text:
Hello all and thanks for reading!
Ok, I'd like to introduce the team and game/project we are working on, so that you readers can be a little more sure that this is a serious project, and not just a dream.
We are currently three team mates;
Paul ( Programmer ( http://mercior.com <- if you want to see his webpage ) Lives in the UK, meaning GMT+0 )
Andy ( 3D Modeler, lives in the UK as well, meaning GMT+0 )
Ian ( Game Designer, the one writing this and lives in Faroe Islands, meaning GMT+0 )
NOTICE: I'm excluding considerations as day-light saving
Our project's working title is "Argorn", a 3D 3rd person action game with rpg elements, but played in a linear format where you progress through levels. The game will take place over about 6 levels. We have set up a work web space on assembla, mainly so that we could advertise on here and other sites, so here's the link -> Home | Argorn | Assembla <- NOTICE: take a look at the videos to see some progress and shots of the game that are pre-pre-alpha or something, just trying to give you some insights.
So now that you know a little about us, I'll get to the point. We're in need of a mapper, but not just any mapper; we prefer someone who's either experienced in hammer/3dws or GTKradiant, but we are open to other mappers.
Also, if you are interested, we'd prefer if you live in GMT+0 or close, also, we want dedicated people in our team, we are a team and not a buisness, so you do not have regular working days and whatnot, instead you have fun doing what you love, this is at least what we try and hope all our team mates feel, even though hard and boring work is always a part to success.
You can contact via email at firstname.lastname@example.com or on MSN via firstname.lastname@example.com, and we can discuss things, or you can just reply on here.
Thanks for reading and thanks in advance!


text:
Please remember to follow the manual of style and code of conduct at all times.
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Difference between revisions of "Skyla"
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==In the TCG==
==In the TCG==
[[File:SkylaBoundariesCrossed149.jpg|200px|thumb|Full Art print of Skyla]]
{{main|Skyla (Boundaries Crossed 134)}}
{{main|Skyla (Boundaries Crossed 134)}}
[[File:SkylaBoundariesCrossed149.jpg|200px|thumb|Right|Full Art print of Skyla]]
'''Skyla''' was introduced as a {{TCG|Supporter card}} in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] during the English Black & White Series (the Japanese BW Era). First released in the Japanese {{TCG|Cold Flare}} expansion, it was later released in the {{TCG|Black Kyurem-EX Battle Strength Deck|Black Kyurem-EX}} and {{TCG|White Kyurem-EX Battle Strength Deck}}s and the {{TCG|Blastoise + Kyurem-EX Combo Deck}} before debuting in English in the {{TCG|Boundaries Crossed}} expansion, with all prints featuring an illustration based on the [[Yusuke Ohmura]] artwork of the character. It was also released as a {{TCG|Full Art card}} in the Japanese {{TCG|Plasma Gale}} and English Boundaries Crossed expansions, with an illustration by [[Kanako Eo]]. Skyla allows the player to search their deck for a {{TCG|Trainer card}}, show it to their opponent, and add it to their hand before shuffling the deck.
'''Skyla''' was introduced as a {{TCG|Supporter card}} in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] during the English Black & White Series (the Japanese BW Era). First released in the Japanese {{TCG|Cold Flare}} expansion, it was later released in the {{TCG|Black Kyurem-EX Battle Strength Deck|Black Kyurem-EX}} and {{TCG|White Kyurem-EX Battle Strength Deck}}s and the {{TCG|Blastoise + Kyurem-EX Combo Deck}} before debuting in English in the {{TCG|Boundaries Crossed}} expansion, with all prints featuring an illustration based on the [[Yusuke Ohmura]] artwork of the character. It was also released as a {{TCG|Full Art card}} in the Japanese {{TCG|Plasma Gale}} and English Boundaries Crossed expansions, with an illustration by [[Kanako Eo]]. Skyla allows the player to search their deck for a {{TCG|Trainer card}}, show it to their opponent, and add it to their hand before shuffling the deck.
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| Transliteration of her Japanese name
| Transliteration of her Japanese name
==Related articles==
==Related articles==
Revision as of 07:10, 21 August 2019
| Skyla
フウロ Huuro
|"The Highflying Girl"
Artwork from Black and White
|Eye color
|Hair color
|Reddish brown
|Mistralton City
|Miles (grandfather)
|Trainer class
| Gym LeaderBWB2W2
Pokémon TrainerB2W2
| Black and White
Black 2 and White 2, Masters
|Leader of
|Mistralton Gym
|Jet Badge
|Specializes in
|Flying types
|Game animation debut
|The Uprising
|English voice actor
|Japanese voice actor
|Noriko Shibasaki
|Anime debut
|Cilan Takes Flight!
|English voice actor
|Sarah Natochenny
|Japanese voice actor
|Kana Ueda
Skyla (Japanese: フウロ Huuro) is a pilot who is the Gym Leader of Mistralton City's Gym, known officially as the Mistralton Gym. She specializes in Flying-type Pokémon. She gives the Jet Badge to Trainers who defeat her.
- 1 In the games
- 1.1 Pokémon
- 1.2 Quotes
- 1.3 National Gymquirer
- 2 Artwork
- 3 In the anime
- 4 In the manga
- 5 In the TCG
- 6 Trivia
- 7 Names
- 8 Related articles
In the games
Skyla appears in Pokémon Black and White as the Gym Leader of Mistralton City's Gym. This Gym is the sixth to be challenged by the player. Trainers who defeat Skyla will receive the Jet Badge, along with TM62 (Acrobatics). She has a passion for flying and owns an entire airport. Her grandfather is said to be a legendary pilot.
She first appears in Mistralton as the player arrives in the town. There she is speaking with Cedric Juniper about using her plane to fly to a faraway region. Before battling the player, she says that she saw an injured Pokémon atop Celestial Tower to the north and that she must help it. After the player talks to her and rings the bell at the top of the tower, she heads back to the Gym. She also reappears at N's Castle where she and the other Unova Gym Leaders hold off the Seven Sages. In the summer, she visits Cynthia at Undella Town, as do the other female Gym Leaders and Elite Four members.
Skyla is good friends with fellow Gym Leader Elesa. Between the events of Black and White and Black 2 and White 2, Elesa confided in her about changing her image.
In Black 2 and White 2, Skyla returns as a Gym Leader. The TM Skyla gives out remains the same. She aids the player and Professor Juniper in reaching Lentimas Town in order to access Opelucid City, due to the collapse of Twist Mountain. She flies her plane with them on board.
After the player receives the Permit from Professor Juniper, Skyla will fly the player to the Nature Preserve. She is also seen in the Pokémon World Tournament.
Pokémon Black and White
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
Gym battle
Easy Mode/Normal Mode
Challenge Mode
Pokémon World Tournament
Skyla uses three of these Pokémon in Single Battles, four in Double and Rotation Battles, and all six in Triple Battles. She will always lead with her signature Pokémon, Swanna.
Unova Leaders Tournament
Type Expert/World Leaders Tournament
Pokémon Black and White
- Mistralton City
- "Professor, who's that Trainer?"
- "Oh, I see! So that means you'll be challenging the Gym! Oh boy! I'm really looking forward to it!"
- "Professor, my plane is a cargo plane! It carries cargo, not people! And you're talking as if places like Kanto and Sinnoh are right around the corner!"
- "Sheesh! It's hard to believe a happy-go-lucky guy like that could be a world-renowned Pokémon professor. Heads-up, <player>. As a Gym Leader, I'd be happy to have you challenge the Gym, but there's something I need to take care of first. Just now, as I was flying the cargo plane, I saw something on top of the Celestial Tower. I'm sure that it is a sick Pokémon! If it is, I can't just leave it there! I have to look into this right away. I'm leaving for Route 7's Celestial Tower. You can come along if you want."
- Celestial Tower
- "Oh, you came. Thank you! I was right. What I saw was a hurt Pokémon. Don't worry, though! It's fine now! I gave it a Max Revive, then it felt better and flew away! Hee hee! Don't I have great eyesight? No matter how far away things are, a Pilot's eyes can see them! Oh, that's right! Since you've come this far, why don't you ring the bell? Celestial Tower's bell is for soothing the spirits of Pokémon. Also, the character of the person ringing the bell is reflected in its sound."
- "Come on, don't be shy!"
- "What a pretty sound. <Player>, you are a kind and strong person. It's that kind of sound. I'd like to introduce myself again! I'm Skyla, the Leader of Mistralton's Pokémon Gym. I use Flying-type Pokémon. When you are ready, please come to the Gym. I'll give you a big welcome!"
- Before battle
- "Hee-hee! I've been waiting for you. Did you enjoy flying with the help of the Mistralton Gym cannons? They're my pride and joy! This time, let's try something else!"
- During battle (the first non-KO HP loss)
- "When I think about a match with a fabulous Trainer like you, it's like I'm walking on air!"
- After sending out last Pokémon
- "This is my last Pokémon... But I'll never give up hope!"
- Being defeated
- "Being your opponent in battle is a new source of strength to me. Thank you!"
- After being defeated
- "You're an amazing Pokémon Trainer. My Pokémon and I are happy, because for the first time in a while, we could fight with our full strength. This is an official League Gym Badge. I think it will look good on you."
- "Wow, hot stuff! With that many Gym Badges, Pokémon up to Lv. 70 will obey you. Also, as thanks for a Pokémon battle that made me very happy, I want you to have this TM."
- "My present to you is Acrobatics. If the user doesn't have a held item, its power doubles. It's a pretty technical move. Be sure to compensate for the lack of a held item! By the way, when I flew over Twist Mountain on the way to Icirrus City... Team Plasma--is that the name? Anyway, they were heading for the city. What kind of people are they?"
- "Icirrus City, where you'll find the next Gym, is past Route 7, just after you cross Twist Mountain. It's a hop, skip, and a jump when flying, but it's a really challenging walk. Heads up! Make sure you're ready for it!"
- Post game
- Are you and your Pokémon well? Our battle together was so much fun. Now, my Pokémon and I have started training again. I don't usually let people travel in my cargo plane, but battling with you was such a blast that I'd make an exception."
- N's Castle
- "I'm fine! Don't worry!"
- "Now! Acrobatics!!"
- Cynthia's villa
- "I get along well with Elesa, but Pokémon battles are a different story! If you're not super prepared, your battles with Electric types will leave you in shock!"
- "Seeing the ground again after safely passing through a rain cloud in a violent rainstorm... Someday, I'd like to share that moment with you."
- "I was just thinking about that. When it comes to swimsuits... You're either about self-composure or you're about self-exposure!"
- "Even distant Sinnoh is just a hop, skip, and a jump if I use my cargo plane. But... I also love to travel the sky with a Pokémon when it's using Fly!"
- "Mmm... Swimming in the ocean sure feels great!"
- Badge Case
- You'll see smiles all around you, with the brightest of skies above you."
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
- Mistralton City
- "Professor Juniperrrrr!"
- "Why are you surprised, Professor? You did ask for a lift in my plane to cross Twist Mountain, since you can't reach Opelucid City by foot."
- "Honestly! I can't tell if she's just laid back or if she's not paying attention to anything outside her head. The apple sure doesn't fall far from the tree. What's next? Are you coming to my Gym to challenge me? Or are you going to follow the professor to Celestial Tower and do some training? As long as I get to battle with a strong Trainer, I'm fine either way!"
- Before battle
- "Hee-hee! I've been waiting for you. You're a tough Trainer who can face the wind and not get blown off your feet! I'm kinda excited about this battle! Why don't you and I have some fun?"
- During battle (the first non-KO HP loss)
- "When I think about how you might attack, it's like I'm walking on air!"
- After sending out last Pokémon
- "Never give up! To do so is an insult to the Pokémon who fight for you!"
- Being defeated
- "I won't forget this battle! I'm glad that I could fight against you!"
- After being defeated
- "You're an amazing Pokémon Trainer. My Pokémon and I are happy because for the first time in quite a while--about two years, I'd say--we could fight with our full strength. This is an official League Gym Badge. But this is just a stepping-stone."
- "Wow, hot stuff! With that many Gym Badges, Pokémon up to Lv. 70 will obey you. Also, I want you to have this TM so that you'll always remember this Pokémon battle."
- "I wonder what Professor Juniper is up to? I did promise her a ride in my plane…"
- In front of the Gym, if the player didn't meet Professor Juniper at Celestial Tower yet
- "Time for a quick hop in my plane! Hey, where did Professor Juniper get to? I wonder if she's still doing research in Celestial Tower? Mmm... Could I ask you to go get the professor? I've got to finish flight preparations at Mistralton Cargo Service!"
- In front of the Gym, if the player already met Professor Juniper at Celestial Tower
- "Time for a quick hop in my plane! Hey, where did Professor Juniper get to?"
- "Hey! Professor! Wait up! Honestly… She just does everything at her own pace!"
- "OK! You come, too!"
- After visiting Lentimas Town
- "Are you and your Pokémon well? Our battle together was a ton of fun. Whenever my Pokémon think of our battle, they want to start training again. It might be a cool idea to take my plane and go on a training trip together!"
- Mistralton Cargo Service
- "Looks like the Professor's reached a stopping point in her investigation. Ready to hop aboard my plane?"
- No: "Roger! Come talk to me when you're ready."
- "Are you ready to get aboard the plane? The sky is calling!"
- Yes: "Hee-hee! Ready for takeoff!"
- "Hee-hee! Looks like everyone's here! Finally, it's time to fly the Unova skies!"
- Nature Preserve
- "It's a hop, skip, and a jump by my plane! Want to go back to Mistralton City?"
- No: "Roger! Talk to me when you're ready!"
- Yes: "OK! Let's hit the runway!"
- Memory Link - Taking it to The Next Level
- Mistralton City - Present
- (to player) "Hey, what's up? I know! Since you're here, I'll tell you a little secret!"
- Flashback
- (to Elesa) "Sure, what's up?"
- "A PR makeover?"
- "Uh... OK..."
- "Elesa... Those are just a bunch of bad puns. Where's the joke?"
- "Um... That's a little too sophisticated for me. Actually, it's really hard to understand."
- "Sounds good! Hey as long as we're hanging out, surely you wouldn't mind having a Pokémon battle with me, right?"
- "Oh, Elesa..."
- End of flashback
- "Please keep this a secret from Elesa, OK?"
- Before battle (first round)
- "Why don't you and I have some fun?"
- Before battle (second round)
- "What I like is having fun! I love doing things like flying in the sky with Pokémon and bringing out their best! So, how about you and I have some fun?"
- Before battle (final round)
- "It's finally time for a showdown! That means the Pokémon battle that decides who's at the top, right? I love being on the summit! 'Cause you can see forever and ever from high places! So, how about you and I have some fun?"
- Being defeated
- "Being your opponent in battle is a new source of strength to me. Thank you!"
- If the player is defeated
- "Win or lose, you always gain something from a battle, right?"
- After being defeated
- "You're a pretty amazing Pokémon Trainer, aren't you? My Pokémon and I are happy, because for the first time in a while, we could fight with our full strength."
- After winning
- In the lobby, after the tournament
- "I'm in top form, and I can see what my opponent is trying to do. And I still couldn't win! That's because Pokémon battling is really deep, and you're really great!"
- Badge Case
- Yearning makes you look up at the sky. To fly, go beyond yearning and take action!"
National Gymquirer
Pokémon Black and White
- Jingle: "Woo hoo! All right! It's 'The National Gymquirer'!"
- Page: "That's right! We collect the hottest gossip about Gym Leaders seen around town! Here is today's letter. From someone going by the name Pilotcandidate. Thank yooou! 'I'm an aspiring Pilot who is a huge fan of Skyla! I couldn't take it anymore, and I peeked into her Gym...and it looked like she was flying with the propeller on her head! Isn't that amazing?! Maybe she doesn't even need a plane!' Hmm... That is mysterious! Still, I wonder if she was just using the cannons in her Gym to fly... 'The National Gymquirer'! We eagerly await your letters!"
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
- Jingle: "Woo hoo! All right! It's 'The National Gymquirer'!"
- Page: "That's right! We collect the hottest gossip about Gym Leaders seen around town! Here is today's letter. From someone going by the name FlyingMaiden. Thank yooou! 'I wanted to ride on Skyla's plane, so I went to the Gym! Skyla was in the back of the Gym, and she sneezed! At that very instant, a tremendous wind blew me clear out of the Gym!' Hmm... That is amazing! Still, I suspect that wind might not have had anything to do with her... 'The National Gymquirer'! We eagerly await your letters!"
| Sprite from
Black and White
|Sprite from Black 2 and White 2
|Overworld sprite from Generation V
| VS sprite from
Generation V
In the anime
In the main series
Skyla debuted in Cilan Takes Flight!. Those who wished to challenge her were required to make reservations first. She would pick up to fifteen challengers at a time and have them participate in what she called an "Air Battle"—a battle that she played out in her head—instead of traditional battles. Skyla matched up her Pokémon against her opponent's and made decisions through their strengths and weaknesses. If she felt her team would have a disadvantage, she would give the challenger the Jet Badge. However, if she felt her team had the advantage, she would deny the challenger a Badge.
This method infuriated both Ash and Cilan. Not only did they disapprove of Skyla's methods, but her own grandfather and former Mistralton Gym Leader, Miles, disapproved as well. He then explained that she used to do traditional battles and was quite good. As a result, she received floods of challengers each day and that ultimately prevented her from having any time to pilot her plane. As a Gym Leader himself, it was simply unacceptable to Cilan and he wished to challenge her.
Skyla agreed to battle Cilan first since it would be the first time she battled another Gym Leader. She performed her "Air Battle" first and concluded that she was the winner. However, Cilan persuaded her to battle the traditional way. Like she had predicted in her head, she came out victorious in the real battle and thus did not feel she needed to change her methods at all.
In order to help make her realize the true meaning of being a Gym Leader, Ash battled Skyla himself in An Amazing Aerial Battle!. He eventually won with his Tranquill evolving into Unfezant, earning himself the Jet Badge. She then learned not to take air battles so lightly and promised to be a proper Gym Leader from then on.
She reappeared in flashbacks in Curtain Up, Unova League! and Survival of the Striaton Gym!. She also made a cameo appearance in the ending credits of Genesect and the Legend Awakened.
| Swoobat is one of Skyla's three Pokémon. In her battle against Cilan, Swoobat was able to easily defeat his Pansage with Gust. However, it quickly fell to Cilan's Crustle. It later appeared in An Amazing Aerial Battle!, where it defeated Ash's Krokorok, but fell to Ash's Tranquill.
Swoobat's known moves are Supersonic*, Air Cutter, and Gust.
|Cilan Takes Flight!
|Voice actors
|Kiyotaka Furushima
|Michele Knotz
| Unfezant is one of Skyla's three Pokémon. He was quickly defeated by Cilan's Crustle in Skyla's battle with him. He reappeared in An Amazing Aerial Battle! as the second Pokémon Skyla called upon against Ash. He battled Ash's Tranquill, though she was recalled for Pikachu. After a tough fight, Pikachu triumphed over Unfezant with Electro Ball.
Unfezant's known moves are Pluck, Air Slash, and Aerial Ace.
|Cilan Takes Flight!
|Voice actors
|Akeno Watanabe
|Erica Schroeder
Swanna is one of Skyla's three Pokémon. In Skyla's battle with Cilan, it was able to defeat his Crustle. It struggled a bit battling Stunfisk which it had a type disadvantage with and was also burned by its Scald. However, thanks to its Aqua Ring, it was able to overcome its burn and defeated Stunfisk.
It appeared again in Ash's Gym battle against Skyla in An Amazing Aerial Battle!. Similarly to Cilan's Stunfisk, who had a type advantage, Pikachu fell to Swanna. Tranquill battled against Swanna and won thanks to an evolution into Unfezant and learning the move Aerial Ace.
|Cilan Takes Flight!
|Voice actors
|Chiaki Takahashi
| Chiaki Takahashi
Kana Ueda (*)
Voice actors
In Pokémon Generations
This article is missing information on this character's English voice actor.
You can help by adding this information.
Skyla appeared in The Uprising, where she was seen outside N's Castle trying to stop the Seven Sages. Together with several other Unova Gym Leaders, she battled the many Team Plasma Grunts to prevent them from achieving Team Plasma's goals.
Skyla's Swanna was seen battling against the Team Plasma Grunts.
|The Uprising
Voice actors
In the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer
Skyla briefly appeared in the Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer, where she, Flint, and Acerola battled Bettie, Iris, and Barry at a stadium. The outcome of the battle was left unknown.
Swanna is Skyla's only known Pokémon. Alongside Flint's Infernape and Acerola's Palossand, it battled Bettie's Pikachu, Iris's Haxorus, and Barry's Piplup. The outcome of the battle was left unknown.
|Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer
In the manga
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
Skyla makes her first appearance delivering a package full of Prop Cases for the Pokémon Musical after the Driftveil Drawbridge has been raised, preventing anything going through it. She is shown to be flying a cargo plane and writes a message in the air to tell the people of Nimbasa to enjoy the Musical.
Later, when Black goes to Mistralton City with Clay to meet with the other Gym Leaders, Skyla leaves to help an injured Pidove on the Celestial Tower and drags Black there with her. After healing the Pidove, Skyla has Black ring the Celestial Tower's bell and "takes him" to the Gym to have a battle. There, she reveals that if Black loses, he will be forced to go back to Nuvema Town, as she could tell that he was stressed out when he rung the bell. Although worried that Team Plasma's actions could get the League closed down, Black manages to get his head together and beat Skyla. Although Black won the battle, Skyla goes off to pilot a plane with the other Gym Leaders inside. Black is shot back up to the Celestial Tower and Skyla has him ring the bell once again. Pleased with the bell's sound, Skyla has her Swanna give Black the Jet Badge and take him with the Gym Leaders to Nacrene City.
Upon arriving, Skyla and the other Gym Leaders face the Shadow Triad in battle to protect the Dark Stone from being stolen. Despite their teamwork, Skyla and the other Gym Leaders are defeated by the Shadow Triad's trump card, the Forces of Nature. Skyla, along with the other Gym Leaders, is kidnapped and taken to a dark room, where she had her memories of the kidnapping erased. When Caitlin used her psychic abilities to communicate with the Gym Leaders, she had them relay a message to Black during his battle with Drayden.
During Team Plasma's attack on the Pokémon League, Skyla is hoisted up on a crucifix along with the other Gym Leaders so that they and the League can be mocked. Soon after, she is freed by Shoko's Patrat and assists in the battle against Team Plasma.
| Swoobat is Skyla's first seen Pokémon. It was first seen with Skyla in the cargo plane while she delivering package in Nimbasa City. Later, it was used to battle Black in a Gym battle and was defeated by his Nite.
Swoobat's only known move is Air Cutter, and its Ability is Unaware.
|Special Delivery
| Unfezant is Skyla's second seen Pokémon. She was first used to battle Black in a Gym battle. In the battle, she managed to drive his Costa back into his Poké Ball but was defeated by his Tula. During the battle against the Shadow Triad, Unfezant battles alongside Lenora's Pokémon to protect the Dark Stone.
Unfezant's known moves are Air Slash and Razor Wind, and her Ability is Big Pecks.
|Up in the Air
Swanna is Skyla's third seen Pokémon. It was first used to battle Black in a Gym battle. In the battle, Swanna defeated Black's Nite and was defeated by his Costa. Later, it was used to deliver Black his Jet Badge and took him to Nacrene City to help protect the Dark Stone.
It was later seen again in Homecoming, where it participated in the battle against the Seven Sages.
|Up in the Air
In the Pocket Monsters BW manga
Skyla has appeared in Pocket Monsters BW.
In the Pocket Monsters BW: Good Partners manga
Skyla appeared in Pocket Monsters BW: Good Partners.
Skyla was shown to have a Swoobat, Unfezant, and Swanna.
None of their moves are known.
|Pocket Monsters BW: Good Partners
In the TCG
- Main article: Skyla (Boundaries Crossed 134)
Skyla was introduced as a Supporter card in the Pokémon Trading Card Game during the English Black & White Series (the Japanese BW Era). First released in the Japanese Cold Flare expansion, it was later released in the Black Kyurem-EX and White Kyurem-EX Battle Strength Decks and the Blastoise + Kyurem-EX Combo Deck before debuting in English in the Boundaries Crossed expansion, with all prints featuring an illustration based on the Yusuke Ohmura artwork of the character. It was also released as a Full Art card in the Japanese Plasma Gale and English Boundaries Crossed expansions, with an illustration by Kanako Eo. Skyla allows the player to search their deck for a Trainer card, show it to their opponent, and add it to their hand before shuffling the deck.
- Her Japanese Leader title is 大空の ぶっとびガール.
- Her hair accessory seems to resemble an airplane propeller.
- Skyla debuted in the anime in the opening for Pokémon Black & White: Rival Destinies which was first used in the season premiere the weekend before the Japanese airing of her debut episode.
- Skyla's Unfezant is male in the anime but is female in the games and Pokémon Adventures.
- In Black 2 and White 2, the holster on Skyla's leg is missing in the initial frames of her sprite.
- In the English dub of the anime, Skyla's Japanese voice was occasionally used to voice her Swanna.
|フウロ Huuro
|From 風露草 (フウロソウ) fūrosō, the geranium genus of plants; possibly from 風炉 fūro, wind furnace. Contains 風 fū, wind.
|From sky or possibly skylark.
|Possibly from Carlina or the Carolina Duck.
|Possibly from Geraldine Mock or geranium.
|From anemone. May also be taken from the Greek anemōnē (daughter of the wind).
|From geranio, geranium.
|풍란 Pungran
|풍란 (風蘭), Neofinetia falcata. Also, 풍 (風) pung means wind.
|Chinese (Mandarin)
|風露 / 风露 Fēnglù
|From her Japanese name. Means wind and dew.
|Chinese (Cantonese)
|風露 Fūnglouh
|Same as Mandarin name.
|Скайла Skayla
|Transcription of English name
|Transliteration of her Japanese name
Related articles
|Gym Leaders of the Unova region
|PML Leaders of Pasio
|This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.
- Female characters
- Articles needing more information
- Characters with an unknown English voice actor
- Stubs
- Game characters
- Black and White characters
- Black 2 and White 2 characters
- Masters characters
- Flying-type Trainers
- Anime characters
- Pokémon Generations characters
- Gym Leaders
- Manga characters
- Pokémon Adventures characters
- Pocket Monsters BW characters

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A Mother's Story
A Mother's Story
I think about my life in two parts now: before the tragedy and after it.
One June day, I left work a little later than expected. This made me a few minutes late to pick up my 3-year-old son from his regular babysitter's house outside St. Louis.
It was during those minutes that the babysitter's 11-year-old child found a gun in a closet. Markie, my son, entered the room, surprising the boy with the gun. The gun went off. He never meant to shoot Markie.
Today, I tell all parents to ask a simple question that can help prevent unintentional shootings like the one that has changed my life:
"Is there an unlocked gun in the homes where my child plays?"
There's no way to describe the pain of losing a child and the effects of Markie's death – not just on my family, but also on the family of the boy who shot my son.
My hope is to prevent other families from feeling the same pain and heartache. That is why I support the Asking Saves Kids Campaign. ASK encourages parents to ask about guns in the home before sending their children over to play.
Parenting is a constant juggling act, and we can always share extra tips and information to help keep our children safe.
And while I know many parents might find it hard to start this conversation, it's a conversation that can save lives.
I encourage you to pledge to ASK, and to make sure your friends and neighbors do too.


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Configuration: 12 boxes per case. 1 pack per box. 6 cards per pack.
2013 marks the return of Leaf Metal Draft Baseball. This Years release is easily one of the strongest checklists in the history of the brand. Rather than fill the product up with 3rd -20th round picks, this release uses the hottest young players in baseball to fill out its checklist. Elite prospects such as Byron Buxton, Oscar Tavaras plus many more top prospects enhance this already potent checklist. They join 2013's top draft picks, the most exciting minor league players (without autographed cards to date) and the kind of international surprises you've come to expect from leaf in what will surely be an exciting release.
Look for:
Base autographs: all autographs are now prismatics.
- Look for rare 1/1 Super-Prismatic!
State Pride: Leaf's ever popular insert makes its return with parallels as limited as 1/1
Top Picks: This insert features only those players taken with the top picks in the 2013 draft, with parallels as low as 1/1.
Production cut over 33% from last year!


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The e-book editions of Ultimate Flexibility have full color photos for devices with color displays.
Ultimate Flexibility is also available as a streaming video at Amazon.com:
Buy the video now at Amazon.com. Prime members watch for free!
More than a collection of exercises or an explanation of technique, Ultimate Flexibility is a complete guide to stretching for martial arts, from the very basics of why you should stretch to detailed workout guidelines for every style and level of martial arts practice.
Written by acclaimed author and martial artist Sang H. Kim, Ultimate Flexibility is your guide to achieving maximum flexibility in your training. Begin with an in depth look at the hows and whys of flexibility and stretching.
Learn about the many types of stretching, which methods are best for beginners, when to graduate to advanced techniques and why you should completely avoid certain types of exercises.
You'll also find information that you won't find in any other martial art book, including a detailed exploration of how your body works for or against you in your training and how flexibility can make you stronger and faster.
Building on this foundation, Sang H. Kim teaches you nearly 200 flexibility exercises that he has personally used to achieve the highest levels of flexibility. You'll get detailed instructions, workout planning guides, goal setting tips, difficulty levels, injury prevention and recovery, and over 400 photos to guide you.
Includes Exercises and Workouts for:
- Core Workout
- Warm Up
- Cool Down
- Light Contact
- Full Contact
- Grappling
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Boxing
- Weapons
- High Kicks
- Splits
Special bonus sections: 10 Tips for Full Splits, 20 Tips for High Kicks and 10 workouts for specific martial art types.
Author: Sang H. Kim
Editions: Kindle, Nook, iPad, Android, Softcover, Hardcover


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Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a new £50 million project to regenerate Old Street roundabout and turn it into "Europe's largest indoor civic space" for start-ups and entrepreneurs.
Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a new £50 million project to regenerate Old Street roundabout and turn it into "Europe's largest indoor civic space" for start-ups and entrepreneurs.
Old Street roundabout in the heart of East London is often referred to as "Silicon Roundabout," due to the large number of technology start-ups in the area (over 1,300), though the government prefers the label "Tech City".
According to the government's Tech City Investment Organisation (TCIO), the new civic building will include a 400-seat auditorium, classrooms, co-working spaces and workshops equipped with the latest 3D printing technology, for use by both the local start-ups and the wider community.
It will have the capacity to train 10,000 students in coding and enterprise through programmes such as Coder Camp, TeenTech and Computer Science for Fun, and will also run 500 peer-to-peer education sessions for advanced skills development per year.
In partnership with apprenticeship providers such as Renaisi and Hackney Community College, the centre will aim to help 1,000 young people into skilled employment per year.
"Two years ago I set out my commitment to help Tech City become one of the world's great technology centres. Today we are seeing it continue to grow and go from strength to strength - and that is down to the talented, creative entrepreneurs who have set up there," said Cameron.
"The UK is in a global race and I am determined that we as a government continue doing everything we can to equip the UK to compete and thrive in that race. As well as backing the businesses of today, we are creating an aspiration nation and also backing the innovative, high-growth businesses of the future."
The announcement was accompanied by a host of corporate commitments to Tech City. Microsoft and Cisco (together with DC Thomson and UCL) are both opening innovation centres to support local technology development, and KPMG and Alert Me are also setting up offices in the area.
Meanwhile, IBM will bring its entrepreneur programme to Tech City, Barclays will offer placements to students from Ravensbourne technology college and Salesforce.com is supporting a programme of events to showcase Tech City start-ups.
Commenting on the news, Steve Garnett, Salesforce.com EMEA Chairman, said that it is vitally important that technology SMEs are supported and nurtured.
"Today's announcement from the government emphasises the UK's huge potential to work its way out of austerity by building fresh, innovative and creative businesses," he said.
Skills Matter, Brunswick, Busuu, Career Builder, Cavendish Corporate Finance LLP, ECNlive, Lawbit, Research In Motion and The Trampery all made further commitments to the Tech City project, ranging from providing advice to start-ups to connecting them with investors.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said that the time is right to "lay solid foundations in Tech City for London's digital revolution," adding that the list of new firms committing to the area is a testament to the confidence that leading technology entrepreneurs have in the capital.
"Our new centre will provide not only a vital resource to nurture upcoming technology and creative superstars from around the world, it will drive huge investment into the capital and help create thousands of jobs," he said.
The government's decision to turn the spotlight on East London's technology cluster in 2010 has led to rapid expansion, with many of the world's technology giants such as Google, Amazon and Intel establishing a presence there over the last year.
The Coalition government has also introduced a number of policies to encourage entrepreneurs and investors to set up in East London, including early-stage tax breaks, lower corporation tax and changes to IPO regulations.
"Tech City has become a thriving hub of tech-based enterprise and creativity," said Joanna Shields, incoming CEO of TCIO. "We have the opportunity to take this momentum and make Tech City the global leader in tech innovation and the location of choice for start-ups and growth businesses."
Copyright 2009 IDG Magazines Norge AS. All rights reserved
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This 8.5x11 profile image is in PDF format and is print and camera ready for promotional purposes.
For the most efficient means of communicating with Clive and Joe of Organized Rhythm please use the online contact form by clicking on the CONTACT FORM button below. For information on scheduling an Organized Rhythm performance please contact the Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists Agency.
Joseph Gramley, Multi-Percussionist
Website: JosephGramley.com
Clive Driskill-Smith, Concert Organist
Website: Organist.org.uk
Phillip Truckenbrod, Phillip Truckenbrod Artists
1 Gold Street, Suite R, Hartford, CT 06103-2914
888-999-0644 | 860-560-7800
Website: ConcertArtists.com


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DI Women?s Basketball Player of the Week ? No. 9
KANSAS CITY, Mo - Tugce Canitez of Westmont (Calif.) has been named the NAIA National Division I Women's Basketball Player of the Week, the national office announced Tuesday. Canitez, who is the final weekly honoree for the 2012-13 season, was selected based on her performances from Feb. 25 - March 3 and was chosen out of a pool of conference/unaffiliated group winners.
Canitez, a native of Izmir, Turkey, notched her Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) leading - seventh nationally - 18th double-double of the season with 27 points and 20 rebounds in Westmont's 62-47 win against San Diego Christian (Calif.) in the semifinals of the GSAC Tournament on March 1. The senior forward shot 7-for-13 (53.8 percent) from the field and 13-of-16 (81.3 percent) at the foul line. She also added four assists and one steal in the effort.
Canitez currently ranks fourth on Westmont's all-time scoring list with 1,253 career points in less than two seasons. She leads the NAIA in defensive rebounding per game (9.1), while ranking second in points per game (21.6) and third in rebounds per game (12.3). Canitez is the first single-season four-time NAIA National Division I Women's Basketball Player of the Week award winner, dating back to the 2007-2008 season.
For a complete list of all the national statistical leaders, click here.
For the complete Player of the Week calendar, click here.
Nominees: Katie Scherder, William Woods (Mo.); Courtney Sturdivant, West Virginia Tech; Nia Nolan, West Virginia Tech; Amber Tully, West Virginia Tech; Jessica Pace, Cumberland (Tenn.); Jenna Adams, Lee (Tenn.); Britney Joseph, Central Methodist (Mo.); April Perry, Southern-New Orleans (La.).
2013 Division I Women's Basketball Players of the Week
Week 1 (Jan. 8): Amber Arceneaux-Francis, St. Thomas (Texas)
Week 2 (Jan. 15): Kourtney Tyra, Georgetown (Ky.)
Week 3 (Jan. 22): Tugce Canitez, Westmont (Calif.)
Week 4 (Jan. 29): Arnissa Galloway, Southern Poly (Ga.)
Week 5 (Feb. 5): Tugce Canitez, Westmont (Calif.)
Week 6 (Feb. 12): Tugce Canitez, Westmont (Calif.)
Week 7 (Feb. 19): Jenna Adams, Lee (Tenn.)
Week 8 (Feb. 26): Brittany Carter, Faulkner (Ala.)
Week 9 (March 5): Tugce Canitez, Westmont (Calif.)


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2013 Inaugural New England Disc Golf Championship
Wednesday, September 25, 2013 by mcmanus
The 2013 New England Disc Golf Championship will be held on Saturday, October 5th at Hylands DGC and Maple Hill DGC respectively. Hylands will host the AM side and Maple Hill will host the pro divisions. Check in will be between 8 and 9 a.m. with players meetings beginning at 9 a.m. at each course. Pros will play the Maple Hill blue course in the morning and the gold course in the afternoon. At Hylands, MA1's will play Long tees both rounds, MA2, MM1 and MG1 will play Short tees in the morning and Long tees in the afternoon and MA3, FA1 and FA2 will play Short tees both rounds.
Cash payouts to the Pro divisions and players packs/ funny money for the AMs. Community Discs will be on hand at Hylands for the AM payouts.
We are looking for additional sponsorships and CTP donations! For information on being a sponsor or donating CTPs, please click HERE . We are also looking for volunteers to assist with both tournaments. Volunteers interested in helping out at Hylands can send a PM to Trent Solomon or Michael Zorovich. Volunteers interested in helping out at Maple Hill can PM Dave Jackson or Greg Wintrob.
We are looking forward to hosting the first New England Disc Golf Championship!! the Crowning Disc Golf Tournament
for disc golfers in New England, New York and New Jersey. Good luck to all the players!!


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Hi all!
Oooooo Saraid - how exciting! So I calculate test date would be 22 September? Is that right?! Feet up sounds good to me - milk it all you can!!!!!
Sue - your post filled me with dread. We have decided to move Charlie to a bed after his birthday in October. (the only reason we're waiting till then is that my Mum and sister are going to club together to get the Grobag duvet set - same principle as the sleeping bags but a duvet set. It zips up so making it harder for them to fall - and climb I presume - out of bed). He has stopped climbing out of the cot so we thought we would wait. However I have a feeling when he gets in a bed he'll just climb out a gazillion times and am bracing myself for a battle. Sounds like you're doing well by sticking with things though and being consistant - I think that's the key. However I have read that if it really does become a problem you can revert back and try again at a later stage. I suppose it just depends if you think it would be any different later on - if not then I would stick with it as you've put in so much hard work so far. how about if you post on the 2006/2007 mummy's thread. They would have all been through this and can probably give you some practical advise.
Kristii - glad you had a good time in Salt Lake City (I read your blog!). The boys looked so cute with the headphones on!!!!!
How's everyone else doing? Tracii - are you still on your travels????!
Thomas was fantastic! Spend the entire day travelling up and down the railway on various steam engines and Charlie had a blast! In fact it wore him out so much he slept in till 7.15 the following morning (a minor miracle in our household!!!). Also had a trip to the zoo and swimming at the weekend so have been super busy! Good fun though!
Right - talk soon!


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The Nastiest Billionaire Divorce Ever: Jamie And Frank McCourt*
A billion dollar power couple. Professional sports executives. An affair with a co-worker. Celebrity attorneys and spokespeople. Los Angeles.
Oh boy.
Dubbed "War of the Roses," the Frank and Jamie McCourt divorce and battle over ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers is epic, even in a town famous for nasty celebrity splits.
The proceedings are about to kick into high gear, because the parties are headed to court. So we figured we'd bring you up to speed.
Jamie, then CEO of the Dodgers, filed for divorce in October from her husband Frank, the current chairman, after 30 years of marriage.
That's when the fun began.
He says:
- His wife Jamie had an affair with her Dodgers bodyguard and driver, Jeff Fuller
- Jamie was fired by the Dodgers for "insubordination, non-responsiveness, failure to follow procedures, and inappropriate behavior with regard to a direct subordinate"
- Jamie and boyfriend Fuller spent more than two weeks on a summer vacation in France and billed the team for it
- He's low on cash and can't provide the hundreds of thousand of dollars Jamie wants in monthly compensation
- He's the sole owner of the Dodgers
She says:
- She's the equal co-owner of the Dodgers
- She was "unceremoniously" fired by Frank so he could steal her share of the team
- Frank is understating his net worth by hundreds of millions of dollars to avoid paying her
- She needs as much as $989,000 a month to maintain her lifestyle, assuming she's not reinstated as CEO (That's nearly $12 million a year).
- Her monthly living expenses include the upkeep on the McCourt houses (including a $34 million mansion in the Holmby Hills), salaries for a household staff of eight, tuition and living expenses for the couple's four sons, private jet travel, accommodations at five-star hotels, security escorts when traveling, as well as house calls from her hair stylist and make-up artist, according to the Wall Street Journal.
And that's just the beginning. Both have high-powered teams behind them, including some of the top divorce and celebrity attorneys in the country. It will likely cost them millions each before the split is resolved.
Like any spectator-sport fan, learn the key players so you can better appreciate the impending battle royale.
Catch up on the nastiest billionaire split ever* >
*Okay. Maybe not the nastiest. But close.
Start Slideshow »
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The Czech Space Alliance (CSA) is an industrial association of, and for, the Czech space industry, with proven skills and track record in aerospace business and with broad international client base. The alliance was established in 2006 under the auspices of CzechTrade, the export promotion agency of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. During the process leading to the Czech accession to the ESA convention in 2008, it formalised its statutes and became registered as a legal entity. Its focus is on fostering successful participation of the members in competitive international space tenders, with major emphasis on ESA.
The alliance comprises 14 companies from a spectrum of technology disciplines [see members] and some 300 man years of experience in space projects.
Among the main goals are:
Internally — represent and promote the interests of the space industry to the national decision makers, the media and other relevant associations or entities; co-operate with the ministries and all other official entities supporting space activities in the formulation of space policy and creation of suitable conditions for the growth of the space industry.
Externally — present the skills of its members at international events and establish dialogue and relationship with similar associations and space agencies, be they in Europe or beyond; help its members to develop business relationship with potential partners in other European Space Agency members states and beyond.
The Czech Republic started the Program for European Cooperating States (PECS) on 1.1.2005, This enabled Czech industry to participate in ESA projects and even standard competitive tenders (CSA company was a member of an European consortium led by ACS Italy, which had won the Image Information Mining in Time-series ITT - first such competitive tender win for the Czech Republic).
When on 12th November 2008 the Czech Republic acceded to the ESA convention, ESA and the Czech Republic, established the joint ESA-Czech Task Force – a concept already proven with previous new ESA members – to help to ensure that Czech industry and academia develop the capabilities to participate in ESA programmes. The Task Force is the advisory body for the Czech Industry Incentive Scheme, a transitional measure defined in the Treaty for the Accession of the Czech Republic to the ESA Convention. The Task Force, together with the relevant ministries are helping our industry for 6 years (until 2014) to develop skills and opportunities to enable us to become more familiar with the ESA business culture and procedures, and more competitive with ESA member states' industry. The Czech Industry Incentive Scheme, an ESA programme following ESA's rules and procedures, allocates for this 45% of the Czech mandatory contribution to ESA over the said 6 years.
In order to make the Czech participation after the accession to the ESA convention more effective and well focused, the Czech government tasked the Ministry of Transport to prepare a strategic space policy document. The National Space Plan (NSP), result of cooperation of all ministries, the Czech Space Office and the Czech Space Alliance was approved by the government in May 2010. In line with the NSP's recommendations, in April 2011, the government transferred the responsibility for coordinating the national space policy and the task to represent the CR in ESA and other international space entities such as the EU, to the Ministry of Transport. The Ministry of Transport created a steering board composed of three groups (industry, science and education, and international relations and security) with participation of relevant ministries and led by the Minister of Transport.
CSA welcomes the transparent structure and aims to provide its practical know-how and experience with space projects on one hand, and alert the board members of the industrial needs, preferences or possible impediments in their endeavour to become more involved in, and more competitive in, ESA programmes. As such, it should be regarded as an important practical complement and source of information, to the activities which the official steering board carries out or contemplates.
CSA is one of the founding members of the pan-European association of national space alliances, SME4space, which was established at the Paris air-show in 2007. At the show, on 19th June, it signed a co-operation agreement with the ESA DG. Since then, it also ran a study of the needs of SMEs in ESA, for the ESA SME Unit. The Czech alliance covered the PECS countries in this study.
Following a number of industry projects during the PECS period, dominated by the CSA members, the entry into full membership was inaugurated in 2009 by a generic competitive tender restricted to the Czech Republic (AO6052), to the value of 2.3 M€. The alliance members won 80% of the funds awarded to industry. The results of the 2nd Czech open call for tenders, (AO6647) was announced in May 2011. CSA was again the leader, with its members winning 77% of the 3.62M€ budget allocated to industry.
Since the Czech Republic participates in ESA programmes, 100% of successful Czech bids for standard international competitive tenders in ESA and Galileo were presented by the CSA members - in cooperation with international partners from Italy, Germany, Spain and Austria.
CSA builds on the very strong background science and technology experience which the Czech Republic gained during its substantial participation in the Inter-cosmos missions, as well as through building and operating a number of national satellites. By parallel co-operation with the national decision makers, and building networks with international partners and developing space business activities in ESA and elsewhere, CSA shall decisively contribute to the Czech Republic becoming a strong and valued partner of ESA and the ESA member state industries.


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Update: The negative answer to the following question has been provided by Matthew Daws, who won, but also rejected, the bounty of 100 euro that I set over the question.
Let $\mathcal M(\mathbb Z)$ be the set of all finitely additive probability measures on the power set of $\mathbb Z$. Let $\phi:\mathbb Z\rightarrow\mathbb R$ be nonnegative and bounded. Observe that $\phi$ is integrable with respect to any $\mu\in\mathcal M(\mathbb Z)$. Let me say that $\mu$ is $\phi$-translation invariant if for all $y\in\mathbb Z$ one has
$$ \int\phi(x+y)d\mu(x)=\int\phi(x)d\mu(x) $$
Let $I_\phi(\mathbb Z)$ be the class of $\phi$-invariant measures in $\mathcal M(\mathbb Z)$. Let $\mu\in I_\phi(\mathbb Z)$ be fixed.
Question: Is it true that the mapping $F:\nu\in\mathcal M(\mathbb Z)\rightarrow\int\int\phi(x+y)d\nu(x)d\mu(y)$ attains its maximum on a measure $\nu\in I_\phi(\mathbb Z)$?
Thanks in advance,


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New Products
Fabricate Corrugated Plate in Any Press or Press Brake
There are numerous applications where fabricators are presently forming these shapes using several operators to manipulate the material into the dies and then lift the material to reposition it for the next bend. When using the Hydrapower system, one operator can process the job more quickly, safely and accurately.
Hydrapower Intl.: 239/642-5379; www.hydrapower-intl.com
See also: Hydrapower International Inc.
Related Enterprise Zones: Fabrication
Reader Comments
There are no comments posted at this time.


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Violence Disguised as Religion
Rabbi Ted Falcon, Pastor Don Mackenzie, and Sheikh Jamal Rahman, known collectively as the "Interfaith Amigos," have been learning and teaching together since 2001. They blog for YES! Magazine.
In his last blog, Rabbi Ted Falcon asked, "If compassion in the context of Oneness and unconditional love is meant to help with the healing of the world, why is religion so often associated with violence and hatred and suffering?" As he said, this is a question we are often asked when we are presenting our programs on interfaith dialogue and collaboration.
The authority of religion has as much power as just about anything in human experience. I think that is because it points to something as ultimate as we can imagine. It deals with why we are here on Earth, what we are supposed to be doing, and what is responsible for our being here.
A sense of purpose is essential for any person's well-being, and religion often helps to supply that sense of purpose. But why has religion been associated with and used to justify so much suffering?
Religions are institutions, things made by people to be the "containers" for the spiritual teachings that seek to help us understand that sense of the ultimate and give us that sense of purpose. So religions are human constructions. But, at the same time, they are made with the inspiration of spiritual teachings and spiritual stories.
It helps to think of religions as egos, mechanisms that are needed to manage people as well as institutions. Institutions are like big egos. That is not to say they are bad. But if egos are not monitored to be sure they are carrying out their purposes, they can, over time, be emptied of purpose and end up as empty shells. This is a pattern in human history. Institutions come into being, they function according to their structures, and then they begin to "leak" their substance. When they are empty, not only is their usefulness over—in their emptiness they can contribute to evil.
So, just as it is important for us as people to monitor our own thinking and behavior concerning ourselves and our relationships to each other and to the Earth, it is also important to monitor the thinking and behavior of religious institutions concerning the extent to which they are fulfilling the functions for which they were created. The failure to monitor our religious institutions has resulted in suffering and violence and, today, increasing disillusion with the efficacy of religion in general.
I'm Seeking Justice, not Vengeance
A 9/11 widow on working for peace when the world expects you to want revenge.
About five years ago, I saw a film entitled Water, part of a three part series of films about India: Earth, Fire and Water. Water is about widowhood. Widows in India often become either beggars or prostitutes or both. At one point in the film someone, trying to justify this reality, says, "It is about our religion." Another says, "It is not about religion. It is about money, disguised as religion."
We stand behind the authority of religion to justify actions that contribute to our needs for money or for power. Ironically, both of these needs are related to the deep desire to have our worth as people affirmed—and all our spiritual traditions affirm the inviolable value of persons.
We all have equal value and it cannot be taken away. But what makes us different from each other is not our essential value, but rather the things that we do and the things that we have. So, for example, people are not evil; people simply are. Yet they can have evil things and do evil things. But our tendency is to demonize the Other by saying that they are evil. To eradicate that evil, that person, or those people, we use religion to justify their murder or enslavement. This is one of the ways that religion emptied of substance can be used for negative purposes.
Governments have found it useful to call upon the authority of religion to justify violence and brutality. The Crusades, the Inquisition in Spain, and the Holocaust stand out as examples. This is religion at its worst, collaborating with a domination system in the form of a government. But the repudiation of Judaism by Christians and the rejection of Islam by Christians has had less dramatic but equally hurtful consequences for Jews and Muslims, simply by projecting a sense that they are less than they would be if they were Christian. This form of violence is not as visible, but more insidious—and is also a form of violence supported by religion.
Keep in mind that a religion is an institution. The purpose of religion is to carry forward the teachings of spiritual traditions that support healing for humanity and for the planet. If it is not doing that—and often it does fail in this purpose and become an agent of evil—it must be challenged and transformed.
Religion is not, by itself, bad. It was after all, created for intensely good purposes. But when it is left unmonitored, it can contribute to evil in this world. We forget that at our peril.
- from the Interfaith Amigos blog.
Our polarization and anger are signs of hopelessness. What can interfaith dialogue teach us about healing our wounds and coming together?
By learning the foundations of each other's faiths, we can learn to respect and connect with one another so we may work together to build a better world.


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18 June 2014
SakéOne Tasting
SakéOne is based in Oregon and produces some delightful domestic brews that I've covered in the past. However, they are also a significant importer of Japanese saké and have long term relationships with the original kuras back in the Land of the Rising Sun. During a recent online tasting we got to sample four sakés from Japan, all in the 300mL half bottle format, though the prices listed below are for full 720mL bottles.
Yoshinogawa Winter Warrior
$27, 14%
Clean and mild with light citrus notes. This is a Niigata-style saké made in part to go with spicier Asian-fusion foods here in the United States.
Murai Family Tanrei Junmai
$20, 14.5% abv.
Almost like vodka but at a lower alcohol percentage. Extremely mild and neutral and one that I would reserve for the most delicate sushi and sashimi.
Kasumi Tsuru Kimoto Extra Dry
$27, 16% abv.
Earthy aroma, nice grain flavors. Savory with hints of mushrooms... Certainly a good pick for folks who love Old World Pinot Gris.
Hakutsuru Superior Junmai Ginjo
$16, 14.5% abv.
Lightly sweet and floral. At the least expensive it is also fascinating, and one that really needs to be sipped and enjoyed from a good wine glass.
Note: These bottles were provided as samples for review.
2 comments:
- Dooley Hans said...
This has been a so interesting read, would love to read more here....
visit:Your Place to Discover the Worlds Wines
- 11 July, 2014 22:46
- Rajib Babu said...
santa barbara wine tours are the #1 attraction for visitors to Santa Barbara and we are the #1 Wine Tour Company. We run daily wine tours from Santa Barbara to the Santa Ynez Valley. Our wine tasting tours are the best, they are fun, educational, and comfortable. Discover wine tours Santa Barbara style.
- 12 July, 2014 23:44
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Press Release: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
When the three-quarter mile long boardwalk on Okefenokee's Chesser Island was devoured by the Honey Prairie Fire on June 13, 2011, the National Wildlife Refuge lost one of its most treasured assets. Nearly two years later, work is underway to replace this walkway into the swamp. Hydra Engineering and Construction, LLC, of Crawfordville, Florida, designed the new boardwalk and began mobilizing on site February 26. Materials began arriving a month ago, and the first few yards of the planking are now in place. The anticipated completion date of the project is early August.
The wooden boardwalk will be rebuilt using Trex, a wood polymer product. Trex uses recycled plastic grocery bags and stretch film, as well as waste wood from making furniture and shipping pallets. This recycled materials product illustrates the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's commitment to using "green construction" whenever possible.
Joists will be of pressure-treated lumber, and galvanized helical piers with aluminum beams will provide added fire-resistance. A pioneering sprinkler system will be employed to prevent destruction by all but the hottest fires. A 3,700 foot waterline will service 88 sprinkler connections placed every 40 feet, from the bathrooms at the parking lot to the top of the observation tower.
The boardwalk will follow the same path as the old one, and when the boardwalk reaches the end at Seagrove Lake, the Owl's Roost tower will be repaired with pressure-treated lumber. Damaged wooden supports on the tower will be replaced with steel to make it stronger and more tolerant to future fires. The new boardwalk will also be eight feet wide, and like the old one, will not have a railing – providing an unobstructed experience with the swamp landscape and wildlife. It will also have four 16×16 foot covered pavilions with benches.
In addition, the boardwalk will be made to support up to 13,000 pounds of maintenance equipment for mowers and the like. Leslie Hope, owner of Hydra Engineering and Construction, says a unique aspect to this boardwalk is the "top down construction" method. The boardwalk will be built as-you-go – meaning minimal disturbance by not having a lot of equipment in the swamp. "It minimizes impact to the environment," said Hope. "We have pictures of ducklings that hatched while we were building the boardwalk at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and they adopted our construction crew. They were swimming between their legs as they worked." It is a method that requires more effort, she said, but it is one "frequently used by us."
The Chesser Island boardwalk provided one of the only good walking-access views into the swamp, and it has been sorely missed. Visitors began the trip from the pine uplands of Chesser Island, traveling through the transition zone of scrub-shrub before reaching the open marsh areas. Then they walked onto a cypress dome before ascending the 40-foot Owl's Roost Observation Tower with its expansive view of Chesser Prairie. Pairs of resident Florida sandhill cranes could often be seen with their young only 50 feet from the boardwalk. Of course, alligators and turtles would be much closer, and other wildlife and a variety of birds would be seen. It was an intimate experience of swamp life that could be had without getting one's feet wet.
It was also a rite of passage for many school groups, whose visit to the refuge wasn't complete without making the trip down the boardwalk. It was the primary outdoor classroom for the refuge, both informally, and through formal ranger-led interpretive and environmental education programs. Locals used it for their daily exercise and socializing, and visitors would even set up easels and paint "plein air." These are experiences that will return upon completion of the famed boardwalk.
Because the fire cleared out many trees, the view will be reminiscent of when the boardwalk was completed in 1970. The parking lot and restrooms at the trailhead will be closed until construction is completed.


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Austria back on the Formula One calendar for 2014
VIENNA (AP) — Formula One racing is set for a return to Austria in 2014 after an 11-year break.
The Austrian Grand Prix has been provisionally scheduled for July 6 in Spielberg after Red Bull team officials spoke with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.
"(Red Bull owner) Dietrich Mateschitz and Bernie Ecclestone have reached an agreement to bring back Formula One racing to (the province of) Styria," the Austrian-based company behind the F1 team said Tuesday.
F1's governing body, FIA, didn't immediately answer a request for comment but is expected to announce the 2014 calendar in September. According to Red Bull, the race in Austria is pending approval from local authorities.
TROUBLE: F1 boss Ecclestone faces bribery charge
Mateschitz, who grew up in Styria, said "it's very special to me" to see F1 again on his company-owned circuit.
"We have not only rejuvenated the circuit, but we have been able to get back motor sport's marquee event," Mateschitz told the Austria Press Agency.
Spielberg also hosted the race from 1997-2003, with Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher winning the last two. The track has been slightly modified since to improve safety.
Five years after the last race in 2003, Red Bull reportedly invested 200 million euros ($260 million) in the track and surrounding infrastructure in a bid to return to the F1 calendar.
The circuit received a F1 license in May 2011 but has since only staged events for the DTM touring car series.
Three-time F1 world champion Niki Lauda, who won his home grand prix in 1984, described the imminent return of the series to Austria as "an enormous joy."
"I've always hoped the Formula One (circuit) would come back some day. This means a lot to me," Lauda told APA. "It's a new impetus, especially for the region … Formula One is the crown on (Mateschitz') work."
Austria has hosted 26 races since 1964 on different circuits, with Alain Prost winning a record three times.
Until 1987, the races were held in nearby Zeltweg before Austria first disappeared from the calendar for 10 years.
Austria's most notorious race took place in 2002, when leader Rubens Barrichello obeyed Ferrari team orders to slow down and allow teammate Schumacher to cross the line first. Schumacher led the standings and was on his way to the fifth of seven world titles.


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DUBAI, UAE – The small impact of global economic turmoil and regional political unrest on business jet sales in the Middle East demonstrates just how insulated buyers in this region are from the rest of the world.
But this is not to say that the upheaval of recent months has passed the corporate and private jet sector by. Europe's economic troubles and the overall slow recovery globally are leading Embraer to give more credence to its "downturn" market forecast for business aviation rather than a rosier projection.
Embraer has long said the market from 2012 to 2021 could see deliveries of 11,275 executive aircraft if a strong rebound occurs, or 9,125 if growth is more anemic. Several months ago, the company put forth a more optimistic forecast. Claudio Camelier, vice president for executive aviation market and product strategy, now says, "Given how we see the world economy, the 'downturn scenario' is the most likely one."
Similarly, Dassault Falcon Jet's president/CEO, John Rosanvallon, says that while 2011 has been somewhat disappointing when it comes to signs of a rebound, there is still hope that next year will be better, particularly in the U.S., where companies may start replenishing fleets. "Clearly, the economic uncertainties are penalizing our market," he says.
Sales of new aircraft also have been depressed by the large number of relatively young business jets for sale. However, Olivier Villa, senior vice president for civil aircraft at Dassault Aviation, says there are finally signs that the secondhand inventory is gradually coming down.
This year will likely be the nadir in the recent decline of business jet deliveries globally, Embraer projects, with 600-700 aircraft handed over, almost half the peak reached in 2008. Under the "downturn scenario," the industry will only be approaching that peak again by 2021.
An uncertainty still hanging over the market is when sales activities in the Middle East and North Africa will pick up after more than a year of political tumult. The markets that were affected will return, but "when, I am not sure," says Colin Steven, Embraer vice president for executive aviation sales in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. That sentiment is echoed by Rosanvallon, who adds, "We need to wait a little longer."
But Gulfstream Aerospace President Larry Flynn puts a more positive spin on things, saying the effect of the Arab Spring "was not nearly as much as expected," with only a few cancellations and "surprisingly minimal" disruptions.
The situation in Egypt has been the most damaging for business aircraft makers, simply because it is the largest market in the Middle East. Fighting in Libya also derailed some deals.
One reason the Middle East has remained a good market for many aircraft makers, though, is the preference of buyers there for larger business jets, which has helped that market sector hold up better than the midsize and smaller aircraft segments. The Middle East is the most important market for Airbus – it has sold more than half of its 170 airliner-based corporate jets in that region since the mid-1980s. "The billionaire is not suffering as much as the millionaire," says Airbus Corporate Jet's head of sales, Francois Chazelle.
The story is similar for other aircraft makers. More than half of the 10 Embraer Lineage 1000s ordered to date were purchased by operators based in this region – five in the United Arab Emirates and one in Kuwait. Rosanvallon notes that more than half of Dassault's backlog of 10 aircraft in the Middle East is for his company's largest model, the Falcon 7X.
Similarly, Gulfstream has seen its Middle East/Africa fleet grow to 148 aircraft last year from 97 in 2006. Worldwide, that market has risen to 7% of the company's activity, up from 6% a decade ago. Although the increase seems small, it is calculated on a worldwide base that has expanded from 1,000 to 2,000 aircraft, Flynn says.
But Rosanvallon points out that the Middle East is not the only region with increasing sales. This year, China will be the largest market for Dassault for the first time. In fact, sales there surpass those in the U.S. and Europe combined. The focus is also on large aircraft: 75% of orders from China are for the Falcon 7X.
Chazelle points out that the Middle East and China are not the only improving markets. "The Russians are coming back," he notes. "They were absent over the past two years."


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(I know this sounds like a repeat question, but I am asking this specifically for a classroom context and I have some specific needs (other than "free") that I feel sets this question apart. Please do not close it without reading.)
I am teaching a very introductory course in interface design and user experience.
My students have used PowerPoint to create low-fidelity website wireframes and clickable prototypes. They are comfortable with this process, as they use PowerPoint quite a bit.
I am seeking a collection of stencils/images that can be easily placed in PowerPoint to allow them to create wireframes for BOTH iOS and Android applications. The wireframes will be the basis for clickable prototypes.
I understand that Google has produced images that can be used in high-fidelity mockups. However, we are working mostly with low-fi images (think: Balsamiq's sketchiness.) Even in low-fi mockups I think it is extremely important to start to note the differences between the platforms' layouts and UI elements.
We don't have access to $ for software (which is why we have been using PowerPoint.) If there are other tools that have free access for educational use, I need them to cover BOTH iOS and Android (myBalsamiq, while great in many respects, does not have Android UI elements.) The software must also allow students to export their prototypes (so they can be submitted for grading.) I haven't found a satisfactory tool that does this.
Does anyone have any ideas short of me just drawing the elements in PowerPoint myself?