text:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Senate Banking Committee chairman warned Tuesday the U.S. Export-Import Bank could be forced to stop operations in two months unless the Senate quickly approves the nomination of Fred Hochberg to lead the government-run bank for another four years.
"If we do not again confirm Mr. Hochberg before July 20, we run the risk of leaving the bank without a quorum to act on many of the transactions before it, which will hurt American workers and exporters," Senator Tim Johnson, a South Dakota Democrat, said at a hearing on the nomination.
The Ex-Im Bank provides loans, loan guarantees and other types of financing to help big U.S. companies such as Boeing and GE, as well as many small and medium-sized U.S. companies, to export their goods around the world.
The bank needs a quorum of at least three of its five board of directors to approve transactions. In addition to Hochberg, the terms of two other board members expire in July and President Barack Obama has not yet nominated replacements.
The conservative free-market group Club for Growth tried last year to persuade Congress to shut down Ex-Im Bank, which it views as government welfare for big corporations.
But after U.S. business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Exporters rallied to the bank's defense, lawmakers in both the Senate and the House of Representative voted on a bipartisan basis to renew Ex-Im's charter through September 2014.
Club for Growth's strategy this year is to encourage like-minded lawmakers to block action on Hochberg and other Ex-Im nominees to deny the bank an operating quorum.
That would "threaten the export sales of the thousands of U.S. companies and the hundreds of thousands of American jobs that depend directly or indirectly on the Ex-Im Bank's export financing," the U.S. Chamber and a dozen other business groups said in a letter to the Senate Banking Committee last month.
The committee's top Republican, Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho, was one of 19 Republicans that voted against renewing the bank's charter last year.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky also opposed renewing the nearly 80-year-old bank's lease on life.
Crapo pressed Hochberg during the hearing to address the concern "that the bank is basically providing corporate welfare to some of America's largest corporations."
Hochberg replied most of the loans the bank makes are to the foreign customers of U.S. exporters and that the United States is in a competition with foreign governments all too willing to help finance their companies' exports.
"We can't unilaterally disarm" by failing to provide similar financing, Hochberg said. When U.S. companies are "going toe-to-toe with competitors that have export financing arranged, we need to make sure they have it as well," he said.
John Murphy, vice president for international affairs at the U.S. Chamber, underscored that point in a blog.
"Relative to the size of their economies, European governments provide three times as much official trade finance to their exporters as Ex-Im does. China and India provide four times as much. Without Ex-Im's help, U.S. firms risk being left in the dust," Murphy said.
Meanwhile, Johnson noted in 2009 the Senate unanimously approved Hochberg's nomination as bank president on a voice vote, less than a month after he was nominated.
"I am hopeful that the committee and Senate will once again move as expeditiously," Johnson said.
Editing by Doina Chiacu


text:
Gage's warriors battle for child with rare form of cancer
By BY J.R. ORTEGA - email@example.com
Sept. 6, 2011 at 4:06 a.m.
Updated Sept. 8, 2011 at 4:08 a.m.
Gage Garnett's high-pitch laugh echoes throughout the living room.
The 17-month-old flails his arms as he runs across the carpeted floor.
He falls onto his bottom, laughing more.
This wouldn't seem like the personality of a child with cancer, but it is.
"He's a boy through and through," his mother, Jennifer Garnett, said as she watched Gage play with his 10-year-old twin brothers, Grant and Gunner.
Gage was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, a cancer characterized by the abnormal growth of histiocyte cells found in the bone marrow.
The disease is the opposite of leukemia, which is the abnormal growth of white blood cells.
On Oct. 1, the family's church, Covenant Life Center, will host a benefit to help with the family's medical expenses, which began in January, when Gage was diagnosed.
Gage's mother and father noticed symptoms that weren't adding up.
He was frequently crying and had a rash on his cradle cap on his head.
He wasn't the playful boy he had always been and he was "somber," his mother said.
"He'd always been so playful," his father, Greg Garnett, said.
The family took him to see Dr. Gary Cox, a Victoria doctor, who had seen a similar case while studying in school.
For this, the family was grateful.
"I told him I was very proud of him," Gage's mother said. "Dr. Cox, he saved his life."
After the initial diagnosis, the family found Dr. Kenneth McClain, director of the Texas Children's Hospital Histiocytosis program.
McClain's understanding of the disease and his credibility helped ease the family's worries some, Gage's parents said.
Gage's parents were both raised in Victoria, but they moved to Fort Worth for Gage's father's job.
In January, the family decided to move back to Victoria to be closer to family, at the same time, Gage was diagnosed, which made the transition much more difficult, they said.
"Take the birth of your children, the death of your parents, add exhaustion and that's what you're going through for months," Gage's father said as an example of what the pain would feel like.
Dealing with the six-hour long chemotherapy treatments in Houston every Wednesday is not the only stress that comes with the disease. Cost of the chemotherapy, hospital stays and driving back and forth once a week also takes its financial toll.
Now, Gage is undergoing maintenance, which means he will receive chemotherapy, but not as often. He'll be in remission.
The family also has the stress of their jobs.
Gage's father works in the oil industry and is constantly on the road.
Gage's mother now works as a specials needs teacher and counselor at Schorlemmer Elementary School.
Before the job, she was at Patti Welder Magnet Middle School, but had to resign because of the frequent doctor visits, she said.
"We're so spread out," Gage's father said. "We're being taken into every direction."
The family has gotten through the ordeal because of the success of Gage's chemotherapy, their close-knit family and friends.
Because Gage's mother works in the Victoria school district's West Community, the family made T-shirts with a "Gage's Warriors" logo on it.
"It feels good to have people wanting to help you," Gage's mother said. "You don't even think this is ever going to happen to you."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
CARSON, Calif. – The math is simple for the LA Galaxy, if they win against the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday by one goal, their Western Conference Semifinal will go to Extra time. Win by more than one goal? The Galaxy will advance to the Western Conference Championship. Tie or lose? The Galaxy's title defense will come to an end.
Currently down a goal on aggregate after Victor Bernárdez put San Jose ahead in stoppage time of the first leg, the Galaxy forward Robbie Keane told reporters that the Galaxy have been in a similar situation this postseason.
"Last week when we played Vancouver, we conceded in the first minute and we scored two goals so it's kind of the same scenario to be honest with you really. We know that we're going to any team and playing against anybody and scoring goals," said Keane. "Obviously, that's what we'll be looking to do, but at the same time we have to be clever with the way that we defend because the last thing that we want to do is concede anymore goals."
Although the Galaxy face a stiff test against a club that is unbeaten against the Galaxy and unbeaten at Buck Shaw Stadium, Keane admits LA is confident of prevailing.
"We know in the locker room that we have got players that are quite capable that when we're on form that we can beat anybody that will certainly be the case tomorrow," said Keane. "But at the moment, they're clearly the favorites; we're one goal and playing in front of the home crowd. It's up to them that if they throw it away, it's up to us to win. They'll be going in there with the right attitude and mentality to do that."
But ahead of tomorrow's match up Keane believes that "it's all or nothing tomorrow" for the Galaxy.
"We ought to roll our sleeves up and fight hard to try to win this game. If not we're going home and everyone is going their separate ways to go wherever they want to go. Nobody wants to do that at the moment, we want to stay here as long as we can and retain the championship.


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Young the Giant.
Im pretty excited for the Hunger Games soundtrack
Just released....
Grrr studio version much better but can not find on the tubez
I think they are slated for two songs.
Edit: Only that one from AF, heres the listing:
1. Abrahams Daughter by Arcade Fire
2. Tomorrow Will Be Kinder by The Secret Sisters
3. Nothing To Remember by Neko Case
4. Safe & Sound ft. The Civil Wars by Taylor Swift
5. The Ruler and The Killer by Kid Cudi
6. Dark Days by Punch Brothers
7. One Engine by The Decemberists
8. Daughters Lament by The Carolina Chocolate Drops
9. Kingdom Come by The Civil Wars
10. Take The Heartland by Glen Hansard
11. Come Away To The Water by Maroon 5 ft. Rozzi Crane
12. Run Daddy Run ft. Pistol Annies by Miranda Lambert
13. Rules by Jayme Dee
14. Eyes Open by Taylor Swift
15. Lover Is Childlike by The Low Anthem
16. Just A Game by Birdy
Rest of the soundtrack is meh compared to them. Ill check it out. Thanks for posting.
Im dying for them to tour and follow up Suburbs. I missed them and Spoon at MSG in August 2010. They put it on youtube and it made me feel like ****. Such a great show...I gotta see them live.
I saw Ollabelle last summer at Eddies Attic ... small venue, holds about 200 people. They were fkn amazing live.
Just saw that YouTube now has the live performance of Jack White's new song, "Love Interruption".


text:
Wiki > Main > OtherTargets > GoGearHDD6330 (r36)
Philips GoGear HDD16x0 & HDD63x0 Series
IntroductionThe Philips GoGear HDD16x0 and HDD63x0 series of DAPs are different devices internally (except SoC and the codec). The HDD16x0 has a 6GB microdrive and a 128x128x16 LCD, whereas the HDD63x0 has a 30GB 1.8" hard drive and a 220x176x16 LCD. The touchpad is also different between the two. The service manual for each one is available here http://www.free-service-manuals.com/. There are three known models of the HDD16x0 series: the HDD1630, the HDD1620, and the HDD1635. The major differences between the HDD1620 and HDD1630 is the inclusion of an FM radio tuner on the HDD1630. Little information is known about the HDD1635. Mark Arigo committed code for the HDD1630 to SVN on 2008-06-27, and additional code to branch the HDD6330 off into its own port on 2009-12-25.
Port Status
PCB Scans
UMS ModeThis trick will allow you to connect either the HDD16x0 or HDD63x0 to your computer as a UMS device.
Installation steps for HDD63x0We recommend using Rockbox Utility to install Rockbox on the HDD63x0 series. The following steps are for those who wish to install Rockbox manually.
Installation steps for HDD16x0We recommend using Rockbox Utility to install Rockbox on the HDD16x0 series. The following steps are for those who wish to install Rockbox manually.
CategoryFrontpage: Philips GoGear HDD16X0/63X0 Port Index [New Ports]
r36 - 03 Dec 2011 - 23:52:18 - SzymonDziok
Copyright © by the contributing authors.


text:
Polaroid Men's Square Aviator Polarised Sunglasses - Matte Black/Brown
Keep your everyday look fresh, energetic and on trend with Polaroid's high performance eyewear. This classic number has been crafted for perfect vision and optimum protection, with polarised lenses to help block glare, provide clear contrast and reduce eye fatigue.
- Polaroid sunglasses
- For men
- Style: Square Aviator
- Model no.: PLD2023/S
- Frame colour: Matte Black
- Lens colour: Brown
- Lens type: Polarised
- Category lens rating: 3
- Polarised lenses:
- Glare-free vision
- Clear contrast
- Reduced eye fatigue
- Frame size (approx. mm): 64 - 15 - 125 (Eye - Bridge - Temple)
- Protected by our 12 MONTH WARRANTY
A Bit About The Brand / More Info
Each pair of Polaroid sunglasses has been designed with both style and substance in mind, delivering glare-free vision with the highest level of comfort and UV protection around. Snap up a pair and experience the difference today!


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A Closer Look at the Yazidi Sect
The Yazidis are a religious minority.
The Yazidis are an ethnically Kurdish group that follows a pre-Islamic religion with links to Zoroastrianism. Some 500,000 Yazidis reside in northern Iraq, according to the U.S. State Department. Sunni extremist militants who call themselves Islamic State have targeted the group and other religious minorities, displacing an estimated 200,000 civilians, according to the United Nations.
Thousands have fled into the mountains.
In August, the Sunni extremists took over Sinjar, a Kurdish-controlled town and the Yazidis' ancestral homeland. The militants killed many Yazidis who remained, while an estimated 40,000 Yazidis fled into the surrounding mountains without food or water. Many refugee children are reported to have died.
The U.S. airdropped aid for the Yazidis and authorized airstrikes.The U.S. military said it delivered meals and water to trapped Yazidis and started airstrikes to stop militants from closing in on the city of Erbil or to allow local forces to aid the minority group.
Iraqi Kurdish fighters pushed into Sinjar city.
In December, Peshmerga fighters drove Islamic State militants from the center of the northern city of Sinjar, rescuing hundreds of Yazidis sect from a monthslong siege. Months earlier, thousands of Yazidis were rescued from Sinjar Mountain following intervention by U.S. forces.


text:
Howard out of lineup night after '12 debut
By Todd Zolecki and Jake Kaplan / MLB.com
The Phillies planned to give him Saturday off after he played back-to-back games at first base for the first time on Thursday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and on Friday with the Phillies. Howard is expected to be in the lineup Sunday in the series finale against the Braves, which is the team's final game before the All-Star break.
Howard said he came out of the back-to-back games feeling OK.
"I came back for Day 3," he joked. "No, I feel normal. I feel good."
Halladay's third 'pen session goes well
PHILADELPHIA -- Roy Halladay threw his third bullpen session on Saturday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee said it went well.
Halladay, who is recovering from a strained right latissimus dorsi, is scheduled to throw his fourth bullpen session on Monday in Clearwater, Fla. He could begin a rehab assignment shortly after that, and could rejoin the Phillies' rotation as early as the July 16-18 series against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
Dubee noticed a lack of velocity through the strike zone with Halladay's pitches before he went on the disabled list. Dubee said he has seen improvement, not only in the bullpen sessions, but earlier when Halladay was long tossing.
"It seems like he's got the lateness he used to have," Dubee said. "We'll see. We'll see what batters look like eventually."
Bastardo to remain setup man for Phils
PHILADELPHIA -- Despite Antonio Bastardo's inconsistent performances this season, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel is sticking with the left-handed reliever as his setup man. With a young bullpen that owns the second-worst ERA (4.84) in the Major Leagues entering Saturday, Manuel simply doesn't have many options.
"When he's good, he also shows me that he can get it done," Manuel said of Bastardo, who is 2-3 with a 5.34 ERA. "I'm leery to just kinda give up on him."
Bastardo's last two outings are a display of his inconsistencies.
In the eighth inning of Thursday's loss against the Mets, Bastardo retired the heart of New York's lineup -- David Wright, Scott Hairston and Lucas Duda -- in order to set up Jonathan Papelbon for the save.
Then on Friday against the Braves, he entered a scoreless game in the eighth inning and issued three walks, including one with the bases loaded, and allowed a grand slam to Brian McCann.
Pitching coach Rich Dubee doesn't think Bastardo's problem is anything mechanical, but rather his confidence on the mound.
"He gets the first guy out, he gets on a good roll," Dubee said on Saturday. "[He] doesn't get the first guy out, things are snowballing against him. A lot of it's confidence. [We] gotta get his head straight. His stuff's fine."
Manuel meeting with players before break
PHILADELPHIA -- With the All-Star break coming on Monday, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel took time on Saturday to walk around and talk to each of his players individually.
The skipper said he usually has a meeting with the entire club before the break, but decided to do it differently this year. He said the feedback thus far had been good. As of a couple hours before Saturday's first pitch, he had yet to talk to a couple players.
"I just felt like I wanted to do it," Manuel said. "I feel like it's better to sit there and talk to the individual one-on-one. I think it gives them a chance to open up to you. I think you can get more out of it that way sometimes. It's just kinda how I felt."
Worth noting
Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are wearing new batting helmets, ones that all players will be required to wear beginning next season. Utley suffered a concussion last season, so it was encouraged he start wearing the new one. Howard simply figured he would get a jump on wearing the new one now.
The Phillies announced that their starters for their three-game series at Colorado (July 13-15) will be Cliff Lee, Vance Worley and Cole Hamels.
Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Created for work with the Innovision Probe and similar lenses, this versatile new rolling camera platform lets operators track from a near ground-level point of view with unprecedented freedom of movement and maneuverability. The TerraScope enables panning and rolling in ways not possible with larger rigs and bulky dolly equipment. Invented by Visual Effects Director of Photography Eric Swenson, the TerraScope is designed to carry a camera with an attached tubular lens pointing downward.
An essential accessory for many snorkel shoots, the system is perfect for tabletop work, scooting down hallways, or across counters. Ideal for interiors and exteriors, it fits through standard doorways and works equally well on stages, warehouses, driveways, and sidewalks. In addition, the rig can be configured to offer unique moves especially valuable for rapid-paced miniature work. Simply by tilting the camera on the mount the lens can be set up along the center axis of the rig for nodal panning or, with the camera tilted back, the lens can be extended outside the rig to get extremely close to large objects.


text:
James II/Lucy
Louis Weasley/Scorpius Malfoy
2:00 am
nose kisses
starry night
forever neverafter
bleeding heart
remember me
every breath
Wishes: Filled!
James II/Lucy
Louis Weasley/Scorpius Malfoy
2:00 am
nose kisses
starry night
forever neverafter
bleeding heart
remember me
every breath
Wishes: Filled!
Last edited by ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor; 02-17-2013 at 05:37 AM.
my page
Beautiful avvie by Nadia (magestic_ginny), and banner by TM_Wandstick.
No matter what anyone tells you, words and ideas can change the world.
(The Dead Poets Society)
Title: Star-crossed
Pairing: James II/Lucy
Candy Heart used: starry night
Rating/warnings: 3rd-5th years; kissing?
Author's note: I was planning on making it slightly angsty but I'm not sure how that turned out. Hope you like it anyway, Ellie! <3
She lay beside me, and as cheesy as it sounds, I can't help but thinking she's an angel sent down from the heavens.
Sprawled on the grass, inhaling the earthly scent of the soil and the soft fragrance of her hair, I turn my face away from her to look up at the sky. Tiny blinking lights are dotted across the night, their light flickering as the clouds pass over them. She loves to come out to the grounds on clear nights to gaze at the stars. I come along to stare at her.
My hand moves over the grass till it finds hers, and I slowly interlacing our fingers together. I take a glance at her face – she turns her head towards me and smiles a smile that melts my heart.
"It's lovely today," she says.
"It is," I agree, looking into her eyes, noticing for the first time that her brown irises are flecked with hazel.
She scowls. "James, you're not even looking at the sky."
"I was," I say defensively, trying to look affronted.
She laughs, and it rings melodiously in my ears. "Nice try, but I'm not buying that."
I smirk. "What's so beautiful about the stars anyway?" I ask. "They're just… dots."
"You have no sense of imagination," she huffs, shaking her head. "Don't you see all those patterns they form?" she asked, pointing up to the stars. "That is Cygnus--" she traces imaginary lines between two stars with her fingers –"And that there is Capricorn, your zodiac sign!"
"Boring." I say, shrugging. " And I see something prettier than that."
She lets her hand drop to her side and turns her neck to look at me sideways. "What?"
Pulling her to me, I kiss her lips softly. "You."
She leans into me, deepening the kiss. It was sweet and slow, kind of reminding me of our first kiss as her smooth lips move easily against mine. I can taste strawberries on her lips – she had used my favourite lip gloss. My fingers trace patterns onto her back as she shivers against me, clenching the fabric of my shirt in her hands.
She pulls away, looking away from me. "We should go back now," she whispers. "If Roxy finds us... It's her turn to patrol the grounds--"
I sigh, getting to my feet and pulling her up. "Okay," I mumble, pulling out the Invisibility cloak from my bag. She notices my expression and frowns at me, but says nothing. I avert my eyes from her, hoping she doesn't see that I was upset. Unfurling it, I tossed it over her and myself, pulling her back to the castle.
As we walk along the seventh floor corridor, she comes to a stop, grabbing my hand.
"Lucy, what's wrong?" I ask, puzzled.
She takes my hand and looks into my eyes. "You know I love you."
I feel the sincerity in her voice and feel the anger ebb away. Cupping her cheeks, I can't help but reply, "I know. And I love you."
She smiles weakly at me.
Dropping my hands from her cheeks, I take her hand and try to grin. "Come on now, we don't want Roxy to find us do we?"
She bites her lower lip to refrain from laughing out loud. It was so easy for her to change from one mood to another. "No we don't!" she whispers.
Smiling genuinely this time, I pull her along the corridor towards the portrait of the Fat Lady.
Jess Writes ♦ Jess Drabbles ♦ Jess Duels ♦ Jess Poets ♦ Jess Draws
Gorgeous banner by Dinny / Evora.
I'm no longer active, but my inbox is always open. I'd love to hear from you!
Title: Under His Skin
Pairing: Scorpius/Albus
Candy Heart used: forever neverafter
Rating/warnings: 6th/7th Years – Sexual Situations, Mild profanity, Slash, Teenage Asshattery
Author's note: This sprawled out a lot further than I anticipated. This is basically a chunk taken out of what I originally wrote, which was nearly 2k.
Some secrets are kept for the comfort of those around a person, rather than for that person's benefit, and Albus had one such secret. While he hadn't nor would he have openly denied it, he didn't make a point of advertising his preference for the same gender. He wasn't ashamed or in denial so much as he wanted his roommates to feel comfortable around him. That and it would give Malfoy's lot one less reason to mess him about.
But strangely enough, ever since that day in the library a month before, Scorpius had not bothered Albus once. Granted, it didn't stop his friends from doing it, but here and there, Albus would catch an apologetic glance or an annoyed eyeroll. It seemed an uncharacteristic show of respect on Scorpius's part, but nothing more. That is, of course, until it became much, much more.
It was the last Hogsmeade weekend before NEWTs, but even the academics were trickling out for their last hurrah. The streets of the village were teeming with boisterous teenagers filled to the brim with Butterbeer and sweets, plus a few other choice substances. Naturally, since both the Hog's Head and The Three Broomsticks were forbidden from serving Hogwarts students liquor or lager, several students went out of their way to get it anyway.
Albus wasn't surprised to see a drunken Scorpius staggering through the street with his wobbly entourage in tow. He'd even planned for it and ducked behind the nearest building until their cloud of noise passed by safely. Breathing a sigh of relief, he turned to head over to the local branch of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes to chat with his cousin Rose when he blindly slammed right into someone.
The collision was accompanied by a loud string of expletives as a heavy, limp body landed on top of his. Albus looked to see who had landed on top of him, only to find it was Scorpius Malfoy.
"Don't think you're getting away that easily, Potter," the other boy said with an obvious slur. "I've been looking for you all day."
"Wonderful," Albus wheezed. Every breath felt like it was on fire as he struggled to take in any air under Scorpius's weight. "And here I'd thought you forgot your favourite pastime."
Apparently oblivious to Albus's sarcasm, Scorpius cocked his head to the side and said, "Your eyes are green."
"I'm aware of that, now —" bracing his hands on Scorpius's shoulders, Albus grunted, "— get off of me!" With a mighty shove, both of them were sent rolling in the dirt. All Albus could think about was drawing a full breath, but Scorpius just sat there and laughed, even as he wiped mud from his face.
"I just had the most fantastic idea, Potter," Scorpius said. "Come and help me up."
Wary of any of Scorpius's 'fantastic ideas', Albus approached warily but held out his hand, but as he braced himself to haul his drunken companion off the ground, he found himself being pulled toward the dirt and directly on top of Scorpius's chest. "Oi!" he managed to squeak before landing with a thump.
Too stymied to recoil, Albus gawked at Scorpius as the latter examined him closely. "You know, Potter, I've always wanted to try something. And I suppose I fancy trying it on you."
Before Albus got a chance to object, a warm pair of lips pressed against his. Though they were slightly fumbling and tasting of whisky, there was a unique flavour that Albus just knew could never belong to anyone else; of its own accord, Albus's body responded to this new and exciting contact as he returned the kiss he never knew he wanted until that very moment. But almost as soon as it started, it was over.
"I knew it," Scorpius said with a smirk. "You're bent."
"Shut up!" Albus cried.
Scoffing, Scorpius drawled, sounding much more sober than he had earlier. "Come off it, Potter. I can feel your stiffy on my thigh. You're definitely queer."
Albus gaped in stunned silence as Scorpius pushed out from underneath him and headed back towards the main street. In the distance, he could hear words that were going to haunt him later. "You owe me ten Galleons, Hartpence. I got wood!"
The accompanying sound of laughter ground into Albus's chest like the heel of a boot. He felt dirty and vile and used, but the thing that made him feel the sickest was that he was sure of one thing: he still wanted Scorpius.
Jess Writes ♦ Jess Drabbles ♦ Jess Duels ♦ Jess Poets ♦ Jess Draws
Gorgeous banner by Dinny / Evora.
I'm no longer active, but my inbox is always open. I'd love to hear from you!
Title: In the Air
Pairing: Scorpius/Louis
Candy Heart used: every breath
Rating/warnings: 6th/7th Years – Strong Profanity, Slash
Author's note: I could probably do better than this, but not in fewer than 5000 words.
Scorpius grunted loudly as he chucked the Quaffle towards the far right hoop, and the sound of leather striking metal rang across the pitch. Bollocks. Fat, hairy, shrivelled, bloody Hippogriff bollocks. That was his fifth miss in as many tries, but he couldn't throw straight if his life depended on it.
"Aim's still off, Malfoy!" came a vaguely familiar voice from the stands. "Though I suppose aiming too far left on purpose might do the trick."
Glaring over at his unwanted guest, Scorpius couldn't see anything but red hair and a ruddy smudge that he supposed were Gryffindor Quidditch robes. At least it was something. "Stow it, Weasley, or I'll shove this Quaffle so far up your arse you'll be chewing on it!"
The Mystery Weasley seemed to be coming closer. Scorpius assumed he was on a broom, and as the now-recognisable Louis Weasley approached, he saw that this was the case. "Bugger off, Weasley. I've got work to do."
Looking pointedly towards the ring that Scorpius struck, Louis shook his head. "Without success, I see." Flying much closer than Scorpius wanted him to be, Louis stared into Scorpius's eyes intently before moving his hand back and forth across his field of vision. Annoyed, Scorpius swatted at Louis's hand, only to find he'd missed completely.
"That's what I figured." Louis shook his head. "Look, Malfoy, I know you've got a big match against Ravenclaw soon, but you've got a concussion. If you try to fly in this state, you're likely to get yourself killed."
Ignoring Louis's concerned speech, Scorpius grumbled, "Bulls***. I'm fine, and you're sticking your spotty nose where it doesn't belong." Summoning the Quaffle again, Scorpius aimed for the space between the middle and right hoops and just barely snuck a shot in at the far side of the right hoop. "F***."
Louis sighed. "I really didn't want to do this, but if you don't go see Madam Pomfrey about this, I'm going to go tell her myself." He poked Scorpius in the chest — hard. "You're one of the best Chasers this school has seen in years, and you'd be an idiot to risk your future in a match against a team someone could outfly with a Comet 200 and a greased Quaffle."
"Don't you dare, Weasley, I mean it!" Scorpius hissed between clenched teeth. He wanted to punch this git so badly he could taste it. "It's none of your business, and it's my risk to take." Moving his broom to a more hospitable distance, he snapped, "Why you even care, anyway."
With a harrumph, Louis sneered, "I'm starting to wonder that myself. I thought I was looking after a fellow player, but as you're too stupid to know what's good for you, I can't imagine why I should bother."
"Then don't!" Scorpius roared. Tired of looking at Louis's face, he swiped his wand angrily and was satisfied when a bright burst of light hurtled towards his annoying counterpart. However, his delight turned sour quickly when he saw that the tail twigs on Louis's broom had caught fire, and that small blaze inched its way onto the nearby fabric of the robes.
Incognisant of the danger, Louis let out a yelp of surprise when his broom lurched tail-first towards the pitch. His hands gripped the shaft, but the smooth wood betrayed him to gravity, and soon Louis was nearly face-level with his burning tail twigs. Scorpius aimed his broom for the open air beneath Louis and flew. Once he was in position, he called, "Let go! I'll catch you!"
"Not bloody likely!" Louis coughed. "You couldn't catch a cold right now, and I'm too heavy."
"You're a f***ing moron, Weasley, you know that?" Scorpius shouted before inching his way upwards. Once he could get a solid grip on Louis's fluttering robes, he gave a great yank and was rewarded with a flailing Gryffindor landing on the front of his broom. However, the sudden shift in weight didn't sit well with his own broom, either, and Scorpius found himself slipping off the back end, with Louis not far behind. Before he fell completely, he grabbed onto one of the stirrups while managing to direct Louis's nearest hand towards the other.
So there they were, dangling chest-to-chest thirty feet above the ground, and Scorpius found it too funny to ignore. A laugh bubbled in his gut, and every breath turned into a new fit of amusement. He almost missed the fact that Louis was nearly as mirthful, and as the broom slowly drifted down to the grass, they cackled madly together.
As Scorpius was the taller, his feet landed first, but when he let go, the broom bobbled, sending Scorpius flying backwards and Louis down straight on top of him. Once again, they were face to face, but this contact was different, Scorpius could tell. There was a strange look on Louis's face, one he couldn't decipher.
"That broomstick's going to cost you, Malfoy," Louis breathed, his words tickling Scorpius's cheek.
A strange tingle erupted in Scorpius's belly. All he could focus on were Louis's eyelashes, which were long and dark, despite his colouring. F***ing eyelashes. However, all thoughts of eyelashes flitted away when lips brushed.
"Wh-what?" Scorpius stammered, not sure if what he thought happened had actually occurred.
"You wanted to know why I cared about what happens to you." Moving his mouth directly over Scorpius's ear, Louis whispered, "Now you know."
Scorpius's throat hitched, both a combination of Louis's weight pressing on his chest and the bizarre rush of sensation from warm breath on his ear. This was beyond ridiculous. Scorpius wasn't gay, and if he were, he sure as hell wouldn't fancy a loser like Weasley.
But something stopped him, an earnestness in Louis's eyes. As if sensing this hesitation, Louis said, "I don't expect you to feel the same way, but please, if not for me than for your own sake, please go see Madam Pomfrey." He hoisted himself up and stood offering a hand to Scorpius.
That was the choice. Take Weasley's hand and sit out the match, or ignore all of this nonsense and do what he wanted to do. The simplest of selections with the most complex connotations. But what the hell?
Scorpius held out his hand.
Jess Writes ♦ Jess Drabbles ♦ Jess Duels ♦ Jess Poets ♦ Jess Draws
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I'm no longer active, but my inbox is always open. I'd love to hear from you!
Title: Bleeding Love
Pairing: Helga/Salazar
Candy Heart used: Bleeding Heart
Rating/warnings: 3rd-5th years; sexual situations
Author's note: THis was actually a lot of fun to write and had been floating around my head for a bit. If I were any good at Founder's Era, I would totally make this into a oneshot. Lyrics from Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis
"This is stupid, you know," Salazar whispers in Helga's ear in the dark.
"Oh, but it's just so reckless," Helga croons, as she rolls back into Salazar and begins to kiss his neck.
"Recklessness is for Godric," Salazar says, as he grabs her and rolls back on top of her. "No, this is just an opportunity." He put his lips back onto hers, and soon, the sheets are no longer neat.
<i>I don't care what they say,
I'm in love with you.</i>
"Helga, you can't be serious," Rowena says over a cup of tea. "Salazar?"
"But I think he really loves me," Helga answers, lifting the cup to her lips. "I mean, he's just so nice and caring all the time."
"Oh, please, Helga, Salazar hasn't loved a woman in his life. He's incapable of love. He just says what he needs to say so that he can get them to do his bidding."
"You just don't understand, Rowena. What we have is real, and it's going to last. I love him more than anyone I've ever loved before."
"Oh, I don't know? There was a time that Salazar was bedding me, you know. He comes across as so charming and handsome, but all he really cares about is how you can please him."
"Stop," Helga says. "It's different, okay?"
"How can it be different?" Rowena asks. "He stands against everything you stand for. He and Godric fight constantly, and if you ask me, he's going to leave, and there's nothing you can do to stop it."
"But we love each other," Helga almost pleads.
"He doesn't love you enough to stay."
<i>You cut me open and I
Keep bleeding, keep, keep bleeding love<i>
Helga and Salazar lay in the dark after another night.
"I'm leaving, you know. Soon," Salazar says.
"But I love you," Helga says, stroking her finger down his stomach.
"No you don't," Salazar replies. "You feel the exact same way I do about this. It's no more than arrangement. Don't look for me when I leave, I don't want to be found."
As Salazar slips out of Helga's bed, a lone tear slips down her face. She had opened up to him, and he had taken her heart and ripped it to shreds, when all it had ever done was beat with love for him.
Jess Writes ♦ Jess Drabbles ♦ Jess Duels ♦ Jess Poets ♦ Jess Draws
Gorgeous banner by Dinny / Evora.
I'm no longer active, but my inbox is always open. I'd love to hear from you!
First, <3333333 to Jess, Maple, and Nadia!
Star-crossed: I absolutely loved this, Nadia. I'm so glad someone chose to write Jucy, and it was so brilliant. There were darker tones under the seemingly innocent night and ... gah. I love their relationship; Lucy, who's mood is sort of flighty, and James, who's just too darn cute. Seriously, I loved it.
Under His Skin: I'm going to be absolutely honest, Jess; it was hard to form words after reading this. I loved how dark it was, and your Albus. He's just looking to avoid trouble, but then comes Scorpius. I really want to read the rest of the piece this came from, because I want to see if Scorpius feels the same way! (and if he's not such an arse) The ending... from the beginning I wasn't sure if he actually liked Scorpius. Just brilliant.
In The Air: I have officially fallen in love with this pairing. I loved how sweet Louis was, but also how angry at the same time; for a while I thought they would just be friends, and I'm glad they didn't. Scorpius's insecurity and defensive personality was lovely, too, and when they were on the same broom I definitely started to smile. The ending was so sweet, and it was just great. Thank you so, so much, Jess, for both the amazing drabbles!
Bleeding Love: I wasn't sure anyone would want to do this, but the drabble is beyond lovely. I wanted to yell at Helga and tell her how evil Salazar was, because I knew the ending was coming, even though I didn't want it to. I loved how you added Rowena in, too, to prove the case of Salazar's player-ness. The part that got me the most was when Rowena burst out how they are polar opposites, and I can say I both loved and hated the ending. Hating because I wanted them to work out (because they never can :/) and loved it because it describes how Helga would feel perfectly. Just, thank you so much, Maple!
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text:
Finally getting to the point that I need some testers for my tile map editor. If you are interested please PM me or catch me on MSN for those of you who have it.
I will not be sending the source code, just the exe and some bmps for you to use during testing. Requests for source code will be ignored.
I realize it's dangerous to send an .exe but the only other alternative is to release all of the source and I don't want to do that.


text:
HOUSTON - Drivers are wondering why gas prices have gone up so much so suddenly.
In the past week, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Houston has risen from $3.18 to $3.37. That's a 19-cent increase.
Experts said there are several factors causing the spike.
Sharon Epperson of CNBC Business News said, "We have refineries down in a number of locations, oil prices are rising and then we have a supply shortage in California, so inventories are being diverted from elsewhere in the country to help out with that."
Sarah Schwimmer of AAA Texas said a plant shutdown in the northeast is impacting our pump prices here in Texas.
"We're seeing that impact as resources are being pulled from our region of the country, which is impacting our prices here in Texas," she said. "In the spring time, it's not unusual to see prices go up week to week. There's no magic crystal ball or magic bullet to tell you how long it's going to last."
Patrick DeHaan of GasBudy.com explained, "I think this is just a temporary blip that we see in prices -- 2013, at least in my book, still expected to be lower, at least for a yearly average, than what we saw in 2012."
The average vehicle has a 15-gallon tank. That means the average is driver is paying about $3 more every time they fill up their tank.
Cab driver Ahmed Mohamoud is hoping gas prices go back down soon. He drives all day long and said his gas costs have risen about $25 a day.
"Before I used to spend about $40 a day. Now I have to fill up about $60 or $65," Mohamoud explained.
More Information:
- Houston Gas Prices.com
- GasBuddy.com
- Gas Buddy Trip Cost Calculator
- GasPriceWatch.com
- Gas Price Calculator
- 5 Simple Tips To Save At Gas Pump
- Cars With The Best Gas Mileage
- History Of Gas Prices
- U.S. Energy Dept.: Average Price By Region
- 30 Gas Saving Tips
Copyright 2013 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
Estrous Cycle
Tips for Using Lights to Cycle a Broodmare
Artificial light exposure can bring a mare into estrus earlier in the season. Dr. Ryan Ferris of CSU explains.
Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse
Understanding the Mare's Transitional Period
Find out how light can impact a mares's ovulatory cycles.
Photo by iStock
13 Ways to Predict Ovulation in Mares
Horse breeding is only as effective as your ability to predict a mare's impending ovulation. Here's how vets do so.
Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse
How Can I Tell if a Mare is Pregnant?
December 13, 2017
An equine reproduction specialist reviews signs that suggest a mare is in foal and how to find out definitively.... Read More
EVJ Calls for More Broodmare Reproduction Research
September 17, 2017
Equine reproduction is an important segment of equine veterinary medicine both in practical and commercial capacities.... Read More
Understanding the Mare's Transitional Period
April 05, 2016
Find out how light can impact a mares's ovulatory cycles. ... Read More
13 Ways to Predict Ovulation in Mares
April 22, 2015
Horse breeding is only as effective as your ability to predict a mare's impending ovulation. Here's how vets do so.... Read More
Differences Between Mares and Geldings
March 12, 2015
Dr. Nancy Diehl addresses common behavior differences between mares and geldings and their causes.... Read More
Starting and Stopping a Mare's Estrous Cycle
April 05, 2014
Veterinarians have many options by which to "tailor" a mare's reproductive cycle to meet her and your needs.... Read More
Health Concerns Related to Equine Obesity
February 11, 2014
Obesity is a serious health condition, but many owners still look at a fat pony and think how cute it is.... Read More
AAEP Veterinarians Discuss Estrus Suppression in Mares
December 16, 2013
Many owners seek to eliminate estrus behavior when there is a negative effect on the mare's performance.... Read More
2014 UK Equine Showcase, Breeders' Short Course Scheduled
October 25, 2013
The events will feature lectures on university programs, equine reproduction, and horse management issues. ... Read More
Oxytocin Injections to Suppress Estrus in Mares
October 24, 2013
Oxytocin injections allowed the corpus luteum to keep producing progesterone and the mare to stay out of heat.... Read More
Prostaglandins for Controlling Mares' Estrous Cycles
August 17, 2013
Learn how administering prostaglandins can help breeders improve their mares' chances of becoming pregnant.... Read More
Suppressing Estrus in Mares
November 29, 2012
Most options can lessen the effects of estrus while still allowing mares a second career as a broodmare.... Read More
Progesterone Delivery Device Evaluated in Broodmares
October 13, 2012
Researchers found an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device effective in inducing early estrus in mares.... Read More
Mobile Blue Light Therapy for Broodmares
October 12, 2012
Mobile blue-light therapy is as effective at advancing seasonality as indoor barn lighting.... Read More
Hormone Therapy Table Topic (AAEP 2011)
December 29, 2011
Topics discussed included induction of ovulation, estrus behavior, and suppression in the performance horse.... Read More
Mare Reproductive Health Gets Help From Newly FDA-Approved Drug
January 05, 2011
After years of intensive research, a product called SucroMate has achieved the coveted status of FDA-approved for reproductive health in mares. This is no easy feat as only two veterinary drugs obtained FDA approval in 2010. SucroMate is licensed to ... Read More
Feeding the Estrous Cycle: Tailoring the Mare's Diet
December 01, 2010
Mares must have a well-balanced diet and healthy body condition to cycle properly, conceive, and carry a foal.... Read More
10 Steps for Successful Artificial Insemination for Horses
December 01, 2010
Artificial insemination (AI) is today's breeding standard for many types of horses. To find out how to make our readers' artificial insemination programs more successful, The Horse went to two recognized experts in equine artificial insemination... Read More
Safe (Equine) Teasing
December 01, 2010
Teasing is essential to detect when a broodmare is in estrus, but it's no easy feat due to the size and power of the animals involved. Safety should be top priority--to avoid injury to horses and people.... Read More
10 Steps for Successful Live Cover
December 01, 2010
Promote safe and successful live cover breeding with careful preparation and attention to safety.... Read More
Breeding on Foal Heat Considerations
April 10, 2010
Weigh the benefits and risks of breeding a mare on her first postpartum ovulation, referred to as a foal heat.... Read More
NSAIDs for Mating-Induced Endometritis Examined in Mares
March 06, 2010
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could assist vets managing persistent mating-induced endometritis (PMIE), a chronic inflammation of the lining of the uterine wall after breeding or artificial insemination, a leading cause of reduced ferti... Read More
Virginia Tech Equine Hospital Offers Laparoscopic Ovariectomies
February 20, 2010
Combining their surgical expertise with state-of-the-art laparoscopic equipment, veterinary specialists at Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center have been able to remove certain mares' ovaries in a surgical procedure... Read More
Study Sheds Doubt on Marbles' Effect on Mare Heat Cycles
September 26, 2009
Many people have offered solutions to overcome the problems of inconsistent performance while mares are in heat. One method popular with owners today is the implantation of marbles as glass intrauterine devices (IUDs).
"The original paper... Read More
Estrus Suppression
May 01, 2009
When a mare exhibits unexpected or undesirable behavior that cannot be explained by illness or injury, the owner might suspect it is related to the mare's estrous cycle. He or she might notice the mare is more difficult to train or ride... Read More
Related Multimedia & Downloads
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text: Okay. I've tried a million times to come up with a simple (or even a not so simple) way to explain this storyline and I've failed every time. I guess because there's just no way to stick it in any particular genre, or sum it up in any simple terms. So, this time I'll just go with stating the facts: The Arc of the Wolf is a series of stories, some short, some much longer, some not even written yet, some half-written and sitting on my hard drive, some even contributed by other authors, that spans well over a century in the lifetime of Montgomery Scott. Long before TOS, and long after it. I can guarantee that 1.) Nothing in it contradicts canon; in fact, part of the reason I've even written it is because I wanted to explain a whole lot of things I saw in canon that didn't make sense without further context. 2.) It's a pretty family friendly series -- some occasional cussing, more than you'd see on TV, but nothing gratuitous. The highest rated story is PG-13. 3.) It's written all out of order, and there are still a number of stories missing out of it, but the earlier pieces are pretty cohesive. Distant Horizons here is just the first 'set'. Not much more to be said about it, really. It takes a very close-to-the-ground, human-eye view of things. It's got a bit of everything; from joy to tragedy, from deep and intense to total comedy. All of it, though, is character driven. (And yes, it even has some art to go with it, but we'll get to that later.) Feedback is adored, but not required -- I'll be happy if you read it and it makes you think. Anyway, if anyone can come up with a better way of explaining it, someday you'll have to tell me. For now, on with the tale.


text:
50 Favorite Dining Rooms
Learn from our 50 best entertaining spaces, and spruce up your breakfast nook, outdoor area, or dining room for guests.
Four-Star Experience
A fresh green palette and plenty of pattern enliven this cottage dining room. Owner John Loecke calls his style "new traditional." "If you're going to layer pattern," he says, "be sure that the dominant color works back into the room" Here, green prints on the walls and curtains relate to the green woodwork and painted floor.
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text:
Useful idiots re-elected Obama
The results of this election are due to the fact that the new majority voted for Obama by electoral vote. Both parties are horrible, but what choice do we have? We must vote for the lesser of two evils. In the future, we should just let Ohio vote and the rest of us can stay home.
The new majority includes the gay community, most college students, almost every black, Asian and Hispanic in the country, Hollywood's fin est, every irresponsible woman who chooses to have sex without readily available birth control pills or protection and demands that we pay for her abortions, and last, but not least, die-hard Democrats who believe that their party is for the blue collar workers and the middle class.
We see Obama's face and hear his voice every day on television. Do you notice how he turns his head to the right and his nose is always up in the air? He answers to no one. He is a true elitist. Do you really think he wants to hobnob with any of you? But he does need you. In his circle, you are known as useful idiots -- he needs your vote!
I voted both Democrat and Republican, because I voted for the person running for office. This "my party across the board" mentality is going to destroy our country.
Those of us who actually learn about what is going on in the economic and foreign policies of our country know that Obama was never qualified to do the job of commander in chief -- he was a community organizer for God's sake. But he had an agenda dictated by his higher-up wealthy puppet masters -- destroy the U.S. as we knew it and make it part of the new world order. And his useful idiots gave him four more years to finish us off.
Those of us old enough to remember World War II and the fear of running to bomb shelters in our schools and on North Street in Pittsfield when we heard the air raid alarms know what is coming. Only it won't be a bomb. It's being done from the inside of our own government.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


text:
LAKE FOREST, Ill.—With the Chicago Bears going into their open week and attention focused on broader issues, discussion of a contract extension for coach Lovie Smith seems like a natural after a 4-1 start.
Smith's deal expires after 2012, and he came into the season among coaches likely to be on the hot seat if the club struggled to a poor start. Despite the fast start, a new deal seems premature.
For one, the fast start has come against only one team with a winning record—the St. Louis Rams (3-2). In fact, the Bears will not run into a team currently over .500 until Nov. 11 against the Houston Texans.
THE LINEMAKERS: NFL Week 6 opening lines
The next three games include two at home and are against teams with a 3-11 combined record. In fact, opponents in the first half of the Bears' schedule currently have a combined .368 winning percentage.
It's going to get much tougher in the second half with six games against teams with winning records, plus one with Green Bay. Powers like San Francisco and Houston await, as well.
The Packers' game and success in the second half could go much further toward helping general manager Phil Emery decide the future for the franchise than anything that has happened to this point.
Keeping the offense together and focused on improvement after some of the incidents involving quarterback Jay Cutler has to be a factor in such a decision.
NOTE: Alshon Jeffery's hand injury suffered in the Jacksonville game will test the depth of the receiving corps, but the expected return of Earl Bennett from a hand injury after the open week should help offset this problem. The Bears have yet to reveal the severity of the injury, but Jeffery had a cast on the hand after the game.
Not having Bennett makes the receiver corps less physical and causes a problem in the red zone. Bennett hasn't really had much impact in the new passing attack, so it will be upon him to fill that role of over-the-middle receiver he had before the acquisition of Brandon Marshall and Jeffery.


text:
Massive explosion sparks fire to Canadian town
Published 10:36 am, Saturday, July 6, 2013
LAC MEGANTIC, Quebec (AP) — A train carrying crude oil has derailed in a Quebec town, sparking several explosions and forcing the evacuation of up to 1,000 people.
Several people were reported missing after the derailment Saturday morning. Quebec provincial police Lt. Michel Brunet says it is too early to say if there are any casualties in the town of Lac Megantic (Lack MAH-Gan-Tic), about 155 miles (250 kilometers) east of Montreal.
Flames and billowing smoke could be seen for several miles hours after the derailment. Some of the train's 73 cars exploded and the fire spread to a number of homes.
Environment Quebec spokesman Christian Blanchette says a large but undetermined amount of fuel also spilled into the Chaudiere River.
The train, reportedly heading toward Maine, belongs to Montreal Maine & Atlantic.


text:
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Early arrivals may leave their luggage with the hotel concierge until rooms are ready.
Afternoon: After hotel arrival and check in, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. The time and location will be posted. If you arrive early, take a walk around the neighborhood or have a light lunch at one of the many restaurants nearby. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures including contact numbers for key staff, and answer any questions you may have. All transfers and transportation will be provided via motorcoach unless specified otherwise. When we are dining out at local restaurants, we'll have plated, 2-course meals with water included; other beverages available for purchase. Please note that in Germany it is expected to pay for using public restrooms with small change; we advise carrying 50c pieces with you during field trips. Estimated times for travel and transfers depend on traffic and local conditions at the time of the program. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring a starter, main course of meat, fish, or vegetarian, and dessert, plus water and a welcome drink; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach several times; short walks to and standing at field trip sites; cobblestones. The specific sites seen during our motorcoach field trip will depend on schedules and local conditions at the time of the program.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room, the breakfast buffet offers choices such as breakfast meats, egg dishes, fruit, cheese, yogurt, bread, croissants, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning: Our Group Leader will continue the program introduction, and we'll be joined by a language teacher who will give an introduction to German language and culture. We'll then board a motorcoach with another expert for a field trip to see some of the city's highlights including the Berlin Wall monument, Checkpoint Charlie, Gendarmenmarkt Square with the restored Konzerthaus and the French and German churches, Paris Square and the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Holocaust Memorial, Potsdamer Square (the new and old), Memorial Church, and new architecture.
Lunch: At a pleasant spot during our field trip, we'll stop and have packed lunches with sandwich, yoghurt, fruit, and beverage.
Afternoon: Continue to explore Berlin aboard the motorcoach, visiting and learning more about some of the city's key sites.
Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening: At leisure to explore Berlin on your own.
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles at different sites; standing, climbing flights of stairs.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We will begin the morning with a lecture and political discussion round led by a political expert. Afterwards we will take a walking field trip from the hotel to one of the city's most famous landmarks, the former Reichstag building that is now the seat of the Deutscher Bundestag, the German Federal Parliament. As explore the building, we will see and appreciate the magnificent architecture, and also learn more about Germany's turbulent political past — and that mysterious 1933 fire! — before ascending to the recently rebuilt glass cupola. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the parliamentary and government district and Berlin's sights. We'll board a motorcoach for a short ride to museum island, where we will have lunch followed by free time.
Lunch: At a restaurant on museum island.
Afternoon: Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities at the end of the daily schedule. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We recommend visiting famous Museum Island, a UNESCO listed World Heritage site. Its five museums include exhibitions spanning the whole of Western Civilization from pre-historic to the 19th Century. Please note: At the Pergamon Museum, the hall containing the Pergamon Altar, the North Wing, and gallery of Hellenistic art are closed for renovations. The South Wing, featuring the Market Gate of Miletus, the Ishtar Gate and Processional Way from Babylon, and Museum of Islamic Art remain open.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach several times; walking up to 2 miles, standing around palace and gardens.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: Our morning field trip via motorcoach takes us to Potsdam and the amazing Sanssouci Palace that has been called the "Prussian Versailles" for its magnificent architecture, rich decoration, beautifully landscaped gardens, and lavish waterworks. An expert will lead our exploration of this splendid complex that served as Frederick the Great's summer residence and relaxing get-way from the protocol of his royal court in Berlin. Sanssouci means without concern, i.e., carefree, in French. It was built from 1745-47 above a terraced vineyard following the King's own ideas and sketches. The palace is considered a major work of Rococo architecture in Germany.
Lunch: At a restaurant in the Dutch quarter of Potsdam.
Afternoon: Free Time. See and do what interests you most in Potsdam. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We'll return to Berlin with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner: We will ride to a local restaurant near Charlottenburg Palace. Enjoy a plated, 2-course meal plus water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: From the restaurant, we will walk to Charlottenburg Palace where we will enjoy a performance of 17th and 18th century classics. The Berlin Residence Orchestra interprets the works from composers such as Bach, Handel, and Mozart with a special flair for the era which makes for an unforgettable cultural experience. This large, baroque palace is the only surviving royal residence in Berlin of the Hohenzollern family – a dynasty that controlled much of central Europe until the World Wars of the 20th century. The largest palace in Berlin constructed at the turn of the 18th century, the intricate palace includes a belvedere, a mausoleum, a theater, and a pavilion. We will return to the hotel at the end of the performance.
Activity note: Transfer from Berlin to Dresden is about 120 miles (193 km), approximately 2 hours depending on traffic. Getting on/off a motorcoach, walking on cobblestone streets.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will begin the transfer to Dresden, arriving at our hotel for lunch. Once a small fishing village, it slowly developed and became the capital of the Margrave of Meissen in the 13th century. As families tussled for power and divided from within, Dresden became the seat of the Albertine court and gained electoral privileges 56 years later in 1547 following a regional war. As the city continued to develop, its breathtaking architecture and artistic heritage earned Dresden much praise, including from Wolfgang von Goethe, who visited the city no less than four times.
Lunch: At the hotel, enjoy a 2-course plated meal with water provided; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon: Hotel check-in follows lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore on your own or just relax. We recommend visiting one or more of the city's 30 museums, many of them world-class institutions. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles, and standing, about 2.5 hours; cobblestones, climbing stairs.
Breakfast: At the hotel, we'll have a breakfast buffet featuring a wide choice of items, plus coffee, tea, water.
Morning: A local expert will lead our walking field trip in Dresden that provides an overview of the Old Town and sites including the Frauenkirche — Church of Our Lady — the Zwinger, Brühl's Terrasse, Procession of Princes, Dresden Castle, and the New Synagogue. The Frauenkirche has been one of Dresden's spiritual landmarks since the 11th Century. The splendid Baroque church that replaced the old Gothic edifice in the 18th Century was one of city's foremost architectural landmarks until 1945. Dresden was virtually destroyed by the massive Allied bombing campaign against Nazi Germany in the final stages of World War II. The Frauenkirche was among the casualties, its ruins standing for decades as a symbol of war's destruction. Sentiment slowly grew for a restoration of the great church as a memorial to peace. It was restored piece by piece and reconsecrated in 2005 before an audience of 60,000 people with millions watching on television.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: As a special highlight, we will have an expert-led field trip to see the Semperoper near the Elbe River in the historic center of Dresden, another Dresden institution devastated by the 1945 bombing and later resurrected. It was long one of the finest opera houses in Europe, called "Semper" for its designer, Gottfried Semper, after opening in 1841. It took 40 years after World War II, but the building was completely reconstructed and reopened in 1985. It has continued to present some of the world's greatest musical artists.
Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a 2-course plated meal with water provided; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for transfer to Nuremberg in the morning.
Activity note: Transfer to Nuremberg is about 200 miles (315 km), approximately 4.5 hours depending on traffic. Steep walk to Imperial Castle, cobblestones during city exploration; participants may take a taxi at an additional cost if the walk to too steep.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: Checking out of the hotel, we will transfer to Nuremberg by motor coach. On the way we will stop at the village of Mödlareuth - also known as "little Berlin". Mödlareuth is a village of 50 inhabitants which was divided right in the middle by the wall during the Cold War. Until today parts of the wall and border fortifications have been kept as a museum where you will have some time to explore on your own. Afterwards we will continue our journey to Nuremberg.
Lunch: At a local restaurant near the Nuremberg Imperial Castle, enjoy a 2-course plated meal with water provided; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon: After lunch we will meet a local expert who will take us on an exploration of Nuremberg's old town including an outside visit of the Imperial Castle, one of the greatest medieval monuments in Europe. The exact date of its original construction in the 11th Century is unknown but it was expanded beginning in 1140 and continued to grow during the following centuries. It served as the royal residence of the Holy Roman Empire for nearly 500 years and became the symbol of Nuremberg until it was nearly destroyed in World War II; the castle has been since restored to its former glory as one of the most formidable medieval fortresses in Europe. We'll also see the St. Sebaldus Church, the Church of Our Lady, the exterior of the Albrech Dürer House, the main market square, and the beautiful 14th century fountain. After the city walk enjoy some leisure time to check-in relax before dinner.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Transfer to Munich is about 98 miles (157 km), approximately 2.5 hours depending on traffic.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: Checking out of the hotel, we'll ride to the Memorium of the Nuremberg Trials for our next field trip in the company of a local expert. Held from 1945 to 1949, the Nuremberg Trials prosecuted German war criminals, setting precedent for dealing with crimes against humanity going forward. Afterwards we will continue by motor coach for a guided outside visit of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
Lunch: At a local restaurants at the lake of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
Afternoon: We will depart Nuremberg by motorcoach and transfer to Munich. After arriving in Munich we will check-in and have some leisure time before dinner.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off the bus; walking up to 1 mile, cobblestone streets, extensive standing.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We will be joined by a local expert for a presentation on the historical development and sociocultural characteristics of Munich and Bavaria. Led by our expert, we'll then depart on foot for an exploration of the city. One of the highlights is the Marienplatz, named for a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, which also features the world's most famous glockenspiel with life-size figures.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Next, we'll board a motor coach and ride southwest of Munich to the renowned pilgrimage Andechs Abbey—oldest in Bavaria—sits atop the "heilige Berg" (holy mountain) high above Lake Ammer. A Benedictine monastery since 1455, the monks have brewed beer in the traditional Benedictine style and preserves the monastic style. This brewery annually produces more than 2.5 million gallons of premium beers. We will begin our field trip with an expert led exploration of the brewery, followed by the church. Atop of the holy mountain, one of the church's defining visual feature is "flamboyant Baroque" architecture.
Dinner: At the restaurant in the Andechs Abbey.
Evening: Returning to Munich, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Activity note: Walking up to 1 mile through the palace and gardens; stairs, uneven surfaces.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: Our field trip this morning is to another special highlight of our program, Nymphenburg Palace in the western part of Munich, where we will explore with a local expert. Begun in 1664, it was for many years the principal summer residence of Bavaria's rulers. The palace is considered a unique synthesis of artistic achievement in baroque architecture and garden design. It is one of the largest palaces in Europe; the Italianate façade alone is more than 2,000 feet (700 meters) long. The complex of palace and landscaped garden park is beloved by Munich's residents and visitors alike.
Lunch: At a restaurant near the palace.
Afternoon: Free Time. We will return to downtown Munich for the remainder of the afternoon on your own to see and do what interests you most.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy local fare. The group leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Walking up to 1 mile; extensive standing in the museum.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: Our next field trip brings us to Alte Pinakothek and Neue Pinakothek (Old and New Picture Galleries), two of the important galleries in the world that we will explore with our expert. The "old" Pinakothek is indeed one of the world's oldest galleries and was once the largest. Its magnificent collection consists of Old Masters from the 14th to the 18th centuries. The so-called "new" Pinakothek focuses on European paintings from the 18th to 19th centuries, many collected by King Ludwig I.
Lunch: At a restaurant near the museum.
Afternoon: Free Time. It is impossible to see everything in the Pinakothek galleries, so you might like to spend some free time here. Alternatively, go visit the Nazi Documentation Center or return to the hotel and relax.
Dinner: Hotel plated meal.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for transfer to Heidelberg in the morning.
Activity note: Transfer to Heidelberg is about 200 miles (342 km), approximately 4.5 hours depending on traffic. Walking and standing on cobblestone sidewalks, stairs.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we'll transfer to Heidelberg. Late in the morning, we will stop in Nördlingen to admire the medieval city wall and enjoy some leisure time.
Lunch: At a local restaurant in Nördlingen.
Afternoon: Explore Nördlingen on your own for an opportunity to stretch your legs before we continue our transfer to Heidelberg, where a local expert will introduce us to the historic city and the university. Archaeological studies have found that the earliest evidence of human life near here (Homo Heidelbergensis) was more than 550,000 years ago! Much later, it was settled by Celts, then Romans, then Germanic tribes. The city's name first appeared in 1196, and the university, the oldest in Germany, was founded in 1386. Led by an expert, we will stroll through venerable Heidelberg University that, like the city, has had its ups and downs over the centuries and today is once again an august temple of learning. We will visit the stately Alte Aula (Old Hall); the Karzer, a place of detention and incarceration for unruly students; the University Library with more than 90,000 academic texts and more than 3,000 on-line databases; and St. Peter's Church where many former professors and other prominent Heidelbergians are buried.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Walking on cobblestone sidewalks, stairs, extensive standing.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We'll be joined by a local expert for a walking field trip into the Old Town. Heavily damaged by wars in the 17th century, Heidelberg was reconstructed in the 18th century and still reflects its baroque splendor, miraculously little harmed during two world wards. The rich and storied past lives on in its vibrant present. It has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature in recognition of its heritage in education and the literary arts. Highlights include the Church of the Holy Spirit and the old market square.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: From 13th century fort to international symbol of German Romanticism, the remains of Heidelberg Castle look out majestically over the Old Town. It was once one of Europe's grandest palaces with gardens regarded as a masterpiece, but both suffered major damage due to wars and natural disasters. Efforts at the beginning of the 20th century saved it from further deterioration, and some of the interior rooms have been preserved. We will explore the grounds and remaining interiors with an expert and imagine what once was.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for our transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Transfer by motor coach to St. Goar is about Transfer to Frankfurt is about 90 miles (146 km), approximately 2 hours depending on traffic. For the boat ride to Bacharach please bring a warm jacket. Walking up to 2 miles; cobblestone sidewalks in Bacharach.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: Checking out of the hotel, we'll transfer to St. Goar where we will embark on boat trip through the Rhine Valley. Enjoy beautiful landscapes of the Loreley Valley before disembarking in Bacharach. Of all the picturesque towns and villages on the Rhine River, this is one of the most charming, and retains much of its medieval atmosphere. One of the landmarks is the Wernerkapelle ruins, where a plaque displays a prayer by Pope John XXIII for tolerance and understanding.
Lunch: At a vineyard in Bacharach, our lunch will include a wine tasting.
Afternoon: We'll take a walk through the vineyards and village of Bacharach with a local expert, and then continue our journey by boat to Bingen. In Bingen we will take a short walk to take a German cooking class in a local school.
Dinner: This evening we will learn to cook several typical German dishes and have dinner together at the cooking school.
Evening: Transfer to the hotel outside of Frankfurt and Check-In.
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We'll transfer to Frankfurt where we will embark on an expert-led walking field trip throughout the city. A center of industry, commerce, and culture, Frankfurt grew in prominence during the Holy Roman Empire and is currently the home of the European Central Bank. Following the end of WWII, Frankfurt was reconstructed in a variety of architectural styles changing the face of the city, and became Germany's unrivaled financial center with Berlin divided among the Allies.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy local fare.
Afternoon: Free Time to explore Frankfurt on your own before returning to the hotel in time to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Dinner: We will have our farewell dinner at the hotel. Share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for departure in the morning.
Activity note: Hotel check-out is by 11:00 a.m. See the "Travel Information" section regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see "Ground Transportation From Last Location."
Breakfast: Hotel buffet. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!


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Nepal Trek-able Peaks and Mountains > Poon Hill > Climber's Log
[ Sign the Climber's Log ]
|Nice short trek
Date Climbed: May 10, 2016
|Had some spare time after Mera Peak and went for poon hill. The view was one of the best I've ever seen. Went up in the afternoon and had the Hill to myself!
|Posted Jul 24, 2016 6:00 pm
|Jerry L
|Did it
|Spent March and April 2015 in the Himalayas trekking. Completed the Annapurna Circuit as well. Awesome people and mountains.....
|Posted Sep 20, 2015 10:34 pm
|Great views
Date Climbed: Jan 18, 2015
|Terrific views of the Annapurna massif. Did it in the afternoon since we got to Ghorepani so early.
|Posted Feb 21, 2015 8:57 pm
|Poon Hill
Date Climbed: Oct 15, 2012
|Great view of the Annapurnas at the end of the Annapurna Circuit!
|Posted Oct 15, 2013 5:11 pm
|Himalayan panorama!
Date Climbed: Jan 26, 2011
| only part of my trek,wow what a view. sunrise best on Dhalagiri massif. impressive in alpenglow!! Machhapuchhre, Annapurna!
|Posted Aug 12, 2011 1:06 am
|From Ghorepani
Date Climbed: Nov 5, 2010
|Impressive view and even more people on top :)
|Posted Nov 18, 2010 3:50 pm
|Tom Waggoner
|Awesome sunrise, with nice views of Dhaulagiri. I hope to go back someday soon!
|Posted Mar 17, 2010 4:51 pm
|Nice Trek
Date Climbed: Apr 10, 1998
|I went up Poon Hill as part of my trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, long time ago. Great views!
|Posted Sep 11, 2009 11:50 am
|sikari kukur
|good timey views.
|Posted Nov 10, 2008 1:02 am
|Poon Hill
|I'll never forget the view of the sun rising on Dhauligari. I took a black and white photo, blew it up and placed it next to an Ansel Adams in my living room. Oh, do I feel good when people ask if it's an Ansel Adams too.
|Posted Aug 22, 2008 5:28 am
|Poon Hill is really just a bump on the way to the ABC. I trekked around Annapurna, climbed Poon Hill, then trekked to the Base Camp. There are excellent views of Machapuchare and Dhalagiri and other mountains, although Dhalagiri and Machapuchare are so incredible on their own that you won't look at anything else. The ease and affordability of tea-house trekking in Nepal is one of the great secrets of our world.
|Posted Dec 1, 2007 9:34 pm
|Route Climbed
Date Climbed: Feb 14, 2007
|Trek to ABC was aborted due snowstorm, so we turn to Tatopani and i was climbing Poon Hill, from Ghorepani.
|Posted Sep 30, 2007 9:55 am
|Route Climbed: Onward to the Annapurna Date Climbed: Fall of 2004
|Spectaculer sunrise from Poon Hill. Very crowded, but still amazing. Did in 1 day what most groups took 2 days to do.
|Posted Dec 8, 2005 1:18 pm
|Route Climbed: From Ghorepani Date Climbed: March, 10, 2003
|Stunning views of many peaks including two 8000 meter peaks. A wonderful highlight to my trip to Nepal. I hope to go back soon.
|Posted May 4, 2004 3:57 am
|William Marler
|Route Climbed: The regular path Date Climbed: October 1979
|Excellent views of the surrounding peaks. I was on top at sunset and at sunrise. A very special time for me.
|Posted Apr 28, 2004 2:08 pm
|Long Trek
Date Climbed: Dec 8, 2001
|A great trip. Spent 22 days on a long trek: Naya Pul to Poon Hill, Dhalagiri Base Camp, Jomsom, Paudwar, Annapurna Base Camp, etc, etc. We were supposed to climb a peak, but Kim got pregnant after we bought our plane tickets, so any serious climbing was out. At five months pregnant, she still completed all of the above (348 kms/216 miles) of trekking anyway. It was a great trip.
|Posted Apr 27, 2004 1:00 pm


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Gosselin: In 'win-or-else' season, Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett should call the plays
The longer the Cowboys go without identifying their offensive play-caller for 2013, the more I see Jason Garrett holding his play card again this fall.
And frankly, I don't blame him for fighting to maintain control of this offense. His offense. As long as he's holding that play card, Garrett controls his destiny as an NFL head coach.
The reality of the situation is Garrett could be entering his final season as head coach of the Cowboys. Jerry Jones won't brand it a win-or-else season, but after back-to-back nonplayoff years with a team ownership considers a Super Bowl contender, Garrett does indeed need to win or else.
Jones predicted after the failed 2012 season that he was going to make things uncomfortable at Valley Ranch. And thus far he has — for Garrett.
Jason's brother and offensive confidante, John, departed from the coaching staff. Then a week after Garrett praised the work of his defensive coordinator, Rob Ryan was fired. Then special teams coach Joe DeCamillis split for Chicago.
Jones also said he was no longer wedded to the idea of his head coach calling the plays for the offense. Translation: Turn the offense over to someone else. Find a fresher approach. For the last several weeks, Garrett has implied the Cowboys have been working through a process of how the plays will be called in 2013.
Jones says Garrett has called all the shots this off-season on changes in staff and philosophy. But that's not the public perception, and I doubt it's reality.
Who shows his brother the door? How do you praise a coach one week and then fire him the next? How do you say you intend to continue calling the plays, then two days later go soft on that stance? Jones himself was shopping the play-calling duties outside of the building in January.
Jones became enamored with Garrett as a head coaching prospect back in 2007 because of his offensive mind. If Garrett gives up the play-calling for what could be his final season, he would essentially become a passenger on this football team instead of its pilot.
The weekly outcomes would rest in the hands of his coordinators — Bill Callahan (offense), Monte Kiffin (defense) and Rich Bisaccia (special teams). That's a lot to ask any head coach in a potential lame-duck season. The greater the stakes, the greater the involvement — and the stakes have never been higher for Garrett.
His pride, ego and job are all on the line. Garrett doesn't believe he is the problem with the offense. He continues to envision himself as the offensive solution. He may have lost games these last two years but not his confidence.
If Garrett does hold onto the play card this fall, he must solve the disconnect between yards and points. Yards come easy when Garrett is calling the plays. Not so the points.
In 2009, when the Cowboys won their last division title and last qualified for the playoffs, they finished second in the NFL in offense but 14th in points. Their season ended in the NFC semifinal round at Minnesota, where the Cowboys failed to score a touchdown.
Last season, the Cowboys finished sixth in the NFL in yards but 15th in points. And offense is the team's strength. That's where Jones has been sinking salary-cap dollars (Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Jason Witten) and premium draft picks (Tyron Smith, Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray).
The rules have been set up to favor offense in today's NFL. Defensive backs can't touch receivers, pass rushers can't hit quarterbacks and blockers can extend their arms and grasp defenders. Since 2008, 18 NFL franchises have posted 400-point seasons. The Cowboys are not one of them.
Garrett knows he needs better balance on offense. When the Cowboys last made the playoffs, almost 33 percent of their yards and 35 percent of their offensive touchdowns came on the ground. Last season, a scant 21 percent of both the yards and TDs came on the ground.
The Cowboys have become too one-dimensional under Garrett, and if he again calls the plays, he needs to fix that. He can start with the offensive line. It could be his last chance to fix anything at Valley Ranch.
Give up the offense, give up control of your destiny.
"He's no different than any coach in the NFL," said Jones last week at the NFL scouting combine. "He needs to win."
Garrett still believes the best chance this team has of winning is with him calling the plays. We'll find out soon enough if Jones feels the same way.
Listen to Rick Gosselin at 10:50 a.m. Tuesdays on The Ticket (KTCK-AM 1310) with Norm Hitzges.
Follow Rick Gosselin on Twitter at @RickGosselinDMN


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I just finished installing my GPU and I reconnected the SSD into a different SATA port. I booted up the PC and notice that 30GB has just been taken up in the SSD. I re plug the SATA port into its original spot and Viola, got the space back.
What the hell just happened?! Never seen that before or heard of it.