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EDITOR'S NOTE: For 25 years, Peninsula Daily News readers in Jefferson and Clallam counties have supported the "hand up, not a handout" Peninsula Home Fund.
Today, we feature another in a series of articles on how the fund operates and who benefits from our readers' generosity.
To donate online by credit card, click on https://secure.peninsuladailynews.com/homefund.
CARLSBORG — "I wish I could be one to give money like the people who have provided this money for my family," said Natalie Wagner of the vouchers she received from the Peninsula Daily News' Peninsula Home Fund.
Natalie, 24, and her husband, Justin, 28, both work.
He has two jobs, and she is putting in as many hours as her employer will allow.
The Wagners and their three young daughters — Angel, 8; Victoria, 4; and Savannah, 2 — live in an apartment in Carlsborg.
"I was on empty, and my mom gave me the last $5 in her wallet," recalled Natalie of a day last September when she was trying to put together enough money to get her youngest daughter to the baby sitter's in SunLand and then on to work.
When the parents of a family are barely making ends meet, sometimes an everyday task like putting gas in the car can seem insurmountable.
Justin leaves home at 5 a.m. for his job with a home construction company.
He then goes to various interior construction jobs after a brief stop at home in the evenings to spend time with his family. He usually returns home around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.
Natalie works at a fast-food restaurant in Sequim, sometimes working 13 days in a stretch. Both parents are working their hardest to cover rent, utilities, food and other necessities.
"We've downsized a couple of times," said Natalie.
Finances were not always this way. Justin had a better-paying job just a few years ago. The family was living comfortably in a six-bedroom house.
But then the job faltered. They had to give up the house and move into the Carlsborg apartment.
"When we first moved in, we paid a couple of months ahead of time," said Natalie.
But in the following months, their finances grew tighter and tighter.
As school began this fall, Natalie realized that her girls had outgrown their school clothes — and she had no money to remedy the situation.
A teacher of Victoria's took the initiative to contact OlyCAP — nonprofit Olympic Community Action Programs, the No. 1 emergency-care agency in Jefferson and Clallam counties — on the Wagner family's behalf.
OlyCAP manages the Home Fund for the PDN, screens the applicants, carefully disburses the funds and provides life-changing counseling and services to those who need a "hand up, not a handout."
The Wagners got a $75 voucher for Goodwill for each of their daughters to get $25 worth of clothes for school.
Natalie also received several vouchers for gas.
"I was so relieved," she said. "It took off the burden of not being able to pick them up. Without it, I would have been stranded."
She added:
"The thought behind the money for these vouchers, and just knowing how much the funding has helped me . . . I hope to be able to do this for someone someday."
'Hand up, not a handout'
The PDN's Peninsula Home Fund — a safety net for local residents when there is nowhere else to turn — is seeking contributions for its annual holiday season fundraising campaign that runs from Thanksgiving through Dec. 31.
From Port Townsend to Forks, from Quilcene and Brinnon to Sequim and LaPush, the Home Fund is a "hand up, not a handout" for children, teens, families and the elderly to get through an emergency situation.
Money from the Home Fund is used for hot meals for seniors in Jefferson and Clallam counties; warm winter coats for kids; home repairs for a low-income family; needed prescription drugs; dental work; safe, drug-free temporary housing; eyeglasses — the list goes on and on.
Begun in 1989, the Home Fund is supported by Jefferson and Clallam residents.
Individuals, couples, families, businesses, churches, service organizations and school groups set a record for contributions in 2012: $268,137.
With heavy demand again this year, the carefully rationed fund is being depleted rapidly.
Since Jan. 1, the Home Fund has helped more than 3,000 individuals and households, many with children.
As we move into winter, the toughest period of the year, all of the money collected in 2012 is expected to be exhausted by Dec. 31.
No money is deducted by the Peninsula Daily News for administration fees or any other overhead.
Every penny goes to OlyCAP to help the most vulnerable members of our community, from infants to families to seniors.
Peninsula Home Fund not a welfare program.
Assistance, which usually averages less than $100, is also limited to one time in a 12-month period.
The average amount of help this year has been $69.86 per family.
But even though the dollar figures are small, the impact can be big, in huge, life-changing ways.
And, as needed, Peninsula Home Fund donations are also used in conjunction with money from churches, service clubs and other donors, enabling OlyCAP to stretch the value of the contribution.
The fund is not set up to hand out money passively.
The Home Fund staff's most important goal is to get the individual or family through a crisis.
Whenever possible, case managers work with each individual or family to develop a plan to become financially stable — and avoid a recurrence of the emergency that prompted aid from the fund.
The goal again: "a hand up, not a handout."
All contributions are fully IRS tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law for the year in which a check is written.
Your personal information also is kept confidential.
The PDN does not rent, sell, give or otherwise share your address or other information with anyone or make any other use of it.
Applying for a grant
To apply for a Peninsula Home Fund grant, contact one of the three OlyCAP offices:
■ OlyCAP's Port Angeles office is at 228 W. First St., Suite J (Armory Square Mall); 360-452-4726. For Port Angeles- and Sequim-area residents.
■ Its Port Townsend office is at 823 Commerce Loop; 360-385-2571. For Jefferson County residents.
■ The Forks office is at 421 Fifth Ave.; 360-374-6193. For West End residents.
Leave a message in the voice mail box at any of the three numbers, and a Home Fund caseworker will phone you back.
OlyCAP's website: www.olycap.org.
Email: [email protected]
Geoff Crump, OlyCAP's executive director, oversees disbursements from the Peninsula Home Fund. He can be reached at 360-385-2571 or by emailing [email protected]
If you have any questions about the fund, phone John Brewer, PDN editor and publisher, at 360-417-3500.
Or email [email protected]
Contributions so far
The Peninsula Daily News publishes the donation coupon and information about the fund every Sunday and Wednesday during the fundraising campaign.
While most of the money is raised between Thanksgiving and Dec. 31, the fund itself never closes.
Donations of any amount are always welcome.
Below is a list of donors whose contributions were processed between Dec. 5 and Dec. 11.
Thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors like Natalie and Justin Wagner and their three daughters:
■ Larry Barnes, Sequim — $75. In honor of Susan Molin.
■ Gerri Ferguson, Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Becky Jewell.
■ Myra Ward, Sequim — $100.
■ Steve and Philomena Brown, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sarah Garling, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Bradford E. Dawes.
■ Ann Thomas, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Vern and Vida Bessey, Port Townsend — $100. In honor of our moms and dads.
■ Jeanne and John Skow, Port Angeles — $1,000.
■ Millie Lyon, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Stanley and Janine Moore, Forks — $50.
■ LaVonne and Bill Mueller, Sequim — $100.
■ Robert Swegle and Sara Lee O'Connor, Port Angeles — $200. In honor of Michael O'Connor.
■ Dorothy Munkeby, Port Angeles — $20. In memory of Jan Ljubich and Milton D. Hunt.
■ Fred and Georgine L. Sullivan, Walnut Creek, Calif. — $100. Thank you for all you do.
■ Magot Levitan, Sequim — $100.
■ Pat Perry Nix, Sequim — $100.
■ Howard Gipson, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Paul S. Hanway, Sequim — $100.
■ Mary R. Thayne, Sequim — $25.
■ William and Jeanne Manzer, Sequim — $200.
■ Kathryn Hofer, Port Angeles — $200. In memory of Dale Hofer.
■ Karen and Steve Hanan, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Joe and Dee Blanchard, Sequim — $200.
■ Carol Lee and Robin Moses, Sequim — $400.
■ Barbara Brittingham, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of my sister, Joan Favre.
■ Laurine and Jim Drennan, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Steven A. McCreary, Port Townsend — $100.
■ Dick and Fran Niichel, Scottsdale, Ariz. — $500.
■ Sons of Norway No. 37 Building Association, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Earl and Becky Archer, Sequim — $100.
■ John and Sue Miles, Port Angeles — $200. In honor of Walter.
■ Shirley Van Riper, Sequim — $150.
■ Walter and Edith Rowell, Centennial, Colo. — $100. In honor of Ben and Donna Pacheco.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
■ Barbara Schroeter, Port Angeles. In memory of Arthur Dondlinger and Larry Dondlinger.
■ Bruce and Genni Ferguson, Port Angeles. In memory of Max DeLa Cruz.
■ Patti and Mike Brandt, Sequim.
■ Patricia Y. Vautier, Port Angeles. In memory of Dan Vautier.
■ Don and Geri Zanon, Port Angeles. In memory of Bob Helander.
■ Bob Walthers and Nancy Johnson, Port Townsend.
■ Norman Melos, Sequim.
■ Mel and Vicci Rudin, Port Angeles.
■ 7 Cedars Casino, Sequim. We at the Jamestown S'Klallam tribe and the 7 Cedars Casino resort properties (including the Longhouse Market and the Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course) have been blessed with much success.
We want to also recognize that this support also comes from our other businesses, i.e., Jamestown Excavating, JKT Development Co., the Jamestown Family Health and Dental Clinics, and our Northwest Native Expressions Gallery.
We believe that as S'Klallam people, we are culturally known for our strength and generosity.
It is in the nature, character and culture of the Jamestown people to give to those in need whether they are of S'Klallam ancestry or from the neighboring non-Native community.
In this cooperative spirit, we humbly submit this donation to your organization to assist in your efforts to serve those in need.
We very much appreciate the service you provide to the community during the holiday season and throughout the year.
We wish to you and all who support your cause a very merry Christmas and happy New Year!
— W. Ron Allen, tribal chairman/chief executive officer, Jamestown S'Klallam tribe
— Jerry R. Allen, chief executive officer, 7 Cedars Casino
■ James and Celia Read, Port Angeles.
■ Susan Rose, Port Angeles. In honor of Maxine Clark.
■ Hazel Gershowitz, Port Angeles.
■ William H. Cunningham, Port Angeles. In honor of Valerie.
■ Don Mason, Port Angeles. In memory of Pat Mason.
■ Jean Tyson, Port Angeles.
■ Paul and Bobbie Ryan, Sequim. In memory of Pat and Cliff Lunneborg.
■ Ron and Sandy Casscles, Sequim.
■ Mietta M. Young, Sequim.
■ Jacqueline Davis, Sequim. In memory of Ron R. Davis.
■ John and Kim McBride, Sequim.
■ Ella M. Sandvig, Port Townsend.
■ Kristin Ecklund, Sequim. In honor of Ray Strazdin. In appreciation for the caring leadership and stewardship of Emerald Highlands CERT's founding president. — Kris and Stew
■ Dave and Kath Gronning, Port Angeles. In honor of the one eighty and the one ninety.
■ Dave and Kath Gronning, Port Angeles. In memory of Kathy, Agnes, Randy, Stan and Mimi, and Rae.
■ Riley and Ann Bigler, Sequim.
■ Michael Nathan, Port Angeles.
■ Frank and Ruth Welch, Port Angeles.
■ Betty M. Gray, Port Angeles. In memory of Don Gray.
■ Van Maxwell and Rennie Shannon, Port Angeles.
■ Don Claussen and Pat Beltz, Sequim.
■ Mary E. Reid, Port Angeles.
■ Gary and Lynn Anderson, Sequim.
■ Ray and Jan Morgan, Port Angeles.
■ Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In appreciation of my family and friends who assisted in my recovery from surgery. You are all shining stars.
■ Lee and Irene Wyman, Port Angeles. In memory of Pat Higdon.
■ Lee and Irene Wyman, Port Angeles. In memory of Uncle Howard Page.
■ Donald G. Schreiner, Sequim. In memory of Gwen R. Schreiner.
■ Hazel Blake, Sequim. In memory of Charles Blake.
■ Lee D. Shames, Port Angeles. In memory of Marlene Kling.
■ Harry and Rosemarie Downing, Port Townsend.
■ Don and Faith Knowles, Sequim.
■ Ellen and Barry Lerich, Nordland
■ Phil Edin and Margie Huetter, Port Angeles.
■ Nada J. Johnson, Port Angeles.
■ Brad and Kathy Anderson, Port Angeles. In honor of Barbara Townsend
■ Anna Bush, Sequim.
■ Erica C. Schreiber, Sequim. In honor of Dr. Joe B. Corn and his staff:
I am very fortunate to have Dr. Corn and his staff taking care of my medical needs. They are always available when I need them, and I get excellent care.
■ Cornelia Schadler, Sequim. In honor of Lee G. Squier.
■ Cornelia Schadler, Sequim. In memory of Janet W. Squier.
■ Anna Rixon, Port Angeles. In memory of Tom Rixon.
■ Olympic Electric Co. Inc., Port Angeles. In memory of Henry and Jane Burkhardt.
■ Dan and Vicki Pierson, Port Angeles.
■ Linda Anderson, Sequim.
■ Olympic Springs, Carlsborg.
■ Bob and Audrey Kaplan, Port Angeles.
■ Doug McClary, Sequim. In memory of Hoot, my deceased 16-year-old Scottie.
■ Rita Marston, Port Angeles. In memory of Don Marston.
■ William R. Parke, Chapel Hill, N.C. In memory of Earl and Bernice Parke.
■ William R. Parke, Chapel Hill, N.C. In memory of Bob and Peggy Reith.
■ Cliff and Isabell Forward, Port Townsend.
■ Carol Ahrens, Sequim. In memory of Kaye Rotte.
■ Kathleen Melton, Port Angeles. In memory of Joseph Melton.
■ Ronald and Robin Sidwell, Port Angeles.
■ Beverly Stanley, Port Angeles.
■ Mike and Marlene McMillen, Port Angeles. In memory of our son, Keith McMillen.
■ Tom and Sandi Shields, Sequim.
■ Janiell McLaughlin, Port Angeles.
■ Joyce and Bill Brown, Port Townsend.
■ Betsy R. Schultz, Port Angeles.
■ D. Huddleston, Sequim.
■ Margaret Edris, Port Angeles. In memory of Monica Sanford.
■ David and Marcia Chance, Port Angeles.
■ James and Joanne Hallett, Port Angeles.
■ Gary and Geri Braun, Port Angeles.
■ May Y. Carrell, Port Angeles.
■ Suzette and Charles Williams, Port Angeles.
■ Jerry Macomber, Sequim. In memory of Ben Niese.
■ Hazel Vail, Port Angeles. In memory of Ken Vail.
■ Karen Pate, Port Townsend.
■ Don and Barbara Smith, Port Townsend.
■ Rich and Claudia Fox, Sequim. In memory of Will Berger.
■ Claudia and Rich Fox, Sequim. In memory of Danny Holmquist.
■ Oke Lindh, Port Hadlock.
■ Ed and Carol Fjerstad, Sequim. In memory of Burnie Fjerstad and Mary Nosko.
■ Merrill Jefferson, Sequim. In memory of Bee Jefferson.
■ Helen and Richard McCammon, Sequim.
■ Don Fleisher, Sequim.
■ Jim Stendebach and Dan King, Port Angeles.
■ Pamela Westlake Mirrer, Sequim. In memory of Gordon and Connie Westlake.
■ Bud Critchfield, Sequim.
■ Bob and Jackie Partridge, Port Angeles. In memory of all our loved ones.
■ Dick and Connie Thorson, Port Angeles.
■ Gerald and Charlotte Pierce, Sequim.
■ Reed Finfrock, Sequim. In memory of Larry Phillips, Vietnam vet.
■ Barbara Vanderwerf, Sequim.
■ Fran and Joe Streva, Sequim.
■ Dr. Roger Eichman, Nordland.
■ Clare Hollingsworth, Port Angeles.
■ Kathy and Jim Wesley, Port Angeles.
■ Bob Coates, Port Angeles. In memory of Mom and Dad.
■ Phil and Marian Meany, Port Townsend.
■ Harriet and Ralph Angulo, Port Angeles.
■ Mark and Patricia Lewis, Sequim.
■ Dave and Kath Kushman Gronning, Port Angeles. In honor of the caring staff of St. Andrew's Place.
■ G.E.C. Investments, Sequim.
■ Daniel and Barbara Hart, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents.
■ Yvette Cline, Port Angeles. In honor of Peninsula College Educare staff.
■ Lucy and James Kittrick, Port Angeles.
■ Colleen Ostrye, Port Angeles. In memory of Dale Hickson.
■ Randy and Kim Lemon, Port Angeles. In loving memory of Danny Holmquist.
■ Dennis and Diane Isaac, Sequim.
■ Nick and Sandy Larson, Port Angeles. In memory of Fred and Bob Michalscheck.
■ Roger Lien, Beaver. In memory of Joan Lien.
■ Katherine Hennessey, Port Angeles.
■ Michael and Freda Tallmadge, Port Angeles. In memory of Henry D. Tallmadge.
■ Emogene Herb, Sequim. In memory of Jay and Randy Herb.
■ Betty Abbott, Port Angeles. In memory of family and friends.
■ Margaret S. Savory, Port Angeles. In memory of Ernest Savory.
■ Lori Hendrickson, Port Angeles. In memory of Jim Hendrickson.
■ Ron Spring, Sequim.
■ Barbara K. Miller, Port Angeles. In memory of David and Beth Row.
■ Bob's Electric Inc., Port Angeles.
■ Bruce and Judy Pape, Port Angeles.
■ Bill and Bonnie Dyrness, Sequim.
■ Heather Peters, Chimacum. In memory of Ellsworth (Pete) Peters:
In honor of Grandpa, who dedicated himself to his country and community, with thanks for your service, your faith and your good works.
■ Heather Peters, Chimacum. In memory of Jack Phillips:
For my Grampy, the quiet, steady heartbeat of our family for so many years. We treasure every memory, and your shining example guides us still.
■ Bill and Sharon Alton, Port Angeles.
■ James and Dorothy Clawson, Port Ludlow. In honor of military personnel.
■ Bob and Berit Cole, Sequim.
■ Richard and Carol Norseen, Sequim.
■ Chuck and Marian McGilvra, Port Angeles. In memory of Jim and Marianne Stites.
■ Verna Partridge, Port Angeles. In honor of John Partridge.
■ Wes and Puri Heacock, Port Angeles.
■ Jack and Janet Real, Sequim. In memory of Diane Cuoio.
■ Julian and Maureen McCabe, Port Angeles.
■ June L. Matriotti, Sequim.
■ Don Wilson, Port Townsend.
■ Steve and Linda Bailey, Carlsborg.
■ E.C. and Jean Gockerell, Sequim. In memory of Carl Gockerell.
■ Scott Younkin and Gail Hebrank, Port Angeles.
■ Bill and Joan Riedel, Sekiu. In memory of the Joe and Eva Riedel family.
■ April Kilgore and Monroe Stringham, Port Angeles.
■ John and Renee Jones, Sequim.
■ Danny and Debbie Donahue, Palm Springs, Calif. In memory of our sister, Darcie Donahue Gasche.
■ Carol and Dan Donahue, Joyce. In memory of our daughter, Darcie Donahue Gasche.
■ Mandee and Kaydee Manes, Joyce. In memory our mother, Darcie Donahue Gasche.
■ Bob A. Massey, Sequim. In memory of my wife, Margaret Massey.
■ Ron and Kathi Larsen, Sequim. In memory of our moms, Theresa Larsen and Barbara King.
■ Norma Wiggins, Port Angeles. In memory of Dora and Tony Anton.
■ Larry and Nancy Lang, Port Angeles.
■ Jerry and Judy Mann, Sequim.
■ John and Mary Wegmann, Port Angeles.
■ Deanne Lachner and Perry Lachner, McKinney, Texas. In honor of Alan and Michaelle Barnard:
This donation represents our Christmas gift this year to the people of Port Angeles. Inspired by my father, Alan Barnard.
■ Donald Thompson, Port Angeles. In memory of Irene Hurely.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $20.
■ Shreveport, La. — $10,000
■ Port Townsend — $50.
■ Sequim — $50. In honor of Barbara.
■ Port Angeles — $300.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Townsend — $25.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $750.
■ Sequim — $500.
■ Port Angeles — $150.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $20.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $20.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $250. In memory of Marian Fisken Byse.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $500. In memory of our son, Mark.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Port Townsend — $25. Thank you!
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $250.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Sequim — $100. In memory of our parents.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $200. In memory of Rae Burdick.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Ludlow — $100.
■ Port Ludlow — $500.
■ Port Angeles — $20.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Port Angeles — $500.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Sequim — $250.
■ Port Angeles — $400.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $75.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $30.
■ Port Townsend — $200.
■ Port Townsend — $100. In memory of Gerald Thorsen.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $500.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Townsend — $50.
■ Port Townsend — $25. In memory of Rose.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $100. In memory of Don Saylor, who left us with memories of his laughter.
■ Sequim — $60.
■ Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Angelo and James Prodoti. And the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
■ Port Angeles — $25. In memory of Cheryl Mayer.
■ Port Angeles — $30.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Townsend — $300.
■ Sequim — $100.
HANDWRITING CAN BE hard to decipher at times.
Please report any errors in this list to John Brewer, 360-417-3500 (there's voice mail if he's away), or email him at [email protected]
We'll rerun the listing correctly.
Our sincerest appreciation again to our donors.


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To our fans:
Thank you for downloading, playing, and loving our apps! ReignGames has enjoyed creating such fun and high quality games. As our products evolved, we were able to gain experience in the market and develop a variety of applications. However, maintaining too many apps can be detrimental for all of them. That's why we've decided that it's time to retire some of our older apps. By "retire", we mean that the app will no longer be updated, and this includes bug-fixes.
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Pig Rush
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Save Me
If you have any questions, please contact email@example.com.
Thank you again for your patronage! We appreciate our millions of fans, and we look forward to creating more entertaining and cutting-edge apps for you!


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During the Asian session equities fell the most in two weeks after the release of Chinese manufacturing data, showing that its manufacturing sector is likely to contract in September for an 11th month. The Asian selloff continued after the release of Japanese exports down by 5.8% from August compared to the previous year. This week has seen WTI Crude fall by nearly $10 from high to low currently trading with a $90 handle trading at a 6-week low. This follows the sudden selloff on Monda…Continue Reading →
Minutes of the monetary policy committee meeting held on 5th and 6th September 2012 http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/minutes/Documents/mpc/pdf/2012/mpc1209.pdf *The above is a link to the Bank of England website to view the online PDF of the MPC minutes.…Continue Reading →
The Bank of Japan unexpectedly increased is asset-purchases by 10trillion Yen, as the central bank attempts to counter the country's economic contraction. Following the announcement Japanese stocks rallied and the Yen fell as only 5 of 21 analysts forecast the easing. Manchester United may have had a good season on the pitch, but financially their first earnings show that the lack of trophies led to an operational loss of £14.9m. Total revenues were down 3% to £…Continue Reading →
During the US trading session on Monday, there was a sudden drop in a matter of minutes of just over $4 in WTI and Brent. This sudden movement led to a selloff in equities, gold and silver. Speculation and rumours as to the reasoning were that there had been a "fat finger," an algorithm that had gone wrong and that there was an announcement of a special petroleum release (SPR). The CME Group quickly released a statement that they "..we're not aware of any technical is…Continue Reading →
Its Monday morning and the start of the trading week in Europe, and though there has been unrest in the Middle East, political tensions increasing between Japan and China, the mainstream UK press is focused on the pictures taken of a royal while sunbathing. The escalating unrest in the Middle East is likely to unsettle investors and push up the prices of Oil due to the uncertainty of future supply. Protesters have been outside western embassies and Al-Qaeda brazenly attacked the ISAF b…Continue Reading →
Abshire-Smith is proud to celebrate our first year anniversary as an FSA regulated company. In a challenging economic environment to have had a successful year of development and sustained growth reflects on the employees and the company values. The commitment to providing leading trading technology in a safe, secure and regulated environment is part of the reasons for the growth of our institutional business. The CEO Adam David Neal said: This year has had some important mi…Continue Reading →
If you held bullish positions this week in commodities, equities and were short the dollar against pretty much any other currency, then this should have been a very successful week of trading. The dollar has been heavily sold against the majors, with respective multi-month highs and lows. The week has had 3 major events the German constitutional court announcing that the formation of the ESM wasn't unconstitutional, the Dutch elections and Ben Bernanke turning on the taps of the antici…Continue Reading →
Following the attack on the US embassy in Libya and the murder of the US ambassador, commentators are citing the possibility of the unrest spreading across the region. Anger was vented against the US in retaliation to a film published by a US citizen that was felt mocked and undermined the Islamic faith. If there is unrest spirals and is widespread this is likely to impact on Oil prices due to the stability in the Middle Eastern region. Expectation and rumours surround the capped EURCH…Continue Reading →
In a controversial plan Vince Cable the Business Secretary, will announce the plans today for a government-backed corporate lender. This is an attempt to reignite lending and reinvigorate the UK economy, though firmer details as to the scale and setup are yet to be decided. I personally think that this is a backwards step and that a regulated banking sector is the solution rather than a politicised government lendeThe new Chief Executive of Barclays Antony Jenkins has vowed to review each un…Continue Reading →
It's the first day of the trading week for London, following an impressive closing ceremony for the Paralympic Games. Last week's markets ended following a disappointing US NFP report on Friday and further weak macro data out of China at the weekend. Though this led to markets getting a slight lift as it increases the likelihood of further stimulus from both the US and China. Spencer Dale of the Bank of England speaking at Trinity College Dublin over the weekend stat…Continue Reading →
Equity markets rallied yesterday after the expected announcement by Mario Draghi that the European Central Bank (ECB) will indeed be supporting indebted European governments. He pledged the ECB will consider to purchasing their government bonds in a new programme dubbed Outright Monetary Transactions. These would be bought in the secondary market, and not indirectly from the governments and Draghi stipulated that this would only happen after the governments had sought financial aid from the…Continue Reading →


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|Thread Tools
·····Subchapter 11b - Solace
Six days on the road. The stubble has grown in thick, making his neck itch with its black bristles. He scratches at it as he walks, failing to notice the dirt and grit caked into his hands. Calling this a road would be charitable. It is hardly more than a beaten dirt path used sparingly by those living in the country traveling from one hamlet to another, or perhaps making a seasonal journey to the nearest town or outpost. He wonders who rules here and whether or not they hold these lands in anything other than name.
The hall had gone up like a kings pyre, consuming all in its cleansing flame. He had watched it for a time from a nearby hill, his muscles aching from the grim task. It had been the right decision, the noble one. It had given him no joy. Only emptiness lingered in his breast, unfilled by what had driven him most during his lifeduty, honor, and service.
Nights were cold. His only company the faint autumn breeze and the stars staring down overhead. He looked up to them, spying the dragon, the hunter, and the fisherman. They twinkled in the chill air, holding secrets he would never fathom. Nothing disturbed his slumber in the wilds. He woke each morning, broke his fast on stale bread and cheese, before trudging ever onward down the road.
Being alone was a strange comfort, but he welcomed it. No words had passed his lips since the benediction, one that carried no weight or true blessing. It had been a farce; hollow words ringing from a hollow man.
So it is with a sense of reluctance that he approaches the second village. It is larger than the last one. Farms dot its exterior, surrounded by low stone walls. He pauses by one, looking at how the long sections of rock were piled on top of each other. It would have taken a long time to build this, even with the help of some oxen and a sledge. His life had been no stranger to hardship and work, but he could not imagine the effort it would take to build this farm, sew the fields, tend the livestock, and raise a family. He would never know.
The dusk comes and nothing stirs. No animals graze in the fields. No men gather the corn from their stalks. A cold trickle in his gut promises another village of the dead, and another job for a forsaken lychman. Yet he has no bell to ring, announcing the passing of the spirits into the neverafter.
But there is soft golden light spilling from the windows of one farmhouse. A dark silhouette moves past it, blotting out the luminance for a moment. Cadrius closes his eyes, relieved he would not be called on again. He hasnt the heart for it.
The village does not draw enough traffic for an inn, but a tavern would be likely. As isolated as this place is, they would need drink more than most. Failing that, he could sleep within the stacks of hay in a barn and be gone with the dawn. Either way would bring more comfort and warmth than the past week. He quickens his pace, not wanting to arrive much after dark. A stranger clad in plate and maille would be met with apprehension.
His path takes him near the farmhouse, running close to its door. There is nothing elegant about its design. All things serve their purpose with nary an excess. No porch spreads out before it and no large windows to let heat out. A set of wooden posts are buried into the ground by a trough. They, and the trough, double as a place to spread wet clothes to dry. He starts as the door opens.
A man begins to set foot outside, freezing in place as the light glints off Cadrius dirty armor. Cadrius stops too and slowly raises his hands, keeping his hands open. Their breath steams in the air.
Dont know what youre looking for, the man says. His voice carries the weight of age, but still holds some strength yet. But youll not find it here. This is a quiet place.
Cadrius nods, weary but unsurprised. Is there an inn?
No, he says. No inn.
Some place then? I just need a place to sleep that isnt the ground. I would settle for a bed of hay, he says, then adds. I have coin.
Da? A womans voice floated from inside the house. Who are you talking to?
There is a silence. They stare at each other. The man is uneasy, worried that Cadrius could be a raider or worse. He would make a queer scout, armored and armed such that he is, but these were strange times. For all this farmer knew, Cadrius could be looking for naught but blood. Yet the allure of gold is strong and tugs always at the hearts of men.
The man cranes his head back into the house. Hush, he says before turning back to Cadrius. How much?
A dragon, he says. It was enough to buy a weeks stay elsewhere.
Five, he says. And you have a deal.
Cadrius clenches his jaw. It is a ludicrous amount to ask and they both know it. That is the point. The farmer does not want Cadrius to stay, but will not turn him away outright. Hes driven by whatever his own conscience tells him. Cadrius understands that all too well.
Five. Very well, he says. Can I at least trouble you for food and a blanket?
Aye, the man says. Cant say were unhospitable. Come on in then. Were sitting down now.
He nods and approaches the farmer slowly. As he draws near he can make out the man more closely. He was taller once, before time and labor stooped his back and shoulders some. Yet even now he meets Cadrius gaze with a pride smoldering in his eyes born of some life left behind.
Your sword, he says. You wont be needing that in here.
It is a reasonable request. The man does not trust him and does not want to risk Cadrius deciding that five dragons is far too many to pay for a night in the loft of a barn. Even so, Cadrius mind plays out a scene where hes run through while supping on boiled beef. Perhaps it is he that should be wary. Mayhap this farmer lures travelers into his home and slits their throats or poisons their stews.
If I wanted to rob you, the man says. I would have waited until I saw your coin purse.
Cadrius gives him a look before complying. He unslings his bag from his aching back before his shield and blade. He hands the last to the farmer, noting the ease in which he handles it. A former guard or perhaps the rare mercenary who lived long enough to settle down.
The dagger too, if you please, the farmer says. He nods at the folds of Cadrius cloak, where the blade was tucked into his belt.
Cadrius hands it over. I will have those back before I retire.
As you will, the farmer says. The coin.
The fallen paladin fishes into his coin purse and plucks five golden dragons out. He drops them into the farmers calloused hand. They glitter in the light spilling in through the door. The farmers hand closes; the splendor disappears. He inclines his head.
Come in.
The interior is plain but cared for. The wooden table bears no lacquer, but is well-cut and bears no rough edges. The chairs surrounding it are the same. No elaborate carpentry and certainly no cushions. A fire burns in the corner, the flames chasing the smoke as it races up into the stone chimney. A sword hangs on pegs above the fire. The lower half of its steel pommel reflects the orange glow of the fire.
Standing by the table are two women, mother and daughter. The younger holds a wooden bowl in her hands while the older holds a ladle and a steaming pot. Both had paused at farmers conversation and the sight of a stranger at the doorstep. The simple wooden bowls on the table steam. It has been a long time since Cadrius has had a hot meal and the prospect of it makes him all the more weary.
This is my family, the farmer says. My wife, Heleyne. My daughter, Sarra. Im Eadgar.
Cadrius, he says in reply, tipping his head.
Aye, Cadrius. Hell be supping with us and staying in the barn for the night, Eadgar says, casting a look at his daughter before looking back at him. And that will be all.
The affront turns his stomach. Eadgars daughter is youngold enough to have flowered but still too early to be married off to an apprentice or farmers son. The threat hanging in the old mans eyes burns like the fire in the hearth. The honor and pride left in Cadrius flames at the implication. The rest of him understands. Greed had allowed him a place to sleep, but it did not buy him trust. For all Eadgar knows, Cadrius could be a robber or a raper. When he retires to the barn he will be locked inside until morning.
Service to the Archpaladin requires many sacrifices. Some believe Heironeous to be so selective that there are never more than a thousand Fists in service at any one time. This is not the case. Many are called by the Invincible, but only few have the fortitude to answer. Of all that is required none is more costly, or prohibitive, than denying the pleasures of the flesh. Where other knights will whore or get the daughters of merchants with child, the cavaliers of Heironeous live only to serve. These men who answer dutys call are truly instruments of divine will. Their souls and minds are their own, but their lives belong to another.
A select few are allowed to marry, but only when it is deemed to serve the Churchs interest. In these unions love is a blessing, not a right. The marriage is oft-times a political one, such as Cadrius betrothal had been. They existed to cement ties in material world with bonds that served the spiritual. Cadrius had been no different. The son of a Duke marrying the only daughter of a neighboring marcher lord would have strengthened the Archpaladins hand in the region.
That was before things changed.
Theres a basin in there, Eadgar says, nodding his head to a doorway across the room. You can wash up and change in there.
The three of them are a family. They fit. He can see it in the way they move about each other, the way they stand or look. There is a comfort and familiarity in their movement and interactions with each other. Sarra sets the full bowls at their appropriate spots on along with the wooden spoons. Without a word from Heleyne she fetches a pitcher of water and pours them into the tankards set upon the table. They both cast the occasional glance at Cadrius, uncertain of the stranger in their house, but they defer to Eadgar who seems agreeable enough to take Cadrius gold in exchange for a little shelter.
Thank you, he says, walking through the frame and into the dark room.
The meal is hearty, albeit bland, and between it and the hearth, Cadrius bones set to warming. His suspicions about the Eadgar being a former soldier or mercenary grow. The man rules his home. Heleyne and Sarra do not eat until he eats. They do not speak until he speaks. It makes for a quiet table. Cadrius keeps his eyes pointed toward his bowl, jabbing at it with a crusty piece of bread until Eadgar speaks.
Where are you from Cadrius? He asks the question around a mouthful of stew.
Far to the southeast, he says, careful to meet the farmers gaze and no other. From the Hundred Duchies.
Far, Eadgar says. He takes a draught from his tankard, mead not water, and wipes the back of his hand across his mouth. What is a duchman doing so far from his homeland?
I am looking for someone, Cadrius says, wondering if it is more lie than truth. He lifts another spoonful of stew to his mouth, savoring the way it warms as it travels down into his belly.
Out of the corner of his eye he sees Sarra look up at him, biting her lip. Are you a knight?
Tension and silence falls over the table. Cadrius keeps his eyes on Eadgar. The mans face does not change save the briefest flicker that shows his displeasure. To his right, Heleyne holds her spoon, paused in mid-travel from the bowl to her mouth. Eadgar does not appreciate a child speaking out of turn. Perhaps later hell beat her, or perhaps not. Cadrius does not know him.
I am not, he says to Eadgar. Just a simple man on an errand.
Forgive my daughter, Eadgar says. She sees armor and a sword and thinks anyone is a knight.
A flattering mistake.
Oh? Eadgar snorts, taking another pull of his mead. Cadrius realizes the mistake is his. Do you know anything of a real knight?
The question should sting. It should whip his honor into a furor. Yet the wrath does not come. It is instead a queer tranquility that passes over him. Finality, long held at bay, wraps her now accepted arms around his shoulders. He does not serve the Archpaladin, and has not for a long time. A blessing from on high shall not come again. His spirit shall forever hold a hole bore into its center. The fall of Cadrius shall serve as a lesson to the acolytes and the squires about the dangers of pride and lust. The Church shall reconsider how often it allows courtly love. His father will die heirless and their name shall collapse in ruin.
But he will be remembered. That, at least, is assured.
No, sir, he says. I do not.
Ill tell you then, Eadgar says. It isnt that they kill, or steal, or rape. All wicked men do that. It is that a knight will do it and seem princely. If a man kills a butchers boy or takes a tailors daughter, he is hanged. If a knight does it, none will harm a hair on his head. Theyll say the boy provoked him or the girl is lying.
Justice should be meted out to those that deserve it.
Aye, Eadgar says. He juts a thick, calloused finger at Cadrius. But it isnt. The lords and ladies and their knights run the world. Us common folk just live in it.
We all make the world, Cadrius says.
Then youre a bigger fool than I thought.
It grows quiet again. Cadrius can feel Heleynes anxiety radiating off of her like heat from the fire. Eadgar is lord of this peasants demesne, but his wife worries he will overstep and get Cadrius blood up. She is more justified than she knows. A month ago, Cadrius had murdered three men in the dark streets of Karkas in a fit of rage. Two years earlier he had become a kinslayer. His pride and his anger have walked step for step over the years. They had ruled him. No more.
He has spent years railing against his fate. Walking in the wild places of the world he had looked for penance and salvation. Even while dwelling in the shadow of the mountain he had always sought a way to ascend back into the light. In despair he had faltered, but something in him had always brought him back around. Hope. The glimmer of redemption has always beckoned some part of him on. He lets it go, feeling it vanish into the ether. Cadrius accepts what he is.
You are right, sir, he says. I am a fool.
Eadgars brow furrows and he gives Cadrius a queer look, uncertain of his intent. Cadrius offers a smile and spoons another helping to his mouth. He feels Heleyne relax. Sarra stares at him. Finishing his bowl he gives his thanks to the three of them for their hospitality before gathering up his armor and having Eadgar lead him to the loft in the barn.
At the door, the farmer returns Cadrius sword and bid him good night. Cadrius hears the sound of Eadgar locking him in the barn. He sets his armor down by the stacked bails of hay and spreads out his bedroll and blanket. If it was his family, he never would have let someone like Cadrius anywhere near them.
In the thick darkness he lays back and stares up at the invisible eaves of the barn. The fantasy of family is seductive. In his minds eye he sees a wife, not the betrothed he lost, but another. Her hair is a soft chestnut and her eyes are warm. She isnt beautiful like Elana was, but to him she is pretty. She has a good heart and a laugh that warms his soul. Their son takes after her, quick to laugh. Their daughter is like Cadriussomber and serious. A small house, like Eadgars, shelters them. Cadrius and his son till the fields and tend the livestock. Their son becomes a farmer himself, having land of his own. Their daughter marries a soft spoken cooper. Cadrius and his wife grow old together. One winter morning he collapses outside the barn after feeding the animals. He stares up into the steel clouds. As the first snowflakes fall, he dies.
But that is not to be. Family is not for someone like him. His life is tied to blood; his only wife will be steel. When his fate comes it will be quick and brutal. There will be no peace, only pain and the fear of what void awaits the souls of the discarded. There is nothing to look forward to. There will be no room for him at the tables that seat the Noble Host. This life is it for him. Each breath, each heartbeat, all of it needs to be cherished.
Cadrius rolls onto his side. The smell of hay is comforting. If this is all he has, then there are some things he needs to set right. Making a vow, he closes his eyes and drifts off.
The screams dont wake him for an hour.
He bolts awake and is on his feet in a moment. The only sound in the barn is that of steel scraping scabbard. Steel is in his hand and he freezes, listening intently. A second shriek tears through the air, sending gooseflesh rippling on his arms and back. He runs to trap door on in the loft and leaps through it into the pile of hay below, feeling the sharp ends of straw scraping and poking his skin. By the time he reaches the door he can hear it being unbarred from the other side.
Eadgar is there. He clutches a lantern in one hand, its weak light fighting against the deep shadows. A wild fear gleams in his eyes and he pants, sending gusts of steam into the cold autumn night. With his free hand he seizes Cadrius, grabbing his tunic. Cadrius staggers back a step.
What is it, man?
Heleyne, he says. His voice quavers. Shes sick.
I am no healer, he says. Do you have one here?
The screams were still unaccounted for. Had a fever gripped the farmers wife in madness, or had Sarra seen her mother delirious and wretching? The thought conjures the disease that swept through the ranks after the Battle of Grisigion. The sick breed sickness, a young captain, and fellow knight, had said. They had watched impassively as plague swirled through the air but would never light upon their shoulders. Cadrius questioned why the Archpaladin would save him but not these men who had just fought for him. If it was to serve as a lesson, Cadrius had wanted none of it. The moans of the sick were as disturbing as the screams of the dying, but instead of setting his nerves on edge they wormed their way into his gut, infecting him with misery.
Yet he had not let the wrenching in his gut keep him from keeping watch over the sick and dying. He used it as penance for his weakness. Rather than flee, he embraced it. Holding the hands of the delirious and maimed, he offered soft prayers to Heireoneous to spare them and bring them swift health. Most of the time his prayers were not answered.
Sarra. I sent her.
Cadrius nodded. It is a good decision. Get the girl out of the house and away from her mother and make her feel like she is helping. However, the terror lurking beneath Eadgars misty eyes is unnerving. It extends beyond the fear of losing his love. There is something else that has frightened him.
Show me.
Nothing stirs in the depths of night. They move in silence, eyes fixed on the farmstead. The light cast from its small windows seems lonely and futile. The world is consumed in darkness and cold. Cadrius can feel his heart quicken its pace as they draw near. What pestilence lurks within the breast of Heleyne? Any number of sicknesses could prove fatal not just to the two men approaching. When he was a boy the pox had swept through the duchies. It was one of the few times in recent history where no wars or skirmishes were fought anywhere within the land. They were too busy burying their dead.
Eadgar pushes open the door and Cadrius pauses on the threshold, steeling himself for what is to come. He is hale and doughty. If any here are strong enough to fight this pestilence it would be him, but hes seen stronger men than he fall before the crimson fever and Whitmans Plague.
The fire, once bright, now smolders low in the hearth, bathing the room in its orange glow. It feels like another house, belonging in some other life. Several of the stools have been overturned. Cadrius frowns, striding past the table where he had felt the sting of jealousy at the warmth and wholeness of a family. It feels broken now, sullied by some capricious whim.
Eadgar leads him through the black arch and into their room. Fetching the lantern from him, Cadrius steps toward the bed. Helenyes breath is so faint that for a moment Cadrius thinks her already dead. The stench of sick hangs thick in the air. Even in this weak light she looks pallid. Something has leaked from her eyes, streaking her face with a dark color.
Gods, he whispers. Is that blood?
He takes a step forward, then another, his fear replaced by morbid curiosity. As a squire part of his training had involved instruction by both a physician and a hedge healer. He learned of the four harmonious seasons that resided in every man and what happens when one became out of balance. When the body possessed too much of the winter Enza would often strike, sending the man into bouts of coughing. His body sought to rid itself of the excess phlegm in order to restore balance.
Those that possess excessive temperaments are more likely to fall victim to disease. Excessive wrath was rewarded with fever and cholera. Cadrius wonders what is out of balance in Heleyne. Blood is a sign of spring and is typical of the light-hearted. Perhaps she is capricious or struggles to accomplish anything. Yet sanguine is usually treated with leeches to draw the blood out. It would be dire indeed if her body is doing the letting on its own. Still, he hopes their healer keeps some leeches on hand for an occasion such as this.
Drawn forward, he kneels down by the bed staring at the tracks drawn down her face. The blood is very dark. He frowns. Reaching out he runs his thumb along the trail running down her cheek. Her skin is cold. So is the blood. Cadrius draws his hand close to the lantern and rubs his thumb and forefinger together, smearing it. Its black. It isnt blood.
Eadgars face is a grim visage, warring with the fear and terror threatening to overwhelm him.
She will be fine, Cadrius says. The lie comes all too easy. We need to make her comfortable while we wait. Bring me some warm water, some cold water, a mug, a cloth, and any betony if you have it.
The farmer disappears into the kitchen and Cadrius can hear him collecting the items. Cast iron pots clank against one another and he hears the stirring of coals as the fire is rekindled. Cadrius reaches out and smooths the hair from Heleyne face. She does not stir.
He wracks his memory for any such mention of a disease like this. Perhaps it is not too much blood after all, but bile. Yet why it would worm its way out through her eyes as onyx tears is a mystery to him. For not the first time in his life he wishes he had avoided knighthood in favor of the caduceus. There were rumors of those in the far south lands that combined the sword and the salve. How odd it is, to tend the sick with one hand and slay with the other. Perhaps it is not so different from being a servant of the Invincible.
Eadgar returns, thrusting the purple sprig as well as some cold water and a tankard into Cadrius hands. Placing the cup on the floor, Cadrius takes the dried plant between his hands and grinds it between his palms, letting it flake down. He pours water in, filling it up to the brim. It is the only sound in the room.
Heleyne looks fragile, her spirit ephermal, and Cadrius moves with great care when he reaches forward to tilt her head up. Raising the mug to her lips he pours a small bit of the mixture into her mouth, waiting for her weak swallow before tipping it forward again. He hopes the healer will be here soon. Eadgar drags a char over to the side of the bed and clutches his wifes hand, his strength and watchful eye useless against such a foe. Cadrius understands the feeling of being powerless when it is your duty to protect.
Hope lights in the farmer eyes when they hear the thunder of hoofs. Eadgar leaps out of his chair and rushes outside. Cadrius prays they wont all die.
He returns with Sarra, her eyes like huge and scared, and an older man with snowy hair and a close cropped beard. His face is kind but his eyes are sharp and piercing. It lends the impression that he became a healer to do good, but is unable to ignore the frailties and imperfections of flesh. Perhaps it is inevitable. There is no lasting victory in the face of time. The lines on his face crinkle and deepen as he catches sight of the bowl and mug.
What have you given her? he says, his voice is gruff.
Betony and water, Cadrius says. He moves away from the bed giving the healer space to work.
He gives him the barest of nods and removes the rucksack slung over his shoulder. Glass clinks within. He produces several vials as well as a larger jar. Cadrius cant see what lies within them, but he sees the glitter of dark or light colors in each. He sets them on a plain wooden chair.
How long has she been like this? His voice is as level and even as if he had asked Eadgar how his crops were faring.
An hour, he says. Maybe more. I dont know.
And had she been ill before this? Another jar comes out, this one sloshing with liquid and holding dark shapes. Cadrius mistakes them for olives. The healer presses the back of his hand against Heleynes forehead and frowns at the chill touch. He leans in, his face drawing closer to the black oozing down her face. Brows knitting, he stares at her with an intensity that makes Cadrius think hes trying to summon understanding through sheer force of will.
Has anyone touched her face?
Cadrius exchanges a look with Eadgar. I did. I thought it was blood.
Go outside and wash your hands, the healer says. Do not come back inside until I say so.
Eadgar shoots a glance between the two of them. What? What do you mean you thought it was blood?
Outside, the healer repeats.
Cadrius nods and obliges him. He walks past Sarra, but cant find the courage meet her gaze. Hes afraid shell see the fear mirrored in his eyes.
The chill settles around his shoulders like a cloak and he walks quickly over to the trough by the side of the house. A faint breeze rustles the dying leaves in their beds. It is the only sound to disturb the cloudless night. Cadrius plunges his hands and arms into the icy waters, scrubbing them with intensity. He had been fool enough for going in there, but he knew better than to touch the sick. Her humours might be out of balance, but being in tune does not make one immune, only less vulnerable.
He clenches and unclenches his fists, trying to keep his fingers from freezing, and briskly strides over to the barn to fetch his cloak. He pulls up the hood and returns to the front of the house and sits upon the steps, resting his chin upon his hands. It isnt long before the healer returns. Cadrius gets to his feet, already feeling the cold setting into his bones.
How is she?
Sick. His voice is flat. But with what I dont know.
Her skin is cool, but looks like she has a fever, Cadrius says.
Yes, he says. He stares out into the dark. And there is the matter of the bloody tears, or whatever they are.
You do not know?
No, his voice is curt. Hes angry at not knowing how to help. Its a feeling Cadrius understands all too well. What I do know is that it looks serious, and I cant have you seeing anyone else in town in case youre infected.
Cadrius nods. What is your name?
Jon, he says. That was a stupid thing you did.
Cadrius nods again. I was not thinking. What will you do?
I made a tonic with a tincture of sleeping root. It will keep her still and hopefully buy me
The screams cut him off. Cadrius is first through the door and finds Sarra scrambling backward. She bumps into the wall. Cadrius looks to the door and sees Eadgar, on his knees, with jet black tears trickling from his eyes. He has already sicked upon the floor. He sways and falls, his head striking the floor with a dull thud. Healer and fallen paladin rush to his side. Jon darts into the bedroom and fetches his supplies. Cadrius rolls Eadgar onto his back and sees that these arent tears at all.
The black is coming from the center of his eyes.
Its movement is slow and if not for Eadgars head having tilted at an awkward angle would not have noticed it. He had missed it with Heleyne because of the dim light and her normally dark eyes. But Eadgars are blue and are now blotched with the black. Cadrius cannot imagine what malady causes this.
Whats wrong with them? Sarras voice quavers. Cadrius cant imagine how she has not succumbed to hysteria. It is bad enough to have just met them, but if they were his parents he would be out of his mind with fear.
I do not know, he says. But Jon will do his best to help.
What is that black? she asks and then her voice drops to a whisper. Is that his soul?
He wants to say no. He wants to tell her that they will be fine, but the lie does not come easy now. She sees the hesitation on his face and knows what it means. Sarra begins to weep. Her back still braced against the wall she slides down into a sitting position, rivulets of clear tears making their way down her cheeks and dangling precariously on her chin before dropping to her arms and lap.
Jon returns. Help me get him into bed. Do not let it touch you again.
Eadgars eyes are open but he seems unconscious and is little more than dead weight as Cadrius sticks his arms beneath the mans armpits while Jon grabs his legs and then take him in to lay next to his dying wife.
Something inside Cadrius breaks. The sight of them there in bed, their life running out, is tragic. These are good people. They deserve a better fate. They share their bed as they had so many other nights, but neither is aware of the other. And it is here that Cadrius realizes the awful truth. We spend our lives reaching out to others, bonding, connecting, changing them and being changed in turn, but there is no avoiding it: everyone dies alone.
For the first time in a very long time Cadrius prays. It isnt to the Archpaladin. It is a simple plea for him to die in the company of those that love him best. He prays to no longer wander in the wilds. He prays for the life of steel to end. He prays that he can find a way to still the sword in his heart and soul. He prays he can be worthy of being loved.
But if none of his prayers come true and he dies here then at least it will be a house where others loved and were loved in return. It will not be his home, it will not be his love, but it will have to suffice. At the least it will not be in the mud on the field of battle, writhing in agony while the screams of the dying usher his soul into the nothing. A warrior should want to die there, sword in hand, spitting in deaths eye. Maybe Cadrius isnt a warrior.
It takes five minutes before he or Jon notice that neither Heleyne nor Eadgar still draws breath.
Sarra reads it on their faces before either has a chance to say anything. Her arms are folded on top of her knees and her head slumps onto it, her body wracked by silent sobs. Cadrius opens his mouth, but doesnt know what he could say. So he closes it and looks to Jon. But before the healer can speak, they hear the sound of hoofs coming at a gallop.
Two mean swing down off horses and run to the house. Jon meets them at the door.
Jon! Youve got to come quick. People are sick.
The healer looks at Cadrius. He suddenly looks much older, and a grim resignation haunts his eyes. He can already see the end of things unfolding. This village will be snuffed out by sunrise and there is nothing Jon can do now but try and lend comfort where he can.
I will be outside in one moment, he says to the men, sending them back to their horses. He turns to Cadrius. A word with you.
They leave Sarra to her mourning and walk into the small pantry off the kitchen. Small jars of flour and oats and other sundries sit here. Each possesses so much more significance now that Heleyne is gone and will never touch them again. Cadrius wonders why he is so haunted by their passing.
This is spreading, Jon says. I dont hold much hope for figuring out what it is, let alone treating it. My suggestion is to make yourself as comfortable as you can. Ill come back if I have time and if if I have time.
They shake hands. The healer leaves. Cadrius stands in the pantry still, looking at the shelves. On a chance, he spots a small clay jug on one of the top shelves and pulls it down. Unplugging the cork he takes a sniffits brandy. It will do. He fills a tankard with it and takes a slug, feeling it burn as it goes down his throat.
Footsteps are outside again. Cadrius looks up, expecting Jon to come back through the door. But something is different. The footfalls lack urgency. The door is not latched and Cadrius moves toward it. It shudders as it opens revealing a man, but Cadrius does not need to see its jet black eyes or the streaks running down its cheeks to know that he is dead, and that damnation has fallen upon this quiet town. It does not breathe and a chill wafts from its form that sets the hairs on Cadrius neck on end.
Sarra is quiet for a moment, stunned at the sight of one of her neighbors shambling into her home, but the horror creeps upon her face all too quickly. She cowers, pushing herself back along the wall toward the pantry. Cadrius rushes to the fire, yanking the sword down off its pegs and hoping Eadgar had the mind to keep it sharp. The blade sings as it is drawn free, and Cadrius loathes admitting that part of his heart sings with it. He takes several steps backward, holding the pommel with both hands, and putting himself between the dead and Sarra.
But it does not stagger toward them. It walks with purpose several paces to Cadrius left and pauses beneath the arch to the bedroom. It bows its head and then shuffles inward. Cadrius follows, transfixed by its strange behavior, and stops in the doorway as well. The dead man stops, staring down at the bodies of Eadgar and Heleyne. One hand reaches out and strokes the side of her face. With a tenderness that Cadrius cannot fathom, it leans over and kisses her briefly. It rounds the other side of the bed and repeats it on Eadgar.
Cadrius swallows, afraid of what this means. His fear manifests itself when Heleynes hand twitches and her head lolls to the side. Every inch of her eyes are covered in the black, and the tears have run all down her face and neck.
Sarra, he forces his voice to remain calm. Fetch what traveling clothes you have. Now.
Her voice, strained from her cries, is raspy and faint. What?
It is not safe here. We are leaving, he says, stepping further into the bedroom. When I come out, I want you to be ready. Can you do that for me?
He doesnt wait for a reply. The door closes behind him.
There is work to be done.
|Thread Tools


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Found a bug? Have a good idea for improving Jinja2? Head over to Jinja's new github page and create a new ticket or fork. If you just want to chat with fellow developers, visit the IRC channel or join the mailinglist.


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Retail websites have one big glaring goal: get people to buy things.
How are they supposed to do that?
There are four essential elements of a homepage that every retail website has to do well, explains customer experience optimization firm Maxymiser:
- The lead, attention-grabbing image has to be engaging and compelling
- Make sure customers know about the big sales immediately
- Navigation that is simple, easy, and effective
- Customers who already know what they want need to be able to search and find it quickly
Maxymiser compiled a list of eight websites that are doing things right on their homepage right now, and they described why the designs work.


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"Great White Shark 3D" unravels the mystery of the creature we love to fear—the much maligned, misrepresented and misunderstood great white shark — and goes to the depths of human daring to tell the true story of its role atop the oceanic food chain.
Three years in the making, "Great White Shark 3D" takes viewers around the world to great white hotspots in Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and California. The film examines what we know about these incredible animals through the eyes of several people whose lives and work have become inextricably linked to the great white.


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Did you know? Fourteen facts on alpine skiing
Alana Nichols, the most decorated U.S. athlete at the Vancouver 2012 Paralympic Winter Games, is aiming for a second consecutive appearance on the U.S. Paralympic Alpine Skiing Team. The International Paralympic Committee named Nichols "One to Watch" in the lead-up to the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.
The Paralympic Winter Games is March 7-16, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. With 96 medals up for grabs in 32 alpine skiing events, 298 athletes will compete. Get situated for Sochi with these 14 facts on alpine skiing:
A sport for injured soldiers
The sport known today as Paralympic alpine skiing started after World War II when injured soldiers wanted to return to the slopes. As Austrian and German veterans began successfully adapting alpine skiing to their needs, Gretchen Fraser, the first U.S. alpine skier to win gold at an Olympic Games, also began teaching skiing to amputees in army hospitals in the United States. Competitions started in the late 1940s with popularity booming
From the beginning
Alpine skiing debuted at the first Paralympic Winter Games, held in 1976 in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, with competitions for slalom and giant slalom. Downhill competitions were held for the first time at the 1984 Games in Innsbruck, Austria, while and super giant was added for the 1994 Games in Lillehammer, Norway.
Alpine skiing's six
Alpine skiing has more disciplines than any other winter sport. At the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, six disciplines will be contested as a part of the alpine skiing program: downhill, super G, giant slalom, slalom, super combined and snowboard.
Snowboarding debut
Snowboard cross is officially one of the disciplines included in alpine skiing program for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. It was added on May 2, 2012, much to the delight of U.S. athletes, who claimed four medals at the 2012 World Snowboard Federation Para-Snowboard World Championships. In the Games, athletes with lower limb impairments, such as an amputated leg, will compete for the podium.
Podium potential
In Sochi, Russia, next year, there will be 16 medal events for men and 16 medal events for women in alpine skiing. Only Nordic skiing, made up of the separate sports of biathlon and cross country skiing, has more medal opportunities, with 38 combined.
Leading in Lillehammer
At the Lillehammer 1994 Paralympic Winter Games in Norway, the United States led the alpine skiing competition with 39 medals, including 24 gold medals. It marks the most successful U.S. appearance in history. Since the 1980 Paralympic Winter Games, Team USA has claimed 89 gold medals, 88 silver medals and 60 bronze medals in alpine skiing competitions at the Games.
Victors of Vancouver
At the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, Team USA was represented by 24 alpine skiers and three guides, who combined for 11 medals, the most of any sport. Alana Nichols of Farmington, N.M., led the team's medal haul with two gold, one silver and one bronze. Stephani Victor (Park City, Utah) won three medals in Vancouver, and Danelle Umstead (Park City, Utah) won two.
On course
The alpine skiing course in Sochi, Russia, will be located in the "Mountain Cluster" at the Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort's Aibga Ridge. The course was tested in March 2013 at the International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing World Cup Final.
Fast enough for the highway
The top Paralympic alpine skiers can exceed speeds of 65 miles per hour in competition.
While the International Ski Federation governs able-bodied skiing, Paralympic alpine skiing is governed by the same ISF rules, only modified by the IPC Sports Committee to accommodate physical disabilities.
Guides of the Games
Four disability groups are represented in alpine skiing, including visual impairment. Guides are sighted skiers who assist a visually impaired skier down the slopes by directing the skier where to go. Some guides rely only on their voices while others use radios to help communicate. If the visually impaired skier medals, the guide also medals.
To ensure fair competition in Paralympic alpine skiing, athletes are classified based on their ability, and compete against athletes with similar classifications. Currently, there are 11 different classes for standing alpine skiing, five for sitting and three for visual disabilities.
The final factor
When athletes with different classifications compete against each other, results are factored in order to create a fair competition. In the factoring system, a number is designated for each class based on their functional mobility or vision levels, and that number is multiplied by the finish time. The resulting number is the one used to determine the winner in events where the factor system is used. With factoring, the fastest skier down the hill may not win.
Keep an eye on Nichols
Nichols was the only U.S. athlete to make the IPC's 2013 "Ones to Watch" list for alpine skiing. As of March 2013, she was ranked No. 1 in women's super G sitting by the IPC and is in the Top 6 for all other events.


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Sony Announces PlayStation 4
Sony moved to reinvent its PlayStation video game console, demonstrating faster, graphics-rich hardware with new Internet-based features to counter stiff competition from the Web and mobile devices. WSJ's Ian Sherr reports. Photo: Getty Images.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... the ... speech last night in the world of gaming but was again chains are ... good morning everyone and welcome to the sub ... I'm Kelsey Havre thanks for watching the beest live ... Sony Reinvents its PlayStation videogame console to counter stiff competition from the Web and mobile devices ... the iShares joins me now with more on this he knew were there you saw it but cannot really make it an avid that's all for what it really adds thinking about this new and pre season favorite deal well basically it's just that much bigger much better chips in and it's much faster if he would do everything and a bigger six year faster I ... aam and some the other things that they did this to train dependent on a mobile device revolution that's happened last seven years ... since they can't the last three seasons and it didn't include ... touch controls on the Dom on the controller announcement buttons but also a touch pad ... aam they have a lot of sharing involve the socialists the questing for this bank ... aam and and and my these activists is that this is the real kind of ... killer thing is also needed at so many aspects even feel it a leg down in game video ... rights as your plane you can take information from Aaron's record in all the time an ... agency to send that to fix ... it ... aam they're going to make it's the it's easier to connect with your friends and then they're awesome of apps for your mobile devices like the I phone and all that ... aam to allow David Tennant connect when you're not playing the PlayStation ... so those are really big thank sentiment and I love the intro that he didn't actually get to see the device the kid and actually unveil the actual console how unusual is that for announcements like this I mean is is deftly a little unusual aam you know we've we've got to see the controller we get to see ten of one of the camera systems and allow for motion controls in everything ... I'm not seen the boxes little weird ... but you know at the end of the day in four months will see it probably in and don't forget that we could see the ... segment is to be up by the holiday is ... there enough of that you think was revealed to hold people's interest that long is this going to be the game changer that Sony needs to really get back in and put them on top of that that that that was seven years the they have been out of it but that's less time in his twenty I mean it's a very good question I I think that a lot of people really don't know I mean this is ... that the industry's never been through this kind of thing where ... they have these devices that were offering in our pockets going after them ... and the reality is that Apple for example announced that they sold more than five hundred million units since two thousandseven ... in that same period ... the entire gain industry has sold fewer cars so it's ... been just Apple was of mobile devices ... so there's a lot that are going up against in the reality is that the games on the small devices are cheaper alot more people are buying them ... and it's up to see the tonsils are dying because that certainly not the case but they may not be growing much any more of its whatever's Coopers has been saying that ... they expect the console game industry rate just the games ... to grow about four percent over the net and in in in the next year or so ... so that's young compared to in two thousandseven when it grew twenty percent ... I need to be different this different than as an indication ... that ... Google's purchase of a UN anti that the city's purchase of the cloud gaming company last year will have any play in this and what role the night but it's a huge part so when the other things is that the technology behind this sharing stuff especially that ... and then some the other stuff they're doing is that to come out and actually stream games from their servers to the ideas that you can play a game on a serving it's very powerful ... and you don't need to have a very powerful thing in your home to play ... and so I'm going to try make it so you can stream games to all sorts of different devices ... aam they're also taking heavy debt which is the can help it hasn't done as well as people hoped ... and there to me that he will play PlayStation four games to Sesame we have ... this mobile device that can do very powerful things even though it doesn't have that much ... and I at the bottom line and I'll get we're going to look for the so the Holly's seven of price but from what you seen it can be really big sister so they could deftly health than it really depends on how it plays out I it's also Infratech miserable that haven't MPS of an ounce of touch screen laptops all Selina I don't think the announcement of the time but basically what what's what's happening is that Google is ... basically taking its Chrome operating system which has been kind of a slow starter rate it's not like he enjoyed which mobile devices Avago infusions from the wages ... for granted the right to stop a whopping system the war ... on crime is basically based on that web browser that we both found it ... and to basically what it will do is that these that touch screen laptops are kind of like if you see what's been done for Windows eight or you can get a normal laptop becomes a touch screen ... that's kind of way this is headed ... and so aam you know it's it's really time unclear how it's played out I think ... last time that then I heard that they sold three hundred thousand from books ... right which is not that many right right aam during the holidays but there's still a tiny is ... you know Gruebel sees a long-term value here ... well interesting stuff thank you so much for joining us the reappeared in New York last thing you back out to the left


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Picture of the Day: Arika in polka dots
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Please note: You are viewing an archived Bucknell University news story. It is possible that information found on this page has become outdated or inaccurate, and links and images contained within are not guaranteed to function correctly.
LEWISBURG, Pa. — Visitors to the Samek Art Gallery at Bucknell University beginning Oct. 24 will have an extraordinary exhibit-viewing experience. They will enter a recreated, aged, and furnished Soviet communal apartment interior and view a cramped salon-style exhibition, The Space of Freedom: Apartment Exhibitions in Leningrad (1964-1986).
Social justice and the right of freedom of speech and expression are the underlying themes of this remarkable exhibition, according to Dan Mills, curator of the Samek Art Gallery.
Short-term exhibitions
"The Communist Party banned art that didn't conform to the government's edicts from the 1950s through the early 1980s," said Mills.
Banned from public expression and demonstration, many artists creating in styles not permitted by the government organized short-term exhibitions, lasting a day or even a few hours, in their own communal apartments.
"Planning and staging these exhibitions, the artists defied the cultural impositions of an authoritarian regime that repeatedly demonstrated its resolve to suppress them," said co-curator Joseph Troncale.
"Holding an exhibition in one's home was considered to be a subversive activity, and the occupation 'unofficial artist' denoted a subversive member of society, even though it was the authorities that made him so," according to co-curator Sergei Kovalsky.
St. Petersburg museum
"Some of the most important artists working during the Soviet Period are featured in this selection from the collection of the Museum of Nonconformist Art in St. Petersburg, Russia," states Evgeny Orlov, co-curator and one of the exhibiting artists.
He continues, "Their installation in a re-created communal apartment suggests the context in which the work was made, exhibited, and discussed, and was so crucial to the birth and development of nonconformist art."
"Although the exhibitions were covert, as many as a thousand people would sometimes attend. Many artists suffered suppression, imprisonment and even death as a result of their participation," Mills said.
The exhibition includes 46 paintings, drawings, prints and photographs from the collection of the Museum of Nonconformist Art in St. Petersburg, Russia, which have not been exhibited together or in this manner of installation outside of Russia. The Space of Freedom was organized by the University of Richmond Museums and may be viewed through Dec. 9 in the Samek's main gallery.
Gallery talk
Joseph Troncale, associate professor of Russian at the University of Richmond, and exhibition co-curator, will present a lecture, "The Creative Act as Unwitting Dissent in Soviet Underground Art," on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 5 p.m. in the Gallery Theatre of the Elaine Langone Center.
Co-director of the Russian studies program at the University of Richmond, Troncale teaches Russian languages courses in addition to courses on Russian literature, Russian painting, Russian cinema, and the history of Russian cultural and intellectual development. Over the past 34 years, he has traveled extensively in the former USSR and Russia.
"Transformed Spaces"
Running concurrently with The Space of Freedom exhibition is Collection Focus II: Transformed Spaces/Inventive Narratives in the Project Room.
Curated by Tulu Bayar, Bucknell assistant professor of art and art history, the exhibition focuses on important and emerging contemporary artists working in photographic media who transform and create spaces, and invent narratives ranging from mysterious to the mundane. Artists will include Julie Becker, James Casebere, Gregory Crewdson and Abelardo Morell.
Peace & Resistance series
The Samek exhibitions are part of the University's yearlong "Peace & Resistance" series, a multidisciplinary program that links the 25th anniversary of Bucknell University having an art gallery, the 10th anniversary of the Bucknell Brigade to Nicaragua, and 125 years of women at Bucknell. For more information, visit the Peace & Resistance page.
The Samek Art Gallery is located on the third floor of the Elaine Langone Center. Admission is free. Gallery hours are weekdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; weekends 1 to 5 p.m., and by appointment. The Gallery is accessible by elevator. For more information about the gallery, call 570-577-3792 or visit www.bucknell.edu/SamekArtGallery.xml
Contact: Division of Communications


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By Marlena De Lacroix
On Saturday, my husband Moose and I were driving on a back road through the Pennsylvania woods to have dinner at a very good restaurant. Suddenly a familiar tell-tale putrid smell entered the car.
I gasped and a few seconds later my eyes welled up in tears. No, the tears didn't come from the intensity of the odor entering the car. They came from the stab of pure humiliation I was suddenly feeling in my heart. That's because my mind had immediately flashed back the sight of poor Bob Woods sitting up to his neck in a bathtub of tomato juice on One Life to Live a few days before. This Wednesday's or Thursday's episode was one of a
I have watched these shows forever and have written about them … almost forever. Unlike movies or night-time TV, the producers of these daytime shows have been known to — and are allowed to — make 'comments' on their actors by showing their characters in certain situations …
week-long storyline in which supposedly amusing "mishaps" kept happening to Bo and Nora, the beleaguered couple, leading up to [Read more…]


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Roman & Shane
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Roman & Shane
Starring: Shane Fisher, Roman Todd
Roman Todd and Shane Fisher are two hot twinks who get it on with a steamy shower blowjob.
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Roman Todd unloads his cream inside Jake Davis
Roman invited Jake over to watch some basketball. Jake was happy to watch anything as long as Roman kept feeding him the beers. But once some Jack Daniels came into the picture, Jake got a little hammered. By the time the game ended, he had passed out on the couch. Roman was about to wake him up when low and behold, he saw some hard wood hiding out in those pants. Roman grabbed onto Jake and felt his shaft throbbing in his palm. Without waking Jake, Roman slowly unzipped his pants. When Roman pulled down his underwear, Jake unleashed his huge throbbing dick. Roman began to stroke it as Jake came to. Jake looked at Roman and chastised him. Why jerk it when you can suck it, he said. And now that Roman had his green light, he began to suck on Jake. Jake then got on his knees to service Roman. Roman was rock hard, and knew that he would rather have his dick inside his ass than his mouth. So he bent Jake over and rimmed his tight hole to get it nice and wet and loose. Then he slid his dick into Jake completely bare. He fucked Jake bareback in every way possible until finally he pulled out and nutted on his hole before sticking it back in. The basketball may have been on TV, but these guys were the ones that were scoring. Be sure to check out all the hot bareback action in full HD here at Randy Blue.
Roman Todd Fills Cooper Dang with Cum
Roman begins the scene by abruptly announcing that he is going to fuck the shit out of Cooper. Cooper seems alarmed about the promise of a hard pounding but after Roman grabs Cooper and pulls him into his hunky embrace, all is forgotten. Roman wraps his muscled arms around Cooper and slides his tongue down his throat. Cooper gives into the passion. As Roman grabs a handful of that hot Asian bubble butt, he states he cannot wait to fuck him. Cooper is happy to open his legs, he lubes that hard cock and sits right down on Roman raw. Roman bareback fucks Cooper and then Cooper hops off to suck his cock. Then he hops back on and lets Roman fuck him nice and hard. Once Roman starts to fuck Cooper doggie style, he gets overwhelmed and cream pies Cooper. As he pulls out the cum starts flying every where and drips out of his hole. Then Roman shoves it back in and and keeps on fucking. Finally he gets Cooper on his back and fucks the cum out of him and they collapse into a hot warm passionate embrace. Be sure to check out all the hot HD video action right here at Randy Blue.
Roman Todd fucks the virgin hole of Russian Hunk, Jamie Pavel
Roman Todd started out as a tough and naughty straight twink from New York, but over the many years with Randy Blue he has transformed into a hot and beefy muscle hunk. He is the perfect person to break in our newcomer, Jamie Pavel. Jamie is young, blond, Russian and with a body to die for. He recently discovered the joys of man on man loving, but had not taken things to the next level. The night before he had done his first duo cam show at Randy Blue Live and got a small taste of what it is like to have something up his ass. He came to the shoot this morning ready to get fucked. Most of our guys new to gay sex start out as a top and work their way up to bottoming. But not Jamie. He knew what he wanted. And it he wanted was Roman slamming his cock deep inside his virgin hole. They started off on the massage table and the two began oiling each other up. Soon clothes came off and dicks were being sucked. Roman bent over Jamie and before he knew it, he had a cock buried deep in his ass. Jamie loved every second of it and could not get enough. After being pounded every which way, Jamie begged Roman to shoot in his face. Roman pulled out and nutted his sweet baby batter all over Jamie as he licked it up. It turned him on so much he shot a load himself. Welcome to the world of gay porn, Jamie, I think you are going to like it here.
Welcome to LA Episode 7 West Hollywood
If you been following the latest installment of the Randy Blue summer series, WELCOME TO LA, then you better hold on to your crotch, because we are entering WEST HOLLYWOOD, the gayest city on the gayest day of the year. PRIDE. And the pairing is going to be a doozy. ZANE PORTER and ANGEL SANTIAGO messed up their latest job which ended up with TYLER WOLF dead. Now they have a million dollar painting that Jordan wants and they are on the run. But Angel has a trick up his sleeve to buy them some time. He enlists his bartender friend, JAY LANDFORD to add a little something to the drinks being served to Jordan and his body guard, ROMAN TODD. Jordan and Roman down the drinks right when they learned they have been double crossed. But before Jordan can plot his revenge, the magic elixir starts to take its effect. They are overcome with a hot passion that leads them to strip down and go at it right in the bathroom. Jordan tops Roman, but then Roman convinces Jordan to give up that sweet hot ass. Jordan is on the BOTTOM you guys, this is some hot gay fucking that is not to be missed. Be sure to check out the free gay porn trailer right here at Randy Blue.
Straight Stud, Roman Todd makes Paolo Maldini suck his first dick
Paolo Maldini may be bisexual, but he is still very green when it comes to sex with men. So we brought in Roman Todd, a fellow Italian to help break him in. When Paolo got a look at the newly pumped up muscles on Roman, he was excited to get started. After some kissing and stripping, Paolo decided to become a full fledged gay porn model and try sucking on Roman and his big fat juicy cock. He loved it. Then Roman wanted to get a taste of the uncut dick attached to Paolo. After some hot sucking, Roman needed a cock deep in his ass. Paolo was happy to oblige and fucked the hell out of him. They ended the scene in a missionary position where Paolo fucked the cum out of Roman. Then Roman flipped over so that Paolo could nut all over his butt. Paolo is no longer a virgin to fucking man butt, and I think he might be addicted. Be sure to check out all of our free gay pics in the Randy Blue photo section of this hot encounter.
Dicks everywhere with Kurtis Wolfe, Lance Alexander & Roman Todd
We were really excited about the shoot between Lance and Roman. However, Kurtis was in town and met the two dudes out the night before the shoot, and before long, the three approached us to turn the two way into a three way. Who was I to say no. Kurtis and Lance had never had a threesome before and were eager for the new experience. Roman of course was no stranger to group sex and was ready to show these guys the ropes. He could not even finish the interview. He wanted these two on top of him. They all flopped on top of the bed and began to make out. Dicks came out and Lance suddenly had two dicks in his mouth at the same time. Kurtis and Roman then went down and made out with Lance shoving his dick between them. Then Kurtis tried double stuffing his mouth followed by Roman. It was time to get things more intense. Lance lifted his legs up in the air and Kurtis ate his ass while Roman sucked his dick. Roman then straddled Lance, and Kurtis fed that long cock deep inside Roman. This was followed with an amazing train fuck where Roman was the ham in a man sandwich. And finally Kurtis plowed Lance. Roman stood up and blew his load right on Kurtis, coating his mouth and tongue. Lance exploded next while Kurtis pumped inside of him. And finally Kurtis pulled out and blew his load all over Lance. They ended it with a hot three way kiss. Gay porn has never been so good. Welcome to Randy Blue.
Jimmy & Roman
Jimmy Fanz is a dirty little sex pig. There I said it. And I will not take it back. Because I love that about him. And Roman Todd loved it too. Jimmy lay seductively on the bed as Roman came inside to gaze at his fuzzy body. Roman beckons him to come closer. The two embrace, and the rest is steamy fuck fest history. These two could not keep their fucking hands off of each other. First Roman sucked off Jimmy. He loved the way that hot big mushroom head fit into his mouth. Jimmy slammed that cock deep down his throat. Jimmy was impressed. He decided he wanted to show off his cock sucking skills too. He sucked on Roman in a hot wet spit covered frenzy. Roman then turned him around and began devouring his hole. He was getting it ready. And Jimmy could not wait. The first thrust inside of him had Jimmy screaming for more. He got fucked standing up, he got fucked on his back, and then he got fucked in the pile driver. This was too much for Jimmy to handle. He started to spasm. Roman pulled out and fingered his hole until Jimmy came right into his own mouth. Roman then literally back flipped Jimmy over and then nutted all over his face. This video was a passionate fuck fest you will want to watch again and again.
Chance & Roman
Chance Kidd gives himself completely to Roman Todd at the office Christmas party.
Christian & Roman
Roman Todd gives Christian Sharp a super hot blowjob then gets fucked hardcore
Cameron & Roman
When Cameron Marshall met Roman Todd they gave mutual blowjobs, Roman rimmed then fucked his totally hot ass, shot a huge load on his face and left Cameron spent and happy.
Andrew & Roman EP
Roman Todd takes charge and gets Andrew Jakk's furry hole all nice, wet and ready for a good pounding.
Roman & Tucker
Roman Todd and Tucker Wade are two horny jock studs who shoot big thick loads after some hardcore hotness in the Randy Blue live studio.


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Friday, March 19, 2010
Flourless Carrot Cake (Gajar Ka Halwa)
While the resulting cake is delicious, the recipe is worth making for the smell of freshly ground cardamom, alone.
Dine with Donna featured the cake more than a month ago, but it took me a while to make it because I didn't have the coconut powder called for in the recipe. I finally just decided to use coconut flour, which worked just fine (and maybe is the same thing?). You can find coconut flour at health food stores.
Recipe here.
12 comments:
- mangocheeks said...
Oh Beatrice,
You've brought back some memories. My mother makes the most delicious Gajjar ka halwa. So soft and delcious. Oh I wish I could have a taste right now.
- March 20, 2010 at 5:51 AM
- sweetlife said...
what a beautiful cake..I love the color..
- March 21, 2010 at 10:43 PM
- amy said...
i need to eat this now.
it looks delicious!! (blog bookmarked!:D)
- March 23, 2010 at 10:33 AM
- amy said...
oh wait. milk, butterr. (im lactose-intolerant)
i will make a version then send you the link.
this is my weeks challenge :P
- March 23, 2010 at 10:34 AM
- Beatrice said...
Hi, Amy. I bet you could make a really good version of this without milk or butter. I'd be curious to hear what you come up with.
- March 23, 2010 at 6:46 PM
- Stella said...
Ooh, this looks wonderful-delicious and healthful. That's right up my alley!
- March 27, 2010 at 11:34 AM
- Monica said...
This looks sooo good. One of my favorite indian desserts. I would also like to try this w/o butter or milk. Perhaps with coconut milk? Thanks for this. Yum.
- March 27, 2010 at 11:35 PM
- Beatrice said...
Hi, Monica. I think coconut milk (or maybe coconut milk plus coconut oil?) would definitely be worth trying.
- March 28, 2010 at 8:39 AM
- Dine With Donna said...
Bea; For those wondering about the coconut powder, it is a finely cut coconot, coulld I say almost pulverized. I am sure coconut flour is probably another name for coconut powder. I liked the suggestion of substituting coconut milk. I will try that the next time. Your comment postings provided some good considerations for change.
- March 30, 2010 at 10:53 AM
- Foodycat said...
I really like Indian sweets - toothachingly sweet but so good! And this one is carrot, so it counts as a vegetable, right ;)
- April 3, 2010 at 9:49 AM
- Veggie Belly said...
i love carrot halwa! my favorite restaurant in india makes amazing carrot halwa with edible silver foil on top.
- April 6, 2010 at 2:18 PM
- mike said...
Sounds delicious
- July 28, 2010 at 10:49 PM


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Quite a simple question: Which of the James Bond actors do you think was the best and why?
Most people seem to favor Sean Connery or Daniel Craig, but I always thought Roger Moore was best. He epitomized what I think Bond should be, not full of action and bravado, but slick, smooth, seductive, classy, and witty.
Views: 73
I favor Sean Connery, I haven't liked Craig much and Roger Moore is definitely better than Craig.
I also would have to say that Sean Connery is the best Bond, followed by Pierce Brosnan, then Roger Moore, and sharing the bottom of the barrel would be Craig and Dalton.


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RAPS' recent 2012 Scope of Practice & Compensation Report for the Regulatory Profession shows that it is correlated with higher compensation.
Rockville, MD, USA (PRWEB) August 31, 2012
The Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) has announced that 203 regulatory professionals recently earned the RAC credential by passing the Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) exam during the spring 2012 exam period. First established in 1991, the RAC is the only accredited, post-academic, professional credential for the healthcare product regulatory field. The exams and the criteria for maintaining the credential are developed, managed and administered by the Regulatory Affairs Certification Board (RACB) and supported by RAPS.
"The RAC credential is a respected and important distinction in the regulatory profession," said RAPS Executive Director Sherry Keramidas, PhD, FASAE, CAE. "It's highly desirable among regulatory employers, and RAPS' recent 2012 Scope of Practice & Compensation Report for the Regulatory Profession shows that it is correlated with higher compensation."
According to RAPS' research, RAC holders in the US, on average, earn about 10% more than their counterparts without the credential. Interested individuals can use RAPS' salary calculator, available online at http://www.RAPS.org/salary, to see the credential's potential impact.
RAC candidates sit for any of four versions of the exam: the RAC (US) covering US regulations, the RAC (EU) covering European regulations, the RAC (CAN) covering Canadian regulations and the RAC (General Scope), which covers general regulatory responsibilities and international standards. The RAC exam is intended for regulatory professionals with at least three to five years of regulatory experience.
A complete list of the spring 2012 class of RAC-credentialed professionals is published online in RAPS' Regulatory Focus.
Registration for the autumn 2012 RAC exam period, 1 October–30 November, is currently open through 8 September. More information is available online at http://www.RAPS.org/certification.
About RAPS
The Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) is the largest global organization of and for those involved with the regulation of healthcare and related products, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biologics and nutritional products. Founded in 1976, RAPS helped establish the regulatory profession and continues to actively support the professional and lead the profession as a neutral, non-lobbying nonprofit organization. RAPS offers education and training, professional standards, publications, research, knowledge sharing, networking, career development opportunities and other valuable resources, including Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC), the only post-academic professional credential to recognize regulatory excellence. RAPS is headquartered in suburban Washington, DC, with offices in Europe and Asia, and chapters and affiliates worldwide. RAPS.org