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Day Run: The Garden"Greed? Greed drives us all – I can assure you of that. It can be observed anywhere you look – a merchant's greed drives him to sell useless items to passerby; a congressman sells his ideas in an attempt to gain power over his nation; and in this case, a gambler threatens civilians to try and expand his empire as much as he can. Fortunately, he does not hear the bells that toll in the distance…"
~UnknownThe Barrens tended to be a quiet place. With little to no active life, they had always stood resolute, frozen monuments to the Ko-Matoran virtues of silence and peace. Not today. Today, the land was swarming with action, hundreds of people nervously and fearfully wandering about, looking on at the new blight that had appeared on the landscape. Kerid was among them–and she could hardly believe her eyes.The tranquil gray and white background of mountains and sky was blotted out against the gigantic, bulbous form of a gelatinous substance. Metal gleaming in the light of the sun, fluid seemed to shift lazily inside of the massive creature. Thousands of thin tentacles splayed out on all sides, like cords in a machine. Within, bobbing in the center of the jellyfish-like abomination was a deformed, Toa-like being. His form was twisted, all three pairs of arms mutated into tentacles that connected three massive, blood-red orbs to his body.Twisted as he was, Kerid recognized Khazra–No; Chabri…–all too easily.She hardly noticed the approach of the Pha-Matoran Ehjoras as he came to stand next to her, a fascinated look on his face. It was hard to believe that only an hour ago, this thing had caused such massive damage to the City directly south of their position. Buildings had been toppled; lives had been lost; dozens of beings had been driven insane just by touching the thing. Yet here it was, so peaceful…"So this is the Seventh Construct," Ehjoras said quietly. Kerid didn't answer. The engineer sighed, shaking his head. "This is getting out of hand, Kerid."The Tournament Organizer was still silent, though she knew he was right. This was the latest in a series of attacks by the Ring. Before the Searcher, there had been six others: the Collector, the Undone, the Darkside, the Beast, the Virus, and the Golem. All had done more damage than the last, each causing immeasurable chaos and fear. What's more, the KNPD had done little to stop it, instead choosing to pursue their power play.Sacrificing civilians so that you can find your artifacts and rule the land, Director… The Steltian clenched her fist. No more."What should we do?" Ehjoras asked.Kerid looked at him. "We're going to start fighting back," she answered. "Alan, Kairan, Elithes and everyone else may be out now, but we aren't. It's time to bring down the KNPD and the Ring." She smiled. "And believe me, the Director and Lyxek will fall. This ends now."The world was silent. The land was dark. The wind was blowing; the land was still. Rolling fields, shifting hills lay undisturbed. Large trees dotted the shadowed landscape, reaching upward, toward the vast maw of nothingness above. Save for the land, seeming to span on forever and ever, nothing lived. There were no animals, no people, nothing. The earth shifted in several places. The wind rustled the healthy branches, the low-hanging vines, the swaying flowers. A stream ran somewhere, unseen as it flowed on. Life was still; only plants resided within the garden...A cloud of green floated through the air, just above the grass. The tiny blades of life rustled as it passed. Whispers sounded from the thing, a multitude of voices never-ending. Yet it did not live. It brushed against trees. It whispered to the vegetation around it, searching, seeking something. It passed above an upraised patch of earth; a pair of sunken eyes followed it. The cloud ignored the watcher. It was approaching what it sought. A soft thumping, growing ever louder... the beat of a newborn, steady and quick... the drumbeat of life, a sound known to all... the cloud was drawing closer...A faint glow appeared in the distance, a white light that pierced the darkness. The beat grew louder, stronger with each passing centimeter. The cloud approached it slowly, entranced. The trees began to whisper in response, returning the cloud's chatter. The beating came from within one of these trees; the front was slowly opening, the light growing stronger. Webs of matter crisscrossed against the opening, doing little to hide the light. The cloud felt... warmth... as it approached... that was unusual. Pleasure it had felt... the joy of death... the thirst for blood... but warmth... true happiness... this feeling was new...The beat grew louder. The cloud stopped, just outside of the circle of light that the heart was emanating; for that was what had been revealed to it. A heart was planted within the tree, totally organic, supply energy, blood, and circulation to its host. And it emanated warmth, happiness...The trees continued to whisper. The cloud whispered back. Nothing else mattered to it as it gazed upon the heart....The world grew silent...The Yin-Yang Gauntlets. The Sword of Ybrus. The Eyes of Apheer. The Mask of Aru. The Necklace of Amerdal. The Rose.These seven objects floated around the Ringmaster, gold, silver, purple, green, black, red, gray and blue all mixing with one another, a whirlwind of color that engulfed the entire room. It was almost too much for him to take in; the surge in power, the deepening of his knowledge, the memories that flooded his mind, all threatening to overflow his senses. For a lesser being, it would be too much. They would break under the weight of the world; they would crumble beneath this increase in ability, this enflaming of the soul. Not the Ringmaster. He hung on.He could just imagine the world outside. A cascade of confusion and fear as the world crashed and burned around those on Kai-Nam, screams intermixing with gasps as the land seemed to twist and warp before righting itself once more. Cries and shouts of sadness and despair as the outlands cracked and groaned beneath their own weight; he could virtually hear them over the whirlwind of energy around himself as the walls, the ceiling, the floor disintegrated, revealing the Toa to the world outside, a gigantic sphere of darkness that rose into the air.A smiled crossed his face as he looked down through the darkness. The island was indeed in turmoil. Faint blue energy floated upward in large clouds as the inhabitants of the island perished, their soul energy released, free for him to take, only adding to his mental and physical abilities. With this kind of power at his disposal, the rest of the universe would soon follow, become his own personal dimension... and then... then...He couldn't finish the thought. The Ringmaster faltered. Miles and miles of land below had transformed into a perfect circle of darkness, threatening to spread further. In the center two large, red objects glowed -- a pair of eyes, red as blood, glaring up at him. The sea twisted and churned, whirlwinds whipping at the Toa's face. His hand slipped; he began to descend.No... I wrote these terms... I must accept them...No. He couldn't do it. The thing below was getting closer and closer, an abomination, unnatural. For the first time in a long time, the Ringmaster felt something... something more... it started in his chest, spreading out from there... but... why? He had the universe at his fingertips... he could become all powerful...But was that... regret... that gnawing at the back of his mind... was it worth it...?A mouth appeared in the mass of darkness below, crooked, jagged teeth jeering at the Toa, slowly opening, threatening to devour him... the terms of eternal, unending, immortal power...The Ringmaster screamed. Life froze around him...
Playing the GameStory in BriefIt has been a year since the Night Run's sixth tournament. In that time, the Pha-Matoran, Matoran of Ectoplasm who inhabited Gynel, have found a new home, having been rescued from that nightmarish place by the Brotherhood of Makuta. Using her own wealth and Ehjoras's negotiation skills, Kerid has secured a deal with the authorities on Kai-Nam, getting permission to establish a new tournament on their land: the Day Run, a much more relaxed version of the Night Run, which was shut down following Daeja's attempt to conquer the universe using a race of parasitic monsters called Feranaki, servants of the now-destroyed God of Death Ruaki. At the same time, the Ring – a gang that has infested the underworld of Kai-Nam for the last decade – has gained an interest in the tournament, and their leader, Lyxek, recently began to try to buy the game off of Kerid. She refused, and now finds herself caught trying to run the tournament whilst simultaneously dealing with the Kai-Nam Police Department and both of their conflicts with the Ring.Meanwhile, other problems appear to be brewing. Monsters of various kinds have surfaced in City, mainly in the South District -- the Collector, a being made of green mist that seems to appear and reappear at will, killing beings in groups of seven when it does; dozens of twisted, Matoran-like beings; and a gigantic Toa made of shadow have all been seen and fought. The KNPD has determined that these creatures are composed of the same nanobots that form the Day Run's arena terrains, though Kerid has confirmed that they are not responsible for them. As well as this, Lyxek has recently secured a deal with the Dark Hunters, and has assigned ten Hunters the task of traveling to Gynel to retrieve some sort of flower located there, though for what purpose is not known. Further, he recently revealed a strange, mechanical heart to Vailian, called the Coeur d'Ombre, apparently capable of infusing immense power into beings, following the robberies of three companies on the island, in which several nanobots, AI and power cores were stolen. Their purpose in the Ring's plans has yet to be revealed.Now, things had taken a final turn. The stage has been set for the last confrontation. The Director, revealed to be an AI created for the sole purpose of defeating Lyxek and the Ring, is amassing his army for a full-scale invasion of the Garden, seeking the other half of the Coeur d'Ombre.Lyxek and the Ring, so close to fulfilling the Ringmaster's as-yet unclear plans of total domination, have begun to collect the activation keys for the Coeur and its brethren. By reuniting the two halves of the Coeur d'Ombre, the Vue d'Ombre, and the Noyau d'Ombre, Lyxek seeks to recreate the Higher Being called Rhashahk – and judging from the words of the Director, a Turaga named Lyccir and Lyxek himself, that goal is within reach. Assisting in this plan, though currently playing an unknown purpose, are a number of nanobot-made creations called Constructs. While four of the six that have appeared have been subdued or destroyed, more are on the way – and when they appear, they will mark the beginning of the end.Little time remains. Desperately, the Day Run and a large number of civilians plan to band together and stand against the evils of both the Ring and KNPD. With a bit of luck, they may succeed – though with the recent incapacitation of Alan, Kairan and a number of other conspirators via the Seventh Construct, the tides are uncertain.
Your JobAs the players in the game, your job is to – surprise! – play the game! I know, shocking, right? In all seriousness, though, your job is to do as you see fit – play in the Day Run's tournament if you want; try to discover the secrets of the island; cause mayhem in the city; anything that will advance the plot. Obviously, don't go crazy with it, but enjoy yourself – it's a game for a reason. There are many different backgrounds you can choose from, from a KNPD officer fighting the Ring to a civilian participating in the tournament – so choose wisely, but make it interesting.Simply put, you play the game.
My JobMy biggest job in this RPG is to act as the Game Master. For those not in the "know," this means that I will be responsible for doing a bunch of moderating duties – approving new players, keeping an eye out for unfair play and advancing my own major plot points, for instance. Luckily, I also have the privilege of playing alongside you guys – if all goes well, you will mostly see me using my own characters alongside your own, participating in the Day Run and Ring/KNPD affairs and whatnot.So… yeah. ^--^
FactionsFor years Kai-Nam was a place of peace, where one could go to enjoy the quiet, to work on projects set to make the universe a better place. For years, the citizens of Kai-Nam were left alone, welcoming newcomers with open arms as long as they did not cause trouble or disturb other residents. That all changed a century ago, when the island experienced a series of unfortunate and unlucky events – the invasion of the Skakdi; the arrival of Toa Lyxek and the subsequent formation of the Ring; not to mention several attempted pillages by pirates. Now, the island is split – the Kai-Nam Police Department rages an ongoing battle against the Ring, a fight that does not seem like it will end any time soon, and the Ring, in turn, has set their attention on the Day Run ever since the tournament started, hoping to use it as a way to make money.In terms of game play, all of these factions are open for players, and there are few restrictions on what you can be – each group is composed of completely unique individuals, without focusing primarily on one species or another. The only guide that you must use to choose your group is your character's moral standpoint, and even then, you have options.
The Kai-Nam Police Department"Our orders are simple: Detain any who would attempt to cause chaos on Kai-Nam, be they Day Run contestants, simple citizens, lowlife scum from the Ring or even our own officers. You've been warned."~Officer LurinostThe Kai-Nam Police Department (also called the KNPD for short) had been relatively inactive up until the Skakdi invasion and the formation of the Ring, so much so that it had barely a dozen members before the first disaster struck the island. Now, however, the KNPD has grown and thrives on the land. Where once several Ko-Matoran joined together in a laughable fighting force now stands a respectable crime-fighting group consisting of many, many powerful fighters, many augmented by equipment issued to them by the dozens of labs on the island. The rulers of the land, they are very strict, punishing crimes committed by any – even their own officers, in some cases – whilst also providing relatively benevolent rule over the city.Public approval of the KNPD is uncertain; while many approve of the group's efforts to defeat the Ring, others question the true intentions of several officers, specifically those of Lurinost, a high ranking member of the group, and several of her partners, all of whom have been known to abuse their powers in ways that get them what they want without getting them in trouble with the higher ups. There is also the question of their leadership – no one knows or remembers how or when they managed to replace the island's ruling council as the leaders of the city, and some fear that they will not relinquish their rule once they are no longer needed, though this remains to be seen. The KNPD's leader, the identity of whom is unknown to anyone, assures the residents that they have nothing to fear..The KNPD's headquarters are located in a large, domed building in the center of the city, which is nearly impenetrable due to its heavy defenses. As a note, they are currently allied with the Day Run, so to speak, allowing them to operate in the outer ring of the island, so long as they do not cause trouble. Many officers use the tournament for entertainment in their spare time.Similar to the Night Run Guards form the previous RPG, the KNPD is a strict force, and not one that you want to fight against alone. Notable members include officers Lurinost, Sanshou and Sensha, who act as an elite team, and the Director, a mysterious entity whose identity is unknown to all but the highest ranked individuals. Their primary goal is to defeat the Ring, though how members of this group go about this is completely up to them. The Director also has several other 'projects' in the works, the specifics of which are unknown.
The Ring"We may just be a 'petty gang' right now, but soon enough this whole island's going to be begging for mercy from me – police and Day Run chumps included."~Ringmaster LyxekFor all the hate that they are given, the Ring could be considered nothing more than a group of gamblers – thieving, murdering, lying scumbags, but gamblers nonetheless. The Ring's main philosophy is that luck will see them through; as many have noted, they are correct – the majority of their operations, such as the establishment of several game corners and robberies, have succeeded, something that Lyxek has made a point of attributing to his amazing luck. Out of that virtue, Lyxek and his operatives have also managed to avoid capture by the KNPD time and time again; how is not entirely known, but bribery is suspected.Ironically, were it not for the citizens and the KNPD themselves, the Ring might never have formed on Kai-Nam. Ten years ago, Lyxek came to Kai-Nam in what could be described as little more than a torn up box. After noting how they saved his life, he was eager to help defend the island and its labs from wrongdoers; however, he was continuously turned down by what he describes as corrupt individuals, and was left on the streets with no way off of the island. With nowhere else to turn to, he resorted to stealing, first money, and then equipment. Around the same time, he had taken up residence in an abandoned hotel near the outskirts of the city, and soon after he began to recruit individuals in a similar situation to his cause. Thus, the Ring was born. In that time, he has managed to acquire a rather large amount of money, set up an underground base in the Barrens, and covertly opened several game corners and such around the city. Unfortunately, this has put the Ring at extreme odds with the KNPD, which brings us to their present conflict.While not an all-out war, the Ring and KNPD conflict has resulted in mass damage to several labs due to small skirmishes between agents of both groups. This has not been helped by the Ring's disagreement with the Day Run – Lyxek has assigned several operatives to attempt to take out Kerid and take control of the tournament, as he sees it as a great way to bring in money, though he has been unsuccessful in accomplishing this. Nevertheless, he is determined to undermine both the tournament and the KNPD, and has made passing comments about being willing to "pull all his cards" to accomplish this.The Ring is based in the Eastern Barrens, as well as the outskirts of the city. Any species, aside from Makuta (due to a low opinion of 'such scumbag' on the Brotherhood's part,) are free to join. Members tend to have a liking towards fun and games, and as such several have joined the Day Run in their spare time; several operatives are there simply to try to carry out the mission of taking over the tournament. Notable members are Lyxek, the Ringmaster, and Vailian, his right-hand man; the former is usually found either in one of the Ring's various casinos or in the Ring's main base, a structure built into one of the nearest mountain's base. The Ring seeks to, first and foremost, buy out or take over the Day Run so as to bring in money; their other objectives are, essentially, causing mayhem on Kai-Nam, not to mention the individual objectives of their allies.
Civilians"Are you a visitor to the island, an unaffiliated, or just an ordinary being? ...Then you're a civilian. Stay out of trouble, keep your mouth shut and, if you're lucky, you'll stay that way."~SuyaThe use of the term "Civilians" here is slightly misleading. One might think of civilians as residents of an area, or maybe even pawns in a game of chess, bystanders who do absolutely nothing. Yet others realize that this term can mean other things – in this case, the civilians of Kai-Nam are essentially the neutral group in the RPG. Some are normal Matoran who have lived on this island all their lives; some are beings who have come to participate in the Day Run and nothing more than that; still others seek to participate in and take advantage of the battle between the Ring and the KNPD, yet do not wish to officially join either group.Out of all the factions in this RPG, the civilians have the most options in terms of what they get to do, and yet at the same time they are also slightly limited. Civilians are not bound by the codes of either the Ring or the KNPD, yet this also means that they do not have access to either faction's resources or base of operations (unless, of course, a meeting was arranged beforehand.) This group compensates for that by having access to the laboratories of Kai-Nam, and by extension access to… experimental weaponry – for a price.Because of how this group operates, there is no leader amongst them, nor is there a main base of operations. Still, they have the whole of Kai-Nam at their disposal, and if a small group of individual civilians wishes to do so, then they may band together and claim, say, a hotel complex or some other abandoned building as their own; heck, if they wanted to, they might even be able to start their own mini-faction… In short, the goals of individuals in this group are all over the place – Elithes and Illuxio, for instance, have taken to acting as vigilantes, while Zanth and Suya… no one knows what they've been up to, but it is thought that they are secretly investigating both the KNPD and the Ring.
The Guild of TyisConnected to the Civilian faction is a group of bounty hunters known as the Guild of Tyis. Led by founding member Tyis and his councilors, the guild operates from a large tower on Tyis Island in the Niakar Trinity. The Guild of Tyis is composed of members of various backgrounds; as such, it has official members in the Day Run, the Ring and the KNPD, as well as those merely operating without these affiliations on Kai-Nam. Unfortunately, getting membership to the guild is notoriously tricky; one must make themselves known as exceptional hunters and fighters and then complete a series of tests to officially be recognized by the council. Should one pass the tests, however, the perks are quite worth it.After attempting to assassinate both Lyxek and the Director, the Guild has become a target to both groups; the KNPD has even gone so far as to ostracize all officers with affiliation to the group. Non-guild officers have been granted permission to 'take care' of these outcasts.
The Feranaki
"What measure is a god? I am All. I am Eternal. I am a maelstrom, a network of beginning and end. Through my essence, this world will be united; through my essence, our graves will be forever closed. All will become One, and I am One... forever..."If ever there was a creature designed with the seemingly sole purpose of acting as the cancer of the universe, the Feranaki would certainly fit that role to the dot. Rotting corpses controlled by small, balloon-like Infection Forms, the Feranaki are a monstrous parasite created by the broken and destroyed Ruaki, God of Death. The Feranaki almost singlemindedly seek to engulf the known universe, infecting any sapient species they come across and absorbing them into the horde. The Feranaki aim only to grow and expand; as a result, they have no sympathy for those who resist.During the final Night Run tournament, the Feranaki shifted between the control of their original creator and Makuta Jaeda, though both bore the same overall goal: To use the parasites as a medium for total domination, either through assimilation or threat of force. After Ruaki and Jaeda's deaths, as well as the destruction of a large number of Feranaki on Gynel's surface, it was assumed that their threat had been extinguished. This was not the case. A recent Dark Hunter expedition has revealed that a large number of Feranaki still remain active, trapped beneath the island of Gynel--but for how long? For the time being, they are focused only on guarding a mysterious rose within the old domain of Ruaki. Should the Dark Hunters succeed in retrieving the rose for Lyxek, there is no telling what changes would occur in their behavior.Currently, the Feranaki are isolated from Kai-Nam and the rest of the universe by a Brotherhood of Makuta blockade stationed around the island, a segregation reinforced by the KNPD-Ring conflict. Time will only tell what will become of them, however.Due to their isolation and loss of a central hive-mind, infection by the Feranaki--so long as it is not fatal, i.e. infection by spores--will result in a weakening of a being's natural abilities and a connection to the consciousness of the rest of the horde, while increasing certain abilities depending on species. While the likelihood of infection in regular characters is extremely unlikely, this could change in the future.
The Day Run"We're entertainment for the masses – nothing more, nothing less. We'll welcome you into the game regardless of your background, just as long as you don't bring your pathetic disagreements against us with you."~Tournament Organizer KeridThe successor to the Night Run on Gynel, control has shifted from Makuta Jaeda to the Steltian named Kerid. Along with this change of hats came a remarkable shift in the Run's operations: With Ehjoras's help, Kerid has greatly relaxed the rules of the tournament, as they no longer have any great and terrible secrets to hide. Contestants are no longer executed for "trespassing," players can come and go as they wish, and regulations have been modified. Instead of yearly tournaments, smaller tournaments are held once every six months, with the second official tournament starting soon. With these changes came the birth of the Day Run.In terms of game play, the Day Run is quite similar to the Night Run in that it focuses primarily on racing and gladiator combat. Players form teams to compete in it, and at the end of each race or arena match a prize is handed out to the group with the most members in the top five. Kerid has been particularly generous with her turn as the head of the tournament – her prizes usually consist of expensive upgrades to the vehicles owned by participants, and she has allowed virtually everyone who has asked to participate in the game – including members of the Ring, despite their leader's threats against her. This stems from her experience as head security guard of the Night Run, realizing that mixing in heroes with villains will help keep both types of characters under control – currently, she is using this philosophy to keep KNPD officers and Ring operatives in check with each other. So far, it has worked.The Day Run is a unique group here, as it does not function as a full-blown faction for most characters. Instead, it acts as a sub group to all the rest. Players join the KNPD, the Ring or the civilians, and if they wish to participate in the Day Run, then they must simply add that to their profile. The leaders of the Day Run are Tournament Organizers Kerid and Ehjoras. They have set up the majority of their operations on the west half of the island, in the Barrens, with their race track zigzagging around the entire perimeter of Kai-Nam. Further, the Day Run is the easiest way to jump into the game; it offers a lot of interaction with other people through team recruitment and in the matches. If you're having trouble getting into the RPG, try having your character join the tournament.
The Day Run Code of Conduct"Rule number two, no sabotage – you signed the contract, you agreed to our rules. As punishment, I am officially barring you from the next two Day Run events. I'd celebrate if I was you – I could have done so much more..."~Tournament Organizer KeridThe Day Run has fewer and more lenient regulations than those of the Night Run, and like the old tournament, players are required to abide by these regulations at all times whilst participating in an official Day Run event. These rules are as follows:1) By registering for the Day Run, participants take full responsibility for any injuries they may receive during their time in the tournament. While safety measures have been taken to prevent any serious damages, the risk still stands2) Participants in the Day Run are expected to play fairly; as such sabotage of an opponent's equipment, including weapons, vehicles and other supplies, will result in punishment ranging from temporary banning from the tournament to permanent exile.3) During an arena match or race, a player will be removed once they are unable to continue battle, normally after being knocked unconscious or after having their vehicle destroyed. At this point the player may not reenter the event.4) Any player who breaks the above rules will immediately be removed from the tournament and barred from further entrance, unless pardoned by Tournament Organizer Kerid or Ehjoras.
Vehicles"Sometimes I can't help but marvel at what these people can come up with…"~SanshouThe first thing many associated with the Night Run when it was active was the large amounts of vehicles and pilots who participated in it. That has not changed with the Day Run; in fact, given Kai-Nam's reputation as one of the biggest producers of new vehicle designs, more and more beings are connecting the two together.In the year since the Night Run ended, vehicles have stayed just as reliable as ever, with new designs and upgrades being made each day. It is not uncommon to see large, Rahi-like mecha traversing the lands, or to see whole blocks cleared in any city as pilots settle disputes through vehicular combat or races – something that happens even in such sophisticated places as City. While they are large and clunky, mecha and vehicles in general are becoming more and more accepted, with fewer people classing owners of such things as ruffians.The general view of the "best model" also seems to be shifting. Though once seen as mighty, powerful and never to be messed with, Rahi mecha seem to have taken a backseat to the maneuverability, speed and overall smoother wheel-based designs as of late – motorcycles and other such things, in other words; hover boards, too, have seen a recent rise in use by smaller species, and a new, bipedal group of mecha have also begun to see action. Regardless of their differences and the preferences of individuals, all continue to thrive, and the Day Run will accept any type of vehicle for use in their tournament. At the same time, both the KNPD and the Ring have realized the value in vehicles; as such, many of their members have begun to build or steal their own, and those with past experience as pilots have begun to train newcomers in their use.
Credits"Credits? Oh, they aren't anything special… until you consider that you need the highest amount to win the tournament."~Tournament Organizer KeridCredits are an important part of the Day Run, serving both as the primary prize for races and arena matches and the ranking system for the tournament. Much like in the Night Run, varying amounts of Credits are awarded to participants in the tournament, with the amount depending on where each player places. Credits are also kept track of via the Day Run's computer system, so that contestants do not have to do the math themselves. At the end of the Day Run's tournament, the team with the most Credits is declared the victor and will receive a grand prize.The amount of Credits awarded to each place is listed below. This list generally only applies to FFAs and regular races – some variations give preset amounts to the winning teams.First place: 300 credits awarded.Second place: 260 credits awarded.Third place: 220 credits awarded.Fourth place: 180 credits awarded.Fifth place: 140 credits awarded.Sixth place: 100 credits awarded.Seventh place: 80 credits awarded.Eighth place: 60 credits awarded.Ninth place: 40 credits awarded.Tenth place: 20 credits awarded.All other racers: 10 credits awarded just for entering.
Teams"Teams were too valuable of an asset for our players to leave behind, hence why we've carried them over to the Day Run… even if some people get a little 'carried away' with them."~Tournament Organizer KeridAs with any game, the Day Run allows players to operate as teams, so as to allow them to increase their odds of winning the grand prize. While members of both the KNPD and the Ring tend to form small groups to accomplish their goals, the Day Run is the only organization with an official way of organizing players into teams. This is done through Team Crests.Developed by Ehjoras and his team of engineers and used in the Night Run, Team Crests are white, circular, shape-shifting devices handed out to all Day Run participants. A player's Team Crest is affixed to their armor for the entirety of their run in the Day Run via magnetic force, and can be removed at any time. Mental activation allows the Team Crest to change its shape into one specified by its user; the extent of this is limitless, as long as it does not exceed the initial size of the Crest.To form a team, your Team Crests must be synched up with those of other Day Run contestants; this can be done via mental activation of a coding device built into them. Once the synch up is complete, all of the members of the newly formed team can communicate with each other via communication links built into the crests, and their Crests will then transform into the shape of the team's leader's Crest. During CtF games, a separate signal temporarily connects the Crests of two or more teams to form a larger one and changes the color of the connected Crests to either red or blue, though the shape does not change.There are a couple of limits on the Team Crests, unfortunately. For one, due to the possibility of an information overload, the maximum amount of players that can be on a team is four. Secondly, when tampered with (via hacking or disassembly) by anyone without knowledge of how they were made, Team Crests tend to explode; this is likely a safety precaution designed to stop the technology form being used by the Ring. Other than that, the abilities of the Crests are seamless, and fairly easy to figure out.
The Coliseum"Personally, I prefer the arena to the race track – you can't rip your enemies apart while in a vehicle, can you?"~Officer LurinostGigantic, imposing, exciting; these are the words that usually come to mind when one mentions the Coliseum. A huge, domed stadium, this structure is home to all of the Day Run's non-racing events, from capture the flag to free fighting to fast-paced vehicle shoot-'em-ups. The majority of the arena is built into the ground, separated into seven, gradually shrinking rings connected via slanting walls and tunnels, ending in a final, bowl-like bottom ring. It is designed with nanotechnology that allows it to change its terrain with the activation of several control panels, located in a small, square room above the stands.
Types of MatchesFree-For-AllFFAs are, quite simply, FFAs. They pit three to four teams at a time against one another with no alliances between them – the only alliances you will find are those within the teams that enter. Ranking follows the Day Run Standard format – the last ten warriors to fall receive a specific amount of Credits depending on what order they fell in.Capture the FlagA game played between 2-6 teams, Capture the Flag pits two even teams – one designated Blue, the other Red -- against one another, with the objective being for each team to try to capture the opposing team's flag and return it to their base. The first team to do so will be declared the victor, and each team composing the winning team will receive 300 Credits. This is one of the few games to utilize the Team Crest's Linking feature, connecting two separate teams together to temporarily form a larger one. As a note, members of individual teams will always be placed on the same CtF team. Vehicles are allowed to be used in this event.Team One vs. OneTOvO's are simple one team versus one team battles; as such, only two teams participate in one of these events. Each team sends in one team member to do battle, until all of the members of one team have been defeated. This game uses the Day Run Standard ranking format – the first player to fall is treated as 8th place, the second as 7th, and so on.–Team vs. TeamAn off-shoot of the above, this is exactly the same as TOvOs; the only difference is that instead of one team member battling at a time, the whole team participates at once. It follows the same scoring system as above.Vehicle BrawlVehicle Brawl's are similar to the above, as they are a two team event and your whole team participates at once, only they are done in vehicles – and as they are required for use in these matches, if a team member of yours does not own a vehicle, he or she can not participate. Vehicle Brawls use all seven of the Coliseum's rings while they are happening, providing maximum space for each player's vehicle. They follow the Day Run Standard ranking system. Purely bipedal mecha tend to shine in these battles, as their greater maneuverability and shape allow them to better navigate the field, though that is not to say that other kinds of vehicles are totally ineffective.
Races"What's more exciting then driving on a freakishly long course at a bazillion miles per hour!?"~Officer SenshaTrue to its name, the Day Run continues to host races as part of their agenda, though to an admittedly lesser extent that the Night Run; Kerid has stated this to be because she does not wish to disturb the relative silence of City, though this is ironic considering how loud the crowd in the arena usually is. Races take place on a race track spanning around the entire perimeter of the island, designed so as not to keep people form going on and off of the island while a race is taking place; it also uses the same nanotechnology that the arena uses, allowing it to change its terrain. Race variations have lagged behind arena matches, with only two race types currently established; however, Kerid and Ehjoras are both working on expanding that.
Types of RacesRegular RaceRegular races are just that – regular races. Two to four teams race through the entirety of the course and places are determined by who gets across the finish line first. Unsurprisingly, weapons are allowed to be used in this event – a lot. So go crazy. Ranking follows the Day Run Standard Format. Note that hover boards are not allowed to be used in this event, as they do not provide enough protection to their users nor do they possess the necessary energy to even keep up with the more speed-capable vehicles that most contestants use.No WeaponsNo Weapons races function exactly as the above, with the only change being that it is purely racing – no weapons are allowed to be used during them. Other than that, they follow the same rules as above.
(Credit to Kal the Guardian for the map.)
"Vreclusive scientists… strange and unique experimental veapons… it's 'ome sweet 'ome!"~ElithesAt first glance, Kai-Nam's heavy snowfall, tall peaks and dangerous outer rim would make the island appear uninhabitable to all but the most adaptable of individuals – and, indeed, many of the first beings to attempt to colonize the island died off before a strong establishment could be made. With the introduction of several hundred Ko-Matoran thousands of years ago, however, the island has evolved into one of the universe's leading technological advancers, specializing in vehicles and other survivability devices through the use of plentiful natural resources hidden near the center of the island, as well as recently beginning a slight heating of the island to make it more open to beings from warmer parts of the universe. This section will attempt to familiarize newcomers to Kai-Nam with the island's most important locations – new and old.The BarrensThe outermost part of the island, the Barrens is just what the name suggests – a frozen wasteland that forms the shores of Kai-Nam. While it is possible to survive there, there are not a lot of resources, and most beings that have attempted to live in the Barrens for long periods of time have or have nearly died. Niaka, or Ice Wyverns (named after the first leader of City, Niakar) are a common sight in the Barrens, being able to survive off of cold alone.-The Roads to Salvation are a web of paths that have been established from the various docks around Kai-Nam that lead to City. They are separated from the wild parts of the Barrens and the Hills by tall fences with built-in heating technology, providing relatively safe and comfortable travel to City for newcomers to the island.-The Silent Hills are, as many have noted, misnamed, because they refer to the dozens of small mountains scattered around the Barrens and that surround City. Still, official paperwork has yet to be signed that change their names. Regardless, the Hills are, as the name suggests, silent – few noises are ever heard coming from them. Recent technology has enabled beings to travel up the mountains, usually for training purposes, and they remain a favorite spot for people to seek solitude from the business of City despite their cold temperatures. Strangely, the higher one climbs, the warmer it seems to get…-The Ring Headquarters is where Lyxek can usually be found. It is built into the base of the tallest eastern mountain, close to City, and extends throughout the whole mountain, as it has essentially been converted into a massive fortress. It is equipped with defenses capable of holding off even the strongest KNPD warriors, and if the need arises, a self destruct sequence can be initiated that is reportedly powerful enough to take out an eighth of Kai-Nam.The Day RunHaving moved from Gynel in the past year, the Day Run has been reestablished in the western Barrens of Kai-Nam, so as not to disturb the residents. From a distance, the structures give the Day Run the appearance of a small city, though these thoughts are dispelled immediately once one gets a closer look at the buildings. A path runs from the Day Run facilities to City, heated and protected by similar technology to the Roads. Due to recent events regarding the KNPD and the Ring, protection has risen – guards can now be seen patrolling the borders of the Day Run facilities and path far more often than usual, all with orders to subdue anyone who attempts to cause trouble for the tournament.-The Registration Office is relatively small in comparison to the other Day Run buildings, being only the size of a two-story house. It is a circular building with a flat roof, with four entrances. In the center is a desk with an automated registration system, which is programmed to confirm all information on contestants before entering them into the tournament. To stop potential hackers, the computer networks in the registration office are protected by dozens of Smart AI.-The Player Lounge is a small hotel-like structure. Some contestants in the Day Run have no place to stay on Kai-Nam; as such those contestants are allowed to stay in the hotel for as long as they are participating in the tournament. It is a fairly fancy place, opting to give contestants the most comfort possible so as to keep them in top condition. It is usually used as a meeting place for the more reclusive teams.-The Coliseum is a large, domed structure belonging to the Day Run in which all gladiatorial matches are fought. It consists of stands for live audiences to sit, a control room from which the terrain can be changed, and seven rings composing the actual arena part of it. The rings slop down into the ground, gradually getting smaller until they come to form a small (in comparison to the other rings) bowl at the bottom. The audiences are protected from stray blasts by an energy shield separating the stands form the ring, and Recorder 2.0s float innocently over the battling contestants at all times, broadcasting the event to the universe. Kerid's office is also located here, built above the stands.-The Race Track is a large, zigzagging course built on the perimeter of Kai-Nam. It is designed so as not to impede travel between the docks and City in that is rises over the roads between them. Like the Coliseum, special nanobots developed by Makuta Jaeda are used to change the terrain of the race track into virtually anything imaginable. Recorders are a common sight over the entirety of the track, broadcasting the races to view screens all over the universe.-The Garage is similar to both the Coliseum and the Lounge. It is an optional housing unit for the vehicles owned by contestants who can not find a cheap enough garage in City; like the Coliseum, it is build deep into the ground, making it appear smaller on the outside than it is on the inside. This is where the Recorder 2.0s are stored when not in use, and where Ehjoras's office is. The Matoran in question is also a common sight here. Additionally, a secret vault is located underneath the garage, accessible only by Day Run officials; Kerid has hidden the Kanohi Nox, Mask of Night, within it, in an attempt to keep it from Lyxek.CityBuilt in the center of Kai-Nam, right above where the majority of the natural resources can be found, City has become the sight of one of the most technologically advanced societies in the universe, rivaling the Brotherhood of Makuta and bypassing Xia in weapons and vehicle production. Being the only town or city on Kai-Nam, City has no "official" name, though the possibility of building new colonies has prompted several naming proposals. City is split into five smaller divisions, with each district specializing in a certain aspect of society.-North District, the science hub, is the second most heavily guarded sector of City, due to the fact that it is home to all of Kai-Nam's labs, factories and experimental facilities, excluding the vehicle factories. Both KNPD officers and Ring operatives are a norm here, with the former guarding the labs and the latter attempting to gain intelligence on them. Scientists are a very common sight as well, hustling to and fro in an attempt to keep everything in order.-East District is the residential and recreational sector of City. It consists mainly of garages, hotels, apartments, shops, game corners and other such recreational facilities. Many contestants in the Day Run stay here during their time on Kai-Nam, as well as the residents of City; they are typically segregated from each other in terms of sleeping quarters, with Kai-Namians residing closer to Central than contestants. A now-obsolete section of East District is infamous for housing Lyxek and his original lackeys, who would later go on to form the Ring; several casinos built and owned by them are a daily reminder to the residents of this fact. The Civilians not affiliated with the Day Run all reside here.-West District deals with all of the vehicle-related production that is not covered in the North District. New vehicles are built, tested and mass-produced in West District, and then shipped out for use by other islands and the KNPD; some factories have secretly been bought out by the Ring, and as such provide vehicles to them. Several small race tracks can be found here, though unlike the Day Run's, few can change their terrain.-South District was once the site to many observatories and planning facilities, where scholars could study the stars and improve designs for devices that would later be developed in North District. Following the Skakdi raid, South District has been transformed into a badly damaged and abandoned area of City. Though one would have expected repairs to have been finished since the raid, work has been slowed to a grinding halt after the discovery of a group of dead workers trapped in a green substance; investigations are still under way, though there have been few results. Strange creatures have also been sighted wandering around the streets at times; it is unknown who or what they are, though the Ring has claimed to be responsible for whatever is going on.-Central/KNPD Headquarters, called the "Political Division" by some, is the central section of City. It is the location of everything related to politics and the KNPD – jail houses, the mayor's office, the town hall, and such. It is heavily guarded at all times by the KNPD. Near the middle of Central is a domed, fortress-like structure, close to the town hall. Platinum white in appearance, it is the base of all of the KNPD's operations, and is nearly impenetrable due to the heavy defenses it is equipped with. It is designated as a fallback point for the Turaga in the event that the Ring manages to break his guard's defenses. It is also where missions for the KNPD are handed out, and by extension, where the Director resides. A medium-sized section is dedicated to extracting resources from under the City -- with the Ko-Matoran twist of being done quietly and cleanly.Niakar's TrinityNamed after the first leader of City, Niakar's Trinity is a trio of three small islets off of the south coast of Kai-Nam. Though inhabited by few sapient species, a large colony of Niaka is known to inhabit all three islets. The islets are known to be used by the Guild of Tyis in their initiation tests – a bounty hunter who can successfully capture a Niaka, who are known for their slyness and strength when infuriated, is considered worthy enough to become a member of the Guild. Travel to the islets is allowed, but highly advised against.-Kia Island is the smallest, westernmost island in the trio. The Niaka on Kia are not all that aggressive, due to being more familiar with the inhabitants of Kai-Nam than others. A cavern deep underneath Kia Island, accessible by an icy tunnel, formerly housed a pair of artifacts called the Eyes of Apheer. These have been recovered by Team Zero member Vertak, and the tunnel collapsed as a result of a battle against a Ring operative named Tarius.-Tyis Island is the easternmost island of the three, and is the largest of them all. Named after the Guild of Tyis, Tyis Island is the most commonly used island when it comes to initiation tests in the guild. The Niaka here are more aggressive than those on Kia Island, though less so than those on Jial.-Jial Island is the last island, and the furthest from Kai-Nam's mainland. The Niaka on Jial are unique in that they are primarily red and black, and are all extremely aggressive; rumor has it that this is the result of... experiments performed by the Director on the local population. Travel to this island is heavily advised against, more so than travel to the other islands.GynelLocated south of Kai-Nam, Gynel was the home of the Night Run prior to Jaeda's death. As a result of the Feranaki breakout one year ago, the island has been blockaded by the Brotherhood of Makuta, rendering it inaccessible -- at least without knowledge of how to get through to it. Lyxek recently sent a group of Dark Hunters there in order to retrieve a strange, glowing rose, deep within the vast and twisting Feranaki caverns.Much of Gynel's landscape is in ruins. The entire island still bears the marks of the Feranaki-Night Run battle that was fought there a year ago: The mountains are almost completely obliterated, most of the forests have been burnt down, and thousands of bodies litter the place, bodies of Feranaki, regular beings and Recorders. The only intact structures are the buildings left there by Kerid, glossy ebony buildings that serve as gravestones for what was formerly a secretive and titanic power.The GardenThe Garden. The Place of Birth. The Origin Point. Once a myth, a place of wonder, a mystery in Kai-Namian folklore, the Garden is all too real. A vast cavern, seemingly far beneath City, it is a vast, lush land, shrouded in perpetual darkness and accessible only by teleportation at certain areas on the island, with the help of one of the even more secretive Keepers. Within it lie answers to a large number of recent questions. Within it lies an object of power, the other half of the Coeur d'Ombre, rumored to be the key to defeating Lyxek and the Director… or bringing about certain doom. Within lies terror unseen, beasts never meant to see the light of day.You seek it at your own peril.
Staff & Rules1. First and foremost, all BZP rules apply – as usual, so no flaming and spamming and trolling and whatnot. If you haven't read them, they can be found here.2. To emphasize two specific parts from the above, do not spam and do not flame. For the uninformed, spamming is the posting of pointless messages – in this case, posts that don't apply to the RPG. Don't do it. Flaming is the intentional act of OOCly attacking or provoking another member. Don't do it. You will be punished.3. Heed the words of the staff. In the case that either you think a staff member has made an unfair call or they may have blatantly disrespected you, take it up with me and we'll sort it out.4. Don't majorly control another player's character unless they have asked you to. To be specific – A. Don't kill another player's character without permission; B. Don't severely injure another player's character without permission; and C. Don't make another player's character do something huge without – you guessed it – their permission. If you want to do that with your own characters, by all means go for it.5. You must be approved in the profile topic before you begin playing.6. Do not God-Mode or meta-game. For those not in the "know": meta-gaming is, essentially, making your character know something that you only know OOCly – like, for example, reading a conversation between two characters nowhere near your character and then having your character know of it. God-modding is pretty much just playing unfairly in battle, – never tiring, being impossibly strong, etc. Both are looked down upon, and neither will be tolerated, even against NPCs. As an extension of this, Nova blasts are not allowed.7. Please be realistic. BIONICLE and earth physics may not completely apply, but you can't jump a mio into the air – it's just not possible without help. Along with this, you may have a fast vehicle, but don't zip off from one side of Kai-Nam and arrive at the other in one post. And make NPCs act like they should – if you're a known KNPD officer, Ring guards aren't going to let you into their base.8. Please use the OOC and IC systems when you post. Examples of each are as follows:IC: Toa Likil walked through the streets of City, deep in thought.OOC: Anyone want to interact?9. You are allowed to use a maximum of three (3) characters in this role-play. If you earn a reward, you may use it to create additional characters.10. Be fair – establish yourself as a trustworthy person and act on that. By this I mean don't purposely undermine someone else's character just to win a battle or race. It's a game; if you have to resort to OOC cheating to win a battle, then you've got issues.11. Have fun! Don't take this too seriously – it's a game. Games are games are games. They won't affect you.
Punishments & RewardsThe Garden follows a relatively simple five-strike system when it comes to punishments. Each time you break the rules, you will get a warning, with each warning increasing in seriousness. Once you get five strikes, you're done – your characters are killed and you are permanently booted from the game. For specific details:1st Strike: A friendly warning over PM; no other repercussions. You are expected to stop after this.2nd Strike: A more severe warning, again over PM. A character will be injured, though nothing serious. Consider it a slap on the wrist.3rd Strike: A third warning. One character will be severely injured and his vehicle damaged. Stop now.4th Strike: One last warning. Your character will be killed, and all assets taken by his opposing faction. This is your last chance to turn around.5th Strike: No warning. All characters killed, all vehicles and equipment taken; permanent banning from the RPG. You were warned. Go away.On the other hand, if you are a good and/or helpful player, then you may receive a reward. These rewards can range from an additional character to new equipment to power upgrades and other such things. While I'll try my best to follow through on this, I've been known to be on and off about using my rewards systems in the past, so excuse me if I don't give out gifts to everyone.
Registration/NPCs"Halt! Due to recent events, all newcomers to City must fill out a registration form, so as to let us know who, exactly, we're allowing onto the land."~KNPD Officer
Edited by Parugi, Apr 01 2012 - 11:12 PM.
Edited by Parugi, Apr 01 2012 - 11:12 PM.


text:
Google Lobbies to Build Support for Driverless Car
Google has been revving up lobbying efforts with legislators nationwide to build support of their proposed driverless car. WSJ's Amir Efrati reports on Google's efforts to pass legislation in support of autonomous vehicles in several states. Photo: Getty.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Speckled Watercress Soup
Another delicious green spring soup! This one couldn't be easier to prepare and is pretty enough to serve at a spring party or Mother's Day Brunch (my plan!).
I love the fresh, peppery taste of watercress, which is added at the very end to maximize flavour and color.
Shallots, a potato, vegetable broth, and a little milk make the simple base. You could purée it all the way, but I love the speckled effect of this partially puréed version.
This recipe only makes two servings, so double or triple it depending on your immediate needs.
Speckled Watercress Soup:
1/2 tsp olive oil
3 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
1 large potato, peeled and diced
1 tsp butter
vegetable broth
sea salt and black pepper
1 bunch watercress, stems removed, leaves roughly chopped
2 TBS milk
Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Sauté the shallots over low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. Add the diced potato and butter. Stir until butter is melted. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes. Add vegetable broth to cover potatoes by 1/2 inch. Season. Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer partially covered until potatoes are tender (about 20 minutes). Take off the heat, add the chopped watercress leaves and milk. Stir.
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until potatoes are smooth and watercress is speckled. Adjust seasoning.


text:
Thought I would post here before raising a ticket.
I am running Mythtv with what is notionally named Freesat lineup. In reality, it is potentially any FTA (Free To Air) channel i.e. not encrypted from the Astra satellite constellation at 28.2E. The same constellation that provides Sky (BskyB) in the UK.
Now for the quesions/comments:
1. How do the various stations/channels get into a lineup for satellite ?
My Freesat lineup (GBR-0003012-DEFAULT) does not contain all possible stations/channels.
For example most ITV1 HD regional variants are missing.
2. There is some inconsistency in station/channel naming.
Is this controlled by SchedulesDirect or your upstream suppliers?
A few examples for +1 channels,
ITV4 (Plus 1 Hour)
CBS Reality Plus One Hour
5 Star Plus 1
More 4 Plus 1 Hour
I am using the tv_grab_sd_json grabber.


text:
The Fall Brawl Begins in 10 Battleground States
Get ready for an all-out brawl in 10 too-close-to-call battleground states as President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney begin a two-month sprint to Election Day.
Get ready for an all-out brawl in 10 too-close-to-call battleground states as President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney begin a two-month sprint to Election Day.
They will deluge those states with personal visits, stacks of direct mail, automated phone calls and an unprecedented barrage of TV ads in tossup states Florida, New Hampshire, Virginia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Iowa, Colorado, Nevada, Michigan and Ohio. They'll probably all but ignore the rest of America.
Florida and Ohio may matter most. No Republican has won the presidency without winning Ohio, and Florida's 29 electoral votes – more than 10 percent of the 270 needed to win – are the biggest swing state prize.
The candidates will be dueling for support from a relative handful of undecided voters. In Ohio, for instance, RealClearPolitics' poll average shows Obama up by 0.7 percentage points – roughly 40,000 people in a state where 5.7 million voted for president last time.
This intense dash to Nov. 6 could well be decided in a series of debates next month. The presidential candidates are scheduled to face off Oct. 3 in Denver, Oct. 16 in Hempstead, N.Y., and Oct. 22 in Boca Raton, Fla. Vice presidential candidates Joe Biden and Paul Ryan debate Oct. 11 in Danville, Ky. All debates will run from 9-10:30 p.m. eastern time.
If Obama holds the states polls say are now firmly his, he'd have 221 electoral votes, including California's 55 and New York's 29. Romney is considered a safe bet so far for 191 electoral votes, notably Texas' 38.
Strategies for easing what's become chronic economic pain are the most prominent topic everywhere, though different states have different concerns. Nevada is stuck with a historic housing crisis. Ohio and Wisconsin are trying to revive struggling manufacturing industries. Virginia and North Carolina, once the economic jewels of the New South, have lapsed.
In a close race, other issues could be crucial. Will the unusually rigid Republican stands against abortion and gay marriage help bring conservative Virginia and North Carolina voters to the polls? Or will that also motivate enough opponents to tilt New Hampshire and Colorado to Obama? Where does immigration fit? Environment? The auto bailout?
With dispatches from McClatchy newspapers around the country, here's a state-by-state look:
FLORIDA (29 electoral votes)
With a history of tight elections and a population that resembles the nation's, Florida is the ultimate battleground state.
Florida reflects the nation: the southeast of the state is akin to the Northeastern U.S.; southwest Florida is tied to the Midwest, and the north of Florida is like the Deep South. Then there's Miami-Dade, the state's largest and most Hispanic county, which functions as a Latin American capital.
Romney and supporters have dumped an estimated $45 million on television ads in Florida just for the general election. Obama and his allies have spent about $25 million. The Republicans held their convention in the Tampa Bay area, the most hotly contested battleground region of the state.
Romney holds an edge in money, but Obama's so-called "ground-game" organization of thousands of volunteers and nearly 100 field offices appears unmatched.
The two are essentially tied, with Obama narrowly ahead of Romney by an inside-the-error margin lead of about 2 percentage points, according to the averages of the latest reputable statewide polls. Obama won Florida by fewer than 3 percentage points in 2008, but the toll of the bad economy has hurt his standing. The unemployment rate stands at 8.8 percent, and Florida's foreclosure rate is the third highest in the nation.
"The president can win without Florida," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, a Democrat. "If he wins Florida, it's a slam dunk."
OHIO (18 electoral votes)
Ohio loves its reputation as one of the most unpredictable of the bellwether states, and 2012 is no exception. Obama has visited the Buckeye State 27 times since taking office in 2009, including 11 this year. Romney has been to the state 13 times since last year.
Obama and Romney are locked in a statistical dead heat in Ohio. The Columbus Dispatch recently recorded its closest presidential poll in modern history, with Romney leading Obama by only 0.22 percentage points, a figure well within the survey's margin of error.
As in other states, the economy is the dominant issue in Ohio, and voters appear evenly divided on whether Obama or Romney would provide better leadership on the issue.
Though Ohio is a Rust Belt state, it's doing better on jobs compared with other parts of the country. The state's July unemployment rate was 7.2 percent – lower than the nation's 8.1 percent jobless rate.
John Green, a political scientist at the University of Akron, said that because of the state's comparatively lower unemployment picture, the election could hinge on second-tier issues like the environment or abortion.
"It's going to be very close, typical Ohio," Green said. "Because Ohio is doing a little better in regard to unemployment, there is some room for secondary issues like the environment or same-sex marriage to matter."
NORTH CAROLINA (15 electoral votes)
Republicans were so certain of carrying the Tar Heel State last time that South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham famously boasted: "I'll beat (multiple gold medal winner) Michael Phelps in swimming before Barack Obama wins North Carolina."
After Obama improbably carried North Carolina in 2008, the first time since 1976 that a Democratic presidential candidate won the state, Republicans are making no such boasts this time. This summer, the state has endured a $50 million advertising barrage, with Romney and his allies outspending Obama by more than 2-to-1.
So far, the ad war has barely moved the polls, with most showing the race within the margin of error. But Democrats acknowledge they face an uphill task in a state with the fifth highest unemployment rate in the country.
Obama is counting on a massive grassroots effort and a boost from the convention that concluded Thursday in Charlotte, and from an influx of new residents from more Democratic-leaning parts of the country.
According to a Gallup survey of ideological leanings of residents in each state, North Carolina was the 22nd most conservative state in the country – making it ideologically closer to Wisconsin than to any other Southern state.
VIRGINIA (13 electoral votes)
Virginia was long regarded as a conservative Southern state. But in 2008, Obama became the first Democratic candidate to carry the commonwealth in 44 years after putting together the broadest state political organization in modern times.
Republicans are fighting hard to get the state back, and Virginia is now among the most volatile of the swing states.
Democrats have made inroads in northern Virginia, where the population has boomed in recent years, particularly with minorities and younger voters. Republicans have electoral strength in the Shenandoah Valley and rural south and southwestern Virginia.
The key battleground areas are the outer suburbs of Washington, including Prince William and Loudoun counties; Hampton Roads, the sprawling region in southeastern Virginia and home to a large number of veterans, college students and African-Americans; and suburban Richmond.
Obama officially launched his re-election in Virginia in May. Since then, not a week goes by without a visit from their candidates or their running mates.
NEVADA (6 electoral votes)
Four years after Obama won Nevada by more than 12 percentage points, this recession-weary state – perhaps more than any other – tests his argument that the economy has improved on his watch.
Foreclosures are rampant and the unemployment rate still hovers around 12 percent, highest in the nation. The Republican Party, outnumbered by more than 100,000 active voters in 2008, has reduced the Democratic Party's advantage to fewer than 60,000 active voters this year.
Yet a strong following for Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, evident at the Republican National Convention, and before that at a disorderly state convention, has forced Romney to work around the state party.
"It's just a further distraction that shows there's not a unified Republican Party," said David Damore, a political scientist at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The state's growing Latino population and large Mormon population could factor heavily in the outcome, likely helping Obama and Romney, respectively. Romney is expected to carry rural areas of the state, while Obama will perform well in and around Las Vegas. The race is likely to be decided in Washoe County, including the cities of Reno and Sparks.
NEW HAMPSHIRE (4 electoral votes)
New Hampshire has voted Democratic in four of the last five presidential contests, and Obama won the state soundly in 2008. Romney, who has a summer home in the state and was governor of neighboring Massachusetts, is hoping for a hometown edge.
The Granite State's major claim to political fame stems from its first-in-the-nation presidential primary, which provides every candidate with a roadmap of the state's political landscape. But it's also a tempting prize in the general election, with an electorate so closely divided that it's almost always up for grabs.
"The numbers are close enough that turnout can make all the difference," said Andrew Smith, director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center. "This is a state where the campaigns' ground operations, the messages, the ads, the door-to-door (campaign work), will matter because it's such a close balance. The winner will be whoever drives out their base."
Both campaigns made stops in New Hampshire on Friday, the first day after the conventions, underscoring the competitive nature of the race. That split is reflected by the state's two U.S. senators: Democrat Jeanne Shaheen – elected in 2008 – spoke at Obama's convention; Republican Kelly Ayotte – elected in 2010 – spoke at Romney's convention.
COLORADO (9 electoral votes)
Young voters and Latinos helped Obama win Colorado by 9 percentage points in 2008, with rapidly changing demographics turning the once reliably-Republican state into a tossup.
The state's voters are nearly evenly split – about one-third each Republican, Democratic and unaffiliated.
Latino voters, who could make up 8 percent or more of the electorate this year, are likely to be critical to the outcome, as are suburban women. Obama did well with Latinos and women voters in 2008, said Kyle Saunders, a political science professor at Colorado State University.
But the unemployment rate remains above 8 percent. Though "things are a little bit better off here" than in many states, Saunders said, the sputtering economy may still hurt Obama.
"It's very much the case that the economy and jobs are the most salient issue nationally," Saunders said. "It's the most salient issue in Colorado, and when you're the incumbent president, that's yours."
IOWA (6 electoral votes)
Both candidates made treks to Iowa on Friday on the first day after the conventions, a testament to its outsized role in the election.
In between their personal visits, the fight is playing out on the state's television screens. Since May 1, the Obama campaign purchased more than $12 million in ad time, according to figures compiled by the National Journal, enormous spending for the relatively small media markets in the state. The Romney campaign has spent less – $7.2 million – but outside groups affiliated with Republicans have added more than $10 million.
Obama carried Iowa easily in 2008. Farm interests and alternative fuels – read ethanol subsidies and wind energy – remain important issues for the state's voters. Some of Iowa's Democrats also have an aggressive anti-war posture that Obama was able to tap.
Romney, though, is relatively popular with the state's social and fiscal conservatives, and he favors federal support for ethanol production.
He was also able to build a limited state organization during the Iowa caucuses, which he narrowly won – then narrowly lost when the precinct caucus votes were double-checked – to Rick Santorum.
Recent polls suggest the race is nearly a dead heat. The key remains self-identified independents, who make up more than a third of the Iowa electorate.
WISCONSIN (10 electoral votes)
A Democratic presidential candidate hasn't lost Wisconsin since 1984, but that winning streak may offer little comfort to Obama. The Badger State has seen a dramatic political shift recently.
Voters swept Republicans into power in 2010, sending Ron Johnson to the Senate to replace liberal Sen. Russ Feingold, and putting Scott Walker in the governor's office. After Walker curbed union rights in a budget fight, voters sided with Walker again in a recall vote.
"There's been a real shift in government – a clear swing in a Republican direction, and you don't even need Paul Ryan on the ticket. But you add him to the ticket and you've got an extra dimension." said Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll.
Romney got a bump in the state when he chose as his running mate the young Ryan, the congressman from Janesville and chairman of the House Budget Committee, pulling within 3 percentage points after trailing by 5.
"The two-point shift in Romney's direction is within the margin of error for the poll but suggests Ryan's addition to the ticket may have slightly increased Romney's chances in Wisconsin," Franklin said.
MICHIGAN (16 electoral votes)
The state that usually serves as the bellwether for American blue-collar voting will be watched unusually closely this year.
Thought to be a Democratic stronghold, it's in play partly because of Romney's family ties and partly because it's shown some Republican tendencies.
Michigan elected a conservative Republican governor, Rick Snyder, in 2010. Romney is a Michigan native, from a family still well-regarded in the Detroit area. His father was the state's governor from 1963 to 1969, his mother, Lenore, ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate, and his older brother Scott remains active in state Republican circles.
Mitt Romney faces a big hurdle though: The auto industry is coming back, and Obama is taking credit for the resurgence. Though the bailout program began under President George W. Bush, Obama kept it going strong and his campaign is offering constant reminders of what he did—and how Romney opposed the bailout.
In 2008, he wrote an op-ed for the New York Times headlined, "Let Detroit Go Bankrupt," and offered other suggestions for reviving the auto industry.
The RealClearPolitics poll average Friday showed Obama up 2.4 percentage points in the state.
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St. Vincent de Paul
WHO IS THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT de PAUL?
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a volunteer Catholic lay organization comprised of almost a million members in 131 countries who provide comfort and financial assistance to those in need. Although the Society is Catholic-oriented, volunteer membership is not limited to Catholics but is open to anyone who believes in and supports its precepts, noted in Matthew 25:35-36.
As an organization we provide a number of important functions to both our local community and the nation. By collecting such items as clothing, furniture, household items, appliances, vehicles and other items, we are one of the major recycling resources in the country. Millions of pounds of clothing, hundreds of thousands of pieces of furniture and ton after ton of household goods are given a second life and kept out of landfills.
By the prudent use of these items, the quality of life for many in need is improved within the local communities. These community benefits are provided by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Retail Thrift Stores throughout the United States as we improve the quality of life of the men, women and children living in our local communities.
In accordance with Federal Law and US Department of Agriculture policy,
this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color,
national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs or disability.


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SELINSGOVE, Pa. – The York College men's indoor track and field team finished strong at the Crusader Indoor Meet at Susquehanna University on Friday evening.
The men's distance runners had a strong showing in their first race of the season. Paul Glassmoyer (York, Pa./West York Area) had a tremendous race in the first heat of the 5K and recorded a personal record. Glassmoyer finished in 16:54.51.
Tim Hartung (Mohnton, Pa./Governor Mifflin) picked up right where he left off last season. Hartung set the school record as well as the CAC record in the 5K with a time of 15:19.27 and a second place finish. He also ran extremely well in the mile run with another second place finish and a time of 4:25.06.
"Tim is well on pace to break his past records," said head coach Erick Camodeca. "He is starting out faster then he did at this time last year."
Other Spartans that ran well in the 5K included Craig Eppler (Bethlehem, Pa./Northampton) and Steven Childres (Ellicott City, Md./Mt. Saint Joseph). Eppler finished in 16:10.64 for sixth place and Childres came in just behind in seventh with a time of 16:20.85.
The Green and White also looked strong in the 60-meter dash. The top guys ran extremely well. Coach Camodeca is excited to have such a young talented group. Sean Welsh (Baltimore, Md./Parkville) continued to lead the pack with a first place finish in 7.09. Phillip Cavaluchi (Port Carbon, Pa./Pottsville) ran a 7.19 and tied for third place. Ryan Banta (Ellicott City, Md./Marriotts Ridge) recorded a time of 7.28 and finished in sixth.
Welsh narrowly missed winning the two fastest events. He fell just short in the 200-meter dash and came in second with a time of 23.29.
Cavaluchi also showed well in the long jump. He posted a second place jump with a distance of 6.19 meters.
In the 400-meter dash, the Spartans looked solid. Demetrice Cox (York, Pa./Dallastown) ran well, but finished in fourth after tripping up in the starting blocks. Coach Camodeca was not worried and said it was a good learning experience for Cox. The rest of the crew had good times and Coach Camodeca feels that they just need more experience at the event.
The throwers are starting to see progress from their hard work. Eddie Kraft (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) finished the weight throw in sixth place with a distance of 12.84 meters. The Spartans also looked good in Shot Put. Alex Palescandolo (Derwood, Md./Magruder) was the top finisher for York with a throw of 11.98 meters and a seventh place finish. Behind him was Kraft in eighth with a throw of 11.70 meters. Terez Beauford (Parkville, Md./Loch Raven) also qualified for finals and finished in 11th place, covering a distance of 11.09 meters.
The Spartans return to Susquehanna Saturday, February 9 for the Susquehanna University Invitational. The meet is set to start at 10:00 am.


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Basic Facts About Salmon
Salmon is the common name for fish in the order Salmoniformes. They live in the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and are anadromous, which means most types of salmon are born in fresh water, migrate to the sea, and return to freshwater to reproduce, or "spawn." Salmon appearance varies greatly from species to species. Species like chum salmon are silvery-blue in color while some have black spots on their sides, like the Atlantic salmon. Still others, like the cherry salmon, have bright red stripes. Most of these species maintain one color when living in fresh water, then change color when they are in salt water.
In general, young salmon eat insects, invertebrates and plankton; adults eat other fish, squid, eels, and shrimp. Unlike all other salmon, the sockeye salmon has a diet that consists almost entirely of plankton.
Did You Know?
Beaver ponds provide critical habitat for juvenile salmon.
It is difficult to estimate population numbers due to the large number of species and wide geographic range. However, population numbers in the Atlantic Ocean and in parts of the Pacific, as well as the Colorado River, have dropped drastically from what they were historically. In the Colorado River, for instance, salmon numbers are down to 3% of what they were during the time of Lewis and Clark.
Salmon can be found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as well as inland lakes like the Great Lakes.
Most salmon are anadromous fish, meaning they are born in freshwater (rivers or streams), travel to and live much of their lives in salt water and return to freshwater to spawn. After spawning, all Pacific salmon and up to 50% of other species die within a few weeks. The salmon that do not die can spawn two or three more times.
There are a few species and subspecies of salmon, like the Danube salmon and the kokanee salmon, that spend their entire lives in fresh water and never migrate to the ocean.
When the female reaches the place where she will lay her eggs, she makes a depression in the riverbed with her tail, and then deposits her eggs in this depression. She waits for males to fertilize the eggs, then covers the depression and moves on to make another. Females will make as many depressions as it takes to lay all their eggs (up to seven depressions).
You may also be interested in:
Length: Varies from species to species. The cherry salmon has an average length of around 20 inches, while the Chinook salmon has been known to reach almost 5 feet.
Weight: 4 to 110 lbs depending on the species.
Lifespan: 2 to 8 years depending on the species.


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Inquiry Question
Supplementary Resources
By studying The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House: African American Women Unite for Change students learn about Bethune and the history of the National Council of Negro Women. Those interested in learning more will find that the Internet offers a variety of interesting materials.
National Park Service
National Park Service Travel Itinerary
The National Register of Historic Places online itinerary Places Reflecting America's Diverse Cultures highlights the historic places and stories of America's diverse cultural heritage. This itinerary seeks to share the contributions various peoples have made in creating American culture and history.
National Park Service
The National Council of Negro Women
The Logan Circle Community Association
D.C. Preservation League
Experience DC
Bethune-Cookman University
Library of Congress: American Memory Collection
Library of Congress: Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS)/Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) Collection
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
National Women's Hall of Fame
The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The University of Washington Libraries


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When it comes to outdoor recreation, Big Bear tops the charts. Ideal conditions include sunny blue skies, cool & mild weather, gorgeous green forests and a lake full to the brim. more »
Easiest route from most Southern California locations.
It is a bit longer, but is the most scenic.
Shortest way if you are coming Hwy 210 Eastbound.
Less mountain driving and least amount of traffic.
Before you enter Big Bear Lake into your GPS be sure to select the route that best suits you. Sometimes GPS directions can take you on a route that's not necessarily the most convenient. Please check out the map and directions on this page to determine what route is best for you.
The most familiar route for motorists traveling from Los Angeles, Orange County San Diego and Inland Empire is Interstate 210 to Hwy. 330 (through Highland). However, other routes to consider are Hwy. 38 (through Redlands) a pleasant, scenic drive that offers fewer curves, or Hwy. 18 (through Crestline), which is a great choice and only five miles difference from Hwy. 330. Of course, if you are traveling from the desert communities or Las Vegas take Hwy. 18 (through Lucerne Valley), which offers the least amount of mountain driving, and is the best route in snowy weather because it receives lesser snowfall.
The Mountain Transit provides dial-a-ride and fixed route service through Big Bear Valley. Including from San Bernardino to Big Bear Lake and Victorville to Big Bear Lake. During the fall, the trolley has complimentary Oktoberfest rides on the Big Bear Weekend Trolley. Mountain Transit buses are wheelchair accessible and all buses are equipped with bike racks.
When leaving Big Bear during peak periods or on fresh powder days consider traveling on the routes locals take, which are Hwy. 38 toward Redlands and Hwy. 18 toward Lucerne Valley (best in snowy weather). Both routes are east of the ski resorts that ultimately take motorists west, north and south as a convenient way back home. Take it from a local, during peak periods "
East is Least" and will eventually save you some travel time.
If you take Hwy. 330 home during peak periods and appears backed up, then consider taking Hwy. 18 toward Crestline/Lake Arrowhead. This route has a bit more mountain driving, but could save you time on the way home.


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The American Film Institute on Thursday named the winners of its festival's Audience and Jury awards, including the Swedish movie "Eat Sleep Die" as its New Auteurs grand jury prize.
Three films won grand jury prizes — in the categories New Auteurs, and live-action and animated shorts. Four others took home audience awards — worth a $5,000 cash prize — for the Young Americans, World Cinema, New Auteurs and Breakthrough brackets.
"It has been an incredible year in film and we're grateful for having had the opportunity to showcase so many wonderful films," Jacqueline Lyanga, Director of AFI fest, said in a statement. "Our desire is to have these films reach an even wider audience after these eight festival days, and that our jury and audience awards contribute to building an audience for these films."
The festival, which ran from Nov. 1-8, screened its winners Thursday at the Chinese 6 Theatre in Los Angeles.
Here's a complete list of winners:
Grand Jury Award, New Auteurs:
Grand Jury Award: "Eat Sleep Die" for director Gabriela Pichler's "sensitive portrait of a young woman fighting to keep her job and her dignity in the globalized economy, driven by an energetic performance from Nermina Lukac, is an extraordinary work accessible to many audiences."
Special Mention for Performance: "Simon Killer" star Mati Diop for "her contribution to 'Simon Killer' as both an actress and screenwriter."
Special Mention: "Here And There" by Antonio Mendez Esparza for "its honest depiction of lives that are otherwise often invisible in our society."
Grand Jury Awards, Live Action and Animated Shorts
Grand Jury Award, Live Action Short: "Introducing: Bobby" by Roger Hayn "for crafting an honest vision of America by making an insightful portrayal of a single man."
Grand Jury Award, Animated Short: "Oh Willy…" by Emma De Swaef and Marc Roels "for melding a dynamic narrative with innovative animation style that leads the viewer to pure wonderment."
Special Jury Award for Animation: "Belly" by Julia Pott "for its personal touch to technique and playful storytelling that is a welcome addition to the pantheon of animation."
Special Jury Award for Documentary Filmmaking: "Whateverest" by Kristoffer Borgli "for constructing a film that contextualizes the digital generation and reflects on what happens when we turn the camera onto ourselves."
Honorable Mention for Performance: "Narcocorrido" for Raul Castillo's "penetrating lead performance that conveys a sense of loss that leaves a lasting mark on the audience."
Honorable Mention for Promising Vision: "Dogs Are Said to See Things" by Guto Parente "for pulling together social criticism with a pool party and actually making something fresh and smart."
Audience Awards
Audience Award, World Cinema: "A Royal Affair" by Nikolaj Arcel. Denmark/Sweden/Czech Republic/Germany.
Audience Award, New Auteurs: "A Hijacking" by Tobias Lindholm. Denmark.
Audience Award, Young Americans: "Only the Young" by Jason Tippet, Elizabeth Mims. USA.
Audience Award, Breakthrough: "Nairobi Half Life" by David Tosh Gitonga. Kenya/Germany.


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A Moment at the 2007 National – Opening a 1952 Topps Pack
It is something that most collectors dream of but few could actually afford to do. How would you like to open an original pack of 1952 Topps baseball cards? Well, a longtime collector and dealer Ron Hobbs did just that at our table in Cleveland this year. Ron, one of the most likable gentlemen you could ever meet, decided to roll the dice as they say.
The scarce 1952 Topps Series One pack was worth several thousand dollars as is, preserved in unopened form, so I asked him time and time again, "Are you sure you want to do this?" I guess I felt more nervous than he did even though it was his money and his risk. Ron knew of the risk, clearly, but the experience in opening the pack is priceless. In addition, you just never know what might be inside.
Several years ago, a hobbyist pulled a #1 Andy Pafko card right from the center of the pack and that card turned out to be the only PSA Gem Mint 10 in existence, selling for over $80,000 at the time and worth considerably more today. It's that chance of finding something big that intrigues many collectors and tempts them to risk it all.
So, the stage is set. Ron walked over to the table and proceeded to slowly, and I mean slowly, open the pristine pack. With a small crowd surrounding him, Ron peeled away the paper to reveal the cards underneath. The anticipation reached new heights as everyone around the table was rooting for Ron to unearth a gem from the most important post-war set in the hobby.
As the paper was pulled back from the surface of the top card, Ron revealed a Bill Goodman. The second card was a Ray Boone, father of MLB catcher Bob Boone and grandfather of second baseman Brett Boone. The card protected in the middle of the pack was one featuring Wayne Terwilliger. The fourth card was one featuring pitcher Johnny Sain but it wasn't the tough error variation. Finally, Ferris Fain was the last card in the pack.
After all the cards were revealed, the small crowd praised the quality of the cards. Surprisingly, the cards were far better centered than anticipated but remember that the crowd was evaluating the condition of the cards from a distance. Upon closer inspection, there were a couple of noticeable flaws. First, all of the cards had varying degrees of corner pulls, which is very common for those who risk opening original packs. Second, and not surprisingly, the last card in the pack – Fain – was covered in stains from the gum pressed against its back.
The grades were as follows from best to worst, Terwilliger (PSA NM-MT 8), Boone (PSA NM 7), Sain (PSA EX-MT 6), Goodman (PSA EX-MT 6) and Fain (PSA EX 5). As expected, the middle card (Terwilliger) received the highest grade, being protected in the center. Also as expected, the last card received the worst grade since it suffered from the aforementioned stains.
It was tough to return the cards to Ron because you just cannot help but root for a guy like him but, as they say, the cards are what they are. Is there a lesson to be learned here? Well, in one sense, sure because the risk is truly great when opening vintage packs like this. It proves that even cards that come directly out of the pack are often not Mint or even close to Mint.
On the other hand, you simply cannot put a price on the experience. Just watching it unfold as a spectator was exciting and, no matter how the grades turned out, no one who watched this will ever forget it – especially Ron.
Never get cheated,
Joe Orlando
Editor In Chief
Copyright © 2019 PSA – A Division of Collectors Universe. Nasdaq: CLCT. All rights reserved.


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