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The Swish Skirt is a knee-length skirt pieced from recycled t-shirts, flattering on just about everyone. Flounces on both sides for a fun and feminine fit. Skirt sizes run a tad generous. Machine wash cold.
This red and fuchsia Swish Skirt will give a burst of color to your outfit. It's the perfect summer skirt!
Size EXTRA SMALL. Photos depict ACTUAL product for sale—this is only one in the whole world!


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The Joy of the Lord is my Strength - Digital Print Download - Digital Illustration - Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah 8:10 Digital Illustration. This is a digital download for a sweet illustration; a reminder to stay focused on the Lord.
After purchasing, you will be given a link to download a zipped filed. This will contain the 300 dpi illustration in 3 different sizes: 8 X 10, 4 X 4, and 8 X 8. These sizes include the white area surrounding the print so will work well to be framed at those sizes.
You will receive each print in a JPG and PNG. All have a white background.
***This listing is for a downloadable DIGITAL design. No physical product is included in this listing. Watermark will NOT appear in your downloaded file.****
Feel free to use downloaded digital file in any of the following ways.
• Personal projects
• Small quantities (less than 100) of handmade items that you sell
• Part of your non-commercial blog or website
• Part of your online banner
You may not use digital files for any of the following:
• Digital files sold or given away
• Digital files sold as part of a collection
• Claimed as your own, whether as is or altered
Because of the nature of digital files, payment cannot be refunded.

subset: commoncrawl


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Md By Susan F. Lin, M.d.
Save on Md By Susan F. Lin, M.d. products at Hairs Life Plus. Hurry! Limited time offers. Offers valid only while supplies last.
MD Lash Factor Ultima Eyelash Eyebrow Conditioner 0.2 fl oz.
In Stock
mpn: 15064330702, ean: 0883801694025,
MD Lash Factor Ultima Eyelash Eyebrow Conditioner: 1x Eyelash Conditioner 2.95ml/0.1oz # Clear 1x Eyebrow Conditioner 2.95ml/0.1oz # Brown A dual-ended, physician-formulated lash & brow conditioner With a patented formula that improves the appearance...
Viewing Page 1 of 1
Feel free to Browse Our Catalog.


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The output from ib_write_bw is below:
I am not sure what "Data ex. method" means here. I think the cluster on which ib_write_bw was run is complete infiniband. Then where does this "Data ex. method: Ethernet" come from?
Hi Yue,
When testing RDMA the initial connection establishment is done via Ethernet (the assignment of IP address to the remote server port).
The traffic itself will go thought the IB ports.
Retrieving data ...


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MR-SMEC1 v.1 Master of Philosophy (Science and Mathematics Education)
Course CRICOS Code: 077803F
Registered full-time Duration: 2 Years
Course Overview
Master Degrees (Research) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for research, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.
This research course consists of a thesis involving a study of an applied nature relevant to the student's own teaching situation. The thesis is related to the Centre's areas of research specialisation including teaching and learning, constructivism, school leadership, classroom environments, evaluation and assessment, curriculum and computing and technology education.
Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.
Course Entry and Completion Details
Applicants for a Master Degree (Research) are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://research.curtin.edu.au/postgraduate-research/future-research-students/entry-requirements/. Applicants require a Bachelor Degree with a strong academic performance and may also require relevant substantial work experience or Bachelor Honours Degree (first or second class) or Graduate Diploma. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.
Specifically, an applicant requires a minimum entry requirement of four years of excellent university qualifications in science, mathematics and/or education, together with teaching experience.
Credit for Recognised Learning
Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.
Pathway to Further Study
Graduates may qualify for entry to Doctoral degrees. For further details, see the Graduate Research School website http://research.curtin.edu.au/postgraduate-research/future-research-students/entry-requirements/
Course Organisation
Master Degrees (Research) require students to undertake an approved research program leading to a thesis for independent examination; they may include advanced level coursework studies.
Duration and Availability
The course is by research and normally requires one to two years of full time or equivalent part time study.
Location and delivery Mode
|Partially Online Internal^
|Fully Online#
|Bentley Campus
|Research Term 1
|Bentley Campus
|Research Term 2
The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.
* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.
^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.
# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.
|Course Structure
|Master Thesis - Science and Mathematics Education
Further Information
If you need more course information, you may contact the relevant areas: For the Graduate Research School, please click here for further details: http://research.curtin.edu.au/postgraduate-research/about/contact-us/. For International Future Students: Curtin International, email: email@example.com Tel: +61-8-9266 7331.
Course Structure Disclaimer
Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.
Information in this publication is correct at the time of printing but may be subject to change.
In particular, the University reserves the right change the content and/or method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/ or to vary arrangements for any program.
This material does not purport to constitute legal or professional advice.
Curtin accepts no responsibility for and makes no representations, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability in any respect of any material in this publication.
Except to the extent mandated otherwise by legislation, Curtin University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any reliance which may be placed on this material by any person.
Curtin will not be liable to you or to any other person for any loss or damage (including direct, consequential or economic loss or damage) however caused and whether by negligence or otherwise which may result directly or indirectly from the use of this publication.
International students
International students studying in Australia on a student visa can only study full-time and there are also specific entry requirements that must be met. As some information contained in this publication may not be applicable to international students, refer to international.curtin.edu.au for further information. Australian citizens, permanent residents and international students studying outside Australia may have the choice of full-time, part-time and external study, depending on course availability and in-country requirements.


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Temple Shuffle was developed as part of the weekend, video game hackathon, Toronto Global Game Jam.
The game has the player explore a temple labyrinth filled with puzzles in an attempt to activate a shrine and summon the internet Gods (or something like that :P).
Game Developers: Liam A. Clarke, Ian Nastajus, Sabrina P.


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The first of the functions in the emulate.c file that we will discuss, is the initialise() function. It's job is to allocate some space in memory for a machine, to clear the memory that the machine uses and to initialise all the values of the registers of the machine as needed.
Since initialise() needs to return a pointer to the machine structure that it creates, the function starts off by defining a pointer to a machine, which we call mach. This is accomplished with the line:
static machine * mach;
Since we do not want any memory that we point to with this pointer to be deallocated when the initialise() function returns, we must tell C that we want whatever mach points to, to persist. This is done by prepending the reserved word static to the declaration of our pointer mach.
Basically, every time a function returns, C tries to clean up after it, by deallocating and invalidating any memory which that function allocated for use with its local variables. Thus if a programmer wishes the local variables and their contents to remain in memory until next time the function is called, then he/she needs to make use of the static reserved word. But more than that, C treats memory allocated by a function in a tree-like manner, so that if memory is allocated and then assigned to a pointer which happens to be a local variable of the function, on return, C not only invalidates the contents of the pointer itself, but any allocated memory that it points to. Placing the static key word on the declaration of the pointer, however, protects not only the pointer, but the allocated memory pointed to by it.
The next line of the initialise() function, is a simple for loop, which goes through the memory of the machine (which was defined as an array in the emulate.h file) and sets all its contents to zero. Since the initialise() function is called in main.c before we put the assembly language program into the emulated memory, this will not wipe the program from memory before it has a chance to be executed. The for loop, looks as follows-na:
for (int i = 0; i<65536; i++) mem[i] = 0;
Next, space for a new machine structure is allocated in memory, using the calloc function:
mach = calloc(sizeof(machine),1);
Note that the calloc function automatically zeroes all memory that it allocates. Therefore the contents of any fields within the machine structure will automatically be set to zero.
We simply tell calloc to allocate space for one machine, by sending it the size of a machine structure, and the parameter 1.
The only register that we don't want set to zero when the machine begins operation, is the stack pointer. We want the stack to start holding items from the last memory location before the screen memory starts, and down. This implies setting the inital value of the stack pointer to be the first screen memory location:
mach->SP = 0xA000;
Since mach is a pointer to a machine structure and not a machine structure itself, we first need to follow (dereference) the pointer, then set the value of the SP field. Thus we use the arrow notation instead of a dot when referring to the field SP.
Note that to specify the hexadecimal address A000 we use the notation 0xA000 in C. The leading 0x tells C that we are about to give a hexadecimal value, not a decimal one. We could have just given a decimal value, however we first would have had to determine what A000 represents in decimal.
That about covers the initialise() function. So, in summary, initialise() allocates some memory for the machine structure, zeroes everything in that structure except the stack pointer, which it sets to an appropriate address within our machine memory, zeroes the memory of our fictitious machine, then returns a pointer to the machine structure itself.


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Sometimes in the business and corporate worlds, we limit the roles of our executive assistants to simply clerical and administrative tasks. Yes, the completion of this work helps sustain the daily operations of the company, but allowing your assistant to extend their reach and influence can do wonders for your overall business growth.
Here a few ways you can make this happen:
1) Create a review and coaching system for your team – Everyone likes to know where they stand with a company, especially if they are working to impact the business in a positive way. Take the initiative of scheduling monthly one-on-one reviews or coaching sessions where you offer proactive feedback and encourage questions from your assistants.
2) Develop tasks that let assistants have more of a business-related role – Your assistant often is in charge of sending out memos and emails as well as scheduling meetings for executives and team members. Allow these tasks to be augmented by other ways of company communication such as creating email and social media marketing campaigns. These campaigns can open up several doors of effective service for current and potential clients/customers.
3) If possible, allow assistants to attend and participate in important internal meetings – Providing a space for your assistants to be a part of the greater business picture and culture lets them know that their opinions are welcomed and valid. These meeting invitations can also help motivate them in their daily role and responsibilities, encouraging greater efficiency and innovation.


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(Main Article: Brunch)
Vegetarian / vegan / gluten-free etc
Despite the prescence of Buddhism, it is traditionally difficult to get meals in China completely free of meat. However Shanghai's a cosmopolitan metropolis with plenty of options sprouting up.
As well as offering great choices for vegetarians, the restaurants below are also those most likely to have organic, gluten-free etc options for restricted diets:
- Anna Maya Vegetarian Cafe
- Green & Safe
- Greenology / Wujie
- Kush (Puxi and Pudong locations). Mod approved!
- Melange Oasis
- Organic Kitchen Shanghai
- Souper Fresh
- Sproutworks
- Mahota Kitchen
- Vegetarian Lifestyle - multiple Puxi locations
- Wu Guan Tang
Organic Supermarkets / Suppliers
The following providers are able to source and deliver organic produce:
- Haikele
- Helekang
- Organic Farm
- Smart Direct
- Shorganic
- Biofarm
- Fields China
- Mahota Biodynamic Farm
- Tony's Farm
Search through the forum for more up-to-date info, and make sure you check out this great post by /u/xiuxiumogwai.


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New Student SPECIAL OFFERS:
Group Floor Classes
(Yoga, Barre and Mat Pilates)
*We now accept Healthway / Silversneakers Health Insurance cards for all Group Floor Classes (Free).
Private Yoga Sessions
(fees vary based on single or corporate, timeframe and location)
Contact: email@example.com
SPECIALS for Group Classes & Pilates Reformer (Pilates Equipment Machine)
*Floor Classes exclude Pilates Reformer
Memberships for Group Floor Classes plus Group Pilates Reformer
(Group reformer classes have a maximum of 5 clients)
Group Pilates Reformer Sessions (Equipment )
Group Pilates Reformer Sessions (Equipment ) Class Packages
(*Sessions can be shared with friends and family)
Private Pilates Reformer Sessions
(Online reservations recommended)
Apprentice Private Pilates Reformer Sessions
*This is one on one training with an instructor who is going through Pilates Training. (Online reservations recommended)


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About Us
About Us
At Dynamic Health, you'll benefit from a strategic plan developed by a team of medical professionals, supervised by a Medical Doctor. Our team will gather the necessary information to understand how the treatments we offer will help you fight this disease at its core.
Forget expensive, time-consuming prescription drugs.
It's time that you discovered a better quality of life by breaking the cycle of injections, medications, and side effects that perpetually keeps you mired in health problems. We take a unique approach for type 2 diabetes care that treats the cause, not the symptoms.
Did you know …
Insulin injections can overload your body, causing serious damage. That's because this disease is characterized by a resistance to insulin, not a lack of it. Some of the complications from high levels of this hormone include:
- Rapid weight gain
- Increased insulin resistance
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Increased cancer risk
- Kidney problems
- Poor circulation
We offer a safe, natural alternative to traditional Type 2 Diabetes treatments. With an innovative approach based on recent scientific advances, we can help you begin to heal the effects of your diabetic condition instead of just masking the symptoms. We use an integrated testing method that carefully examines the body, yielding a sophisticated understanding of your complex physiology, including the main factors causing your diabetes. With our detailed report, we will create a safe, personalized and effective treatment plan to help you sustainably regain your health and quality of life.*
Dr. Altizer on Type II Diabetes | July 2017
Type 2 Diabetes
Get the facts about this chronic disease and get your life back.
FREE Seminar Ticket Request
See if you qualify to attend one of our FREE seminars. Call us at 704-525-6288 or submit your information and we will contact you. Seating is extremely limited. Events fill up fast. Contact us now!
Dr. Altizer on Type II Diabetes | Sept. 2017
Are You a Candidate?
Find out if our approach is right for you.


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Aw, look how cute she was. Time is a cruel,
heartless bastard, even crueler and more
heartless than Kris Jenner. Well almost ...
Anyway, I loved and will always love Mary Tyler Moore and I think God must have some helpers on the payroll who need much closer monitoring because the shit they pull, it's unbelievable.
I mean, look at that damn accident that almost severed my frickin' hamstring last week. Did I deserve that? Well that's debatable I suppose, but anyway it's not even on the same level as what I'm talking about here. What I'm talking about is how the fuck could this have happened to Mary Tyler Moore? Because she used to look like that (above, left), and now, at the age of 76-going-on-103, she looks like this. HOLY CRAPBALLS!
I know. I'm a bad person. I shouldn't even have posted this. I'm gonna stop. No, wait. Just one more look... AAAAAAAAAAARRGH! OK, I'm done now.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Well this could go on all night. I think the word Whorrified is looking for is schadenfreude: deriving pleasure from the misfortune of other. Or maybe morbid: having an unusual interest in unpleasant events. Or possibly just bitch. Yes. It's probably that last one.
Still more "eek!" Click here to


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Want more from Genius Kitchen?
Watch on your Apple TV, Roku, or Fire TV and your iOS, Fire, or Android device.Learn More
"Here's a low-fat dessert that captures the flavors of the season. The homemade custard comes together in minutes, but seems like you fussed. Looks perfect for this warm summer weather when all the berries are fresh. Recieved this from a Taste of Home email. Prep time does not include chilling"
Custard Berry Parfaits
1 recipe photo
READY IN:25mins
YIELD:1/2 cup
Ingredients Nutrition
- 1⁄4 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1 2⁄3 cups 1% low-fat milk
- 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 3⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups berries, mixed fresh
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat.
- Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat.
- Gently stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature without stirring. Transfer to a bowl; press plastic wrap onto surface of custard. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Just before serving, spoon 1/4 cup of berries into each parfait glass; top with 2 tablespoons of custard. Repeat layers.
get the genius kitchen app.
Watch on your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android, Roku, or Fire TV.Learn More


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It's true that on Japan's railway network and especially in major cities, the ticket barriers are always open. But try to go through without buying a ticket and you could be in for a nasty shock!
The ticket barriers are designed to only close if someone attempts to pass through without having already presented a valid ticket (a paper ticket, or a 'FeliCa' NFC equipped mobile phone, or an IC card), closing quickly and preventing you from exiting the gate.
Run through too fast and you could end getting a nasty whack in a vulnerable area as the doors swiftly shut in front of you!
This is an example of lean thinking or kaizen, a philosophy of efficient design with origins in Japan's manufacturing industry. It's also safer in a country prone to serious earthquakes!
Look also at how their machines handle paper tickets (although you rarely need one these days) – instead of having to pass the ticket through the right way and side around, most Japanese ticket machines take a variety of ticket sizes, upside down, back to front, at an angle, and are still able to read them and spit them out exactly the right way up. Very cool!


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Cotswolds Pet Friendly Cottages
The Cotswolds is a stunning area of the UK and it's easy to see why this place is popular for UK holidays. Many people who choose to visit the Cotwolds stay in self catering accommodation such as a cottage to give the freedom to come and go and explore the local area at your leisure. Cottages are a real home for home and there are some delightful places to stay in this region which are very pet friendly too.
Pet Friendly Days Out in Cotswolds
21st August 2018


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Latest topics
The Antonius Chronicles - Summer Edition [Finished] and other Stories [Unfinished]
Page 3 of 3 • Share •
Page 3 of 3 • 1, 2, 3
Echoes of the Past - Prelude (Part 1)
Echoes of the Past - Prelude (Part 1)
It had been quite a while since Kai had visited her sister in Hearthfire. Kai knew Sidhiel was a busy woman, what with her guard and tavern work, but Sid always made time for her sister. "A beacon of light and peace." She muttered to no one in particular, though Zali whinnied softly in response. "Wasn't talkin' ta ya, horse." Kai rubbed her left eye and grimaced, though it was soon replaced by a smile as she reached the edge of town. Zali's hooves clacked noisily along the cobblestone in front of the library and town hall, the sound echoing across the buildings eerily. Kai waved to Ed, grinning at his usual gruff grunt before stopping in front of Sidhiel's house. Mikael appeared from around the corner and whinnied happily at Zali, who threw up her head and pawed at the ground in response. "Okay, okay, hold up – " she unhooked the horse's tack and set it over the chair next to the door. "There. Now you can go."
Sidhiel's house was unusually quiet when Kai walked in. Usually Sidhiel was downstairs working on her guard paperwork or writing sheet music, but this time the house itself was dead silent. "Sidney?" there was a call from upstairs and Kai followed it, shocked by what she found. "Th' nether is this?!" Sidhiel sat in the middle of the floor surrounded by a massive map, a bloodied journal, and about fifteen pages of loose papers.
"Oh! Kai! I did not hear you come in," Sidhiel said, looking up. She had ink on her hands and arms, and her vest was sitting in a crumpled heap on the bed. "This is absolutely amazing, look at this!" Kai gave her sister a confused look and sat down. "I received a letter in the mail, along with this package and a map. Here – " she handed Kai the letter.
This map, these etchings, and this journal, carried by an exhausted pigeon, arrived on my doorstep nearly thirty years ago, and these items have sat in my basement for almost as long. I have often tried to find a person worthy to give these items to, but until now, I had found no one.
If you find yourself wondering why I find you worthy, here is my answer: though I do not know your name, I have heard of you, Psion. This journal makes mention of others like you, and considering you are the only one of your kind I have heard of, I give these items to you. It mentions a crystal in the journal, which I found and gave to a vendor in Barbani…he still has it, last I checked. Do what you will with these items.
Yours sincerely,
If you find yourself wondering why I find you worthy, here is my answer: though I do not know your name, I have heard of you, Psion. This journal makes mention of others like you, and considering you are the only one of your kind I have heard of, I give these items to you. It mentions a crystal in the journal, which I found and gave to a vendor in Barbani…he still has it, last I checked. Do what you will with these items.
Yours sincerely,
Kai handed the letter back and stared at the map, listening intently to Sidhiel. "This smaller map here represents the route one would take to this specific ruin. It is rather far away, so I do not plan on going there until I have some proper free time. Now this," she swept her hand across the larger map, which was about the size of a large area rug. "is a map of 'Haven', the ruin in question. Apparently it is an enormous underground tunnel system guarded by a rather sizeable tree in the deep forest."
"Y'mean the forests way East of here? Man, nobody goes out there."
"Exactly. Apparently the group of Psions in question were very…ahm…antisocial. I do not know why, though I have been able to translate a few of the etchings from the ruins roughly. It appears to be an archaic form of the Dwarven language…" She pulled one of the sheets of paper out from behind her and handed it to Kai. "The man in the journal said he took this from a stone pillar near a cleared patch. It says, roughly, 'The sleep of eternity brings peace to all'."
"A cemetery?" Sidhiel nodded, and pulled out another sheet.
"This is the one I found most intriguing. A metal plaque is apparently nailed into the tree that guards 'Haven'. From what I can translate, it says 'The key lies within the crystal'…which means I have to go find this crystal. Barbani is only a day's ride away from here or so, right on the border of the Dawnlands, which means I can head out tomorrow and be back in three days."
"Sidney, are you sure that's such a good idea? I mean, we's gettin' pretty close t' killin' the Overlich, an' what if y'miss somethin'?" Kai returned Sidhiel's annoyed frown and crossed her arms. "Well?"
"Kai, I said I would only be gone for a few days. Plus, you can tell me all about it when I return if I do miss anything." She rolled her notes up and gently pushed them into a leather case along with the map, storing the journal in a very old patchwork knapsack that sat by her side. "You are always welcome to come along, if you need a break."
Kai narrowed her eyes and jutted her chin out, showing extreme displeasure at the invitation. "I can't. I's got stuff t'do at th' tavern."
"How about you leave Ruckus in charge for a little while?" Sidhiel suggested, packing some more things into her knapsack. "Well, then again, he does have a nasty habit of getting into the alcohol."
"Or maybe people will have to meet, oh, out on the streets for a while? It rains in New Cerb, Sid! Where're they s'posed t' go?"
"Town hall?" Sidhiel replied, eyebrows raised. She chuckled at Kai's withering glare. "I am simply suggesting you take a break, Kai. I was only partially unconscious when you mentioned 'skipping rope with Rusk's entrails', and personally I think you need a break."
"Okay, okay, fine. I'll go." Kai replied, throwing her hands up in the air. "Honestly, ever'one's been actin' like a child, fightin' with each other an' stuff…" she shook her head and stood. "I've gotta go back to New Cerb if we're doing this, though. Y'know, gotta get clothes an' stuff."
"Well then, my friend, I shall accompany you there." Sidhiel said, grabbing her knapsack and duffel bag as she headed down the stairs. Mikael and Zali were waiting for them on the other side of the house, and soon the sisters were off towards New Cerberus.
Like Sidhiel said, it took them only a day to reach Barbani, a medium-sized village on the edge of a lake. The people there were quiet, calm folk who made their living farming or selling weaponry, and the entire town seemed to smell like a mix of manure, dirt, and rainwater. It wasn't exactly the cleanest place, but it was civilization, and to Kai it felt good to be among people again. They conversed with a few of the townsfolk – mostly elves and humans with a few orcs thrown in – and were pointed to a vendor's shop near the market center.
"Bregerd's Bits and Baubles." Sidhiel said quietly. "Apparently this is it." She stood by as Kai pushed open the door and walked in, looking around for Bregerd. It was a small store, yet it felt much larger on the inside, and the massive area rug laid out in front of them made it feel even bigger as they approached the center of the room. "Hello? Is anyone he – "
"Aye aye, hold up a sec, I'm rearrangin' stuff in the back!" Kai shrugged and walked over to one of the bookshelves, flipping through a few of the books before inspecting the potion-making ingredients. Finally a rather rotund balding fellow appeared behind the counter, wiping his face with a damp towel. "Ok! What can Bregerd do for yas fine ladies?" Sidhiel calmly pulled out the letter from her map case and handed it to him, waiting for a response as he read it slowly. "Well ladies, I can't help ya much, sorry. Ya see, me store was robbed a four days ago an' the crystal was one of th' things that went missin'. In fact, it was th' only thing that went missin'!"
"The only thing?" Sidhiel frowned, looking crestfallen and rather dejected. "Do you have any leads as to who might have done this?"
"Yup, two leads, a footprint and this." He held up a ratty handmade stuffed cat that looked like it had seen better days. "I think the thief dropped this when I tried to unlock the door." Sidhiel stared at the doll, then at the sectioned-off area of the floor containing the footprint. It was small, maybe about four or five inches in length, and tints of crimson dyed the muddy frame. "By my guess, th' little bugger's hit the road and headed North, towards Friggeville."
"Well then, we have little time to catch up to them. How far away is Friggeville?"
"About ah…hm. Three day's ride, an' he's got a head start." Sidhiel nodded and bowed, passing a few coins to him. "Ah, I'll consider this your payment for th' crystal?" she nodded again and grabbed Kai's arm on the way out the door. The horses were waiting outside patiently and followed her to the edge of town before Kai finally managed to halt Zali.
"Hold up, Sidney! We's not really gonna go do this, right? I mean, you said we'd be gone for three days, at most! We's gotta get back, they need us!"
"Kai, the person we are looking for is a child who has at least a three day head start against us. I think we can track them down within three days, hm?" Sidhiel gave her sister a plaintive look and set a hand on her shoulder. "Kai, I think the people in New Cerberus and Hearthfire can survive a week without us. If we miss anything, well…they can tell us about it when we get back."
Kai looked around and sighed heavily, giving Sidhiel an irritated look. Her sister was right, the Dawnlanders could hold down the fort without her, but it felt wrong to leave. At the same time, she wanted time to herself, time away from the Dawnlanders and the bickering that had become such a staple at the tavern. "Okay, fine. Let's go." Sidhiel grinned and hopped onto Mikael's back, waiting patiently for Kai before setting off towards Friggeville.
Good weather and luck smiled upon the sisters and they arrived in Friggeville two days later as opposed to three, and immediately set out to find who had stolen the crystal. Men leaned against the posts and wolf-whistled at Kai as they walked down the street while others gave Sidhiel distrusting glances and withering glares. They ignored the citizens as best they could, forcing smiles whenever they had to speak to them…which unfortunately was quite often. "'Scuse me sir, 'ave y'seen a child come into town recently? Probably really ragged looking, bloodied feet, carryin' a crystal?"
"I might've, an' I'll tell ya for a price…" said one man as he leaned over Kai and did his best to peer down her shirt. She balled up her fists and resisted the urge to knock his teeth out just barely, then continued on down the street.
"Pardon me ma'am, have you seen – "
"You ain't from around here, blue-skin. We don't like outsiders." Replied another woman, dragging her curious child by the wrist as she slogged through the muddy streets away from Sidhiel.
Hours passed before the two of them finally gave up and sat, deflated and depressed, on a bench in the town center. "Well that went fantastically well." Sidhiel muttered, running a hand through her hair. "I apologize for dragging you along on this trip, Kai – "
"Ah s'ok! I had fun!" Kai gave her sister a thumbs up, but her fake smile turned into an irritated look when she saw Sidhiel's unconvinced eyebrow-raise. "Ok fine, this sucks. I think I've got mud IN my boots now, and if I get hit on again by another drunkard I's gonna throw a fit."
Sidhiel stared up at the orange-colored sky and sighed heavily, slumping in the seat. "Well, we can rent a room at the inn and talk to the people there…maybe they will know something."
"Y'think they'll be any more receptive?"
"Probably not, but it does not hurt to try – ow! What?" Sidhiel turned to where Kai was pointing and frowned. Standing in the shadows of a nearby building was a small shape, child-sized, holding a glowing object in its hands. As it let the object fall the two realized it was a small crystal suspended from a pendant, and they knew what they were looking for. Suddenly the shape looked up at them and shrank back, running around the side of the building before the sisters could even register what had happened. The two jumped up and gave pursuit and soon caught up with the hooded figure, cornering it near an abandoned house on the outskirts of town.
"Little one, is this yours?" the shape nodded from under the hood and took the stuffed animal from Kai's hand, clutching it tightly. "Now…I think you've got something of ours. Can we 'ave it back?" the form shook it's head violently. "Why not?" there was no response from under the hood. "Please, can we 'ave it back? We need it to find something." Kai held her hand out and the shape shrunk away from her, cowering in the corner like a frightened animal. "We won't hurt you, I promise."
Sidhiel turned to the shape and nodded, smiling softly. Immediately the body relaxed and looked up, pointing at Sidhiel. "Eyes." the sisters looked at each other, confused. "You got eyes like me." a tiny hand reached up and pulled back the hood concealing the child's face. Under it sat a mud-and-dirt-caked face with ruddy brown hair, very dark grey-blue skin, and deep-set crimson eyes. The child looked up and stuck her chin out, grasping the crystal around her neck. "You can't haves it."
"Why, little one?"
"Because he wants to go home, and I'm gonna take him there."
Author's Note: Part one of the very hastily-written prelude to my winter story, Echoes of the Past, coming this November/December to a forum near you. This prelude will give you guys an idea of where Sid and Kai were while my computer was in the shop and I was unable to RP.
Whereas the summer story was...just filler, the winter story will begin to fill in a little more of Sidhiel and Kai's past, the family ties, etc. etc...and it will also pseudo-introduce a character I'm VERY excited to RP, which will be happening in the future after the Dream Plane Issues/Overlich Issues are dealt with. I hope you all enjoyed it, part 2 should be up Sunday...if you have comments, message me about them, but until part 2 goes up, don't post please ^.^
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Echoes of the Past - Prelude (Part 2)
Echoes of the Past – Prelude, Part 2
"Who wants you to take him home?" Sidhiel asked, kneeling down next to the girl and extending a hand. The child shrunk away like a cornered animal, grasping the crystal and the stuffed animal closer to her chest.
"I won't tell you, you just call me crazy like everyones does." The girl pulled her knees up to her chest and stared at the ground.
"I promise I will not call you crazy. Neither will Kai…we come from a place where plenty of crazy things occur, so we will not be surprised." The girl stared up at them, frowning, still unwilling to speak. Kai gave her a reassuring smile and held out her pinky, which made the girl frown even harder.
"It's called a 'pinky promise'. It's the strongest promise somebody can make, an' it can't ever be broken…if it is broken, you get to break my pinky." Kai smiled as the little girl grabbed the pinky with her full hand. "No, you take your pinky and lock it with mine – yeah, like that. Now…what's up?" the child pointed up at the sky, now dyed deep red with the setting sun. "No, I mean, why do people think yer crazy?"
"Henry talks to me." the child pointed at the crystal, tapping it with her finger as it glowed blue. "I hearded him cry, so I talkdeded to him an' th' fat guy chased me out. Throwed an apple at me."
Sidhiel nodded and reached out for a moment to touch the crystal. The girl jerked it away before realizing she meant no harm, and finally touched it to Sidhiel's fingers. Suddenly, a tiny voice invaded her mind, calling out about "home", "mommy", and a place called Arn. "I hear him, too, little one."
The girl's eyes widened and she sat up suddenly, her face inches away from Sidhiel's face. A look of surprise and happiness spread over the girl's face. "You hearing them talk without mouths moving!" she launched herself into Sidhiel, arms wrapped around her neck. "You different like me!"
Sidhiel laughed awkwardly and patted the girl's head, giving Kai a helpless smile. Her sister simply sat back and laughed, watching the scene play out with a coy grin on her face. "Indeed I can…listen, little one, I know you do not want to give Henry up, but we need – "
"No, you can't haves him! He's my bestest friend and you won't take him away!" she curled up in her corner again, shaking her head violently. "I taking him home, to Arn."
Sidhiel heaved a sigh and looked at Kai, eyebrow raised as Kai snapped her fingers and leaned over to whisper something in her ear. Sidhiel nodded slightly at first, then a slight smile spread across her face and she gave Kai a thumbs up. "So you go where Henry goes, right?" the girl nodded resolutely. "Well, we was plannin' on goin' to Arn at some point, but we need Henry's help too…maybe we could come with you?" the child frowned, confused. "I mean, we won't be goin' for a while, probably a few months or more…but you could stay with one of us."
"You wouldn't take Henry away while I sleeping, would you?" a tiny smile spread across the girl's face as the sisters shook their heads. "You mean…I coulds go home with you? I can haves food and a bed and…and shoes? Can I haves shoes too?"
"Of course. We would have to find a pair that fit you, but you could have shoes." The girl looked around nervously, then at the crystal, at her stuffed animal, and finally back to the sisters.
"Are people where you come from nice? I only know mean people."
"They're some o' th' kindest people I know! Plus, Sid here is a guard captain…if anyone is mean t' ya, she can just beat 'em up!" the girl looked at Sid, then back at Kai, nodding. "So, whaddaya say…uh…what's your name?"
"Everyone calls me 'Ugly'." The girl said with a smile, though it soon disappeared when she saw the horrified looks on the faces of her friends. "Not a good name?"
"Not at all, no. You need a better name, little one…'ugly' is a very mean thing to be called. I believe…I can think one up for you, if you give me some time." Sidhiel and Kai stood, the latter offering the girl a hand. "Would you like to come back to the Dawnlands with us, little one?" The child jumped up and threw her arms around Kai's waist, laughing. "I suppose that is a yes, then. Come Kai, we can get a room at the tavern and set out tomorrow."
"Sounds like a plan, sis…hey little one, I've got a name for you. Whaddaya think of 'Tanna'?" the girl frowned for a moment before a grin spread across her face and she hugged Kai again. "Guess she likes it. Le's go, sis. To th' tavern!"
"Oi, git up." ordered an annoyed female voice, as Sidhiel felt a boot prod her side gently. She groaned and rolled over, mumbling as she felt a tree root jab her in the shoulder. "C'mon sis, git up. Ed's probably pullin' 'is hair out, an' I wouldn't be surprised if I came back t' find my tavern on fire." Kai prodded Sidhiel's side again and the elf finally opened her eyes, glaring at Kai with a glare that could curdle milk. "Don' gimme that look. It was yer idea t' come out here in th' first place. Heck, even Tanna's up before ya!"
"Are you going to continue lecturing me or may I eat my breakfast in peace?" Sidhiel replied in a quiet yet annoyed tone. Kai grumbled and served her sister a plate of toast and bacon, tossing a few apples to Mikael and Zali who munched on them happily. "How was your sleep, little one?" Tanna looked up and grinned brightly at Sidhiel before returning her gaze to a beetle crawling across the ground. "We should be in the Dawnlands by this evening, so you may have a chance to meet all of our friends."
"They's your nice friends, right? I can't wait, I likes nice people. You're nice people." Tanna tackled Sidhiel abruptly, jarring the plate and sending the last bite of toast flying. When she realized what she had done, her eyes darted wildly between Kai and Sidhiel as she cowered away. "Sorry, don't mean to hitted your plate."
"It is all right, little one. I was ready to leave anyways." she smiled and stood, patting her draft on the nose gently. "You can ride with me, little one, at the front of the saddle."
"Can I ride with Kai? I rode with you yesterday."
"Course ya can! Aaaand…up ya go." Kai climbed onto Zali's back and ruffled Tanna's hair, adjusting the reigns before easing her horse into a walk. The thumps of Mikael's hooves against the ground indicated that they were finally on their way home to the Dawnlands. "So Sid, got any plans fer after we unlock Arn an' it's secrets?"
"Hmm…probably continue my guard work, do some more dungeon delving…maybe I will do some travelling…" a confused look spread across her face when she noticed Kai's annoyed frown. "Did you have better plans for me?"
"Well no, but...come on, don't'cha wanna settle done or somethin'? You could invite Rissien to th' Dawnlands, start somethin' with 'im-"
Sidhiel laughed and patted Mikael's neck. "I suppose I have to start keeping you updated on our letters. Rissien has been in a relationship with a woman named Liana for nearly five years now, sis."
"Wait, so you and him...?" Kai looked at Sidhiel with a shocked look on her face as her sister smiled and shook her head.
"Rissien and I are brother and sister in every way except in blood. There has never been anything more between us." Sidhiel smirked as Kai frowned. "Kai, I have nothing planned for what happens after the Overlich is destroyed, so I must keep myself busy with such things as exploring old ruins and keeping up with...other missions." The draft's massive hooves suddenly sank into the mud and he threw up his head, whinnying softly. "Hush, Mik, hush. Kai, in answer to your question, I do not plan on settling down anytime soon. There are too many things to do and see in this world."
"Well yeah, but you've gotta sometime, right?"
"Do you plan on it ever again?" Sidhiel's face softened as Kai looked down, running her fingers through Zali's mane. Sidhiel laughed softly and adjusted her right sleeve, still staring ahead. "I suppose recovery is something we both have to work on."
"Sidney, you've had four years to recover, and he wasn't even a fiancee. I've only had a few months...and..." she trailed off. "I still haven't told Ruckus."
"Who's Ruckus? Why's you not tell him something?" Asked Tanna, looking up at Kai before turning her gaze to Sid. "What's 'settle down' mean?"
"Uhh…" Kai stared blankly into the trees. "Sometimes, when two people love each other and they want to be together forever, they get married. Stephen was…someone I was going to marry, and he died." Kai gave Tanna a slight smile and patted her head as the girl's saddened countenance changed into a happier one. "To 'settle down' means ya wanna spend yer life with someone, get married, have kids, live somewhere safe…that kinda thing."
"You doesn't wanna do that, Sidney?"
"Not really, I have no reason to, currently." Sidhiel replied, shaking her head. "Kai, you should tell him…he deserves to know, even if it does hurt him. He loves you Kai, deeply, and I believe he would understand."
"But I can't reciprocate what he feels towards me! Not yet, that is...I love him, but not like that. Not yet." They fell silent for the rest of the trip, though occasionally the girl would point out a butterfly or a flower near the path, grinning giddily. Morning turned to afternoon, and afternoon to evening as the sky turned grey and the temperature cold. A blast of freezing wind whipped through the travelers' clothing and they shuddered, staring at each other in confusion. "Weird weather fer th' Dawnlands…"
"Agreed maybe – " Sidhiel stopped, staring at the sky as thunder cracked overhead and rain began to pour down. "Ahm…odd."
"Is th' rain always so salty here, Kai?" Tanna asked plaintively, confused.
"Never, little one. Come on, Sid, I've a bad feeling about this…somethin's not right."
"Agreed. Come on, we can check in with Ed in Hearthfire and see if he has any news." Sidhiel searched through Mikael's saddle pack and handed Kai a rain coat, watching as she wrapped it around herself and Tanna. She pulled the hood up on hers and urged Mikael forward, his hooves sinking deeply into the mud.
"Damn, it's cold...come on, we should get back soon. Let's go." Zali suddenly took off at a fast pace, and soon Mikael's thundering hoofbeats could be heard behind them as the lights of Hearthfire came into view.
Author's Note: Yep, part 2 is done. You guys won't hear much more about this until after the Overlich's defeat, that sorta stuff. Also, Tanna is currently staying at Sid's house...if it's ok-ed by Fae, you MAY see her around. Or at least, she'll be mentioned. She may even end up at the NC tavern in a little while. Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed it!
Also, a little side-note...each one of my characters' names mean something. For Tanna, it means 'sign'...since she'll play kind of an integral part in the upcoming winter story. Plus, she's a sign of things to come...
Man you have no idea how excited I am for that. Seriously.
Last edited by AJ.Wisteria on Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:59 am; edited 1 time in total
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The Cuff
The Cuff
– 10 years ago –
Rissien lay awake in his bed, tossing and turning. It was early in the evening, and though he wasn't tired, his parents – or rather, parent – had forced him into bed.
"It's so you can get a good night's sleep before the trip!" his father bellowed at him, pointing forcefully towards his bedroom. "Now shut up and go to sleep!" Rissien shut his eyes tightly and tried to think happy thoughts, but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't. His mind kept going back to that dreadful night a year ago…the night that had changed everything for his family…for him.
"GET OUT!" roared a man's voice from down the hall. Rissien cowered in the doorway, peeking out from behind the frame at the shadowed yet familiar figures near the front door.
"Navar, calm down – "
"Don't tell me what or what not to do! Now go upstairs!" the female who had spoken retreated a few steps back, but refused to leave. "Now you…get out."
"You have brought disgrace upon this entire household! You – "
"You never even gave him a chance!"
"You think someone like him deserves a chance?! They'll rob you blind! They'll – "
"He's an honest man, and an honorable one, and I love him!"
"And yet he did this to you!" growled the short portly man angrily, gesturing wildly to her slightly ballooned stomach. "Get out of my sight. This is no longer your home."
"I am not your father. Not anymore. Get out." there was a choked sob as the door abruptly opened and slammed shut. "Get upstairs." The man said to the tall woman next to him. Rissien knew his father's word was final, and he sobbed, retreating back into his room and towards the open window.
"Riss? Hey! Riss!!" whispered a voice from outside. He poked his head out and caught sight of Sidhiel outside the window. A white-colored circle appeared on the ground next to her and he materialized at her side, barely able to keep a calm face. "What happened, I heard yelli – " she was cut off as he hugged her tightly, sobbing into her shoulder.
"Father made Mar leave…he disowned her, he…he…" Rissien's shoulders shook with sobs. "I didn't get to say goodbye…"
"Oh Riss…" she hugged him tightly and he buried his face deeper into her shoulder, his entire body shaking. He could feel her head twisting around, searching for any signs of his sister, but he knew it was all for naught. Mariel was gone…just gone. "Riss. Hey! Look!" he blinked through his tears and caught sight of the dejected-looking female form standing under a streetlamp. She was far away, but before he could say a word Sidhiel had grabbed his hand and pulled him behind her as she ran.
As they sprinted towards the female form, they realized she wasn't alone – a figure nearly as tall and lanky as she was stepped out of the shadows and stood at her side, holding her in a warm embrace. The two children ducked into the shadows about fifteen feet away, holding their breaths as they watched the exchange take place. Suddenly the skinny figure – a man, they could tell – jerked his head up and stared at the children, his eyes blazing copper in the moonlight. "Someone's here." they heard him say as he pushed the woman – recognizable as Mariel – behind him.
"What do we do?" asked Rissien, wiping away a tear.
"We speak to him." Sidhiel replied, grasping his hand tightly. "Come on, we can do this." She gently led him out into the light, and the two of them cowered before the tall man. His hard gaze softened as he looked at the children, offering them a loaf of bread from his satchel.
"Gods, Rissien? Is that – and Ellie?!" Mariel knelt down in front of the children and wrapped them up in a hug. "I'm so sorry…"
"They wouldn't let me say goodbye." Rissien said, sobbing softly. He felt Sidhiel pull away but he didn't care – he was just happy to see his sister again.
"I am so sorry…shh it is allright, I will be fine…"
"B-but where will you go?"
"We have a home in a city far away from here." Mariel replied, reaching up to grasp the man's hand. "Emmy will take good care of us, Rissien, I promise."
"You are going to be an uncle, little brother." She replied softly. "And I hope you will get to meet our child someday."
The tall man nodded and gave the children a reassuring smile – for some reason, it put both of them at ease. He knelt down next to them and offered Sidhiel the same loaf of bread he had removed from his satchel. His long crimson hair was pulled back in a braid, a few unkempt locks framing his grey-blue-skinned face, almost blending in with his crimson-copper eyes. Tribal tattoos ran down from his left cheekbone and across his neck, ending on the back of his left hand.
"Marie, we should go soon." Said the man softly, squeezing her hand. She nodded sadly and enveloped her brother in another hug, this time forcing Sidhiel into it as well.
"I love you both so much…" she whispered, planting a gentle kiss on their foreheads, tears streaking her pale face. Gently, she grasped Rissien's hand and placed a small box in it, smiling at him softly before wrapping them up in another hug. "These are for you, Rissien. It is all I can give for a parting gift."
Sidhiel didn't cry that night – she rarely cried – but Rissien did. She held his hand as he sobbed and watched his sister leave, and sat by his side in his room as he sobbed uncontrollably over the loss of the only other person he had ever truly trusted. She held his hand, cradled his head in her shoulder as he mourned the leaving of his sister. Maybe things would go back to normal, he thought, maybe they would be the same as before.
But everything changed that night.
Rissien sat up and stared out the window, eyeing the last wagon carrying what was left of their house's belongings, the moonlight casting eerie shadows through the wheel spokes. He sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes, biting his lip. The loss of their sister had taken a toll on his mother, and after a half-year long battle of wills, she succumbed to her grief. The ceremony had been simple, beautiful but simple, just like his mother had wanted – no. He wouldn't think about that. He had other things to think of.
He slipped out of bed and walked across the room towards where his desk used to be, the floor cold on his bare feet. In the corner stood a solitary chair, and draped over it was a very well-made, stately tweed coat, grey in color, something his father had picked out for him at the tailor's shop. Rissien sighed and reached a hand into the pocket, pulling out the small wooden box his sister had given him. The wood felt cold on his fingers, and he trailed his hand across the clasp on the front, flipping it open to reveal the two sapphires that sat within.
He needed her to know that she was never alone, no matter how far away he was., that she would always be in his heart, and she never needed to be afraid. He needed something to give her, something special, not just another gift. He shoved the box back in his coat pocket and felt his fingers connect with something metallic. A few silver coins – larger than most – sat in the pocket next to the box, and in an instant he realized what he had to do. The forge wouldn't be open, the forgemaster went home earlier that evening. "I'll just have to port in." he said to no one in particular as he opened the window, clicking his fingers as he reappeared in the yard below.
It took him only minutes to get to the forge, and he quietly slipped in past the guards, porting over the wall at the back of the building. He cast a muffle spell over the area and set to work, melting his coins down until they were little more than silvery water floating about in a metal bowl.
Hours passed, and it wasn't until he heard the ovens in the nearby bakery start that he realized just how much time had passed…but he was done. He was finally done. Rissien picked up his presents and started back home with them, doing his best not to alert the guards or his parents to his evening escapade.
Morning came too early. Rissien had barely gotten any sleep on account of his late-night adventure, but he didn't care. It had been worth it…he hoped. He knew she never wore jewelry, but he didn't care. He picked up his coat and his last few bags, hauling them downstairs and to the carriage that awaited them.
"Get in." his father ordered sternly as Rissien watched the shadows.
"I'm waiting for someone, just gimme a sec! Please!"
"I said get. In!" his father grabbed him by his coat collar and shoved him inside the carriage, shutting the door behind him. Rissien panicked, his eyes wide as he stared out the windows, looking everywhere for the girl he considered his sister. There, a flash of blue in the alleyway – it was her. She stood near a fish seller's stand, watching with sorrowful eyes as the carriage lurched past. He clenched the wooden box tightly in his hand, gritting his teeth. As he realized what he needed to do. With one swift movement he flung the door open and jumped out, rolling painfully across the cobblestones.
He blacked out for a moment, then stood up, wobbling awkwardly before he felt himself falling again…but he never hit the pavement.
Sidhiel had managed to catch her brother before his head hit the cobblestones again. She steadied him as best she could, checking him over for concussions, bruises, scrapes, or whatever other injuries he could've sustained during the carriage fall. He waved her hands away and folded them over an ornately carved wooden box. Mixed looks of shock, confusion, and sorrow passed over her face as she stared at him, trying to respond.
"But wh – " Rissien took her face in his hands and set his forehead against hers, his face contorted, fighting back tears.
"No matter where I go, I will always be with you, Ellie." He whispered, unable to keep a straight face any longer. "You are never alone."
Before she could respond a gruff voice boomed above her. "It's high time we're off. Come on, son. Let's go." Sidhiel tried to fall forward, tried to fall into his arms for once last hug before they parted, but he was gone. She stumbled forward into nothingness, her arms squeezing nothing but air. Her eyes followed the carriage as it passed through the town and out of sight, one hand outstretched as if trying to summon it back. She stood like that for a long while until one of the fishermen shooed her out of the way of an oncoming horseman and back into an alley.
Sidhiel stood there in the darkness for quite a while, still reeling from the fact that her brother – the only person she had ever trusted…had ever loved – was gone from her life. She held the box in her hands, tracing the carved design on top with a finger before she flicked the lid open and viewed its contents.
It was a simple gift, a silver ear cuff with a chain and a small sapphire hanging off of the end of it. The cuff itself was carved with beautiful floral designs that caught the light just right, seeming to shimmer with a thousand colors. She trailed her finger across its surface, smiling softly.
Then it happened.
Suddenly waves of sorrow hit her like a sack of bricks and she fell to her knees, cradling the cuff in her hands as she hunched over, arms pulled in to her body. She bit her lip as the ache from her kneecaps hitting the cobblestone radiated through her legs, but she didn't care. She had nothing from him…the handkerchief had long since been lost, she had no photographs or sketchings of him to remember his face by, only memories…and the tiny cuff that sat in her palm.
She closed her fingers around it and put her fist to her forehead as she fell to her side, curling up into fetal position on the cold cobblestone. She fought back the waves, doing her best to keep calm, but it didn't work. Sidhiel finally gave in. Her face crumpled, her body shook uncontrollably…and she did something she hadn't done for a long, long time…something she wouldn't do for a long time afterwards.
She cried.
Author's Note: Sad thing is, Mariel never got a chance to visit Rissien. He moved to Kalvan a year after she left, and no matter how hard she looked, no one could tell her where he had gone...
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text:
A Bi-directional Visitors Counter
This counter can be used to know the number of visitors present in the room at any given time. It is useful for places such as movie halls, buldings and offices. To keep the cost low it uses simple calculator instead of a counter-and display circuit. The calculator can be used as a normal calculator is plugging it off from the circuit. All the components are readily available in market and the circuit is easy to build.
Circuit description
Two transmitter-receiver pairs are used at the passage: One pair comprising light source A (transmitter) and light -dependent resistor LDR1 (receiver) is installed at the entry side of the passage, while the other pair comprising light source B (transmitter) and LDR2 (receiver) is installed exit side of the passage. Light from. two light sources (torches) should continuously fall on the respective light dependent resistors (LDRs), so proper orientation of light beams and LDRs is essential.
Related Projects : : : Voice Operated Intelligent Fire Extinguisher Vehicle,Ultrasonic Based Distance Measurement System,Hiding Of Host Image Using Cover Image,Automated Step Climber,Remote Vehicle With Unlimited Range,Robot Navigation Using Optical Odometry,Reverse Power Protection of An Alternator,Tongue Motion Controlled Wheel Chair,Tracking And Positioning System,Wireless Load Controller By GSM,Wireless Motor Control System,Conversion Of Audio CD Player To Video CD Player,Obstacle Detection Robot with Ultrasonic Sensors,Voice Operated Intelligent Fire Extinguisher Vehicle,Touch Screen GLCD based Digital Devices Control System,Fire Fighting Robot,Green House Monitoring And Control,Prepaid Energy Meter,Low Cost Anti-Lock Braking and Traction Control,Generation of Electricity from Wind Power,Cell Phone Operated Robot,High Bandwidth Low Noise Amplifier with improved stability over Radio Frequency range,Home Automation Using DTMF Decoder,Infrared Remote Control,On/Off Control And Data Communication Through Power Line


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On February 25, 2017, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) held its convention. The convention was held in order to elect, among others, a new Democratic National Committee Chair. Tom Perez, one of the candidates, won the election. Perez became the DNC Chair. The convention was also held to unite the Democratic Party, and for the party to prepare for the next elections to win seats in Congress. The concern at hand is whether the Democratic Party is trying to unite and work to build a better America, or is the party just trying to beat the Republican Party and take over the majority in Congress?
Furthermore, for too long, both parties have battled against each other to gain the majority in the House and Senate. Each party knows that it has the advantage if it has the majority. The party holding majority follows its own agenda. As a result, the majority party disregards the other party and that party's agenda. While the Democratic Party's goal is to become closer, the true goal of the party seemed to truly become the majority party. Was the convention about unity or competing with the Republican Party?
Moreover, if the Democratic Party's goal is to become the majority party and battle the Republican Party, then the Democratic Party still has a long way to go. The Democratic Party should have changed its focus slightly. Instead of trying to be majority party, the Democratic Party should focus on working with the Republican Party. Congress will only work if both parties can work together on the issues, make compromises when necessary, and have a set agenda of the goals of both parties. At the DNC, competition with the Republican Party seemed to be emphasized a little more than unity. Again, if the goal is to do better and unify the country, then it will take a unified Congress. If the goal of the Democratic Party is to unify the party, then its focus should also be to find out different ways that it can work with the Republican Party. When both parties unite and work together, then the necessary work can take place to truly make America Great Again!
Thank you for taking the time to read, "Competition or Unity" by Charles Brown. If you enjoyed this article or it has moved you in any way, please consider supporting the Joseph and Evelyn Lowery Institute for Justice & Human Rights at www.loweryinstitute.org. Let us be the change!


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Guitar Plus
The tenth anniversary season of Guitar Plus presents a very special concert, co-sponsored by the New York City Classical Guitar Society's International Artists Series. On Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at 7:30 pm in the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space, David Leisner and friends will perform a program of "Serenades and Premieres". The program includes two New York Premieres by Pierre Jalbert (Sonatine for violin and guitar) and Vivian Fine (Canciones y Danzas for flute, cello and guitar), as well as two large-scale Serenades from the early 19th-century by Beethoven (Serenade, op. 8, arr. Matiegka, for violin, viola and guitar) and Diabelli Serenata Concertante, op. 105 for flute, viola and guitar). Jalbert is an extraordinarily gifted mid-career composer of orchestral and chamber music, who teaches at Rice University. Fine (1913-2000) was a prolific composer of orchestral and chamber music, quite well-known in her day, but like so many women composers of her time, vastly underrrated. The program is rounded out by the two large works by Beethoven and Diabelli. Wenzeslaus Matiegka's period arrangement of the Beethoven Serenade is little-known, and it is lovely to have this delightful piece in the guitar chamber music repertoire. Diabelli's dramatic piece is also rarely performed and is a fun way to end the program. Leisner's illustrious collaborators on this exciting program are three extraordinary, very highly respected chamber musicians: flutist Tara O'Connor, violinist Jesse Mills, violist Mark Holloway and cellist Raman Ramakrishnan.
December 5, 2017, 7:30 pm
Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater, Symphony Space
2537 Broadway at 95th St., New York
"Serenades and Premieres"
Beethoven Serenade, op. 8
Jalbert Sonatine
Fine Canciones y Danzas
Diabelli, Serenata Concertante, op. 105
Tara O'Connor, flute
Jesse Mills, violin
Mark Holloway, viola
David Leisner, guitar
Guitar Plus is a series of concerts in New York City devoted to chamber music with guitar and other instruments, curated by Artistic Director, David Leisner. In past seasons, Guitar Plus has presented a mix of the new with the old, often featuring either premieres or music that has been unduly neglected. Composers whose works have been premiered on the series include Steve Mackey, Carlos Rivera, Clarice Assad, Alan Thomas, Akemi Naito, Paul Lansky, William Bland, George Crumb, David Del Tredici, Peter Sculthorpe, and David Leisner. Past performers presented included Philippe Quint and Soovin Kim, violin, Hsin-Yun Huang, viola, Cavatina Duo (Eugenia Moliner, flute, and Denis Azabagic, guitar), Tara O'Connor, flute, Courtenay Budd, soprano, William Ferguson, tenor, Crazy Jane (Patrick Mason, baritone, Daniel Druckman, percussion, David Starobin, guitar), Yolanda Kondonassis, harp, Enso String Quartet, Thomas Meglioranza, baritone, Arc Duo (Heather Holden, flute, and Bradley Colten, guitar), Jon Klibonoff, piano, Zuill Bailey and Jillian Blythe, cello, Samuel Zagnit, bass, Manhattan School of Music orchestral ensemble, Rufus Müller, tenor, Dublin Guitar Quartet, Brasil Guitar Duo, Michael Kelly, baritone, and Emanuele Segre, Fabio Zanon, Benjamin Verdery, Robert Belinic, Oren Fader, Daniel Lippel, Bradley Colten and David Leisner, guitar.
Click here for a detailed list of all performers and repertoire in the history of Guitar Plus


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South African prisoners sue G4S over torture claims
A group of South African prisoners are suing G4S over abuse they allege they suffered in a Bloemfontein prison run by the British security company.
British law firm Leigh Day, which is representing the 43 prisoners, sent an urgent letter to the company's UK headquarters in Crawley on Thursday.
The inmates claim they were given electric shocks, forcibly injected with anti-psychotic drugs and held in isolation cells for up to three years. The firm is also acting for the mother of an inmate who died in custody.
"The instructions we have received from our clients attest to a culture of abuse and fear that appears to have been endemic in Mangaung Correctional Centre for years," the letter to G4S reads. "Many allegations involve inmates being taken to solitary cells where there are no cameras, stripped naked and forced on to a metal bed with water thrown on them before being repeatedly shocked with electric shields, including to the head and genitals."
If the claim is successful, it will be a landmark case for prisoners held by the biggest security provider in the world, with revenues worth £7.4bn. G4S won a 25-year R15bn (about £820m) contract from the South African government to construct, run and manage the prison in 2000.


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Are you ready to launch your pet project and make your dream a reality? If so you should be knowing that there are a lot of things to take care of – drawing up business plans, finding a location and arranging for adequate finance are just a few of them. But what potential entrepreneurs often ignore is the many business laws that have to be implemented from the very start. Bypassing this very crucial aspect can land you in a lot of unwarranted litigation and lead to heavy fines and in worst case scenarios even closure of business.
Here is a list of business laws that affect every business and ones that you should definitely be aware of. They have been categorised into areas they pertain to.
Licensing Laws
To legally start any business the first thing that you will need is a business licence. The laws in this regard vary from State to State and you should call the local city council authorities to know what is prevailing in your area. Knowing about zoning rules and Federal and State licensing requirements is crucial. If you find the rules too complex get professional opinion. Top business lawyers practising in your State will be able to advise you and take up the work on your behalf. For example, for starting your venture in Melbourne, Victoria contact PB Lawyers one of the leading law firms in the State.
Employment Laws
There are many aspects to it. The Fair Labour Standards Act regulates child labour bans, minimum wage standards and overtime rules. The Equal Employment Opportunity laws relates to monitoring of any discrimination on the basis of sex, colour, race or religion. It also ensures equal employment opportunities and pay for men and women. The Family and Medical Leave Act covers rules all employers must follow when dealing with an employee with a medical condition or a family member with a medical issue. It includes quantum of time off that must be given and compensation if the need arises. You should know about the laws related to workers compensation too in cases where employees are hurt or fall ill due to exposure at work place.
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Even a decade back this side of business law was not that important. Today, in the digital age, you have to have an online presence if you have to be successful. Most reputed brick and mortar stores too have branched out onto ecommerce platforms to make the most out of the booming online shopping segment. For sales tax collection, the laws stipulate that you collect the tax in accordance with the laws prevailing in the State where you have your warehouse, office or store. Further, online shopping is not limited by international borders and a business situated in Country A can sell anywhere in the world. In that case factors to contend with include shipping, customs and various taxes. Consult experts if you are in this business category.
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These are some of the basic tax laws that every owner should be aware of.


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Opponents of the Chicago White Sox`s proposed new stadium in Addison often cite the problems associated with increased traffic as a key reason the team should be kept out. But the current zoning for the Sox property would allow high-density office and commercial buildings at the site, which according to a Sox consultant`s preliminary analysis could cause from two to four times the amount of daily traffic a ballgame does.
The zoning allows 12-story office buildings and apartment buildings as high as 7 stories, the analysis states. Addison`s comprehensive plan shows the site is intended for development as an office park.


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Reply to Wayne
Janet, what are your credentials that make you an expert with coyotes? I've seen you at the park many times following the coyote around to get pictures of it, but your explanations about this coyote sound more like subjective opinions than anything else. I am worried you are giving people misleading information. For example, I don't think I've ever seen a wild animal chase cars just for the "thrill" of it. Look forward to your reply.
"Gosh, you should be looking at Janet's experience, dedication, and what she knows. You are mistakingly judging the book by its cover/title: Here, a degree counts for much less than what she knows. She is an expert even though she is self-trained. WHO would you call in who knows more about San Francisco coyotes, and particularly the behavior of this coyote?" No one else I can think of. Thank you, Janet"
Hi Wayne (or Mary) — [clarified & updated 7/1; and "for the record" added below]
I myself have not claimed to be an "expert" — it's others who have proffered that honor on me: my extensive knowledge and understanding of coyotes, and what I'm doing to help them has impressed many people. Knowledge, or even expertise, doesn't always come from a science background or from having letters after your name, it can come from dedication and lots of observation time, as it has with me: science is not the only way to know something. I might be a *self-taught* naturalist, but I do know a great deal about urban coyotes, first-hand. My question to you is, "what kind of *credentialed information* are you seeking, and from whom would you get it?" I'm happy to explain where I am coming from for you:
*Addendum: I failed to mention when I originally wrote this that I've always been in communication with degreed coyote specialists, be they professionals or academics; with experienced coyote advocacy groups, wildlife rehabilitators, and/or wildlife behaviorists who I have regularly relied on to vet, approve, or give me their input on my observations and the guidelines which I've worked on and write about.
What I've learned about urban coyote behavior comes from my own daily and dedicated first-hand observations of coyotes here in San Francisco for over ten years, photographing their behaviors, and writing about them. Professors and graduate students alike have let me know that few of them have the time or opportunity for the extensive first-hand coyote observations/photo-documentation that I do. Not a whole lot has been written about the behavior of urban coyotes except when it comes to aggressive encounters, coexistence, or their reproductive behaviors to justify culling them. I offer my observations and guidance as a supplement, not as a replacement, for information coming from academic scientific studies — no *experts* seem to be doing what I'm doing, much less right here in San Francisco.
I put a lot of heart and soul into what I do, which is what I think it takes to really understand these critters — you won't get that from science alone. This is what folks are interested in, and I do my best to get it out to folks. I recently spoke with a videographer who makes documentaries. He reminded me of this. He had been to the Presidio site and was not impressed with the reason for keeping coyotes around: "they help control the rodent population." Where is the heart and soul in that? According to the videographer, the advertisement should have said, "we leave these coyotes alone because it is the right thing to do." Science doesn't like the use of words such as affection, mother, father, son, yet I use these terms to help people see the similarities that indeed do exist between ourselves and coyotes: let's look at how much we have in common, and let's use terms that aid in breaking down a harmful divide.
I also publish the observations and insights of others. For instance, the following bit of information and approach, coming from a place of passion, would fascinate some of my readers because they can relate to it and it's a real-life situation:
Jennifer V: 6:04 am, our local coyote was on his usual patrol route of Woodmill Road which takes him up my front yard and around through the back, and through the back yards on my side of the street A tad later than usual this am, and he was in a bit of a hurry. But I am glad to see him back on the job – he took about a four week vacation and during that time the deer came in and ate the tops of my tomatoes.
My interest is with family life, individual behaviors, and communication, in addition to studying and changing people's attitudes, and coexistence. Remember that all learning of behavior starts with observation and then seeing the patterns — it is how Jane Goodall changed our views of animal behavior: she was an unseasoned, untrained secretary when she made her seminal discoveries. Leakey on purpose chose her because she wouldn't be biased by academic training and methods. I don't pretend to offer anything I haven't seen. I write about my observations and sometimes I may offer the most likely explanations based on my repeat observations of those behaviors — in conjunction with consulting the relevant literature or behaviorists I rely on: what I put out there are not *simply* my opinions. If I do give my opinions, they are weighted opinions based on many observations and I state them as such. And I also sometimes offer likely explanations — as possibilities — based on related observations from other species such as dogs if the circumstances overlap. So, I'll do this here:
In the case of a coyote chasing cars, initially it was observed that it was associated with feeding from cars. It probably began when people offered food so that they could take her picture, or because they wanted to *help* her. The coyote went up to cars and was fed: this food-conditioned her. And the coyote even learned which feeders were most reliable because she pursued certain vehicles almost always, and others only randomly. We are no longer seeing this pattern: either of her chasing predominantly certain vehicles, nor of food being thrown out of car windows from these or other vehicles — at least in the morning when I'm there. In fact, the coyote's time in the street during the mornings was reduced substantially by educating folks about the detriments of feeding — especially from cars and in the street — and of being friendly, and by removing the food left on the street each morning. One of these truck drivers recently stopped to tell me that he hadn't realized the danger he was putting the coyote in — the knowledge of what could happen caused him to stop feeding her from his truck.
BUT, in the last few days chasing cars has suddenly picked up, even though most of the chasing is not in the street, but parallel to the street up on the hill. Why has this car chasing suddenly picked up? At the same time, we aren't seeing her walking up to stopped cars the way she used to.
Most people have noticed that this coyote *appears* especially exuberant, energetic, happy and playful these last few days: it's not because suddenly she has become stressed-out. Fight or flight still holds, and a stressed or fearful coyote would avoid any stressful situations. When coyotes become habituated to people and dogs, they lose their fear and become more relaxed and at-ease around them. We all know that she's lost much of her wildness as attested to by the fact that she's comfortable out in the open, she lets dogs and people get pretty close to her, and she even approaches some of the dogs: everyone has been asked to help curtail this. Food-conditioning brought her closer in to humans initially. Now she feels comfortable being there. Hopefully, everyone will continue doing their best to keep her at a distance, no matter how enticing her play-bowing is.
How is a lone urban coyote supposed to expend her pent-up energy in a civilized world? If she were part of a family, she would be interacting a lot socially, and probably hunting and chasing down prey a good deal of the time. Being alone, in a city, she fills in her time with more creative play. According to my correspondence with behaviorist Turid Rugaas, this is normal behavior for wild animals. Turid told me that she spends time observing wild animals in order to know what are "natural" animal behaviors as opposed to some dog behaviors which are not.
Dogs have been observed chasing cars and biting at tires apparently for the fun of it — for the thrill of it — and this is in the absence of food. You see this with farm dogs, and you see it all the time in South America where stray dogs — they are semi-wild animals — run free on the streets. In my posting, I stipulate that the coyote's chasing cars *appears* to be for fun and thrills — this was conjecture because I hadn't seen food being offered from cars for a while. *Coyotes chasing cars* has been noted in various cities, including along Baker Beach in San Francisco, in Death Valley. In all of these animals, it is a maladapted behavior, but aren't wild animals in the city a maladaptation situation in the first place? Hope this helps. Janet
FOR THE RECORD (added July 1, 2017)
1) I've never claimed credentials which I don't have. I *have* claimed ten years of daily first-hand, dedicated observations and lots of experience helping folks understand and coexist with coyotes. I'm a naturalist, predominantly self-taught: I do know SF coyotes first-hand, and I've written a lot about my observations. This is where I come from and why I'm periodically called on to help. San Francisco coyotes fall under the jurisdiction of RPD and ACC. RPD is composed, essentially, of plant people. ACC, as their name states, has a lot of work to do with the *care and control* of many animals. Although they consult a coyote advocacy advisor, they themselves do not specialize in coyotes. I've come in with my knowledge and my passion for coyotes to help fix a situation, and to educate and answer questions for the many folks who want to know more.
2) I am, and always have been, in discussions with professionals and academics with a focus on coyotes, including advocacy groups that specialize in coyotes, professors, students and behaviorists who I regularly rely on to vet, approve, or give me their input on my observations and the guidelines I put together and write about. Some of my efforts have been collaborations with them.
3) Many of us on the Hill have watched the coyote's playing, which has sometimes included tail-chasing, somersaults, the zoomies, breaking twigs or pulling at a plant, tossing poop-bags, playing with a frisbee or a ball, rolling, rubbing on things. Since these observations have been made across-the-board, at various times of day and by people other than me and when I was not present, there's no reason to consider me as the *trigger* for her playing this way.
4) Almost everyone I've met on the Hill and elsewhere has been super-supportive and has let me know how much they appreciate my being there. However, in any situation where I have helped out, there have always been a few individuals who challenge me or who simply don't like my being there. None of the people who are challenging what I am doing — doing so as anonymous comments on the internet — has had the courtesy, though, to present who they *really* are. OF COURSE there is a lot of frustration and even stress behind some of the coyote's behavior, but it appears to be the result of her overall situation: a loner wild coyote caught up in a city who many people, early on, attempted befriending and interacting with — not specifically by my activities. I came to this behavior, I didn't cause it. You are welcome to come out and observe with me. If you want to point out any of what you think are the coyote's specific stressful reactions to any of my own specific actions/behaviors/presence — actions which come from me and me alone — please do so. I will be glad to listen and discuss, one-on-one, in a civilized manner, with you. I just ask that you contact me beforehand, via email, with exactly who you are.
5) Again, most of what I am doing these days is docenting/explaining this coyote's particular behavior (it takes no credentials to describe and discuss why she is habituated and why she is a loner), telling folks generally about coyotes, offering guidelines for keeping people, their dogs, and the coyote safe, and even to to share plausible explanations/theories when definite answers aren't known, i.e. chasing cars:
The coyote chasing cars is a maladapted behavior that could be a residue behavior from when she was being fed from cars, it could be for thrills and fun due to boredom, it could be the result of any number of hormonal imbalances resulting from the wild-animal stuck in a fast-paced technological world of people and dogs with no one of her own-species to socialize with or relate to, and it could even be the result of inner-species dynamics (in fact, I've seen this as the primary reason for many of the coyote behaviors I've seen — and I say this because of my own repeated observations — I don't think anyone else has even noted this), for instance, another, peripheral coyote whose presence or behavior is affecting her: the appearance of a new coyote, although short-lived, did coincide with an increase in her play and car chasing — or it could simply have been a coincidence. Chasing cars is rather uncommon and we're gathering observations and possible explanations from elsewhere to understand it.
I also continue photo-documenting the coyote's approaching dogs, time in the street including chasing cars, time playing, time hunting, etc. My camera is my notebook, stamping all my observations with time and place and what is going on. As I record, I often speak with folks about what the coyote is doing and how she is faring: people want to know this. This coyote has been an incredible *ambassador* for opening the door to acceptance of coyotes for folks who don't know what to think about them. Everyone can relate to a coyote playing, and seeing this enchants everyone forevermore. This is what I work towards, in addition to safety for all: for people, pets, coyote.
6) I don't *chase* the coyote, but I do try to keep her in view — it's the only way I can be available either to discourage feeding or friendliness and to talk about these things, or to help someone, when needed, to ward her away from their dog. These things don't happen often, but they still do happen. This coyote is extremely habituated.
Most of my activity takes place on the street and sidewalk surrounding the hill and not on the hill itself. I aim for a distance of at least 30-50 feet. It is about the distance from the sidewalk to the edge of the hill or the width of two properties — that's my minimum distance. If this is not what you expect, what is the distance you have in mind?
In National Parks, where coyotes are minimally habituated, it is recommended that folks stay about 75 feet away for their own safety. In cities, where coyotes and people share many of the same spaces, and where the animals are habituated, if there even is a recommendation, the recommended distance ranges from 25, 30, or 50 feet — different urban areas suggest different distances. These are simply rules of thumb. What is important is that you not approach a coyote to befriend it or feed it, and that the coyote not feel comfortable enough to come in towards you or your pet. What I always abide by is a distance which neither disturbs or displaces wildlife: where my presence has neither interrupted their activity, nor made them flee. Dogs, however, should be kept as far away as possible and leashed in her presence.
7) Note that in most places, *hazing* or *scaring* is performed which specifically aims to make the coyote uncomfortable so that it will flee. When coyotes are uncomfortable, they flee. Hazing involves deliberate stressing of the coyote. However, as many have noted, coyotes also become *habituated* to the hazing itself. This is one reason we don't use it. Another reason I don't use it is that, if you were to apply these scare tactics to this coyote, it just could cause her to be in the street more, or it just could cause her to move to another location, where the same behaviors she now exhibits would simply continue, or where the coyotes in that area would drive her out. None of these options would be helping the coyote.
8) Answering Miss415: When it was suggested by this dog-walker, based on her dog-behavior readings, that *chasing a tail* could be displacement behavior (which it indeed can be sometimes in dogs), and that I should read what Turid Rugaas had to say, I took her concern seriously and sent a handful of videos — those with the most exuberant play behavior including tail-chasing — to Turid, a well-known dog-trainer/behaviorist. Turid wrote back disagreeing with the dog-walker and told me why, which I wrote up in my Yipps posting, On Being Alone — anyone is welcome to read this. A troubling exchange and disagreement ensued with the dog-walker about *who is an expert*, with the dog-walker judging the merits and demerits of everyone I had involved. I ended up disagreeing with her and this became the reason why *she* asked to be removed from the CCC group, a coexistence group she asked to join as dog-supporter several years ago. Contrary to what the dog-walker has said: I *did* look into her remarks, and I consulted the expert *she* suggested, among others. The dog-walker told me she thought the expert's reply was "silly". And it is the dog-walker who requested to be removed from the site — I have the emails if anyone wants to see them. I am sorry that the previously-good relationship between me and the dog-walker unraveled because of this.
The dog-walker's additional comments are based on a video she saw where several people are watching a coyote's activity from over 100 feet away. No camera is *in the face of* the coyote. The coyote actually looks at various of the onlookers — that's what coyotes do — this doesn't mean any of those people is *causing* this behavior or stressing the coyote out. In my opinion, there is a possibility that the coyote could be *showing off* a bit when people watch her, possibly *attention seeking*, but her behavior is not caused by stress due to onlookers — though her behavior could be a symptom of her boredom and loneliness.