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My Little Pony: "Black Equinox"
Chapter 1
The Everfree Forest was never a welcoming place for the ponies of Equestria. Those who lived nearest it's borders knew to expect the unexpected if they ventured in. Even given this, something was distinctly off. The forest became silent as it's residents too sensed this, just before the earth trembled. Startled flocks of birds roosting in the mist-shrouded trees flew off at once. The quake had not been strong, but it was enough to draw the attention of anypony nearby. Dawn was coming. Purple and red kissed the horizon, but the brighter stars had not faded. Here, as one ruler of this land made way for the coming of the other, two ponies traveled the old mountain path from Stalliongrad.
"You feel that?" said the stallion, an earth-pony with a mint-green coat, his mane and tail white and touched with blue.
"Yes," replied the other; a unicorn mare a shade of faint violet, her blood-red hair tipped orange.
"...Do you think it was a landslide?"
The stallion seemed to shrug, eying his surroundings with a deep mistrust.
"Could've been anything in this place. I'm never exactly thrilled when it comes to these trips."
Few traveled the old path between Stalliongrad and Ponyville these days. The creatures were no less dangerous in the old times than now, but the roads had improved since then. They were longer routes, circumventing the forest entirely. Still the old path was quicker, and the young mare wasn't much for patience, nor her stallion friend for winning arguments.
"But I thought you liked my cousin?" whimpered the unicorn, who had scarcely stared at her surroundings since the quake.
"Well, generally if I could choose between missing a visit and skirting through these woods, I'd opt-out, Plume' ," The stallion countered, which soured her expression further.
"I thought we agreed not to use that nickname...I'm not a column of smoke, Peppermint."
"Alright, Plumeria, though four syllables does get a bit wearing. Really though," he turned to the gnarled trees below. "why would anyone build a village that bordered this place, least of all earth ponies? Earth ponies who can't simply fly away, conjure a defense, or fight off half of the things living in here. Unlike crazy unicorn girls who apparently think it's no big deal." Plumeria smirked at him, but did not argue. Peppermint continued. "These trees can hide anything. The way I hear it, Ponyville suffered from a Parasprite plague AND a rampaging Ursa-Minor, all in the same summer."
"Well, maybe some people LIKE a little excitement in their lives, Pep?" Plumeria offered, face glowing at the idea of a town where things weren't as boring as Stalliongrad, home to Equestria's biggest mine and forge.
"Hey, watch it!" shouted Peppermint, putting a hoof out to stop Plumeria, who's head was still locked in his direction, heedless to the earth beneath her hooves.
"What-? Oh..." exclaimed Plumeria, looking over the sudden distinct lack of road. It looked like a great chunk of the cliff had broken loose and smashed into the forest below, taking their path with it.
"I guess there WAS a landslide." said Plumeria, gawking at the mess before them, eyes still wide.
"Well, that's great," fumed Peppermint, who kicked a few loose stones into the chasm. "There's no way we're crossing that gap."
"Maybe there's a way down?"
"Down?? Oh no, no deal. I'm not trudging through these woods blind and off the path." Peppermint retreated a few paces, as if she'd threatened to push him off.
"We won't strike out at random, we'll just follow the cliff. The path drops back down into the woods anyway" Plumeria reasoned. "If we can just-"
A sudden, rocky "crack" shot out into the air. Plumeria had leaned over, looking for an easy grade or series of hoof-holds, but the bit of path they'd been standing on finally gave under their weight. Both shouted in surprise and fear as they slid down atop their modest chunk of mountain at an alarming rate of speed. Plumeria's horn lit up as her magic shrouded the rock they were sliding on. Over a good fifty feet, their speed reduced, but the rock still shattered upon hitting bottom and sent them tumbling over the hard ground, a few smaller rocks tumbling after them.
"Ulgh...what a ride." groaned Plumeria, getting back on her hooves, visibly fazed by the ordeal. Though not nearly to the extent of her friend.
"Ah, no..." Peppermint glanced around, seeing no immediate way back to the safety of the path. "Just perfect. You got your wish; now we both get to run screaming from whatever's lurking in there."
But Plumeria, who had only partially heard him, let out a small gasp, looking past Peppermint to the side of the cliff. The latter whipped his head around, seeing nothing. He looked panicked, even a little angry.
"What, I don't see anything?! Don't just do that! I'm already freaked out over here!"
"There was something there, something with one little yellow eye. It poked out from the cliff and then darted back in!"
Plumeria cantered over to inspect the loose mound of rocks, lifting some with her magic and casting them aside.
"Hey- we already caused ONE pigmy-landslide by foaling around; we don't need to bury ourselves-" He stopped talking as he realized there WAS something behind the rocks. "...too..." he finished. It was narrow, but it was still a negotiable space, a faint blue light gleaming within what ought to have been a pitch-black cave.
"Oh wow!" cried the young mare. "The landslide unearthed an old cave! Wanna check this out with me, Pep?"
The stallion glared at her. "No! I'm not going in some freaky cave! I want to get back on the path as quickly as possible!"
"Fine, go scout us a way back. I'm checking this out." With that, she trotted inside, Peppermint giving the Everfree Forest one long look before realizing how much worse he'd feel navigating those woods alone. With a groan, he too darted inside.
What both soon realized was that the cave wasn't natural. Rough rocks hewn straight from the mountain bore white marks from whatever had gouged them out. Less than a minute of walking into the bowels of the cliff and they came upon a flat, metallic wall, a large blue bulb glowing from near the top.
"It's so pretty...I've heard of stuff like this; bioluminescence." the unicorn mused, extending a hoof.
"No no no, don't touch-!" cried Peppermint, attempting to stop her, but too late.
Instantly the light turned white at her touch, and below it, six pill-shaped lights flashed before lighting in a sequence. From the left, the second light lit, before the fourth light. It continued this pattern, all the lights flashing between the restart of the cycle.
"Whatever that is, it's not glowing moss." Peppermint said, as they realized the surface was a hard glass.
Plumeria has a shrewd idea, and hit the sixth light when the lights all flashed.
Plumeria was rewarded with a beeping noise, that rang with an air of encouragement.
"It's a test...! Maybe it's some sort of vault?" she said, hopefully.
Now the lights ran light one, then two, then three, and then all flashed again, expecting an answer.
"Four?" Peppermint offered, fascinated and terrified at this development. But Plumeria shook her head.
"No, that's too easy. Any school-filly could get that. I wonder though..." The only thing Plumeria noticed about all the numbers lighting up was their prime value. She pressed the light that would be next if she were right: light number five.
All light was suddenly extinguished with a deep clicking sound, thrusting them into total darkness before odd mechanical noises emanated from somewhere deep within the mountain. A moment later, the wall sank into the floor with another positive tone from the machine, light from within granting them sight as both ponies sat transfixed, their eyes locked upon the new space they had revealed.
It had been nearly a year since Twilight Sparkle had first arrived in Ponyville; it was March, the 20th. Spring was in full bloom now, and the day of the Vernal Equinox had arrived. Twilight and her friends had been specially invited by Princess Celestia to attend a ceremonial celebration in Canterlot. Nearly a year since the defeat of NightMare Moon, Princess Luna was to join her sister in celebrating their reclaimed unity.
The six mares (and one pint-sized dragon) were wearing their stunning clothes from last year's disastrous Gala, patched up to their former glory after the abuse they'd undergone. The walk towards the palace was long, but it offered ample time for conversation.
"I swear, I'll never get tired of seeing those marvelous ivory towers," cooed Rarity, entranced by the ornate spires of the grandest Equestrian city. Set into the side of a towering mountain, it seemed to defy gravity. "I shiver every time I even think of visiting Canterlot. I'll always envy your fillyhood, Twilight Sparkle."
"It was a nice place to grow up," confirmed Twilight. "Bit formal though."
"So, I'm still a bit confused" said Spike. "I mean, didn't we celebrate Luna's return as soon as she got back?"
"Yeah, I don't much get it either." Added Rainbow Dash, who hovered restlessly. "Spring Equinox or not, seems kinda' pointless."
"It's supposed to give it a little more meaning." answered Twilight. "The Equinox marks the point at the exact middle between the longest and shortest days of the year: the Summer Sun Celebration and the Winter Moon Celebration. A point where the night and the day can be deemed equals. Also, it's called the 'Vernal' Equinox, not the 'Spring' Equinox."
"But I thought there was an Equinox in the fall too; why didn't they do this back then?" Dash wondered.
"Easy-peazy!" came the high, excitable tones of Pinkie Pie, trotting up behind them. "Who wants to celebrate NEW stuff when all the OLD stuff is withering away?"
"It's also when all the animals need to find shelter, migrate or hibernate to escape the cold." Added Fluttershy, who also advanced towards the head of the ranks.
"Actually," chimed Twilight, "that's pretty much it. The latter seasons of the year are representative of endings. Not the best tone to set. But Spring is about-"
"Birds singing, and flowers growing, and bells ringing and the Sun a' glowing!" versed Pinkie Pie.
"Yeah," agreed Twilight. "New beginnings and new life. And besides, our celebration in Ponyville was informal. This celebration will be to celebrate the princess' partnership with all of Equestria."
The group walked in step up the well-kept path to the palace. The brilliant emerald lawn was crowded with excited ponies from every corner of Equestria, but only VIPs would have access to the palace itself. Once at the gates, Twilight approached the doorpony, a unicorn.
"Your party, miss?"
"Twilight Sparkle, seven?" she inquired.
"Twa...twi...Ah yes. Welcome!" He checked off a name on his list, and his magic unlatched the velvet rope, ushering them inside.
Twilight led them, ecstatic, to a tall tower not far from the entrance. They ascended a flight of out-door stairs to a door Twilight was all too familiar with. The door surrounded itself with her magic and opened.
"I present..." Twilight began. "The Royal Archives!"
Within was a room of white and blue marble, stacked with bookshelves stretching to the ceiling. Ornate furnishings and a magnificent hourglass adorned the cavernous space, fitted with a great multi-pane window in place of a wall, allowing natural light to fill all but the darkest corners. Through a door set into this window was a balcony, a perfect viewing spot.
"Whoo-wee! Aint that a heap a' readin'!" exclaimed Applejack, who marveled despite a general lack of interest in reading.
"This'd keep anypony busy for-" Rainbow Dash paused, leering at Twilight knowingly.
"Pretty much my entire life. Actually, I'm STILL not familiar with everything here. This place was home away from home for me. Eventually I worked as the Librarian of the Archives as my first real job." Twilight beamed as her friends casually looked over the spines of so many works.
"Till to Chill: A Beginners Guide to Agriculture'?" read Applejack, almost regretting she had. "Now what kind a' pony'd think she'd learn farmin' by readin' some dust-ridden old book? Why don't we just give foals written instructions on how ta' blink, if we're doin' this?"
"Oh, you mean like that chapter from 'Coltman's Optometry', about maintaining an even frequency to maintain lustrous, sparkling eyes?" gushed Twilight, receiving a blank stare from the cowfilly as her question answered itself.
"So" began Spike "what are we meant to be seeing here? I know it's a ceremony and all, but are the princesses just gonna be passing some sacred items between each other or something? I know it's important and all, but I kinda' hoped there'd be more to this than symbolism." he finished, making some grimace.
"Oh, you'll see Spike. I received a hint from the Princess. I don't think you'll be disappointed." Twilight assured, suppressing the urge to share the secret she was in on.
Even through the windows, the fanfare erupting from below got the attention of every foal, filly and stallion. A few of them gasped as they cantered swiftly out the door onto the balcony. They stared down at the walkway beneath them, where a stallion in a black vest spoke into the mouth of a horn that was spread like a great brass vine to the tops of several towers, amplifying his voice to the benefit of everypony near the palace.
"Fillies and Gentlecolts," he began. "On this, the day of the Vernal Equinox, we celebrate the unity of our most esteemed rulers. Having returned from her place of exile, Princess Luna, Keeper of The Night, has since reclaimed her unity with our beloved Princess Celestia, restoring the cycle of night and day to it's former harmony."
He paused, as the crowd cheered in approval.
"Now, residents of Equestria, I present your Princesses!" And with a flourish, he gestured towards the tallest of Canterlot's towers, as the blue streaks and smoke trails of the Wonderbolts soared towards it. The figures of Celestia and the significantly smaller Luna stood upon the tower, lights from their horns glowing like beacons for all to see. Suddenly, the sky itself seemed to glow, as several pointed over the horizon to a glorious white orb sailing across the expanse of sky overhead. A white noise of excited mumbling broke out, as it slowly dawned upon them that the Moon was coasting majestically towards the Sun, a shadow on its far side growing ever larger the closer it approached.
"They're gonna crash!!" shouted Spike, who's extending hand was gently pushed back down by Twilight.
"Shhh...they're not going to crash; watch..." she whispered, not taking her eyes off the Moon.
Finally, the Moon and Sun met, the Moon's shadow consuming it entirely so it became pitch black against the brilliance of the other. As it slowly blocked out the Sun, the surrounding sky turned blackish-red as though the heavens themselves were on fire. Finally, a great flash erupted from the Sun's edges as the Moon overtook it entirely, great tendrils of stellar flame dancing outward along its borders. The stars could be easily seen in the sky, and a brilliant aurora of every color danced overhead. The ponies watching underneath oohed, aahed and even cheered, until the Moon relinquished its place with the Sun and kept soaring along it's path, the spell of the eclipse breaking as the sky returned to a brilliant blue. The Moon eventually met the opposite horizon, sinking out of sight.
"An eclipse! A REAL solar eclipse!" Pinkie Pie bounced up and down as they made their way back down the stairway, talking rapid-fire.
"Oh my gosh, it was so amazing! I never thought I'd see a real eclipse! Well, I never thought I'd see a real sonic rainboom, or an evil mare of darkness, or Twilight single-handedly fend off a super-colossa-gantic-stellar-baby-bear either, but I REALLY never thought I'd see a solar eclipse! There hasn't been a one of those in-"
Incredibly, Pinkie actually managed to trip herself up and land with her back legs in the air and her chin on the floor.
"Over a thousand years." Twilight finished for her. "Wow Pinkie, no twitchy-tail?"
Not having moved from her position, Pinkie seemed entirely un-phased. "Nah, I can't Pinkie-Sense myself, silly! What sense would THAT make?" Twilight only smirked as she rolled her eyes.
"I've only heard of eclipses in stories." Breathed Fluttershy.
"But I'm rather puzzled, dear." said Rarity. "Why has it been so long?"
"A fair question, Rarity." Came an authoritative, yet youthful voice. The group turned towards Princess Celestia, who was standing at the bottom of the steps, her multicolored hair drifting in an absent breeze, as always. Princess Luna was a short ways behind, smiling, but remaining in the background, like a shadow to her elder sister.
"Princess- er, Princesses..." Twilight knelt, the others following suit. Celestia smiled and bowed her head.
"It once was that eclipses were occasional events. In times of great hardship or great prosperity, Luna and I would adjoin the Sun and Moon, to offer our best wishes or our solace. But after the day my hooves were forced by NightMare Moon..." Celestia barely paused, but Luna visibly shifted uncomfortably where she stood. "...though I had the power to achieve it, I couldn't bear to take this last thing. Not while my dear Luna was alive and well, even if she was trapped where I might never have seen her again." Luna seemed touched, smiling warmly up at Celestia. "Though I assumed command of the Moon as well as the Sun, I did so with a heavy heart. I didn't for a moment let myself revel in or enjoy the control I was forced to assume."
"Oh sister!" cried Luna, her face full of affection. She trotted next to Celestia and nuzzled against her.
Luna turned to the group. "Thank you all so much for coming! It means a lot. I know I caused you all such trouble as NightMare..."
"Aw, don't sweat it." Said Rainbow Dash. "That was some of the best excitement I've been a part of..."
"And besides, " came Applejack. "you were hardly yourself now, were yeh'?"
Luna just seemed to shrug uncomfortably.
"We're glad you came, but I actually had hoped to speak to you in person, Twilight." Said Celestia.
"Oh..." Twilight fidgeted, not quite meeting the eyes of her mentor. "I really don't have anything to report right now..." Celestia merely waved her down.
"Oh no, no, that's fine. Actually, I wanted to extend to you an invitation to take a course in some more advanced magic here in Canterlot, " she paused. "under me."
There were a few short gasps as Twilight's face went blank.
"U-under you?" Celestia nodded politely.
"Princess...I-I don't know what to say...it would be an honor, but-"
"'But?' Twilight Sparkle, surely you're not declining such an opportunity for our benefit?" exclaimed Rarity, aghast.
"I'm not, it's just-" Twilight spluttered.
"We would never dream of holding you back, Twilight. You should really do this for yourself." Said Fluttershy, who recoiled the instant attention turned to her, mumbling "I mean, if you want to..."
"It wouldn't be forever, Twilight; only a few months, really. And I wouldn't ask you to cut yourself off from your friends." Offered Celestia, kindly. "And I'm sure it would be fine if any of them wanted to accompany you."
Twilight visibly warmed up to these prospects. She turned to her friends, who didn't need words to know what she was asking.
"Aw, sorry Twi'. Granny n' Macintosh're gonna need me on hand this early in the season. And besides, Ah'm not sure ah'd last uh week here before these high-falutin' folk wore down mah' last apple-buckin' nerve- No a'ffense, yer' Highness..."
"How about you, Rarity?" inquired Twilight. The white unicorn seemed torturously torn.
"Oh, it's always been such a dream...but what about the shop?" Rarity seemed to have entered an argument with herself.
"Well, I suppose I could run a small operation here- oh how exciting!" negotiated Rarity.
"But what about Sweetie Belle?" the sensible side of Rarity asked. "Mother and Father went vacationing in Manehattan and left her with me for the month! I couldn't just uproot her from HER friends, after all; it was the very reason she declined to join them."
"Well heck, Rare', we can look after yer' sis' if you want. I bet Apple Bloom'd be pleased as punch! It'd be like havin' a sleepover, every..." Suddenly, Applejack's smile slid off her face entirely. A moment's pause and the smile returned, as fake as zirconium."...every night..."
"OH, thankyouthankyouthankyou-so-much, Applejack!" gasped Rarity, hugging the reluctant mare so tightly that it seemed like she were being fitted for a corset. She released Applejack from her iron grip before putting a hoof to her mouth and giving and dignified cough. Still, she whispered to herself. "Easy, Rarity, old girl. Oh be still, my heart..."
"Well I can come!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie, instantly beside Twilight. "Mr. and Mrs. Cake are really understanding."
"I'd come too, but I just can't leave my animal friends behind. They depend on me, y'know..." declined Fluttershy.
"Uh...I could transfer here for a while. I bet the weather patrol could benefit from my expert touch..." said Rainbow Dash, the slightest smugness coating her voice as usual.
"Well" began Twilight, "I guess that settles it! I accept."
Celestia nodded in approval. Very well, my faithful student. You'll have until tomorrow night to be ready, and by sundown an escort will arrive for you."
Twilight had almost burst through her front door.
"Ooh, Spike! Can you believe this! I'm going to be taught higher magic, personally, by the Princess herself!" she paused suddenly as her brain churned, smile not leaving her face. "Oh, I need to let Owlowiscious know about this. Spike, have you seen him anywhere?"
"No." bristled Spike. "But I guess it's cool to finally be spoken to by the 'great' Twilight Sparkle..." It was as though Spike had just thrown a bucket of ice water over Twilight's head. She turned, confused.
"Wh-what are you talking about, Spike? Is something wrong; are you feeling okay?" she spoke as though wounded, not understanding why this anger had sprung suddenly into existence inside her living room.
"Oh, so NOW you care how I'm feeling? Took you long enough, I guess." Seethed Spike, whose anger only felt unfounded to Twilight, who had begun to grow irritated herself.
"Spike, we don't have a lot of time, so could you please just tell me what you're trying to say so we can get busy packing?" Spike only seemed to be further incensed by this.
"Jeez, isn't that just typical; you STILL don't get it! He paused only a moment. It wasn't difficult for Twilight to imagine smoke streaming from his nostrils. "WE can get busy packing. Ha! I don't think I ever recall agreeing to ANY of this. I don't even recall being ASKED! You just assume that wherever YOU go, I'll be following along. Just another piece of luggage, dangling like a saddlebag!" Twilight's frustration lessened significantly as her face registered a polite interest despite both brows remaining slightly furrowed.
"Spike, I'm so sorry...I guess I was just so excited-" Spike cut across her.
"You were excited; fine, good for you! And y'know what? I'd have happily come with you. I'd have supported you, like I always do; but you went and made a decision for both of us. You asked everypony else what they wanted, but it never occurred to you that you might want to ask your so-called 'best friend' too..."
Spike had never spoken to her with such venom. The words cut deep. Unable to argue for her mistake, she visibly slumped where she stood.
"Spike, I said I was sorry! But you've got to understand, you're just a baby!" pled Twilight. This only fanned the flames.
"I'm also a DRAGON, Twilight. Remember? We stay 'babies' for decades. The day you're an old mare, I'll barely be any different. When we're adults we can sleep for a century. I'm not a baby the way you're used to, and YOU'RE not my MOTHER!"
"I-I-" spluttered Twilight, who seemed closer and closer to tears.
"Yeah, you hatched me from an egg in some entrance exam. Yeah, Celestia let you take care of me...But I'm not some pet, or some little helpless foal you have to make decisions for." He finally had quieted down, but Twilight might have preferred him to keep yelling. At least the yelling made it seem like he cared. "You go. But I'm staying here...Maybe I'll be here when you're done, and maybe I won't..."
Twilight approached Spike cautiously; he'd turned his back on her. "Alright Spike. I know you can make your own decisions...and I'm so sorry I...I..." Twilight sped to her room, barely making it inside as she finally burst into tears.
Pinkie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash arranged to meet in front of Twilight's house the following day. Each of them were packed for the long haul. Twilight had moved slowly as she packed and was so distracted that she barely realized she'd been trying to stuff her telescope into a full bag. She finally made it downstairs. She'd been dreading this all day. Spike was sitting at the dining room table. He'd barely moved. Staying angry overnight didn't seem easy, for Spike had long since downgraded to a sulk.
"Well...they're waiting for me outside." Said Twilight, hesitantly.
"Alright. Cool."
The response wasn't angry, but it was no less disheartening. "If you need anything, you know how to reach me."
Twilight took a step or two towards the door, but stopped herself and walked right up to him from behind, taking one hoof and wrapping Spike in a small, but fierce hug.
"I love you, Spike...and if you're not here when I'm back, I'll still love you. You'll always have a home with me. Just please, take care of yourself." Spike barely moved. Twilight was on the verge of tears again as she finally made her way out the door. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself before meeting the others outside. Try as she might, she couldn't hide her feelings from the others, especially Pinkie Pie. It was a short tale to tell, but by the time Canterlot was close enough to see individual windows, Rarity was still consoling her.
"Oh, don't you worry dear. Spike will come around. He may be rather peeved, but really he's a sweetheart."
"He wouldn't even look at me when I left." sulked Twilight.
"Aw, Rarity's right Twilight. He just got his iddy-biddy-baby dragon feelings hurt. He's just pretending he doesn't want anything to do with you." Pinkie Pie said, hardly making Twilight feel any better.
"Little old Spike just needs time to simmer down." Offered Rainbow Dash, who felt weird about being airborne without using her wings. "I'm betting you'll get a letter from him in no time."
"I guess."
Things went pretty much swimmingly upon their arrival. Celestia had fixed things so that the group shared a space near the palace walls. Pinkie Pie was hired on as seasonal help by the donut shop Spike had introduced at the Gala, while Rarity was able to run her seamstress operation out of the bottom floor of the building. Rainbow Dash's reputation preceded her, and she was able to join in with the local weather team.
Twilight's new studies proved challenging and exhilarating. Within the first few lessons, she had added a few more spells to her repertoire. It was basic, but she was able to ignite targets now (though given her limited practice, she'd only achieved the level of a lit match) and was capable of producing a spell that allowed her to cut through objects with a focused ray of magical power. Celestia noted that these abilities had numerous applications both as defenses and as general tools.
Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, Spike came into the Library after a long walk. Night had fallen, and Spike saw a small, rather adorable owl perched on the windowsill.
"Oh, hey Owlowiscious." Spike said, greeting the owl, seeming tired and somewhat worn down. "I've just been...thinking. I know Twilight was inconsiderate and that she can turn a little bossy, but am I being too hard on her?"
"Twilight...Oh wait, right. But I mean...she did say she was sorry..." Spike muttered under his breath.
"Yeah, and she did really seem like she meant it..."
"I made her cry..." Finally, Spike seemed to slump where he stood. "Oh...I really did blow this out of proportion, didn't I?"
"Heh...I know you're not really saying anything, but it still helps me think." Spike smiled at the little featherball. "Y'know what I'm gonna do? I'm gonna hitch a ride straight to Canterlot! And-" Spike opened the door, only to see something he certainly wasn't expecting.
"Uh...h-hello?" said Spike to the figures shrouded in darkness outside, who stood three feet taller than the door. One of them spoke in a smooth male voice.
"Is this the home of Twilight Sparkle?"
In the middle of a grassy courtyard of Canterlot, Twilight Sparkle was in the midst of learning a shield spell. As her horn glowed with power, a fluorescing purple mass spread out in front of her.
"Excellent, Twilight" encouraged Celestia "but try not to strain more than your magical reserves. You seem tense."
Twilight followed her advice, trying to maintain the shield without flexing from the effort. But in that moment, something whirled in from above Celestia's horn and fell to the floor with a smash. It was a vase, still slightly smoking.
"Spike?" Twilight whispered. As if in answer, more items emerged. A singed book. A table. A red-hot metal joint attached to a slender pipe- which emitted numerous, loud bursts of light from the open end. Twilight could have sworn she felt the noise in her chest. At first it only startled the two, but they soon realized that wherever the loud, spastic thing pointed was struck by something thin, fast and seemingly invisible, cracking some sections of the opposite wall. Celestia managed to grab the curious object with her magic before it managed to flail towards her student. Eventually though, the noise and flashing stopped, replaced with a series of loud clicks as the open-end of the pipe sat smoking. In a few moments though, even this ceased, and the silence was deafening.
"Princess..." Twilight hesitantly asked. "what IS that...?" Celestia wore an expression Twilight hadn't seen since the night of the Gala, when they both stumbled upon the chaos that had consumed the ballroom.
"I don't know...Guards!" she commanded, and a pair of golden-armored pegasai entered the room.
"Princess..." they bowed.
"I need you to assemble a squad and make your way to the Ponyville Library with all haste." She ordered. "Search for anything out of the ordinary, anything out of place. And find the young dragon who answers to the name 'Spike'. Bring him here if you find him. Go now!" Twilight's expression grew more and more anxious, until she was forced to speak.
"Princess, what do you mean 'IF they find him'? What's happening, is Spike in trouble?" Twilight's eyes pleaded with her mentor. Celestia stared for a moment in contemplation.
"I haven't been entirely honest with you Twilight...When Luna and I cause an eclipse, the energies coursing between us have occasionally opened our eyes to glimpses of events that haven't happened yet. The last time, I saw NightMare Moon. I never guessed it would be my own sister."
Twilight's face filled with fear. It felt like time had sped up around them.
"This time" she continued "I saw you, consumed by a strange darkness. I wanted you safe Twilight, so I asked you to stay here, where it would be harder for somepony, or...something to harm you."
Twilight's fears seemed confirmed rather than alleviated. "But...why didn't you just tell me this from the start?"
"The future is always changing. There was no certainty in the threat, and I didn't want to frighten you if I didn't have to."
"But if it doesn't know I'm here, then it would start looking for me at home! Oh please, no...! It's my fault he's still there! I can't let this happen!" Twilight began racing from the yard.
"Twilight, NO!" Twilight stopped at the concern in her voice. "This will all have been in vain, and any danger Spike is in will only be increased if whatever responsible is still there waiting for you!"
Twilight stared at Celestia, never so uncertain in her life, and yet only one thing could quell the terror in her heart. Her horn began to glow. "I'm sorry Princess..."
"Twilight Sparkle!" Cried Celestia, as her student vanished in a great flash.
Twilight rematerialized just outside the gates of the palace. Despite her efforts, her jumps were constrained by distance, and she had to know where she was going. On the main road, she could only transport herself a modest distance each time. Already worn from the lesson, it cost her more and more effort to make each jump.
Finally, she found herself on the outskirts of Ponyville. She looked around wildly, readying herself for whatever threat might be coming. But her tense vigilance turned instantly to gut-wrenching horror as she looked towards the village. A fierce orange glow was coming from the place she called home: the library was on fire.
"No..." she breathed, disbelieving, before galloping as fast as her legs could carry her, past shops and homes. Past the ajar doors of concerned ponies who watched on. Twilight wondered why they weren't helping, before she realized the Ponyville Fire Brigade was on the scene. Great hoses led by earth ponies fought a losing battle against the massive hollow tree, which at this point had lost nearly all of it's leaves to the flames by then. Embers from burnt paper soared through the windows as unicorn ponies utilized a giant version of Twilight's same shield spell to prevent other buildings nearby from catching fire. Twilight heard shouts confirming that the town pegasi were on their way as well, presumably to hit the Library with a rainstorm.
"Whoa, Ma'am! I'm sorry, but this is an emergency situation! We can't have anypony too close to the building." Shouted a stallion firefighter, over the roar of the inferno.
"Have you seen a baby dragon anywhere? Did he come out of the library?" Twilight asked, hoping against hope, not even caring about the loss of her home and her books in light of the situation. The stallion merely shook his head.
"Nothing's come out and nothing's gone in; too dangerous in there. Paramedics are en-route, but we haven't heard a thing about anypony inside- HEY! Where are you going?!" bellowed the stallion in surprise as Twilight shot past him and magically forced the front door open like a cannon in spite of her exhaustion. It fell off it's hinges, having barely held on in the first place from previous trauma. Scorch marks littered the room, seeming not merely burnt, but to have damaged the surface with what must have been impressive force. Even built into the wall, shelves had collapsed and dumped their payloads onto the floor to smolder.
"Spike!" she shouted, smoke stinging her eyes and throat. "Where are you?" Twilight could barely hear her own voice above the terrifying sound. If Spike were in here, he'd never hear her. She threw objects off the floor and to the side as she looked. Cracking noises from the tree added to the already cruel sense of urgency as she rifled through rubble.
"Please Spike..." she spoke to herself, spirit falling with every piece of furniture that did not yield the diminutive dragon. "Please be okay..."
"...Twilight...!" came a young, weak voice that terrified Twilight. It barely carried above the sound of the rushing flames, but it was too loud to be her imagination. She found the source of the noise, beneath a stack of shelves and proceeded to lift them off. "Don't worry Spike, I'm here, I'm coming to get you!"
Finally, she could see his face, and with one final heave he was free. "Never again, Spike" said Twilight, hugging him between her cheek and fore-hoof. "I won't leave you like this ever again, I swear." Twilight traded on fear for another, as she realized Spike was having trouble moving on his own, and his reactions seemed tepid given the dire nature of the situation. She got him onto her back with difficulty, and used her remaining power to transport them both away from the blaze.
"Twilight...you came back..." Spike murmured. They had appeared in the middle of a road in the middle of town. Twilight knew the hospital was three blocks from where they stood, but she was worn down. She'd exhausted her magic, and could only trot down the road at a steady pace.
"Of course I came back for you!" Twilight assured him, deeply unsettled that he seemed so weak. She kept up her pace. "I'm getting you to a doctor, just hold on tight!"
"You shouldn't have...they were looking for you..." said Spike.
"Who was looking for me?" said Twilight, anxious both for his answer, and to keep hearing Spike's voice. She was almost less frightened in the burning library.
"Tall, really tall...most were metal, but one had skin. I only saw his face..." Spike sounded more lucid as he concentrated. "Twilight...I'm so tired..." Twilight felt Spike's weight lift from her back as his grip slackened and he slipped off onto the hard, cold earth.
"Spike!" cried Twilight, who turned around to find her friend lying on his back in the dirt. She could see he was still breathing, but it seemed labored. She got down on the ground next to him.
"Spike, come on, we need to move! I need you to grab hold, I can't lift you with magic this time, and you're too big any other way." Twilight finished, feeling powerless. Spike's hand reached for her withers, but he couldn't quite haul himself on. He soon gave up, lying on his back again.
"Twilight...I'm sorry I-" began Spike.
"No, I'M sorry! It's my fault you were still here! If I hadn't been so selfish, we wouldn't have fought, but I STILL should never have left you!" Twilight was on the verge of hysterics. She called out to the darkness, desperate. "HELP! PLEASE, MY FRIEND IS HURT! SOMEPONY, HELP!"
"Twilight...let Rarity know-" but Twilight cut him off again.
"Don't you DARE start saying goodbyes!" she bawled. "Don't you start giving up! You're a DRAGON, you're FIREPROOF! Why would the bravest, toughest dragon I ever knew be beaten by a fire?" She choked as her eyes watered.
It was true. Spike was bruised in a number of places, but he was not bleeding. It only amplified how helpless Twilight felt that she couldn't understand what was wrong with her friend.
"He did something...all these can things all over the floor...something flashed, a-and it felt like something was hitting me harder than I-" Spike stopped as something flew onto the roof of a building near them. Twilight called to it.
"Owlowiscious! Spike's hurt bad, please, get help!"
"Who!" and with that, the bird set off once more into the night.
"Twilight...I'm scared..." groaned Spike. Tears streamed from Twilight's fear-stricken eyes as she lied next to him and nuzzled him.
"I'm right here, I won't let anything happen to you..."
"The wind...it's just blowing through me...why do I feel so cold...?" Twilight betrayed a sob. All she could do was hold him tighter against her. She couldn't let him go. The world would end if she ever let him go...
"Twilight...I know you're not my mother...but I wouldn't have minded..." Twilight's face scrunched up in anguish.
"Neither would I...you're my best friend, Spike... I love you so much...!" she buried her head into his shoulder, beginning at long last to lose control as Spike's eyes were slowly shutting. "Spike?! NO! You need to stay awake! You've GOT TO fight!"
Twilight shuddered as she despaired.
"Please...don't leave me..." she wept.
"Twi...light..." the last syllable was but a breath, as Twilight saw his eyelids meet, and felt her best friend's body slacken.
And Spike was gone...
Twilight Sparkle let out a scream of suffering that shot out through the dark streets of Ponyville. And from that moment, something in her seemed to break. She felt numbed to the world around her. Rain from the village pegasi streamed down from above, as the orange glow of the Library became fainter and fainter, but she felt none of it. Applejack and Fluttershy arrived, but their voices sounded like they were underwater. It was as though the world had slowed down. For a long while, nothing happened, as Applejack kept her distance and bowed her head sadly, putting a hoof around Fluttershy who was instantly a mess. Nobody seemed capable of saying a word on seeing Spike lying still on the ground, Twilight, covered in mud and her coat stained from ash in the fire, tenderly curled up next to him. And for what felt like an eternity, that was how it stayed.


text:
So, Group Lotus became the equity partner in Renault F1 team after Renault sold its remaining shares to Genii Capital. Renault becomes the engine supplier and technological partner. For obvious historical and financial reasons Renault remains the name of the chassis. The official name of the team however changes to Lotus Renault GP.
Lotus Renault GP already released the artist impression of their 2011 livery – the black on gold one reminiscent of the Team Lotus in JPS era.
All fine and well except there will be another Lotus team, the Team Lotus (known as Lotus Racing in 2010) on the grid next year. Team Lotus will be powered by Renault engines and is listed on the 2011 FIA entry list as Lotus-Renault. Team Lotus (powered by Renault) also plans to run next year in black and gold livery (selected from designs submitted by fans).
So, after having no Lotus cars on grid for 15 years, it does seem there will be four of them in 2011 …
Renault in the meantime announced the creation of Renault Sport F1, the sporting division that will be responsible for Renault's involvement in Formula 1™ racing as a supplier of engines and technology for the 2011 season and beyond. Renault Sport F1 will supply three teams in 2011, which equates to 25% of the grid.
Renault will be supplying engines to three of the teams on the grid in 2011:
– Lotus Renault GP: Renault will be supplying engines and technological support to Lotus Renault GP, the team that previously competed under the name of Renault F1 Team and with which it won two
world championships in 2005 and 2006.
– Red Bull Racing Renault: the 2010 world champion has been using Renault engines for four
seasons. Demonstrating its confidence in Renault, it has extended the partnership for a further two
– 1 Malaysia Racing Team (UK) Ltd (aka Team Lotus): a new customer for Renault in 2011. This team made its F1 debut in 2010. It has a sound technological base with the Renault engine and Red Bull Technology transmission
With this decision to supply engines to three teams next season, Renault is returning to its core expertise in engine manufacturing and getting ready to meet the challenges of the future, particularly the new engine regulations to be introduced over the next few years.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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Hip arthroplasty - precautions; Hip replacement - precautions
After you have hip replacement surgery, you will need to be careful how you move your hip, especially for the first few months after surgery. In time, you should be able to return to your previous level of activity. But even when you do your everyday activities, you will need to move carefully so that you do not dislocate your hip.
You will need to learn exercises make your new hip stronger.
After you fully recover from surgery, you should not downhill ski or do contact sports, such as football and soccer. You should be able to do low impact activities, such as hiking, gardening, swimming, playing tennis, and golfing.
Some general rules for any activity you do are:
When you are getting dressed:
When you are sitting:
When you are bathing or showering:
When you are using stairs:
When you are lying in bed:
When you are getting into or riding in a car:
Do NOT drive until your doctor says it is okay.
When you are walking:
Minns Lowe CJ, Barker KL, Dewey ME, Sackley CM. Effectiveness of physiotherapy exercise following hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a systematic review of clinical trials. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2009 Aug 4;10:98.
Ververeli PA, Lebby EB, Tyler C, Fouad C. Evaluation of reducing postoperative hip precautions in total hip replacement: a randomized prospective study. Orthopedics. 2009 Dec;32(12):889-93.
C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
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Share Your Reflection

Thank you for sharing the Moyers piece. Wiman's a
Thank you for sharing the Moyers piece. Wiman's a marvelous poet and speaks so eloquently, movingly, and honestly about faith and writing but especially about his cancer. He's also a wonderful reader of poetry and prose. I look forward to your forthcoming podcast.

We'll have it available tomorrow afternoon, along with a
We'll have it available tomorrow afternoon, along with a half dozen poems he recited for our website. Cheers!

Thank you for posting this interview.

Thank you for posting this interview.

Amen and Bravo for a wonderful sharing...

Amen and Bravo for a wonderful sharing...

Grateful for this, and have been mining it for sustenance
Grateful for this, and have been mining it for sustenance and inspiration for days, now. So much that is commendable here: foremost, the power of poetry to teach us how to pray and how to suffer nobly. Thank you, Moyers, and Wiman for this gift. I've typed up a few luminous lines, by Wiman, in order to try and Remember:
'It seemed like the world was looking back at me, it was just lit, just radiant.'
'A crisis of faith is the only crisis there is. We're always having it... We mistake it for other things... my job, my marriage... You can't fix your life if the ground of your being is unsure.'
'I love the life that I've been granted/ in this deepening shadow of death"
Blessings, Yahia

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.


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Mouthguard Case
$2.99These colorful mouthguard cases are an excellent way to keep your mouth guards clean and safe. Their vibrant colors are easy to spot in a karate or tae kwon do duffel bag, making it easy to grab during the rush before sparring. Durable plastic and easy to wash. Learn More -
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Discover Berlin
The Mövenpick Hotel Berlin is only a few minutes' walk away from the Potsdamer Platz, where some of the best addresses for shopping and entertainment in Berlin can be found.
Excellent transport links close to the hotel include a bus stop and railway station, making it easy to make your way around the city. Most of the famous museums and sights are reachable within a distance of 1 km from the hotel. Finally, there is also a lot to explore and see for the younger visitors to the capital.
Located just a short walk from the famous Potsdamer Platz, the Mövenpick Hotel Berlin is situated perfectly for exploring the sights and sounds of Berlin. From classical concerts to music festivals, Berlin's event calendar offers entertainment all year round. Its many museums and famous landmarks such as the Reichstag and the Martin-Gropius-Bau will appeal to all, while the shoppers will delight in the variety of stores. If you're travelling to Berlin on business, the city's trade fair grounds and convention centres are within easy reach of our Berlin hotel.
Things to do Features
• Minutes from Potsdamer Platz
• Excellent transport links
• Close to main shopping areas
• Perfect base for sightseeing
Berlin attracts many business travelers due to the numerous hotels, fairs, congresses, business meetings and corporate events to come into the city. For a pleasant business stay, the Mövenpick Hotel Berlin provides various meeting rooms and advantages. Due to its ideal and central location, fairgrounds and convention centers can be easily reached by public transport.
The Mövenpick Hotel Berlin is just a few minutes away from Potsdamer Platz and the perfect starting point to visit various cultural events. In addition to the CHAMÄLEON Theater, which will be enjoying for all artistry fans, the Philharmonie Berlin offers great music experiences. Berlin is clearly a vibrant metropolis where you can see many different and new things and each lover of culture has a lot of things to do.
When exploring the German capital Berlin, it is clear that this city has much to offer. From classical concerts to an opera performance or a music festival, the range of events from different areas is large. The central location of the Mövenpick Hotel Berlin allows reaching different event locations on foot or by public transport. For sure every visitor will experience extraordinary hours and days in Berlin, since the vibrating capital city never sleeps.
Family Fun
A family vacation in Berlin will inspire young and old. Berlin scores with leisure activities that will be fun for the whole family. There is a large range of things to do that you should experience together with your kids. In addition to the largest musical theater ATZE, that will be memorable especially for children, the German Technology Museum invites parents and children on a journey into the world of technology. Pure family fun is announced in Berlin.
Berlin as fashion metropolis number one of Germany attracts primarily shopping enthusiasts to visit the city. The variety of department stores, small boutiques and designer outlets is a true paradise for shoppers. The Mövenpick Hotel Berlin, which is located near Potsdamer Platz, is the perfect place to reach all shopping facilities. Whether you are looking for art, clothes or shoes, the variety is huge in Berlin.
Berlin with its impressive history offers visitors attractive locations and sights for every interest. Almost all tourist magnets can be easily reached on foot or by public transport from the Mövenpick Hotel Berlin. If you already know Berlin and you would like to see different things away from the tourist crowds, you will definitely find unconventional things to see in Berlin.


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Have you ever seen WAC football??? It's embarressing...BTW Cam played 1 year at Auburn whereas Kaep played 3-4 years at Nevada against bottom FCS competition. He should have posted 3x the numbers Cam did. This isn't a Kaep isn't as good as Cam conversation. Im just saying he's overated. Put him in as our starting QB and we might win 4 games. Kaep has a lot of support. All he has to do is play his role, just like Alex Smith did and the 49ers will win games. The team is just too good.
I think at first Kaep was playing only a role. But not anymore. The offense is based off him now just like how it is here with Cam.
Cam and Kaep are almost identical twins. Kaep only much quicker.


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He's gay. He's Austrian. He worships Karl Lagerfeld. And now, he's coming to a theater near you.
After two years of crashing catwalks, punking celebrities and assaulting heterosexual America with his high-fashion flamboyance, "Brüno" is hitting the big screen at midnight, thrusting the fashion industry into a rather glaring spotlight.
While the film's primary targets are straight American men who find Brüno's sequined homosexuality upsetting, there is in this sashaying insurrectionist an implied assault on the fashion industry, too.
Brüno's version of an Austrian fashion journalist is narcissistic, fame-obsessed, overstyled. As portrayed by comic provocateur Sacha Baron Cohen, Brüno, who considers African babies the ultimate fashion accessory and describes Al-Qaeda as "so 2001," is an ambassador of bad taste — both sartorial and political.
But the fashion industry seems to be in a mocking mood and not since AbFab turned "Lacroix, dahling" into a punch line has the market so readily welcomed an effigy of itself.
"He's a great comedian and incredibly talented and I can't wait to see it," said Diane von Furstenberg. "In comedy, anything is fair game."
Trish Halpin, the editor in chief of Marie Claire U.K. who put Brüno and model Alessandra Ambrosio on the magazine's July cover, views Brüno's ridiculous flamboyance as the perfect antidote to recessionary doldrums.
"People in this industry are very professional, but equally they have a sense of humor and a normal life as well," she offered. "Fashion is, of course, an easy target, but when it's done in a clever way, [making fun of it] can be a good thing."
And clever it can be, even when Brüno characterizes fashionistas as pleasure-seeking glamazons. "You cannot poke fun at the fashion world. It is a stereotype that we are only concerned about appearance and drugs and that is not true," he told WWD at the film's Los Angeles premiere. "We are also concerned about parties."
But being on the receiving end of Brüno's antics isn't always fun and games. Just ask Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, who watched in horror as Brüno invaded the backstage of her spring 2009 runway show and bullied his way onto the catwalk. Clad in a velcro jumpsuit, Brüno streaked through de la Prada's collection, taking much of it with him, and stepped onto the runway in what looked like some kind of bad deconstructionist ensemble. His blitz prompted the designer to kill the lights and suspend her show.
"I was furious with that man. He was violent. He pushed my art director to the floor and scared the models," recalled de la Prada of Brüno. "But there he was, turning my show into a nightmare, and I wanted to kill him." Six months later, the anger still flared in her voice. No one likes being punked.
As in his previous mockumentary, the 2006 hit "Borat," Cohen's on-screen victims in Brüno have fought back. Two years ago, spectators at a Kansas cage-fighting event hurled beer cans when two fighters (one of whom was Brüno) began to make out. Last year, local police had to subdue flustered travelers when Brüno began an impromptu strip show at the Wichita airport. Last month, an employee of a bingo hall in California filed a claim against Cohen seeking damages for injuries she allegedly suffered while Brüno, dressed in "sexually revealing clothing," shouted obscenities at the hall's elderly guests.
By comparison, the fashion establishment's only complaint is that Brüno didn't punk them more.
"He didn't come to my fashion show," lamented von Furstenberg. "But I wish he had."


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Moderator: LGB Mods
cardsfan04 wrote:I'm somewhat surprised, but it does make sense to retire now as opposed to 1-2 years from now. He won't duplicate this season even if he were to win another title (and w/ Waino coming back, I actually think we have a decent chance at repeating, although not predicting it per se).
glen a richter wrote:Yeahhhhhh, the Rays are definitely planning to let Maddon go.
glen a richter wrote:Yeahhhhhh, the Rays are definitely planning to let Maddon go.
Leedog wrote:They will hire Oquendo to make A. Pujol happy. He only likes Latino's.
cardsfan04 wrote:Why do you say that Mo has always wanted to breakup the "island boys rule" in the locker room?
And why do you dislike the idea of Oquendo being manager?
cardsfan04 wrote:I don't think it's a moot point though. They clearly want to interview people outside the organization. But, that doesn't mean they have ruled out internal candidates.
cprice12 wrote:With that said...
I think any clubhouse issues with the Cardinals are way overblown. After winning the WS, the players have been constantly talking about how great a group of guys are on this team and how great the clubhouse is. They volunteer this info. They aren't directly asked about it...but they bring it up. That says a lot and pretty much discredits any issues depicted by Slaten or any other member of the media (not that Slaten is a member of the media, but still).
Any "clubhouse issue" or "favoritism" or "island group" is a complete non-issue if you ask me.
cardsfan04 wrote:I'm starting to doubt that Oquendo gets the job. He didn't even go to the parade. Not that the decision of our next manager should hinge on that, but it's a microcosm of what to expect w/ Jose. He hates public outings and that was a pretty big one to miss. It could mean he knows he's not getting the job and is done with the team. Or, it could just give the team a reason to pass on him.
Then again, maybe he just had the flu or something.
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A sunburn is reddening of the skin that occurs after you are exposed to the sun or other ultraviolet light.
Solar erythema: Burn from the sun
The first signs of a sunburn may not appear for a few hours. The full effect to your skin may not appear for 24 hours or longer. Possible symptoms include:
Symptoms of sunburn are usually temporary. But the skin damage is often permanent and can have serious long-term effects, including skin cancer. By the time the skin starts to become painful and red, the damage has been done. Pain is worst between 6 and 48 hours after sun exposure.
Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the melanin to protect the skin. Melanin is the skin's protective coloring (pigment). Sunburn in a very light-skinned person may occur in less than 15 minutes of midday sun exposure, while a dark-skinned person may tolerate the same exposure for hours.
Keep in mind:
Factors that make sunburn more likely:
If you do get a sunburn:
Call a health care provider right away if you have a fever with sunburn. Also call if there are signs of shock, heat exhaustion, dehydration, or other serious reactions. These signs include:
The doctor will perform a physical exam and look at your skin. You may be asked questions about your medical history and current symptoms, including:
Sunburn is better prevented than treated. Ways to prevent sunburn include:
Krakowski AC, Kaplan LA. Exposure to radiation from the sun. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Wilderness Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: 2011:chap. 14.
Lim HW, Hawk JLM. Photodermatologic disorders. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, eds. Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 87.
Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial Team.
For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.
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Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.
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Recent News
'Our Oath in Action' Event Focuses on Animal Safety During Natural Disasters
Auburn, Alabama —
Veterinary medicine students from Auburn and Tuskegee universities began practicing what they are learning by working the first of two Our Oath in Action events.
Through the sponsorship of the American Veterinary Foundation and in partnership with the Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation, the group of students participated in 2013 Fall Roundup and Taste of Alabama Agriculture on Saturday, Oct. 12 on the Auburn University campus.
Students handed out literature and talked with the public about the importance of having a plan for their animals when a natural disaster occurs.
The AVMF chose Alabama as one of six states to debut the national Our Oath in Action campaign, and the Auburn event was one of two scheduled in the state. Tuskegee also plans an event in early November, and students from both schools will join efforts again to support that event.
Keywords pet safety natural disasters agriculture students


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Why do they slit the breads on top?
To let it expand as it cooks
I love how he uses some parkour to get to oven to check on his bread and his stretch & fold technique is so fast and easy!!
This bakery is 10mins from me. :-)


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Marian welcomes six to its Hall of Fame
BY CASEY TONER firstname.lastname@example.com
Having taught thousands of students over the decades, Marian Catholic High School's Sister Agnes Ann Pisel is one well-known nun.
Now, she has been awarded the Chicago Heights-based school's top honor — the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Pisel taught at Marian from 1973 to 1979 and returned in 1986.
The award was presented during the school's Hall of Fame ceremony Feb. 7 at Olympia Fields Country Club.
"It's a great honor," Pisel said. "I've been here a long time, I know a lot of people, and it's nice to know that you've made a difference somewhere along the way."
During her first six-year stint at Marian, Pisel taught theology, was a freshman class moderator and was a moderator of Sodality, an early version of the school's service club.
She left in 1979 to teach at Sacred Heart Academy, an all-girls school in Springfield. She returned to Marian as the theology department chairwoman.
She also worked as a Kairos retreat leader, among other duties.
A native of Granite City, Pisel, the oldest of six sisters, taught theology classes at different levels until two years ago when she became a tutor and a study hall monitor. She lives on campus at the Marian convent.
Outside the classroom, Pisel said she likes to watch movies, read books and travel.
"I also like to knit, but that sounds like such an old lady thing," she quipped.
In 2011, Pisel traveled to Israel with two of her blood-sisters to see firsthand the sites she had been studying about her entire life.
"Seeing those things made Scripture come alive," Pisel said.
She said she doesn't know what her future holds at Marian, other than that she plans to remain a fixture in the community.
"As far as the future is concerned, I don't have any plans," Pisel said. "I'll always be there to meet the needs of the congregation and the Dominican sisters."
In addition to Pisel, Vince Krydynski III, John Finnin, Bobby Lambert, Edward Szymanski and Sister Marion Sitkiewitz also joined the Marian Hall of Fame.


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Numbers gets more templates, better touch controls
Numbers has been redesigned to match the design scheme of iOS 7 and is useful for creating spreadsheets and organizing data while away from your desktop. It's not going to take the place of more robust spreadsheet apps like Microsoft Excel, but it's great for tinkering with your data on the go. On the iPhone the app works admirably, but the smaller screen size makes it a bit less easy to use than the iPad version.
Like the other new iWork apps that were released in October, Numbers was built from the ground up for both iOS and … Read more


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Ava Mod Giraffe Nursery Bedding
$19 – $99
- Overview
Bring the stars of the safari to the nursery. Giraffes and geometric floral prints offer a charming interplay of color, texture and design. The pieced quilt is sewn by hand with appliqués and decorative embroidery.
- Pure cotton percale.
- Pure cotton batting.
- Appliquéd giraffes on a white percale ground.
- Quilt and sham reverse to polka dots on a light pink ground.
- Crib sheet is organic 200-thread-count cotton percale.
- Bumper is a printed chocolate geometric design and reverses to self; polyester fill.
- Pleated crib skirt is white cotton percale pieced with a mod print border accented with bright pink piping.
- Quilted sham has an envelope closure; insert sold separately.
- Nursery Bumper Bedding Set includes fitted crib sheet, bumper and crib skirt.
- Nursery Quilt Bedding Set includes fitted crib sheet, toddler quilt and crib skirt.
- Images provided (left) show bumper's distinct interior and exterior patterns; always fasten securely with exterior facing outward.
- Machine wash.
- Imported.
- Dimensions & Care
- View our nursery bedding safety tips.
- Made of 100% cotton percale. A percale weave is noticeably denser and wears well over time.
- Pottery Barn fitted crib sheets have elastic around the top and bottom only rather than around the entire edge, a feature that makes our sheets safer for your baby.
- Remove bumper when baby can sit up unaided, or can pull to a standing position (6–10 months).
- Four-sided skirt fits around the entire crib and is tailored with split corners for easy placement around posts.
- Sham has a quilted front and an envelope closure. Insert sold separately; down blend or synthetic.
Toddler Quilt
- 36 x 50"
Fitted Crib Sheet
- 26 x 53"; fits mattresses up to 8" high
- 10 x 160"
Crib Skirt
- 28 x 52"; 16" drop
Small Sham
- 12 x 16"
- Machine wash in warm water; gentle cycle.
- Use only nonchlorine bleach, if needed.
- Tumble dry on low heat.
- Warm iron as needed.
- Shipping Info
Please allow 5-7 business days for delivery. Delivery estimate includes monogrammed and gift-wrapped items.
Personalize this item
Preview $99
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Crib Fitted Sheet
- Organic
Small Quilted Sham
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Preview $24.50
- Personalization
Crib Skirt
Also in this Collection
Ava Mod Giraffe Nursery Bedding Set
Nursery Bumper Bedding Set: Crib Skirt, Crib Fitted Sheet & Bumper
reg. price $177 special $164
Nursery Quilt Bedding Set: Toddler Quilt, Crib Skirt & Crib Fitted Sheet
Personalize this item
reg. price $177 special $164
- Personalization
Crib Waterproof Mattress Pad
Waterproof Mattress Protector
PBK Luxury Loft Pillows


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Connect with the Rangers
Rangers on Facebook
Rangers on Twitter
- Official Club
- @Rangers
- Beat Writers
- @Sullivan_Ranger
The official Google+ page of the Texas Rangers
Rangers on Instagram
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- following
- followers
Rangers MLB.com Ballpark® app
MLB.com At Bat
Follow the Rangers with MLB.com At Bat, featuring live audio, Gameday, video highlights, news, schedules and more. Available for Apple iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets.
Rangers News Alerts
including player, game, and video alerts
Text "Get Rangers" to 65246 to sign up. Text STOP to 65246 to opt-out. Text HELP to 65246 for assistance.
Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Expect 15-20 msg/wk.
Rangers Text Messages
including special offers and other information
Text "RANGERS" to 76432 to sign up. Text STOP to 76432 to opt-out. Text HELP to 76432 for assistance.
Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Expect 1-2 msg/wk.


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Hayley Owl Growth Chart
Personalize this item
Preview $29
- Personalization
- Overview
Our in-house artist has created this sweet little tableau to help mark your child's progress from little to big. It's fun to rise above the treetops where the owls perch.
- 16.5" wide x 60" high
- Measures up to 5' tall.
- Crafted of chipboard with printed artwork.
- Hangs from grosgrain ribbon; mounting hardware is not included.
- Dimensions & Care
- Overall: 14" wide x 72" high
- Weight: 2.75 pounds
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- Shipping Info
- Please allow 5-7 business days for delivery. Delivery estimate includes monogrammed and gift-wrapped items. To confirm delivery time frames in your area, please call 800.993.4923.
International Customers: Items on this page are not eligible for Free Shipping. Please view our general guidelines for more information.


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Winter classes begin the week of January 12th and end the week of March 16th, 2015 (with the exception of our painting class). Please see dates affiliated with each class. Children's classes commence Saturday, January 17th and end March 21st, 2015. In the event of inclement weather, classes will be canceled if JCPS cancels -- please refer to JCPS closings here. Don't want to take a class?? Or, the below schedule doesn't work for you?? We also have private lessons.
Please contact The Alliance Française with any questions at 502-420-0800
You may register for classes at AFL by becoming a member* (if not already one) and doing any one of the following:
Register online anytime using PayPal or credit card!
By phone: 502-420-0800
*In an effort to bring AFL in line with standard procedures in Alliance Française chapters around the world, we request that all students in adult classes be members of AFL. Since AFL students are indeed students, they will be able to purchase a membership at the student rate of $25 per year. Being a member has its benefits ― members receive the e-newsletter, the Quoi de Neuf, a review of AFL's current events and/or news of happenings in the neighborhood with a French and/or francophone connection, and other notices such as "Save the Date" announcements. In addition, members have access to special prices and discounts for events and also to "member-only" events. These membership requirements do not apply to children's classes, however, we do encourage that families join so that they will be able to enjoy all of AFL's privileges. Find complete course descriptions on the highlighted titles below. See registration form for details and complete AFL policies. Please read AFL's policy regarding refunds
Download the registration form in PDF format & mail your payment to AFL. Download our class descriptions' page here .


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Tested by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute
GE ADER65LNQ1 Dehumidifier
Product Review
About GHRI Ratings
XGood Housekeeping Research Institute (GHRI) ratings are based on laboratory tests conducted by our scientists at the U.S.'s foremost consumer products evaluation laboratory, and incorporate consumer feedback. GHRI is situated on the 29th floor of the Hearst Tower in New York City and is staffed by chemists, engineers, nutritionists, textile specialists, culinary experts, and other scientists.
Using state-of-the-art equipment, GHRI experts test consumer products — from microwaves to mascaras — for their performance, safety, and, with the help of volunteer testers, ease of use.
Established in 1900, before there was a Federal Drug Administration or a Federal Trade Commission, GHRI has always been the most trusted source consumers can rely on to choose products that are safe and effective.
You wont have to worry about maneuvering the GE ADER65LNQ1; this dehumidifier has a handle and wheels to make handling it a snap. As an added bonus, our consumer testers found the controls among the most intuitive of any dehumidifiers in our test. This unit did a relatively good job at dehumidifying our test room, but it isnt particularly energy efficient (it runs at only about 80% of the efficiency of our top performing unit, the Frigidaire FAD704TDP) and was among the noisier dehumidifiers in the group. Still, keeping the GE units filter clean is easy to do, and its three fan speeds let you fine-tune its performance for your space. Heads up: When we tested it, this models water reservoir had to be emptied after about five and a half hours.
Energy Cost to Run Continuously Per Month (based on our test conditions): $46.33
Manufacturers Warranty: one-year limited warranty
GHRI Tested: Dehumidifiers
- Comfort-Aire BHD-651-G Dehumidifier
- Danby DDR7009REE Dehumidifier
- DeLonghi DD50P Dehumidifier
- Frigidaire FAD704TDP Dehumidifier
- GE ADER65LNQ1 Dehumidifier
- Haier DE65EJ-L Dehumidifier
- Kenmore 50701 Dehumidifier
- LG LD650EAL Dehumidifier
- Royal Sovereign BDH550 Dehumidifier
- Soleus Air SG-DEH-45-1 Dehumidifier
- Sunpentown SD-65E Dehumidifier
Special Offer


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CrimsonRaine wrote:Dr. Mandalor wrote:CrimsonRaine wrote:askura wrote:CrimsonRaine wrote:
Oh my God, what an idiot! It HAS been proven moron, people don't CHOOSE it. There are people who show signs of homosexuality as children, much younger than 11. It can even show in ages as young as 6. Or do you think children who haven't been alive long enough to even know what gay is are able to decide, "You know what? I think I'm going to be this thing where I like people like me and not be like Mommy and Daddy." If they're completely capable of being straight, why aren't they? Why would anyone CHOOSE to be something that is so deeply hate and persecuted? Why would they CHOOSE to be something that will get them teased and mocked? Why would they CHOOSE to be something that isn't considered 'normal' by dumbasses like you? People who say no and keep trying to deny the scientific studies are just desperate to make these people suffer and seem like they're just indecent and shouldn't be treated right or fairly. They don't want to believe they shouldn't be like them. But since you're too stupid to figure it out, I'll show how they got the theory. But you'll probably be too dumb to learn, or your prejudiced brain won't be able to even see the words. Hell, you probably won't even look because you're scared. But you know what IS chosen and learned? Being a hateful, judgmental, ignorant and prejudiced human being. Like you.
http://www.godandscience.org/evolution/ ... ality.html
Hey, hey. It's one thing to disprove an argument or point out logical, rational things. It's another to insult someone and condescend to them.
Even if I agree with you, I think your name-calling is uncalled for. True the other person is being quite bigoted but it could be they don't know any better. They've even said personally offensive/upsetting things to me, doesn't mean I have to stoop to their level...
Why shouldn't they learn what it's like to be treated the way they treat people? Being hateful to someone for who they are, why shouldn't they learn how it feels to be treated the same way? Get a taste of their own medicine? When it's turned around it doesn't feel so good. Then again, people who are so set on being hateful don't learn easily.
One: i have used that tactic on bullies; and it is so funny how they just explode in front of their "friends" aka worshipers
Two: You can quote the science gene theory all you want; but most religions are against gays. They say couples should be man and woman.
Three: Their are now lots of reasons to CHOOSE to be something discriminated. Mainly because you can sue the living daylights out of people. So you tell me who is worse, being a stubborn dumb-ass, or being a jerk and suing people and making a living off of other people's misery just for not talking to you.
One: Bullies pick on people who normally don't deserve to be hated for something like race/sexual orientation/religion/nationality or just to be cruel because they find it fun to hurt and humiliate someone else because it's so easy. Hence the high suicide rate among teenagers who are picked on at school. But 'bullying' is too childish a definition for this situation, it's more of an adult situation.
Two: So you're saying that studies showing the difference in the brains and genetics of straight people and homosexuals is just some coincidence? And as for religion, yes, it's a religious belief. But that doesn't mean they're right. And if you want to bring religion into it, the book of John clearly states you should love your fellow man. Gays are humans too. And if God created us and is against homosexuality, why does it exist? Remember, the bible was written by humans. Very easy to put things without the capability of being proven otherwise.
Three: So people choose their race so they can sue for discrimination? People choose to be born into a religion and raised on it so they can sue for discrimination? People choose to be born a certain gender so they can sue for discrimination? People choose to get attacked so they can sue the other person? They choose to get raped so they can sue? Pretty sure not. Those factors aren't choices, being prejudiced and hateful is.
One: I was the one getting picked on. Just for reading a book. So bullies don't need a reason other than you are not one of them
Two: You are looking at the bible, like Congress is currently looking at the Amendments. You can read it any way you want. You will not change my beliefs.
Three: People choose their religion, they are not born into it and forced to stay in it. They can leave whenever they want. A white man can sue discrimination just as easily as a Negro, or Asian. And yes people aggravate people into attacking them so they can sue and claim self-defense. As for the rape, some messed up people actually enjoy it. And i pray to God you are not one of them.
You should go into politics and run your very rude mouth(after you learn a more proper vocabulary that means the same thing as you are saying right now) and your slanted view of things, and go to D.C to be with people who can argue just like you on the other side all year long. There are many ways to see things, that is why the ten commandments are so clearly written. So people can not say that He means it this way or that way in this situation or at this time. There are no loop holes in the Ten Commandments.
Dr. Mandalor


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Coffee makers are among some of the most important appliances to have in your house or office. Coffee is known to produce various benefits including heightened attentiveness, focus, and concentration. However with the numerous products in the market, it can be difficult to decide on which coffee maker to choose. It is even more difficult choosing the best products from a list of highly efficient rival brands and inseparable functionality. 2014 has seen many new releases already and the advancements in technology have always resulted in better products. Although there are many efficient options, my picks for the best coffee makers for 2014 consisted of these two;
Brew Central 14-cup Programmable (DCC 2600)
This is definitely the best automatic drip coffee maker in the market released this year. The Cuisinart DCC 2600 allows one to effortlessly control and program brewing, the flavor and strength of brew as well as temperature. This best coffee maker 2014 comes with a range of features to allow quick programmable brewing. The heating plate can be set to produce a warm, medium or hot cup of coffee. The plate can also be set to automatically shut-off within 0-4 hours. You can set the maker 24 hours earlier and still get your cups of coffee on time. The coffee maker can quickly brew 14 five-ounce cups of coffee at once or in sequences (one, two, three or four at a time) as desired. You can set the flavor strength to regular or bold using the brew strength selector. Other features include the self cleaning cycle, gold tone filter (permanent) and charcoal filter. The charcoal filter is used to chemical substances such as chlorine from water. It can be washed and reused. Its water distribution system sprays to all coffee grounds rather than one area resulting in evenly bodied coffee. The coffee maker can also be paused if you want to add some more coffee in the middle of brewing a larger pot. Another unique feature is the one minute memory that stores settings in case of abrupt power interruptions. Continue Reading ->


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quote:I like to ask questions and focus on things that are known, keep it out of the leap of faith realm.
quote: Except for the time you concluded there was a second shooter in the Aurora theater shootings simply because witnesses remarks to TV news cameras was predictably inconsistent (shocking) and a second gas mask was found?
quote:Have I concluded it? Really? Or have I said there is evidence of things that go against the official story?
quote:He also was pushing the BS about both dads being involved in the LIBOR court trials, etc.
quote:Every studied acting? The video shows a guy using acting techniques to "get into character" when he approaches the press.
quote:The glass was intact for the front door. That where he got in?
quote:Lanza was 120 and six feet tall. He had how many magazines? Two or four pistols? How much did that weigh? 50 pounds? 100?
quote:There were cameras at the school. There was a lockdown system that locked down all doors.
quote:Nothing wrong with us expecting information. This event is being used to change the laws of this country. THEY made it political so it's only logical to ask who benefitted from Sandy Hook.
quote:the first is silly because what reason does anyone have to cover up multiple gunmen, it doesn't change anyone.
quote:. And then there is the Aurora shootings where witnesses described gas cannisters coming from two different directions.
quote: At the start of the interview, the first guy said he was watching the movie, then saw a guy come in the theater from the front in a trench coat, then he saw something thrown from the back and then something thrown from the front.
quote:My theory
quote: Frankly, I don't find this witness to be that great. To be clear I don't think he is lying, I just don't think he is accurate
quote:Yeah.. it's reasonable to not take the word of someone who was in the actual theater when the event happened. I'm sure your theory is more accurate.
quote: I didn't say my theory is more accurate, but it is perfectly reasonable not to base an entire conspiracy theory around one witness.


text: Fun, but not frivolous, Snap! brushes from Princeton Artist Brush Co. are high-quality artist tools. Designed from the neck down, their colorful handles feature unique, multi-colored designs that make these brushes true stand-outs. Colorful, basic brushes that are value-priced, Snap! brushes are 80 individual brushes available in four series. This series of natural bristle long handle brushes for oil and acrylic painters comes in a wide variety of brush shapes and sizes made to appeal to your creative spirit. Note — Brush sizes are not standardized. The length and width of a brush of a given shape and size varies considerably by manufacturer. Since fine art brushes are hand crafted, expect some variation even among brushes from a given manufacturer. ™ Princeton is a trademark. ™Snap! is a trademark. |


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Financial & Risk provides solutions to the global financial community - delivering critical news, information and analytics, enabling transactions and connecting communities of trading, investing, financial and corporate professionals.
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We here at TinyMtn strive to design simple and accurate miniatures of the most dramatic and majestic landscapes on the Earth that will enliven your desk, coffee table, or workshop. Each model is a true-to-scale recreation of the surface topography of a real place---we never artificially scale the vertical dimension because we believe that nature has sculpted these landscapes to perfection already. We hope that having a TinyMtn in your home or office reminds you of the beauty of our world, as it does for us.
Click on any model! We offer each model in a variety of sizes and designs. Prices begin at $19, and models are offered from palm-sized 3"x3" to monstrous table-covering and exquisitely-detailed 20"x20"! Jump right to all available designs and sizes for: Mt. Everest, Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood, Mt. Shasta, K2, Denali/McKinley, Mt.Whitney, Yosemite Valley, Glacier NP, Longs Peak, Pikes Peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Zion Canyon, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Wilbur, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, High Tatras, Mt. Adams, Mont Blanc, Crater Lake, Sedona, Waimea Canyon, Mt. Katahdin, Great Smokies, The Eiger and Bernese Oberland, Mt. Baker, Mt. Jefferson, the Picket Range, and Whiteface Mtn. If you don't see your favorite mountain, e-mail us, we're really nice people!
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