text:
By Rusty Priske, Nancy Sauer, and Lucas Twyman
Edited by Fred Wan
The Crane
The section of Kyuden Doji that served as the personal quarters for the Crane Champion was decorated in an elegant manner, with the furnishings, floral arrangements and wall scrolls carefully chosen to reflect both the lady's personality and the wealth of her clan. Doji Kusari ignored it all as he made his way through the rooms — they told him nothing that he did not already know, and thus were of no account.
The rooms were also well-supplied with Daidoji yojimbo, and Kusari ignored them as well. Stopping to acknowledge one might draw the yojimbo's attention away from his duty, and that would never do; Kusari had lost his first betrothed to dark murder and he had no intention of losing his wife and child-to-be in a similar fashion. Arriving at the door to Domotai's private study he waited while Daidoji Kimpira, the head of her personal guard, looked him over carefully before sliding the door aside.
Kusari entered the room to find Domotai sitting on the study's balcony, watching the morning sunlight play on the fading glory of the garden below. She was wrapped in a warm robe and held a journal in her lap. "Good morning, my wife. Does Kimpira ever sleep?"
Domotai laughed. "Good morning, my husband. I believe he sleeps in the middle of the day, but that is only a guess on my part — allowing me to know his schedule might constitute a security breach." Kusari smiled at the wry humor in her voice. After the murder of Kitsuki Orika, Kimpira had quietly made changes to Kyuden Doji's security, with the result that no one within the palace proper had died during the Night of the Assassins. Domotai did not like being followed around by her personal guard, but she no longer objected to them.
"He is a good samurai," Kusari said. He knelt down next to her and rested a hand on the cushion between them.
"He brings great honor to his family," Domotai agreed. She closed the journal and gently rested her hand on top of Kusari's. "How did your mission to Mura Sabishii Toshi go?"
"Quite well. You were correct to send me to attend the final ceremonies for the passing of control from the Lion to the Crane. Naoharu's agents had heard some talk of resentment from some of the Lion samurai there, but it was all swept away when it was announced that I was representing the Crane." He paused, then changed the topic. "I heard that Nagori had left yesterday. Why so quickly? He can only have been back from the Tournament a few days."
"He needed to make preparations for the Divine One's Winter Court. It will be at Kyuden Bayushi, so there is little time."
Kusari frowned. "The 'Divine One' — I do not understand how the Celestial Heavens could have selected her. I am sure she was honorable enough, for a Dragon, but the Lion Clan is filled with samurai just as honorable. And the men she has chosen to serve her? What good could she possibly find in them?"
"You doubt the actions of Heaven?"
"Say rather I am confused by them."
"I am also confused," Domotai said, "but I do not doubt. You would not doubt either, if you had spoken with Nagori."
"What did he say?" Kusari had wanted to attend the Celestial Tournament, but Domotai had decided to send her older cousin as her representative instead.
"It was not what he said, but the way he spoke — his whole being. Your recall how crushed he was when Jorihime was killed?"
Kusari looked out into the garden, struggling with remembered grief. He had known exactly how Nagori felt after his wife's death, had known what it was like to walk stone-faced and respectable though the duties of the day while inside his heart died. "I remember," he said.
"He was changed, Kusari. He still misses Jorihime, but it is as if a great weight has been lifted from him." Domotai smiled radiantly. "Whatever the Heavens found in her soul makes her worthy. And I am sure that she has chosen her representatives with some great purpose in mind."
"I cannot doubt your testimony," Kusari said. "But I fear that this purpose will make our clan's position more tenuous in the Imperial City. She has not chosen a Crane to fill any position, or a samurai known to be friendly to the Crane."
Domotai smiled again, but this time there was a calculating air to it. "No doubt many of our enemies are thinking such thoughts. And you were not born a Crane, so you would not know how disappointed they will be."
"How so?" Kusari asked. "We can expect no kindness from the Chancellor or the Treasurer — and the Advisor is a ronin!" He could not keep the distaste from his voice.
"Kindness is not needed," Domotai said. "When those men go to take up their positions, they will find that that their staffs — and the staffs of all the functionaries below them — are liberally filled with Crane courtiers. And those courtiers can not all be dismissed and replaced; they are capable and skilled, and have served the Throne with honor for years. Furthermore, to do so would anger all the lords and courtiers who the Cranes have traded favors with over the years. We do not control the top tier of the Imperial Court, and that indeed makes us weaker, but we are by no means without influence."
"A multi-layered strategy," Kusari said. "Akodo-kami would have approved."
Before Domotai could reply there was a scratching sound at the door and Kimpira entered the room. "My lady, Naoharu-sama and your special magistrate have arrived. I have had them put them in the Wisteria Room."
"Thank you, Kimpira-san," Domotai said. "I will go down for our meeting in a few minutes." She handed the journal carefully to Kusari and rose to her feet. "See that this is put in its place. We are not finished with it yet."
Kusari nodded, feeling the weight of Toturi III's words in his hands. "Do not fear, my wife. Our clan's honor depends on it."
* * * * *
Naoharu took a sip from his cup and raised an eyebrow. "Chrysanthemum petal tea?" he said.
Domotai nodded, putting her cup down. "We have a supply of real tea, to be used when visitors are present, but there is no point in trying to deceive either of you."
"The Crab have used their lock on last year's tea crop ruthlessly," Fumisato said. "But with this year's harvest coming on to the market the prices should drop."
"Less than you would think," Naoharu said. "Jinn-Kuen managed to negotiate several large multi-year contracts last year, and they will serve to keep the cost of tea high. The cost of supplying tea to the Crane winter courts will be breathtaking."
"It can't be helped," Domotai said. "The Daidoji are pouring out their blood like it was water; the Doji will not flinch over mere koku."
"Nevertheless Jinn-Kuen is a brilliant opponent, and he will continue to plague us." Naoharu stopped for a sip of tea. "Perhaps something should be… done… about him."
"The Crane do not deal in petty assassinations," Domotai said. She smiled. "I have other plans for him." Naoharu raised a polite eyebrow in inquiry, but Domotai turned her attention to the other man. "Fumisato-san, how goes the military front?"
"As well as can be expected, when one fights against the Crab. We have been pushed to the margins of the Yasuki provinces, but when they gather to drive us out of one area we infiltrate another. Their armies are larger than ours, and are filled with battle-hardened veterans — that is their advantage. Our clan's courtiers have kept any other clan from helping the Crab overtly — nothing can stop the Mantis from trying to make a profit — and our maps of the province are far superior to theirs. Those are our advantages."
"Superior maps?" Naoharu said. "How is that possible? The Crab have held that province for centuries."
"The Crab Yasuki made maps that showed what was important to them — roads suitable for commerce, villages, profitable holdings. The rest of the clan paid it no attention, as there had never been a serious incursion from the Shadowlands there." There was a note of disdain in Fumisato's gravel voice over such tactical short-sightedness. "When Yasuki Hachi assumed control of the province he did what any Crane daimyo would do, and ordered maps — by the Daidoji notion of a map — made of his lands. When the Crab moved to seize the province, we made sure to seize the maps."
"So the Crab have superior force, but have difficulties bringing it to bear. The Crane have the lesser force, but apply it effectively." Naoharu sipped his tea. "My lady, forgive my ignorance on such things, but it seems to me that this is a way to avoid losing a war, not to win one."
"If the Crane relied on military force alone that would be so," Domotai said. "But we have the upper hand economically. The Crab control of the tea market hurts us, yes, but they cannot capitalize on it. Every koku they make has to go into buying supplies for the armies that man the Wall, and we control the markets for those supplies."
"However much they bleed us, we can bleed them more." Naoharu looked at her with admiration. "You are a hard woman, Lady Doji."
"The Crab respect only strength, it is said. I will not shame my clan by flinching. The Daidoji are approaching the limit of their resources, but the Crab are depleting their supplies even faster." Domotai picked up a small bundle of scrolls and handed them to him. "Our courtiers have been busy acquiring favors from other clans. Look over what we have here and see what you can use to hurt the Crab."
"Your will, my lady," Naoharu said. "I regret that Fate did not put Kaneka on his father's throne — I think the two of you would have gotten along very well."
"My relationship with Fate is somewhat troubled," Domotai said. "Fumisato-san, does Zoushi need additional forces before winter sets in?"
"None beyond what he has already arranged for. We have planned out a number of operations to harass the Crab before the end of the season."
"And the other matter? You have made progress on that?"
Fumisato nodded. "My time in the south has been very informative."
"I do not question your methods — but it seems like this is taking some time."
"We may only have one strike, Domotai-sama. It must then be flawless."
"The way of the Crane," Domotai said. "Let it be so, then."
The Dragon
If a hawk were to fly over the northern edge of the Great Wall of the North, it would easily see the peak of Tenkenniyoru Yama, the second-largest mountain found in the boundaries of the Emerald Empire. However, even the keen eyes of a hawk would be hard-pressed to distinguish the rocky walls of the Furthest Fortress, the most remote outpost of the Dragon Clan, carved into its side. Designed by a direct ancestor of the Tamori family, the high walls of the ancient castle resemble a sheer cliffside, and the single winding path leading to its gates is lined with the assorted shifting detritus of a hundred passing caravans and rockslides caused by the partial yearly thawing of the snows above.
If the hawk were a curious and careful observer, it could follow the single trail of smoke from above the castle's kitchen to the central heart of the small fortress – its courtyard, home of a few meager fruit trees and a sizeable vegetable garden. The dark, fertile soil of the courtyard stood out unnaturally against the stone mountainside, a testament to the most powerful of the Tamori family's gifts: the ability to coax the earth into sustaining life where it seems unsustainable. The humble shugenja stationed at the Furthest Fortress gave daily thanks to the kami for this small miracle, but if Tamori Shimura paid any notice to this small miracle, he gave no indication. The shugenja stationed at this distant outpost had some small skill, but Shimura was yamabushi of a rank far beyond his years, a warrior and priest who, if needed, had the power to shake the core of Tenkenniyoru Yama itself. This was not lost on Mirumoto Kei as she stared at the young man from across the castle's main threshold: in fact, the arrogance was etched so transparently on the young man's features that she likely could have repeated his disdainful thoughts to him, verbatim.
"Less than a month ago, you were spared the remainder of your term on the northern watchtowers at the request of Lord Satsu himself," Kei said, frowning, "and he placed enough trust in you that he allowed you to accompany him to the Celestial Tournament, where you witnessed the glorious ascension of the Empress."
Shimura set his jaw and nodded, "Yes. A great honor."
Kei rubbed her temple with her right hand, ignoring the blunt answer, and continued, "Then, you personally accompany the new Dragon Champion on her tour through each of the clan's ancestral holdings, yet not once do you show more than the required courtesy, and at no point do you lose that sour expression on your face. One would almost think that you don't appreciate the honor you have been shown."
Slowly, the young shugenja raised an eyebrow as he met his Lady's gaze, and bowed deeply. In a gravelly monotone, he whispered, "I apologize if I have slighted you in any way."
Frowning, Kei stared at her vassal. She turned and beckoned for him to follow her deeper into the fortress. "This is a personal audience with your Champion, Shimura. My aides are either at the foot of the trail here or resting in their chambers. We are essentially alone until Berii arrives this evening. You have my leave to tell me what you are thinking." Turning her head, Kei nodded to Shimura. "You will not be punished for speaking truth."
Shimura paused his stride. "I… I wish to be returned to the front lines. When Lord Satsu called me from the border, I thought he wished me to help with investigation of the murder of my parents."
Kei nodded, and motioned for him to follow her further, down a winding staircase into the heart of the mountain. "But he instead wanted you to accompany him to the Tournament, and now he is the Voice."
Between gritted teeth, Shimura replied, "And his duty to the Empire is more pressing than the continued investigation of the deaths of the Tamori daimyo and an Elemental Master."
Invisible in the shadowed passageway, Kei smiled. "Not entirely true. But I see that you share some of your mother's unique oratory style, and a bit of the Earth's dense nature."
"My Lady?"
Placing an arm out to her side, Kei stopped abruptly. Shimura could see a strange mixture of bemusement and anger in her eyes as she turned to face him. "Shimura, do you really have no idea why you are here?"
Shimura averted his eyes, glancing at the stone steps. His champion took two steps back up the stairs and watched him as his eyes widened with realization.
"Adopted or no, Shimura," Kei said, "you were chosen by Tamori Shaitung herself to be her designated heir. You were raised by her, groomed by her, and she never altered that decision before her death. Quite simply, Shimura, you are here because I wished to find out if the new daimyo of the Tamori is a fool or simply hard-headed."
Shimura's mouth was open slightly, his lips held apart by an uncertain mix between fear and laughter. Composing himself, he smiled sardonically, and replied, "I suppose that is for you to decide, my Lady."
Kei narrowed her eyes. "I assure you that I will, Shimura."
The Champion of the Dragon turned and continued downward. The staircase spiraled narrowly into the mountain, surrounded by a tunnel twice the height of the Dragon daimyo and capable of fitting three armored samurai shoulder-to-shoulder. At the staircase's base, a pair of massive steel and iron doors stood, emblazoned with the mon of the Dragon Clan. A complex system of metal bars, bubbling liquids, and strange magical wards surrounded the doors, forming a massive lock to hold them shut.
"This is where we stop," Kei said, looking up at the doors. "These doors and the vault behind them are called 'The Final Riddle.' Satsu took me here when I was named daimyo of the Mirumoto, and I believe him to be the one of the only living beings capable of opening these doors. The vault behind them is the reason for this fortress, the reason why the Clan tributes thousands of koku each year to maintain this outpost."
Shimura frowned. "What is in the vault?"
Kei smiled at Shimura, then turned back to gaze up at the doors. "The Dark Oracles have been active in our mountains, Shimura. The Dark Oracle of Earth was killed near our border last month by a team of Isawa inquisitors. All the while, Chosai harries us from the north. What do you know of the Phoenix, Shimizu? Do you have contacts among them?"
"I know the Phoenix killed my birth parents, my Lady."
Kei placed her hand to her chin. "Your father was a Phoenix, Shimizu."
"My adopted father," Shimura replied, scowling.
Kei shook her head sadly and unfurled a scroll. "Both your fathers, Shimura. How young were you when your parents died?"
"Four, my Lady."
"Young Tamori Ichi," Kei read, following along on the scroll with her finger, "first son of Tamori Toyo and Tamori Kanji, formerly Agasha Kanji of the Phoenix." Kei looked up at Shimura sadly, and offered him the scroll. "Shaitung and Nakamuro married later in life and needed an heir, but they chose to adopt you for more than your potential with the kami. You may have healed the rifts between our clans, had your parents not died first."
Shimura held the scroll limply, like something dead. "Which set of parents, my lady?"
Kei looked away from Shimura, towards the stairs. "Berii is your new opposite in the Kitsuki, Shimura. You are both to work to investigate our mountains – every hidden cave, every zokujin hole, every peak. If there is something the Dark Oracles want here, we must find it first. I want you to send a delegation to the Phoenix to find out what they have learned about the Oracles. No clan matches the insight of the Phoenix into the ways of the kami, but we are the Dragon. They may be upsetting the balance, and we among the Dragon are the ones who seem to be paying the price. Remember the kindness both clans have shown you, Shimura, but watch them closely."
"Of course, my Lady," Shimura said, bowing deeply before turning to ascend the stairs.
Kei placed her hands flat against the massive doors. She smiled as she recalled the sense of awe she felt when Satsu first revealed his glorious, golden dragonic form to her, and how the sound of his voice echoed in her mind as he swung the door open to reveal the empty vault: "There is nothing here, Kei, but a lesson. The vault is empty because that lesson has yet to be taught."
The Spider
Daigotsu tapped on the arm of his great black throne, almost absent-mindedly. Shahai leaned over and said, "You seem distracted. What is it?"
A storm rippled across Daigotsu's features, but he held it in check. She did not yet know what he knew. "There has been a resolution to the tournament by now. There should also be a new Emperor." He then went silent.
Shahai knew what that meant. If the Spider had been victorious in the tournament, and the Heavens had chosen a follower of Fu Leng to lead the Empire, he would have known it. He would have felt it. "This does not change anything, my lord. You have made great strides in turning the Spider into a respected force among those simpletons in Rokugan. The Unicorn have pledged to champion our cause. Whoever is on the throne, it will make no difference. Our son will one day rule the land whether it is the Heavens' will or not."
Daigotsu scanned the underlings through the hall. They all maintained their distance, which gave the masters of this place some semblance of privacy. He spoke to Shahai without turning his head. "The samurai of Rokugan will writhe and suffer the way Fu Leng was forced to suffer. They claim to be devout, but know nothing of true devotion. When we stand as their equal, then we will show them that their lives have been just an illusion and jigoku will be their destiny."
Shahai started to laugh – a guttural, unpleasant sound – when the great doors at the far end of the hall flung open. Two men, panting and sweating from their exertions, ran towards the throne. "Lord Daigotsu, we bring news!"
The Dark Lord waved the guards aside who moved to intercept them and said, "Usharo and Sahara. What happened? Where are the others?"
Sahara stopped, yards from the throne. "All is lost, Lord Daigotsu!"
"Stop babbling nonsense and tell me what happened!"
Usharo stopped Sahara's words with a gesture and then said, "Apologies, Lord Daigotsu, but we came from Seppun Hill as quickly as we could."
"Who was victorious?"
"Moto Jin-Sahn, but that is not the true news, Lord Daigotsu. The Voices of the Sun and Moon made a proclamation and have elevated a mortal to rule Rokugan as an extension of the gods."
Daigotsu looked annoyed at Usharo's inability to get to the point. "Well? Who is it?"
"Kitsuki Iweko."
Shahai tilted her head to the side and looked at Daigotsu thoughtfully. "This is not the worst result. The Kitsuki are pragmatic. With the backing of the Unicorn we will be able to make our case and…"
Usharo cut her off. "No, my lady."
Daigotsu's eyes flashed with rage at his follower's presumptiveness. "Explain yourself."
Usharo nodded. "Iweko has taken Susumu prisoner. He was able to get a warning to me, though. She knows everything."
Eyes widening, Daigotsu said, "What do you mean?"
"She knows what the Spider are. What we truly are. She knows that you are behind them and what you have been trying to accomplish."
Daigotsu's grip tightened on the arm of the throne. "And?"
"And she has outlawed the Spider clan. She has declared that anyone found bearing the Spider mon is to be killed on sight. Any former Spider bearing the mark of the taint will also be killed on sight. It is only the untainted, if they cast off allegiance to the Spider, who can remain alive."
Daigotsu spit out the next words. "So you are safe then. Tear off that mon and break your oaths to me and you can go live among them, as a lapdog."
As Usharo shook his head, Sahara said, "I would rather be torn apart by a pack of the Unicorn's dogs then renounce you, Lord Daigotsu."
"We are with you, Lord Daigotsu, to whatever end." Usharo's weariness vanished as if his devotion to Daigotsu had revitalized him somehow.
The Dark Lord did not acknowledge their pledges. "What else?"
"Iweko has named Jin-Sahn Shogun and has given him his first orders. He is to find us and eradicate us. We fled Seppun Hill with samurai on our tails. We separated from Katsu and Keigo to increase our chances of getting this news to you."
Daigotsu stood and thought for a moment. "If she knows everything, then she likely knows where we are."
Usharo nodded. "That was the impression Susumu gave, Lord."
"All out war against all of Rokugan would not serve our purposes." Daigotsu paused and then said, "I require solitude. Leave me." He waved his arm over the various members of the court. None thought twice as they scrambled out of the large chamber, Usharo and Sahara bringing up the rear, closing the great doors behind them.
Daigotsu turned to where Shahai sat. She started to speak, "This is only a setback…" but Daigotsu cut her off.
"Even you, my love. Leave me."
Shahai's expression ran from surprise to disappointment to anger in mere moments before settling on resignation. She stood and bowed to Daigotsu, before leaving the great hall from a different entrance than the rest had.
Daigotsu waited until the hall was empty before stepping down off the dais and walking through the hall. He walked over to one of the great tapestries that adorned the chamber. It was made of black silk and showed a tree, stripped of any leaves or blossoms, also made of black silk. The black on black combination almost made it painful to look at, as if the pattern was trying to be elusive. The great hall was not brightly lit, so this effect was magnified.
Daigotsu grabbed on the tapestry and yanked it from where it hung and let it crash to the floor. He then moved to the next tapestry and repeated his actions. He moved all around the circumference of the room, pulling them down from the walls and letting them fall to the floor. He did so with no hint of anger. He acted methodically and passionlessly, at least to any who would have been able to see him. Yet these actions were not for any other eyes.
He then moved to each wall sconce and extinguished the flames there. After each one went dark, he pulled the sconces from the wall and let them crash to the floor. He left only one, casting a faint and flickering light across the large chamber.
He then cast a baleful glance at the great throne. The black stone seemed to have been carved directly out of the structure of Black Silk Castle. Daigotsu knew that was an illusion, but he recognized the symbol for what it was.
He drew on the power that he always felt. He summoned all the kansen within reach of his call and bade them to gather around him. Where they were normally unseen, now they flickered in a nimbus of energy, crackling and glowing, dwarfing the glow from the single torch.
Daigotsu strained under the power. Keeping the kansen bent to his will strained the limits of even his control. When he felt he could gather no more power he unleashed it at the throne.
The energy, as red as blood and as charged as pure lightning, erupted from where he stood and struck the throne. The stone was rent asunder, first cracking down the middle and then exploding in a shower of stone shards, filling the room. Daigotsu made no move to defend himself from the debris and a number of shards sliced into his skin, though he paid them no mind.
The red energy danced around the room for a moment and then vanished, leaving that single torch as light. "Why?" he whispered under his breath. "Why won't you answer me? Why now, of all times? Have I not served you with absolute devotion?"
There was no answer. As there had not been for weeks.
Daigotsu, ignoring the trickles of blood on his face and arms, wrenched the remaining torch from its sconce and thrust it, still burning, into the closest fallen tapestry. He watched as it ignited and slowly spread from one tapestry to the next. He watched the flames until they completed a ring around what was his throne room. He then flung aside the great double doors and walked into the throng that waited outside, startled by the great explosion. As they saw the flames and the Dark Lord, they fell back, even the greatest among them cowed by the enormity of his wrath.
With the glow of the fire behind him, Daigotsu looked at his followers, as if daring one of them to make a sound. Finally he spoke, "Rokugan has a new Empress and she has condemned us. We have been condemned before.
"Rokugan has a new monarchy and it tells us we are not welcome. We have been told this before.
"Rokugan has renewed its devotion to the Celestial Heavens and we are told that Fu Leng is unworthy of similar reverence. We have been lied to before.
"This new Empress tries to divide us by promising leniency to those who do not bear the mark of Fu Leng and who cast off their devotion to me. Tear the Spider from your chest and grasp jade in your hands and you will be forgiven, as if one could forgive someone who so easily turns away from their brothers and their promises and their oaths.
"I tell Rokugan, no."
A murmur of 'no' went through the crowd.
"I tell Rokugan that we will stand as one in the shadow of Fu Leng and we will not be dissuaded by your promises and threats. I tell them no."
This time the sound of 'no' was much louder as the crowd picked up their leader's call.
"I tell Rokugan that we will take our rightful place, just as Fu Leng will take his rightful place, and we will teach you who is the true power in this land. I tell them no!"
The crowd all but screamed "NO!" in response.
"They wish to hunt us down? We will not make it easy for them, and we will make them pay for each step they take. If the Shogun wants to come for us in the Shinomen Forest, let us make it easy for him to find his way…
"Burn down the forest! Leave no tree untouched!"
The Spider roared with approval and rushed to fulfill his command. For now, rage and passion would fill their hearts. By the time it had been quenched, and the notion of their gambit having failed returned to them, their Dark Lord would have new purpose for them. The answer was there, an opportunity dangling before him. He simply needed the time to uncover it, as he ever had.
* * *
Nintai stepped out of the shrine and watched the light filtering its way through the leaves and down to the forest floor. He stretched and ran his paws through his thick mane. He glanced at the figures in the trees. The Asp warriors who stood guard never entered Te'tik'kir's shrine, but they also never let down their watch. Nothing could reach the structure without the Naga knowing about it.
Something odd reached the edge of Nintai's perception, though. He sniffed the air and caught a hint of something unexpected. Before he could place the odor, however, there was a noise in the underbrush. The Kitsu looked towards the Naga and saw that they showed no concern over the noise. That was enough evidence to allow Nintai to know who it was.
Chi'kel, one of the few remaining Nezumi on the mainland of Rokugan, burst from the foliage and scampered to where Nintai stood. He was chattering excitedly in the language of his kind.
"Chi'kel!" Nintai put his paws out, trying to calm the excited Ratling. "What is it? You look like you have seen the return of the Blood Rain."
The Nezumi stopped short and switched to the halting, broken version of Rokugani that the Ratlings were able to utter. "Danger! Danger, Nin'tai! Chi'kel must-must warn!"
Nintai furrowed his great brow. "Chi'kel, calm yourself enough to tell me. What is the danger?"
Chi'kel looked into the Kitsu eyes and took in three sharp breaths, trying to center himself. "It is the forest. It burns. The forest burns!"
Nintai moved away from Chi'kel, startled. He sniffed the air again, and this time was able to place the smell.
The Shinomen Forest was on fire.
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LEWISTON — Police on Thursday charged a Winthrop man with threatening a couple with a machete.
Police stormed a home at 24 Tappan Farm Road in Winthrop after getting a call that people were being held hostage there. Police found Nicholas Rolling, 20, who lived at the home and charged him with terrorizing with a dangerous weapon, a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. Police also charged Rolling with criminal restraint with a dangerous weapon, also a Class C felony.
Police said Kyle Feeney, 25, owner of the home, and Daniel St. Hilaire, 46, were asleep when Rolling woke them and accused them of taking his money. Rolling punched St. Hilaire in the face and threatened to kill both men with a machete if they didn't return his money, police wrote in a news release.
Rolling had swung the machete at Feeney as he fled up a flight of stairs, police said. Rolling threatened Feeney that he would kill St. Hilaire with the machete if he didn't come downstairs, police said.
Feeney called police on a cellphone while hiding from Rolling.
Rolling's bail was set at $10,000 cash with conditions, including he not have any contact with Feeney or St. Hilaire.
Rolling was taken to Kennebec County Jail.

subset: commoncrawl


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A Story of Doctor Who, My Memories by @BestDrWho
Here I am… the cheeky scruff a month into my 7th Birthday,
I remember 1963 for two things, one being the first time I encountered deep snow, playing outside this was wonderful stuff for a kid living in England on one of the early council estates built in the late 1950's, I still have a clear image in my mind of looking down at my feet and only seeing snow up to my knees, my friends and I even found the pond formed by a bubbling spring in the woods had frozen solid, so skating, probably more on our backsides than legs was to be joyous event had by all.
The second and most important thing for you readers was the first episode of Doctor Who, William Hartnell was like my Grandfather, thin and grumpy haha, so I already related to him as a grandfather figure, this was brilliant stuff too, a time travelling grumpy granddad, who you just knew would tell you, you're not chewing your food forty times before swallowing.
The opening scene was like Dixon of Dock Green episode (Google it) with a policeman and his flashlight (these were also alien communicators to a seven year old, but you had to hold it under your chin and talk in a deep spooky voice) the policeman seems to be checking everything is locked up and the name of the junkyard is suddenly lit up, 76 Totter's Lane. Are you excited yet? You just knew something was going to happen in that yard, but what?
It does all fade a bit with time but I remember Susan being followed by two of her curious and worried teachers, she enters the junkyard and both are not far behind. Police Boxes used to be a common sight in those days, so to see someone go inside one wasn't at all strange, but this one buzzed and vibrated from the inside.
The rest is history as far as An Unearthly Child goes, so I wont bore you with the details, we talked about the programme at school and imagined how brilliant it would be to go back in time and see a Dinosaur or be a Cowboy, bang bang, you're dead, if you didn't play dead when you were shot at, you were a dirty little cheater.
My favourite time for Doctor Who for me was the regeneration of the Doctor, although they called it renewal back then, Patrick Troughton was now the Doctor and he was Brilliant. I'm now ten years old and very impressed, he was mischievous, funny , witty and clever, with a childish sense of wonder at all things new (Matt Smith has taken this aspect of Pat's Doctor) Patrick was the Uncle you wish you had, because you knew he'd give you a jelly baby even if you'd been naughty and had a sweetie ban slapped down on you to put you straight, My Great Grandmother was like that, she loved me and would give me Jaffa cakes even though I was in the dog house.
So again I could relate to this Doctor, when Jamie joined the crew things really took off, Frazer Hines and Patrick Troughton were a perfect combination, I was too young to appreciate Zoe's assets and contribution to the crew because she was a girl errhhh.
I couldn't bear to watch Patrick's Doctor end, or in his case change his features so I never watched The War Games right to the end. I never saw the change, I didn't like Jon Pertwee's Doctor mainly because he wasn't Pat, I do appreciate his portrayal now I'm older, the BBC also ruined the show for me by making Jon's Doctor time locked on Earth, so they could save the budget on set designs. he seemed was more like Quatermass to me, that put aside I know Jon did a lot for the programme and lead the way to Doctor Who conventions.
My favourite episode of Jon's era was of course The Three Doctors to see Billy and Pat back was just pure joy to me , now a teenager it was like Christmas and Birthdays had joined for one great show, it's in this episode Pat says for the first time: "I can see you've been doing the TARDIS up a bit, I don't like it." Jon Pertwee was very much his own Doctor.
Tom Baker was a wonderful and funny Doctor. His episode Robot was my favourte as it's here we see the comical Tom for the first time. just like Pat. He even stole Pat's Jelly Babies, an idea he's often given credit for, really every Doctor that followed Jon seemed to have taken on some aspect of Pat's performance, let's face it if it wasn't for Patrick Troughton, being accepted as the Doctor, the programme would have stopped with him, so he has more than earnt the right to be the Best Doctor of them all.
I enjoyed Peter Davison's Doctor also, he had that venerable Doctor who cared more for others than his own life, Peter's Doctor was also joined by a companion who's assets I was now old enough to appreciate even though she was a girl., as I'm now in my early twenties. There used to be a group called Yello in the 80's and when I first saw Peri that dat dat OHHHH Yeaaaa song was in my head. The Five Doctors was the best episode of Peter's tenure for what should be obvious reasons.
Colin Baker was another Doctor I liked, he had a darker, untrustworthy Doctor going on, Patrick showed these traits but he was so subtle you hardly noticed.
The Two Doctor's was the highlight because my favourite Doctor and companion combo were back and fully in the driving seat. Patrick would steal every scene he played in the Two Doctors, The Three Doctors and even The Five Doctors.
Sylvester McCoy's Doctor at the time I didn't like at all, I never liked the Doctor being called Professor by Ace either, another character I never took to, for me at the McCoy's tenure was the Death Knell to the series and Doctor Who was no more. (I know this will be a controversial view as most fans in their thirties grew up with McCoy's Doctor.) My favourite episode with McCoy was Remembrance of the Daleks
It's now 1996 and I thought Wow the Doctor is back, I'm now coming up to forty, and a fantastic actor Paul McGann was going to play the Doctor, but due to America's none acceptance of the show it died an early death, I feel he would have gone on to be one of the all time greats in Who History.
The rest you all know 2005 saw the return of The Doctor Who series, with a cocky Doctor played by Christopher Eccleston. I liked Chris a lot, but when he left early I wasn't surprised. My favoutire episode with Chris is The Empty Child.
So next we see David Tennant enter the role, and the fun loving Doctor is back taking on the talking to himself side of Patrick's Doctor, with that same sense of wonder. Tennant was my daughters Doctor, she absolutely loves David Tennant, and yes he was a great Doctor, but this is now the era where lovey dovey Doctor rules. There was no time for kissing in Pat's day, there were monsters to stop. David's regeneration went on for far long in my opinion, again lovey dovey diey Doctor. My favourite episode with Tennant was The Girl in the Fireplace
Now Matt Smith is the Doctor and I rate him close to Pat, but if they shared a scene it would be Pat your attention would go to, I'm not a big fan of some of the stories and I've said as much on twitter, this again upsets people but I go back to the shows humble beginnings, so I see it from a different perspective to the new fans. If the writing was more about the fight against all evil in the universe rather then the internal anguish of the Doctor and the total dominance of the female characters, the Doctor could be amazing again. But to me the stories have become all about relationships of the characters and the monsters have little or no part in the show.
Let me also add that other characters have helped this show last in the mind, the Brigadier (Nicholas Courtney) and Sergeant Benton, (John Levene, who was the first person I met in Newcastle, and remarked how well I dressed in my Replay tweed jacket) and one I met in the Lanes in Brighton, when in my twenties, but I was to polite to bother her while she was shopping was Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) fine fellows all of them.
Well these are my views and I'm being honest about how I see the show. I think Matt will be remembered as one of the all time Greats, after the Greatest of them all Patrick Troughton. My favourite Matt Episode surprisinly for me was Day of The Doctor due to it's comic content.
Peter Capaldi is yet to show us HIS Doctor, but I fear the writing may restrain him for showing us his formidable acting ability.
I thank anyone who has managed to read the rambling of the person now referred to as @BestDrWho.


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2005-2006 - October 19, 2005
Present: Aria Amirbahman, Shari Baxter, Richard Blanke, Emmanuel Boss, Mary Brakey, Tony Brinkley, Rodney Bushway, Sandy Caron, John Daigle, Marcia Davidson, Michael Eckardt, Sue Estler, Amy Fried, Todd Gabe, James Gilbert, Nancy Hall, William Halteman, Marie Hayes, Scott Hobbs, Dianne Hoff, Karen Horton, Sue Hunter, Mel Johnson, Scott Johnson, Leonard Kass, Robert Kennedy, Dennis King, Irv Kornfield, David Kotecki, David Lambert, Kathleen March, Stephen Marks, James McClymer, Kathleen McIntyre, Brigham McNaughton, Harlan Onsrud, Eric Peterson, Mick Peterson, Paul Rawson, Robert Rice, Alan Rosenwasser, Linda Rottman, Joyce Rumery, Dan Sandweiss, Ann Schonberger, Evelyn Silver, Kathryn Slott, Touradj Solouki, Clarie Strickland, Roy Turner, Janet Waldron, Stephanie Welcomer, Beth Wiemann.
Absent: Jim Acheson, Dean Astumian, Eisso Atzema, Robert Bayer, Carla Billitteri, Richard Borgman, Hsiang-Tai Cheng, Alan Cobo-Lewis, Laura Cowan, Dorothy Croall, Raphael DiLuzio, Mahmoud El-Begearmi, Stephen Gilson, Alexander Grab, Michael Greenwood, Robert Gundersen, Ludlow Hallman, John Jemison, Dorothy Klimis Zacas, Jessica Miller, Michael Scott, Denise Skonberg, Stellos Tavantzis.
The meeting was called to order at 3:18.
Minutes from the September 21, 2005, senate meeting were approved.
Opening Remarks:
Dr. Marie Hayes opened the meeting. She began by mentioning the forum held the previous week with Dr. John Mahon and the senate. She explained that there has been concern between regarding the Provost's idea that it might be useful to visit classrooms and the letter of request which was sent to some faculty. The meeting was an open dialogue about the issue. After the meeting the Provost indicated in a letter to Dr. Hayes that he would be open to further discussion. He said that he would continue to visit those classrooms in which the instructor has invited him to visit, but would not contact those who had not responded to his letter for a visit. He asked if faculty senate and other faculty would like to engage in further conversation regarding the teaching evaluation issue. Senate committees will be discussing this during the meeting today, particularly Academic Affairs committee.
Questions for Administrators:
Brigham McNaughton, Vice President of Student Government, asked VP Janet Waldron to update the assembly on the Green Campus Initiative. He brought copies of the Green Campus 2005-06 calendar for distribution to senators. VP Waldron said that there are two areas of focus: the sustainability area concerning the carbon challenge and greenhouse gasses. The Governor has an executive order on this; employers in the state will sign on to the carbon challenge. President Kennedy is very supportive; we are beginning to work on this. There is another effort in progress has to do with solar energy and energy cost conservation. We will be working with the finance committee and will be asking the faculty senate to support initiatives in conservation on campus. UMaine has supplied the Chancellor's office with a list of items that this campus has been working on. The Chancellor is asking the Governor for a supplemental budget increase to cover increasing energy costs. Waldron thanked Student Government for pushing these initiatives on campus in dining halls and dorms.
Dr. Hayes had a question for VP Michael Eckardt regarding the request for proposals for new and emerging focus areas. Dr. Eckardt replied that there are strategic focus areas, and developing and emerging areas. The intention is to encourage areas that bring together different disciplines. Proposals are due October 21.
President Robert Kennedy announced that requests for honorary degree recipients were sent out to campus at the end of September; deadline is October 31. His office has received no nominations at this time. Because of new policy, nominations are being requested for May 2006 and 2007. We may not get another opportunity to nominate for 2007. He brought some nomination forms to the meeting. Dr. Schonberger pointed out that in the past she has submitted nominations nearly every year, but wanted people to be aware that if a person has received an honorary degree from another UMS campus, they cannot be eligible for a UMaine honorary degree. President Kennedy replied that the system has just revised policy. If a person received an honorary degree from another campus more than five years ago, s/he would be eligible to receive one from UMaine.
Committee Reports:
Academic Affairs
Dr. Irv Kornfield reported on the University Teaching Council. The UTC has met three times. Its subcommittees have also met. A handout was distributed at today's meeting with two resolutions sent to the Provost for response (copied below). This is for the senate's information only. The first resolution directs the Provost to direct chairs of all units to explicitly encourage sabbaticals related to teaching missions of the university. The second resolution recommended Deans of several colleges, including Education & Human Development, Business, Public Policy & Health, the Graduate School and the Honors College, to initiate annual teaching awards to formally recognize outstanding teaching instruction by the faculty.
University Teaching Council
Resolutions adopted October 12, 2005
Resolution 1
Pedagogical research, the revision of extant curricula, and the development of new curricula are vital to continued growth of teaching at the University of Maine. Excellence in these activities requires concentrated, organized effort.
The University Teaching Council unanimously recommends that the Provost direct the chairs of all units to explicitly encourage sabbatical leaves related to the teaching mission of the University. Sabbaticals that investigate pedagogy and curricula are as important as those devoted to conventional research, e.g. laboratory experimentation or library study.
Resolution 2
Recognizing outstanding instruction at all levels enhances the profile of teaching and emphasizes its centrality at the University of Maine. Three colleges — Engineering, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Natural Sciences, Forestry & Agriculture — annually recognize faculty for outstanding teaching.
The University Teaching Council unanimously recommends that the Provost direct the deans of the College of Education and Human Development, the College of Business, Public Policy & Health, the Graduate School and the Honors College to initiate annual teaching awards to formally recognize outstanding instruction by their faculty. These awards should commence in the 2005-2006 academic year. Annual college teaching awards shall not be given to members of the UTC.
[Note to accompany Resolution 2: If desired, the UTC can provide assistance in formulating criteria for awards.]
UTC Resolutions are sent to the Provost for his action.
Dr. Eric Peterson gave the report for the Academic Affairs Committee. Academic Affairs has met and has topics that they will be dealing with immediately, eg, the CED question. Jim Toner will be speaking to the committee about in the near future. They are also working with UTC on evaluation of courses.
A question was asked for Dr. Peterson to expand on the CED issue. He explained that it was in response to a question asked about policies regarding cancellation of courses, reduced salary, on-line courses. An undergraduate course is cancelled if there are less than 12 students enrolled, 6 for graduate level. The question was raised as to what if a course is required or important to a student's program and there were only 9 people enrolled, is there some other arrangement? They will be working on these issues.
Constitution and Bylaws – Dr. Leonard Kass
The committee is starting work on revision of the faculty handbook. Dr. Doug Gelinas, very central in the work done on the handbook three years ago, has begun looking at the handbook and when he gets to a point that he has progressed as far as possible, he will then meet with the C & B committee to collaborate with them. Dr. Kass received an e-mail from Dr. Gelinas indicating that he was ready to begin work with the committee. He will meet with them and then the committee will continue working on revisions. We hope to have a revised edition by the end of this year.
University Environment – Dr. Amy Fried and Dr. Sandy Caron
Dr. Fried opened by explaining that the committee has a resolution to place before the senate today: UMaine Won't Discriminate. The committee is meeting next week and if anyone wants to be a part of the committee, please contact either Dr. Caron or Dr. Fried. Issues discussed so far have been civility, academic freedom and faculty governance.
Research & Public Service – Dr. Mick Peterson and Dr. Scott Johnson
Dr. Peterson opened by stating that the committee had an organizational meeting. The primary focus for the committee will be bridging funds, impact on research and economic development and broader impact on campus, recognition of research activities across units, especially units not normally associated with large dollar amounts, and the impact of graduate education.
Finance & Institutional Planning – Dr. Todd Gabe
Dr. Gabe said the committee met on October 7. VP Janet Waldron, Claire Strickland and others gave a broad conceptualization of the FY '07 budget. Like last year they are expecting new additions to the budget to total anywhere between $10-12 million. Examples of additional priorities: perhaps $5 million to cover faculty/staff raises, $600,000 for increase in graduate student stipends, and $750k to 1 million in increased energy costs. There is $400k for facilities maintenance. The idea is to totally eliminate the 80/20 campus tax on units. Each year if a department carries over money to the next fiscal year it is taxed 20% of that amount, a tax going to facilities maintenance. The idea now is to have that amount officially in the budget. They are also looking at a $400k addition to the libraries and there are other priorities that may come along. Right now they are in a similar situation as last year and are looking for additional revenue to cover these additional costs. There is also good news. Thanks to the hard work of the administration, faculty and others, we helped convince Standard & Poors to retain our University's current bond rating of AA- which is quite good. At the next committee meeting in November they will start looking at the financial strength of the University.
A question was asked what the Standard & Poors rating actually means. Dr. Gabe said that it signals to the outside world the financial strength of the institution, which is largely determined by the vitality of the institution. It also affects the cost of borrowing money; with a high bond rating you can borrow money at a lower rate. VP Waldron added that it is a vote of confidence in the institution. She said it was truly a concerted effort across the board. There was a site visit from Standard & Poors (not a typical event). We normally follow the state's bond rating: if the state's is lowered, the public institution's is lowered. This is called grading.
Committee on Committees – Dr. Stephen Gilson was not able to attend
Senate President Hayes took this chance to address the senate regarding service on the various committees on campus. She said there seems to be a crisis in volunteering. For two recent committee vacancies, one received no volunteers, the other one volunteer. The Provost search and NSFA search committees both had many volunteers, however.
Library Advisory Committee – Dr. Robert Rice for Dr. Dianne Hoff
The Library Advisory Committee did a brief survey on campus. They have received over a hundred responses and will use the information to see where the library stands in terms of collections and other items. Please send surveys if you have not yet done so.
Board of Trustees Representative – Dr. Robert Rice
The Board of Trustees met at UMF on September 25 & 26. Dr. Tom Longen, formerly of AGB Associates spoke about collaborative decision making, meeting for 2 hours with the BOT Representatives and two hours with the BOT. He talked about what we normally call Shared Governance and how it can be done well. He described how faculty can participate in decisions that affect both academic and other areas of the campus, how change on the campus occurs through collaborative decision making, how it goes more smoothly, and how the role of faculty should be defined in terms of their ability to make decisions on campuses. The Chancellor has appointed a committee to develop a white paper by the end of this year for the BOT and us.
Representatives from each campus spoke about efforts to aid victims of hurricane Katrina. Response from UMaine was by far the greatest. Dr. Rice said the amount of donations received from this campus was astounding.
A revenue bond, one issued by the system, not one that is voted on, will be issued by the system. $21 million for a recreation center on campus (revenue bond), $7 million for residence halls for safety and other improvements, and $11 million for revamping dining facilities. Dr. Rice again thanked VP Waldron for the incredible job during the bond rating meetings with the people from Standard & Poors. The annual Program Inventory was published by the systemL we have 387 programs, 132 concentrations, 101 minors across the system. Student numbers are up, 34,000 enrolled in the system. UMaine's official count, including ITV courses, is 11,435 students. UMaine Graduate Students total 2,237. The endowment report was given at the meeting, total system endowment is $134 million, Umaine has $73 milliion of that amount. Finally, a handful of faculty members spoke to the BOT about UMF's decision to switch all of their courses to 4 credit hours.
Service & Outreach Ad Hoc Committee – Dr. Kathleen March
The committee has met. Some of the issues discussed were the relationship between Cooperative Extension and the University. She said we have just scratched the surface on this, and discussed the University following through on its Mission Statement as a land and sea grant institution. Public service is mentioned in the mission statement. The committee continued to discuss the definitions of service and the role of compensation if there is public service involved. Another discussion pertains to the issue that UMaine has a University Research Council, a University Teaching Council, so why not a University Service Council.
Old Business
Dr. Hayes wanted to add to the earlier discussion of teaching evaluations and wanted the senate to know that this issue is now in the hands of the Academic Affairs Committee. In the spirit of inclusiveness the Academic Affairs Committee is asking senators and all faculty to send comments to Ellen Woodhead or the Faculty Senate Folder.
New Business
Resolution: UMaine Won't Discriminate – University Environment Committee
UMaine Won't Discriminate – Coalition Partner Resolution
WHEREAS Maine has a new non-discrimination law on the books that protects all people from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation, credit and educational opportunity, regardless of sexual orientation, and
WHEREAS there will be a referendum question on the ballot on November 8, 2005, that is attempting to repeal this law, and
WHEREAS nobody deserves to be discriminated against due to their real or perceived sexual orientation, and
WHEREAS we believe that discrimination is wrong and affects all of us, and
WHEREAS the University of Maine already has its own non-discrimination policy in place,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, The Faculty Senate, show our support and solidarity with all people in who opposing oppose discrimination in the state of Maine. We officially join with UMaine Won't Discriminate as a Coalition Partner.
Dr. Caron introduced the resolution explaining that it had passed in the elected members meeting on October 5.
A question was asked that Dr. Caron explain who the Coalition is and why they were assembled. Dr. Caron said that they were a grassroots organization started by Matthew Small and Sarah Bigney in order to get various groups and departments on campus together to show support for the issue of discrimination, it is a campus-based organization.
A question was asked regarding the wording in the last paragraph of the resolution, "solidarity with all people in opposing discrimination…". The person thought that it should be changed to "solidarity with all people who oppose discrimination…". This was offered as a friendly amendment, which was accepted.
A motion to vote on the resolution was seconded.
A vote was taken, the resolution passed, 35 for, none against, one abstention.
Dr. Hayes had one more item to add. There is a new position announcement for Associate Vice President for Finance which is an essential position.
A Motion was made to adjourn, it was seconded.
The meeting closed at 4:30 pm.


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2010 was a season to remember for many individual Rockies players. The highlights were the breakouts of Carlos Gonzalez and Ubaldo Jimenez, who finished 3rd in their respective "best of" award voting. Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki also won their first Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards. Ubaldo threw the first no-hitter in franchise history, and was the NL Starting Pitcher in the All-Star Game. Tulowitzki had a September for the ages, chasing Babe Ruth's single-month HR total. Matt Belisle established himself as a top-flight reliever in the NL. After a brief cameo in 2009, Jhoulys Chacin burst onto the scene by setting the 3rd lowest ERA in franchise history. Rafael Betancourt, in his age-35 season, also set near-historic marks for efficiency in the form of a strikeout-to-walk ratio (K/BB), marks that have been topped by only Dennis Eckersley, Mariano Rivera, and strangely enough, Edward Mujica of the San Diego Padres in 2010.
Despite many individual successes, 2010 ultimately was a season of disappointment for the entire team. Tulowitzki had his wrist broken during interleague play, and while the team stayed afloat, it was clearly costly to lose the franchise centerpiece for a month of the season. Dexter Fowler and Chris Iannetta were both sent to AAA Colorado Springs to attempt to fix their ailing swings (Iannetta finished below the Mendoza line). The Rockies finished their 2010 campaign with an 8-game losing streak, capped in Game 161 when the team failed to get Jimenez his coveted 20th win in his breakout season. Inconsistencies and injuries forced the team to cut ties with longtime Rockies Brad Hawpe (SDP), Jeff Francis (KCR), Manuel Corpas (FA), and Clint Barmes (HOU).
The 2010-2011 offseason proved to be an exciting one for the Rockies, however, as Troy Tulowitzki signed what will likely amount to a lifetime extension. Carlos Gonzalez followed suit, signing an unprecendented (at least for a Scott Boras client) extension for the next 7 years. Jorge De La Rosa, citing positive experiences with the Rockies, signed a 2-year extension with options that can add up to a total of 4 years, despite having guaranteed 3-year offers on the table.
The team made it clear that they recognized their deficiencies, in the forms of road batting and struggles against left-handed pitching. To rectify these situations, they went after 2B Jose Lopez in trade and UTIL Ty Wigginton in free agency. To lessen the load on the bullpen, the Rockies traded for part-time closer Matt Lindstrom.
All in all, it wasn't a very flashy offseason, at least in terms of new acquisitions. The organization has made it clear that win or lose, they're going to stick with their players.
The Rotation
1. Ubaldo Jimenez
It's hard to follow up a season where you post a 2.88 ERA, going 19-8, and break the single-season strikeout record for your club. But Ubaldo is still learning how to really harness his gifts and PITCH, rather than just throwing. One might say he's already there, but it's really hard to try and cap a pitcher with as much potential as Jimenez. Expect 100mph of fastball being crammed down your throat.
2. Jorge De La Rosa
At times, he's maddeningly inconsistent, but since he's joined the Rockies, DLR has learned to rein in his temper and maintain composure and performance even when the balls aren't finding gloves. An unappreciated power lefty, DLR is looking to build on his 4.22 ERA in 2010 and really stand out as a solid #2 pitcher in the NL. Expect high strikeout numbers with high-ish walk numbers to go with them.
3. Jhoulys Chacin
With a changeup that's been likened to Johan Santana's, Chacin made his 2010 debut to the tune of a 3.28 ERA over 21 starts (and 7 relief appearances). Given a strikeout and walk rate higher than we'd expect from his minor league numbers, 2011 might be a growing year for Chacin. With the tutelage of Bob Apodaca though, The Machine is going to develop into, as Jim Tracy puts it, a very special pitcher. Expect groundballs and above average strikeout numbers - and whirring and clicking, if his nickname is to be believed.
4. Jason Hammel
Rescued from Tampa Bay's bullpen during the Spring of 2009, Hammel has been reviled as an inconsistent starter (due to his propensity for The Big Inning), but one who will give you 175IP. Despite criticism, Hammel twice posted the franchise-best K/BB numbers for a starting pitcher, both over 3 punchouts per free pass. Hammel's weakness is hittability in crucial moments, which fuels the critical fires, but Hammel has quietly become a favorite among many Rockies fans. Expect a mid-90s fastball and a buckling curve that will leave hitters speechless - or golfing.
5. Esmil Rogers
Will he-won't he-will he-won't he: Rogers' career thus far has been bounced back and forth between the minors, the bullpen, and the rotation. Given his age and relatively recent conversion to the art of hurling (from Shortstop), Rogers has been surprisingly decent, but maddeningly inconsistent. Awarded the #5 slot in light of Aaron Cook's injury. Expect a straight, but strong, fastball, a lot of frustration, and a lot of people defending him.
The Bullpen
Closer Huston Street (RHP)
Loved by some, hated by others, Street will be taking the 9th inning and getting the opportunities to nail down the close leads. Despite having one of the worst seasons of his career in 2010 as far as ERA goes, Street also battled injury in 2010, not throwing a pitch for the major league club until June. From there, he leapfrogged good months and bad months, having a weak June and August but a strong July and excellent September. Expect lots of sliders/2seamers/really bendy pitches and a lot of time to think/worry between them.
Setup Rafael Betancourt (RHP)
As mentioned in the first paragraph, Betancourt's 2010 was historic. 12.85 K/9, 1.16 BB/9. Betancourt may just be the best setup man in the league right now. Expect to see fastballs, and lots of them.
Setup Matt Belisle (RHP)
Belisle's 2010 breakout was completely unexpected, unless your name is Andrew Fisher. Belisle led relievers in innings pitched, and if you buy into pitching WAR, he was worth about as much as a league-average starting pitcher. Expect to see a step back for Belisle, as overwork left him faltering down the stretch in 2010, but not a complete backslide.
Reliever Matt Lindstrom (RHP)
Lindstrom was a part time closer in his time with the Florida Marlins and the Houston Astros. Despite being far more hittable than the average pitcher (.358 BABIP against), Lindstrom was able to muster a 4.39 ERA with the Astros. He's been reported to be working on a changeup this spring, an absolute must for a pitcher in Coors Field. Expect Lindstrom to be taking some 7th inning duties from Belisle and in the event of something catastrophic with Street, save opportunities as well.
Reliever Matt Reynolds (LHP)
Reynolds was called up in August to add some lefty support to the bullpen. Reynolds posted very high strikeout rates in AAA Colorado Springs (as well as Tulsa and Modesto in 2009) and will likely be used as some sort of a lefty setup man, despite not being specifically slated there. He still has work to do from Spring, involving leaving pitches up and other nasty bad habits. Expect to see him as part of any number of Jim Tracy Chessmaster routines.
Reliever Franklin Morales (LHP)
The "other lefty" in the pen, Morales fall from grace has been very visible since his heroic callup in 2007 to lead the Rockies to the original Rocktober. Morales' weaknesses include lack of composure on the mound, general wildness, and balks. His strengths mostly involve being a lefty who can throw 96. Expect to see a man pitching with his Rockies career on the line, because this season, there is no going back for Morales; it's Do or Die time.
Long Reliever Felipe Paulino (RHP)
After being removed from the #5 starter hunt in Spring Training, Paulino focused exclusively on just overpowering hitters for an inning or two at a time. It seemed to work, as he said he felt very comfortable just letting it fly after his demotion to the pen. Did I mention that Paulino was the 2nd fastest fastball in the majors behind Ubaldo Jimenez in 2010? Expect to see heat - straight Gasolina, baby.
Tomorrow, we'll run through the starting lineup and the bench.


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The 1908 Memorial Day Parade was planned to be a grand spectacle. But it did not go quite as planned, according to this February 1, 1952 column, in which it is written:
Indeed this parade according to "The Suburban" of May 22, would probably be "the most imposing one ever seen in Wayne", with nearly 1000 firemen marching in its ranks. For its part Wayne would have its entire equipment in the line, seven pieces in all, including those from the old North Wayne Fire Department. Some of the smaller carts would be drawn by school children.
The parade was to form on Audubon avenue near the former high school building with wings resting on Windermere and Runnymede avenues. Headed by the Radnor Township Mounted Police they would proceed along a route that would eventually cover most of the streets in both South and North Wayne.
See photos from this year's parade and .
The exercises pertaining to the actual housing were to be performed by the neighboring company of Bryn Mawr, with the Old Volunteer Firemen of Philadelphia housing the pumping engine. Luncheon was to be served at Union Hall (now the Masonic Building) with the banquet of the local fire company to be held at the Waynewood apartment house (now the Wayne Hotel).
The festivities were to close with a ball at Union Hall. The ladies of the community were urged to help entertain visitors "in home-like fashion" by sending donations of "cakes, sandwiches, meats or any of the edibles for which the housewives of Wayne are noted" . . . "As for the gentlemen, they may do their part by making small donations of cash for the expenses necessary to be incurred." Charles E. Clark recalls that Arthur L. Holmes, for many years a resident of Summit avenue, was the first man to make such a donation.
With all plans made for the big occasion, Saturday turned out to be "the very worst day that the weather man has handed out in many years" according to the story appearing in "The Suburban" the following week. Nevertheless, the engines were housed and the parade was held in spite of the fact that only about seven out of the 25 fire companies who had accepted invitations were able to be present. But when they actually did get under way shortly after 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon, the "Radnor boys and the visiting firemen to the number of almost 300 fell into line and went over an abbreviated line of march. Making up in enthusiasm for lack of numbers, David A. Henderson was grand marshal of the parade, "bearing his honors with becoming dignity".
At the housing itself the Rev. Samuel M. Thompson, at that time pastor of the Wayne Methodist Church, offered the invocation. Members of the Bryn Mawr Fire Company housed the combination automobile-chemical engine while their band played "The Star Spangled Banner". Franklin Co. No. 1, of Chester, then ran the auto truck into the engine house to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne", played by the Upland Band. Riding in the truck as it was placed in the house were William Wood, M. C. Carey and "Cap" Clark. Charles E. Clark, to whose family "Cap" was not related despite the similarity of the names, recalls him as the "champion life-saver of Atlantic City" and a volunteer fireman with many years of service to his credit.
Following the formalities of the housing, W. W. Hearne, president of the Fire Company, introduced another resident of Wayne, Thodore J. Grayson, Esq., who gave an address apropos of the occasion, in which he paid tribute to the men who had handled the old hand drawn engine and hose carriage "with the same spirit that animates the firemen of today". Mr. Hearne was also toastmaster at the annual banquet at which there were only about 50 diners at the end of that wet day. Since no mention was made in "The Suburban" account of the ball which had been scheduled as the grand finale of this great occasion, it is assumed it did not take place.


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Push Push AnimalsPublished on September 15, 2011. Played 626 times.
If the game you are trying to play is not working, browse our Help / FAQ page.
Push Push Animals is an addictive match-3 style colorful puzzle game. Your goal is simple: Swap blocks to match 3 or more of the same color. Matched blocks move in the direction of the arrow and can push other blocks away. Rescue all the trapped animals as fast as you can by pushing their rafts into the water. Have fun!
MOUSE to play.
Category: Puzzle


text:
A Quincy family woke up Friday morning to the smell of smoke in their house.
Tri-Township Assistant Fire Chief Darren Smith says crews were called to this house at 1415 Silverthorne Drive around 7 a.m. Friday.
"They were getting ready to go to work I believe and noticed some smoke and they went outside and saw smoke coming from the roof," said Smith.
Smith says they believe the fire started because of a crack in the chimney.
"The cause of the fire is from the fireplace. It looks like it's probably a faulty brick, some mortar, stuff like that," said Smith. "Something like that gave way and let the fire get into the studs."
Even though firefighters were able to keep the damage down to a minimum at the house, Chimney Sweep and Quincy Firefighter Cole Miller says a chimney that has not been inspected or swept properly could spark disaster.
Especially from built up creosote, unburned smoke collected on the chimney walls.
"It's potentially very hazardous. There's a lot of factors that go into how much creosote you may get built up but if that catches fire and the flu can't contain it then the fire could easily spread to the house or anywhere else," said Miller.
Miller recommends getting your chimney inspected every year.
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Lukashenka's administration: Belarusians should live within their means
14:24, — Politics
Ideologists will teach Belarusians how to do it.
The task was set by Aliaksandr Radzkou, the first deputy head of Lukashenka's administration. According to him, citizens of the country should learn how to live within their means and appreciate what they already have in conditions of severe market competition and new economic reality. Radzkou made this statement at a seminar of ideological officers of the Mahilou region, BelTA news agency reports.
"Never before have we had so many opportunities for self-realisation: receiving good education and high-paid jobs, opening a business, etc. But it always strikes me that people don't want to work and earn money, though many of us have overstated requirements for living standards and individual wealth. We want to get everything at once, but we don't always understand that we need to work and increase our professional level," he said.
The current task of ideologists is to return people into today's reality, put them into the conditions where everybody can earn money by hard work or intellect and pay the full price for what they have, Aliaksandr Radzkou thinks.
Новости партнеров


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News: Lecrae Addresses Roc Nation Signing Rumor, Claims Jay-Z Was "Looking For Some Conscious Artists"
Monday, Jun 24, 2013 2:45PM
Christian rapper Lecrae has cleared the air on recent rumors suggesting he may be the latest artist to sign on the dotted line to join Jay-Z's growing Roc Nation empire.
Despite the heated gossip, the Houston, Texas rapper said he is currently not on any Jigga roster.
"[Laughs] At this point in time, no. Essentially, he was looking for some conscious artists and my name was thrown into a pool of other artists and that's as far as it went." (Ebony)
He also explained why teaming up with Young Hov's Roc Nation would likely never go down.
"Nah. For multiple reasons, but one majorly, I'm an independent artist, I'm a label owner," Crae added when asked if he would consider joining Jay-Z. "I love my independence. I love being able to create the story. And I want to do in many ways what Jay-Z is doing for the mainstream. He's inspiring a lot of people to think they can do something on their own. I want to inspire people that they can do it on their own and not compromise their faith and beliefs, as well. So, that's what I stand for." (Ebony)
Last year, the rapper talked about his admiration for Jay and the never-ending connections the rap mogul receives to extreme religious rumors.
"I don't know. I sympathize with him because I've been accused of a lot of things that are just ridiculous and so I can't imagine at his level, what's real and what's not. People accuse me of stuff and I'm just like where did you get that from? And I can only imagine that when you're at his level or his height, you're being accused of tons of stuff. Some of it may be true. I don't know. I really can't tell. I don't even know what the Illuminati is, but somehow I'm a member. I'm like man if they're accusing me of this and it's so left field and ridiculous, I don't know if [the rumors] of Jay-Z [being involved] are legitimate or not." ("The Yolanda Adams Morning Show")
Recently, Lecrae spoke to SOHH about working with an artist like Big K.R.I.T. who can balance both religion and illicit desires in his rhymes.
"The Big K.R.I.T. record I've got is called "May Day." I knew K.R.I.T. to be a real transparent dude, he's got no problem talking about his struggles and his ups and downs. One record he might be at the strip club and the next he might be reading the Bible. A lot of people like that because it's authentic. A normal person who doesn't have those complexes won't try to pretend. I thought it would be a dope opportunity for me to get on a record with someone that could say, "Look, I don't have it all together." He's got a church past and so he's heard some things and he's just wrestling with them. I really thought this would be a dope opportunity for people to relate to those and also for me to get on there to relate to him and also give some answers to those things people are wrestling with." (SOHH Singled Out)


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So we now have a picture of Adrianne Palicki in her Wonder Woman outfit. Fox News was good enough to post a photo of her right next to an old shot of Lynda Carter. We have to say — superhero fail? How do you fuck up a Wonder Woman costume? Wonder Woman does not wear trousers! And rejigger that bustier, please, so that her boobs smoosh together more. One's going east and the other's going west! It is a bit silly what passes for "cleavage" these days.
We don't know whether Adrianne has breast implants, but this costume sure gives that impression. (If her boobs are natural, she should be upset.) Implants aren't a bad thing — God in His wisdom did not bless all women with bigguns, if a woman wants to buy a pair that's her right — you just gotta use 'em correctly. Here's how it's done — Sara Jean Underwood (who we know has implants) as Bustice. Note how they're smooshed together:
Two more lady superhero images we like that we probably won't have any reason to post otherwise. Enjoy:
Great Hera!


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In Kuala Lumpur, the 173 Suites of Seri Cempaka is a cozy alternative to hotel living. MH Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur offers six types of suites that are elegant and spacious for that special ambience.
MH Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur
Lot 6.01, Level 6 Tower 1 menara PGRM,
No6 and 8, Jalan Pudu Ulu, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur


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Closed Thread
Results 11 to 20 of 23
Thread: When is a laptop too heavy?
11th June 2008, 11:42 AM #11
Re: When is a laptop too heavy?
Go find a 10lb bag or dumbbell.
If you cannot lift it with one hand EASILY then get thee to a gym ASAP.
(male/female makes no difference, my 5'1" wife lifts my 9.2lbs laptop very easily)
People are spoiled.
I carried over 80lbs of diffyQ, dynamics, fluids, and other miscellaneous books, laptop, and supplies running all day all over campus.
It never seemed like much weight at all.
My laptop is 9.2lbs and I carry it everywhere now in and out of server rooms and meeting rooms.
Honestly the ONLY downside to the larger laptops has nothing to do with the miniscule weight difference. Its the bulk of the laptop that sometimes makes me wish for the smaller XPS 1530 a few feet from me. One look at its inferior screen and I am cured.ASUS G50VT (Since 11/2/2008)
C2D 8400 2.26GHz, 4GB RAM, 320GB HDD, 9800m GS 512MB, 15" 1366x768, Win 7 64-bit Ultimate
11th June 2008, 06:49 PM #12
Re: When is a laptop too heavy?
There's quite a difference between being able to do something, and wanting to do it.
I'm pretty sure you have the ability to jump off a bridge as well. Probably with your eyes closed and by only using one leg to jump.Desktop: Core i7 960, 1 TB HDD, 6 GB RAM, Radeon HD 6870
Asus G50vt-X1: P8400, 320 GB 7200 RPM, 4 GB RAM, 9800m GS
Asus G1s-A1 - Dead Video Card
11th June 2008, 07:08 PM #13
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Re: When is a laptop too heavy?
but as to the thread's question... this is your first laptop? my last laptop i found was a bit too heavy... something that is 5lb or less is the perfect weight imo... when you start out, you may think its nothing, but as you go on with the laptop on your back or hanging on your shoulder, you'll start to notice the weight.
12th June 2008, 01:15 AM #14
Re: When is a laptop too heavy?
I carried over 80lbs of diffyQ, dynamics, fluids, and other miscellaneous books, laptop, and supplies running all day all over campus.
It never seemed like much weight at all.Dell Inspiron 1420 HP tz2500 Tablet PC Lenovo X200T Dell XT2 x 2
Too close for missiles/ Switching to guns
Jack Daniels/ Jim Beam/ Johnnie Walker/ Jose Cuervo
12th June 2008, 10:34 AM #15
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Re: When is a laptop too heavy?NotebookReview Contributor
Workstation - HP Elitebook 8760w + HP LP2475w | Mini Workstation - HP Elitebook 8460w
12th June 2008, 10:38 AM #16
Re: When is a laptop too heavy?
I take my 17 inch laptop to some classes and meetings. Not terribly easy to do. Personally when the weight of the laptop, powerbrick, and accessories exceeds 10 lb I find that I leave it sitting on my desk most of the time. Anything under 5 lb is very portable. I'm thinking about getting an ultraportable for class, trips, etc., but having 2 notebooks is an expensive solution. I have friends with Sony VAIO notebooks and Dell XPS 1330's that they take to class and are very happy with them.
Last edited by drbiff; 12th June 2008 at 10:45 AM."I didn't spend 6 years in evil medical school to be call Mister, thank you very much."
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12th June 2008, 11:10 AM #17
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Re: When is a laptop too heavy?
A laptop in class actually helped me in some cases because I have no attention span, I can actually concentrate better by alternating between the two. I don't think being forced to sit down and stare for an hour at a lecture is all that healthy.
But then again I have pretty severe ADD so I may be different. In some more complicated lectures I felt it may have made be suffer a little though.
12th June 2008, 11:12 AM #18
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12th June 2008, 02:18 PM #19
Re: When is a laptop too heavy?
I didn't walk in drenched in sweat most of the time.
(the night class after hockey practice a notable exception... but I didn't have either my computer or my books with me in that case)
The simple truth is that some college textbooks will weigh more than any of these laptops (especially if you are a math/science/engineering major) and odds are you will have at least a couple classes back-to-back that both require the textbook.
Boom! Despite the best-laid plans of mice and men you are already carrying 20+ lbs, and a bag or backpack of some sort regardless of which notebook computer you buy.
If you live off-campus, expect to be carrying more than two books.
(thus my example)
Also, if you have half a brain you buy a bag or backpack for your laptop to protect it. (regardless of how proud of a mac user you are or how nice the mac laptops are... they are NOT waterproof... and I say this due to having to explain this to TWO mac users already this year!)
On your back or shoulder, if you even remotely notice the 2-4lb difference of a lightweight laptop over a 17", then you probably are too weak to carry your books or go to college in the first place.
This is NOT to say a lighter and less-bulky machine doesn't have its place, but that the weight issue is significantly less of an issue than most make it here... at least for me personally.
In Lithus' place, I can't really understand why he would be jumping off a bridge in the first place... but I can understand why he might want to carry a lighter laptop and perhaps if he sat down and thought about it he might understand why I would choose to carry a slightly heavier one?
The thing is, what do you give up for what you gain?
For a lousy few lbs of weight that the vast majority of healthy college-age people are not going to notice in most situations you gain the following:
-Larger (and likely superior) screen
-Larger keyboard (less cramped)
-Actual Numpad
-More room for better hardware (and better gaming)
-Better cooling
-Better comfort in computing on your lap
-Easier and more likely repair
Note, I already mentioned that size is the actual downfall here.
Smaller IS nice for setting the laptop down and using it in crowded "lecture hall" classrooms, but I gotta say most of those classes you don't really WANT to bring a laptop. Bring a pad of paper and a pen/pencil and NOTHING else if you can help it. (Textbook also if necessary)
Smaller IS also nice if you plan on flying.
All the rest is personal preference IMHO...
(I suggest you skip the jumping off a bridge thing.)ASUS G50VT (Since 11/2/2008)
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13th June 2008, 12:33 AM #20
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Re: When is a laptop too heavy?
Again, get a heavier laptop and save up for an ASUS EEE-PC, even the cheapest would be fine for note taking, internet browsing etc. Maybe a costly solution but a good one, I think. Different levels of portability can help.


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September 06, 2012
Lou Fowler (left) with Jim Allen
Fowler, a former World War II prisoner-of-war, was speaking to the gathering of veterans and their guardians about his experiences as a POW. During his captivity, Fowler says he was beaten, jabbed with bayonets and refused medical treatment. Food was hard to come by. Sanitation was non-existent. He thought he was going to die. But in the waning days of the war, Fowler and three fellow prisoners made a daring escape and headed into the countryside towards the American troops. And what Fowler told the group next was something that veteran Jim Allen could hardly believe. Fowler and the others were rescued a day later by a group of American soldiers--the 104th Infantry (Timberwolf) Division. It turns out that division is the very same one Allen served in.
Shortly after the orientation wrapped up, the two men met.
"This World War II veteran (Allen) was in the division that liberated me from a German prison camp in 1945," Fowler said with a huge grin. "This is the first guy that I have met, with the division that liberated me, the first person I've ever met in more than 65 years."
The two men could hardly contain their smiles as they remembered that liberation day—April 26, 1945—just like it was yesterday. Hugs followed, but no tears. Not for these men.
Fowler compared the emotions of liberation to those he experienced when he first saw the World War II Memorial—the first stop of the day for veterans on the Honor Flight.
"It is the most beautiful memorial," Fowler said. And as he told Allen and the other vets, "That is your memorial."
Van O'Cain
The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc., will be closed in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
Washington Invasion Find out what happens when dozens of S.C. high school students take over Washington, D.C.


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Everyone and their mother likes to come up with a mock draft, and I'm no different.
So, armed with TSN's rankings and a very little knowledge, here's my mostly humorous look at the mock draft. These are done as if the team making the pick were to call me up and ask me who I would take if they would pay me to consult them (hint, hint, I'm available). I'm also assuming no more trades, because it's about impossible to predict.
1 Edmonton
Taylor Hall, W
--Team Taylor for life! (Or at least until the RFA years run out)
2 Boston
Tyler Seguin, C
--It'll be interesting to see what Boston does with another center (Savard, Bergeron, Krecji) and if Seguin sticks this season
3 Florida
Habs Eyes On The PrizeErik Gudbranson, D
--Panthers get tougher by adding a big, strong defenseman that hits and has all-around ability. They'll hope he can be a Chris Pronger-type player.
4 Columbus
Cam Fowler, D
--A big, good skating defenseman that can handle the puck. A player that this team has literally never had.
5 NY Islanders
Brett Connolly, W
--"Don't worry about his hip, what could possibly go wrong" -- Rick DiPietro
The rest after the jump...
6 Tampa Bay
Brandon Gormley, D
--Good all around defenseman is Yzerman's first pick as a GM. Maybe not flashy, but a sure bet.
7 Carolina
Nino Niederreiter, W
--A budding star that's showing he's a finisher with a 36 goals in the WHL. Plus "El Nino" to the Hurricanes? Come on.
8 Atlanta
Ryan Johansen, C
--Rapidly improving player, he's drawn comparisons to Joe Thornton or Eric Staal as an offensive center.
9 Minnesota
Jeff Skinner, C
--Considered the best pure goal scorer in the draft, and since that's sort of the object of the sport, Minnesota's happy to scoop him up here.
10 NY Rangers
Alex Burmistrov, C
--He's already in North America, so that's a good thing. Some have said he's kind of like Pavel Datsyuk, which is a better thing.
11 Dallas
Jack Campbell, G
--Most think Dallas might go D here, but it's tough to pass up a big time goalie.
12 Anaheim
Emerson Etem, C
--Perfect story for the Southern Cal boy to get drafted by an area team. Beyond that, he's said to be perhaps the fastest skater and has good numbers in juniors.
13 Phoenix
Derek Forbort, D
--He's good but not great in about every category. Why will he get picked so high? You can't teach/coach 6'5" defensemen that do everything well.
14 St. Louis
Mikael Granlund, W
--Slick playmaking winger that was voted smartest player in the draft class.
15 Florida
Kiril Kabanov, W
--The most controversial pick in the draft. Kabanov's got #1 overall talent, but everyone he comes in contact with; from teams to coaches to agencies, drop him almost immediately. Florida needs to hit a home run, and you can't do that unless you swing the bat.
16 Ottawa
Nick Bjugstad, C
--Big (6'5"), has a nice pedigree (Minnesota's Mr. Hockey) and heading off to college (U Minnesota).
17 Colorado
Austin Watson, W
--Questions about his overall skill, but he's got size, speed and will forecheck, which makes him a fitting addition for Colorado's young crop of players.
18 Nashville
Jarred Tinordi, D
--College-bound defenseman? Nashville will take 'em!
19 LA Kings
Riley Sheahan, C
--If worries about his offensive abilities in Notre Dame's defensive system come true, could be the biggest 1st round bust from ND since Brady Quinn.
20 Pittsburgh Penguins
Dylan McIlrath, D
--Voted the meanest player in the draft (unanimously). He's big at 6'4, 215, often hits players, isn't afraid to drop the gloves. Offensively he's not likely to develop into a big-time point player, but the Pens found Brooks Orpik about this deep in the draft 10 years ago (!!) and McIlrath seems like a similar, if even more abrasive player.
21 Detroit
Mark Pysyk, D
--Considered a very safe, but unspectacular player that has an NHL future, but not a star. Sounds perfect for Detroit who may lose guys like Lidstrom and Rafalski soon.
22 Phoenix
Vladimir Tarasenko, RW
--A roll of the dice to draft a Russian player and hope you can get him from the KHL. But it's Phoenix, what do they have to lose? If it doesn't work out with Tarasenko, they might not even be in town or have jobs under the new ownership anyways. Tarasenko is thought to have Top 10 talent, so why not?
23 Buffalo
Jonathan Merrill, D
--Has an under-age drinking charge to him. Hopefully he won't have any run-ins with the cabbies in Patrick Kane's hometown.
24 Chicago
Quinton Howden, W
--A fast, reliable two-way player that put up a point/game last season. Another nice chip for Chicago as they reload with fresh talent.
25 Vancouver
John McFarland, C
--A couple years ago, McFarland was considered in the Hall/Seguin debate for top overall player. Attitude and a poor season might bounce him out of the first round.
26 Washington
Jaden Schwartz, C
--They love the Western Canadian boys. Schwartz is small, which doesn't fit the Washington profile, but he has a ton of skill and for a team a little weak on the C depth chart after Nicklas Backstrom, here's a good chance to grab a potential 2C.
27 Montreal
Brock Nelson, C
--Big and thought to have goal scoring potential, he'll probably be the one going to Washington with the smaller Schwartz dropping here. Oh well, too late to edit now.
28 San Jose
Calvin Pickard, G
--The post-Nabokov era begins next season, so they'll need to be mindful of keeping quality goalies in the system.
29 Anaheim
Justin Faulk, D
--Great offensive ability and the 4th U.S. defenseman to be chosen in this mock draft! U-S-A! U-S-A!!
30 Chicago
Beau Bennett, W
--They say he's "immature" so he'll fit right in. Also watch out for that weak competition that he feasted on to put up gaudy numbers. It's a little bit of a risk, but one the Cup champs can afford to take.


text:
The big screen Ascend D2 and Ascend Mate may have dominated Huawei's CES press conference, but the company also has another phone on display at the show, the long-awaited Ascend W1. The W1 is interesting due to it being the company's first Windows Phone 8 handset, and it has been rumoured for some time.
Although it hasn't really been officially announced – still – Huawei has confirmed the device's specification. The screen measures 4-inches and has a resolution of 480 x 800, while the processor is a 1.2GHz, dual-core Snapdragon with 512MB of RAM alongside. The primary 5 megapixel camera has an LED flash and is joined by a basic 0.3 megapixel video call lens.
There's an unknown amount of internal memory – previous leaks have indicated 4GB – but this can be expanded with the use of a microSD card up to 32GB in size. The feature list continues with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, NFC and GPS. The phone has been pictured several times, and of those published on the Internet from the show, it's clear it'll be available in several different bright colours, much like Nokia and HTC's Windows Phone 8 hardware.
As the Ascend W1 didn't get much of an announcement, it hasn't been given a release date or any confirmation of where the phone will launch either. We wonder if Huawei is holding it back for Mobile World Congress 2013?


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Master's Connections
Alumni events are a great way to make connections with other alumni, current students, and to support TMC!
Saturday, August 23, 2014 - Week of Welcome
Help greet new students by handing out "Future Alumni" t-shirts from 8:00am to 11:30am.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Shayna Anderson, email@example.com.
Thursday, October 30, 2014 - Alumni Dinner Theatre
The Master's College Theater Arts Department presents, "Tish"
The Master's College Truth & Life Conference
Wednesday, January 14, 2015 through Friday, January 16, 2015
For more information, check out Truth & Life Conference
Master's Connect
A password-protected community designed to help alumni
Build relationships
Network Professionally
Develop mentoring opportunities


text:
Released: 9 Feb 2000
At the beginning of F ebruary, of the nearly 1.4 million doses of the anthrax vaccine administered to more than 400,000 service members across the Defense Department, only 620 individuals have submitted reports of adverse reactions to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to the Air Force surgeon general's office.
Those cases are being reviewed by the Anthrax Vaccine Expert Committee, an independent panel of civilian medical experts sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
From the committee's most recent review in early January, 76 of the reports were most likely caused by the anthrax vaccine. The most common reactions are temporary redness, swelling or a small lump at the injection site. Side effects from the vaccine are frequently less than those caused by other routine vaccinations that most Americans receive, such as DPT and tetanus.
Defense officials also have requested some of the country's leading immunologists, from institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control, to review its program and findings. They too have verified there have been no unusual or unexpected side effects from the vaccines administered to service members.
"Anthrax is a known and very real threat," said Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Paul K. Carlton Jr., Air Force surgeon general. "Every day U.S. forces inch increasingly closer to encountering that threat. We know anthrax is produced by several countries around the world, including some of our potential adversaries. Any use of this biological weapon is certain to cause widespread illness and death among unprotected U.S. forces."
The anthrax vaccine is not a new or experimental vaccine. It is fully licensed by the FDA and has been in use since 1970. Additionally, no vaccine is released without FDA approval for its safety, sterility, purity and potency. The vaccination consists of six inoculations over 18 months, followed by an annual booster.
"We are fortunate to have a vaccine that is both safe and effective," Carlton said. "It would be morally irresponsible for Air Force leaders and the entire Department of Defense not to protect our troops against this lethal threat."
Air Force leaders continue to encourage military members to educate themselves and their families about the vaccine, but to verify sources of information and ensure the information they receive is from credible sources. Members who experience reactions are encouraged to report them to their local military treatment facility or directly to the FDA at 1-800-822-7967.
** DOD Anthrax Web Site
** Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
** U.S. Food and Drug Administration


text:
The Official Conan O'Brien's New Tonight Show Thread
I didn't see the first Tonight show hosted by Conan O'Brien. Did you? What did you think of it?
I used to watch the late night shows but now I'm too busy and usually surf the 'Net or go to sleep. :001_cool:
I didn't see it either. Caught about 10 minutes of Jay's last show before I gave up out of boredom and went to bed.
I love Stephen Colbert, but all the other late-night guys have kind of lost me.
I guess I've just heard enough late-night type jokes for a while. None of them are all that funny to me anymore.
I guess my sense of humor has evolved. Or something.
I watched everything up to the Will Ferrel interview. I like Conan, so I'm a fan already. It's a big change from Leno (who I enjoyed) and WAY different than Letterman (can't stand him).
Circle! Circle! Circle!
So Leno retired? Rode off into Biker Heaven? I heard he was recently hospitalized, but i didn't know he had left the Tonight Show. The last show i saw was the one that guest starred the President.
As for Conan, i never cared much for his Frat-boy humor, or his physical comedy routines.
I just don't think Conan O'Brian was the right person for the Tonight show. I've watched his show every now and then and it was okay. His style of comedy isn't really what the Tonight needed. I think the Tonight show will suffer a slow death now.
His first show was OK last night.
Jimmy Fallon is the one that sucks at hosting a talk show. This guy is in his mid 30's and still acts like a little nervous butthead.
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text: Ummm, OK. Here is a short piece from Conlin of the Philadelphia Daily News, who was watching the Phillies in extended spring training and was impressed by Heredia. Obviously his physical stature stands out ("The poised, 6-6 righthander looked closer to 20 than 16), but the piece mentions his retiring or Carlos Ruiz, and his mom's reaction. Neat little story, and really nice to see a 16 year-old Pirates prospect getting a mention in an out-of-town paper.


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