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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senior lightweight rower William Zeng (Great Falls, Va.) was chosen this weekend as one of 32 American recipients of the Rhodes Scholarship, as announced by Elliot F. Gerson, American Secretary of the Rhodes Trust. Zeng, who will study at Oxford University, was one of two Yale students and three Ivy League athletes awarded with the Rhodes Scholarship.
Rhodes candidates, who are selected on the qualities of "high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership, and physical vigor," must undergo a two-part application process. Over 1,500 candidates seek endorsement from their college or university, the first step in the process. This year, 837 candidates were endorsed by a total of 309 institutions. Committees of Selection from the 16 U.S. Rhodes districts then select the top endorsed candidates to be invited to be interviewed. After these interviews, two scholarship recipients are selected from each district.
Zeng, a Physics major, will pursue an M.Sc. in Mathematics and the Foundations of Computer Science while at Oxford. In particular, he will work in an emerging branch of physics called quantum information in the Oxford Computing Lab with Professors Samson Abramsky and Bob Coecke.
"We try to take advantage of the weird and unintuitive behaviors of quantum mechanical systems to design new technologies and experiments," said Zeng. "There's much promise for this approach to revolutionize both information processing and our understanding of quantum mechanics."
With the lightweights, Zeng is a three-time top-three finisher at the EARC Sprints. As a freshman, he stroked the first freshman eight to an undefeated season and Sprints victory. As a sophomore, he was a member of the third varsity eight, which followed an undefeated regular season with a third-place finish at Sprints. Last year, Zeng earned another Sprints bronze as a member of the varsity eight. This fall, he rowed in the varsity eight at the Head of the Housatonic and Head of the Charles before missing the Princeton Chase with a rib injury.
Zeng, who plans to continue rowing at Oxford, credits some of his academic success to his rowing background.
"I'm proud of the drive, discipline, and character that rowing has shown me. Particularly, living and working while training has made acute my sense of the balance and structure that working my body gives my mind," said Zeng. "Lessons from rowing background my approach to day-by-day work toward the long-term, self-stipulated goals that organize scientific work, and after practices I'd never shirk at needing to get into the lab."
Head coach Andy Card described Zeng as the quintessential Rhodes candidate.
"William is the number one exceptional guy on a team full of good guys. He is dedicated to making not only the experience of being on the Yale lightweights one of the most rewarding endeavors possible, but also to the idea that everyone on the outside who has interactions with the team – be they fans, parents, opponents, officials, bus drivers, hotel personnel, little kids learning to row, anyone – comes away thinking that 'wow, those guys are good guys.'"
"Every summer Will has been academically focused, yet if you check his training logs, the amount of work he can do while studying and working hard is astounding," said Card. "Whether Will was sweating like a fountain and making up his own workouts in India, or hitting the water or erg in Switzerland while still making it to the lab at 4:00 a.m. in Zurich, it's all a testament to Will's ability to balance work and, well, more work. He is very structured without being an automaton."
Zeng will begin his studies at Oxford in October. To date, 3,228 Americans have won Rhodes scholarships, and Zeng will be a part of a group of approximately 80 worldwide scholars selected this year. While its value varies by the degree program chosen, Gerson estimated that the scholarship, which includes all university tuition and expenses, as well as a living expenses stipend and travel to and from England, averages approximately $50,000 per year.
Report filed by Trey Chandler '11, Yale Sports Publicity


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5:00 pm
Growing a Greener World "Attracting Backyard Birds and Wildlife: (Mt. Airy, NC)" As we spend more time at home, we're enjoying the experience of bringing nature home too. Learn the steps involved to easily attract more wildlife to any yard and certify your yard as a Wildlife Habitat. We also visit the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center to learn more about native plants and the problem with invasives. D
5:30 pm
Hey Kids, Let's Cook "Tailgate Gourmet" Are you ready for some high-powered foods that will get you around the track to that final lap? We're cooking up some hot recipes at NASCAR today right on the edge of turn 11, the most exciting turn at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. We're taking the show on the road today, literally. We're preparing an exciting tailgate menu of sliders and fixins, spicy corn salad, and fruit kabobs. D
6:00 pm
Ciao Italia "Pizza on the Grill/Pizza Alla Griglia" It's summertime at last, and Mary Ann fires up the grill -- not for burgers -- but for pizza, starting with a Roasted Vegetable Pizza topped with zucchini, eggplant, squash and red Onions. And for dessert? Even more pizza, this time a sweet, Mini-dessert Pizza topped with honey, fresh mint and sliced apricots. D
6:30 pm
Hubert Keller: Secrets of a Chef "Halibut Two Ways" Chefs love halibut for its versatility and hearty texture. Today, Chef Keller makes it two ways - one with red wine and one with white. Grilled Halibut in Barigoule (Artichoke Wine Broth); Red Wine Braised Halibut on a Bed of Endives and Mushrooms.G
7:00 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "Belgium: Bruges and Brussels" Rick goes from the powerhouse headquarters of the European Union to an area of delicate lace and back-lane bike rides in small-town Bruges.G
7:30 pm
Travel with Kids "England - Bath & Stonehenge" Beyond London, England has a much slower pace and a more natural surround. In Southern England, the Roberts discover area history in the Roman town of Bath and a tour of the world's most magnificent pre-historic relics, Stonehenge and meet the locals as a game of cricket is explained. In a boat tour up the Avon River, Nathan & Seamus enjoy the relaxing lifestyle of the English countryside. D
8:00 pm
P. Allen Smith's Garden Home "Teaching Children" Allen participates in a Student Career Days activity in Atlanta, Georgia. He visits a garden with a dinosaur theme and a ship that's a replica of Christopher Columbus' Nina.G
8:30 pm
This Old House "Barrington Project, Part 10 of 10" As the project winds down in Barrington, Rhode Island, master carpenter Norm Abram and host Kevin O'Connor congratulate builder Andy Tiplady on a job well done, while plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows homeowner Geoff Allen an advanced programmable thermostat with a 7" LCD screen. Window treatment specialist Ian Gibbs installs solar shades on the first floor, which will give some privacy and UV protection, while still allowing in light and views. Upstairs, closet designer Erin Hardy shows Kevin how she divided up the shared master closet to accommodate both "his and hers" spaces. D
9:00 pm
American Woodshop "Nested Band Sawn Boxes" Magically saw boxes in minutes from reclaimed walnut. D
9:30 pm
Around The House with Matt and Shari "What's My Style?" Matt and Shari tackle the basics of decorating and home projects. They start with a basic lesson in decorating styles and how to create your own style. Then, Matt shows how to build your own work bench. D
10:00 pm
Sewing with Nancy "Nancy Zieman's Sewing A to Z, Part 3" Boost your sewing and quilting skills by learning the ABC's of these creative arts. Join Nancy as she continues the sewing journey through her favorite tips and techniques. In this final show of the series on Sewing A to Z, Nancy demonstrates techniques from S-Z. D
10:30 pm
Best of Simply Painting: Across Europe "A Welsh, Welsh Castle" During his travels, Frank finds an original Welsh castle to paint. D
11:00 pm
Simply Ming "Masuhara Morimoto & Sushi" Ming is on the road and heading to Napa Valley. On this episode of SIMPLY MING, learn how to make sushi from the master, Iron Chef Morimoto, when Ming stops in at his downtown Napa Valley Restaurant. Together the chefs take us through Sushi 101. D
11:30 pm
Lidia's Italy In America "New England: Spicy and Sweet in New England" Take a trip with Lidia to Gloucester, Massachusetts, a fishing village with a large Italian population, and then visit Providence, Rhode Island, where Lidia goes to the Scialo Brothers' Bakery. Lidia makes Spaghetti with Lobster Sauce and tries the Scialo Brothers' recipe for Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes. D


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(KCRA) - Aviation engineer Dr. Paul Moller said his dream of flying "Skycars" is about to come true, thanks to a business joint venture announced Thursday.
Athena Technologies, of Harbor City, California signed an agreement with Miller International to create a joint venture project to build the aircraft in the U.S. and the People's Republic of China.
Moller said the initial investment will be $80 million -- part of a total planned investment of $480 million in both countries.
"We've never had a significant amount of capital at any one time," Moller said. "It's absolutely the biggest thing we've had happen."
Moller has been working on designs and applications of vertical take-off and landing (VOLT) aircraft since the 1960s.
His last full-scale, public flight test was in 1989.
"The thing which has always held me back, aside from capital, is the availability of an engine -- a power plant with unique capability," he said. "It's taken us decades to develop the kind of engines that have the power in the palm of your hand to power a car like these."
Moller said the first production models will be a two-passenger Skycar and a smaller, low-flying utility craft, which should be finished in 2014.
Read more: http://bit.ly/W4Mf2r


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University of Michigan develops missile blinding technology
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Misc. Tech, Science,
It's always good news to hear of a military device intended for war that isn't branded "death from above," and that actually saves lives instead of taking them. This can be attributed to the researchers at the University of Michigan who have created a new way to protect helicopters from incoming missile up to 1.8 miles away. What's different about this missile defense is that it uses a laser based technology to "blind" incoming missiles instead of destroying them. This is done by using a mid-infrared super continuum laser that takes on the heat properties of a helicopter, confusing the missile and causing it to lose "sight" of the helicopter. The device has no moving parts, giving it a long life span on the adverse conditions of aircraft operations. Mohammed Islam, a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science stated: "The laser-based infrared countermeasures in use now for some aircraft have 84 pieces of moving optics. They couldn't withstand the shake, rattle and roll of helicopters. We've used good, old-fashioned stuff from your telephone network to build a laser that has no moving parts." This technology has enabled University of Michigan to start a company called Omni Sciences, funded up to $1 million from the Army and DARPA, to develop a second generation version.
Read More | Gizmag
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'Escape From Planet Earth' Trailer: Is This Actually a Movie?
'Escape From Planet Earth' looks generic. It looks like any number of computer animated films that have come and gone over the last couple years. Films like 'Space Chimps' or 'Planet 51.' Does anyone remember those? No, well, prepare for the forgettable in this new trailer.
The other problem with movies like this is usually the voice cast. This film hired Jessica Alba, Rob Corddry, Brendan Fraser, James Gandolfini, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Craig Robinson. Question: Why would you hire Jessica Alba to provide a voice in a cartoon? Does anyone know what she sounds like (looks like, yes, but)? Some of these people might be fun in a cartoon (Gandofini especially), but this looks like something indiscriminate parents buy or rent for children. The film comes out February 14, 2013, so it's just in time for Valentine's Day.
Here's the synopsis:
Gary, a friendly alien and failed inventor from Planet Baab travels to earth to find his wife and daughter who crashed while on the way to an intergalactic gymnastics meet. Upon his arrival, Gary is captured by humans and sent to the secret alien prison known as "Area 51." Gary makes friends with a rag tag hilarious group of fellow alien inmates and plots the greatest jailbreak in the history of the universe, all the while, distracting his human captors with wild and crazy inventions and resisting oddball brainwashing. Will Gary and the other aliens escape Area 51? Will he find his family again and return safely to planet Baab? Only time and one amazing adventure will tell!
And here's that trailer:


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Froggy, do you have any video of changing the Driver side window regulator assy on a C5??
Hi LLC5,
Shifter is MUCH quieter, thanks again.
Also the tip on squeezing the exhaust double pipe, to get rid of a buzz there also worked for a while & then it came back, but only a little. I need to dimple it some more. The pipe is HARD to dimple.
This site has too much insider industry posts & not so much of technical DIY questions, but I'll keep up on both as I can. Check out my YouTube channel, kinda amateur but it'll get better.
Hi froggy, good to hear from you. I guess we will just keep bouncing back and forth between sites. So far this site seems to be a good one.
Is your shifter buzzing still gone?


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Saturday, April 28, 2012
To Honor And Serve Too Much Race Horse
Back to the Big Ballpark; Big Sandy, hard by the Cross Island Parkway, opened yesterday but really gets started to today with the one mile Westchester Stakes.
Parenthetically, it's really a Grade 1 but it's masquerading today as a Grade 3. There is no telling how good this field is or will be. And that's not including three already proven G1 performers.
Clearly, To Honor And Serve (7-5) is a deserving early line favorite who figures to be the public's ante-post choice. When last seen, he was showing his class taking the G1 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct last fall earning a career best figure on the Equiform scale.
But it wasn't aberrantly fast, showing incremental development the way most of Bill Mott's charges do. At 4, he is just now coming into his own. Mott has intimated he may need this run as the Met Mile is his major spring goal; we shall see.
Since returning from injury, Rick Dutrow has been very careful picking out spots, not wanting to demand too much while at the same time boosting the confidence of Boys At Tosconova.
Also 4, he's won three straight without entering a race with a proper name attached to it. It's time to find out where he fits relative to this country's best runners. Ramon Dominguez leaves from the rail with the 5-2 second favorite.
It easy to make a case that Jersey Town (3-1) just hasn't been the same horse since he won the 2010 Cigar Mile, going winless since. That notion has validity but he's been unlucky, too, with ill-timed handling, wrong setups, or both.
In our view, even at 85 percent, To Honor And Serve has too much class, speed, position and connections for this group.
Taking the Mott runner to win, no price restrictions, key boxing him in two positions with his rivals here and keying him first in super exotics, adding Bold Deed (12-1) and Marilyn's Guy (6-1) to the mix.
Running Totals: (1069) 328-210-160 Total Dollar Return: $2,259.20 [win selections only]
Written by John Pricci


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This Seafood Gumbo is also from My New Orleans: The Cookbook. It is rich a dark roux, trinity of vegetables, homemade seafood stock, shrimp, blue and/or lump crab, smoked sausage, shucked oysters, and creole spices. Deep-fried okra and sliced green onions provide a colorful and tasty garnish.
Seafood Gumbo
Minimally adapted from My New Orleans: The Cookbook
Servings: 10
1 cup canola oil
1 cup flour
2 large onions, diced
6 jumbo blue crabs, each cut into four pieces (if unavailable, omit, or substitute another type of crab)
1 pound spicy smoked sausage links, sliced ½ inch thick (optional, but encouraged if you eat sausage)
1 stalk celery, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced fresh okra, ½ -inch thick slices (or frozen, if fresh is not available). If fresh or frozen is unavailable, you can leave it out because the roux will provide enough of a thickener.
Leaves from sprig of fresh thyme
3 quarts shrimp stock (recipe below)
2 bay leaves
1 pound peeled and deveined medium Louisiana or wild shrimp. (Note: If you are buying whole, head-on shrimp, which you will need in order to use the heads and peels for stock, you will then need approximately 4 pounds of shrimp to yield enough heads/shells for the stock. Although the recipe only calls for 1 pound of shrimp, you will end up with a little over 2 pounds of cleaned shrimp, which I found was perfect for this size pot of gumbo)
1 pint shucked oysters
8 ounces lump crabmeat
1 cup minced green onions
Freshly ground black pepper
Basic Creole Spices, to taste (recipe below)
Worcestershire, to taste
Tabasco, to taste
4-6 cups cooked Basic Louisiana White Rice (recipe follows)
1. Prepare Shrimp Stock, if using (recipe below).
2. Prepare homemade Basic Creole Spices, if using (recipe below).
3. Make sure all of your vegetables are cut, diced, chopped, minced and ready to go before beginning the roux. You must stand at the stove and stir the roux continuously to prevent it from burning.
4. In a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the canola oil over high heat. Whisk the flour into the hot oil – it will start to sizzle. Reduce the heat to moderate, and continue whisking until the roux becomes deep brown in color, about 15 minutes.
5. Add the onions. Switch to a wooden spoon and stir the onions into the roux. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue stirring until the roux becomes a glossy dark brown, about 10 minutes.
6. Add the blue crabs and smoked sausage and stir for a minute before adding the celery, bell peppers, garlic, and okra. Increase the heat to moderate and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes.
7. Add the thyme, shellfish stock, and bay leaves. Bring the gumbo to a boil, stirring occasionally.
8. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally, skimming off the fat from the surface of the gumbo every so often.
9. Add the shrimp, oysters, crabmeat and green onions to the pot and cook for 15 minutes. Make sure everything is ready to serve before adding the shellfish to the gumbo. DO NOT OVERCOOK your shellfish.
10. Season with salt and pepper, Creole Spices, Worcestershire, and Tabasco.
11. Serve in bowls over rice.
Basic Shrimp Stock
Adapted from My New Orleans: The Cookbook and Real Cajun: Rustic Home Cooking from Donald Link's Louisiana
Servings: About 3 quarts
¼ cup canola oil
Shells and heads from 4 pounds shrimp (prawns)
1 tablespoon Basic Creole Spices (recipe below)
1 large onion coarsely chopped
2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
6 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
2 cups dry white wine (optional)
3 ½ quarts water
1. Heat the canola oil in a large stockpot over moderate heat. When the oil begins to smoke slightly, add the shells and paprika. Stir continuously, for 2 minutes, until the shells crisp up and turn pink.
2. Add the onion, celery, carrot, garlic, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
3. Add the white wine (skip this step if not using wine) and bring to a boil. Allow the wine to reduce for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Add the water and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, skimming off any foam or oil that rises to the surface, for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
5. Strain through a fine sieve into a large bowl. Discard all the solids. Allow the stock to cool, cover and refrigerate, then skim off the fat. Use immediately, or freeze for later use.
Servings: About 4 cups
1 tablespoon chicken fat, extra-virgin olive oil, or butter
1 small onion, minced
1½ cups Louisiana (or another long-grain white rice)
3 cups Basic Chicken Stock
1 bay leaf
1-2 pinches salt
1. Put the fat, oil, or butter and the onions into a medium saucepan and sweat the onions over moderate heat until they are translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Pour the rice into the pan and stir for 2 minutes.
3. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil.
4. Add the bay leaf and salt.
5. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 18 minutes.
6. Remove the pan from the heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.
Basic Creole Spices
From My New Orleans: The Cookbook
Makes ½ cup
2 tablespoons celery salt
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon ground allspice
Mix together all spices in a bowl. Transfer the spices to a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. Store up to six months.


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Tzan wrote:Quantumsurfer wrote:I generally agree with TzanWarhead wrote:I agree with QuantumSmurfer.
I agree with Warhead.
stubby wrote:omg noob, balrogs are maiars too, don't you know anything
mr.duckie wrote:SirCheese wrote:I will be neutral. (Cuz I don't want to make enemies)
Get Him!!!!
Silverdream wrote:Gaze upon my cyan complexion
And fall in love with my flying perfection
I am a pegasus of awesomeness shaped by sonic rainbooms
Sonic Rainbooms
All over my sky.
Cytheran wrote:Why does cannon fodder need armor?
ameelus wrote:Apart being or not being a really badass, a hero has 2d6 armor with or without wearing an effective armor? If a hero has 2d6 base armor..putting up an armor like other minifigs could boost the armor to 3d6?? that's a rule question but still IT, I think.
samuelzz10 wrote:I think it should be required that all heroes are badass.
Arkbrik wrote:Armor does make a hero look pretty badass. But it reduces their move to 3.5", which is not so badass.
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For sale is the Zippo lighter shown along with a gift set containing 1 Zippo flint pack and 1 Zippo wick pack. This is the perfect gift for your loved one!***We do get requests for the gift set to be both flints or both wicks, which is fine. If instead of the 1 flint and 1 wick gift set you would prefer 2 flints or 2 wicks just mention in the payment details what you want and we will be happy to make the change.***
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Historical and Theological Foundations
According to some estimates, there are more than one hundred thousand distinct parachurch organizations in the United States alone. Parachurch organizations are typically defined as Christian organizations that exist alongside (para) the local church without being under the oversight of …Read More
Peace That Passes All Understanding
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in …Read More


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Alright, I am new to codeguru and I hope to help out a lot in the future, but heres my question. I am making a program that I am going to use for encryption and decryption.
Is there a way to have an array of 8-9 digit numbers being entered all at once? I would take any format that this would have to be done in. The reason I need to do it all at once is that the program is suppose to make encrypting and decrypting much easier. Each of those rather large numbers represents a letter.
Is there a format that I should use so that the user and put in sets of numbers like xxxxxxxx/xxxxxxxx/xxxxxxxx all in one line at one time and the program would spit back a word by converting the number to letters?
Thanks so much for your help. I hope this isn't too unclear to any of you.


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Results 1 to 10 of 1055
Friday, 8th October, 2004, 01:36 PM #1
Arcanis: Gonnes, Sons, and Treasure Runs (COMPLETED)
Welcome to an experiment that turned out to be a lot longer than any of us any anticipated. This story hour takes place in Arcanis. If you're not familiar with Arcanis, check out Onara Online and LIVING ARCANIS Home Page to get an idea of how the world works. Hint: it involves lizard people, flintlocks, and Romans.
Our game, which started as just a handful of people, has expanded to encompass friends and relatives across three states (NY, ME, CT). The cast varies depending on where and when we play. You can read more about my experiences with role-playing in my National RPG column for the Examiner.
Most of the adventures are either from Living Arcanis modules, Cthulhu adventures, or Freeport adventures. We generally stay true to the material, but NPCs get switched out often, sometimes with PCs. Speaking of which, we don't usually include PCs whose players aren't present, unless it's to act as part of the plot (thus, Quintus and Kham have both been convenient plot devices when their players weren't present). That said, all of these adventures contain spoilers, so if you plan to play in Arcanis or Freeport, you might want to stop reading once you recognize the name of the adventure.
The story hour is now completely written, but I'm still posting installments of the full 66 chapters, one a day. It's recommended you start at the beginning (that'd be uh, here), which will ease you into the universe. If you want to be reminded of updates, I post a copy to my blog at michael.tresca.net, which in turn sends an email every night to my subscriber list.
The cast includes elements of the typical "five-man band" consisting of the Hero (Quintus), the Lancer (Kham), the Smart Guy (Sebastian), the Big Guy (Beldin, Calactyte, or Vlad), and the Chick (Ilmare or Bijoux). We also have the Sacrificial Lamb (Holden) and the Sixth Ranger (Nauris).
- Beldin Soulforge (dwarf fighter) played by Joe Lalumia: A typical axe-wielding dwarf. Beldin tends to focus on defense, befitting his prestige class of dwarven defender.
- Bijoux (fihali druid) played by Melissa Tresca: A flying cat girl. You heard me, FLYING. CAT. GIRL. Only with fangs and wings.
- Calactyte (ssressen barbarian) played by Joe Tresca (eyeballistic.com): A member of the noble lizardfolk race, Calactyte's unstoppable battle rage often ends in a foe-tossing charge, swinging his huge axe and screaming, "MOMMA'S COMING!"
- Ilmarė Galen (elf bard/fighter) played by Amber Tresca: An emotionless elven bard. Her favorite weapons are the bow and the power of snark.
- Kham ValAbebi (val rogue/psychic warrior) played by Jeremy Ortiz (jeremyrobertortiz.blogspot.com): A trenchcoat-wearing Byronic Hero. Frequently wields two or more of his throw away guns, such that he has been known to name them. Kham's burgeoning psychic powers inlucde precognition, bio-psychokinesis and later, teleportation. And how do you know Kham's using his psychic powers? His eyes glow. Of course.
- Sebastian Arnyal (dark-kin sorcerer) played by George Webster: A noble demon who is also a wizard. His deal with the devil (or more practically, his deal with his heritage) is a major plot point.
- Vlad Martell (human fighter) played by Matt Hammer: Just your typical fighter, really, who ends up with a lot more responsibility than he bargained for. His primary claim to fame is his really cool sword, which gets cooler (or hotter, actually) as the story progresses.
- Holden Ashur (human ranger/wizard) played by Robert Taylor (Storyboardz.net): Holden knows his way around a rifle, can cast spells, and throw grenades. He's a useful guy to have around. Which of course means he's doomed...
- Quintus Aurelius Ignatius (human cleric) played by Michael Tresca (michael.tresca.net): Quintus is a loud-mouthed authoritarian, combining the worst elements of strict military duty and fealty with religious fanaticism and an overbearing sense of morals. His weapon of choice is a spear.
- Nauris Drilian (human rogue/ranger) played by Mike Best: A loner who also happens to be a stone cold sniper who hunts "those damn dirty snakes."
For more information about the campaign, see the Gonnes, Sons and Treasure Runs Home Page.
This story hour is a home game from the tournament module, "So Shall Ye Reap," written by Henry Lopez, set in the Arcanis setting. Our cast of characters includes:
- Quintus Aurelius Ignatius (human Clr1), played by Mike Tresca (that's me): michael.tresca.net
- Kham Val'Abebi (val Rog1), played by Jeremy Ortiz: Jeremy Robert Ortiz
- Ilmare Galen (elf Brd1), played by Amber Tresca (my wife)
- Vlad Martell (human Ftr1), played by Matt Hammer.
(Clarifying Note: Quintus does not normally use his first name with folks he doesn't know that well. That changes after the first adventure).
Our DM is the inimitable Robert Taylor, a gaming legend in his own time: Storyboardz.net
This is an interesting exercise in documenting what happened before as well as flexing my writing muscles so I can take a break from my novel.
What transpires below is very close to how the game took place, which does not strictly follow the adventure path. A lot of dialogue has been added as the characters were fleshed out later to help tie the plot together more tightly and extrapolate on each character's background.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed playing it!
Last edited by talien; Monday, 8th February, 2010 at 12:26 PM. Reason: New Story Hour Update
Friday, 8th October, 2004, 01:37 PM #2
So Shall Ye Reap: Prologue
"They pass that law, and we're out of business."
Kham thrust one hand through his shock of black curls. The idiot next to him was getting drunker by the minute and spewing information like a fountain. A fountain of beer.
"You mentioned smuggling," Kham repeated, slow enough for even the extremely inebriated to understand. "So?"
Kham's drinking companion's face, an explosion of stubble, jowls of flesh, and scars, crinkled up in confusion. "We're in the same boat, mate. I know what you do."
Kham fingered the green brooch at his neck. "Oh you do, do you?"
"Right," the fellow said. Kham didn't even know his name. "You're fond of doing what needs to be done, and laws be damned, right?" He jabbed Kham in the ribs with an elbow. "Right?"
Kham nodded before he was bruised further. "So if the Senate calls for the interdiction of any ships in Coryani waters of piracy or smuggling, we're all kicked, is that it?"
"Damn right," the drunk said, slurping loudly from his mug. "It's plebs like that," he gestured at a man dressed in a finely tailored toga at the far corner of the tavern, "that ruin it for the rest."
Kham's eyes lit up. He recognized the jeweled brooch on the man's cloak. Kham adjusted his overcoat and slid off the stool.
"You give him what for," muttered the drunk from the bar. Kham nodded over his shoulder but kept his eyes on the plebian. He was talking intently to three other people at the table.
Kham could sniff out a mercenary recruitment drive from a mile away. He slid over to a seat nearer the four of them to get a better look.
"I thank you for your quick response to my request," the white haired plebeian said. "Rest assured, you will be well compensated in assisting my master for this small matter. You each have been selected for your particular skills. I trust you will not disappoint."
He nodded towards a large man, dressed in scale armor. "Master Martell will be your guide. He is a native Milandisian." The Milandisian thrust out his chin a bit but otherwise said nothing.
Kham thought there was nothing quite so pathetic as a Mliandisian down on his luck. He must have been desperate to take on such work.
"Mistress Galen's vast knowledge will serve you well. She has come very far from Entaris."
The female was undeniably Elorii. She was also quite striking, with perfect posture and an icy gaze. She was an Osalikene, descended from the wind god, as evidenced by her pointed ears and silver hair.
"If the child is still alive," she said in a monotone whisper, "we'll find him."
"Yes, we shall!" shouted the third man, with a dimpled chin, angular features, and a bearskin draped over his armor. "I, Aurelius Ignatius, swear that the Legion of the Reluctant Warrior shall not fail!"
The speaker was Coryani, like the plebian. Kham hated Coryani. He couldn't take it any longer.
"Again?" Kham said.
"I said, 'Again?' An entire century of legionnaires were dispatched to find the boy. They have not yet returned," he said defiantly from the nearby table.
Aurelius' mouth opened in surprisefor once, no sound came out of it. His brows furrowed, but before he could come up with a retort, the plebian waved Kham over.
"You must be Master Kham. I was not sure if you were going to join us."
Kham stood up, smoothed his coat, and walked over to the table. "Why didn't you tell them about the century, Decimus?"
Decimus stared at Kham for a long moment. Then he turned back to Aurelius. "Senator Tensen-Balin is a scrupulous man. He's also General Menisis' uncle. Master Ignatius is insurance that the glory of the legion will be retained, even in as secretive a task as this. To not send a member of the legion would be disgraceful."
Kham smirked. "A signifer? The mighty Legion of the Reluctant Warrior sent their signifer? Why not a centurion?"
Decimus put a calming hand on Aurelius' shoulder as the legionnaire's face turned red. "Because a centurion has already been sent. It is my master's hope that a small group can do discreetly what a century could not."
"I didn't agree to him going along," said Aurelius, jabbing a thumb in Kham's direction.
"You weren't asked," Decimus said firmly. "The Senator insists."
"Let's go," said the Elorii before Aurelius could protest. "Every moment spent talking is more time for the Harvesters to get away with the Senator's son."
"Good. Here is a writ of passage," he handed a scroll to Aurelius. "A priest waits outside to shepherd you through."
Aurelius abruptly stood up and shrugged on a large shield over his back. The shield was emblazoned with the sign of a stylized warrior, shield held up and sword lowered. He snapped up the symbol of his legion, a spear in the shape of an open hand. Five medallions dangled from it.
The Elorii shook her head and gracefully left the table. That left the Milandisian. He smiled at Kham and extended his hand. "My name's Vlad, by the way."
Kham couldn't help but smile back. He shook the larger man's hand and followed him out the door.
Outside, the Elorii was keeping her distance from the Coryani, who stood with hands on hips, scowling at the surrounding terrain.
"So tell me Vlad," said Kham, keeping his eye on the legionnaire's back. "How does a signifer get caught up in this mess?"
Vlad shrugged. "Never met him before," he said in low tones. "But he is a bit loud."
"He stumbled upon accounts documenting the missing century," said the Elorii, turning towards them. "They had to send him along to shut him up."
"I didn't think you were in earshot," said Kham.
A sly smirk slipped across the Elorii's lips. "I'm always in earshot," she said in the same monotone. "My name is Ilmarė."
"Ilmarė," said Kham. "Pretty name."
The Elorii turned away from him as a haggard-looking man approached them. A bracelet of thorns was wrapped around his left wrist. Kham recognized him as a Priest of Anshar, the clergy dedicated to maintaining the teleportation gates that could move anyone from one side of Arcanis to the other.
"Wait," he said. "We're going through a Gate? "
Aurelius turned around. "Of course. How else did you think we were going to get to Milandir?"
Kham began patting himself down. "It's just that I wasn't "
"Prepared?" Aurelius watched as Kham silently counted to himself.
"He's an Altharian," said Ilmarė. "He's counting his ammunition."
Aurelius walked face to face with Kham. "I will not have you endanger this mission with your foolish 'gifts'!"
Kham counted to twenty. "We'll be fine. I don't have enough powder to cause any problems."
"Is there a problem?" said the priest.
"No!" Aurelius and Kham shouted at the same time.
"Then follow me, please. Time is of the essence."
Aurelius harrumphed and followed the priest with a swirl of his cloak. Vlad fell in step behind next to Kham. "Why is Aurelius so angry?"
"Because he's insecure?" he responded.
"He's angry," Ilmarė said softly behind them, "because if too much powder goes through a gate, it explodes."
Kham smiled sheepishly back at Vlad as the man's eyes widened.
"Powder for what?" Vlad said after a moment.
Kham shoved his hands into the pockets of his overcoat. "Altherian secret. You'll find out soon enough."
Last edited by talien; Sunday, 10th October, 2004 at 07:01 PM.
Friday, 8th October, 2004, 06:05 PM #3
- Join Date
- Jun 2003
- Location
- Birmingham, AL
- Posts
- 1,189
A nice start, this SH looks to be very interesting. I look forward to seeing what you do with it.
Sunday, 10th October, 2004, 07:04 PM #4
So Shall Ye Reap - Part 1: Deception
The stroll through Coryan was far too long for Aurelius' tastes. The child was gods-knew-where and they were falling behind with every winding turn down yet another alley. If he was going to reveal their enemy's plans, he would have to do it soon.
"You there," he said in irritation. "Guide. Have you gotten lost? Do you not know the way to the Gates?"
The haggard-looking man came to a sudden stop, causing Vlad to nearly bump into Aurelius.
"No, not at all. But I think we're being followed, so I took a longer route. It's down this alleyway right here." He pointed to their right. "Follow me please, it's not long now."
Kham leaned around Vlad to address Aurelius. "Don't you live here?"
"It's a big city," Aurelius said through gritted teeth. He kept his eyes focused on their guide. "Wait."
Aurelius stopped so abruptly that this time that Vlad did collide with him. From the cursing that echoed behind the large man, Aurelius guessed that Kham got a face full of armor.
"What's wrong?" Ilmarė asked, her voice tinged with concern.
The guide's gaze flickered over his shoulder at the others, but then he turned away. Aurelius grabbed him by the arm.
"This is wrong." He lifted the guide's arm up, showing the thorny vine wrapped around his wrist. "A Priest of Anshar should have scars from wearing a bracelet of thorns for so long."
Aurelius shoved the man backwards and unsheathed the gladius hanging from a holster at his right hip.
"We have been deceived!" he shouted at the top of his lungs, which was only marginally louder than his normal speaking voice.
Three other men skulked out of the alleyway behind them, thumping clubs in open palms. They fanned out in a semicircle even as Ilmarė and Kham turned their backs to Vlad and Aurelius.
The faux guide dusted himself off. "Clever observation. You seem smart enough to know better. So I recommend you drop this foolishness and forget the mission. It would be terrible," the guide sneered, "if yet another legionnaire were to mysteriously disappear."
There was the distinct sound of metal leaving sheathes as Ilmarė and Vlad produced longswords.
Aurelius took a menacing step forward. "You misunderstand. I DO know this city. I've been biding my time, waiting for the right moment to reveal your trap."
"Pardon?" Kham said as he reached into his coat. "You thought this dark alleyway was the 'right moment' to reveal their trap?"
The thugs wasted no more words as one aimed high at Kham's head, the other for Ilmarė's knees.
Ilmarė lithely hopped over the clumsy swing and retaliated by slashing the arm of her assailant. Kham ducked backwards as two clubs whistled over his head.
"You really don't want to do this," Kham said.
Kham nudged what looked like the head of a small dragon out from under the bottom of his coat. He whistled and waved the barrel to get the thug's attention. The thug looked at him quizzically, raising his club again.
There was a retort so loud that everyone, ally and enemy alike, reflexively stumbled away from the blast. When the smoke cleared, the thug that Kham had aimed at was still standing. There was a great rent in the brick face of the building behind him. Smoke trails pirouetted from the hole's center.
"A handgonne!" shouted the faux guide. "Perhaps this will even the odds: Magicus telum!"
A bolt of bright blue energy flashed between the guide's finger and his target. Vlad gasped as the bolt, unhindered by his armor, penetrated flesh and bone.
Aurelius stepped forward and pointed at the guide with his gladius. "You dare to cross a legionnaire of the Reluctant Warrior?" His voice grew louder. "KNEEL BEFORE ILLIIR'S MIGHT!"
The command was undeniable. The guide's eyes bulged as his body stumbled like a rigid puppet, forcing him to his knees, his head bowed. Sweat dripped from his nose as he struggled to resist.
"That's better," said Aurelius. "Now you will tell us who sent-"
With a mighty roar, Vlad's longsword flashed across the kneeling man's throat. His head bounced across the dirt of the alley and landed face up at Kham's feet.
Behind Vlad, Kham threw back his coat to reveal two dragon-like sculptures, one in each hand. The handgonnes were carved to look like dragons, with their mouths ended in barrels. Smoke poured out of the end of one of the left handgonne. Kham pointed them both at the nearest thug's head.
"Now, Jessica here, she don't like you," Kham said, waving the left handgonne. "But Victoria," he waved the other handgonne, "she likes you a lot. She's liable to give you a little lick."
The clatter of clubs resounded around them as the thugs put their hands up.
"I'd run, unless you want to end up like your friend on the ground here," Kham said.
The men took off down the alleyway.
"Well," Ilmarė said quietly, "that was gratuitous."
Kham looked around to confirm that all the thugs had left. He blanched when his gaze connected with the head staring back at him from the alley.
"Was that really necessary?" Aurelius said as he sheathed his gladius. "I was trying to interrogate them but this," he gestured at Vlad, "Milandisian got a bit overzealous."
Vlad returned his longsword to its sheath on his back, unfazed. "That magic he used hurt," was all he said, as if the pain alone was enough justification. "In Milandir, if someone strikes you, you strike back twice as hard."
"I'd say you proved your point," said Ilmarė, staring down at the head.
"In the legion, discipline is life," Aurelius said sternly. "You must know when to strike, and when not to strike."
Kham rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah, and I suppose you had them drag us around all of Coryan for the perfect time to strike?"
Aurelius met his gaze, glaring down at him. Kham wasn't that tall. "Yes, I did. I was looking for a weakness in their strategy and it revealed itself just now."
"What weakness?" Kham said, pouring some powder back into the mouth of one of the dragon handgonnes.
"There were at least another four men following us," Ilmarė said, "but we lost them only a few minutes before we turned down the alleyway."
"You too?" Kham said in exasperation. "Did anyone else not know this was a trap?"
"I didn't," said Vlad. "But then, I don't really trust any Coryani."
Aurelius stepped out of the alleyway to call over a citizen. "By order of the Emperor, I command you to-"
"Oh we don't have time for this!" Kham finished loading his other handgonne and returned it to the holster beneath his armpit. "There's a headless corpse in the alleyway, clean it up, would you?"
The citizen nodded and scurried off to call for the watch.
"We must hurry, the Gate is not far from here," said Aurelius. He stood in the square, hands on his hips, surveying the area.
After a long moment, Ilmarė said, "if I remember correctly, it's in the southern quarter."
"That's right!" said Aurelius. And with that he marched off southwards, splitting the crowded streets like a knife.
Kham looked at Vlad. Vlad shrugged and walked after Aurelius. Ilmarė winked at him and followed suit.
Kham took a deep sigh and ran after his fearless leader.
Last edited by talien; Sunday, 2nd March, 2008 at 06:14 PM.
Monday, 11th October, 2004, 11:50 PM #5
So Shall Ye Reap - Part 2: Through the Gates of Anshar
The Temple of the Pantheon was a huge structure, part of the main temple of the Mother Church of Coryan. Besides acting as a means of transportation across Arcanis, it was also the residence of the Patriarch of the Mother Church along with hundreds of other clergymen, scholars, and scribes.
Aurelius exchanged a few words with the priestess at the gate, who ushered them through to the smallest chapel of the Temple. Inside, 20 legionnaires, stood at attention.
"Friends of yours?" Kham asked out of the corner of his mouth.
Aurelius shook his head. "The Legion of Grim Lamentation is no one's friend. They guard the Gates with their lives. These are two way gates, you know."
They passed the legionnaires to stand before the towering Gate of Anshar itself. It was an archway of marble, inscribed with benedictions and supplications to Anshar in Altharin.
Aurelius unrolled the scroll and showed it to the priestess, who nodded her assent. Then she stepped back and began to chant a prayer, her hands caressing the side of marble gate like the sweet caresses of a lover. With each pass of her hands, the inscriptions became infused with a bright light. The chant grew louder and louder until suddenly, a glowing point in the center of the archway exploded into a shimmering wall of blue light. A great wind kicked up, billowing cloaks and robes.
"Now you're sure you don't have too much powder?" shouted Aurelius.
Kham held his coat closer around him. "Yes! I don't want to blow up either you know!"
"Good," Aurelius said with a smile. "Then you can step through the gate first!"
"Why should I go first?" Kham pointed at Vlad. "He's the native, shouldn't he go first?"
Vlad shrugged. "If you're too scared, I can go first. Besides, I don't want to be here when you explode-"
Kham pulled the collar of his overcoat closely around his neck. "Fine, fine! I'm not afraid "
Everyone waited expectantly while Kham walked towards the roaring gate, one hesitant step at a time.
"Do not be concerned!" shouted the priestess. "The passage is painless and instantaneous!"
"Unless you blow up," Ilmarė said with a smirk.
"Wait are you waiting for?" Aurelius said. "Jump!"
Kham patted himself down. "I just want to count one more time "
"Oh for the love of Illiir, come on man!" Aurelius grabbed Kham by the arm and they both stumbled through the portal together.
Vlad looked at Ilmarė. "Well, nothing blew up. So I guess it's safe. See you on the other side." Then he jumped through, disappearing into the blue wall.
"This day just gets better and better," Ilmarė said in her usual monotone. Then she too, hopped through the portal.
Wednesday, 13th October, 2004, 01:05 AM #6
So Shall Ye Reap - Part 3: A Battle Lost?
The passage through the portal was far from unpleasant. In fact, it was quite euphoric. The step was but a half-second even though the journey spanned hundreds of miles.
Aurelius and Kham exited first, only to be shocked by a ferocious downpour. Aurelius nearly fell backward shielding his face from the unexpected precipitation.
Vlad and Ilmarė arrived seconds later. The Milandisian seemed undeterred by the weather.
He shielded his eyes. "Luchek is not far from here!" Vlad shouted over the rain. "This way!"
Vlad began the slippery descent down the trail. They were surrounded by soggy scrub and worn hillside. The water poured more aggressively downhill with each passing minute.
Aurelius yelped as he lost his footing. He almost slid the rest of the way down the hill were it not for Ilmarė, who stopped his fall by grabbing his bearskin cloak.
Aurelius struggled to his feet. "Thanks," he muttered. "If you were wearing armor, you'd probably have the same problems."
"I am wearing armor," Ilmarė said with a smile. To prove her point, she rapped lightly against her chest. "Osalian, Lord of the Storms, blesses his children. I am OsalikeneI have nothing to fear of wind and rain."
"Well I do!" Kham was hunched over, his hands deep in his coat pockets. "Less talking, more walking!"
Just then, something flashed in the direction of Luchek.
Ilmarė skipped ahead and then slid down the slope past all three of the humans without the slightest misstep. They huffed to catch up with her at the bottom of the hill.
The Elorii had her bow knocked with an arrow as Vlad squinted into the distance. "There's something in the marketplace. It looks big. And angry."
"A howler," said Ilmarė. "It has killed many of your people and is about to kill four more."
Vlad needed no more encouragement. He took off at a full sprint, unsheathing his sword and shield as he went. Aurelius shrugged off his tower shield from his back and removed three sections of his spear.
Kham slid next to him. "Got a plan?"
Aurelius screwed the bottom part of the spear into the center. "You and Ilmarė shoot at it, I'll back up Vlad."
Aurelius screwed in the top part of the spear into the middle. Kham noticed the spearhead was in the shape of an open hand.
"Great plan. They teach you all that in legionnaire school?"
Aurelius hefted the shield. "Just use your iron dragons. We'll take care of the rest." He took off at a trot.
Kham reached into his overcoat and pulled out the two handgonnes. "Forgive me ladies," he whispered to them. "I hate the weather too."
There were four Milandisian cantons struggling to fend off a gaunt, bestial hound-like thing bristling with quills. The men were all armed with halberds. Dozens of corpses lay on the ground, some Milandisian, some Coryani, all with melee weapon in hand and quills sticking out of their chests. Other bodies were spread out further still, the ground ringed by black circles as if some terrible force had scorched it.
With a shout, Vlad charged head on into the fray. The howler blinked at the sudden bravery in a new opponent and whirled to face him. It lunged forward and snapped at his face with a feral growl, missing it by inches as Vlad smashed his shield into the side of the howler's head.
Vlad stabbed upwards at its exposed underbelly as the creature fell back onto one of the militiamen. The man slumped to the ground, four quivering quills jutting out at odd angles from his body.
One of Ilmarė's arrows whistled through the air and bounced off the quills of the beast. The howler turned and snapped the halberd of one of the cantons, disemboweling him with one stroke.
Kham lifted his handgonnes up. "Okay girls, let's see if we can do any better than the elf."
He took aim and flicked the catch that would ignite the powder deep in the barrel of the dragon's mouth. It fizzled.
"Dammit, Jessica, now is not the time to be ornery!"
Vlad stepped backwards as the howler snapped at his sword. One of its splayed paws slashed upwards, knocking his shield back.
Another canton stepped in before the howler could press its advantage against Vlad, stabbing at the creature's flank. It snarled and lunged with all fours on the hapless man, ending his life with one snap of its jaws.
Kham kissed his other handgonne and aimed it at the howler. "Come on baby "
He flicked the catch.
A patch of quills exploded off the howler as the bullet hit. It shrieked in agony and leapt backwards, its jaws snapping at where it had been struck.
"LETUM INFIRMUS!" shouted Aurelius as he charged past Vlad with his spear outstretched.
The creature lunged forward as it had before with Vlad, but Aurelius was ready. He lowered the spear just enough to catch the howler in the face. The shaft speared through its eye.
The beast howled, its claws twitching in the air. Then it was still.
With a twist, Aurelius shook the howler's head off of the end of his longspear.
"That," said Aurelius, walking past Kham, "is what they teach us in legionnaire school."
Wednesday, 13th October, 2004, 01:14 PM #7
Kham: A Portrait
I just had to post this. Kham's player, Jeremy Ortiz (http://www.dreamsculptor.com) just created a fantastic picture of his character. I'm totally blown away by it. Now I'm going to try to get him to create one for every character in the party.
Wednesday, 13th October, 2004, 03:56 PM #8
Novice (Lvl 1)
- Join Date
- Jan 2002
- Location
- Deerfield Beach, FL.
- Posts
- 11
Someone should tell Kham that Altherians are dark skined.....
Dagger of Cadic
Thursday, 14th October, 2004, 06:00 AM #9
Kham's color
Kham's back story is well....another story. sufice it to say he is mullato. 1/2 Altherin. hence the color. but thanks for the reminder many players sometimes over look it.
Friday, 15th October, 2004, 11:20 PM #10
So Shall Ye Reap - Part 4: Smoke and Mirrors
"Near as I can tell," said Vlad in the home of their new host, "the century was escorting the boy and his teacher back to Coryan when a wizard struck."
Kham was still shivering as he sipped from a mug full of mead. "Struck? Define 'struck.'"
"He let loose a gout of flames from his mouth, as the cantons tell it," explained Vlad. "That took out most of the legionnaires. Then he read a scroll and the howler showed up. You know the rest."
"A powerful wizard indeed," said Aurelius.
"Oh, he had help," said Vlad. "Masked men attacked the century as well."
"Aye, 'twas a near thing," interjected Aldous, their host. He was an older man dressed in long brown robes. Aldous was their designated contact in Luchek and keeper of the town library. "'Tis a good thing 'is teacher kept 'is wits about 'im, 'cause the whole damn place went to 'ell when the masked folks showed up."
Ilmarė cupped a mug of hot mead in her hands. "Where is the boy now?"
"Oh, he's inna private room. E's with 'is teacher, Theron. 'Tis a good thing too, 'cause the Harvester was 'ell bent on takin' 'im."
"Harvester?" said Vlad.
Kham's faced turned ashen. "Agents from the Isle of Ymandragore. The Sorcerer-King conducts raids on those who have the Gift for sorcery and wizardry. The children are adopted into Ymandragorian society." His shiver was not entirely due to his damp clothes.
"But the Harvester got away," said Aurelius.
"Aye," said Aldous. "An the town is lucky fer it. We'd 'ave twice as many cantons down if he stuck around."
"I did not count a centurion's corpse amongst the bodies," said Aurelius. "Perhaps he was not with the rest of the legionnaires."
Kham shook his head. "What, he took the long way around? Looks like the legionnaires didn't have any more luck than the cantons."
"May we see the boy?" Vlad asked quickly, before the two began arguing again.
"O' course, o' course. Follow me."
The old man struggled to his feet and led them down to the lowest level of the library. Stone walls echoed with their footsteps, the sole noise in the cold tunnel. Aldous finally stopped before a wooden door and knocked. After a few moments, the door opened to reveal a powerfully built man in a long white toga and cloak.
"Hello Aldous." Theron's aquiline features hardened as he peered past Aldous. "Who are these people and why have you brought them here?"
"We are on a mission to retrieve the boy," said Aurelius, stepping forward. "I am Aurelius Ignatius, signifer of the Legion of the Reluctant Warrior. We have traveled far to escort Cassicus safely back to Coryan."
Theron opened the door a little more. "Cassicus has been understandably shaken from the experience. I've been teaching him a meditation to calm him down. He's meditating right now, actually."
"Excellent. May we see him?"
Theron opened the door enough so that they could all peer into the room. Beyond was another open door to a smaller room. Cassicus was sitting in meditation at the center.
"The boy should rest first. This room has no other forms of entry, so we should be safe, especially if you stand guard." Theron chuckled. "You all look like you could use some rest yourselves."
Aurelius kept his eyes on the boy. "I would like to speak with him."
Theron stood in front of Aurelius, blocking his view. " I would rather you leave him be, for the moment."
Aurelius stepped into the room to get a better view of the child. "I must insist that I can confirm the child's health and state of mind."
Theron turned to face Aurelius, his shoulder to the entryway. "This is a senator's son. I am his guardian and I will have final say in what happens to the boy."
Kham slipped past Theron, unnoticed.
"I can appreciate that," said Aurelius. "However, it is possible the child is harmed in a way you cannot detect. These are Harvesters after all, they're capable of anything."
Kham made his way silently over to the open doorway where Cassicus sat in meditation.
"And I repeat, I don't care who you are or where you came from, I am eminently qualified to determine Cassicus' health and state of mind! He is FINE."
Kham whispered to the boy. "Psst! Hey, kid. You okay?"
The boy showed no signs of even noticing his presence.
"I am sure he is fine," said Aurelius, "but many men have died to guarantee the child's safety and I find it odd you are not willing to let us even speak to the boy."
Kham blinked. "Uh, guys?"
"I don't think you understand just how traumatized the boy was by the experience," countered Theron. "He watched that monster bite a man in half!"
"Guys? There's something seriously wrong with the kid."
Theron whirled. "There is nothing wrong with him. Please step away from the door."
"Now there's no reason to insult the child-" said Aurelius.
"No, no. What I mean is he's not breathing."
Kham jabbed a thumb in Cassicus' direction. "The kid. He's not breathing. His chest isn't moving. That's either one deep meditation or-"
"An illusion," said Ilmarė, placing one hand on the hilt of her sword. "We've been tricked."
Aurelius whirled to interrogate Theron, but only a gust of air filled the place where he had once been.
"The dirty bastards!" said Aldous as he stepped into the room. "The Harvester must 'ave him!"
Vlad nodded. "He's probably headed for the closest port city, Yarrvek. It's two hours ride from here."
"You've got me horses," Aldous said, ushering them all out of the room. "I'll send word ahead to try to stop the bastard before 'e sets sail, but ya better leave now."
Thunder echoed above them on cue.
"Great," said Kham. "More rain."
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I Drink Your Blood (1971)
Directed by David E. DurstonGenres - Horror | Sub-Genres - Supernatural Horror | Run Time - 83 min. | Countries - USA | MPAA Rating - R
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Synopsis by Cavett Binion
The top half of a legendary drive-in double bill, paired by distributor Jerry Gross with the re-titled 1964 clunker I Eat Your Skin (formerly Voodoo Blood Bath), this outrageously gory film involves the escapades of a group of devil-worshipping hippies looking for kicks in a small rural town. To this end, they manage to slip a few tabs of LSD to an elderly man -- triggering a fatal freak-out -- and the man's teenage grandson exacts a vicious revenge by selling the hippies meat pies injected with the blood of a rabid dog. Before long, the infected kids are leaping at each other's throats in a cannibal feeding frenzy, spreading the disease like wildfire through the small community. Blood and body parts fly in all directions until nearly the entire cast has been devoured -- with the exception of one young woman who carries the contagion to the rest of the world, beginning with a pair of unsuspecting construction workers. Aside from the aforementioned double-billing, this intense, well-made exploitation item is also notorious for being one of the first to receive an "X" from the MPAA solely for its graphic violence.
cannibal, devil-worship, grandson, LSD, meat-pie, rabies, revenge
Cult Film


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Must-See Bird Watching in the Naples Area
The morning began with a limpkin salute. It greeted us from the boardwalk railing at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, calling out its woeful song. Then the warblers came to life, bringing a cheerful note to the brisk fall day. By the end of the 2.25-mile boardwalk, we were watching a cloud-high silhouette with binoculars and collectively held our breath. Was it? Is it? Could it be? Yes! A wood stork! It was a good sign for the sanctuary, where the picky big bird sometimes, some years, decides to nest. But, only if the conditions are just right.
Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades lie directly in the path of one of the world's most-traveled flyways, along which migrating birds pass and take their rest stops. During the winter, when migration is in full swing, is the best time to see the widest variety of birds. More than 200 species have been spotted through the years. However, many of these birds are residents, making any time a productive time for birding.
The South Florida segment of the Great Florida Birding Trail highlights the rich bird-viewing experiences that Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades offer life-listers and casual observers. Here are some of the best spots for bird watching.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Preserving Fragile Wildlife & Ecosystems
As far as bird concentration and ease of viewing, Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is the best for birding in Collier County. Its variety ranges from its signature wood storks to year-round white ibis and red-bellied woodpeckers and winter's migrating warblers, painted buntings, summer tanagers and other colorful, songful species.
Birding in the Everglades
The widest variety of species settles into the vast acreage of preserved lands that include Everglades National Park, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Picayune Strand State Forest, Big Cypress National Preserve, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and Collier-Seminole State Park.
Especially in the winter, when a lack of rain concentrates fish food supplies into small areas and migratory birds visit, the mangroves fill with a chromatic scale of white and brown pelicans, roseate spoonbills, white ibises, great blue herons, green herons, snowy egrets, red-shouldered hawks, bald eagles, ospreys and more. Swallow-tailed kites sail the wind currents during the spring and summer months, and their cousin, the rare Everglades kite, feeds its fussy appetite for apple snails, which live in the marshes. For best results, do your bird eyeing at low tide in mangrove waterways.
Marco Island: A Sanctuary for Shorebirds
The American bald eagle is emblematic here, although it nests in tall aeries throughout the region. On Tigertail Beach Park and its Sand Dollar Island – deemed Florida's second most important sanctuary for shore birds – protected tidal pools attract droves of birds. Ospreys, gulls and pelicans do their aerial fishing routines while wading and shorebirds peck lunch from along the water line and sand bars. Along Big Marco Pass at Tigertail's north end, the beach is a critical nesting and resting area for three of Florida's listed species: the least tern, black skimmer and piping plover.
Around Marco Island, small islands support healthy populations of roosting birds, from brown pelicans to reddish egrets, giving the mangroves the festive appearance of Christmas trees decorated with great, oversized ornaments. Nature cruises and charters in Naples and Marco Island customize birding excursions to the rookeries. Bring along binoculars as access to the rookery islands is restricted.
Nearby Rookery Bay Estuarine Research Reserve is an undisturbed land that's home to bald eagles, yellow-crowned night herons, great egrets, hawks and more. In January, the reserve hosts the Southwest Florida Birding Festival for one weekend.
Cocohatchee River: Kayaking & Birdwatching
Along this wild and natural waterway, brown pelicans, ospreys, and great and snowy egrets are most visible, but you can also happen upon roseate spoonbills and bald eagles if your timing is good. Naples Marina and Excursions rents kayaks and conducts eco-cruises into the waters.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: Busy Birds & Unspoiled Beaches
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park sees a lot of shorebird action – sanderlings, willets, sandpipers and plovers – on the beach. And its estuary back waters attract all sorts of hungry birds – double-crested cormorants, anhingas, herons, hawks and ospreys. Watch for bald eagles and pileated woodpeckers in dead trees; magnificent frigatebirds and pelicans airborne. The park regularly conducts special ranger-led birding tours.Back to top of page
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From paddling to beachcombing, the Paradise Coast tantalizes outdoor enthusiasts with miles of natural thrills.Read More »


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Reviewed by Cierra R. (age 6)
Unlovable illustration will appear here.
I liked this book because at the end Alfred found a friend, and that made me feel good. I felt bad for Alfred when he thought he was unlovable. I'm glad he found a friend to help him feel happy.
I recommend this book to anyone that migth think nobody likes them, so they can learn that somebody does like them. I also think people that like dogs will like this book because it is about a dog.


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Cities Where Homes Are No Longer Affordable
Bad news for home buyers, some of the nation's more affordable housing markets are going up in price. MarketWatch's AnnaMaria Andriotis joins the News Hub. Photo: Getty Images.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
I ... the the ... AWB for home buyers not mean that hard to get a mortgage that now prices are rising so fast in some cities it's hard to afford a home at all ... in re entering the said Mike electives you tell us on the beach here in ... Philly might tells why were seen these big increase in prices on a set ... there's several things happening we've seen limited inventory for quite awhile now so there's ... a very low number of for sale listings ... that in turn is creating buyer competition for ... those limited number of properties ... in addition you have the buying frenzy to get into the housing market before mortgage ... rates rise even more ... the new levels in five years are fueling the price increases ... of buying frenzy is leading to pop in for buyers the three working cancer cells that hey what's with that write a mean is one of the most surprising markets he mentioned because it seems like ... Jesse Euronet lyrics ninety net how cheap housing is and how ... that Kristen and they're going up and ... so it's a weekly air Detroit is still very cheap and the history of a yes ... but what we've seen is that over the past year it's become about twenty eight percent less affordable to buy a home there ... price is the right thing in specifically downtown Detroit will be tied to the car industry as the American car manufacturers have ... been doing pretty well hidden scenes increase consumer confidence they are more people employed ... companies like other large mortgage lender quicken Loans moving its offices into downtown Detroit ... feeling ... more and claim it and more ... people searching for homes they actually have places where people are increasingly seen themselves I sat in sacrament and so this is really interesting because look how neat it Sacramento tends to be relatively affordable living with the California real estate ... but as more people move from the CF difficult day for their end this ... on you have one that demand for the love seat that was one very Chief and that and ... it's making it more expensive ... so that the examples of domino effect we actually took ... them in one market with its large pool of buyers moving to the market right next to links and some of that market is no wonder she ... answered the leading lady right now you're already thinking how their home prices possibly be coming out but that's another place where we see anything that was cut unfortunately what buyers are finding malaise that they are coming up ... against a lot of investors invested alot accounts ... aam and in this first when doing costing two problems one ... not only of the increasing demand for real estate ... a lot but the deal think they're buying did not think that I'll into the market ... they're turning into a rental has said that eking out of the of the large pool of ... homes that could otherwise he'd be sold to homeowners ... that's going to sing and then ... the next ten year lease has seen ... this the story is playing out here of what we're seeing really in several pockets of the country alley in Phoenix into really good examples is that investors are not only buy more properties and therefore ... increasing the prices ... of both properties bought ... the also showed new homes that homeowners would be able to compete for ... on the taking them out and making them rent bills and what was feeling the effects on rentals aren't going to be that way for some time and not ... the surf Classic no-fly scenario that was conjuring that the housing boom its property off the market for ... quite


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Combine all and evenly spread the mixture on the dough and cook for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown.
Scott, I think you're right on about Indian flavors - heck it's almost like serving it right on the naan. I'll may try that next.
I just did a search on Lehey's cavolfiore pie and here is what I found:1 medium Cauliflower sliced with a mandolin set at 1/161/2 cup of green olives 2 large cloves of garlic (minced or crushed)3/4 tsp. of salt1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes1/4 cup of olive oil1 or 2 tbsp. bread crumbsCombine all and evenly spread the mixture on the dough and cook for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown.
I'm wondering if this is modified for the home baker, like he does with his other recipes.If he is baking 25-30 minutes, then that is definitely an equivalent of a roast.It sounds like you're not dead set on a Lahey clone, Craig, but, based upon the glowing comments on Slice, I would try something clone-ish at least once with the addition of a roast.
You can find broccoli rabe (aka rapini) at Central Market on Westheimer most of the time. I've had better luck with a brief par cook, otherwise it's a bit dry/tough.
Maybe not the first go, since it looks like you're set for that, but a piccata-style (lemon, white wine, capers, fresh parsley) could complement a cauliflower pizza well. Perhaps with a bechamel or other white sauce? Though I'd be inclined to try it dry first....
Scott, I think you're right on about Indian flavors
Nodody has mentioned any BACON, gotta have some bacon on there.
As shocking as this is going to sound - and believe me, I still can't belive I'm saying it - I'm finding that there are actually very few pizzas that I really like good old smoked bacon on.
Say 10 Our Father's and 10 Hail Mary's my son and God will forgive you for speaking such, go in peace and no more negative comments towards St. Bacon.............


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A tap dance extraordinaire and an Indian dance afficianado walked into a radio station.
Jason Samuels Smith and Pandit Chitresh Dash were featured on the radio program "The Story" with Dick Gordon from American Public Media on Oct. 20.The partnership started with a, shall we say, foot-focused conversation: Dash heard Smith practicing at the American Dance Festival and replied with percussive footwork of his own. The music continued from there.
To them, though, it's not necessarily a fusion of the two styles as much as a juxtaposition of the similarities and differences between Kathak, Dash's dance specialty, and Samuels' tap. The result is a complex, complementary melody of percussion and rhythm.
And, as most dancers will attest, it's not just about music; the two speak eloquently about rhythm, art, politics, culture and math as well. To listen to the story, click on the link here for the APM podcast. (Skip to about 31:45 for the Smith/Dash interview.)
Smith and Dash will be collaborating on a show called "India Jazz Suites" this weekend at the Martha B. Knoebel Dance Theater in Los Angeles. Follow the link here for more information about the performances.


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Kim tweeted, "WHAT!!!!???!!!! CASEY ANTHONY FOUND NOT GUILTY!!!! I am speechless!!!"
Funny ... people had a similar reaction in 1995.
More celebrity reactions from Twitter...
Maybe the jury didn't know infanticide was homicide? Help! Help!
Casey Anthony not guilty??.....it's a disgrace. She'll probably get her own reality show now.
Casey Anthony. You go girl! You have three years of partying to make up for!
I am shocked by the #caseyanthonyverdict. Though I can't say this is the first time Florida screwed up on an important vote.
Dear Florida, THANK YOU for freeing Casey! She's now available for partying and babysitting!
The jury did the right thing in the Casey Anthony trial. It's not American to allow murder convictions be based on theory and not evidence.


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Selecting your vehicle's make, model, and year allows us to display only parts and items specific to your car's model and year.
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A Tiki 26 is a catamaran designed by British Designer James Wharram and Dutch born Hanneke Boon. They have been built under all conditions, professional and amatuer around the world and have sailed the planet. This blog is about building a Tiki 26.
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It all started at age 4 when I crossed the Atlantic with my family on a boat. Once across, we lived in a cabin in the "wilds" of Ontario - 40 miles north of Toronto. All I had to do to find adventure was step out the door, get on my pony to ride in the woods or head for the swamp to pole my raft around. Often I slept in the woods on a straw mat inside a bent pole lodge, winter and summer. The indoors have never been for me.
Needless to say, I don't do the office thing too well.
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I'm looking for some input here.
As you can tell from previous posts, over the last year I've been divorcing my increasingly fundamentalist wife who was homeschooling my two children and unintentionally sabotaging their chances at a normal childhood/adulthood. I've been married for 17+ years, since my (very) early 20s. It wasn't a great marriage. It was ok. At first. Theologically neither of us were very passionate in the beginning. As I think on my past more I realize I think I may have practially been mostly atheist my whole life. I underwent a few periods of being strongly theist, but mostly I was put out with organized religion. I kept a small god box in my head for most of the first half of my life, but I didn't use it much.
Around 2000 or so, everything changed. My wife joined a fundamentalist cult, and through a series of mishaps and poor decision making I ended up joining as well. If I jump through a few mental hoops I could blame her for it, and she did set up the scenario that caused me to join, but I'm too honest to give her all the blame. I walked through the door and made the decision to join. The reasons are complex enough to merit another blog post, but that's not the point of this one.
A year later I left. Another year after that I had pieced together what had happened to me, and finally knew who these people were. I realized that any children we might have would be indoctrinated into this cult, and I wouldn't allow that. I decided to divorce her, because I didn't expect her to leave.
But she did. Again, the story would be best expanded upon elsewhere. Next thing you know, we're both out of the cult, the marriage is doing better than it has in years, and suddenly there's a baby on the way. Yes, it was all related.
Fast forward 10 years. The marriage deteriorated again over the next 10 years, and I finally realized that she may have physically left the cult, but she never left mentally. She's homeschooling the kids, teaching them creationism, and indoctrinating them into her new fundamentalist SDA-splinter cell beliefs against my wishes. And I can't do anything to stop it. Except for one thing. So I filed for divorce.
Fast forward another year. She has my house, my kids, and roughly half my income. I have debt, a small apartment, and a lot of time to kill with my xbox. Over the intervening nine months or so since I was court ordered out of the house I had completely paid for myself (no bitterness there) I had been agonizing over the thought of dating. One can only spend so much time hiding in one's apartment all alone. Turns out the girlies don't really come knocking down your door if they don't know you're there. I was starting to feel a little Ted Kazinsky (minus the explosives).
This is where my neurosis comes in. I gave up on dating before I even got started. My life is complicated enough right now, and the thought of adding a girlfriend on top of that was just a bit too much. I consulted the great oragle Google, and Google said that dating the recently divorced was a bad idea, so I realized that far from being a great catch, I was poison. My first relationship was doomed. But I did need to interact with other humans occasionally other than at work. So X->Y->Z I found some local meetup groups related to atheism and skepticism. Slowly (very slowly) I started going.
This is when it happened. There's a local skeptics group that meets on Saturdays. I can only go to every other one because of visitation (but I'm contemplating bringing them along though). Many of them go to a local bar afterwards and just talk and drink. Personally, I think that's the best part. Outside of this group I know almost know atheists or agnositics. Before going to this group, I was pretty much alone in my beliefs (or rather lack thereof). After one, there was a girl there. An attractive girl, mind you. Context check: I had already given up on dating (without even having had one at that), so I wasn't there to meet women other than in a friendly context. She had this way of drawing my eye though. Maybe it's because she was the most attractive woman at the table. Maybe it's because she kept talking to me. So beer+actual human contact with people who believe like I do+temporary loss of inhibitions=I forgot that I wasn't interested in dating. But that's okay cause I screwed it up anyway. I got to talking with a former pastor there who went atheist about my kid's situation, and eventually she left. Turns out if you ignore a girl long enough she'll go away. I had forgotten about that...
Ok, getting bogged down in detail here. Fast forward slightly, I e-mailed, she e-mailed, we met for coffee (well, sorta. she doesn't like coffee). And we ended up spending nine hours together the next day. A couple of months later things have grown quite serious. Sparing you the gaudy details of how goofy I've become, things are going very well. She's incredible.
But then there comes those moments when I doubt myself. Usually about 11pm-1am (or later) when I'm alone in my apartment again. There's something about the middle of the night which does weird things to my thought processes. Anyway, I start to wonder, am I forcing things? Am I really just trying to fill the gap left by the sudden loss of a family? I don't think I'm doing the dating thing right, I'm going too fast, and I'm scared shitless of screwing it all up as a result.
So what I'm asking for here, is: does anybody else here have similar experience? Do you have any tips on how to not fuck up your first relationship post-divorce? Any pitfalls I should avoid?
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Are we atheists just rebels? Now, there is protests all around the world. Will it produce change? One reason communism failed was it was more about rebellion rather than creating or organizing something better.
Looking back into the 70's IBM was very powerful. They would choose their customer. Customer may want an IBM but it was up to them to decide whether to sell. And i think, their taxes made up more than 12% of the US budget.
Steve Jobs did not organize a protest, he organized something individuals could afford. Even his NExt machine sold for $5000/- was more powerful than a $1,000,000/- we purchased at Saudi American Bank Riyadh.
Some times this Promethean path hurts, we are stuck with something that was either created or evolved. Both male and female is not benefited? Things may be very different in the west, but here in India among Catholics, the church grows both in assets and population. Very clear illustration of 'values of the poor are the needs of the elite'. What do parents get.
If i have go back, i too wouldn't want children. "Your children are not your children, they are God's children," some one said. Strategies that systematically exploit instinctive behaviour is the basis of religion and also society.
What they preach and demand as the most important value - LOVE is nothing but an addiction. That is what i feel.
These are painful realizations to me. Hope they gel together with our topic.
We still have to learn from evolutionary biology – how different are we from other animals? Society is the result of how it is organized by the ruling elite for the sake of easy governance.
By looking around in India, families are mainly women and children. Visit a graveyard and look at the ages. Men die early and women live longer. There are of course biological reasons.
Sorry for suggesting this, but I think that the present human societies have evolved from some kind of slavery that was similar to a dairy farm.I am 59 and separated since 8 years. There are plenty of women chasing me. But they all belong to either religion or a political party. Especially Christian churches grow by their women marrying non Christians and converting them. My great grand father was a Hindu and he married a catholic woman. So we are all born catholic. I am the only one who left Catholic church out of more than 400 of people who followed from them. I am looking for Ernst Burgess' 2nd type of family - companionship family not institutional family.
Wow, though one. I'll be honest, I'm not sure what to tell you. Here in the U.S. the population is 80% religious, and most of the other 20% lives on the coasts. I live in Kansas. I'll be blunt, I got lucky.
Well, somewhat.
Check out meetup.com. For years I thought I was the only atheist in this entire fucking state, but it turns out there's actually quite a few of us. We're just a severe minority. I don't know much about the social climate in India, but I would guess there's more atheist/agnostic women around than you think. It's possible there's a social group of atheists or skeptics near you.
I'm not sure how severe things were with your wife, but many people have mixed marriages and make it work too. Whether or not you could date a theist depends on a lot of factors though. In my case my wife was too bat-shit crazy fundamentalist and between the cult and her more recent indoctrination of my children, I'm just too damaged by religion to ever consider another theist.
Hope that helps.
What went wrong in my last marriage was my wife went insane. Even so it took me years of being the frog in the boiling water to say "gee, it's kinda hot in here". That's how tolerant I am. I don't consider that a good trait anymore.
I appreciate the advice, everybody. I'm going to put some of it to use. The difference in how sane the girl I'm dating is like stepping into a fresh air conditioned room after getting out of the boiling water. She's wonderful, and to me seems too good to be true.
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I have a confession. I am absolutely TERRIFIED of spiders. From Daddy Long Legs to the typical house spider, there is not one of these eight-legged creatures that doesn't scare me. Thankfully my husband has the patience of a saint and puts up with me carrying on like a fool when I see one in our house. When he isn't home I have totally pulled this genius move…
However, I don't think my husband appreciates this type of innovation.
Well today the internet gave me a gift that I was extremely excited to stumble upon. It is called the Spider Catcher and it only costs $19.99. Well worth the price of not driving my husband crazy and getting creepy crawlers out of my home without harming them.
Here is the product description:
"If you dislike spiders or other insects in your house and want to remove them without harm then all you need is the Spider Catcher. It works by surrounding the spider with bristles that close around the spider, the bristles harmlessly trap the spider, to allow you to pickup and release the spider outside."
Here is how it works:
"Grasp the handle and with a squeeze of the trigger the bristles open. Once you have surrounded the spider quickly release the trigger and the bristles close gently around the spider, catching it safely and soundly. Now you can safely release the spider outside by pressing the handle again. The bristles open up and the spider falls out. "
OK so no spiders in my house and no harming them? Sounds perfect to me! Get more details about this product here:spidercatcher.net
Images via themetapicture.com and somefun.net
The post The Best Way to Catch Spiders in Your House appeared first on Coldwell Banker Blue Matter.
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Comfortable sows produce more piglets
Denmark, with over 25.7 million pigs produced in 2006, is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of pig meat (85% of the produced meat is exported, which amounts to 5.3% of the total value of Danish exports). Family farms are common in Denmark and pig production is no exception, with some 7,800 of such pig farms. The Thorupgaard farm, owned by Mr. Espen Dollerup, is located in the surrounding area of Farsø, in North Jutland; a region characterised by a mild and temperate climate: cool summer and non severe winters.
Modern pig farming is highly specialized with frequent splits between where the pigs are bred and where the pigs are reared. The Thorupgaard farm is specialized in breeding sows, with the offspring of the sows being reared on other farms. The production unit on the farm consist of 3 distinct but connected buildings. The sows are moved from one building to another depending on their stage of gestation. Having the buildings connected makes this process very easy. During the whole reproductive cycle it is crucial to keep the environmental parameters of the various structures under tight control. This allows for maximum breeding efficiency of the sows.
Prevention of heat and moisture build-up, removal of carbon dioxide, ammonia, odours and dust
Each ventilation system is dimensioned to supply both minimum and maximum ventilation. Minimum ventilation is the volume of air that needs to be supplied to the animals for maintaining a proper air quality, which means prevention of heat and moisture build-up, removal of carbon dioxide, ammonia, odours and dust. All of these parameters can influence the animal's performance negatively if left uncontrolled. Maximum ventilation is the quantity of air that needs to be passed through the building to remove any excess heat produced by the animals.
Installing Munters livestock ventilation system
Each of the 3 buildings on the Thorupgaard farm posed unique design challenges in terms of structural design and environmental conditions. To guarantee a proper functioning negative pressure ventilation system, the design team evaluated parameters such as:
* Type, number and weight of the animals in each structure
* State of the animals (gestating or with litters)
* Climate conditions of the region
* Insulation of the building