text:
|The scene opens. In the palace courtyard, shrouded by the darkness of night, stand Aang, Zuko, Ty Lee, and Suki, all four of them in defensive positions. They face a lone figure cloaked in black, its hands, second and third fingers extended out of sight of the group before it, crackle with restrained electric energy, which casts a haunting bluish glow on the figure. On the rooftop far above them, two more figures, cloaked in the same manner as the lightning-wielder, watch the confrontation. Zuko, the one closest to the figure, speaks, his arms raised.
|I know that's you, Azula! Tell your friends to let Kiyi go!
|Unyielding, the cloaked Kemurikage unleashes a blast of lightning, aimed directly at Zuko; he catches it with his own fingertips, sending back at his attacker.
|You know I can redirect anything you -- ?!
|The figure has caught Zuko's return blast; Zuko, shocked, lets his guard down as the energy dances around the fingers of the cloaked figure. The figure turns the lightning loose on Zuko again; this time, it hits him squarely in the chest, hurling him backward as he yells in pain.
Gene Luen Yang - Uncle Iroh trained Zuko to redirect lightning in "Bitter Work." He later used his new skill against both Ozai and Azula. In both the animated series and the comics, lightning redirection was used to show Zuko's power, his mastery of firebending. In this scene, we're using it in the same way, only for Azula.
|Aang airbends Zuko out of the stream of electricity; Zuko hits a stone wall, thudding to a stop with a groan and sliding to the ground. As he gets to his feet, the attacker turns and flees. Ty Lee and Suki give pursuit.
|[Looking in the direction of the escaping Kemurikage as Aang rushes to his side.] I'm okay ... she's gotten strong again ...
|Suki is the first to reach the attacker, who prepares to lash out with lightning again.
|Oh, no you don't!
|As the figure rounds on Suki, she ducks under the figure's outstretched arm, tackling the figure to the ground before striking at it with a golden fan. The figure rolls out of Suki's reach and lands a spinning kick on Suki, throwing her backward. Ty Lee advances on the figure from behind, attempting to land a chi-blocking attack, but the figure deftly ducks out of the way and slaps Ty Lee in the face, who is staggered by the blow.
|Ty Lee
|Having bought itself a free moment, the figure shoots into the air with a blast of smoke. Zuko and Aang give chase, running toward Ty Lee and Suki, but they are too late.
|No ... no ...
|The figure lands on the rooftop with its compatriots, one of whom holds the still-sleeping Kiyi. They all vanish in a cloud of smoke.
|[Reaching out, as if to restrain them.] No!
|Behind Zuko, Ursa and Noren run toward the group; Zuko turns around in disbelief to face them.
|They took her, didn't they? They took my baby.
|[Head bowed in sadness.] I'm sorry.
|Ursa and Noren embrace, sobbing. Aang, Zuko, Ty Lee, and Suki simply stand in place, silent and motionless, their heads hanging.
The scene cuts to the next morning. A shot of the palace and its walled courtyard cuts to the interior of the still-dark throne room. Aang stands on the floor before the throne, while General Mak kneels before Zuko, seated on the throne.
|There were four more kidnappings last night, including Kiyi. That makes a total of thirteen. Our citizens are so frightened that many are planning to leave the city before sundown.
|I don't blame them.
|As Mak stands, Mai, Kei Lo, Suki, and Ty Lee enter.
|Zuko. I heard.
|He rises from the throne and moves to the floor; Mai and Zuko embrace tightly. The frame cuts to Kei Lo for a brief moment, showing a twinge of forlorn sadness crossing his face.
|I'm so worried.
|I know. But we'll find them. We'll find all of them.
|We have a clue as to who the Kemurikage are, at least.
|[Letting go of Mai and turning toward Aang.] Yeah, but that's why I'm worried.
|You know for sure they're not spirits?
|[Serious.] Last night, one of them shot lightning at us.
|[Comprehending and defensive.] No, it can't be! Lightning bending is rare, but it isn't that rare! That doesn't necessarily mean --
|Ty Lee
|[Reluctant.] It wasn't just the lightning, Mai. It was how she fought. How she moved.
|It was definitely Azula.
|But why would Azula want to kidnap all those kids? And her own sister?
|[An eyebrow raised.] I'm not sure.
|She's Azula. That's reason enough.
|I need to tell you something, Zuko. [Bows her head.] Last time we were here, you asked if my father was involved with the New Ozai Society. I told you I didn't know. I lied. Not only is Ukano involved -- he's their leader.
|Mai's words catch the rest of the group by surprise; they stare at her, incredulous.
|So Ukano's the leader of the New Ozai Society and the Safe Nation Society? That guy's really into societies!
Gene - Ukano's affinity for secret societies mirrors China's in the early 1900s.
|Either that, or the two organizations are actually one and the same.
|[Shocked and upset.] Why would you keep that from me?!
|[Yelling back.] He's my dad, Zuko! No matter how evil he is, I still don't like the idea of betraying him! You of all people should understand that!
|[Calmed.] You're right. I'm sorry.
|There's more. When we saw him in the streets last night, I could tell that he was trying to hide something. I think he already knew the Kemurikage weren't spirits. He may have even known about Azula.
|So you think he's working with Azula? That he has something to do with the kidnappings?
|I don't know. Maybe. Every time he's talked to me about Tom-Tom, I've gotten this weird feeling ... like his worry is for my benefit.
|[Glancing over his shoulder.] General Mak, we need to bring Ukano and his allies in for questioning. Find out exactly what they know. Seal off the Capital City. Until this situation is resolved, no one gets in or out. [Turning to face Mak, gesturing outward with his right arm.] Then send your soldiers to Ukano's home to arrest him. If he isn't there -- and I'm willing to bet he isn't -- search people's homes for him or anyone else who may have been a part of the Safe Nation Society.
|Yes, Fire Lord!
Gene - General Mak first showed up in The Promise.
|[Deeply offended by Zuko's orders; voice raised.] Zuko, this isn't the way! Please, let me find Ukano! I'll sit him down and talk to him. No soldiers!
|[Turning to face Aang and bowing his head.] Avatar Aang, thank you for your assistance up to this point. You know how much I value your wisdom and friendship.
|Why are you talking to me like that, all adult and stuff?!
|[Raising his head again, dropping the formality.] We already tried things your way, and it didn't work out! It's time for a different approach. If you're not willing to support me, then you need to leave.
|But you can't treat everybody in the city like criminals! Such drastic actions will only cause more mistrust!
|Drastic situations call for drastic actions, Aang.
|Suki, Ty Lee, please escort the Avatar out.
|[As the Kyoshi Warriors each take one of his arms, leading him toward the exit; angry.] I'm going, I'm going!
|Walking through the drapery separating the throne room from the outside, Suki and Ty Lee let go of Aang, simply walking next to him.
|[Still upset.] Zuko's one of my best friends and everything, but sometimes --
|Ty Lee
|[Placing a hand on Aang's shoulder.] -- Sometimes, he makes you so frustrated, your aura feels like it's all twisted up in knots.
|[Smiling a little.] Yeah ... something like that. [Back to his anger, somewhat lessened.] There's so much more we can do! I mean, we didn't even check Kiyi's room for evidence! If Sokka were here --
|[Smiling.] If Sokka were here, he'd sneak off to investigate on his own.
|Having said this, Suki jogs off down a corridor, calling over her shoulder to Ty Lee and Aang.
|Come on!
|The scene changes to the cave in which the kidnapped children are being kept, each of them passing the time in one of several ways. Two of the kids sit on the lower bunk of a bed, reading a book together; another two, both girls, play with dolls, while still two more play a game of Go. Away from the others, Guri and the friendly girl who comforted him when he arrived play with small models of a Fire Nation tank, a Fire Navy ship, and a komodo rhino. Guri holds the tank in the air, imitating its sound.
|[Smiling.] Chugga! Chugga! Chugga!
|Friendly girl
|See, Guri, it's not so bad here.
|As she finishes speaking, the steel door opens; all the kids turn their heads to see Ukano, accompanied by a member of the Kemurikage, who holds a sleeping child.
|Good news, children! We've brought more friends.
|Guri drops his toy tank in shock; all the kids huddle together in fear on the far side of the room, save for Tom-Tom, who runs happily to meet his father. The Kemurikage crosses the room and lays the child down on one of the beds.
|[Smiling, as Ukano greets him with open arms and a smile.] Daddy!
|It's those scary ladies! Tell me when they're gone!
|Friendly girl
|[Hugging Guri as he hides his face.] I will.
|Are we going home yet?
|[A hand on his son's head.] Not yet.
|Behind Ukano, sharply contrasting against his calm facade, another Kemurikage brings in Kiyi; she is awake and angrily fighting to get free from her captor, to no avail.
|[Flailing her arms.] Let go of me! Let go of me!
|The sedative wore off early on this one. [Putting Kiyi down, who whirls around to face her captor.] You'll stay put if you know what's good for you!
|I feel sorry for you!
|Oh, yeah? And why's that?
|[As the frame zooms on her face, rebellious and confident.] Because my big brother is Fire Lord Zuko. When he finds you, he's gonna beat you to a pulp!
|Why, you little --!
|Outraged, the cloaked figure reaches for Kiyi, but another Kemurikage at the door speaks.
|Don't waste your time.
|Relenting, the figure straightens and walks from the room. As the door closes, Kiyi stares menacingly through the gap between the door and the wall at the two figures.
|That one's got fight in her. It's in her blood.
|The door now shut, the girl named Zirin crosses to a table in the center of the room, around which a number of cloaked girls stand, unmasked and watching Azula. As both Azula and Zirin remove their masks and lower their hoods, Zirin speaks, irked.
|How much longer are we gonna have to do this?! I didn't sign up to run a daycare, Azula!
|[Smoothly.] Patience, Zirin. I broke you out of that horrible institution, remember? Watching over a few brats is the least you can do for me. [To the whole group.] Ladies, can you give me a moment with Ukano? He and I need to discuss next steps.
Gene - Azula met most of these ladies during her time in the mental institution.
Gurihiru - We were happy to have Azula back. She seems to be much more calm and not like the irrational person she used to be.
|As they leave, Ukano speaks.
|Azula, Zirin is right. We can't sustain this for much longer!
|[Shrugging off his claim.] How much do you love the Fire Nation, Ukano?
|[Frame focuses briefly on his face; as he speaks, tears start to form in his eyes.] You know my commitment! I emptied my bank account to build this headquarters for you! I subjected my family to horrors beyond imagining! I'm willing to do anything for the sake of my nation! [Wipes his tears away.] But every time I see Tom-Tom in that dank little room ... it breaks my heart.
|Oh, get ahold of yourself! Just do one last thing for me. [Her eyes fill with a crazed excitement.] I want the Safe Nation Society to lead a protest in the city streets.
|B-but we just did that last night!
|Yes, but this time, grow the protest into a riot!
|A riot?! But why? The city's citizens are already turning against Zuko! It'll only be a matter of time before they demand he step down!
|In response to his objections, Azula advances on him, pushing her face close to Ukano's; he leans away in fear as she softly berates him.
|Ukano, Ukano, Ukano. Don't you get it? For you to get what you want, I need to get what I want. And I want a riot.
|As Azula backs off, a dissatisfied Ukano walks toward the door, speaking over his shoulder at the victorious Azula.
|Fine. But I still don't see how this will get Ozai back on the throne.
|[Quietly, to herself.] Idiot. Ozai was never part of the plan.
|The scene changes; in Kiyi's room, Aang and Suki search for any evidence of the Kemurikage. Aang is lifting a bed with airbending, looking underneath it, while Suki examines a dresser. She turns to Aang.
|Nope. Not a trace. [Sets the bed back down as Suki walks over to him.] Gotta admit, Azula and her buddies have their "dark spirit" act down cold.
|Ty Lee
|[Suddenly appearing in the open window behind Aang.] Guys, guys! Come look!
|As she leaves, running across the rooftop, Aang and Suki follow; Ty Lee yells to them as they run.
|Ty Lee
|There was something about the spot where the Kemurikage disappeared last night ... something fuzzy and hard to remember ... but then I finally did! [Arriving at a wall of stone blocks, she stops and rests her hand on an oddly sized block, continuing with her explanation.] When Azula, Mai, and I used to play hide-and-go-seek as kids, Azula would disappear for hours. Mai and I could never find her! It got really, really not fun -- until we figured out her secret!
|Ty Lee pushes down on the odd block, which gives way, sliding backward into the wall. A low grinding noise grows into a loud, rumbling crescendo as the wall to Ty Lee's left slides back, forming a rectangular hole with steps leading into the darkness within. All three of them gaze into the secret entrance in wonder.
Gene - We also showed secret passageways in the Fire Nation Royal Palace in The Search.
|The scene jumps to the gates of the Capital City, where Mak's men have set up a barricade; they stand in front of a carriage, two brandishing a guandao, while the third holds a spear. The soldier in charge speaks, not only to the man in the carriage, but also to the crowd of waylaid travelers behind him.
|Until further notice, no one is allowed to leave the Capital City! Fire Lord's orders!
|Man in carriage
|[Upset.] You've gotta be kidding! Our kids are sitting turtle-ducks for those dark spirits!
|In another spot elsewhere in the city, Mak rides down a street on ostrich horseback, addressing the people as his soldiers question them.
|Forgive the intrusion, citizens, but your safety is of the utmost importance to the Fire Lord!
|Cut to a view of a soldier entering a house, over the protests of an old woman.
|Old woman
|What is the meaning of this?!
|[Without looking at the woman.] Just trying to keep you safe, ma'am.
|Old woman
|[Stepping in front of the soldier, pointing to two other soldiers examining the house.] By breaking into our homes?!
|We have reason to believe that Ukano and the Safe Nation Society have information about the missing children! We're looking for anyone or anything connected to them!
|Old woman
|That's preposterous! The Safe Nation society are heroes! And besides, why search people's homes for a group that operates in broad daylight?!
|The woman gestures to the windows, and the soldier looks out to see the Safe Nation Society, led by Ukano, marching through the streets; the frame follows them as they march.
|Safe Nation Society members
|A strong nation is a safe nation! A strong nation is a safe nation! A strong nation is a safe nation! A strong nation is a safe nation!
|Mak and his soldiers cut off Ukano and his men, standing in the road before them.
|Stop! Safe Nation Society, by order of the Fire Lord, you are all under arrest!
|This order does not sit well with the crowd around them; the people turn on Mak and his men, hurling stones and food at them and yelling from the road and the balconies.
|Man on balcony
|Boo! Boo!
|Man throwing rock
|Leave the heroes alone!
|Man throwing food
|Why don't you go attack the dark spirits instead of your own people?!
|Frame cuts briefly to Ukano's eyes as a bead of sweat rolls down his face.
|[Thinking to himself.] This is going to be easier than I thought. [He turns to his men.] Can you believe this, Safe Nation Society?! We are fighting to protect our children, and instead of thanking us, Fire Lord Zuko treats us like common criminals! Will we stand for this injustice?!
|Safe Nation Society members
|[Unanimously.] NO!
|[Pointing at the soldiers.] Resist, Safe Nation Society! Resist the impostor's forces at all costs!
|Ukano's men whirl around; yelling, they attack the soldiers any way they can. The next few shots appear in quick succession: a firebending Society member, wielding a ball of flame at his foot, sends a kick at two soldiers at close range as they try to avoid it; two Society members throw pottery at two more soldiers, who dodge out of the way as the projectiles crash through a window behind them; two Society members find themselves cornered by three soldiers, who corral them with firebending. The shot jumps briefly to Ukano, who has escaped the riot and hides as the soldiers capture his men one by one.
The scene cuts to Kei Lo, who stands in Mura's flower shop talking to Mura.
|I'm sorry, Kei Lo. Mai didn't say where she was going.
|Kei Lo
|I have an idea. Thanks, Mura.
|Without warning, a large earthen vase crashes through the shop's front window. As broken glass flies in every direction, Kei Lo throws himself between the window and Mura, who screams in fear. When the dust settles, Kei Lo walks onto the porch, where the riot continues: two Society members run down the street, while a soldier apprehends one of the rioters.
|Kei Lo
|What's going on out here?! [A rioter brushes past him, colliding with him; angrily.] Watch it!
|As he regards the person who bumped into him, he is surprised to recognize the person.
|Kei Lo
|[Panicked.] Kei Lo, run! They're arresting anyone connected to Ukano!
|Kei Lo
|But I'm not anymore!
|Try telling them that!
|During their conversation, they have been surrounded by Fire Nation soldiers, all of whom wield blazing tongues of fire at their hands.
|You two! Hands where we can see 'em!
|The scene changes, showing a Fire Nation airship floating above the harbor of the Capital City. Cut to the airship's bridge, where a smiling Iroh, looking down at the ground below, is addressed by the captain.
|We're approaching the coast of the main island, General Iroh.
|Thank you, Captain.
|[Standing at the wheel; when he speaks, Iroh turns to look at him.] What brings you back to the Fire Nation?
|[Raising the teacup in his hand.] National Tea Appreciation Day will soon be upon us! We must begin preparations!
Gene - Uncle Iroh instituted the first National Tea Appreciation Day while he was interim Fire Lord.
|Really? I thought National Tea Appreciation Day was a one-time thing.
|Oh, no! It's been woven into the fabric of Fire Nation culture!
|Neat. So Fire Lord Zuko called for a planning meeting?
|[Still smiling, looking down at his teacup; he pauses for a moment before answering.] Not exactly.
|[As the frame shows the airship's exterior.] He doesn't really even know what National Tea Appreciation Day is, does he?
|No. But he will!
|The scene changes. In the courtyard of the Capital City Prison, Mak talks to Zuko, who is accompanied by Mai and two soldiers.
|We don't have complete control of the situation yet, but it's settled down considerably. It's no longer a riot.
|[Stunned.] There was a riot?!
|[To Mak.] Was my father there?
|Yes, but he slipped away before we were able to get to him.
|[Looking away from Mak.] Figures.
|We'll find him, Mai.
|As Zuko takes Mai's hand, Mak continues.
|My troops were able to apprehend most of the Safe Nation Society. Speaking of which --
|Mak gestures to the gate behind him, where a large mobile prison cell pulled by two komodo rhinos is entering the courtyard. When it rolls to a stop, the prisoners begin filing off.
|[To Mak.] Ready the interrogation rooms.
|Kei Lo and Hing step out of the cell in turn, following the flow of prisoners into the prison. Mai does not fail to notice his appearance.
|Kei Lo?!
|As he hears Mai's shocked voice, Kei Lo turns around, looking at her, but he does not stop walking. Mai turns to Zuko, their hands separating.
|Zuko, this is obviously a mistake! Get him out of those cuffs!
|[Quietly, more to himself than to Mai.] I'm not so sure ...
|As Mai follows, Zuko catches up to Kei Lo and pulls him aside. Hing stops as well.
|[Serious.] What were you doing with the Safe Nation Society, Kei Lo?
|Kei Lo
|They bumped into me! Literally!
|[Subdued.] Sorry.
|[His tone raised; accusing.] You've betrayed your allies before! Who's to say you aren't acting as a double agent now?
|Kei Lo
|[Outraged.] You're kidding me, right? Don't you remember who saved your hide out in the forest?
|Zuko! Stop being ridiculous!
|A long, heated moment passes, in which Zuko and Kei Lo, both infuriated with the other, glare viciously at each other, while Mai stares at Zuko. Zuko turns away from Kei Lo, fists clenched and head bowed.
|Release him, General Mak.
|[Removing Kei Lo's handcuffs.] As you wish.
|As Kei Lo rubs his wrists, he walks behind Zuko toward Mai, speaking to Zuko as he does.
|Kei Lo
|Don't think I don't know what this is really about, Fire Lord. You just gotta accept that she's with me now. Life will be easier for everybody.
|Having said this, Kei Lo walks to Mai and embraces her. Upset and defeated, Zuko closes his eyes but is quickly distracted by Aang's voice calling him.
|Zuko! [As Zuko turns to see Aang, Ty Lee, and Suki behind him.] We've been looking all over for you!
|Aang? I thought you left.
|[His expression pointed, his tone not cordial.] Well, you thought wrong, buddy! Suki, Ty Lee, and I found something you gotta see! Come on!
|[Behind Zuko, he speaks, prompting Zuko to look at him instead.] Fire Lord, the sun will set before we know it. We need a plan or our people will rise up again.
|[Walking away from both Aang and Mak.] I'm sorry, Aang, but General Mak is right. Like I told you, I need to handle this my way.
|Even if your way is stupid?!
|Zuko does not answer. In response, Aang begins airbending, forming a whirling air scooter between his hands while sticking his tongue out of the corner of his mouth.
|[To Suki and Ty Lee.] Stand back.
|What are you doing?
|Getting the Fire Lord's attention.
|Without warning, Aang launches the ball of whirling air at Zuko. He turns around in time to see it racing at him but is unable to evade it. The airball knocks him off his feet, and Aang uses it to catch Zuko before speeding from the courtyard on his own air scooter, guiding Zuko, who floats on his back on his airscooter just ahead of Aang, in the direction of the city.
|What the -- Aang! Put me down immediately!
|I will -- as soon as you take a look at what we found!
|As the two speed toward the city, the frame cuts to Ty Lee, Suki, Mai, and Kei Lo as they run from the prison, giving chase.
|Kei Lo
|What's' going on?
|I don't know, but I'm gonna find out.
|Moments later, Aang and Zuko arrive on the rooftop, next to the passage entrance. Aang stops airbending, dropping Zuko on his back on the hard surface, and pushes the key brick, opening the passage.
|Oof! [After catching his breath.] Don't ever do that again!
|[Half-listening.] Okay, okay, but look!
|Shocked by seeing the passage, Zuko drops his protest. The other four join them on the roof as he talks.
|A secret passageway! So you think this is how Azula and the other Kemurikage escaped? How did you figure this out?
|Ty Lee
|I remembered it from when we were little. You really should've come exploring with us more, Zuko.
|I really should've. [A short pause.] Kiyi could be on the other side.
|Tom-Tom, too. I'm coming along.
|Kei Lo
|We're coming along.
|Suki, Ty Lee, please stay to keep guard over the royal palace.
|Ty Lee
|You got it, Zuko!
|Zuko and Aang bend small tongues of flame with their hands and lead the way down the tunnel as Mai and Kei Lo follow.
The scene changes. Having escaped the riot, Ukano sits at the table in the cave, talking to Azula. His demeanor is downcast.
|It took Zuko's forces several hours to quell the riot. My followers -- all those young people who put their faith in me -- have been arrested. The city's more agitated than ever. [Turns to look at Azula, who stands over him, smiling.] I did everything you asked. Now, please, let Tom-Tom go. Let all the children go.
|Oh, yes! Right away! A deal's a deal, after all!
|[Hands clasped in relief as Azula walks to the steel door, inserting the key into the lock.] Thank you, thank you, Azula!
|But wait.
|Removing the key from the lock, Azula turns to Ukano, whose face has again fallen into fear and despair.
|[Eyes closed in mock thoughtfulness.] Let's think this through ... What would happen if we were to release all the little darlings? [Disdainfully, as the frame focuses on her face.] They'd go scampering back to their parents, no doubt. [She approaches Ukano, a hint of insanity visible in her face.] And a few of them would even talk about us, maybe even lead the Fire Lord's forces here.
|[Thoroughly unsettled.] N-no! N-not necessarily! They might --
|They would expose my sisters and me before we're ready. [Moving her face close to his.] Is that really what you want, Ukano?!
|Of course not! B-but --
|[Turning away from him.] So we are in agreement, then. We will keep our young guests here until the time is right. Good talk, Ukano. Good talk.
|As Azula leaves, Ukano stands behind her, his expression as desperate as before; his arm is raised in her direction, as if to stop her. The frame switches to the other side of the door, where Tom-Tom stares at it. Behind him, Guri and another boy in gray play with their action figures.
|Friendly girl
|Come play, Tom-Tom.
|But there was that clicking noise. My dad always comes in after that clicking noise.
|Boy in gray
|[To Guri.] How come Tom-Tom's dad visits him? What about our moms and dads?
|Tom-Tom's dad is here 'cause he's a bad guy, just like the scary ladies.
|Tom-Tom, hearing Guri insult Ukano, runs at Guri and hits him from behind.
|That's not true! You take that back!
|Make me!
|As they fight, Kiyi silences them with an annoyed yell; she stands between them and the door, facing toward the latter. Her eyes are closed as she goes through the motions of a firebending form.
|Will you boys be quiet?! I'm trying to concentrate here!
|Friendly girl
|What're you doing, Kiyi!
|Friendly girl
|Practicing what?
|I'm not sure ... but this one time, when Zuko didn't know I was looking, I watched him do this in the courtyard. I think it's what makes him so brave.
|Meanwhile, in the tunnel, Aang turns to Mai and Kei Lo as they climb a flight of stone steps in the semi-darkness.
|Watch your step here, guys.
|Kei Lo
|Don't worry, Aang. [Takes Mai's hand.] We got it.
|Reaching the top of the staircase, the four come across a stone wall blocking the passage.
|This must be it. Behind this door could be Kiyi and Tom-Tom.
|And Azula.
|The two brace themselves against the wall, and light begins to appear around its edges.
|You ready?
|As they push against the wall, it slowly rotates open with a prolonged creak, and the four step out of the tunnel into daylight. A fine mist suffuses the air around them. They stand in a large, quiet garden filled with carved rock monoliths, all of which betray their old age through the patchy moss and vines creeping over them, and the cracks and chips in the stone.
Gene - The dome-shaped tombs in this graveyard were inspired by ancient Asian graveyards. In China's Fujian Province and in Japan's Ryukyu Islands, tombs were sometimes made to look like tortoiseshells. People smarter than me speculate that this was done to put the deceased under the care of the Black Tortoise, one of the Four Celestial Beings in Asian folklore. Incidentally, I used the Four Celestial Beings in The Shadow Hero, a graphic novel I did with my friend Sonny Liew.
Gurihiru - We used the tomb we saw on our trip to China as reference.
|[Looking around.] I've been here before. This is the royal family graveyard.
|I thought that's what the Dragonbone Catacombs were for.
|No, the Catacombs are only for the Fire Lords. This place is for everyone else. It's called the Garden of Tranquil Souls.
|[Looking around, skeptical.] Really? Well, I hate to break it to you, Zuko, but the souls here don't seem all that tranquil!
|The frame zooms out, revealing that four Kemurikage have surrounded the group, who take up defensive positions, ready for a fight.
The scene returns to the palace; Iroh wanders the empty corridors, bewildered by the lack of people.
|[Looking around, calling out.] Hello? Hello! Where is everyone?
|Coming upon a large, seemingly vacant room, Iroh is surprised to find Ursa kneeling in its center. Saying nothing, he walks to her and sees that she holds a small, homemade doll. Seeing this, Iroh's expression shifts from curiosity to that of deep sorrow. He kneels next to Ursa on the stone floor, maintaining his silence.
The scene moves to Ukano; in the cave, he kneels before the steel door, his head pressed against it.
|All I wanted was for us to be safe. Our family, our nation, everybody. Safe. And in my zeal, I delivered you into the hands of a madwoman, to be locked away in a dingy underground prison! [Tears begin to roll down his face.] I'm sorry, Tom-Tom. All of you in there ... I'm sorry. There's no punishment severe enough for the likes of me.
|As Ukano begins to weep openly, the shot moves to the other side of the door, where Tom-Tom, Guri, the friendly girl, the boy in gray, and another, smaller girl have noticed the sound of Ukano's sobs through the steel. They stare at the door.
|Friendly girl
|What was that?!
|This one time my mom stepped on our frog-dog's tail by accident and he made a sound just like that!
|Another sob is heard through the door.
|Small girl
|[Clinging to the friendly girl in fear.] There's a frog-dog out there? I hate frog-dogs!
|That's not a frog-dog -- that's my dad! I think he's crying.
|That's stupid! Adults don't cry! It's a frog-dog!
|[Rounding on Guri.] You just call my dad a frog-dog?! Why, you --!
Gurihiru - We actually laughed at the children's reactions when we drew this. Sorry, Ukano! You are looking so sad.
|[Still practicing the firebending form, interrupting Tom-Tom as he grabs Guri.] Boys, be quiet! And move! I think I figured something out!
|The frame switches back to Ukano, now sitting with his back leaned against the door; looking away from the door itself, he does not see the brilliant golden light pouring through the rectangular viewing slot above him.
|I'm sorry ... so sorry ...
|He suddenly pulls his head away from the door, turning around to look at it; the steel where his head was, has begun to melt, and a small column of smoke rises from its surface.
|[Baffled.] Wha --?
|The door continues to melt as Ukano backs away from it; molten steel begins to drip downward toward the floor. As the hole continues to widen, it suddenly stops, and the smoke clears to reveal Kiyi on the other side, a smoking fist outstretched toward the door. Her companions, standing behind her, wear expressions ranging from amazement to pure terror.
Gene - We discussed whether or not Kiyi should be a Firebender. You can see our conclusion on this page.
|Hang on, children! I'll go get a bucket!
|Moments later, two emptied buckets lie on the floor near the door, and the children stand on the other side of the door, celebrating their liberation. Tom-Tom runs to his father, who embraces him in relief.
|[Celebrating.] Hooray for Kiyi! Hooray for Kiyi!
|[Gazing at Kiyi, his eyes replaced by hearts.] Marry me!
|[Nonchalantly walking past him.] No thanks.
|[His expression deadening as he speaks.] Listen, children! A terrible, terrible crime has been committed against you! The perpetrators must go to prison ... and that includes me.
|What do you mean, Daddy?
|[As the frame switches to show a few of the children.] But before that, we need to get you back to your parents!
|[Ecstatic; loudly.] Yay!
|And before that, you must keep your voices down so we won't get caught by the scary ladies!
|The children clasp their hands to the mouths, falling silent, their expressions morphed from jubilation to wide-eyed fear. Ukano stands and leads them from the room, pointing ahead of him.
Gene - In panels 3 and 4 on this page, Gurihiru perfectly capture the goofy expressions children make.
|Now follow me!
|The scene returns to the graveyard, where the Kemurikage fight Aang, Zuko, Mai, and Kei Lo, each of whom is engaged with a single opponent. Aang earthbends at a figure flying over him, while Zuko firebends at another figure above him. Mai combats her opponent with knives, while opposite her, Kei Lo slashes at the last figure with a knife. The action focuses on Mai, whose opponent deftly evades her knives and goes on the offensive, planting a foot in her stomach, sending her tumbling backward with a grunt of pain. As her attacker jumps in front of her, Mai suddenly launches another knife; the blade cuts its way through the fabric of the figure's hood, barely missing its neck. Mai rises to her feet as the figure nonchalantly lowers its hood and removes its mask.
|Nice throw, Mai! You've been practicing!
|Azula! Where are you hiding those kids?!
|[Lashing out with lightning, which Mai easily dodges.] Tsk, tsk. Manners, manners! Is that any way to greet an old friend? I really ought to thank you, you know! [Her fingers crackle with electricity, but her arms are lowered as she talks.] Remember that one time you, me, and Ty Lee had a sleepover at your place?
Gene - The flashback here is inspired by a story my parents used to tell me when I was a kid. Whenever I misbehaved, they would threaten to call an old witch who lived in the hills. Sometimes, for extra drama, they would even pick up the phone and begin to dial. Supposedly, the witch would come down and drag disobedient children back up to her house by their earlobes. My parents told me you could tell which children were bad by how long their earlobes were.
Don't worry. I'm all better now.
|The time you made me steal mochi from my mom? I remember.
|"Made you"? Please. You give me too much credit, Mai. I merely suggested it. You're the one who insisted on going through with it.
|The frame switches to a flashback, a sepia-toned shot of the three girls sitting around a half-empty container of mochi, which Azula is eating.
|Afterward, you wouldn't touch the mochi at all. Ty Lee was worried about negative energies or whatever, so I had to eat it all by my lonesome.
|Cut back to the present; Mai brandishes more knives while responding to Azula, her face unpleasant.
|My mom had made that mochi for my grandmother's seventieth birthday. She told us specifically not to touch it.
|Oh, your mother may have said something like that. It's hard to recall. It was so long ago --
|Back in the flashback, a shot of Azula, wide awake while Ty Lee and Mai sleep; the princess stares, wide-eyed, at Mai, who is muttering quietly.
|All I know is, you were horribly annoying that night, tossing and turning and mumbling over and over ...
|[In flashback.] Kemurikage ... Kemurikage are gonna get me ... Kemurikage ...
|Back in the present, Azula's eyes are wild as she holds her hands to her head in mock thought.
|I've wondered ever since: What could possibly flap my most unflappable friend? [Abruptly calm, more collected than before.] Recently, I found out. The Kemurikage are dark spirits of legend, born of fear and anger and revenge. My kind of ladies.
|[Flinging the knives at Azula.] Shut up already!
|Easily dodging Mai's knives, Azula shoots lightning at Mai, knocking her off her feet. Standing over her, Azula casually examines her black-and-purple robes.
|My new friends and I took our inspiration from your little nightmare. What do you think? Not a bad rendition, hm?
|While Azula talks, Kei Lo runs up behind her, seen only by Mai.
|Eh. [Kei Lo collides with Azula, staggering her as Mai rises to her feet again.] Purple isn't really your color, Azula.
Gene - I disagree with Mai. I think Azula looks great in purple.
|[Rounding on Kei Lo; infuriated, she strikes him with lightning.] Who is this imbecile?!
|Kei Lo
|[Falling to the ground with a scream.] Ack!
|Kei Lo!
|Swooping down on Kei Lo, Azula grabs him by his collar, raising him off the ground and glaring wildly into his wincing face, brandishing a threatening blue flame in her free hand.
|Please tell me this isn't your new boyfriend, Mai! Zuzu wasn't all that great a catch, but, dear, you're really slumming it!
|Azula, please! Leave him alone!
|The sound of Zuko's voice distracts Azula from Kei Lo; she turns her head to see him brandishing flames of his own.
|Listen to her. Leave him alone.
|[Her initial surprise replaced by a casual air.] Zuzu! Trying to win back your ex-girlfriend by defending her new boyfriend? That's just sad.
|Throwing Kei Lo aside, Azula unleashes her fire on Zuko as he does the same. Where their flames meet, they explode outward in a clashing blast of blue and yellow, leading Mai and Kei Lo to shield their faces with their arms. As the blast dissipates, Azula turns and runs from Zuko, shrouding herself with smoke. Zuko immediately gives chase.
Gene - This is a nod to Zuko and Azula's final confrontation in the series finale, one of the most beautifully rendered martial arts fights ever, in my opinion.
|Azula! Stop! [Stopping for a moment in front of Mai, he tries to talk.] Mai --?
|[Pointing in Azula's direction.] Don't worry about me! Go after that nutcase!
|As Zuko disappears into the graveyard, Mai tends to Kei Lo, who holds his shoulder.
|[Concerned.] You okay?
|Kei Lo
|Yeah. But I have to tell you, before we started dating, I never used to get injured this often.
|You know what they say. Love hurts.
|Kei Lo
|I guess it does.
|The scene switches to Ukano, leading the group of children up a torch-lit stone staircase.
|[Pointing ahead, while smiling at the group behind him.] Come along, children! Stay together and stay quiet! The exit is right around the -- [As he turns back toward the top of the stairs, his eyes widen in terror.] -- corner.
|The frame zooms out, revealing not only Ukano and the children, but also two Kemurikage-imposters standing at the top of the staircase, right in front of them. As Tom-Tom grips his father's arm tightly and Kiyi, behind them, puts a protective hand in front of a terrified Guri, the two cloaked figures silently spin around, their gazes coming to rest on the group of would-be escapees.
The scene returns to the quiet room in the palace, in which Ursa and Iroh kneel on the floor next to each other. Ursa continues to look at the small doll in her hands. As she breaks the silence, Iroh opens an eye to look at her.
|[Smiling halfheartedly.] I made this doll with my own hands. You can tell from the terrible stitching. It was her birthday present last year. Kiyi carried it with her everywhere she went ... [Her expression sinks back into sadness, and she closes her eyes.] ... until the night my face changed back. Now she won't touch it. Now she won't touch me. [Raising her eyes toward the ceiling.] What if this is how it will always be from now on? What if I never get the chance to --
|[Smiling softly.] We have no reason to lose hope, Ursa.
|[Turning her head, looking at Iroh.] Can I ask you something, Iroh? Something terribly personal?
|Of course. Anything.
|How did you get over the death of your son?
|[Still smiling.] I'm not over it. I will never be over it. [Dropping his gaze to the floor, the smile fading into seriousness.] As parents, we want nothing more than for our children to be safe. Unfortunately, this world is an inherently unsafe place. So many dangers, so much to fear. No matter how hard we try, we can never keep our children completely safe. [He looks back at Ursa, who clutches the doll tightly.] Better to teach them -- and ourselves -- to see the fear with unclouded eyes.
Gene - Iroh's words here echo a parental pep talk a friend gave me.
|I try to stay positive. Honestly, I try ... but it's all just a mask. Deep down, all I feel is fear.
|[As the frame returns to the far shot of the room.] Ursa, the fear will always be with you. Always, even after she returns. You must learn to see it with unclouded eyes.
|The scene returns to the graveyard, where Aang battles the remaining three Kemurikage on his own. Planting his left hand on the ground, he spins on it, sending a arcing wave of air at his opponents. While one of them is hit and crashes to the ground, two of them escape the attack, and one of them soars over the blast of air and descends on Aang with a flaming foot extended downward at him. Aang throws himself out of the way with a groan as the firebending figure hits the earth with crushing force, sending fire spraying outward from the point of impact.
|As the flame dissipate, Aang regains his footing and sends a pointed blast of air at the attacking figure. It catches her right in the chest and sends her tumbling away from him. Above and behind him, the other two attackers rapidly advance on him. Sensing their presence, Aang earthbends a slanted pillar between himself and them just before they reach him. The Kemurikage crash into it and fall limply to the earth, unconscious. Unopposed, Aang looks around, seeing no one.
|Zuko? Mai? Kei Lo? Hey! Where'd everybody go?!
|From somewhere close by, Aang hears a voice.
|Looking in the direction of the voice, Aang realizes that it is coming from inside a stone monument built into the side of a large rock. He runs to the monument and earthbends its surface off, pushing it aside to reveal a large cave behind it. A staircase leads downward to Aang's right and on the first landing stand the two Kemurikage, who have pushed Ukano against the rock wall and threaten him with firebending while the children watch.As the entrance opens, the children turn their heads toward the exit.
|Friendly girl
|[Pointing at Aang.] Look! It's the Avatar!
|[Cacophonously calling out.] Hi, Avatar!
|[Waving.] Hi, kids! We've been looking all over for you!
|Seeing Aang at the top of the stairs pulls the two Kemurikage's attention away from Ukano. They release him unceremoniously, and he drops to the floor as Tom-Tom rushes to him. In the blink of an eye, the cloaked figures, throwing their arms outward, firebend hissing whips of flame and sweep up the stairway toward a visibly shocked Aang.
The scene jumps back to Zuko chasing Azula. He follows her as she runs into a crypt shaped like a lion turtle.
|Wait, Azula! I just want to talk!
|Reaching the entrance to the crypt, Zuko stops running and lights a flame in his palm for light. He begins to walk down the steps cautiously.
|Azula ... ?
|The door to the crypt loudly slams shut behind Zuko, and he looks briefly back at it before continuing onward into the crypt's main room. Within the chamber, lit by small blue tongues of fire in sconces on the walls, he finds Azula sitting casually on the stone coffin, calmly holding a blue flame in her hand and glancing in his direction.
|Hello, dear brother. Any idea whose crypt we're in?
|It belongs to the first Fire Lord's most trusted adviser. Rather fancy, isn't it?
|Listen, Azula -- [Hesitating before continuing.] -- Maybe this is a weird thing to say given the circumstances, but you seem ... better.
|[Lighting a second fire in her other hand.] Oh, not just better --
|She rises to her feet and lunges wildly at Zuko, her fire reformed into daggers.
|-- Stronger!
|Meanwhile, in the tunnel, Aang tries to avoid the Kemurikage's fire whips, jumping out of the way as they slash at him. In the process of dodging a strike over his head, Aang inadvertently moves right into the cloud of smoke the Kemurikage have left behind and begins to choke on it.
|[Thinking to himself while coughing.] Monkey feathers! Took a breath at the exact wrong --
|One of the figures attacks Aang while his guard is down, kicking him in the back; he tumbles down the stairs and does not move when he stops.
|[Looking at Aang through the dissipating cloud of smoke, she speaks to her compatriot.] Who knew a little smoke in the lungs was all it took to get the better of the mighty Avatar?
|At that moment, Mai and Kei Lo descend the stairs and ambush the Kemurikage in turn, assaulting them from behind; Mai punches one in the back of the head, while Kei Lo kicks the other in the upper back. Both of the cloaked figures sprawl to the stone floor, unconscious. While Kei Lo watches the motionless Kemurikage, Mai rushes to Aang's side, helping him up.
|[Running to his sister, overjoyed.] Mai!
|[Opening her arms and kneeling to hug him.] Tom-Tom! [As they hug each other.] I missed you so much, kid.
|From below them on the stairs, Ukano watches the reuniting of his daughter and son. He smiles.
As Aang, Mai, and Kei Lo's battle ends, Zuko's is just beginning. As Azula launches herself at Zuko, he jumps backward to avoid the slash of her flaming dagger. Separated from her, he ignites two daggers of his own.
|You wanna go? Let's go.
|Simultaneously, the siblings launch themselves at each other.
Gene - We wanted Zuko and Azula's fight to feel grittier than any of their previous fights. Hence, fire daggers.
|Zuko and Azula
|[Yelling.] AAAH!
|They clash and, held together by their dual parry, stare intensely at each other before Azula breaks them apart, kicking Zuko in the stomach and sending him to the ground. In a heartbeat, Azula is on top of him, wielding a single dagger and wearing an insanely victorious expression.
|Me standing over you like this ... Why does it feel so familiar? Oh, that's right! Because this is the way it's always been!
|Getting rid of me won't put you back on the throne, Azula! Just accept it. You will never be Fire Lord!
|Accept it? I've embraced it! [She lets go of him, standing as she dissipates the dagger.] I know I will never be Fire Lord because I'm not meant to be Fire Lord! You were right all along, Zuzu! Once I discovered my own destiny, that voice in my head finally shut up! [Closes her eyes, her tone becoming relaxed.] I've felt weightless ever since ... free. Maybe for the first time in all my life.
|[Unsure, lighting a precautionary flame.] That's, uh ... That's great, Azula ... I guess ...
|[Opening her eyes, her expression fierce again.] My destiny, you see, is to make you into the Fire Lord I tried to be -- one who's strong, who rules through fear! Can't you see? It's already working!
|The conversation is interrupted; hearing Kiyi's voice above him, Zuko raises his gaze to the ceiling.
|Zuzu? Zuzu, where are you?
|[Happy.] You hear that? My friends found the children and freed them. We've won.
|Oh, I disagree. [Drawing close to Zuko, she stares into his eyes, unsettling him.] In the last twenty-four hours, I've shown just how ruthless you can be. Deep down inside, you're still one of us. You can deny it for a little while, but eventually, you will become just like me ... [Steps away from Zuko.] ... and then, in a sense, I'll be Fire Lord again.
|As Azula finishes, smoke begins to fill the room. Zuko, unwilling to accept her ideas, yells at her through the haze.
|No! You're wrong!
|As the haze dissipates, Zuko looks around frantically for Azula, even as her voice echoes through the chamber.
|Take your own advice, Zuzu, and accept it. It's who you are.
|Moments later, having ascended the stairs and found the doors open, Zuko emerges into the graveyard and finds Aang, Kei Lo, Mai, and Ukano, along with the children. Seeing him, Kiyi runs to him, and he kneels to hug her.
|Kiyi! I can't tell you how worried I was about you!
|I wasn't worried at all! I knew you'd come for us!
|Zuko stands, still holding Kiyi in his arms, and smiles at Mai, who is holding Tom-Tom. The two exchange happy looks of gratitude.
The scene jumps to the following morning. Outside the Capital City prison, Ukano holds Tom-Tom, while Mai and a guard look on.
|[Sad and distressed.] But when's the next time I'm gonna see you?
|I'm not sure, Tom-Tom. You take care of your mom and sister, you hear?
|Giving Tom-Tom to Mai, Ukano turns to the guard, who places him in handcuffs. Tom-Tom's eyes well up with tears.
|Father, you deserve to go to prison for what you've done. [Her expression softens.] But in the end, you were brave. And that's how I'll choose to remember you.
|[As he is led away.] That's more than I have a right to ask, my daughter.
|The scene changes. Zuko, accompanied by Sung, Mak, Suki, Ty Lee, and Aang, stands facing a large crowd gathered in the palace courtyard. From the porch of the palace, the Fire Lord addresses his subjects.
|My fellow citizens, thank you for gathering here on such short notice. [Close zoom on his face.] The last few days have been traumatic for all of us. [Cut to a view of the friendly girl, in the arms of her father, who stands next to his wife in the crowd.] Our children were taken -- [Cut to a view of Guri, in the arms of his mother.] -- our parents grew fearful -- [Cut to a view of Ursa, Noren, and Kiyi sitting on his shoulder.] -- and our streets descended into chaos. [Frame returns to Zuko.] And as your Fire Lord, I ... well ... I responded poorly. [Shot of Aang, listening intently.] Security and freedom exist in a delicate balance. I did not maintain that balance well. [View of Sung and Mak, as the former, without moving his head, turns his eyes on Zuko.] My recent decisions were based not on reason, not on wisdom, but on fear. [View of the old woman whose house was searched by soldiers, who watches with raised eyebrows.] For that, I ask your forgiveness. [View of a number of civilians, including the bespectacled young man and his pith-helmet-wearing grandfather.] You should never feel like prisoners in your own city, or suspects in your own homes. [Back to Zuko.] I resolve to do better. I will continue striving to be a Fire Lord worthy of you. I'm grateful for your patience. I'm grateful for your trust.
Gene - So many of our political disagreements these days can be boiled down to a tension between security and freedom, don't you think?
|Just before Zuko finishes his speech, the view shifts; three Kemurikage stand looking down on the crowd and the Fire Lord from the edge of a neighboring rooftop. As the view switches to a frontal shot, the foremost of the figures is revealed to be Azula. She listens to Zuko's final words with an intense look and a small smile, holding her mask in her hand.
As Zuko finishes, the crowd below breaks into a roaring applause. Azula dons her mask.
|How touching.
|A cloud of smoke surrounds the three, and when it clears, the rooftop is empty.
The scene changes to Mura's flower shop. Mura stands on the porch with a broom in her hand, looking over her shoulder at Mai and Kei Lo, who stand facing each other within the shop, talking. After a moment, Mai covers her face with her hands, and Kei Lo turns away from her, walking out of the shop as Mura resumes sweeping, as if nothing has happened.
|[Speaking amicably over her shoulder at Kei Lo, who covers his face with his arm.] Leaving so soon, Kei Lo? But you just got here!
|Kei Lo
|I know, I ... I've got stuff to do.
|When will we see you again?
|Kei Lo
|I don't know. Maybe never.
|Without so much as a look behind him, Kei Lo steps off the porch and walks down the street alone, as a somewhat worried Mura looks on.
The scene moves to a darkened hallway within the Capital City prison. Iroh and Ursa stand outside a closed cell door, the latter holding a lantern.
|Are you sure you're ready?
|Remember, unclouded eyes.
|A look of resolve on her face, Ursa enters the room alone. The light from the corridor falls past her but does not reach the prisoner within the room, who kneels behind an iron cage which stretches from floor to ceiling and wall to wall.
|Ursa. I heard you'd returned. [A dark smile breaks across his face.] That was a mistake. [As he continues, his face contorts with increasing rage.] I promised you that if I ever saw you again, I would end you and everyone you've ever loved! But I'm going to do so much more than that. By the time I'm through, you will beg for oblivion! You hear me, you wretched thing?! You. Will. Beg!
|A moment passes, and the frame focuses on Ursa's eyes as she, sweating slightly, stares terror-struck at Ozai. She closes her eyes, as if focusing on something. When she opens them again, her eyes, calm and unyielding, are locked with his, holding his gaze firmly. As Ozai listens to her, the shock of hearing her words becomes evident in his expression.
|You. I see you. After all these years, I finally see you, Ozai. You're just a small, small man trying with all your might to be big. Your heart is so small, you've no room for your son, or your daughter, or your brother ... or even yourself. Goodbye, Ozai.
|She turns away from him and walks toward the door.
|B-b-but --! [Regaining his composure, he rises to his feet, gripping the bars of his cell.] D-don't you turn your back on me! Come back and grovel before me! Do you hear me?! Come back and grovel!
|Ursa ignores Ozai and walks out of the room without even a backward glance. Moments later, she stands in her family's darkened bedroom; Noren and Kiyi sleep in the bed before her. Walking to Kiyi's side of the bed, she softly places a hand on her daughter's shoulder. Drowsily, Kiyi turns her head to look at Ursa and smiles at her.
|Mommy ... you're back.
|[A tear in her eye as she smiles in return.] I'm back.
Gene - It took us a long time, both in the script and in the art, to get the second-to-last panel right.
|Climbing into bed, Ursa puts an arm around Kiyi. Soon, both are asleep.
Cast Edit
"Smoke and Shadow Part Two"
"Smoke and Shadow Part Three"
"North and South Part One"
Main Edit
Antagonists Edit
Minor Edit


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Trucker Ben 10
Hi boys! The game is waited for here! Are you ready a please to drive a truck with Ben 10? Are you in to jump over adventure to adventure? How much do you like trucks? Driving a truck with ben 10 is amazing dude! If you want to join Ben 10's adventure, just click "PLAY" button. Then use all your skills to collect HEALTH POINTS for omnitrix. Ben 10 needs your help to complete this heavy duty. Just drive the truck in a right way to help Ben 10 and collect all the health points. So, do you have enough courage to make real it? Are you capable that to make it? Of course you are a courageous boy. Then why are you still here! Go and start the game. In the game you need to use just Arrow Keys and SPACEBAR. Control your truck with Arrow keys and go along the way. Use spacebar to use your shield. Do not forget that you have too many enemies because Ben 10 is your best friend. You need to protect yourself against them. Keep following us on Ben 10 Games :)

subset: commoncrawl


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Gatsby Rugs in Mocha offer classically elegant designs featuring a contemporary twist that are handmade in China with a luxurious, 100% Polyester pile. Gatsby Rugs are part of the stunning Nourison rug collection and this "collectors" quality is designed to beautifully accentuate any decor. PLEASE NOTE: Special Order sizes come direct from New York with a 6 - 8 week lead time.
Delivery Costs: This item qualifies for FREE UK delivery
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Ettinger Law Firm
location on Google Maps.
in new tab.
on social media.
Ettinger Law Firm focuses exclusively on estate planning and elder law. Our attorneys and paralegals work to provide asset protection and tax savings for baby boomers and senior citizens. Practicing for over twenty years and with offices in thirteen New York State locations, Ettinger Law Firm has prepared thousands of estate plans for generations of middle class families. The recent economic crisis has redefined affluence and what people need and want in their financial lives. Every day we observe how safety, simplicity and even predictability are becoming watchwords. From our experience, we know that carefully created trusts are some of the best tools to preserve and even extend the value of your assets - even in the event of unexpected changes. Due to our focus on using trusts in estate plans, we help save countless thousands of dollars for our clients every year.


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Large Jungle Lot Cinco Ventanas
Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Ojochal
Reference: 079-00140
This lot is very near the Cinco Ventanas Commercial Centre and Playa Ventanas - one of the most popular beaches in the area.
Jungle view, and close to the Costanera highway; easy access to Ojochal, Uvita and all points along the stunning Ballena Coast.
Because this property is in the jungle, you will be woken in the mornings with monkeys, see many toucans, parrots of all kinds... and lots more wildlife! If you are looking for a new opportunity or seeking a fabulous location for your retirement, the area around the village of Ojochal is the place for you. This quaint village is known for its' incredible selection of restaurants with various types of cuisine. Some call it the "Culinary Capital of Costa Rica" and truly has something for everyone. North of Ojochal is the commercial center of Uvita with banks, grocery stores, salons, pharmacies, service stations, and a medical center.
The Southern Zone is a spectacular part of Costa Rica with numerous pristine beaches and the gateway to the Osa Peninsula. South of Ojochal you will find a new golf course, a brand new hospital in Cortez.
- Price: $35,000
- Status: For Sale
- Gross Area: 8,929 m2


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Developing nonpetroleum-based substitutes for gasoline, fertilizers, plastics and more is a huge area in biotech research right now. In the race to find efficient methods for producing petrochemical substitutes, Rice University engineering researchers have unveiled a new method that rapidly converts simple glucose into butanol – a biofuel that can be substituted for gasoline in most engines. The discovery is an exciting development in the biofuels industry, the researchers said, because the Rice team's process works about 10 times faster than any other known method.
Previously, most research in this field has focused on ramping up the natural processes that cells use to build fatty acids. In a paper published online in Nature, the Rice team, led by Ramon Gonzalez, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, took an unconventional approach. Instead of trying to improve the process organisms use to build fatty acids, the Gonzalez team focused on reversing the beta oxidation cycle, a metabolic process that organisms use to break fatty acids down.
The team achieved this by selectively manipulating about a dozen genes in the common bacteria E. coli. However, almost every organism in nature uses the beta oxidation process to metabolize fatty acids. The implication is that the process can be reversed in any organism, and used to make specialized molecules for many different markets.
Biotech producers can use reverse metabolism to create complex chemicals without relying on petroleum-derived molecules. For example, butanol is a relatively short molecule, with a backbone of just four carbon atoms. Molecules with longer carbon chains have been more troublesome to make. The Rice research shows that reverse-beta oxidation can be used to produce fatty acids with chains of more than a dozen carbon atoms, including molecules like stearic acid and palmitic acid.


text: Hello all Got to be the most difficult forum to join. No Join Now link with the login page - Anyway I managed to get there in the end. Disgo 6000 will connect to my Sky network and I can browse the internet for about 30 seconds. After that the browser just freezes and I cant download anything or browse the net. Have tried sitting right next to the router and its just the same. WIFI signal is being reported as good on the device. Help !!! Stu


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Diagnosis: Craniofacial deformities, or alterations in the natural form of the face or skull, can be congenital or acquired. For those patients born with craniofacial anomalies, the obstetrician or pediatrician is the initial point of contact for appropriate medical treatment. Referrals should be made to a craniofacial center as soon as it is acceptable for the child to be evaluated. Accurate diagnosis at an early age not only avoids unnecessary emotional distress for the parents and family, but it also minimizes potential future problems associated with the deformities by early correction. For those patients with acquired deformities as the result of trauma or tumor resection, referral to a craniofacial center may be desirable to help restore facial function and appearance.
Etiology: While the pattern of embryonic craniofacial development has been well defined through extensive research, very little is known about the etiology of many craniofacial anomalies. Some are known to be primarily genetic in nature, while others are thought to be caused by environmental factors. A combination of both environment and genetics may play a role in the etiology; however, most of the time the cause is unknown.
Craniofacial Team: The care of craniofacial patients requires the expertise of super-specialized professionals from Return to Top many health care fields. Multidisciplinary teams have been established at regional centers to provide the comprehensive care necessary to adequately evaluate and treat craniofacial patients and their families. No single physician can possess the expertise to evaluate and treat all the abnormalities of these patients.
The benefits of the team approach are numerous. Members of the craniofacial team work together to ensure that the patient is evaluated and treated in a coordinated manner and that all of his needs, both physical and psychosocial, are met. The team combines the expertise of each specialist to provide a level of comprehensive care that cannot be provided by a single physician, no matter how reputable.
These multidisciplinary craniofacial teams are found at a few major medical centers across the U.S. where the resources are available to provide the safest and most advanced treatment for patients suffering from facial anomalies. Regionalization also ensures that each team has a large enough patient load to maintain the necessary expertise for proper treatment. The more procedures they perform together, the better the team becomes. Consequently, operative time is decreased, complications are minimized, and results are improved.Craniofacial procedures performed on an irregular or occasional basis invite disaster and are not in the best interest of the patient.
The craniofacial team is directed by the craniofacial surgeon, a plastic surgeon who has received additional training extensively in craniofacial techniques and whose practice is predominantly dedicated to the treatment of facial anomalies.
At the Tennessee Craniofacial Center, we adhere to Dr. Tessier's principles that, "Craniofacial surgery should be performed only if it is the main interest of that surgeon, and he has the support facilities of a major medical center."
Dr. Sargent is the medical director of the center and the leader of the team. Other disciplines represented on the team include:
- Neurosurgery
- Ophthalmology
- Pedodontics/Orthodontics
- Otolaryngology
- Anesthesiology
- Speech Pathology
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Psychology
- Social Service
- Genetics
- Nursing
- Prosthodontics
- Clinical Coordinator
Each patient referred to the Tennessee Craniofacial Center undergoes an evaluation by the principle members of the team, with additional team members called in depending upon the individual needs of that patient. A group conference is held following these evaluations to discuss each patient. The goal of the team is to diagnose the physical and psychosocial problems and formulate a coordinated, comprehensive treatment plan. This is followed by execution of the treatment plan at the appropriate time, longitudinal follow-up, and collection of data on the team's activities and results.
Surgical Plan Established: When Craniofacial Surgery is recommended as treatment for a specific anomaly, there are two distinct goals of this surgery. The first goal is to attempt to restore the patient to as near normal function as possible and to prevent future dysfunction. Secondly, surgery may be necessary to correct structural disfigurement in order to achieve optimal appearance. Patients suffering from a facial deformity may experience problems in dealing with their disfigurement emotionally or socially. Often, improvements in appearance following craniofacial surgery can lead to increases in self-esteem, self-confidence and social acceptance. The psychological benefit of craniofacial surgery is an extremely important goal of the surgery.
Recent Advancements: A number of advances have been made in surgical technique and technology as applied to craniofacial surgery. Calvarial bone grafts for the most part have replaced rib and hip grafts. These outer table split grafts are available in an assortment of sizes and shapes with less painful donor sites and less resorption compared to rib or hip bone.
Tremendous radiological advances have been made in the past ten years that have improved preoperative analysis of craniofacial deformities. The use of two- and three-dimensional CT scans has drastically enhanced our ability to analyze these complex deformities. Computer analysis of photographs and radiographs is also available and can provide further information for preoperative planning.
Another major advancement has been the application of rigid skeletal fixation to craniofacial surgery. The new techniques of rigid skeletal fixation combined with wide exposure have allowed the craniofacial surgeon to obtain much better stability and eliminate intermaxillary fixation in most cases. This technique offers significant advantages, particularly in children. It has improved our overall quality of results as well as decreasing morbidity.Follow-Up Care: Treatment of craniofacial problems does not end with surgical restoration, but continues for many years. This follow-up should be conducted by the craniofacial team in order to maintain a continuity of care that assures the patient the best long term outcome. As a child grows and develops, asymmetries may result if areas of the face fail to develop equally; therefore, a child's growth and development must be routinely followed. Sometimes it may be necessary to repair these asymmetries surgically. Often, major craniofacial deformities require multiple, staged procedures performed at different ages. Once treatment is initiated, it is important that follow-up care continues.


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Winner: Iggy Pop & Old Dutch - Post Pop & Chips Depression
Iggy Pop is still alive? was Serge's first reaction to hearing Iggy's latest album, Post Pop Depression. His second was a wave of nostalgia (expressed as a sneeze), for he had also opened a bag of Old Dutch Salt n' Vinegar chips, and a familiar acidic punch had just hit his nose.
Serge soon realized how much Old Dutch and Iggy Pop have in common. Both have punk roots from Midwest assembly-line inspirations, and both have stuck around long enough to become the low-rent elder statesmen of industries otherwise dominated by glamour and flash. They use only a few key ingredients, and rely instead on a simple combination of maltodextrin-based flavour-coating backed by a strong crunch. And like ravaged cadavers from yester-year, they have staggered to the stage in 2016 to claim the honour of this year's Best Album / Chip Combination.
We'll admit it: although very good, there are probably better albums and better chips out there. But strangely, none are as relevant. Why? Nostalgia. These two understand our current obsession with the past, and they're taking all of our preoccupied insecurities and feeding them back to us, chip by lip-blistering chip, line by acrimonious line. They are, at the same time, contributing to and satirizing the cultural time warp that we are currently living in, where teenagers are refusing to become adults and adults are refusing to become seniors and seniors are refusing to die. Iggy and Old Dutch know that in a world of change, everything must remain the same, and oh how we all love it.
Maybe one day, when Iggy finally croaks, we'll all grow up, like some bizarre sequel to the classic film Hook. But the way he is outlasting everyone else, that day might never come. So for now, we'll continue to revere albums by aging rock stars and eat chips 'til our bellies hurt.
1. Iggy Pop - Post Pop Depression / Old Dutch - Salt n' Vinegar
2. Rhoneil - Nature // Cosmos / Dutch Crunch - Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar
3. Preoccupations - Preoccupations / Kettle Brand - Classic Caesar
4. Wizaard - Starfish Buffet / Kettle Brand - Hawaiian Barbeque
5. David Bowie - Blackstar / Que Pasa - Ancient Grains
6. Aidan Knight - Each Other / Lays Original - Ketchup
7. Black Mountain - IV / Garden of Eatin' - Sesame Blues
8. Your Boy Tony Braxton - Adult Contempt / Pop Chips - Barbeque Potato
9. David Vertesi - Sad Dad Cruise Ship / Sun Chips - French Onion
10. The Growlers - City Club / Doritos - Green Bag


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How end-users experience mobile content is critical to whether they will go on using a service and contributing to a provider's bottom line. Statistics indicate that as many as 90% of people who try a mobile service today never go beyond guest level and only around 2% become active users. As figures for mobile content services in Europe, a market estimated to be valued at over €8 billion, point to only about 35% of end-users being satisfied, a lot obviously needs to be done.
QAim's offering is built around services and solutions for helping address this major challenge, including its recently launched customer experience management (CEM) tool, CEM4Mobile. Provided as a software service (SaaS), this is designed to enable service providers to collect and analyse data on the interaction between end-users and services in real time, and help them build stronger customer relationships and better enduser loyalty.
Initially rolled out in Finland in 2008, CEM- 4Mobile has since been launched in a number of other European markets – to a very positive reception.
Understanding what customers are thinking
CEM4Mobile offers sophisticated trend analysis tools for measuring customer satisfaction and identifying problems associated with the user experience by covering the entire delivery chain, from a provider's content portal to the user's handset. The software is extremely easy for customers to use, and understands and manages interactions and associated events within the technical limitations of handsets, the services used by end-users, the user environment, and the opinions of end-users.
CEM4Mobile collects all the key data related to a content service and its users, analyses it, and reports it in easy-to-read trend format. The CEM- 4Mobile service maintains detailed information on more than 5,000 handsets from some 120 handset brands and provides access to trends, Key Performance Indicators, and the results from the services that are being tracked.
Although a young company, QAim is one of the first providers in the business to focus purely on managing the user experience of mobile content services and analysing customer satisfaction. Other companies have tended to concentrate on mobile operators' overall business and networks rather than content portals. This gives QAim a clear competitive advantage, as the kind of customers it is aiming to service – mobile content aggregators, mobile operators, and media houses – often operate over tens or hundreds of mobile networks, making network analysis of little or no use.


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Direct Mail Marketing – What Is It And How Is It Done?Posted on: June 30, 2015, by : admin
Direct Mail Advertising And Marketing – What Is It And Just How Is They Done?
Maybe you've begun a business that is new? You must do a large amount of advertisements to suit your goods and services that you are promoting. Not one person would know much about a new providers or facilities. Therefore, you need to market the company label and also the sites' contact also. The absolute most essential consumers for a company are folks who are remaining close-by. People in the immediate neighborhood should be the one who would come to your store the quintessential. In case it is a grocery or store that is retail expect local customers significantly more than people from much off locations. Thus, how do you leave everybody realize you may be right here? Needless to say through advertising and marketing! One of the recommended ways you can spread phrase regarding the products or services is via direct marketing.
You will find loads of advantages of dispersing details about the company's products or services. Direct mailing of promotional gear like pamphlets, flyers, brochures, and catalogs tend to be sent directly to the customers that are targeted. Because these marketing and advertising equipment get right to the subscribers straight, they set an extremely impact that is good the thoughts of the people. As these get to the users right within their mailboxes, they have been guaranteed to undergo those at least one time. Hence, they get the promotion emails. In the event the mail that is direct resources commonly fascinating enough, these will fail to attract the attention of this clientele. People needs a glance from the flyer or even the catalog, just in case those are not appealing, they'll instantly place those away. This is the good factor you ought to just take assistance of specialist for printing tools for direct marketing and advertising.
Printing mail that is direct knowledge
You need to consider when it comes to every door direct mail, there are a few important things that. Probably the most important matters that you need to search while deciding to print mail that is direct copies is the concept. Make sure the written text and the photos useful for colour copies are placed correctly. Information ought to be on the top and also in top. Additional facts and details associated with the offers that pamphlets and catalogs talk about is added small fonts as well as in cheaper important regions of the various tools. More often than not, direct mail advertising and marketing resources place address for the store or providers. However, in the event the marketing that is main of the company isn't to advertise the address, you can easily elect to reproduce the target at the rear of the flyers or perhaps the catalogs that you are printing.
Utilizing the right fonts for designing mail that try direct is very important. Though some info like "discount" or "sale" should be printed in large fonts, information just like the phone number on the promotional supervisor should really be offered in small fonts, however sustaining the necessity of the content. You will see people who would choose the true quantity of the advertising supervisor. So, you simply cannot ignore the need for getting details that are such along with copies for direct promotion. However, before printing, you should think about the layout.
Keep in mind, you can select to print using shiny or matte finish paper stock. Nevertheless, the type of report inventory you decide on for direct mail marketing should rely on your financial allowance and your company strategies. Consult your marketing and advertising gurus regarding the brand of stock you should utilize when it comes to catalogs, brochures, flyers, or booklets.
Picking out the tool that is right printing
Will be your opponent using flyers for marketing and advertising their products? You need not stick to the methods. Flyers may possibly not be a marketing that is suitable for your company. Various enterprises wanted different direct promotion technology. So, you should review their advertising needs before printing tools that are such.
• you may need a catalog containing multiple pages or may be a brochure if you have more products to present than your competitor. Additionally, if you need to would promotion of a weekly deal at the store, flyers were snappy and effective hardware. You'll find a lot of advantages of picking marketing that is direct in accordance with your budget. On one hand you are able to spreading information regarding the company to your targeted clients, on the other side; you'll save a great deal from your own advertising and marketing spending plan.
• see whether you need to spend money in printing these promotion gear once or have to do promotional with direct technology once in a months that are few. Generally speaking direct advertising is accomplished many times in a-year if you would like for the best outcome. That is the reason you will need to consider the full spending plan of printing the marketing and advertising equipment. More over, you also need to choose whether you ought to circulate similar imprinted apparatus the second opportunity or like to renovate and reprint the equipment for selling the products and goods of your own business.
Direct mail advertisements – simple tips to succeed?
That you must remember if you want to get success with direct mail marketing, there are a few things –
• Choose your target people very carefully. You may end up getting a low ROI for your business if you do not choose customers carefully and tactfully. Folks you spread your own pamphlets to will likely not arrive at their shop and won't buy the items or get your own services. That is the good reasons determining the focused customer base is essential. You need to make certain you are going for suitable subscribers for any best products. For instance, if you're offering industrial machineries, distributing tone copies in areas inhabited by people is actually not good. You won't be capable of getting a response that is good the sale of the professional machineries, unless a couple of can be here who have fascination with manufacturing machineries. Therefore, you must choose areas where most families reside if you are retailing in grocery products or cosmetics.
• Once you are certain of the targeted visitors, you need to determine the resources you'd spend for advertising with direct mail advertisements methods. Direct advertising don't need a lot that is huge of. However, it's always a wise choice to hold aside a budget for the very same. It helps you will be making systematic arrange for advertising and marketing the products and providers of your company.
Therefore, now you tend to be well-versed making use of the approaches direct marketing and advertising can be achieved when it comes down to services and products of your company. Begin examining for the possibilities you may have with direct mail promotion to suit your providers.


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Cooker Hoods
At Ship It Appliances we have a large selection of hoods and extractor fans to choose from, including stylish stainless steel and beautiful glass designs. We are confident that you will find the perfect one that not only does the job you need it to, but also complements the style of your kitchen.
Our range of kitchen cooker hoods includes both practical and innovative designs from leading brands such as CDA, SIA and Matrix. We have kitchen extractor fans in stainless steel, black and white, with various choice of styles such as angled, curved or flat glass, or simple chimney and visor extractors. There are more than 60 different types and configurations to choose from, with telescopic, chimney and island extractors available to suit most budgets.
The Perfect Finish to Your Dream Kitchen
A good cooker hood doesn't just look stylish, it helps to remove steam and odours from your kitchen, keep the air clean and fresh, and reduce condensation in the room. There are two main options for cooker hoods:
Cooker Hoods Advice Centre
How to Clean a Cooker Hood
What Type of Cooker Hood Do I Need?
Save 30% £139.94
Save 30% £139.94


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If you haven't already had the pleasure, you are soon to discover how glass dildos perform as fantastic aids to female masturbation and a fabulous way to enjoy deep fulfilling self-satisfying sex for the times when you fancy 'flying solo'.
By their very nature, glass dildos are luxury love toys and also amazingly versatile instruments of sexual pleasure. When masturbating with a glass dildo sometimes you'll find a straightforward in-and-out thrusting motion feels just great.
At other times you may crave for something a little different. And if you're like me, you'll want to experience truly amazing masturbating sessions, every time you crave a self-pleasuring solo session. And don't we all at times?
The secret to great solo sex is to vary the way you stimulate yourself.
As well as visually appealing, the spiral wraps, ribs, bumps, nubs, twists and curves used to style glass dildos are also designed specifically to stimulate you sexually in slightly different ways. Sensitivity to the textures and styling of a glass dildo varies from woman to woman – because we are all delightfully different.
So don't be afraid to mix and match masturbation techniques when playing with yourself. As pleasure builds and intensifies and you feel yourself getting close to the edge, get into a steady rhythm to trigger a stream of glorious eye popping orgasms.
If you're new to masturbating with a glass dildo, here are a few secrets to adding sensual flare to solo sex:
Ultra Slow and Sensual
There's really nothing quite like the slow penetration of a glass dildo for the first time. From silky head all the way along the shaft. As you penetrate, focus on every artistic detail as it strokes, teases, tantalises and fills you. A great tip is to use a mirror when you're masturbating, to experience the thrill of a visual turn-on.
Ease in, slowly withdraw, slide back in. Watch as your lips part and wrap round the slippery shaft in a sensual embrace. Repeat, in and out, for as long as you can stand the ripples of pleasure running through your body. When you're ready, try slowly withdrawing the dildo while clenching your PC muscle. This gives rise to a particularly intense pleasure – the type of which you may never have experienced before.
Slide and Glide
'Slide and Glide' involves sliding in a well lubricated glass dildo so that the head effortlessly parts the way and glides along the natural curves of the vagina. With each sliding penetration, try varying the angle of entry into your vagina so that every internal pleasure pocket is stroked, pampered and caressed. Notice how the pressure points on your labia and vaginal entrance shift around as you change direction of entry, thereby generously spreading the pleasure-giving.
Once in a while slide the dildo out completely and run its slippery head across lips, labia and in and around your vagina entrance to keep you wet, aroused, and eager for more.
The curves and contours of some of the best glass dildos on the market are designed specifically to reach and massage the G spot and feel simply exquisite with 'Slide and Glide'. Did you know the innermost part of the clitoris wraps around the vagina?
A curved dildo can be used to angle in and massage the seldomly explored innermost regions of the clitoris. Curved dildos also encourage the penetrating 'Slide and Glide' style of masturbating by stimulating both the clitoris and the G spot.
Glass dildos curved specifically to massage the G spot are:
Young girl masturbates with Purple Blaise glass dildo from A Touch Of Glass
Wonderful Waves
Joined spheres, bulbs, orbs, or rings, moulded onto the shaft of a glass dildo will create ripples of rapture when inserted with long, smooth, deep thrusts. Start slowly, then increase the thrusting speed and intensity until pleasure builds to the point of no return and the inevitable orgasm engulfs your senses.
Examples of glass dildos with pleasure-enhancing bulbs fashioned into the shaft are:
Twist and Twirl
Twisting your favourite glass dildo when fully or partially inserted, so that the shape and texture rotates inside you, is particularly stimulating. Offset shapes and embellishments will rub against and excite the G spot. Using a slight twisting motion while thrusting varies and intensifies the sensation. With a slower penetration you can try a corkscrew motion. Continue corkscrewing as you withdraw, then reverse the direction going back in. Many find DIMPLE TWIST particularly effective for 'Twist and Twirl' to orgasm.
Short, rapid, wrist movements and thrusting will quickly trigger a sensual explosion, especially when you angle the head of a glass dildo toward the G spot. Use a quick, short, back and forth movement to create a fluttering or pulsing sensation. Enjoy the rise to a gushing orgasm.
Wild Wiggles
Zig-zagging left to right, up and down, and in arcing sweeps at various depths of penetration is a real toe-curler. Use a wiggling motion inserting just the head of the dildo to excite the labia and opening of the vagina.
When inserted slightly deeper, the wiggling motion will tantalize the sides of the vagina and excite the G spot. Deeper still, wiggling and circular movements of smooth and slippery glass will stimulate the inner depths in a most interesting way. Try it, you could be pleasantly surprised.


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Mass Personalization: product and branding strategies in order to serve increasingly demanding consumers
Personalization offers an important growth area for brands across Food, Drinks and Cosmetics & Toiletries. However, the right Personalization strategy is needed or brands risk personalizing products in a way that will only interest a niche audience. As consumers become overwhelmed and fatigued with the abundance of products presented on retail shelves, manufacturers need to come up with ever more unusual and eye catching products and experiences in order to differentiate themselves. In food and beverage, personalization should be used to offer novelty, such as pushing the boundaries of the extreme and helping consumers make the product their own. In personal care, personalization is more about providing better results; with a third of global consumers feeling that their needs in personal care are not understood, there is an opportunity for manufacturers for further personalization.
Key Findings
Providing "right-for-me" products and experience currency are some of the most effective ways personalization offers growth opportunities across CPG markets
32% of global consumers feel that personal care manufacturers do not fully understand their needs, pointing out to an opportunity for further personalization to target their needs more closely
When it comes to food and beverage, personalization is mostly about fun and novel experiences, however, when it comes to personal care, it is more about efficacy
Across all food categories, consumers are the most likely to look for personalization in Dairy & Soy
In personal care, mass personalization will be especially successful in Skincare and Make-up sectors, motivating over a fifth of their consumption
Mass Personalization: product and branding strategies in order to serve increasingly demanding consumers identifies the key trends driving the demand for mass personalization and shows how to tap into them, especially as this is an important strategy to reach the crucial millennial age group. This will help manufacturers and retailers to launch products that create the "right-for-me" feeling and successfully attract consumers' attention.
What else does this report offer?
Identifies key consumption motivators behind consumers' desire for personalized products and consumption experiences
Identifies key target groups and categories
Explains how to effectively target the desire for individualism in the personal care and food & beverage sectors
Shows how to use personalization to add value by providing important benefits, such as the desire to maximize personal relationships with friends and family
Product innovation examples targeting consumers need for individualism – see how market leaders are already targeting this trend
Reasons To Buy
This report details the seven strategies manufacturers can use to target the new opportunities emerging in food, beverage, and personal care markets due to consumers growing desire for individualism.
This report shows how to align products with the key need states of the consumers who are looking for tailored products
Find out what type of personalized products consumers are looking for, why, and what they will be looking for in the next few years. Product examples and key recommendations will help you derive key strategies in areas such as formulation and packaging.
Product analysis highlights proven product strategies you can adapt to your category before your competitors
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.Download eBook


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(MoneyWatch) Among the millions of Americans who are still paying off college loan debt are 46 members of Congress, who owe somewhere between $1.8 million and $4.3 million.
Five U.S. senators and 41 members of the House of Representatives are paying off student loans, according to an investigation by the Center for Responsive Politics, which is a nonpartisan research group that tracks money in U.S. politics
and its effect on elections and public policy. The amounts are given in ranges because lawmakers only must divulge such broad indications of their finances.
- College students who borrow too much: 13 facts
- 7 ways to tackle the nation's student loan debt crisis
The lawmaker who owes the most money -- somewhere between $155,001 and $300,000 is freshman Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), a physician who has earned three degrees after getting his bachelor's degree from UCLA. Ruiz, who beat Republican Mary Bono, the widow of Sonny Bono, in the November general election, has a medical degree and two other graduate degrees from Harvard University.
Much of the borrowing appears to be for the politicians' own college education though some of the debt is for spouses or children.
Top 10 student loan debtors in Congress
In Congress, all of the biggest borrowers are representatives:
- Rep. Raul Ruiz (D) $115,002 - $300,000
- Rep. James Bridenstine (R) $100,001 - $250,000
- Rep. John Carter (R) $100,001 - $250,000
- Rep. Grace Meng (D) $100,001 - $250,000
- Rep. Tom Rooney (R) $100,001 - $250,000
- Rep. Kevin Yoder (R) $80,003 - $200,000
- Rep. Louis B. Gohmert Jr. (R) $70,001 - $130,000
- Rep. Pedro Pierluisi (D) $65,002 - $150,000
- Rep. Tom McClintock (R) $60,001 - $115,000
- Rep. Gerry Connolly (D) $55,003 - $165,000
5 U.S. senators who owe student debt
- Mike Lee (R) $10,000 - $15,000
- Angus King (I) $15,001 - $50,000
- Elizabeth Warren (D) $15,001 - $50,000
- Christopher Murphy (D) $15,001 - $50,000 (And same debt range for his wife)
- Tammy Duckworth (D) $50,001 - $100,000
Congress and student debt
It's a good development for the country that some members of Congress, who as a whole are wealthier than most Americans, are repaying student debt. Two new senators -- Elizabeth Warren and Christopher Murphy -- will serve on the Senate Education Committee, which last year had no student debtors on the panel.
With more firsthand experience repaying student debt, Congress may be more likely to look favorably at remedies that address the growing student debt level that now exceeds credit cards.


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NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NEP Studios, a division of NEP Group, Inc., the global leader of outsourced broadcast and live event production solutions, announced today it will expand its lineup of studio facilities through an agreement with Manhattan Center (http://mc34.com). Through the agreement, two state-of-the-art studios, complete with full control rooms and amenities, will be available in desirable midtown Manhattan.
"NEP has always gone out of its way to help clients find suitable studio space for their shows," said Barry Katz, SVP and managing director of NEP Studios. "With many studios tied up with long-term clients, we're happy to add Manhattan Center's studios TV-1 and 2 to our offerings. The stages and studios boast the latest technology plus an excellent staff. Working together, we can now provide NEP's clients with even more inventory and the ability to do one-stop-shopping when they need a stage in New York. And, clients know they'll get the same top-level NEP service they're accustomed to."
With a dedicated street-level entrance located two blocks from Penn Station on 34th street and 8th Avenue, Manhattan Center's TV-1 studio provides easy access for audiences up to 200 people within a spacious 3,800 square-foot production stage. Support space for TV-1 includes five dressing rooms, hair/makeup, wardrobe, one green room, audience holding area and 12,000 square-feet of office production space. Smaller than TV-1, the TV-2 studio is the space for corporate events and talk shows, having hosted a number of nationally broadcast shows. TV-2 features two green rooms, one makeup room and one green room with an additional makeup station.
To learn more about NEP's brands and solutions, including studio options, visit nepgroup.com. To book a Manhattan Center or NEP studio, contact us at 212-548-7727.
# # #
About NEP
For over 30 years, NEP Group, Inc. is a worldwide outsourced production partner supporting premier content producers for live sports and entertainment. We provide the technology and know-how to support the most prestigious sports, entertainment, music and corporate events worldwide. Our technical services include remote production, studio production, audio visual solutions, host broadcast services, premium playout, post production and innovative software-based media management solutions. NEP's 3,000+ employees are driven by a passion for superior service and a focus on technical innovation. Together, they have supported productions in over 85 countries on all seven continents.
NEP is headquartered in the United States and has offices in 22 countries. Learn more at nepgroup.com.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/107dc307-5cb4-4d34-a43b-cbd025a3c9a5
Susan Matis NEP Group, Inc. 412-423-1339 firstname.lastname@example.com
NEP Group, Inc.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES
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WASHINGTON, March 2 (UPI) -- PG&E didn't use an automated shutoff valve on the San Bruno, Calif., pipeline as recommended by safety officials, regulators in Washington were told.
The National Transportation Safety Board heard testimony from officials at Pacific Gas & Electric regarding a September natural gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno.
The company in a memo said it didn't use an automated shutoff valve on the San Bruno line. The Wall Street Journal quoted the PG&E memo as saying that the company only supported the use of the automatic valves for "specific conditions such as bridge crossings, river crossings, earthquake fault crossings, etc."
The NTSB found the San Bruno pipeline crosses the San Andreas Fault twice.
The fire raged in the San Bruno neighborhood for more than an hour. PG&E had to manually close pipeline valves so firefighters could reach the blaze.
Federal regulators only recommend, not require, that utility companies use automated shutoff valves. California lawmakers are proposing measures that would require such precautions, something the Journal noted PG&E supports.
The NTSB inquiry is the first since 2000. The San Bruno gas explosion killed eight people and destroyed 38 homes.


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The only one I know of in columbus area is J&J Custom Firearms (Well, J&J's for short). Go to 17th St. on Central ave. and turn west. Turn right into their shop about 3/4 block in.
Only open Fridays and Saturdays last I knew. I bought my PT92 there, and stop in every now and then just to browse. Great guys behind the counter too.
Live in Scott County, get up Seymour quite a bit. Like to know where all of the little "hole in the wall" shops are. Know of any your way that are off the beaten path?
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J Bob


text: The Comet reports pharmacies at Lister and QEII hospitals have purchased robots to help with drug selection and dispensing. Currently the staff of 120 handles 2,000 different items a day, and is now planning to spend more time on wards ensuring patients learn how the drugs should be used. In addition to improved efficiency, the return on investment is only a few years.


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International Journal of Knowledge Management in Tourism and Hospitality
This journal also publishes Open Access articles
| Editor in Chief: Prof. Angappa Gunasekaran
ISSN online: 1756-0330
ISSN print: 1756-0322
4 issues per year
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IJKMTH provides a forum for academics and practitioners to contribute to the body of knowledge on hospitality. With the industry in dynamic change and consumers with ever more demanding expectations, IJKMTH aims to develop a platform where new theoretical and practical topics are presented with the vision to enhance as well as maintain a leadership role within the hospitality literature.
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All articles for this journal must be submitted using our online submissions system.