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Mekor Dukat was the son of Skrain Dukat and the first cousin once removed ("nephew") of Akellen Macet. He was born in 2360.
In 2371, Mekor's father was to take him to Lakarian City, but the incident of Thomas Riker and the Maquis capturing the USS Defiant made this impossible. (DS9 episode: "Defiant")
Mekor encountered his uncle Macet in the ruins of Lakarian City in 2376. (DS9 - Mission Gamma novel: Cathedral)
External linkEdit
- Mekor Dukat article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.


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"Why doesn't anyone ever get back on this site and post the outcome? My granddaughter has a small hard lump on the back of her head and I was hoping to get some answers here. Please parents' come back and post results!"
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Match-3 is getting old. I'm serious, I honestly do not believe the App Store can take on anymore of that genre. If it does, I expect the App Store to explode and die.
So with that said, where does that leave 180? And to that I say: not in the "causing the App Store to explode and die category". Sure, the game is more than generic, and its idea has already been used before (check out bitFlip). The art style is far from "original" either, as it looks quite simple and typical of any Japanese or Asian game.


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White (very pale grayish green) jade pendant with a small flecks of of apple green in the lower portion, purchased in Thailand in the mid 1970's. The pendant is 1 1/4" x 1/2" (25mm x 14mm). It is carved on both sides with a bird motif. The original owner was told that the pendant probably dates from the 1930's.
Chinese jade carvings have symbols which convey meaning based upon mythology, tradition and sometimes language puns. The magpie is a symbol of happiness or good news.
The jade itself is semi transparent, very smooth, nicely carved and polished. There is no chain or cord.
The jade pendant was purchased at Uthai's Gems in Bangkok. Uthai's is still a well known and respected jeweler in Thailand, and a favorite of the embassy crowd in Thailand.
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Heirloom and Vintage Jewelry, Antiques and Fine Collectibles
Happy St. Patrick's Day - Time for Something Green!


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Experience the forefront of Oklahoma's artistic talent at Momentum Tulsa: Art Doesn't Stand Still, presented by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. The multimedia event will open Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 8 pm – Midnight at Living Arts, 307 E. Brady in Tulsa.
Momentum offers Oklahoma artists ages 30 and younger an opportunity to exhibit their work in a venue created specifically for them. The interactive event presents a diversified look at Oklahoma's young artistic talent. Each year, hundreds of young artists submit their work to be considered for the exhibition. Guest curators narrow submissions to the best-of-the-best for the event, which opens with a festive party.
Momentum Tulsa is now seeking sponsors, with official sponsorship beginning at just $50. Click here to learn how you can support Oklahoma's emerging young artists.
Emily Kern serves as lead curator for Momentum Tulsa 2013. Kern is an artist and Executive Director of 108 Contemporary in Tulsa. Additionally, Krystle Brewer was selected as Momentum Emerging Curator. Brewer is also an artist pursuing a Masters in Art History at Oklahoma State University, where she serves as Graduate Research Assistant at OSU Museum of Art.


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from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
- v. Third-person singular simple present indicative form of arrange.
Sorry, no etymologies found.
But, as his brain arranges all the relevant data into a jumble of reasons why and how he's returned to her, the hurt confusion on her face registers.
And as is my wont, I sat up at precisely 3: 14 a.m. and marveled anew at how playfully, skillfully the brain arranges its thoughts when left to its own dreamy devices.
What if someone who wants your work "arranges" for it to be copied?
A lithe, active Swartzman "arranges" a passive Kinoshita into various postures on the floor in a duet comprised of interlacing lifts, turns and caresses, with something both tender and coldly puppetlike about them.
The decision is a blow to Thomas Dart, the sheriff of Illinois's Cook County, who argued the erotic services section of Craigslist violated prostitution laws because it "arranges" meetings and "directs" people to places where sex is sold.
"arranges" end results, rather than simply treating everyone the same and letting the chips fall where they may.
I also wanted China to receive financing from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, which arranges credit for foreign countries to buy American products.
Preparing for the 10:30 Sunday morning Mass, Carlotta, the parish cantor, arranges sheet music on a small stand to the left of the altar, on the square platform usually used by a band or choir.
How it touches you is between you and seiki; the transmitter only arranges the electrical connection, hooking up the wire to the outlet.
Although Parma tells Dover she is engaged to someone in Spain, he arranges for her to be assigned to assist with the case.
A Progressive on the Prairie » Book Review: Nibble & Kuhn by David Schmahmann » Print


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Somebody Is Waiting
1996, Crime
Five years after his parents' divorce, 18-year-old Leon Ellis (Johnny Whitworth) is told by his mother (Nastassja Kinski) to leave after a shameful drunk-driving arrest. She arranges to meet him at a bank to open up his first account, but she's killed when she arrives during a heist. Leon's long-absent alcoholic father (Gabriel Byrne) returns to take care of him and his five siblings, only to accidentally die during a drunken rage. Afraid he'll be arrested for murder, Leon goes on the run.


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Welcome to Metropolis[CD]
~ New Machines
Product Notes
Jazz and punk rock are both unique and revolutionary musical genres. New Machines came about as guitarist Eric Bair's experiment to blend punk rock, pop, and jazz together into one distinct musical style. The story begins in Toledo, OH in 1998 when Eric experimented with 4-track recordings using guitar and borrowed instruments from friends. The idea was to make an ecclectic collection of songs and release them on a CD. The band was spawned around 1999 when Eric recruited Sam Krall, a fellow Toledo area musician who helped out by lending his saxophone skills, vocals, and production on several songs. Eric then met drummer Jayant Thomas at school and the three started rehearsing and writing. Since then the band has played throughout the Midwest U.S. in cities such as Chicago, Ann Arbor, Columbus, Newport, KY and others. The Orchard, well known for signing The Ravonettes, began distributing New Machines' self-titled CD in 1999. This event exposed the band to worldwide CD distribution and made tracks available for download on every major digital music website. New Machines has received radio air play from all over the U.S. and Eastern Europe throughout it's 8 year tenure. 2003 was a productive year for New Machines as the band played several festivals, including the Midpoint Music Festival in Cincinnati. The band has played with a wide variety of artists from all over the U.S. including Steve Conte, the guitarist for the reformed punk / glam rockers The New York Dolls and Wussy featuring Chuck Cleaver of the Ass Ponies. In 2005, the band released their third CD 'Welcome To Metropolis'. The band gained additional exposure in 2007 as their single 'Metropolis' was featured on a CD soundtrack for the PBS television series Roadtrip Nation along with a track from the indie rock band Of Montreal. Currently the band resides in two different cities - Toledo and Cincinnati OH, forcing the band to travel long distances to rehearse and perform. Despite this obstacle, the band has managed this arrangement during the past 7 years and continues to perform as often as possible. New Machines looks forward to exploring jazz, punk, and pop roots with additional shows in 2008. This new disk features new 'studio' tracks and some recent live performances of previously released songs. For those of you who are already fans and have copies of the first two discs, you'll notice that two of the live tracks on 'Welcome To Metropolis' are extended in length from the original tracks on the self-titled CD (1999). Check out these tracks and compare them to the original recordings on the 'New Machines' CD. Let us know your opinion on the contrasts. Feel free to write a review on this website. Enjoy!
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The Field Guide to the Sedges of the Pacific Northwest covers all 169 species, subspecies, and varieties of the genera Carex and Kobresia that occur in Oregon and Washington. The second edition includes 8 taxa only recently found in the area, updates nomenclature, and includes a revised identificaiton key. This key, tailored to the variation seen in PNW sedges, permits accurate identification. Each taxon gets a two-page spread, a page of photographs facing a page of text. The book has over 650 photos plus additional drawings. Range maps for each species incorporate the most recent distribution gathered from herbarium records and over a decade of field inventories conducted by the authors. The book includes information on sedge morphology, ecology, habitats, management and restoration.
Carex is the largest genus of plants in this region. Sedges are important, often dominant members
of many wetland and riparian plant communities. They can be challenging to identify, with differences
between species based on tiny characters. This guide helps the reader recognize and use these characters
to identify the sedges they encounter in the diverse habitats of the Pacific Northwest. It is a valuable
resource for land managers, public and private biologists, wetland regulators and consultants, and amateur
plant enthusiasts.
Click here to order the Field Guide


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BEST WESTERN Buchanan Arms Hotel - our setting
The BEST WESTERN Buchanan Arms is conveniently situated in the newly designated, glorious and romantic Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, whilst also being mid way between Glasgow and Stirling, and only 30 minutes from Glasgow Airport.
Drymen is a charming, quiet little conservation village in the Stirling district of Central Scotland. Also known as the Gateway to East Loch Lomond, it lies to the west of the delightful Campsie Fells and enjoys views to Dumgoyne on the east and to Loch Lomond on the west. The Queen Elizabeth Forest of the Trossachs reaches down to the village edge, and the whole area is part of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (the first National Park in Scotland).
The village is popular as an overnight stop for walkers and hikers on the West Highland Way, and forms the western end of the Rob Roy Way.
The Buchanan Arms Hotel is one the finest, best known and most popular small hotels in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. A former coaching inn, full of character and charm, the hotel, a large white country-house style hotel, is a dominating feature to your right just as you enter the village from the A811 approach, and really soaks up the mood of the beautiful surrounding countryside and nearby Loch Lomond.
Hotel info at a glance:
- Fabulous Relax Health and Leisure Club
- Comfortable lounge, conservatory & bar
- Award winning Salmon Leap Restaurant and Coothi Coffee shop
- Stylish wedding and banqueting facilities
- Conference and event facilities
- Ample free car parking
- Classic, superior and master bedrooms
- Family rooms
- Rooms for guests with mobility difficulties
- Extensive gardens
- Wireless internet access in bedrooms and all public areas


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West complacent as Islamists re-arm
The civilized West has three basic options with respect to Iran. They are:
1) Allow Iran to develop their nuclear weapons capability and perfect a nuclear device launch capability.
Had Hitler and the Nazis been allowed this luxury, World War II would have been lost as would Western civilization as we know it.
2) Obama, our self-proclaimed war and peace president, must decide whether he is going to attack Iran and decimate their ability to produce nuclear weaponry.
To date, that looks problematical. Obama seems more interested in bringing much of the nation's private sector under government control, continuing to wreck our economy with outsized deficits and changing the freedom of choice opportunities we have enjoyed in virtually every facet of life.
3) Stand aside and allow Israel to do what the feckless West seems incapable of and/or unwilling to do.
I believe 2010 could be a cataclysmic year and a conventional war could quickly escalate to a nuclear one. The tiny nation of Israel is confronted on all sides by enemies with upgraded destructive capability. Virtually their entire nation has come within range of powerful rocketry. If you have ever been to Israel you will understand how indefensible the nation is from such destructive mass weaponry.
Tolerance of re-arming by Hamas and Hezbollah has become common place while Israel has been attacked for defending itself. Iran has been given a free pass in the face of threats of meaningless sanctions. Syria has shown to the world it too sought to become a nuclear threat. Meanwhile, North Korea continues arms flows to renegade nations and has also pursued, unabated, its own nuclear ambitions.
Timid tolerance has proven brazenness works. The lessons of history, once again, have been ignored and the consequences of ignoring history are likely to be repeated.
DICK BERKOWITZ, Savannah
Dems duplicitous on Social Security, Medicare
People who voted for Obama are responsible for the following, as reported in the Washington Post: "Obama cuts deal that will reduce Social Security, Medicare."
What people must realize is everyone on Social Security and Medicare was required by Democratic presidents to pay a tax so we would be taken care of in our old age.
Senior citizens, after being forced to pay into this system, will now be denied - by Obama and his socialist comrades - the Social Security and medical care we are owed. The reason? They spent the money elsewhere.
Does this not show evidence of a Social Security/Medicare Ponzi scheme? What is ironic is Obama talks about the unfair practices of insurance companies.
ARTHUR HELD, Savannah
Parallels between WWII Japan, modern Islamists
I just finished reading a book by James Bradley, "Flyboys." He also wrote, "Flags of Our Fathers," two very vivid, true accounts of combat during WWII.
Throughout the book, I thought that America should read this. In many respects, the Japanese then and the Middle East enemy we face today parallel each other.
They were/are a small radical sect who changed their religious beliefs to fit their needs. Japanese Bushido, the code of conduct for their military originating long ago from their famed samurai warriors, was altered or interpreted to please the hierarchy of the military who favored war at any cost to reach their goal.
They literally beat it into the lower ranks of their military. For many, it was the trusted truth from their leaders. This book also shows how low and inhumane it can get. It fortifies a conclusion I drew many years ago.
I would rather fight them over there instead of here. I, as a career military man, am proud of that our people, save 9/11, have not had to survive in a war zone.
WALTER JENNINGS SR., Springfield
Ministry should reflect current environment
Marcus Robertson (Jan. 31) suggests that the current Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia models a form of Christianity that attends more to the relativism of our culture and less to "foundational truths" he sees affirmed in the pre-World War I document The Fundamentals.
However, if one examines the contents of The Fundamentals, one sees many cultural and historical ideas that are "relative" to the early 20th century. For example, one finds an insistence on the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch, arguments against the scientific theory of evolution, and an assertion that Roman Catholicism poses a danger to the American nation.
Clearly, the authors of these volumes were focused on responding to the concerns of Christians of their own day. The same is true today as faithful Christians proclaim the Gospel in new cultural and historical circumstances.
For what we proclaim as the "Truth" is not the changeable circumstances and fashions of time, place and culture. We proclaim the unchanging Gospel of a person who is the Truth, Jesus Christ. Our hope is that we find the most meaningful images and words to do this amidst the constantly changing environments in which we live.
REV. JAMES CLENDINEN, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Vidalia
More women candidates needed
Winnie Walsh ("Amend the Constitution to require female senators") points out that of 100 senators, only 17 are female. She failed to mention other minorities like only one African-American and no openly gay senators; not to mention the religious affiliations of the current U.S. Senate. Concerns are justifiable, but it's impractical and dangerous to alter a document where such differences should be mandated.
Our Constitution has recently been under attack of by conservative Republicans, via the Federal Marriage Amendment, The Balance Budget Amendment, and the Flag Desecration Amendment. All these attempts failed to muster the necessary votes by constitutional law and Article Five requirements for changes. Our Constitution is one of the shortest and oldest written constitutions still in use by any nation in the world today. Our forefathers were wise enough to know this document would only be as strong as its strength to fend off rogue idealisms like Ms. Walsh presents.
This by no means is to say more diversity is not needed on the federal, state and local levels. Our Constitution, by the 17th Amendment, grants the people the right to vote for Senators. There is no requirement based on sex, race, religion, political party, nor sexual orientation to exclude those that want to run for this high office. It is also true that former Senator Clinton, now Secretary of State and fourth in line to the Presidency, and former Republican nominee for VP Sarah Palin should be proof that no action needs to be taken to insure women's rights to power in this country. What need to happen is more women running for political offices.
DANIEL GEHRINGER, Savannah
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Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The President and Provost of Harvard University have approved the promotion of Dr. Thomas B. Dodson to Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, effective April 1, 2010. Dr. Dodson serves on the staff of Mass General and the faculty of Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Dodson was appointed associate professor upon coming to Mass General and HSDM in 1998. He is director of the Center for Applied Clinical Investigation, which he established in 2005, and served as director of the residency program until 2006. He is currently the research editor of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and serves on the board of directors of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation.
In the history of Mass General, there previously have been only six full professors in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, each receiving the rank concurrent with appointment to Chairman and Chief: Leroy Miner, DMD, MD, Kurt Thomas, DDS, David Weisberger, MD, DMD, Walter C. Guralnick, DMD, R, Bruce Donoff, DMD, MD, (currently Dean of HSDM) and Leonard B. Kaban, DMD, MD (currently MGH chief of OMS). Dr. Dodson is the first faculty member to achieve the rank of full professor by academic promotion through the Harvard system independent of appointment to Chairman and Chief.
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Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Here's part 4! Thanks for all the amazing reviews! Enjoy and let me know what you think! :)
Honeymoon Interlude: A Forever Destined Vignette
Part 4/4
The next morning, Padme was awake first and spent several long moments, watching her beloved husband sleep peacefully. The memories of last night were still very vivid in her mind and she almost blushed, despite herself, thinking about their intimate activities that had played out in a most passionate display. To say that her husband was an incredible lover was a gross understatement. The satisfied soreness between her legs was the evidence, as were several marks of love she sported on areas of her body. Anakin always made it quite clear how much he loved her body and how much he desired her. Of course, she was never one to be out done and made sure he knew how much she desired him and every inch of his exquisite, muscular physique. She wondered if he really had a clue how much he turned her on. How every inch of his ripped, tone form made her burn hotly with an unquenchable sexual desire. They weren't all about physical love either, for their love for each other ran so deeply in their entwined souls that it was indescribable. Their love burned like a constant, never ending flame and she knew without a shadow of a doubt that she could never live without him. Not that she ever worried about that possibility, for she knew whatever they were forced to face, they would get through it together. She kissed his cheek with that last thought and pulled on her robe. She would let him sleep in and order breakfast to have it brought to their room. It would be a few hours still until they reached Bespin and she wanted nothing more than to spend that time in bed with her husband.
Anakin woke up to the wonderful sensation of his wife's lips on his neck, slowly nibbling sensually along his jugular. He moaned sleepily and stretched his arms, before wrapping them around her slender body.
"Good morning handsome," she purred in his ear.
"Good morning angel," he replied, yawning deeply. She kissed his lips tenderly, as she reached around and ran her fingers through the hair at the back of his neck. As usual, it made him purr like a wild Nexu. He pulled her close and his lips claimed her neck, passionately nipping at the soft, sweet flesh.
"What a way to wake up," he said, as their lips met again. It was then that the door chimed out in the living area. He groaned in protest.
"That's breakfast," Padme said, as she got up and tightened the cord on her robe.
"You ordered breakfast in bed?" he asked.
"Mmmhmm..." she purred, as she kissed him again. He got up and looked for his robe, as he started for the fresher.
"I'll be right back with breakfast. But do me a favor, baby?" she requested.
"Anything for you," he replied, as he found his robe.
"Lose the robe when you come back. You won't be needing it," she replied seductively, as she sauntered out. Anakin smirked and tossed the robe away, as he went to the fresher.
When he returned, he climbed back into bed, as he watched Padme pour the fresh caf in two mugs. She set them on the tray and wheeled it beside the bed, swinging the mobile tray in front of them, as she climbed back into bed. She dipped a piece of Shuura fruit in the whipped cream and guided it into her husband's mouth.
"Mmm...I could get used to this," he said, as he laid back against the pillow that was propping him up. He picked up a piece of fruit and scooped some whipped cream onto it. He returned the favor and guided the piece of fruit into her mouth. Padme playfully licked the whipped bream off his finger, giggling at the glazed look on his face, as she did. He smiled at her, as they turned to the rest of their food. Padme had ordered his favorites. Cloudberry pancakes, with fresh cloudberry syrup, scrambled Gondark eggs, and Shaak sausages. They ate heartily, having worked up quite an appetite and enjoyed their caf together, as they flipped through the Bespin Holonet channels, since they were nearing there. They purposely avoided the news or gossip broadcasts and went for the corny space operas and silly talk shows, laughing and making fun of them. Bespin was known for being eccentric to the extreme and their Holonet broadcasts were as crazy as any. After a good laugh, they switched the holo off, as Padme pushed the breakfast tray away.
"I don't know where they come up with that stuff. I mean, honestly, did that woman really think the Wookie could have been the father of her human baby?" Padme giggled, referring to one of the crazy talk shows.
"You know people will do anything to get on the Holonet. Besides, those aren't nearly as fun as those corny space operas. Our lives are way crazier than that," Anakin joked. Padme giggled.
"It has been for sure, at times. But it's all worth it, just be to be with you," she replied, as she plopped back down on the bed.
"So, I've never been to Bespin. What's it like?" she asked. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her hair.
"Well, it's loud and flashy, and a bit unlawful. Gambling is pretty much the lifeblood of Bespin. You'll see Casino after Casino on the main tourist walks. But there's great shopping and you can find just about anything you want in the marketplace. It's chalk full of scoundrels and unfortunately, quite a few brothels. But we'll steer toward the upper part of Cloud City where you don't get the normal riffraff," he said.
"It doesn't sound like you're crazy about taking me there," he said.
"I have to say, Bespin is not a choice place I would take you. But it can be fun. There's a lot of places that cater to the upper class and they're much safer than the usual. You know me...I get a little overprotective," he said. She kissed his cheek.
"Well, I happen to like you that way, my handsome protector. Besides, it's not like I'll be leaving your side for any reason anyway," she replied. He smirked and kissed her lips.
"It sounds interesting. It also sounds like a good place to get into a bit of trouble," she said, in a seductive manner.
"The best. Despite its faults, there's nothing quite as exhilarating as the Bespin nightlife," he replied.
"Well...we have a few hours still. Why don't we get a head start on the...exhilarating parts," she said, as she snaked her arms around his neck.
"You read my mind. Are you sure you're not a Jedi?" he teased.
"I'm sure, but I happen to be married to one and I happen to know what makes him happy," she replied.
"Yes...you do," he rasped huskily. She giggled, as he threw the covers over their heads.
Anakin and Padme began their day on Bespin with a tour. Anakin rented an air tour speeder and they listened intently to the guide, as they were shown all the highlights in Cloud City. Then they took to the markets and carnivals that filled the tourist district. That evening, loaded with souvenirs, they returned to the ship. They put their stuff away in their room and readied for dinner. Anakin was taking her to an exclusive, high end dinner club. The place was a five-star restaurant, dance club, and casino all in one. Padme had never been one for partying all night, but she absolutely couldn't wait to experience the Bespin nightlife with her beloved husband.
She slipped on the dress she had chosen for the evening, wondering if it was too revealing, though she was sure Anakin would think it was fantastic. It was a glittering royal blue and she liked it, because the color reminded her of Anakin's eyes. It had a wide v neck that plunged all the way to the space between her breasts. It concealed her cleavage, but left enough in view to entice the man she loved. The straps were an inch thick and rested on her shoulders, as the back plunged down in an even deeper v shape than the front. The slim design hugged her curves through the bodice, as the skirt rested just above her knees with daring slits up each side that would tempt her husband like nothing else. She sat at her vanity and brought the sides of her hair up, clipping it at the back of her head with a beautiful, decorative barrette that matched the dress, letting the rest of her curls cascade down her back.
"Wow..." Anakin said in awe, as he came out of the fresher in a towel. She smiled, eyeing him up and down.
"Wow yourself," she replied, as she sauntered to him
"I take it you approve of my evening attire, my love" she asked.
"You look good enough to eat. I'm going to have to Force choke every guy in that place, because they won't be able to take their eyes off you," he replied.
"Well, that doesn't matter, because your eyes are the only ones I care about. Now get dressed, because I'm starving," she ordered.
"Bossing me around again, I see," he replied, as he dropped his towel. Her eyes locked on him and she smirked devilishly.
"Just wait until tonight," Padme replied. Anakin smirked, as he pulled on his underneath shorts, followed by his black pants, first concealing his light saber to a leg band on his caf. It was likely he would not need it, but he never went anywhere without it. He put on the button down dress shirt Padme had selected for him and tucked it in. It was also black with royal blue trim. After fastening his belt and running a comb through his hair, they left for dinner, arm in arm.
Anakin and Padme entered the upscale establishment and were escorted promptly to a table by the host. Anakin ordered a bottle of red wine while they looked at the menu. They ordered and their food was brought promptly, where they proceeded to enjoy the Bespin dishes they had selected. Once they finished, they shared a dance on the ballroom floor.
"So...are you up for the Sabaac tables?" he asked.
"Well...I have to admit that I'm a little curious, even though I don't usually like gambling. But who knows? We might have fun," she replied.
"We just might. In order to experience the Bespin nightlife properly, you almost have to hit the tables," he said, as they walked arm in arm toward the casino. They picked a table and joined the other patrons.
"Deal us in," Anakin said, laying some credit chips down. The droid dealer did as he was asked. At their table, there were two other wealthy human couples they recognized from the ship, a shady looking man, probably a smuggler by profession, a Dug, and a Falleen male, whose attention was immediately captured by Padme. Prince Xizor was well known for his appetite for beautiful women and notorious for his ability to charm them into his bed. And she was exquisite. He absolutely had to have her, though the man next to her was in the way. But Xizor's pheromones would charm her right away from him...and straight into his bed.
"And the lady wins again," the lively, four armed alien dealer announced, as he pushed the credits to Padme. The couple next to Padme cashed out, leaving the seats vacant. Xizor took the opportunity and slipped into the one beside her. Anakin laughed, as she scooped up the credit chips.
"Who would have thought you'd be so good at the tables. Ben will never let me live it down when I tell him you beat me five hands in a row," he said. She smirked.
"I've beat everyone five hands in a row, love," she reminded.
"Beginner's luck," he answered to that.
"Probably, because I really have no idea what I'm doing," she replied, as they were dealt another hand.
"Or maybe it's just because you're good luck all the way around. You've always brought me nothing but love and happiness," he told her, as he kissed her lips tenderly. She smiled, snuggling against his side, as they played another hand. The hand progressed and again, Padme was declared the winner. The Dug and the human smuggler angrily threw their cards down and stormed off. Padme winced.
"I think I just made them angry," she said.
"Nah, they're just sore losers," he replied, as a few other patrons joined the table.
"You are very skilled at this game. I'm most impressed," Xizor said smoothly.
"Oh, not really," Padme replied.
"To find modesty in such a beautiful woman is refreshing. May I buy you a drink...?" he said, pausing for her name
"My name is Padme and no thank you. My husband will take care of buying my drinks," Padme replied politely. Xizor was impressed by her resilience to his pheromones so far and decided she would not be an easy one. But he loved a challenge. He let his eyes travel all over her body lustfully. His lust only increased the potency of his otherwise subtle chemicals. And that's when Anakin picked up on it immediately. His piercing gaze locked on the Falleen next to her.
"My name is Xizor...Prince Xizor," he boasted, knowing he would have her now. Women couldn't resist him once they found out about his royal blood.
"It's nice to meet you," Padme said, curtly, as she concentrated on the game. She didn't want to be rude, but this man carried an awful stench. It was nauseating. Padme suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable, as the Falleen placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Milady...would you care to dance with me?" he asked, positive that she was ready to dump her husband for him. Padme shrugged his hand off.
"No thank you," she said, a little more forcefully. Xizor was baffled. Never had he met a woman able to resist him so completely. This only made him more determined to have her, for she possessed an alluring beauty that fascinated him. He raised his hand to touch her again, hoping to have better luck this time.
"If you want to keep that arm, sleamo, than you best keep it off my wife," Anakin said sternly.
"Pardon..." Xizor stammered. It was rare that anyone called him out on anything and he quickly tried to cover his tracks.
"You heard me. The whole table can smell your pheromones. Fortunately, my wife isn't effected by your chemical charm, quite the opposite in fact, because they're only nauseating her. Now, I suggest you move on, before I decide to stop being nice," Anakin snapped, as he cashed them out with the dealer. He stood up face to face with the shocked alien. Xizor quickly sobered, however.
"If you think I'm afraid of you, then you are sadly mistaken," Xizor said. Anakin smirked, as he watched four of the Prince's bodyguards approach.
"You don't know who you're dealing with. I'm Prince Xizor of Falleen and I always get what I want," he said, as his eyes rested on Padme. Suddenly, the four body guards all fell unconscious to the floor.
"Apparently, you don't know who I am either. I'm Anakin Skywalker and I don't take kindly to threats, especially toward my wife. You so much as look at her again and you'll be visiting the nearest morgue in a nice little body bag," Anakin growled, as he took his wife's hand and led her away. Xizor glared at his retreating form. He hated Jedi, especially when he was humiliated by one.
"You haven't heard the last from me, Jedi," he whispered to himself, as he made a quick getaway.
Ugh...what a creep!" Padme cried.
"That disgusting Prince has been a thorn in the Republic's side for years. Falleen was a strong supporter of the Separatists, even though they claim to be neutral," Anakin replied.
"I still don't understand what he was doing though. What was that awful smell?" she wondered. He smiled at her innocence.
"Falleen males use their pheromones to seduce women. Normally, they are very effective on human females and they often submit, even though normally they wouldn't, thus why it's considered rape most of the time. But we both know you're not an ordinary woman and thus why you weren't affected," he replied. She smiled at his compliment.
"Well, in my eyes, you're the only man for me. No other could ever seduce me away from you, no matter what he tried," she replied.
"How about I buy you that drink?" he asked, as he pointed to the bar. She kissed his cheek.
"I thought you'd never ask. You, my love, can seduce me anytime," she purred. He laughed, as he led her there...
Padme squealed lightly, as he tickled her sides yet again, as they entered the ship. It was morning on Bespin, but the patrons of their ship had been up all night, experiencing the Bespin nightlife. It would be a twenty-four hour trip, before they arrived in Dantooine space and they would retire to their rooms for some much needed sleep.
"Good morning, Master Skywalker. I trust you and Milady Skywalker enjoyed yourselves," Tyler said, with amusement, as he watched Padme playfully smack Anakin's hand.
"Stop," she giggled.
"Yeah, it was definitely a night to remember. Do me a favor, kid?" Anakin asked.
"Consider it done, sir," he replied. Padme squealed again, as her husband swept her into his arms and stuffed a lofty tip into Tyler's hand.
"Check us in with that annoying little grease glob behind the counter. I have more important things to tend to," Anakin said, as he carried his wife off toward the lift. Tyler chuckled in amusement, as he went behind the desk.
"Check in Anakin and Padme Skywalker," he told the droid.
"One moment..." the droid whirred.
"Anikan and Padame Starkiller. All checked in sir," the droid replied. Tyler smacked the droid on his domed head.
"It's Skywalker. You better watch it or Master Skywalker's gonna take his light saber to you," Tyler warmed. The droid blew an electronic raspberry, as Tyler walked off.
"Humans...so rude," it complained.
Leonia Tavira shivered almost involuntarily, as the Masters frightening yellow eyes stared out at her from the cowl that concealed their head and face.
"I grow tired of waiting, Tavira. Why is the warp hole still unstable?" the Master questioned.
"I have stressed the absolute priority that this task requires time and again. Commander Calmek has made empty promises that they are working as hard as they can," Tavira reported. The Master's attention turned to the deformed Xalryn Commander beside her.
"Then you will answer my question, Commander. Why is my warp hole still unstable?" the Master questioned. Calmek knelt before the hologram.
"I beg for your forgiveness, my Master. I have my top technicians working on it as we speak. They believe they may have a breakthrough as early as today. My former top technician has been removed from the project. I believe that it was Doctor Sal's negative view on the project that hindered it for so long. He is...being disciplined, Calmek reported.
"Bring him before me," the Master ordered. The door slid open and a deformed, shackled man was pushed inside. He cried out, as he fell flat on his face, convulsing from the torture he had been receiving. Welts and lacerations from the disciplinary measures covered his body. Calmek grabbed the man by the back of his tattered shirt and dragged him before the Master's hologram.
"Kneel before your Master, you filthy scum," Leonia snapped, as she clubbed him on the back. He cried out and cowered in a kneeling position.
"I find your lack of faith in my project...disturbing," the Master hissed.
"I...I just fear that the warp will never be stable. Ripping a hole in space can have catastrophic effects. It could even eventually cause the galaxy to implode!" he ranted frantically.
"Do not listen to this putrid piece of trash. He has always been a fanatic. Others have assured me that they can stabilize and control the warp. We plan to test this afternoon and we expect success," Calmek assured.
"They say those things, because their greed and thirst for power has consumed them, just as it has you and our evil King!" Sal cried.
"You putrid slime...how dare you disgrace our great King!" Calmek snarled, as he began kicking and beating the poor, helpless man.
"See that the defiance in your ranks remains under control," the Master ordered.
"Of course, My Master. What is thy bidding?" he asked.
"Make an example out of this Rebel. Show your people what happens if you cross me. Perform a public execution where the accused will hang by his neck until dead. Then, leave his rotting corpse on display for three days to make sure your ranks are reminded of who they serve and what price they will pay for crossing me," the Master ordered.
"It will be done, my Master," he replied.
"Oh and one more thing," the Master said. They turned back if today's test is unsuccessful then you, Tavira, will see that Commander Calmek hangs beside Doctor Sal as an example of my zero tolerance for incompetence and failure!" the Master roared. Leonia smirked evilly at the Commander.
"Your bidding will be carried out if necessary, my Master," Tavira said, as the hologram faded.
"I hope for your sake, Commander, that your people are successful, though it would give me great pleasure to watch you die," she sneered.
"But for now, I guess I'll have to be satisfied with watching this deformed mongrel die a slow, agonizing death. Commence with his public execution...immediately," she ordered.
"Yes my Lady," Calmek replied, as he dragged the screaming and pleading doctor away.
Twelve hours since departing from Bespin...
Steph watched the Skywalkers from their table, as he pushed her into her seat. The Senator looked as beautiful as ever in a little black evening dress with her hair down, curls spilling around her shoulders.
"I'm not having any part of this plan of yours!" Ethan spat.
"Relax Ethan. I'm just going to ask her a question. Hopefully, I'll catch her off guard and I'll learn a bit more," Steph said, as she watched Anakin walk to the bar. She got up and headed toward Padme's table. Ethan sighed and followed her.
"Good evening, Senator," Steph greeted.
"Oh hello Steph, Ethan," Padme nodded to them.
"Senator, we were hoping you could clarify something for us," Steph began.
"I'll try if I can," Padme replied.
"Well, there's all kind of rumors on the Holonet, swirling about a possible connection between you and a Mister Riley Zander," Steph said. Padme paled slightly.
"I'm sorry...I'm not familiar with him," Padme answered.
"Well, your mother certainly is. She's been see all over Coruscant with him lately. And he's been seen with your children as well. Are you saying you don't even know the man who your children have been with?" Steph asked.
"That's enough Steph, let's go. I apologize, Senator," Ethan said.
"I'm not going anywhere until little Miss Perfect here answers my questions. Why are you so nervous? Could it be because everyone is questioning why such an esteemed person of importance has clear ties to a former scoundrel and criminal?" Steph sniped.
"You're reporters," Padme deduced.
"Answer my questions, Senator," Steph demanded.
"She doesn't have to answer anything for you," Anakin snapped, as he returned with their drinks.
"The public has a right to know just who is representing them and what misdeals they may be involved in," Steph argued.
"Padme is involved in no misdeals and our personal lives are none of your business. Nor is it any of your business whom Padme's mother chooses to date," Anakin replied sternly.
"There's something gong on here that you're not telling us and I will find out all there is to know," Steph promised.
"Stay away from my wife," Anakin growled. Steph smirked. She had definitely struck a chord.
"Have a good evening, Senator, Master Jedi," Steph said, as she walked off.
"I apologize for my partner's behavior," Ethan said, as he slunk away.
"Angel, are you okay?" he asked. She nodded.
"Yes, I guess I just wasn't expecting that," she said, as their food was served to them.
"Damn Holonet vultures," Anakin grumbled.
"Let's not let this ruin our evening. They can think what they want about us," Padme said, as she laid her hand on his. He smiled and he kissed her tenderly, before they began eating.
After evening meal, in an attempt to get her to forget about Steph and Ethan, the undercover reporters, Anakin romanced his beautiful wife on the dance floor. She wore the crystal star pendant necklace he had gotten her for their anniversary. She laughed, as he dipped her and then swept her back into his arms, spinning her around.
"Thank you," Padme said tenderly.
"For what?" he asked.
"For making me feel better. You always know exactly what I need," she replied.
"I'm not going to let a couple of dirt digging reporters ruin our honeymoon," he said.
"Me either. I just wonder how long it will be before the media discovers the truth...that he's my real father. The last thing I would ever want to do it disappoint my people," she said.
"Angel, your parentage is something that's beyond your control. And, as much as those reporters think our personal lives are their business, they're not. If they know what's good for them, then they'll stay away from you. They can write whatever stories they want, because we know the truth and that is ultimately what matters," he replied. She smiled.
"You're right. I don't know what I'd do without you," she said wistfully.
"And you'll never have to find out," he replied, as he leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her lips.
"Real smooth Steph. You just blew this one really good," Ethan spat.
"Oh please, did you see her face when I mentioned Zander? There's something big going on here," Steph said. Ethan snorted.
"It doesn't matter. Skywalker won't let us anywhere near her now," Ethan replied.
"I don't need her. My informant is getting me a complete work up on Zander, as we speak," Steph replied.
Calmek stood on the deck, before the massive view window.
"Commander, we are ready," one technician reported. He glanced at Tavira beside him.
"Proceed Doctor," he said.
"I'll stress that should any of you fail, then you'll join Doctor Sal in his fate," Tavira reminded. The four technicians glanced behind her. Doctor Sal hung dead from the rafters by his neck. They had been forced to watch his excruciating execution, as he suffered for almost twenty agonizing minutes, before he finally died. The four Xalryn scholars turned away and began initiating the necessary sequences. The entire compound shook violently, as the warp was opened.
"Stabilize!" Calmek shouted. Two of the technicians were electrocuted and thrown from the high platform, to their deaths, as the consoles sparked violently. Ignoring the two deaths, the other two men's fingers flew over the console's controls, initiating the stabilizing sequence. The compound ceased to shake and the swirling warp hole was present before their eyes.
"We have done it, Commander. The warp hole is stable!" one shouted in victory.
"Excellent. Send the test shuttle through," Calmek replied.
"Initiating test sequence," the other technician said. They watched the shuttle successfully enter the warp and disappear.
"The shuttle is sending us a transmission. It has made it to the outer rim with no damage," the technician reported.
"Well done. I will inform the Master that they may make preparations to come here. For now, keep the warp hope and perform a few more tests. We must be sure it is completely safe and stable. Then close it for now when finished," Tavira ordered, as she left for the nearest conference room to contact the Master.
The beautiful, sleek luxury cruiser blazed through hyperspace as smoothly as ever, as the crew tended to their posts on the restricted, employee only bridge. Captain Rex Thomas had never experienced anything but smooth sailing on one of their recreational voyages. A former Republic Naval officer, he retired from the Navy after the Clone Wars and took this job, because he loved traveling and piloting. Never could he have anticipated the trouble that was ahead. The ship shuddered slightly. At first, no one saw it as anything more than ordinary spacial turbulence...until the ship suddenly dropped out of hyperspace without warning.
"What the hell happened?" Thomas roared.
"A disturbance has disrupted our course, Captain and for unknown reasons, we've been knocked out of hyperspace," his lieutenant reported. There was confusion on the Captain's weathered face.
"In all my years of travel, I've never been knocked out of hyperspace. Find out what happened," he ordered.
"Yes sir,"
"I'll see that the passengers don't begin to panic," Co-Captain Aaron Brand, a much younger man said, as he left the bridge.
"Captain, you need to look at this!" the Lieutenant cried. The Captain stood and gazed out the large view window. Off to the right, he saw something quite unnatural.
"What in Sith hell is that?" he asked, in frightened awe, as he stared at the swirling blue hole that was lit with that looked like crackling blue plasma energy. In the Captain's thirty plus years of flying, he'd never see anything like it.
"Get us as far away from that thing as you can, Lt. Wesley, and then re-plot our course," the Captain ordered.
"I'm sorry sir, but the controls are not responding. We're caught in its gravitational pull," the young Lieutenant cried, as the ship was slowly pulled toward the spacial hurricane. As they neared, the controls sparked violently. The Captain pulled the young Lieutenant from his seat, before he could be electrocuted.
"Sir, what should we do?" Wesley asked. But the Captain didn't have an answer for him.
The crystal chandeliers above them shuddered slightly. Those around them didn't notice that anything was amiss, but being an experienced pilot and Force sensitive, Anakin sensed it immediately.
"Ani...what's wrong?" Padme asked, noticing the sudden pensive look on his face.
"We just dropped out of hyperspace," he whispered. Her brow furrowed in confusion.
"But we're still half a day from Dantooine," she replied.
"I know. Something's not right," he answered, as he held her close. At that moment, they saw the Co-Captain enter and motion for the band to stop playing, as he took to the stage.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please?" the Captain called. The room quieted, as all attention turned to him.
"We've had to drop out of hyperspace momentarily, due to a little spacial distortion. But I assure you, we will be back on course shortly," he said.
"Spacial distortion?" Padme whispered to Anakin, confused by what he meant.
"Any spacial distortion big enough to knock a ship this size out of hyperspace isn't nothing," he replied quietly. Suddenly, the ship began to shake, as it veered sideways. People began to scream and panic when suddenly the ship lurched hard to the right. Padme cried out and Anakin held her tightly in his arms, as they, along with many others, were thrown to the floor. Screams of terror rang out through the dining hall, as mass chaos broke out.
The Captain and crew watched in amazement, as they were pulled violently through the crackling, spiraling tunnel. It was a rough ride and they were thrown all over the bridge.
Tables, chairs, silverware, and dishes flew everywhere. Anakin deflected what large or dangerous objects that he could with the Force, as he held onto a large support pillar. Padme clung to him with her face buried in his chest, as the rough ride threw people all about. With a final lurch, Anakin and Padme were thrown into a wall, as the ship finally stopped. People began looking around and starting to get up, all curious as to what exactly had just happened. Anakin helped his wife to her feet and they quickly started helping other people up, seeing if anyone was injured.
The crew on the bridge pulled themselves from the floor and looked out the view window. There was a brown colored planet before them, like nothing they had ever seen.
"What planet is that?" Captain Thomas questioned.
"It's not in the databank, sir. It must be unknown," Lt. Wesley replied.
"What are our coordinates?" Thomas asked. The Lieutenant's fingers flew nimbly over the console. His brow furrowed in confusion, as the results came back. He quickly ran the scan again.
"What's wrong?" the Captain asked.
"This...it's impossible," Wesley replied in disbelief.
"What is?" Thomas asked.
"Sir, according the ship's computer, we're approximately...three hundred and sixty four days away from Dantooine," Wesley said in disbelief.
"That's impossible! The controls must be malfunctioning," Thomas roared.
"I don't think so, Sir," Wesley replied.
"That makes no sense," the Captain fretted.
"Sir, if I may make a suggestion," Wesley said.
"Anything, if you think it will help us figure out this conundrum," the Captain replied.
"There is someone aboard the ship that has the skills and leadership necessary to deal with situations like these. I believe we should bring him here to see this," Wesley replied.
"Who do you speak of? A passenger?" Thomas asked.
"Yes sir, but no ordinary passenger. The Chosen One is aboard the ship with his wife," Wesley reported.
"Anakin Skywalker?" the Captain asked.
"Yes sir. Shall I bring him here?" Wesley asked.
"No...I will go myself, thank you Lieutenant. Continue to monitor our situation until I return," Captain Thomas replied, as he slowly exited the bridge.
"Yes sir," Lt. Wesley replied.
"Ani...what do you think happened?" Padme asked her husband, as they anxiously awaited word from the crew. Anakin saw the ship's Captain enter the dining hall and his eyes stopped searching, once they rested upon Anakin.
"I don't know, but we're going to find out," Anakin said, as he took her hand and led her toward the Captain, who waited for them. He had a very bad feeling about this...
That concludes Honeymoon Interlude, but this story will pick up right after this moment in the next vignette, titled "Planet of Terror", coming very soon! :)


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Following the rigors of the rut, bucks need to replenish body condition and body fat so they revert to a very predictable daily pattern of feeding-to-bedding. Here's how to take advantage of this window of opportunity.
Despite the snow swirling around me, I pushed through the thick brush, spurred onward by an unfilled buck tag in my back pocket. I carefully climbed 20 feet up into my treestand, swept the snow from the seat, and settled in. By the time I got my bow towed up on the haul rope, a buck appeared at the woodline and began to move across the harvested cornfield towards me. My plans for a long, cold vigil suddenly changed and this buck's appearance created a flood of optimism that this night might be the night. I love hunting the last days of archery season despite the nasty weather, because I have so many good memories and successes to show for it.
Many states have bow and muzzleloader seasons that last beyond Christmas and well into January. The key to success for me has been the understanding that the deer have different needs during cold weather than they do during the rest of the hunting season.
There are three macronutrients that all humans and animals need: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Understanding when bucks crave these nutrients and where they will find them goes a long way towards figuring out their movement patterns, particularly during the late season when their patterns become quite predictable. By examining where the deer find what they need to eat on a daily basis, and where they bed, we can put together a pattern for intercepting them on their daily travels to and from these locations.
Why deer crave protein and carbs
After the rut, bucks are run-down. Their fat reserves are gone, and even their muscle mass is diminished. Nothing restores muscle faster that protein, and soybeans are loaded with protein. Field corn is very high in carbohydrates, which help restore fat reserves. Most mast crops are super-high in carbohydrates and fat. Acorns, especially the meaty varieties like those from white oaks, offer a large dose of fat and carbs. Honey locust pods are high in proteins and fats. You get the idea.
Corn fields left standing in December into early January will be swarmed by deer. In cut corn fields, deer will glean waste corn from the ground as long as it is available, and they can easily smell even a single kernel through a foot of snow.
Interestingly, deer can eat raw soybeans; which are toxic to humans and any animal with only one stomach. Since soybeans provide quick energy through a combination of proteins and carbs, deer will often seek them out during the coldest weather. A stretch of below-zero weather will move deer off the corn and acorns and onto the soybeans because of the quick turnaround of energy they offer. During these periods, immediate energy for body heat is more important than storage of fat. Food plots of soybeans or late-standing soybean fields attract more deer than corn does during the harshest weather. When the weather moderates, they may move back to the high-carb food sources.
Standing cornfields offer a combination of bedding cover and feed. During mild stretches of the early winter, deer often stay in the corn around the clock. They feel safe in the cover and it provides protection from the wind as well as food within reach at all times.
So bucks are seeking out specific kinds of foods based on which foods are higher in either carbs or proteins and they will gravitate towards the food sources that offer the combination they need at that given time. But mature bucks especially do not blindly wander around looking for these foods—there are other factors involved.
Escape cover
A mature buck will not feed in the open unless he feels secure and has an avenue of escape. The best places to find these afternoon feeders is where they have a brushy draw they can dive into at the hint of danger, or possibly a creek-bottom thicket along the edge of the field. I have even seen them disappear into a big field of tall cover such as switchgrass or scrub cedars.
If you can find these avenues of escape, you have the beginning of a pattern that could put that buck in your truck, because these bucks will often enter the field from this escape cover.
Thermal cover and bedding areas
When not feeding, bucks need to feel secure in bedding areas that provide them protection from the elements. Thick cover offers protection from biting winter winds, and on cloudy or snowy days, most deer will be tucked in tight right in the middle of the thickest stuff around. And they will use the same beds day after day.
Solar bedding areas
The second-most common bedding areas in the winter are south-facing open slopes that get a lot of sun. Whitetails tend to use these areas when there is little wind and they can soak up the sun's warming rays. Look for open timber where the sun can get through. These areas will typically have a lot of beds because the deer will get up and move as the shadow of a tree falls on them. They may use three to four beds during the course of the day.
Intercepting the bucks
Well-worn trails provide evidence of travel patterns that can help the bowhunter decide where to set up an ambush. A ground blind along the edge or blended in with cornstalks right in the middle of the food is often the perfect spot. When setting up over a vast field, keep in mind that the tops of hills are often cleared of snow by the wind and offer deer the easiest access to the food.
It is very common for bucks to approach the field through the escape cover, and make their way out into the field cautiously. The most mature bucks will typically enter the field last.
A bowhunter must get up close and personal when in a treestand. That generally means setting up off the field a ways, back up the trail. Often mature bucks will hang up for a while before entering the field. A bowhunter in a treestand 50 yards from the field's edge may have the advantage of getting a shot at a buck that won't expose himself in the open field before dark. A hunter carrying a muzzleloader can set up on the edge of the field or even right in the field itself.
Hunting last-minute whitetails is a game of making educated guesses as to where to be, and when. The more information you have, the more educated your guess will be.
Follow Bernie's bowhunting adventures on his blog, bowhuntingroad.com.
Images courtesy Bernie Barringer


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Reading at the Turf-by TMP
Fans returning from the match against Coventry last Saturday with the Clarets having put in yet another woeful performance would find it hard to imagine that there would be any chance of getting any points from the runaway League leaders, Reading at the Turf this Saturday. Just maybe though there is a glimmer of hope! Burnley FC have this knack of always rising to the occasion and pulling out a victory when you least expect it.
Some of the omens though are not good, in the last seven games between the two teams, Reading have won three to the Clarets one with three drawn. The Clarets have lost their last three games and have only won one game against Plymouth at home in ten League matches. Over this period they have also only scored 5 goals.
However, Reading have been a little off form away from home recently with only one win and three draws in their last six games on the road with 10 goals for and 11 against!
The key to this game could be whether former Claret, Glen Little plays for the Royals and at the moment this could be in doubt.
Little has not been on a losing Reading side in the league since the opening day of the season.
He does however have a groin strain which has forced him to sit out the last two games against Luton and Preston.
Little said 'I'd love to play on Saturday but I'll see how I train between now and the game.
'I thought I'd be back for the Preston game last weekend but I aggravated it so I must be careful.
'I don't want to be out for another three or four weeks when there's promotion at stake.'
Another former Claret may also be on show with John Oster possibly making an appearance for Reading
What about the Clarets though? I would expect Steve Cotterill to play a more defensive 4:5:1 in this match bolstered by the return of both John McGreal and Wayne Thomas after their two match suspension. The Clarets do have some injury worries though with both Garreth O' Connor and Graham Branch being touch and go at the moment.
I expect Michael Ricketts to be the lone stiker up front and would hope a recent ticking off from the manager may have had some effect and that he can find the back of the net again and look a little sharper than he did against Coventry. I would expect Kyle Lafferty to be on the bench again but it would be a tough call for him to feature in this match. The big question in my mind is whether we will see Gifton Noel-Williams feature in this match. I am afraid I have seen nothing from this lad in ages and he is rapidly becoming one of the boo-boys favourite targets. He really does have to get on the score sheet and string together some decent performances and justify the faith that Steve Cotterill seems to continually have in him.
Well its been 13 games since we last had a home draw and maybe we are due one and this is the best we can hope for! However we are Burnley FC and I said previously, we always seem to start winning when you least expect it against quality opposition. Its difficult to see how but you never know!


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Northeast Region Issues Request for Proposals
This Request for Proposals (RFP) provides the opportunity for interested parties to submit proposals to the National Park Service (NPS) to lease NPS property consisting of the "Red House" on approximately 1.5 acres. The Red House was owned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and is a large wood-frame two-story building with approximately 5,780 square feet with remarkable views of the Hudson River. Residential and/or commercial uses of the property will be considered.
For a copy of the RFP, please visit www.theredhousehydepark.com or contact Jennifer Cherry, Realty Specialist by email at firstname.lastname@example.com or by phone at (845) 229-9115, ext. 2036.
Any proposal must be received by 4:00 PM EDT on November 12, 2013, addressed to:
Proposal for Red House Lease
c/o Jennifer Cherry, Realty Specialist
Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites
4097 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park, New York 12538


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Supply Chain Security:
CBP Needs to Conduct Regular Assessments of Its Cargo Targeting System
GAO-13-9: Published: Oct 25, 2012. Publicly Released: Nov 26, 2012.
Additional Materials:
- Highlights Page:
- Full Report:
- Accessible Text:
(202) 512-9610
Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
What GAO Found
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), employs a risk-based approach that uses the Automated Targeting System (ATS) and other tools to identify (target) maritime cargo shipments for further examination. ATS is a web-based enforcement and decision support system that includes a set of rules to assess the risk level for each arriving cargo shipment. This set of rules is referred to as the maritime national security weight set (weight set) because each rule in the set has a specific weighted value assigned to it. CBP classifies the risk scores from the weight set as low, medium, or high risk. CBP policy states that a shipment's risk score is to determine, in part, actions taken by CBP officers (targeters) at the ports. Specifically, targeters are generally required to review shipment data for all medium-risk and high-risk shipments and hold high-risk shipments for examination. The risk score, however, is not the sole factor that determines whether a targeter reviews the data for a shipment or whether CBP examines a shipment. In particular, targeters at each of the six ports GAO visited explained that they use the ATS risk score as a starting point for the targeting process but that their decisions regarding which shipments to examine are ultimately based on additional research. Targeters at the six ports GAO visited said they also use tools outside of ATS, such as web searches, to research shipments.
CBP efforts to assess the weight set's effectiveness in identifying the risk of shipments have been limited. CBP has performance measures--represented by the percentage of shipments targeted as high risk that contain a threat and the percentage of shipments targeted as high risk that do not contain a threat--that enable CBP to determine the accuracy of the weight set, given a particular workload or examination rate. However, CBP did not assess the weight set to verify its effectiveness when implementing an updated version in early 2011. Prior to implementing the updated version of the weight set, CBP assessed the potential impact of the update on CBP's workload but did not conduct an assessment to determine whether the updated version of the weight set would be more effective in identifying high-risk shipments than the previous version or other alternatives. Assessing the potential effectiveness of alternative versions of the weight set prior to selecting one for implementation could help CBP make more informed decisions about future updates. Doing so could also provide CBP reasonable assurance that the version it selects is the most effective of the alternatives and is more effective than the previous version it replaces. Furthermore, since implementing the updated version of the weight set in early 2011, CBP has not regularly assessed the weight set to monitor its performance and to help determine when changes are needed. For example, CBP conducted the first assessment of the current version of the weight set, using the performance measures, in the summer of 2012--18 months after the weight set's implementation in early 2011. Regular assessments of the weight set's effectiveness could help CBP determine when updates are needed in a timelier manner and ensure that targeters have the best information available to make targeting decisions. Moreover, CBP has not established targets for the performance measures so that it is not clear whether a particular change in the weight set's performance is significant enough to suggest that changes are needed to improve the effectiveness of the weight set.
Why GAO Did This Study
The U.S. economy is dependent on the expeditious flow of millions of tons of cargo each day. Cargo containers are an important instrument of global trade but also can present security concerns. CBP is responsible for administering container security programs, and its strategy for securing maritime cargo containers includes analyzing information to identify shipments that may contain terrorist weapons or other contraband. Because CBP has insufficient resources to examine every container, targeters use ATS to target which container shipments should be examined. GAO was asked to assess CBP's targeting efforts. This report addresses (1) how ATS supports CBP's targeting of maritime cargo container shipments for national security purposes and (2) the extent to which CBP assesses the effectiveness of ATS's national security targeting rules. GAO analyzed fiscal year 2011 CBP data on shipments and containers arriving at U.S. ports and containers scanned at these ports. GAO also visited six CBP units selected on the basis of the percentage of maritime shipments that were scored as high risk or medium risk for national security purposes at these locations in fiscal year 2011, among other factors. GAO also analyzed documents, such as CBP's ATS performance measures.
What GAO Recommends
GAO recommends that CBP (1) ensure that future updates to the weight set are based on assessments of its performance and (2) establish targets for performance measures and use those measures to regularly assess effectiveness of the weight set. DHS concurred with these recommendations.
For more information, contact Stephen L. Caldwell at (202) 512-9610 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: In May 2015, CBP revised its National Security Weight Set, Maritime Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to address the new requirements for the maintenance, review, and update of the national security weight set (maritime) in ATS. The SOP requires program managers to compare proposed versions of the national security weight set against the existing version as part of the process for determining whether to implement a proposed new version of the weight set. Doing so will help provide reasonable assurance that changes to the weight set will improve the effectiveness of CBP's targeting of high-risk maritime cargo container shipments.
Recommendation: To enhance its targeting of maritime cargo containers and better position CBP to provide reasonable assurance of the effectiveness of ATS, the Commissioner of CBP should ensure that future updates to the weight set are based on results of assessments that demonstrate that the chosen version of the weight set is more effective than other alternatives, including the existing version.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security: United States Customs and Border Protection
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: In May 2015, CBP revised its National Security Weight Set, Maritime Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to address the new requirements for the maintenance, review, and update of the national security weight set (maritime) in ATS. The SOP established a performance measure and associated target that will assist CBP in determining whether the weight set is effectively targeting high-risk maritime cargo container shipments. The SOP requires CBP to review the national security weight set for revisions if the weight set does not meet the performance target in two consecutive quarters. By assessing the weight set regularly against a performance target, CBP will be better positioned to determine when updates to the weight set are needed to ensure continued effectiveness in targeting of high-risk maritime cargo container shipments.
Recommendation: To enhance its targeting of maritime cargo containers and better position CBP to provide reasonable assurance of the effectiveness of ATS, the Commissioner of CBP should establish targets for CBP's performance measures and use those measures to assess the effectiveness of the weight set on a regular basis to better determine when updates to the weight set are needed.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security: United States Customs and Border Protection
Explore the full database of GAO's Open Recommendations »
Feb 28, 2018
Positive Train Control:Many Commuter Railroads Still Have Significant Additional Implementation Work and Opportunities Exist to Provide Federal AssistanceGAO-18-367T: Published: Mar 1, 2018. Publicly Released: Feb 28, 2018.
Jan 30, 2018
Highway and Transit Projects:Evaluation Guidance Needed for States with National Environmental Policy Act AuthorityGAO-18-222: Published: Jan 30, 2018. Publicly Released: Jan 30, 2018.
Jan 16, 2018
Commercial Space Launch Insurance:FAA Needs to Fully Address Mandated RequirementsGAO-18-57: Published: Jan 16, 2018. Publicly Released: Jan 16, 2018.
Dec 21, 2017
Transportation Security Administration:After Oversight Lapses, Compliance with Policy Governing Special Authority Has Been StrengthenedGAO-18-172: Published: Dec 21, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 21, 2017.
Dec 14, 2017
Transportation Security Administration:Surface Transportation Inspector Activities Should Align More Closely With Identified RisksGAO-18-180: Published: Dec 14, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 14, 2017.
Dec 4, 2017
Auto Recalls:NHTSA Should Take Steps to Further Improve the Usability of Its WebsiteGAO-18-127: Published: Dec 4, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 4, 2017.
Nov 30, 2017
Automated Vehicles:Comprehensive Plan Could Help DOT Address ChallengesGAO-18-132: Published: Nov 30, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 30, 2017.
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Commercial Aviation:Pilots' and Flight Attendants' Exposure to Noise aboard AircraftGAO-18-109R: Published: Nov 15, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 15, 2017.
Nov 2, 2017
Discretionary Transportation Grants:DOT Should Take Actions to Improve the Selection of Freight and Highway ProjectsGAO-18-38: Published: Nov 2, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 2, 2017.
Oct 31, 2017
Railroad Safety:Quiet Zone Analyses and Inspections Could Be ImprovedGAO-18-97: Published: Oct 31, 2017. Publicly Released: Oct 31, 2017.
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The Eurovision Babushki
Posted on May 2nd, 2012 in News, Recent posts by Songlines Magazine.
Folk-pop grannies from the Volga set to send Eurovision 2012 into a spin
(Photo courtesy of Retrospective Broadcasters)
The question of where Europe begins and ends has always been hard to answer. When it comes to the Eurovision Song Contest, it seems everyone wants to be European. Last year's victory for Azerbaijan's Eldar & Nigar means the 2012 competition takes place in Baku, Azerbaijan, and among the usual array of weird and wonderful acts is an entry from an equally far flung corner of Europe – the Buranovskiye Babushki.
Hailing from the Udmurt Republic in the Volga region of Russia, Buranovskiye Babushki (the Grannies from Buranovo) have won the right to represent Russia at the contest at the second attempt. These eight singers from a small village on the Volga entered the Russian heats in 2010 with the song 'Dlinnaja Dlinnaja Beresta I Kak Sdelat Iz Nee Aishon', finishing third. It was a suitably rural song about making a turban from the bark of a birch tree. Not to be discouraged, they entered again in 2012 with the perhaps more marketable 'Party for Everybody'.
Sung in the Finno-Ugric Udmurt language, the lyrics anticipate the excitement of children coming home and the culinary preparations for their arrival. But what begins as an a capella folk song is interrupted by a crashing Eurodance beat announcing the English chorus.
The grannies, who are all in their 70s and 80s, began as a folklore choir singing in Russian and Udmurt, until 43-year-old choir leader Olga Tuktareva arrived from a nearby village to run the Buranovo social club 12 years ago. Not only did she get them singing only in their native Udmurt language, but also doing covers of Western pop songs too. Their traditional Udmurt costumes, complete with lapti (slippers made from the bark of lime trees), are handed down from generations to generations and form a distinctive part of the group's appeal.
The idea to enter Eurovision was suggested by the late Russian folklore singing legend Lyudmila Zykina, whose birthday concert the grannies sung at after being spotted in 2008 by producer Ksenia Rubtsova singing an Udmurt cover of 'Yesterday' in the Udmurt capital Izhevsk. Zykina's encouragement has already seen them tour around Europe and their financial success is being poured into a village project to rebuild the Russian Orthodox church destroyed during the Soviet era.
When they take to the stage in Baku on May 22 for first semi-final of the event, the BuranovskiyeBabushki will take the crown as the oldest competitors ever to grace Eurovision, pipping this year's surprise UK entry, 75-year-old Engelbert Humperdinck. The combination of traditional Udmurt folk costumes and Eurovision bling is a truly surreal viewing experience.
Get a taste of what Baku has coming its way on the Songlines YouTube site.
One Response to "The Eurovision Babushki"
mariam Says:
May 13th, 2012 at 8:31 am
Europe is expanding its borders! I've often wondered why Israel is included in this contest and why Leebanon doesn't take part as they have some excellent 'pop' music. I'm all for crossing borders, but am a little concerned that more countries will simply produce 'international pop' and not focus on what they do best. It's difficult to recall a single memorable song from the Eurovision. Maybe this year will be different?


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Ryan Newman and Sam Hornish Jr. To Appear In Dodge Speedway Sports Club
Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman and Indianapolis 500 winner Sam Hornish, Jr. are scheduled to make a Q&A appearance in the Dodge Speedway Sports Club on Sunday, April 27, prior to the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway.
"Any fan of racing has to be excited about this offer," said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. "This is the opportunity to see Sam Hornish Jr., a three-time IRL Champion and winner of the 2006 Indianapolis 500, and Ryan Newman, the winner of the 2008 Daytona 500. These drivers have won two of the premier races in motorsports and I am sure they will have fascinating stories to tell."
Membership to the Dodge Speedway Sports Club includes:
· Access to the Dodge Speedway Sports Club, an air conditioned chalet with closed circuit televisions, located in Hospitality Village
· Pre-Race Pit Pass allowing access to pit road until one hour prior to track activity (schedule and weather permitting)
· Catering for breakfast, buffet lunch, post-race snacks and beverages (soda & water)
· Six drink tickets for beer and wine; cash bar available
· Suite/Hospitality parking pass
· Event souvenir
· Member picture taken in Gatorade Victory Lane on Sunday morning, prior to the race
· Driver appearance (schedule and weather permitting)
Membership to the Dodge Speedway Sports Club is $215 and must be accompanied by a frontstretch grandstand or tower ticket.
To order Dodge Speedway Sports Club hospitality packages or tickets, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342) or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. For our hearing impaired guests, please call TDD 1-866-ISC-TRAK (1-866-472-8725). Tickets also are available in person by visiting the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. CDT, Monday - Friday.
- Kids VIP Experience Presented by Children's of Alabama
- Happy Harvick, Jones, Byron and Menard to Join Pre-Race Fan Q&A Session
- 50 Days to NASCAR's Biggest Party! The "Big One on the Blvd" Ready to Roll into Talladega
- "Teacher & Educator Appreciation" Ticket Offer Unveiled for Upcoming Doubleheader


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Extreme - Cupidsde
Cupidsde(Difficulty: undetermined)
Hello I posted my one transcription of "Cupid's dead" from the latest release to Extreme. (III Sides To Every Story) Please get in gear and post some more songs from the record!! The song is in E and the most of the riff's can you (perso.efrei.fr)


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San Francisco, police chases and Sushi!
San Francisco Travel Blog› entry 10 of 30 › view all entries
On an extremely misty morning we started out on our last leg of our coastal drive as we headed towards San Fran!
We stopped off at various places on route, Half Moon Bay were there are some lovely Victorian houses, and a slight detour led us to the Ritz hotel where clearly we could not afford to stay.
The mist was shifting as we stopped to Pillar Point Harbor, I'd never seen anything like it. And it didn't break for the stops at the impressive, if not deserted, Maverick and Moss beaches.
We had to drop the car off by three so arriving in San Francisco just before lunch we decided to make use of it and drive across the Golden Gate Bridge.
So time to drop the car off, an easy task some may say...WRONG! Our drop off was in SOMA so easily enough we found Market Street, but could not for the life of us negotiate the one way systems to get to the needed street to drop off the car. As we turned down a one way street a car hurtled towards us, my reaction was 'Christ I've gone the wrong way!' but no as the car was quickly followed by a police car with sirens blazing. The next thought was 'don't hit us, don't hit us!' Thankfully we escaped unscratched for now! Next task get off Market Street, turn left is a big no in San Francisco, shame we didn't know this before we did it and were quickly pulled over by the police, a sweet smile and a 'sorry officer but we're lost' prevented any tickets. Finally after about an hour of trying we delivered the car in one piece.
As we walked back towards Union Square to out hostel we decided to stop at Sushi Club for lunch, good food and huge portions.
Union Square is a great place to sit and watch the world go by, which is what we decided to do as we got our bearings and decided what we would take in over the next 4 days. We were doing so well to fight the urge of the massive Macy's store which takes up a whole side of the square, but soon the temptation was to great. Tip for Macy's is go to the customer services desk, which is usually at the top far end of the shop, and ask for a tourist discount card and just like that 20% off!
After checking into the Hi-Hostel Downtown decided to chill out for the evening after our fun packed and slightly stressful day.