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Wednesday, September 29, 2010
In the Mouth of Madness (1995)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this classic John Carpenter film and end up watching it about twice a year.
Sam Neill plays John Trent - a jaded insurance inspector type who doesn't trust people or their stories. He tracks insurance scams and pay outs and he's very good at his job. When horror writer Sutter Cane (played by the great Jürgen Prochnow from Das Boot) goes missing and the publisher is looking for money, Trent thinks something fishy is going on and starts searching for Cane.
That's when everything goes to hell. :)
This is a mystery wrapped in a horror movie and both of these aspects work really well. I'm really into the mystery side of things and, as things unfold and get more and more horrific, I'm giddy as a kid in a candy shop!
Neill is "Neill-riffic" as usual. He plays things up for giggles and noir goodness to a perfect pitch while Prochnow is creepy and intense as usual.
And the visuals. Yikes. I think about them late at night sometimes when I'm on the road or taking the trash out and...yikes.
Check it out for sure. It'll make your Halloween a little more special!
Session 9 (2001)
There was something about this sleeper that hit me when I was watching it. A sense of dread was present in the whole thing. The writing was grand and the actors turned in some good performances. The whole film-space seemed to grow heavier and heavier as it went along.
Brad Anderson turns in another grand directing effort here. I think this was one of his major debut efforts before he rolled into directing THE MACHINIST in 2004 with Christian Bale and the lesser known (but good) TRANSSIBERIAN in 2008 with Sir Ben Kingsley and Woody Harrelson. He knows how to get a vibe out of a movie and it's actors and actresses for sure.
If you like watching a group of characters in a really bad situation and love seeing them fall to shreds before your eyes, you'll love this gothic, ghostly, and ghastly little film.
Cemetery Man
A zombie lover MUST SEE!
CEMETERY MAN (Dellamorte Dellamore) from 1994 is a grand film. Based on the story concepts in DYLAN DOG , this trippy little nugget is a lot of fun to watch. It's almost like watching someone's dream...or nightmare...unfold on the screen. Another Halloween favorite, zombie lovers need to make sure they see this as well.
I'm not going to try to sum up the plot too much - it's too damn strange. Suffice it to say that Francesco Dellamorte (Rupert Everett) oversees the goings on at the cemetery an makes sure the dead stay dead. Along the way he falls in love with the beautiful Anna Falchi who plays several roles in the film, but it looks like he's doomed to spend his days dealing with the dead and his mute co-worker Gnaghi.
A wild ride for sure!
(Sorry - all I have is the Italian Trailer. The film is in English)
The Man Who Laughs
This is one of my favorites for sure.
THE MAN WHO LAUGHS is a fantastic silent film from 1928 filled with lovely visuals and touching story. Those "in the know" will be aware that the lead was the model for The Joker, but the film goes deeper than that.
I was lucky enough to see this film at the Castro Theater in San Francisco with live organ accompaniment and an even livelier audience. At the end, we were cheering - filled with a mutual love for this film and it's exciting set pieces.
It's available for viewing online - WELL worth checking out.
Galaxy of Terror
Halloween Fun: Galaxy of Terror
"ALIEN was the beginning ... Hell Has Just Been Relocated!"
What do you get when you put Erin Moran (Happy Days), Robert Englund (Nightmare on Elm Street), Sid Haig (Devils Rejects) and Ray Walston (My Favorite Martian) together in the same film. The Roger Corman classic GALAXY OF TERROR.
Riding the coat tails of ALIEN, the gem is well worth snagging. I have not seen it in ages, but I remember laughing and cringing all the way through it. If you're looking for a film to rent for Halloween that goes really well with pizza and beer, this is it!
Check it out!
Trailer does contain scenes of a graphic nature.
Friday, September 24, 2010
High School of the Dead
As both a zombie and anime fan, HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD hits the mark on several levels. Being a fan of panties helps as well. :)
Some very smart zombie fiction here with some top notch zombie action. Go figure. It's some of the best zombie action I've seen, really. Mix in the anime fantasy elements and it works really well. The pantie action is just silly, but it doesn't distract from the horror...too much.
Well worth checking it. It's a fun blend of horror, action and...panty flashing goofiness.
Check it! Episodes are available via the internet...for FREE. You're welcome. :)
Some very smart zombie fiction here with some top notch zombie action. Go figure. It's some of the best zombie action I've seen, really. Mix in the anime fantasy elements and it works really well. The pantie action is just silly, but it doesn't distract from the horror...too much.
Well worth checking it. It's a fun blend of horror, action and...panty flashing goofiness.
Check it! Episodes are available via the internet...for FREE. You're welcome. :)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Zombie Playground
San Francisco artist, too!
Artist's site: http://www.jasonchanart.com/
Friday, September 17, 2010
THE THING theme music
Not sure why this came to me the this morning. I was walking into work. There was no one around. I used my badge to get into the building and this music popped into my head and played as I walked through the dim hall to the stairwell.
Needless to say, I was a little creeped out by it. :)
A fantastic score to be sure.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
DAYWALT: Haunted Queen Mary
So full of atmosphere. So creepy. So good. :)
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Today I'm being featured on Whitney's blog, Along the Lines of Style as part of her Women Who Work series.
Click on over to Whitney's blog to find out:
- What I do for a living when I'm not blogging
- What my work's dress code is like
- What challenges I face from my job in terms of style
- My closet staples!
And while you're there you can see the other women who work. There are some great posts and some awesome bloggers who have been featured. I'm happy to join their ranks!

subset: commoncrawl


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Emily Rogers-Healion scores winner in overtime to lead Ward Melville
Two recent losses, an undefeated opponent, a longstanding rivalry, a four-goal deficit and, finally, a chance to erase it all with an overtime goal.
Nobody tell Emily Rogers-Healion that she was under pressure.
"It was kind of weird," the Ward Melville midfielder said. "We all came out in overtime and we were like, 'we're more calm now than we were in the beginning of the game.' . . . It was like, 'we can do this.' "
Rogers-Healion scored the last three goals for Ward Melville on Friday, including the winner on a free position with 1:47 left in the second overtime, as the Patriots climbed out of a four-goal second-half hole to defeat Bay Shore, 11-10, in the Division I rematch of last year's county final. The Marauders played one, two and, briefly, three girls down from 19:05 left in the second half on, courtesy of six team yellow cards.
"I knew slowly, but surely, we would fight back," Ward Melville coach Kerri Kilkenny said. "I know everyone is going to say, 'oh, they beat them because they were two men up,' but . . . they pulled themselves together, they held their composure and they really preformed at a high level they were supposed to."
Even with the disadvantage, Bay Shore (9-1) scored two straight with a man down, from Amanda Voges and Kyra Harney, to take a 7-3 lead with 17:18 left in regulation. The fifth yellow, with 11:02 left in the second, proved nearly backbreaking, though, as the Patriots (8-2) went out to close the period on a 5-2 run. Ally Tilley's free position with 5:33 to go tied the score at 8, and Rogers-Healion's sidearm missile a minute later gave Ward Melville the advantage.
Bay Shore's Cynthia DelCore scored on a crease-roll bouncer with 3:42 left to force OT, and, with eight seconds left in the first period, Katie Kirk took the feed from DelCore and scored on a 4-meter blast -- good for a 10-9 lead. But strong play from Bay Shore's Shianne Judson and Ward Melville's Emily Ross, the dueling goalies, quashed four other overtime attempts. Ross' contributions in particular gave Rogers-Healion room to work. Her score on Maddy Wollmuth's assist tied the score.
"She came up huge," Rogers-Healion said of Ross, who finished with 11 saves. "She was probably the leading force for us in this game."
Particularly since Ward Melville was forced to play conservatively after the unending spate of yellow cards (the Patriots also got one). Intentional or not, the new pace helped calm a team that Rogers-Healion said was originally "frantic."
Not anymore.
"We want to show that people were kind of underestimating us," Rogers-Healion said. "We lost a few games, but we're in this."


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Angel Amsterdam Spiked Dog Collar - Midnight Blackby Angel
Product has been added to cart
- Hand made with the finest quality of genuine leather
- Ensures comfort with its durable, but soft leather
- Easy access, reinforced centre D-ring for ease of leashing
- Designed with stainless steel spiked studs in multiple rows
- Ideal for large breed dogs
Angel Amsterdam Spiked Dog Collar is made with a multiple spike-line design, and genuine leather for superior comfort and style!
For the real collar connoisseur, these multi-lined spiked collars will have your dog walking proud. Available from 22"- 28", this is the perfect design for almost any large to giant breed dog. This design is constructed of durable, but super-soft genuine cowhide.
Angel Pet Supplies Inc. was founded in 2006 by an ambitious team dedicated to improving the lives of pets. These quality leather pet products are built with safety, esthetics and reasonable prices in mind. The manufacturing process is unique, building humane products that put your pets first.
The designs are all hand made with the finest materials and 100% genuine leather.
Choosing the Right Size Amsterdam Spiked Dog Collar:
|Collar Size
|Neck Size
|Ideal Dog Breeds for Collar Size
|22" x 1½"
|Pit Bull Terrier, Retrievers, Boxer
|24" x 1½"
|Sheppards, Labs, Rottweiler, English/American
|26" x 2"
|Bull Mastiff, Corso
|28" x 2"
|English Mastiff • Saint Bernard & Similar Breeds
- Please note this size chart meant to give general ideas of the collar size in relationship to certain breeds. Because each dog is unique, always measure your dog's neck for the perfect fit.
Washing Instructions:
- 100% Genuine Leather, do not Machine Wash
- When needed, wipe with a damp cloth
- Use leather preserving products periodically
- Not recommended for swimming


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This is from the "Kid President" youtube series. Let the cuteness brighten your day.
Month: March 2014
Small Choices
It is in these small, seemingly inconsequential choices that the battle is won.
Like many of us, I am trying to make healthy choices in my diet and my finances. Many times, I think that the way to improve my life is to make sweeping, drastic changes. The trouble is that I seldom stick with these grandiose plans for more than a few weeks. Or worse, I never find the "right time" to begin them. Sometimes, it's just saying "No!" to that one cookie calling your name.
The more I grow, the more I realize this:
Life isn't made up of big, carefully planned events. It's made up of a thousand thoughtless moments. Make the small choices count!
So what if, I take each moment as it comes. Instead of the overwhelming prospect of saving $1,000 all at once, what if I chose to limit my shopping trip to just one new blouse or pair of shoes, or put a reasonably strict cap on my spending for that month. That way I'm making a conscious choice, a step towards frugality.
The same can be said for developing healthy eating habits. If I am going to have lunch at a sub shop, what is a small way I can make a big difference in the long run? By choosing whole wheat, choosing water instead of diet soda, and perhaps, forgoing the cookie and chips altogether. Focus on filling up on quality calories, not empty ones.


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If youl recall my post Notice of Appeal Filed – Stay of Court Order to Vacate Injunction Stopping Bank of America Foreclosures in Utah Requested
I stated There is something not right here and I think the outcome might surprise us!
Reported by: Kelli O'Hara
Last Update: 1:29 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC 4 News) – "They're foreclosing illegally here in Utah," those were the words of St. George Attorney John Christian Barlow spoken in early June. Barlow at the time had appeared before a Federal Judge arguing that the Banking Giant, Bank of America, was foreclosing illegally in the State of Utah. The Southern Utah Attorney believed that because B.O.A was not a registered business or corporation in the state, they lacked authority to do business here.
Barlow had succeeded in getting a 5th Circuit Court Judge to agree with him; as a result the judge imposed an injunction on all Bank of America foreclosures. Weeks later, the case went before a Federal Judge where B.O.A. argued that they were regulated by Federal Laws not State. Federal Judge Clark Waddoups heard case, and threw out the injunction therefore Bank of America's foreclosure company: ReConTrust was allowed to foreclose once again.
After the decision, ABC4 got a tip about the case and started digging. Our tipster said that the Judge may have a conflict of interest in hearing the B.O.A. cases. Why? Because the Judge Waddoups old law firm represents Bank of America.
We checked into Waddoups background and the Federal Judge did work for Parr,Brown, Gee & Loveless for nearly 30 years. And Waddoups, as of 2008, drew a pension from the law firm. We placed a call to the firm, but they wouldn't comment if the former firm Partner had ever handled B.O.A cases.
Continue reading …ABC4


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Κοινωνικό δίκτυο της Πάρου και Αντιπάρου
Time: July 29, 2017 at 7pm to August 13, 2017 at 11pm
Location: Anti Gallery
Street: Kastro of Antiparos
Website or Map: http://antiartgallery.gr/
Event Type: exhibition/έκθεση
Organized By: Anti Art Gallery
Latest Activity: Aug 9, 2017
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YIANNIS ADAMAKIS was born in 1959 in Piraeus, Greece. He has presented his work in 31 private and many group exhibitions in Greece, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, France, Poland, Turkey and Russia. He also took part in the following international art fairs: ART ATHINA (Athens, Greece,1994, 1998), ART JONCTION (Nice, France, 1997), LINEART (Gent, Belgium, 2000) and ART PARIS (Paris, France, 2004).
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- Fonds
- 1910-1948
The fonds consists of work journals (1910-1948) kept by Daniels at Yarrows shipyards and docking book (1922-1926, 1927-1930, 1940-1942).
Daniels, Arthur John, 1877-1955.
The fonds consists of work journals (1910-1948) kept by Daniels at Yarrows shipyards and docking book (1922-1926, 1927-1930, 1940-1942).
Daniels, Arthur John, 1877-1955.
The fonds consists of correspondence from J.S. Marshall and Company (private researchers) requesting historical information on Yarrows Ltd., carbon copy replies from Izard and Izard's notes on the topic. Fonds includes draft of manuscript "History Project - Yarrows A", with amendments and annotations by E.W. Izard.
Izard, E.W. (Edward Whittaker), b. 1888
The fonds consists of personal and business correspondence, receipts, financial records, diary (1961), booklet containing ship information kept by George Cramb as an employee of Yarrows Ltd., photographs of the Cramb family and of repairs to various ships, blueprints and drawings. Fonds includes certificates and miscellaneous papers of Lillian Mary Cramb.
Cramb (family)
The fonds consists of Turner's correspondence files as surveyor, including correspondence with the Department of Transport, Registrars of Shipping and others concerning surveying and tonnage specifications. Fonds includes correspondence and plans with Yarrows Ltd., plans by Raymond H. Richards, Naval Architect, and plans of the oil fuel float for the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Photographs are general views of salvage of tugs and salvage operations. Painting is of the tug Sudbury II.
Turner, Norman
The fonds consists of photographs of salvage operations (1906-1910) carried out by the Bullen Dockyard (B.C. Marine Railway Company), of the first vessels salvaged by Yarrows Limited, of other ships and salvage vessels, of Admiral Sir John E. Commerell, and of the SS Princess Louise on the Fraser River (1899).
Bullen (family)
Maritime Museum of British Columbia ships plans collection
The collection consists of ship's plans predominantly of vessels on the West Coast of Canada, including ships constructed and repaired at shipyards of Yarrows Limited (Esquimalt, B.C.) and the Victoria Machinery Depot. Many of the plans were received from these two firms. The collection includes plans of Canadian Pacific Princess and Empress ships.


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You Can Blame Portugal For Japanese Tempura
England and Japan have a lot in common. For instance, they're both known for very formal social manners and, at the same time, for their love of nature.
And England and Japan are both fond of deep-fried batter-coated fish: fish and chips and tempura, respectively. Could this, like their shared taste for plain cooking, be another consequence of being island nations?
No, it's simpler than that. Both countries picked up the recipe from Portuguese visitors in the 16th and 17th centuries.
It's pretty well known that Portuguese merchants introduced tempura to Japan. They were in the habit of eating fried fish during the religious seasons ("tempora") of abstinence from meat.
Deep frying had been a standard way of cooking fish in Spain and Portugal for hundreds of years, as we know from the recipes for fried fish in egg batter that appear in 13th- century Spanish Arabic cookbooks.
But it's not so well known how batter-fried fish became part of the English diet. It was brought by Portuguese Jews escaping the Inquisition. Having fled first to the Netherlands, they went on in the 16th and particularly the 17th centuries to England, where their religious freedom was assured.
"Jewish fried fish" (which was originally served cold, by the way) was admired by 19th-century English food writers, and even Thomas Jefferson developed a taste for it; a recipe shows up in his personal recipe collection.
There were a lot of fried-fish stands in 19th-century England. The combination of fish and chips arose in the 1860s, after Irish immigrants introduced the fried potato shop to London.


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Symptoms That you have A Blocked Sinus
Every part of the body is very important as each of these parts carry out a particular perform that makes you capable of carrying out the things in your daily living. Once a component will be damaged or deterioration, it will definitely affect not just the productivity of your work but also the main body as well. So that if you feel like there is something obstructing within your air passages especially your sinus and it is hard to discharge like clog, you may be having a clogged nose already.
Among the basic as well as common signs and symptoms that you have a blocked sinus is headache. First it will start with a feeling that something is actually blocking the nose, then you will out of the blue feel that your face pulses are pulsating with pain as well as the particular bulging of the eyes thus providing you with fish eyes. As the eye get bulged, extreme pain on the top location are going to be felt in which even looking at a dim lit room are going to be very painful to the eye balls. Mere contact of the eye with any kind of light will be painful.
Medically, sinusitis or clogged sinuses is due to the clogged air passage methods in your nostrils which refuses the carrying out of oxygen in order to reach the brain. Once oxygen doesn't reach the brain, the brain will not achieve the normal process of o2 circulation which causes the headache. This headache is not the typical headache that you experience when you are getting exhaustion. This can be a severe kind of headaches that cannot you should be treated with simple Paracetamol.
Sinuvil: All-Natural Treatment for Sinus PainSinuvil Sinus Relief Package consists of calming homeopathic drops, and all-natural supplement, created to help target the source of sinus inflamation. Sinuvil includes only the pharma-grade quality active ingredients that have been scientifically formulated to deliver the best results. Sinuvil's active ingredients have been used for hundreds of years to support healthy sinus cavity, helping in reducing swelling and sinus pain and support respiratory health. Decreasing swelling and supporting healing has been shown to relieve the pain and flare-ups related to sinus infection.
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Symptoms of Sinus Infection Explained
http://www.sinusinfectionhomeremedy101.com/ Having any type of unrelenting headache can cause major problems in a person's life. Not only does it make it ...
Sinusitis or signs showing that you are going through sinusitis like the ones mentioned above should be checked up by a health care provider. Although there are some cases which sinusitis is going to be made easier by Paracetamol, this is probably because the sinusitis is not yet that serious. In many instances, Doctors do not suggest that you take just any dosage of medicine to relieve the pain. There are specific medicines as well as doses which shall handle sinusitis. Blocked sinuses are now and again due to the coldness of weather or even climate change or the hotness of the weather, either way may trigger your own sinusitis.
How Does Sinusitis Dizziness Occur? Suffering from sinusitis can also make you feel dizzy. This is commonly known as sinusitis dizziness. Since the sinuses tend to be painful when experiencing sinusitis, nasal passages tend to be blocked. As a result, mucus cannot be drained...
Can Also be Caused and Triggered by Dust or the Inhalation of Strong Perfume
Sinusitis is also common to end up being experienced by heavy smokers or public vehicle drivers due to the toxic that is inhaled. Nose headache symptoms tend to be one of the most common symptoms felt by these kinds of drivers and heavy smokers. The clogging of the nose as well as the human brain nerves which seems to be tangled up producing your head large as well as your eyes bulging.
Sinus head ache symptoms won't pain you wholly at one instance, it will pulsate first at the side portions of your face. Then you will feel that the pain goes down to your nape most part of the head. Once the pulsating of those nose headache symptoms start at the nape most part, it will spread through the entire head producing your mouth numb together with soreness. When you feel each one of these, it is best to talk to your doctor immediately in order that proper medicine is going to be approved.
Michael Corben wishes to help people who are suffering from chronic sinusitis get cured the natural way. If you'd like to learn more about blocked sinus, go to http://www.mysinusproblemsecrets.com.


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Wild Wing Wednesday
Date: Aug 5 2020, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Samuel Adams Brewhouse - Goldstone Rd. Bldg. 37 Fort Irwin 92310 Google Map
Finally a reason to be excited about Wednesdays! For just $15.00 and the purchase of a beverage, enjoy all you can eat wings and a side of fries. Wings will be served in orders of 10 with your choice of Boneless or Bone in. Wings will be served until close, you must be present between 4-6 p.m. to receive a wrist band to participate in this offer.
*Restrictions Apply, Subject to availability. Offer good with any beverage purchase. Dine in only - no Togo bags, no sharing, no double orders, additional dipping sauces $0.50. Management has the right to refuse or modify service at any time for any reason. Please drink responsibly.
- Tel: +1 (760)380-1253
- Military DSN Tel: (312)470-1253


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A Pair of Stickers (Both Passenger and Driver Side Fenders) - Black APR Section with Silver Stripe.
This die cut vinyl design was created in house for use on APR's fleet of employee and R&D vehicles and is now available to the public. Each set includes a passenger and driver side decal that is intentionally longer than necessary to allow fitment on nearly all vehicles after trimming. Simply choose the color combination that works best with the vehicle's paint scheme and enjoy!
© 2001 - 2020 Eurocode Tuning. All rights reserved.


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Dale Carnegie once said, "A person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language."
We are constantly meeting new people, and the task of remembering the names of everyone you meet can seem daunting. But when you meet someone for the second time and can greet them by name– it is one of the best ways to make a favorable impression and build a lasting relationship.
Here are some tips to help you win at the name game:
- Focus – You can only remember a name if you actually hear it. If you aren't paying attention, you won't register the person's name and you can't possibly remember it. Focus on paying attention to the person's name when you first hear it and forming an impression of that person.
- Repeat – When you hear someone's name repeat it out loud as soon as possible. Repeating the name will help engrave it in your memory. Use it immediately, repeat it to yourself silently, use it occasionally in conversation, comment on it or use it when you leave.
- "It's a pleasure to meet you, Jennifer"
- "What do you think of tonight's event, Bill?"
- "It was great to meet you, Stacy. I hope to see you at the next meeting"
- Associate – Try to associate the person's face with an image, sound or feeling the name suggests. If something doesn't pop up right away, don't worry, just by trying to associate the name you are reinforcing it in your memory.
- If you favor visual images, try creating an image linking the name to a physical characteristic.
o Mr. Hill – Imagine a small mountain on his large forehead.
o Archer – Visualize an archer firing a red arrow into Archer's red hair.
o Chuck – Envision a duck sitting on Chuck's head.
- If you are more comfortable with sounds, make a rhyme or song lyric associating the name with an observation about the person.
o Dave needs a shave.
o Jack has a strong back.
o Paul likes to play ball.
- If you prefer sensory feelings to remember, try linking the name to the impression the person gives you or to a reaction you have to the person.
o Paul Sheck is a pain in the neck.
o Paula is sweet.
- Ask – If you forget someone's name or aren't sure on the pronunciation, just ask them. It is much better to acknowledge your forgetfulness than call them by the wrong name. Asking shows you care.
- "I'm sorry I missed your name. Can you give it to me again?"
- "I'm sorry, but would you mind spelling your name for me?"
Remembering other people's names is more than just good manners. It is good business, smart networking and the first step to building successful relationships. Next time you're out meeting new people, try some of these tips and you will be sure to win at the name game.


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DPharm,BPharm,MPharm @ Himalayan Pharmacy Inst.
Institute: Himalayan Pharmacy Institute, Sikkim
Diploma in pharmacy (D.Pharm.): 2 years duration. Approved intake -60. Affiliated to EADP, the State Board of Sikkim and approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) & AICTE.
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.): 4 years duration. Approved intake - 60. Affiliated for the Sikkim University and approved by the All India Council for Tech. Education (AICTE) and Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
Master of Pharmacy (MPharm): Duration: 2 years (4 Semester)
1) Pharmaceutics - 18 seats
2) Pharmacognosy – 18 seats
3) Pharmacology - 10 seats
4) Pharmacutical Analisis & Quality Assurence - 18 seats
DPharm: Passed 10+2 Examination in Science stream securing a min. of 50% marks in PCM or PCB from a recognized Board with a relaxation of 5% marks for the candidates belonging to ST/SC category.
BPharm: Passed 10+2 Examination in Science stream securing a min. of 50% marks in PCM or PCB from any recognized Board/University.Those who have passed the Diploma in Pharmacy from any Institute recognized by PCI are eligible for direct admission into the 2nd year B.Pharm Classes.
MPharm: Passed B.Pharm from any Indian University/Institute recognized by AICTE and PCI with minimum of 60% aggregate marks in B.Pharm Examination. Candidates who are qualified in GATE examination will be given the preference.
Selection process: First come first serve basis
How to apply: Candidate may apply in advance in the prescribed application form obtained from the office of the Institution on payment of the application fee of Rs. 250/- (Rupees Two hundred and fifty) only in cash or in form of D.D. in favour of the "Himalayan Pharmacy Institute" payable at SBI, Majhitar Branch (code 9034). The application form may also be downloaded from the website and the submission of the downloaded from must accompany the cost of the application form i.e. Rs. 250/- (Rupees Two hundred and fifty) only in form of D.D. in favour of the "Himalayan Pharmacy Institute" payable at SBI, Majhitar Branch (code 9034).
Click here to download application form
Himalayan Pharmacy Institute
Majitar, Rangpo,East Sikkim
India – 737136
Phone: 03592-246462, 8670408670
Email: email@example.com
Website: http://www.res.ac.in


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Mauritius is the new property 'hot spot' for foreign investors
A recent relaxation of the rules governing Mauritian property and residency has seen a dramatic surge in the number of foreigners investing in the Indian Ocean island.
A small country of just 1.2m people, Mauritius is increasingly recognised as one of the leading African markets for foreign investors. The sudden rise in interest from expatriates is largely attributed to a relaxing of the laws relating to buying property on the island, which set a lower threshold of $500,000 for obtaining residency on the island. The government has reported a significant rise in the numbers of South Africans, in particular, buying up local properties chiefly along Mauritius' exceptional coastline.
By several measures Mauritius is already the leading African economy, with the highest GDP per capita of $25,700, according to New World Wealth report. The World Economic Forum also ranks Mauritius as the most competitive market in Africa. The country ranks 25th internationally in the World Bank's table for the ease of doing business, and is one of Africa's fastest-growing economies.
Theo Pietersen, from local property agency Seeff Mauritius, explained to South Africa's BusinessTech: "It is an idyllic Indian Ocean Island destination, close to the continent and is arguably the top offshore property attraction for South Africans. With the property legislation changed to encourage more investment in property along with an aggressive economic and investment strategy, the country intends to further cement its position as the new luxury destination on the African continent."
A life on the ocean (property) wave
James Bowling, chief executive officer of residency and citizenship by investment facilitator Monarch & Co, said that non-Mauritian citizens are now eligible for residency permits upon the purchase of a property under the government's Property Development Scheme (PDS) with a minimum investment value of $500,000. Mauritius has no Capital Gains Tax, dividends or inheritance tax and a universal tax rate of 15%.
"You can now get into the market from as little as $176,000 (around 6m Mauritian rupees, excluding taxes and legal fees) for a beach property that would be popular for rentals and around R2.3m for a commercial office," said Pietersen. He pointed out that obtaining permanent residency would require higher levels of investment.
"With so much going for it, Mauritius is truly the new property hot spot on the continent," Pietersen said. Much of the renewed interest is coming from South Africa, where direct flights depart daily to Port Louis on flight times of under 5 hours.


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In the article "The Wonders of Educational Blogging: Solving Classroom Issues with Edmodo" the author, Patricia Thibaut, explains the benefits to using the social networking sites in the classroom and more specifically Edmodo. Edmodo is a site that is basically an educational version of Facebook. It is formatted the same way and provides a platform for teachers and students to interact in a safer, more educational way. The author of the article did a study with a group of students and a teacher in a sixth grade classroom. The study ended up showing the benefits of students using social networking, especially on a school safe site like Edmodo. Thibaut mentioned that students often feel that interacting on social media sites is less stressful. The students can think about their answers or arguments and have more time to contribute. It also provides an opportunity for students who do not feel comfortable participating in class to give their opinions. The author continuously reiterated the idea that while students are communicating back and forth they are given more ownership of their knowledge. Most people learn better when they are forced to explain things to others and Edmodo does this exactly this. By students making posts, creating games, etc. they are having to explain or show their knowledge in a way that becomes more than just memorizing facts. The social interactions among peers is also a huge benefit and creates a collaborative environment where students are constructing their own knowledge. Another social benefit was that students were receiving feedback from other students, whereas in a normal setting students often only receive feedback from their teachers. This created a more motivating and positive environment in the classroom.
I personally have created an Edmodo account and I played around with it, but it never went further than that. I have also created a classroom blog to use for literature circles, but it was only for a short period of time and it was limited to only guided reading time. I absolutely love the idea of students commenting back and forth, similar to the twitter chat activity completed in class. Edmodo also provides a grading system along with games teachers can use as review. There are also opportunities for students to create games for their classmates. I think this is a fantastic way for students to show their knowledge, more than just answering questions on a test. I am also always looking for ways to let those quieter students shine, especially when they often have great ideas that go unheard. This is a great tool to support those students. After reading this article, I really was excited to go and start playing around with Edmodo to test it out in my classroom this upcoming year.
Thibaut, P. (2015). Social network sites with learning purposes: Exploring new spaces for literacy and learning in the primary classroom. Australian Journal of Language & Literacy, 38(2), 83-94. doi:103157128
27 June 2017
Exploring Technology Tools in the Classroom - An Article Review 2nd Edition
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Download VCard
Phone: 786-294-6002
Fax: 305-370-6622
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Phone: 786-294-6002
Fax: 305-370-6622
"The most interesting thing about being an attorney is that each day presents a new challenge, each case a new test, and each obstacle a new problem that needs to be solved. It is empowering to be able to challenge myself on a daily basis."
Ms. Blanco directs her practice primarily in the areas of insurance defense litigation, business litigation, and commercial litigation. Her main responsibilities at the firm largely consist of representing and advising clients on the various stages of the litigation process, proposing strategies throughout each case, recognizing opportunities for settlement and performing settlement negotiations, as well as preparing herself and her clients for trial.
"Having graduated law school in less than three years while working part time and taking more than the recommended credits each semester, I know that I possess the necessary skills to juggle many cases that span various legal issues simultaneously in order to achieve the best result for my clients."
Ms. Blanco's greatest professional accomplishment occurred while working in the Startup Practicum during law school where she was able to help an individual who was being taken advantage of by the larger company he was licensing his technology to. Ms. Blanco helped revise the Non-Disclosure and Licensing Agreements so that the terms of the agreements were not all favoring the larger company. Representing this client taught Ms. Blanco how important hard work and attention to detail are to the services she provides each and every day to her clients.
University of Miami School of Law, J.D. 2018, Cum Laude
• Business Innovation of Law and Technology Concentration
• Deans Merit Scholarship
• Carlos A. Vazquez Memorial Scholarship in Litigation Skills Workshop
• Inter-American Law Review
• Startup Practicum
• Research Assistant
University of Florida, B.S., 2015, Cum Laude
• Minors in Spanish, Mass Communication, and Entrepreneurship
• Deans List
• Bright Futures Scholarship
The Florida Bar, 2018
The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you FREE written information about our qualifications and experience. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship.


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If you're a tourist visiting Amsterdam, there's no doubt that you want a photo in front of the iconic "I Amsterdam" letters to show all your friends how well traveled and cultured you are, right?! One problem: where exactly in Amsterdam are these letters located?
Look no further than the Rijksmuseum, a national museum located in Museum Square, South of Amsterdam. The museum is right by the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. Behind the Rijksmuseum is where the first I Amsterdam sculpture was erected. Since then, an additional set of letters was placed in the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Apparently these letters travel throughout Amsterdam, showing up at various events and exhibitions, so you might want to double check the location before heading out on an across-the-city adventure to find them. Though, let's be honest, Amsterdam isn't that big. You can make it from one end of the city to the other on a bicycle in about 20 minutes.
On a nice, warm summers day this area will be absolutely packed with tourists trying to take their photograph with the sculpture. However, we went there on a cloudy evening and it was quite desolate. Though the weather wasn't ideal for picture-taking, I did appreciate that there weren't ten other tourists in my photos.
You can bring some food and drink, and sit on the grass further back and people watch for a bit before going to explore the surrounding museums.
My other posts from Amsterdam:
Accommodation In Amsterdam
A Visit To The Anne Frank Museum
"Get Experienced" At The Heineken Experience Brewery Tour


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This is a Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus). This isn't the best photograph. It was taken in the rain. But normally you get photos of them from the side and rarely get a shot of them straight behind. So I thought I would include it because it is nice to see the feather pattern from behind.
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I ran across this infographic on ReadWriteWeb, which shows a breakdown of mobile operating systems in use by countries across the world. (Click for full size on readwriteweb.netdna-cdn.com.)
What strikes me is how it speaks to knowing your target audience. If you are developing an app to reach the English-speaking world, developing for the BlackBerry, Droid and Apple OS will cover virtually everyone.
But if you are trying to reach developing markets—China, Brazil, India—then you must develop for the Nokia platform, which is virtually unused in the English-speaking world except for a small percentage in Australia, and might consider Samsung as well, another OS that has not penetrated the English-speaking market.
All in all, it is quiet remarkable to see how fragmented the mobile OS market is. And according to Deloitte, the market will remain that way for the near future.
(The image is made available by http://www.icrossing.co.uk/ under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.)


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Aidan asks - do we want self-aware organisations or would we rather they stayed in a more predictable place?
Who then are the stakeholders for awareness and self-awareness? Who are the stakeholders for prediction and predictability?
There are clearly worlds in which these goals conflict to some extent. Meanwhile, there are worlds in which they are complementary.
When we inhabit a world with conflicting goals, should we expect our leaders to show us the way to a world where these goals can be reconciled?


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So the theme I've chosen today is the Scottish Highlands, or perhaps more specifically, cattle in the Scottish Highlands. For me there's just something special about these postcards. Part of it is the beautiful use of colour, particularly in the second card, but also the feeling that I could almost be there when I look at the picture.
The first postcard is called Midst Hill and Heather, and is published by Raphael Tuck, number 9441.
The second postcard is an Olio postcard and was published by A.G.&Co., number 0293.
Sepia Saturday 532 : 8 August 2020
4 hours ago


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Toronto legal secretary Debbie Klavir-Donda and her aunt, Shelagh Klavir, a travel agent, are preparing to welcome about 100 relatives to a family reunion next month at a resort in Huntsville, Ont.
With the exception of their own small family circle in Toronto, all of the various Klavir relatives are flying in for the "reunion" — a word that Debbie admits she is using very loosely, since these family members have never been united before.
They are coming from Argentina, Brazil, Hawaii, Israel, Ireland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and all across the United States. One of their relatives from Holland, and his fiancee from Australia, plan to get married at the reunion. The couple, whom Shelagh describes as "baal t'shuvah Lubavitchers," are bringing their rabbi to Huntsville for the ceremony.
Less than two years ago, Shelagh and Debbie knew of only a handful of cousins. Then, in October 1997, an Israeli genealogist named Meyer Denn contacted them, seeking Klavers — alternately spelled Klawir and Klavier, among other variants. The name has even been anglicized as Glover.
Did their family come from Lublin, Denn asked? Debbie and Shelagh responded that the family had come from Warsaw, and had immigrated to Ireland.
"Ireland was evidently the magic word that allowed Meyer Denn to make an instant connection," Shelagh recalls. "He had traced the family back to about 1750, to a couple named Moishe and Itty Klaver in Lublin. They had 14 children, three of whom immigrated to Ireland with their families."
The name Klaver, incidentally, came from the piano-like instrument, and was acquired because some ancestors manufactured pianos in the 18th century. Debbie, intrigued by the stories she was learning about her roots, established a family newsletter, named Klaver Notes with the musical motif in mind.
She also volunteered to organize the first Klaver family reunion.
"I'm the sole organizer of this thing," she says. "The logistics of it all were overwhelming at first. We're expecting about 100 people and I've never met one of them. I have written to, corresponded with, and spoken to all of them over the past year, but I don't know any of their faces."
It was only about five weeks ago that her Dutch cousin announced that he and his fiancee would like to be married at the reunion. One doesn't have to be a genealogist to understand how irresistible such an idea can be. What better occasion to wed than at a unique family gathering that honors and remembers a lineage going back 250 years?
Now Debbie is gladly helping to organize the wedding as a central event within the four-day reunion. "It's a glatt-kosher wedding," she says. "I've had to find someone to provide glatt kosher sushi for 90 people."
Meyer Denn, the Israeli genealogist, is one of several family researchers who are hoping to make new discoveries at the reunion. Debbie, however, intends to concentrate on the logistics of welcoming 100 relatives from all around the world, and says she will be pleased to leave the genealogical research to the experts.
The first bus is scheduled to carry participants from Toronto to the Grandview Resort in Huntsville early in the afternoon of Friday July 23. Shelagh, responsible for the Friday night wine list, is making sure to include some Manischewitz along with the various Rieslings and Chardonnays.
Despite the organizational challenges, Debbie seems as upbeat and excited as Shelagh is about the upcoming reunion. "This has brought such richness into our lives," says Shelagh. "I can't tell you what it's done for us."
Soon they will put faces to the names, and give ear and voice, alternately, to the family stories that have been waiting for just such an occasion to emerge. For most participants, a reunion like this, involving such long-separated branches of a family tree, can only be an intensely interesting and dramatic event, with many unseen, and perhaps even mystical, effects and overtones. ♦
© 2001


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This game is brought to you by our sponsors. It is always free. NO TIME LIMITS!
You will be offered to install MyPlayCity Games Search Chrome Extension with convenient internet search.
Oriental Dreams is exactly the game which proves that the atmosphere plays an enormous role in the game process. When you start the game you are already so deeply involved in it that it seems impossible to cease. Mysterious music and sound effects take you way in the enigmatic world of dreams and lost memories. You find yourself in the unknown place and can't even remember who you are and how you got here. Now collect the various objects while passing numerous game levels and try to get you memory back! It seems the tasks are never the same and you never know what is waiting for you during the next level. The frame is always the same - in Oriental Dreams you match the balls of the same color on the board and when you fail to vanish the three balls with one move the new balls appear. Sounds simple? Not at least! The tasks vary from simple matching the illuminating balls to releasing the fragments surrounded by numerous balls. You should not also forget about powerful bonuses helping you with either matching or destroying. But bonus activating process doesn't make your life easier. For instance, to get the bomb on the board you have to destroy six red balls in a row and magic jug requires seven purple balls in a row. The difference in one ball has great impact as you usually move off only 3 balls simultaneously. The game play is sometimes interrupted by mini-games like matching the pieces of the pictures or hidden objects ones. What are you waiting for? Download Oriental Dreams for free and enjoy the mysterious atmosphere of the game!


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A class of ownership in a corporation that has a higher claim on its assets and earnings than common stock. Preferred shares generally have a dividend that must be paid out before dividends to common shareholders, and the shares usually do not carry voting rights. Learn more here: http://508fi.org/learn/preferred-stock
A security that represents ownership in a corporation. Holders of common stock exercise control by electing a board of directors and voting on corporate policy. Common stockholders are on the bottom of the priority ladder for ownership structure. In the event of liquidation, common shareholders have rights to a company's assets only after bondholders, preferred shareholders and other debtholders have been paid in full. Learn more here: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/commonstock.asp
A convertible note is short-term debt that converts into equity. In the context of seed financing, the debt typically automatically converts into shares of preferred stock upon the closing of a Series A round of financing. In other words, investors loan money to a startup as its first round of funding; and then rather than get their money back with interest, the investors receive shares of preferred stock as part of the startup's initial preferred stock financing, based on the terms of the note. Learn more here: http://techcrunch.com/2012/04/07/convertible-note-seed-financings/
Unlike a convertible note, a safe is not a debt instrument. Because the money invested in a startup vie a safe is not a loan, it will not accrue interest. Learn more here: https://www.ycombinator.com/documents/
The online offering of private company securities to a group of people for investment. Equity crowdfunding enables broad groups of investors to fund startup companies and small businesses in return for equity.
FINRA is dedicated to investor protection and market Integrity through effective and efficient regulation of the securities industry. FINRA is not part of the government, it's an independent, not-for-profit organization authorized by Congress to protect America's investors by making sure the securities industry operates fairly and honestly. Learn more here: http://www.finra.org/about
The mission of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. The SEC oversees the key participants in the securities world, including securities exchanges, securities brokers and dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds. Here the SEC is concerned primarily with promoting the disclosure of important market-related information, maintaining fair dealing, and protecting against fraud. Learn more here: http://www.sec.gov/about/whatwedo.shtml
General solicitation is the act of marketing a capital raise publicly. Rule 506(c) permits issuers to engage in general solicitation so long as they take reasonable steps to verify that all purchasers are "accredited investors" as defined in Rule 501(a) under Regulation D. Learn more here: http://www.fdh.com/bulletin/TweetReJOBSAct
A situation in which an entrepreneur starts a company with little capital. An individual is referred to as boot strapping when he or she attempts to found and build a company from personal finances or from the operating revenues of the new company.
Raising the initial capital used to start a business. The amount of money is usually relatively small because the business is still in the conceptual stage.
The first round of financing undergone for a new business venture after the seed round funding.
Money provided by investors to startup firms with perceived long-term growth potential.
Individuals who invest in early stage or start-up companies in exchange for an equity ownership interest.
The executive summary is often considered the most important section of a business plan. This section briefly tells your reader where your company is, where you want to take it, and why your business idea will be successful. If you are seeking financing, the executive summary is also your first opportunity to grab a potential investor's interest. For tips on drafting an executive summary visit: https://www.sba.gov/content/business-plan-executive-summary
A non-binding agreement setting forth the basic terms and conditions under which an investment will be made. A term sheet serves as a template to develop more detailed legal documents. Once the parties involved reach an agreement on the details laid out in the term sheet, a binding agreement or contract that conforms to the term sheet details is then drawn up. Learn more here: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/termsheet.asp
Refers to the value of a company not including external funding or the latest round of funding.
The value of the company including outside financing or the latest injection of funding. Learn more here: http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/114.asp
The JOBS Act immediately created the concept of an emerging growth company (EGC) to encourage public offerings by small and developing companies. EGCs must have total annual gross revenue of less than $1 billion and are subject to less stringent regulatory and reporting requirements. The designation is elective; issuers that qualify as EGCs are not required to become EGCs. EGCs would retain special treatment until reaching any of the following milestones:
Title II of the JOBS Act, which became effective in 2013, lifted the ban on general solicitation for private securities offerings under the Rule 506(c) exemption of Regulation D. But 506(c) offerings are open only to accredited investors. Learn more here: https://www.financialpoise.com/accreditedinvestormarkets/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-securities-crowdfunding/
On Oct. 30, 2015 the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted final rules to permit companies to offer and sell securities through equity crowdfunding for non-accredited investors. Individual investors, over a 12-month period, can invest in the aggregate across all equity crowdfunding offerings up to:
During the 12-month period, the aggregate amount of securities sold to an investor through all equity crowdfunding offerings may not exceed $100,000. Learn more here: http://www.bkd.com/docs/pdf/Update-on-JOBS-Act.pdf
Title IV of the JOBS Act required the SEC to adopt or amend regulations to encourage capital formation without requiring an SEC registration statement. The JOBS Act creates a new category of public offering, exempt from registration requirements, of up to $50 million in a 12-month period. This change will allow companies to conduct public offerings in a shorter period of time, and with lower associated costs than with more traditional public offerings. On December 18, 2013, the SEC released the proposed rules, expanding Regulation A into two tiers and making minor updates to existing Regulation A requirements. Offerings in both tiers are subject to the same basic requirements relating to issuer eligibility and disclosure. The proposal retains the concept of "eligible issuer"—nonreporting companies organized in the U.S. or Canada, excluding investment companies and delinquent filers. Eligible types of securities include equity, debt and convertible but would exclude asset-backed securities, which would be covered under Regulation AB. Learn more here: http://www.bkd.com/docs/pdf/Update-on-JOBS-Act.pdf
Safe doc:
Preferred stock agreement:
Common stock agreement:
Convertible note:
Pitch deck example:
|Type of Offering
|Dollar Limit
|Manner of Offering
|Issuer and Investor Requirements
|Filing Requirement
|Restriction on Resale
|Blue Sky Exemption
|Rule 506 (c)
|General solicitation permitted, provided that all purchasers are accredited investors.
|All investors must be accredited investors. Issuer must take reasonable steps to verify accredited investor status.
|File Form D with the SEC no later than 15 days after first sale.
|Restricted Securities.
|No need to comply with state blue-sky laws. Most states require a notice filing.
|Rule 506 (b)
|No general solicitation or general advertising.
|Unlimited number of accredited investors and up to 35 non-accredited investors that are sophisticated.
|File Form D with the SEC no later than 15 days after first sale.
|Restricted Securities.
|No need to comply with state blue-sky laws. Most states require a notice filing.
|Tier 1 Regulation A
|$20 million within prior 12 months but no more than $6 million by selling security holders.
|"Testing the water" permitted before and after filing Form 1-A. Sales permitted after Form 1-A qualified.
|Eligible issuer. No investor requirement.
|File test-the-waters documents, Form 1-A, any sales material and report of sales and use of proceeds with the SEC.
|Not restricted securities.
|Subject to state blue-sky laws regarding pre-offering review, filing, and anti-fraud.
|Tier 2 Regulation A
|$50 million within the prior 12 months, but no more than $15 million by selling security holders.
|"Testing the water" permitted before and after filing Form 1-A. Sales permitted after Form 1-A qualified.
|Eligible issuer. No investor requirement; however, investors who are natural persons and are not accredited investors are subject to an investment limit.
|File test-the-waters documents, Form 1-A, any sales material and report of sales and use of proceeds with the SEC. Issuer subject to ongoing reporting requirements.
|Not restricted securities.
|Not subject to state blue-sky laws regarding pre-offering review, however, subject to state blue-sky filing and anti-fraud requirements.
|Regulation Crowdfunding
|Up to $1 million in a 12-month period.
|Offering must be made solely through broker/dealer, or a funding portal.
|Issuers are not reporting companies, not fund, and not subject to disqualification.
|Requires the preparation of a Form C, which resembles a Form 1-A.
|Subject to certain transfer restrictions for one year.
|No need to comply with state blue-sky laws.
CoinZoom Securities can assist with your capital raising needs starting with the company's offering materials, the eventual closing, and everything in between. We make sure that the Reg. A+ offering is compliant with all the applicable regulatory requirements.
CoinZoom Securities's online investing platform was created to make capital raising seamless. We help manage the process so that you can do what you do best: grow your business. The CoinZoom Securities platform is able to do everything online for investors. We enable document execution, verify investor identities, suitability testing, investor communication, perform anti-money-laundering checks and provide an escrow account to easily track the transfer of funds.
Instant Verification includes identity verification and instantly authenticates businesses and individuals.
Investor funding Options include:
From FINRA:
An acquisition is a corporate action in which a company buys most, if not all, of the target company's ownership stakes in order to assume control. Acquisitions are often made as part of a company's growth strategy whereby it is more beneficial to take over an existing firm's operations and niche compared to expanding on its own. Acquisitions are often paid in cash, the acquiring company's stock or a combination of both. Learn more here: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/acquisition.asp
An initial public offering (IPO) is the first sale of stock by a private company to the public. IPOs are often issued by smaller, younger companies seeking the capital to expand, but can also be done by large privately owned companies looking to become publicly traded. In an IPO, the issuer obtains the assistance of an underwriting firm, which helps it determine what type of security to issue (common or preferred), the best offering price and the time to bring it to market. Learn more here: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/ipo.asp


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DjBangz has not received any gifts yet
Posted on July 15, 2019 at 7:47am 0 Comments 0 Likes
New Music from Cali artist Dwizz ThaKidd got the heads moving putting reality into music, she's beginning to make waves!!
Follow her Instagram Official Site…Continue
Posted on August 9, 2018 at 3:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
TheReal92HipHop On Demand Live from TheReal92OnDemand on Vimeo.
The ever changing platform of music. By now most artist and indie labels should know streaming is the…Continue
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Playing this song here on our station getting crazy reviews. BiggKen being blunt on what he wants to do (Tonight)
Twitter & Instagram @ogbiggken…Continue


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Emergency Medical Systems provides EMS care that is professional, cost-effective and accountable to the communities
in which it serves. Prairie EMS believes that
each community has its own unique needs
for ambulance service, these needs are taken into consideration when
providing effective care. In 2017 Rob Hargreaves made the decision to
resign from his service in EMS. Rob has
left a legacy of community service and patient care, Prairie EMS is proud to
continue Rob's vision of community service and high standards of patient care to
the communities we serve.
As of January 2018, Prairie EMS under Medavie Health Services joined with Guardian Ambulance and MD Ambulance to form Medavie Health Services West. Prarie EMS now as the Northeast Division of Medavie Health Services West, is excited to continue serving communities across Northeastern Alberta.


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Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council will be holding two public meetings in the Brownlow area of Craigavon this fortnight as it forges ahead with implementing its play strategy and delivering its ambitious programme of improving outdoor play provision for all children across the borough.
With a public meeting organised in the Moyraverty and Tullygally areas, residents in each locality are encouraged to engage with the council and play an active role in bringing exciting play development proposals to fruition.
The Moyraverty play park meeting will be held on Thursday 20 September at 7pm in Drumgor Detached Youth Centre (formerly Moyraverty Community Centre), followed by the Tullygally play park meeting on Thursday 27 September at 7pm in Tullygally Youth Centre.
These public meetings present a unique opportunity for members of the local community to share their views on site preference, design and layout of the play park along with choice of play equipment.
The council is committed to ensuring its extensive portfolio of play parks are maintained to the highest standards, developed to meet local need and well designed to provide quality play experiences for children in all parts of the borough.


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Title: Kings or Pawns (Steps of Power, The Kings: Book I)
Genre: Fantasy
Author: J.J. Sherwood
Website: www.StepsofPower.com
Publisher: Silver Helm
Purchase at Amazon
Kings or Pawns is the first novel in the Steps of Power series. It takes place after two very significant events in the world—the continental division between the human and elven races after the betrayal and death of Aersadore's hero, Eraydon, and the recent Royal Schism that has left the elven nation's politics even more corrupted than was prior. The new elven king, Hairem, is determined to overcome the council's corruption and restore the elven lands, but he has far more to contend with than just the politics within the capital: an assassin has begun killing those loyal to him, a rebelling warlord threatens the city from without, and an unknown beast devastates the king's forces at every turn. There are multiple points of view—the youthful and naïve king Hairem; the mute and spunky servant girl, Alvena; the mysterious and arrogant foreigner, Sellemar; and the cynical, dry-humored General Jikun.
Chapter One
Seven hundred forty-five hard fought days and seven hundred forty-four miserable nights they had borne to return to this place. Now the sun that arose from the horizon was more vivid and welcoming than any sunrise Jikun had seen on any day before. The sky was golden, radiating a warmth of color that cut through the cold spring morning fog like a blade. The ancient trees that lined the wide dirt road and covered the surrounding landscape shook off little drops of water as a fragrant breeze gently wove toward the elves' greatest city on Sevrigel: Elvorium, the seat of the Council of Elves.
"Forgive my cliché, but isn't that a sight for sore eyes?" grinned his captain. "The gods certainly know how to remind you of what you are fighting for, do they not, General?"
"That they do, Navon," Jikun inhaled deeply. Even the stench of blood and rotting leather from one hundred fifty thousand soldiers could not conceal the pleasant aromas twisting their way toward him from across the canyon: at long last, through the final trees skirting the edge of the forest behind him, Jikun's eyes could see the breadth of the Sel'varian city, plainly visible in the center of the cliff side that jutted out into a "V" shape over the canyon. At the end of the precipice, settled between two rivers that cascaded over the edge of the cliff, was the palace of the king.
A roar of relief and excitement arose from behind the general and his captain. Several helmets dared sail past the two, ringing as they bounced off the stone bridge before them to drop like stones into the canyon below.
"Hold onto your possessions!" General Jikun roared, turning in his saddle. "The next elf who acts like a god damn human will be stripped naked and paraded through the streets with the horses!"
The clamor quieted and Jikun turned back to Navon with a thin smile etched across his lips.
Although it was a far cry from home, he had to admit that he too was glad to return to the capital.
"Don't make indecent threats lightly; the troops take you quite seriously," his captain rebuked him with all the airs of a typical Sel'ven. Jikun considered it ill-suiting, as the captain had not a drop of Sel'varian blood in his body. Which was a relief for him amongst his troops.
"I was entirely serious, Navon."
Jikun nudged his horse forward across the stone bridge that stretched over the vast ravine. The structure was a marvel of Sel'varian engineering, architecture, and magic, hardly comparable to the other elven races' ability to design. Extending at a great expanse, the bridge was held in place by curved stone pillars mounted to the cliff side and supported by magic. The columned archway and railing across the bridge were intricately detailed, but more than being merely an adornment, they helped to shield travelers from the sudden canyon gusts that could catch a passerby off-guard.
Jikun had, on more than one occasion, imagined himself lurching over the side to an inescapable death and now found himself wondering if the archway and railing had been part of the original concept, or if they had been added later after some visiting merchant had met his doom. But of course, the Sel'vi would never admit to such a design mistake. Perhaps this was why a score of houses still spotted the canyon face below the palace where they would one day, inevitably, fall away beneath the erosion of the stone and send their poor, but foolish, inhabitants several leagues downward. During which they would hopefully have sufficient time to contemplate their poor life choices.
Jikun stiffened and edged his horse to the center of the bridge. This bridge, like the one on the opposite end of the canyon, led into the south and north ends of the city respectively. With the east end of the city banked by an enormous lake, the bridges were the primary entry points into the city. And all the elven magic in Aersadore could not comfort him when marching several hundred thousand bodies across its lengthy structure.
The horses whinnied faintly as though sharing mutually in Jikun's dislike for this final stretch of their journey. He reached forward, patting his mare softly on the neck. Perhaps even she recognized the sight up ahead. At the bend in the bridge just before them, he could see the city's gateway swung open wide and hear a roar of triumph and praise erupt from the guards at their posts. The salutary trumpet blasts seemed to have already been announced and Jikun imagined the waiting elves had let them loose when the watch had first seen his army rising across the west bank's hillsides. Jikun pulled to the center of the bridge as Navon respectfully withdrew behind him.
'What I wouldn't give to skip this drivel of politics and charades and take a damn hot bath,' Jikun muttered to himself as the bridge seemed to lengthen around the bend. He glanced once over the marble side—it had been over two years since he had last seen its depths; it still made his stomach drop like a stone. Far below them was a large forest, heavily shrouded in the center by the thick rolls of mist running off from the waterfalls pouring toward a lake below. From this lake, a thin river, banked on either side by a narrow field, wound its way into the distance, away to the Noc'olari or Ruljen ethnicities in the northeast.
Jikun's head snapped back up in unease and he directed his attention instead to the first male at the gate.
"Congratulations, General, on yet another victory!" the captain of the city guard greeted as Jikun passed underneath the archway and onto the safety of the cobbled streets of the city. "His Majesty awaits you at the palace."
Jikun nodded his head once toward the guard and pressed onward, eyes sweeping the streets of Elvorium. The gold-slated rooftops glimmered in the light of dawn and the long shadows across Mehuim Way crept up the cream faces of the buildings tinted with an orange glow. All along the street sides and hanging from windows were countless elves tossing flowers, shouting praise, and glowing with smiles. Despite having been awoken before the dawn by the welcoming trumpet calls that had saluted his troops' approach, the Sel'vi were beaming with neatly braided hair and broadening smiles, as though they had long been awaiting this day.
But Jikun imagined they didn't even remember what he was fighting for. It was simply the "victory" itself that had driven them to patriotism.
The street curved gently toward the entrance of the palace. Even as Jikun was lavished with shouts of praise and welcome, it seemed but a short march down its way before he and his soldiers passed beneath a flower-laden archway and stepped into the presence of several scores of elves.
Here, the mood shifted palpably. The elves waiting before the palace were taciturn and silent, bestowing no salute or praise onto the defenders of Sevrigel. Their lack of response was contagious, spreading like the Cadorian Plague through the troops and into the city beyond. Jikun's face grew stoic, the joyous welcome forgotten. Even the naivety of praise and victory was preferred over the stiff bastards that delayed his hot bath now.
These males before him were guards, council members, and a large portion of the nobility. However, despite the conspicuous splendor of the surrounding elves, the most prominent figure stood at the forefront: Hairem, Prince of Elvorium and the Sel'vi, second of non-royal blood since the Royal Schism.
As the army fanned out behind Jikun, the crowd before him, with the exception of the prince, went down to one knee.
This gesture was a long-established practice, and Jikun doubted that he and his army would have been shown the same respect were not the Sel'vi pedants for tradition. Pedant was, without a doubt, the most accurate and all-encompassing word he could ascribe to that breed of elves. The council members were pridefully stiff in their bows, eyes never fully lowering to the earth. Their guards, though more sincere in their respect, were nonetheless all too quick to their feet.
'I'd like to see you leave your homes to lead a war. Then we'd see how your respect rises,' Jikun reflected sourly in response, though his expression remained carefully detached.
He was not a Sel'ven and it was perhaps this fact that led him to regard their actions with an extra tinge of cynicism. He was from the far north—the frozen lands of Darival, land of the Lithri and Darivalians. Though his army was diverse in the race of elves it had deployed, now in Elvorium he felt out of place, as his appearance clearly spoke that he was a foreigner. His hair was a blue tinted silver, like the mountains that framed Darival. His skin was a grey-white, like shadows banking the snow. And although he was tall and slender like his Sel'varian brethren, his facial features were stronger and sharper—like a sculpture chiseled from ice.
Jikun knew there was one other of his kind amongst the group before him, but he could not spot the council member's presence amongst the crowd. He wove his hand once into the air and heard his fellow riders obediently dismount to the smooth cobbled stones. He swung himself lightly from the saddle and dropped the reins at his side.
There was a sudden eruption of murmuring from the council members. When he twisted from his horse to look, surprise rooted him in place. Hairem, prince of the Sel'vi, knelt on one knee before the army, his symbolic sword scraping carelessly across the ground beside him as though he was blind to all but the triumphant troops.
Non-royal blood or not, the gesture caught Jikun by surprise as well. Though he had not lived amongst the Sel'vi for long, he imagined that in the history of their proud nation, no ruler had gone on bended knee before any male or female of lower rank. And for all purposes of tradition, as far as the elves were concerned, Hairem was as royal as the True Bloods of The Royal Schism three centuries before. Attesting to this were the wide-eyed council members, mouths agape between murmurs as they stared in shock toward the scandalous behavior.
'Now what am I supposed to do?' Jikun regarded Hairem with a knit brow and slightly parted lips, then glanced in the direction of his Helvarian captain, hoping Navon would have a notion of the most appropriate response.
His captain responded with an equally bewildered look and glanced about himself, seeming to hope the answer would materialize from the crowd.
'He has no idea…'
Yet Navon's eyes flicked back to the prince and he seemed to gather himself enough to move; he slowly went down to a knee before the male. In a wave, the army followed.
Jikun placed a hand to his breast and bowed low, eyes never leaving Hairem. He had been on his knees for the prince's father for two and a half years: a bow was more than sufficient.
It was only when the army had returned the gesture of respect did the prince stand, raising his head sharply and drawing himself up before the army. He was young, but his blue eyes were cold and hard. His long, golden hair was loosely braided back and thin strands buffeted his face in the sharp gusts of wind coming in from the east. Raising his hands in welcome, Prince Hairem spoke formally, "Sevrigel owes you her gratitude for yet another successful war against Saebellus. Without doubt, you and your army are road weary, but I must detain you for a moment longer. Come, General, we have matters to discuss." And with that, he turned in a sweeping motion, his golden cape billowing out and catching the wind, and stepped away to the palace beyond the crowd.
Jikun heaved an inward sigh, though a report to the king was expected. 'Gods I just want a damn bath.' He handed the reins of his horse to Navon and his captain passed him as subtle a rebuke as he could manage.
Was his impatience that apparent?
No, Navon just knew him too well.
Jikun left his army behind as he followed Hairem through the parting cluster of council members and guards. He could see their lips move slightly as they leaned in to one another, losing no time to gossip about what had taken place. Jikun focused back ahead in time to catch the end of the prince's cape vanishing around the corner. He quickened his pace and strode free of the crowd, mindfully aware of the seething mass of hypocritical politicians he had just stepped through. At least it was to King Liadeltris that he reported.
"Keep up, General Taemrin," the prince beckoned as he swept around another bend and stepped in through a side door of the palace.
Jikun glanced once behind him and his brow knit. Was this the usual way toward the king? It had been a few years since he had set foot inside the palace. They moved down a steeply sloped, mildly ornate hallway to a large, arched doorway.
Here the prince stopped, propping the door open with his foot, and leaned in toward a nearby shelf.
It took Jikun a moment to gather his surroundings: soft blue light from the orb bobbing near the ceiling, gleaming rows of mildly dusty glass, wooden racks that tucked their contents snuggly in carefully carved bowels. He looked about the cellar in bewilderment. Surely the prince was not above calling upon servants to do these tasks.
"Your Highness, would you like—" Jikun began.
"No, almost have it," the prince grunted. "Ah, there we go. Is Eastern Glades a satisfactory vintage? Well, I certainly hope so as it appears to be the best bottle in here." He patted the dust from the side with a cough.
Jikun held the door open as the prince tucked the bottle beneath his arm in order to pick up and examine two glasses. Appearing satisfied, he passed the Darivalian without so much as a glance and staunchly strode back up the way they had come. And further still, up a staircase divided by many levels of open rooms, all of which were empty and lit only for the sake of appearance. Here, the palace's grandeur reached the obscene—it was as though all the gold and jewels of the kingdom had been inlaid into every facet of every surface. The highest room, and one of two private council chambers of the king, was their final destination.
This room, unlike many of the others, was designed to give the appearance of a vast and heavily used study, but the dust about the room was almost tangible—as though the place had not been touched since the Royal Schism.
Prince Hairem set the glasses and bottle casually in the center of the desk, striding toward the king's chair.
"Will His Majesty be joining us this morning?" Jikun inquired as he gave the lavish room a quick, distasteful glance. He heard the guards outside close the door softly behind them. Jikun's brow knit as he eyed the wine that the prince uncorked.
"Your failure to receive our dove makes me wonder who did." Hairem paused a moment, staring briefly—blankly—at the glass bottle. "My father passed away thirteen days ago of an illness."
Jikun's eyes met those of the prince in shock. His lips parted, but he knew not what words he sought. 'Liadeltris is dead…?'
As though reading his mind, the prince waved a slight hand as he pulled his heavy chair back with his free hand. "I need no words of your deepest sorrows to remind me of mine. I have seen one elf die in the last century and you have undoubtedly seen the passing of thousands in the last few weeks alone. To which of us goes the greater sorrow, I have no doubt. I have had the consolation of my city. I instead offer you my deepest condolences on your recent battles." As he waited for Jikun to sit, the general could feel the king's eyes searching his face for emotion.
He gave him none: neither for the late king nor his soldiers. He had indeed seen thousands die in the last weeks alone. And thousands before that. There was a certain numbness that was necessary to survive in times of war—Jikun had long since acquired it. "Thank you for your condolences. I shall pass your words along to my army."
"And how are your soldiers?" the king inquired, taking a glass and filling it. He leaned forward and offered it to the general.
"…Thank you." Jikun accepted it, swirling it with a gentle twist of his wrist. "My army is gratified to be serving its king," he replied, trying to infuse some semblance of emotion into his voice. But that too had gotten lost beneath his mask.
The corners of Hairem's lips twitched. "Jikun, I am not—may the gods grant him safe passage—my father. I intend to run this kingdom differently. First and foremost, I would request that, in matters of conversation, you treat me as your equal. It benefits neither of us to bear your polite cynicism."
Jikun leaned back, taking a long sip of wine. He had to admit—he was intrigued by Hairem's approach. That was twice today that the king had suggested that he was not like other nobility. "As you wish, Your Majesty," he spoke after a moment's hesitation, noting that Hairem shifted slightly at the retained title. "We are fatigued, but their spirits are high. Saebellus is a fierce opponent; his army fights with conviction and skill. Our victories have been hard fought and we have paid steeply. I return home with fifty thousand fewer soldiers than I set out with. Saebellus' forces are wounded, but hardly defeated. And while we spill our blood for the sake of the kingdom, we hear rumors of unrest amongst the politicians… Some say that a peace treaty draws near."
Hairem tilted his fair head back and laughed once, loudly and almost mockingly at the content of Jikun's words. "A peace treaty? Let those that suggest it be branded as traitors. I assure you that the kingdom will never settle terms with Saebellus, General. You do not bleed in vain." He stroked the corner of the desk, eyes hardening as though reflecting on his resolve.
Jikun wondered how strong it was. "Every battle we've engaged in has been in Saebellus' favor. He knows we have the upper hand in numbers and so territory has been his strategy. He never allows us to engage him unless he has a way to flee after a defeat—and when he flees, he and his army simply vanish. And it's not teleportation magic—no portals at all. Such magic leaves behind a distinct residue and none of my mages have ever found such a trace. Neither, would it seem, is Saebellus capable of using the magic to appear—I would imagine such an ability would have been used countless times for surprise attacks or motions to surround us in. We're simply grabbing the lizard's tail for now. But let me assure you, Your Majesty, that Saebellus will be defeated. Even the advantage of territory has won him no battles."
Hairem nodded his admiration and gave a faint smile. With a slight raise of his glass, he spoke as though still attempting to reassure Jikun of the city's tenacity. "You are an excellent general, Jikun. No doubt you and your army shall put an end to this war soon enough. Many in the city other than myself believe this as well."
Jikun nodded his head, knowing it was with overconfidence that the elves placed their trust in Elvorium's army. Yes, Saebellus had won no battles, but he was by no means defeated. "Saebellus still retains control of the Beast…" he trailed off, grimacing at the shadow that loomed just outside his mind. These were the hardest words yet. Simply in speaking them, he felt he trod on the darker matters, taunting them to reveal themselves. Even after so many battles, its shape felt faint and distant—surreal in the midst of war. But how real it was. "We have had several battles with the creature and no magic or weapon seems capable of taking its life."
Jikun saw Hairem's lips purse into a hard, thin line as his fingers interlocked, but his eyes wavered. Perhaps it was fear that moved them.
As it should.
"Is there anything I can offer you that my father had not already given?" Hairem spoke after a moment's deliberation.
Jikun exhaled. "Nothing that myself, my captain, or my lieutenants cannot conjure up on our own. I will let you know if matters change. We intend to stay in the city until we hear of Saebellus' movement again. Those that have homes within the city shall go to them. The rest shall make an encampment outside the city to the north. The soldiers need to refresh their bodies as well as their minds. As for myself," Jikun continued, leaning back into his chair, "I intend to return to Darival."
Jikun could see Hairem's lips part in hesitation, and then his eyes softened. He nodded his head once toward him. "I imagine it is about time you see your home again."
"It's been three years," Jikun replied with a faint smile. "I would imagine so."
Hairem set his glass down and absentmindedly straightened a stack of unruly papers beside his elbow. Jikun could judge, by the dates smudged along the upper corners, that they were far past their creators' expected response time. "I was not privy to the extensive military campaign you have led against the rebel warlord. Your last battle was…?"
"Fifteen leagues north of Widows' Peak. Saebellus fled into the mountains. He has several sorcerers in his ranks—one of which sent an avalanche behind him. We spent two weeks digging out our dead. I do not know where he plans to go from there. …I'm afraid there is little to tell. No cities have been conquered or besieged. Just dead elves and dead horses." He raised his glass and again swirled the wine inside, ignoring the piece of dust floating at the top. He took a sip. "I assume under your reign my campaign against Saebellus may continue unchanged?"
Hairem nodded. "Yes, General. With, I hope, more fortune in the future." He paused briefly. "What is your goal, General?"
Jikun blinked, his rigid composure thrown by the question. "My goal…? To fight the war. To win the war, of course."
Hairem shook his head. "No, I meant after the war, when Saebellus is defeated—what is your ambition?"
Jikun felt the barriers inside himself rise; his face returned to its frigid countenance as memories of disconnected battles scattered the edges of his vision. He scowled inwardly, finding Hairem's presumption offensively naïve. "You are assuming I live through it."
Hairem opened his mouth and closed it, clearly discomforted by Jikun's straightforward, if pessimistic, approach. "I am certain Sel'ari shall protect you for your loyalty and devotion to her people."
Jikun raised his glass. "Indeed," was the only monotonous response he could trust himself to offer. He took another sip before transitioning to the next "necessary" words in their political game. "What has taken place in the city while we were gone?" The words rolled off his tongue rather forcefully. It was difficult to put whatever bickering or vices the city suffered at any level of concern in his mind when placed in the perspective of his wars. But he nevertheless lowered his glass and met the eyes of the king with respectful attention.
"At home the council is scattering. When my father assumed kingship after the Royal Schism, it was due to his previous position as El'adorium that granted him the power and hold over the council. I, of course, have had no such experience. My father's death has left them grasping for new loyalties and I'm afraid I will not be keeping all of them. I may need your help in the coming months."
Jikun's expression blanked for a moment even as his gut unsettled. "Help with what…?"
"I need to know that I have the support and protection of our military. It is not easy to pick up where my father left off and not expect things to change. I will have to upset the balance."
Jikun felt uneasy at the suggestion, but he replied with no semblance of hesitation. "Of course, Your Majesty. The military's first duty is to the king."
"Thank you, General." Hairem paused for a moment, face growing grim. "One of my most loyal council… Just three days before your arrival, the assassin struck within the city again…"
"Who was taken?" Jikun asked, leaning forward with unfiltered intrigue, his leather armor creaking softly in the heavy silence that had suddenly settled over the room.
"Lord Leisum Na'Hemel of Nostoran. Stabbed repeatedly in his bed while he slept. Only the maggots knew for the first two days."
Jikun's stomach lurched. Both hands tightened on the arms of his chair. Not at the thought of the mangled body or the feast of insects upon it, but at the thought of the Beast that reawakened at the back of his mind. Hairem had seen nothing of death. Of true slaughter. "How is this assassin being dealt with?" Jikun forced his mind back to the topic at hand. "City Guard? Night's Watch? Mercenaries?"
"All of the above," Hairem heaved a sigh. "It is the same killer—he leaves his victims' arms crossed across their chests, like the worshipers of Asmodius do. Perhaps they are cultist killings…" He trailed off and Jikun scoffed to himself.
Cultist killings that only targeted council members? No. And he had no doubt the king knew better.
"But let us put this matter aside," Hairem's voice rose forcefully, snapping his attention to Jikun. "A great victory has been won against the rebel. You are a hero yet again, Jikun Taemrin. May Sel'ari and all the gods bless you in all of your future battles. For now, drink and rest."
Jikun raised his glass in a due gesture of formality. "All glory and honor to your greatness."
"Navon, my reins," Jikun demanded as he neared his captain, the last figure that lingered by the palace's side gates. He grabbed the saddle of his mare and hoisted himself up, jerking his horse around stiffly. "The king is dead, Navon."
He knew the words would unsettle Navon as much as they unsettled himself and he could see the flicker of concern cross his captain's face. "How?"
Jikun hesitated. Hairem had said it had been an illness, but in light of the recent string of assassinations he was not as ready to sentence the king to such a swift and sudden conclusion. And yet he buried his suspicions and replied, "Illness. It must have come rather suddenly." His voice was stoic, but he knew Navon could read beneath his apathy.
Liadeltris had been a fierce king and opponent to Saebellus. It was common knowledge that Saebellus had been dishonorably discharged while serving as captain in the last war with the sirens, but no one knew why. Jikun had long since let the prodding curiosity subside when even Liadeltris had refused to shed light on the matter. But whatever the reason, it hardly mattered now. Saebellus had taken those loyal to him and turned on the elves' empire.
Navon seemed to share his concern, but his tone revealed little else. "And the prince… king… what are your thoughts on him?"
"What?" Jikun looked up, still managing to catch the skepticism across the male's face through his distraction. "I believe what he said. There will be no peace terms with Saebellus. In fact, I believe his eyes are open to the corruption of the council. And I think he has the stupidity to oppose it."
"…but you are still concerned."
Jikun's brow knit. "Hairem is young. For all Liadeltris'—"
"May the gods grant him peace—"
"—experience, he still bent to the council's pressure. Three hundred years as king, a dozen centuries as the El'adorium before that, and Liadeltris could not resist them. Once Hairem learns how the damn politics in this country go, I wonder just how strong he will remain."
Navon gave a nod of reluctant agreement, eyes staring stoically ahead.
"Here is more news from home whilst we were away—"
"Something in your tone brings me to believe that I am not going to like what you are about to say…" Navon frowned, eyes flicking toward the general attentively.
"You remember the murders before we left? Another council member was assassinated."
Navon's eyes flashed in recognition, but the rest of his face remained apathetic. "He struck again?" He gave a heavy sigh, as though the capital should have done better to prevent such an atrocity. "No doubt the Night's Watch will be far more numerous for some time now. It is unprecedented that an assassin has committed so many murders on high officials—within an elven capital, especially." He paused to give a slight smile, churning out optimism from the news as he usually did. "I suppose there are some benefits to being out of the comfort of this city." His eyes shifted across the nearest alley as he spoke, almost with a certain daring curiosity.
Jikun watched Navon for a moment and then cleared his throat loudly. "Gods, I could use a drink!" he barked. "How about a good drink and a fine woman to share it with?"
The darkness in Navon's eyes faded and he surveyed his general in a reprimanding fashion. "General." He pulled his horse to a stop, interrupting Jikun before he could continue. "Let us pause this conversation. Sel'ari's temple. We should stop and thank the gods before we retire for the evening."
In Jikun's absorption with his news, he had somehow missed the building's slithering approach. His eyes lifted to the golden dome rising up toward the heavens, the white doves nestled at her base, and the pillars that made the elves below seem small and insignificant—as they undoubtedly were. He could hear the echoes of soft singing in the distant marble halls and the pure chime of bells, calling the elves to worship. He turned his head and laughed. "I'll thank the gods when I see the gods at work. When we are in the right and Saebellus in the wrong, I can only spit on their names every time they let one of my soldiers die for Saebellus' damn cause. We sleep in shit and spill our blood so some damn elf can rise in the morning to sing praise to their righteous asses. We are just their pawns. No. No, gods for me today, Navon. Give me a good drink and a fine woman—those are all the gods I need."
Navon gave Jikun another distasteful and reprimanding glare before he stiffly dismounted, the offense apparently affecting his gait. "Then can you keep a hold of these for me, General?" he asked tartly, tossing Jikun the reins to his bay horse. "Someone has to give Sel'ari thanks that you are still breathing."
Jikun leaned to the side sharply in order to the catch the reins. His horse whinnied in protest and the general quickly righted himself. "When I was a boy in Darival, a priest of Sel'ari came through. A group of youths beat him dead for the single coin in his pocket. I don't think Sel'ari cares about any of us, Navon, more than she'd care about one of her priests. And if she did not see fit to save him, then we're all going to the grave, god or no god."
Navon leaned forward, squinting in a reflective manner. "They are not absent from us, Jikun. And I have a story to counter your own. Years ago on my way to Sevrigel, I saw a stowaway cry out in Sel'ari's name for protection. Everyone who tried to lay a hand on him perished in an instant. Sel'ari always has her reasons, Jikun," Navon replied with a simple smile. "Sometimes they just do not fit into our expectations. Religion is a virtue …and one of the only reasons Sel'ari hasn't sent this country to Ramul." He turned toward the temple, as though his words were a monument of inspiration and the general should immediately reflect upon their wisdom.
Jikun shook his head distastefully. "While you are in there, put in a good word for me for lovely company tonight," he called after with a smirk. "The more 'virtuous,' the better. I'd take a cleric!"
Navon gave only a dismissive wave of resigned acknowledgement.
Jikun's smirk broadened in amusement and he leaned back idly in the saddle. He watched the lean, dark male vanish through one of the double golden doors. For just a moment he glimpsed the white marble interior, gleaming from the countless candles within. And the face of Sel'ari. He felt himself recoil slightly, perhaps more out of shame than disgust. Even in the form of a statue, the goddess' eyes were coldly perceptive, piercing through his veil of disbelief like a dagger. He nudged his horse lightly in the flank, urging it away from the doors and further along the street until he came to the shade of a low balcony.
Away from the temple, he found himself once more at ease. He leaned an arm against his horse's neck, watching the bustle of elves moving about through the sunny street. They acknowledged him with polite nods of their heads or wide smiles, but Jikun found little reason to smile in return. Why should he? What had they done today to equal his last two years of warring for their sake? Ate and danced and pleasured themselves. He knew not all males could serve in the army. And yet, that did not stop his resentment at every able bodied male he saw enjoying himself in the comfort of the city's walls while Saebellus waged war outside.
Perhaps his inner thoughts had revealed themselves on his expression as he noted several responding elves regard him with unease and confusion. He wiped his face of expression and instead let his eyes trail up along the towering buildings with their many windows, pillars, and gleaming rooftops, still further up the hill of the street and into the distance. Elvorium was not his home, but even so, it was better than any place he had been since he had left Darival.
Except, perhaps, for the whore houses of Roshenhyde.
"That was pleasant to see her again," Navon's voice came from behind him.
Jikun straightened and turned, eyeing the peaceful smile stamped across his captain's lips. He tossed him the reins, watching Navon leap with some faint form of grace onto his horse.
"So, where to, General?" Navon queried. His voice had livened from his perceived notion of Sel'ari's mewling praise, afforded to him by his recent prayers. "To the camp?"
Jikun laughed, pulling his horse away from the egress of the city. "No, let the soldiers relax without your reprimanding eyes. They deserve a little freedom and rashness. To my estate, Navon. And we will stop along the way to pick up some gods of my own."


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