Congress to secure amendments to H.R. 2600, "The Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act (ILSA)," which clarifies how the Act applies to condominiums. As amended, the ILSA will now treat the sales of condominiums in projects still under development in the same manner as condo sales in completed projects. By doing so, the bill closes the loophole that allowed buyers to use a technicality to rescind otherwise valid real estate contracts due to personal financial reason or "buyer's remorse." President Obama signed the bill into law on September 26, 2014. It will go into effect on March 25, 2015.


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14:44 - Zoltanus: <314:44 - Zoltanus: 4 ever
we r migghter worio---fighterrs of ''istnar''' and r fgighting evvill and creul rodoc and swadiaaans llool xXDDDD heha
Player-Name(s): Herra_HakkarainenServer: IG_BattlegroundsTime: 10 AM GMT - 10:30 AM GMTStarts out with the phrase: "I rape young boys."Then he says in finnish some nasty things, I was in this with FIN_m0nkey, and he told me the things it meant, he also that that ryozo would be able of translating it.FIN_m0nkey then says to the guys he needs to calm down, to which Herra says that m0nkey was insltuing him in finnish.I do not have screen from that last part though.Spoiler
Selam,IG sunucularında şu ID'yi aratabiliir misin acaba?Özellikle Battlegrouns'da.ID:385143Benim adımla giren bi eleman var. olay o yani
Hey,Could you please search this ID?Especially on Battlegrounds.ID:385143There is a man, who joining to servers with my nickname. That's the why, i asked.
Player-Name: MarvinServer: IG_BattlegroundsTime: 24/25-03 around 11 GMT I thinkIncident: Teamattacker. First at spawn, Oli kicked him. Came back later (when oli was gone I think) and teamattacked some more, made a banpoll but don't think it went through. Its prolly an alt of someone as another random name guy defended him saying he didn't do it or w/e. Not sure if he actually made a lot of full tk's, but there should be some log entries of multiple ppl calling him a tk'er. Regards
...Or you could decide that after having been in your clan for around one and a half year, being admin on your server for almost as long as that and having been a leader in your clan for around a year, I probably make a reliable eye-witness.


text: Kia is a singer who is looking to broaden her career. She needed some pictures done and we picked a great day for shooting. She had a fun time and hopefully we can do more sessions. Hope you enjoy her pictures. Thanks for checking out my Daily Thought and as always I wish you the very best that life has to offer.


text: Disclaimer: The GMOS Mercury Modelling Task Force (GMOS MMTF) is a scientific cooperative initiative aimed at the application of chemical transport models (CTMs) supplemented by comprehensive monitoring data for improvement of current understanding of the key mercury atmospheric processes and evaluation of present and future levels of mercury pollution. GMOS MMTF is organized on the base of GMOS project and with support of the UNEP Mercury Air Transport and Fate Research Partnership (UNEP F&T) and the Group on Earth Observation (GEO, Task HE-02-C1). Participation in the Task Force is open to all experts involved in model assessment of mercury fate and transport in the environment. The work of MMTF will be organised in the form of multi-model experiments aimed at answering particular scientific questions related to mercury atmospheric chemistry, speciation, anthropogenic and natural/secondary emissions etc. The simulation results will be evaluated against observations from the GMOS land-based network as well as measurement network of external partners, aircraft and ship-based measurements.


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Black Sabbath to Release Live Concert DVD 'Gathered in Their Masses'
Black Sabbath have just announced the release of the upcoming DVD 'Gathered in Their Masses.' The new DVD will feature professionally shot live footage from the legendary heavy metal act's April 29 and May 1, 2013 shows held in Melbourne, Australia.
Despite guitarist Tony Iommi's lymphoma diagnosis and drummer Bill Ward leaving Sabbath due to contract issues, Black Sabbath ventured to Australia a year-and-a-half after the group's November 2011 reunion announcement. It was a long time coming, but Black Sabbath tore up venues across the continent before coming to North American from July to September, leaving fans fulfilled after each performance.
Now that Black Sabbath are resting up before invading South America and Europe, it's the perfect time to tease a new release from the group. Earlier today (Friday the 13th), Black Sabbath posted the 'Gathered in Their Masses' trailer, which is a lyrical reference to the Sabbath masterpiece 'War Pigs.'
The teaser ends with the words, "DVD Coming Soon," but we've learned that 'Gathered in Their Masses' will see a Nov. 26 release date. Check out the DVD trailer for 'Gathered in Their Masses' above!