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Chapter 1
Takao Sindai was not the sharpest blade in the armory when it came to his situational awareness, especially on that day. Then again, who would be? It was the perfect morning to be enjoying a fine stiff drink in a public chair outside of a roadside tavern on the outskirts of town. The watch woodsmen were exchanging shifts, people were opening shops in the city up the road by the lake. Fresh woods, fresh winds, fresh people. After riding out on the road south from the Kakereban Empire, Takao sought a life of honorable vagrancy. Loan his services out to guilds, foaling stables, peace enforcement, all were fair game. He'd only been out a month or so from his familial estate, and things were looking good.
The winds were traveling east. Through the rustling trees, the bright jade orb of the largest moon hung low on the horizon past the Tchiar fields, fading out of sight as the Sun peaked over and through the sparse clouds and trees by the road. Behind Takao, the wind picked up, and he needn't have seen the billowing clouds coming from over the western mountains. He could smell rain coming in the afternoon.
He wished he could smell the brigands sneaking up on him. A few well-placed blows later and he didn't have domain over any of his senses.
There was the distinct feeling that his captors had done more than conked him in the head. He felt the jostle of footsteps, the motion of being carried. For a moment his vision cleared, the blindness dissipating enough that he could see stars through a thatched wagon roof.
After that, little else. He had the faintest of notions that he was being taken somewhere far, for days perhaps. A fog on his mind robbed him of most thoughts, a venin that had time pass by in a blink.
And then, a dripping sound.
Warm orange light.
Biting, merciless air.
"Jukette... H-hey, you! Are you awake, Hume?"
Takao moved a finger to his lips, not knowing whom he was commanding to be silent. He blinked hard and shook his head a bit, having just awoken from a batch of rather potent sedatives. Stupid drugs laid a blanket over his brain worse than mahogany wine. Movements slow and trembling, he pushed himself off a batch of straw to a sitting position, found a wall, and scooted towards it, laying his back against cool, roughly-cut rock. Wherever he was, it was dark, almost pitch, and cold and wet and nasty. This was a squarish cell he finally observed, deep within rock, with rough iron bars to his front and left. The warm orange light emanated from 'withering-sun', a polypore growth on some supporting wooden beams just outside his cell. Underground... yes, he felt he was underground here.
He saw hands on the bars to his left, framing the glow of green hair reflecting the gloom of the room's orange. The one he had just demanded silence from. "Nng, sorry," he whispered somewhat halfheartedly. "I'm awake now."
"Nice of ya to come to. Looked like you've been out for about a day," the stranger explained, the voice harsh but noticeably feminine. "You been that way since my last dig, anyways. So what's your name, Hume?"
"Takao of House Sindai," he explained in a soft whisper, his throat dry. "We're in deep kak, I'd wager. They knocked me out fairly solid."
"I guess they did."
Takao allowed his eyes to adjust for a moment. She was definitely a woman. Elvish, Dawei, by the look of her pointed ears, but her skin seemed far too dark for her kind. She looked about his age, but considering all Dawei, that didn't mean anything; she could have been twice his age and he might never notice. Her hair color denied the possibility of her being Tao-Kong. She wore a torn tunic, a bit too small for her chest, and charcoal-colored pants and sandals. Takao realized he was in a similar garb.
All right, be His Form, be His Form, be His Form...
Takao repeated the phrase in his head like a prayer until he was able to regulate his breathing somewhat and slow his heartbeat against the panic swelling in his chest. Maybe this was a dream, maybe none of it was real, he needed to be logical and calm until he figured out what the hell the deal was. Yes, he'd be like His Form. Takao Sindai of Kakereba was renowned for his cool head and quick judgment, he never bugged out in a situation, he never gave anything away unintentionally. He was a devout practitioner of His Form, the third facet of the Creator, the Nameless One. This facet was patron of logic, valor and crafts. Unyielding... Takao had a reputation to live up to and it wasn't going to be ruined now, no matter what the situation.
Thinking of his God made Takao want a sword, but there was nothing here. And little did he know, the Dawei in the next cell was thinking the exact same thing.
"Shier Voserit, that's my name," the woman called. Her voice echoed, and it almost made the man wince. "I'd embrace ya, but hell, bars are bars in a slaver's mine."
"This place? What kind of mine? I never crossed anyone to warrant kidnapping . . . I don't think."
"Maybe not, but when does evil give good reasons for its actions?" she asked slyly, and the wisdom of her words rang true to Takao. Shier experienced enough of such actions for a while; one day on pilgrimage from her home across the Hatheran Republic, much the same occurred. One fair morning on the road, one stroke of bad fortune – and of a rather heavy club. She continued, "I've been here for at least a couple weeks now. Nuuta brutes. Have us and . . . at least a couple dozen others scavenging this old mine for whatever enercrysts were left behind by the previous tenants. Not exactly sure where we are on Amidror, though." Shier started rubbing at her hands, trying to get them warm, but decided soon after to rub at her wrists instead. Better not to think about the cold. She'd be the savior if that was what was now required. She'd be His Blade, her God. That's what she was used to, what she was good at.
Takao glanced over sympathetically, wholly despising their captors now. Slavery was a non-issue in Kakereba, but he knew how prevalent it was in the rest of the world, with its varying degrees of severity and human rights in servitude. And now he was beginning to feel very, very tired once more. Dismal thoughts filled his head now, too, concerning his dear friend and mount, Taklan... that poor horse, Gods know what might have happened to him.
Shier could see this bitterness in his eyes too. Poor man, and he hadn't even begun his first day of back-breaking black-boot labor. She got onto her hands and knees and rested her head against the bars of their divided prison, sweat standing out like condensation on her brow. "Jukette, Takao . . . you had better get as much shut-eye as you can before the task-master ud'raan comes and kick you into his gears for the grinding."
"Yeah," Takao muttered wistfully, "Guess it can't be helped right now..."
It seemed he would try to fall asleep for the rest of his life and never find a dream. It did not help his situation with the Dawei in the next cell watching over him like some interested predator. Her colors were too strange to him, too easy to pick out from the pitch dark.
In either minutes or hours, Takao thought he heard someone crying.
Grimacing at the stiffness that came with sleeping on a limestone floor, he pushed himself up onto his elbows and tried to remember where he was. Cage in a cave, of course.
The cell was still black against the withering-sun fungi, and it hurt Takao's tired eyes to try and make anything out through it all. The only thing really was the lit up top of Shier's spiky head. She was leaning on the bars by her door, looking down a tunnel to the side and casting a shadow over the man. "Shier," Takao called softly, running a hand over his face, rubbing at his bright blue eyes, "Shier, why are you crying? Are you all right?"
His new acquaintance turned from the bars and her features were drawn and pale, but trembling all over with excitement. "It's not me," she hissed, barely able to control herself. She waved Takao over with an eager hand. "Something outside, it was there, then left, came into view in the hall. I swear to His Blade, Tak, it was a ghost or something! I swear to you!"
"Ghost?" Takao whispered dubiously, ignoring the shorthand use of his proper name, "Woman, you had a dream is all, go back to sleep..."
"Maybe it was a prisoner," Shier mumbled to herself, ignoring Takao and turning back to the bars. Takao rolled over onto his side, fitfully pulling a dirty sheet over his bare chilly arms. The cold rose up from the stone floors, and it was like sleeping atop a glacier. Damned bandits, damned fates, damned cage.
Shier stared intently outside, at the spot where she'd briefly seen that phantom figure of black. Her green eyes were unblinking. It wasn't long until she'd been starting to pass out again, but when the scream came, Shier suddenly felt more awake than she had in years.
"Takao!" she hissed, darting away from the cell door as though the entire barricade were red hot to the touch. She leapt over and reached her arm through the bars to smack her sleeping cellmate on the shoulder. "Nuuta! Wake up you lazy bastard! Didn't you hear that?!"
Takao rolled over onto his stomach and plopped his cheek hard against the stone floor of their prison. His voice came out sleepy, muffled, and annoyed.
"If it's the ghost again, I am not interested."
Shier shook the bars impatiently before giving up and crossing her arms, staring at the man as if her eyes could stab him in the back. The cell was quiet around them both, but the air still held the echo of that one short-lived scream. Something had died. That had been the scream of something, someone, at the door of death. It scared the hell out of Shier but it excited her at the same time. "Tak!" she pleaded, "Come now, man, something's going on! Get up off your ass!"
"What is it?" He rolled over finally onto his back, squinting his eyes against the scant light filtering through the bars and into his face. "You have no idea how tired I am."
"Yeah, well I'm tired too. But you . . . you didn't hear that scream?"
"I heard your scream. That's it."
Shier fell back, somewhat crestfallen. She knew she'd heard it though, she still heard it. The sound tied her stomach in knots. So shrill. And it had stopped so suddenly. Takao watched the Dawei in the dim light, blinking hard to try and wake up a bit more. The drugs seemed to finally be passing, the fog around his mind dissipating. Shier seemed awfully excited, but still, she was being such a dolt. "Just go back to sleep," he demanded softly, "Being here is just playing tricks on your imagination is all. Unless it's those task-masters you speak so fondly of, there is nothing."
Shier wanted to believe Takao's words but something wouldn't let her. "It always starts out like that," she whispered, "Everyone says it's nothing. Everyone says it's all in yer head. But . . . but people said I was imagining things when I said the gangs in Masara seemed upset. It was my first week providing my services as Drago to a local lord. I always had this . . . this sense that things are going south. When I told the constables the gangs looked so angry, they told me to ignore it, that things were fine. And so I did. I ignored it all. I ignored it all until they decided to torch the lords estate and cut off his head one night. I suppose they believed me after that. I suppose maybe after the floor is slicked with blood, you'd realize I shouldn't ignore it."
The dark room was quiet after Shier's words had echoed away. Takao scratched his head, embarrassed and feeling responsible for digging up such a memory in her.
"Sorry," he muttered.
"Yeah, well, never mind. I guess it was probably a dream then. Ghosts . . . I'm crazy. I'm sorry."
Shier stepped into the corner of the cell closest to Takao and crouched down against the wall, hiding her face from the light. She laid her cheek against the cold stone and hoped she wouldn't hear the scream again. Because maybe it was just coming from inside her head, perhaps Takao was right. She buried her head in her arms and closed her eyes. Regardless, just as she had months ago, she knew something was wrong in this place.
Perhaps Takao sensed it too. He seemed more alert, more on edge now. He rose from his place on the cold stone and walked over to the locked, barred gate. To hell with this place, he thought, and to hell with waiting for work.
"What's on your mind, Hume?" Shier asked when her companion suddenly started fiddling with the bulky, greasy lock, seemingly scouring his immediate area for something unseen.
"Do mind your own business, lady Voserit," Takao answered irritably, "And so you know, I dislike being called a hume. We Akimen are proud of our heritage, and don't need to be placed in the same cart as the Eden-kin and the rest of mankind."
"Akimen?!" she hissed, suddenly energized once more and darting to her feet. She rushed over and gripped the bars closest to the man, staring intently at his face. Being closer to the light, Shier scrutinized his facial features – and then she saw it, the seal all Akimen shared; a diamond-shaped golden tattoo, right in the middle of the forehead. She recalled her lessons, of the horse-breeders of the northern Empire, of people who had special abilities. Abilities of the mind. She grinned widely.
"What are you staring at?" Takao inquired, sparing a glance at the woman and feeling flustered all the more at the attention. He cursed himself to his discovery of the gates fair craftsmanship. Whether or not Shier was imagining things, now with his mind a bit more clear than it was a few hours ago he felt the unwavering desire to set himself free. "What?!" he bitterly snapped at the Dawei.
She winced, the grin vanishing. "There's no need to yell. I was here for a while, you know. Know more about the place than you. And you can probably get us out of here." Pausing for a brief moment, Takao's eyes were fixed on hers, but his face remained agitated. "...Maybe you could use that key over there?"
"...Over where?" he asked in a calmer manner.
Shier raised her arm through the bars and pointed a thin finger over to the wall. It was too dark, but following her pointing he managed to see a bit of texture differentiation in the wall across from him. Rectangular shadows, and a few lines in it.
"Can you see them?"
"Not really."
Shier sighed. "The slavers must have been morons to keep an Akimen in here. The whole Empire is full of Humes who can pull objects through the air with their minds and souls, right? Or am I greatly mistaken and you're prime slave material?" she added smugly.
"I was drugged, you silver-tongued plebian."
"Oh hah-hah. You're really smart," she chuckled, "Oh my Gods, Tak, lighten up! We have a chance to get out of here in one piece!"
Takao rubbed his head. "As you wish," he said, and he sighed as though he could not possibly be less enthusiastic about the prospect of leaving with this woman on his heels, but good deeds are good deeds. Takao had a difficult time imagining himself engaging in any sort of activity that wouldn't either please the Gods immensely, or further his own ambitions. One and the same, he liked to believe.
He reached out with his hand and with his mind, and within a blink's span the keys from the far stone wall, hooked on by nails and a piece of plywood, flew into his hand.
The Dawei wanted to be surprised. Surprise was knocking at the door but she wouldn't open it. Instead she casually nodded, holding her palm out after Takao looked her way. She hoped too, hoped that this man was noble enough not to leave her here to rot, but that was a minor concern; Akimen had a reputation to keep. Takao dropped the small iron key into her hand.
They both unlocked their doors, the crusted iron sliding and clinking, sounds that rang freedom to their ears. And somehow it was that simple?
"Not bad, diamond-head. So, what do the fates have in store for us now?" she called to Takao's back. The man was now focused with running his hands over the new walls like a blind man trying to find his way.
"Weapons. A way out. Both would be nice."
"Oh. Well, remember, this place is occupied. It won't be easy getting out. But you're up for a fight, right? I sure am," she stated matter-of-factly.
Takao shrugged and made his way down this new stone hallway, sticking close to the shadows and almost lost in them. His sandals crunched almost too loudly against some straw on the ground. "There's an excellent chance we'll get caught."
"By those nuuta guards running this place?"
"They did it rather well once before."
"I guess. I guess you'd know, Tak, I won't argue with you, though I – woah. Woah. Did you hear that?"
Takao had already quit his walking and froze mid-step, head cocked up and listening. Shier mimicked his actions. There was the obvious sound of a scream, shrill and sudden, and just as suddenly silenced. The two spared a look at each other and nodded together, progressing slowly. They kept their hands pressed to the wall. "Perhaps we shouldn't take a light for ourselves. Keeps us unseen, just in case."
"Right," Shier replied, "although I think being able to see would be, I don't know, a good thing in a place like this."
Down the hall there were tight, closed rooms lit only by lanterns of varying brightness and cluttered with debris. Dancing shadows were thrown on the walls. Far-off cries rose in the deathly quiet, causing the pair to nearly jump from their skin more than once. Dark enveloped many of the rooms, the weak lantern light spread throughout the area providing a sickly little glow that quivered and fluctuated with even the smallest breath of air. Other rooms were bright as a cloudless day, either by lantern or withering-sun. Still, it was all part of the same maze. Nothing but a labyrinth of tight, confining tunnels that led nowhere but in circles and offered nothing but torment.
"A pity," Takao sighed, looking around and trying to make sure they hadn't come across this particular corridor already.
Eyes widening a moment after however, he bolted into a larger, well-lit chamber with more than clutter. Mining tools. Carts. Chests. Weapons. The storehouse of the area, no doubt! Fumbling around and checking nearby containers, Shier hissing nearby, he found his blade. Grinning and chuckling, he was amazed to see all of his stolen raiments!
"Takao, what the Hell do you think you're doing?!" Shier snapped, smacking the back of his head. "You don't run around haphazardly around here, do you want us caught?"
"You think there would be anyone around if there wasn't anyone guarding this repository?" Takao was using the tone of voice he reserved for when he thought his sister was being foolish.
"The guard might be out using the latrine," she replied stubbornly.
"And if that's the case? I have a blade now. I think we're far better prepared to handle any unwelcome maltworms.
Shier remained unconvinced, but she didn't feel like arguing with this man. There was something about this mine that made her anxious and edgy. Something beyond the imprisonment and the abandonment. She could practically feel the evil of this place. Though she didn't know it, it was not completely her imagination. She really could feel something. The presence of Death was strong enough to make itself known in one way or another, regardless of how faintly she felt it or how ignorant she was of it. If Takao felt the same, he'd long since brushed it off as unimportant. He never did listen to superstitions, which was strange as he was more devoutly religious than Shier herself. All superstition, just a different context.
She mentally shrugged at the thought. Shier was a Blade and a Drago, here to do the world a favor by ridding it of evil and not dawdle around wondering about the faults of humanity or the workings of the universe. Superstition bred only fear, and fear death. Still, she couldn't help it–
"Gah, Takao, what are you doing?!" she shrieked, blushing and turning on her heel at the sight of the Akimen stripping by a crate.
Takao chuckled. "Well where else am I going to do this? My clothes are here! Just keep your eyes and thoughts over there and – there," he said, pulling up his pants. "I'd think your cloths would be around here too, and your weapon if you're lucky. Otherwise you might have to resort to the iron shovels."
"Tch, a lunatic is what you are," she quipped, looking around the crates. After removing a particularly heavy one, indeed she found that which had been stolen from her – except for a particular bag of trophies she had attempted to collect on her travels.
"By Form's teeth, I'm missing some things."
"Well don't complain, I'm missing things too. Be happy you've found anything at all!" she snapped, looking back to make sure he was still engrossed in his possessions before properly dressing herself. Either he was a very covetous man or a very noble one; she wasn't discreet in her actions and was gladdened he didn't dare turn around for a free show. A welcome change to things, she supposed.
Takao nodded, "I suppose you're right." And he was quite engrossed after donning his dark blue tunic, boots and leather armor; next to a horse, his most valued possession was his sword. It was a mythril jian, passed down as it had been for generations. This was an everlasting metal, its glossy surface like opaque ice, shimmering with a cerulean hue in the shadows, etched down the center, a gold horse-head figure at the pommel. He was immensely relieved to see it returned to his hands.
Paired up with his sword were a few other weapons, one in particular was a steel longsword with a similar hexagonal blade profile. A clean but obviously used weapon that was almost immediately swiped from Takao's hands.
"That's mine, thank you!" Shier exclaimed, giving her blade a once-over before snatching up the sheath for it. "I don't see my shield anywhere, but I suppose I'll have to make due."
Takao looked up, impressed to see a Dawei woman handle such a weapon. She wore tan-colored attire, rough and complimented with armor made of bone. She was the image of a warrior. It dawned on Takao then, her attire and skin color unmistakably labeled her as a woman of the eastern desert. He nodded and rose as Shier continued looking through the stolen goods. "Yes, I suppose it will. I bet that will be difficult to use in these corridors, but it'll do."
"You let me worry about that, Tak."
"Please don't call me that," he asked as he stepped out into a cross-section of tunnels. Now, although armed, he still had to find a way out. His heart sank when Shier's steps shadowed his immediately. "Why must you follow me so closely? Really, I am not planning anything diabolical against you. And I'm not a terribly exciting man."
Takao turned around and saw Shier not immediately behind, but on the opposite end of the shadowed hall, still at the portal of the repository. At once a dark figure brushed by out of the corner of Takao's eye and by the time he twisted about to see, it had disappeared down an ascending path. "Did you see–?"
"Yes..." Shier breathed thoughtfully. This time her treads did indeed follow Takao's and both hurried quickly up the winding after the unnamed figure. Some ways above, there was the faint sound of a door slamming and at least three pairs of running feet, but they were the distinct treads of men trying not to be heard. Very, very odd. Takao looked around a corner and saw a few benches, and rickety wooden doors, breath held.
"Something's afoot," he whispered, drawing a steel stiletto from his hip. He left his sword where it was, made useless in these tunnels.
"I'd say three somethings are afoot rather," Shier answered. She seemed to disregard the logic Takao was following, holding her sword against her, the point of the blade leading. "I really, really don't like how empty everything is. Perhaps–"
"Hold. Hold..."
Takao swung lightly out into the dim passage. A check at his back to be sure Shier was close behind, and he put his shoulder to the wall, advancing carefully towards where he thought the entities may have tread. Something in the air was... was prickling his skin, for lack of a better word. Something dark, but not the constant buzz of the Spirits to the senses of those with skill in magic. This was raw and intrusive power and he didn't understand how it had managed to sneak its way into this place full of occupants. Coiled and coolly angry, he reached a large door to find it ajar. There was written word above it, but he couldn't read the tongue it was in. Glancing in a manner unsure of himself, his eyes met with Shier's.
She looked up and smirked. "It's in Thaczil. Reads 'Surface Junction from Red-Bear Tunnels'."
"Seems we're on the right path, at least..."
A flurry of footsteps distracted Takao for a moment, but it was coming from beyond and had gone by the time he jerked his head about. Yet the force was coming from behind the door; he'd have sworn to it. So with a quick and murmured prayer, he pushed the door the rest of the way open and slipped through.
The main room here was bereft of people. By the looks of things, it seemed to be a small break-room. A square table, a few chairs and two lanterns lit behind screens of green glass occupied the center of the room. The floor here was smoother, cleaner, and some chips and clay mugs remained on the table. Three other doors marked entrances to more tunnels beyond.
Shier stepped forward and drew out of her memories and realized how close to the exit they were. She remembered being a little intimidated by how tight some of the passages and tunnels were. Though a little more used to it now, tight places were to be avoided in the future if she could help it. Just an irrational thing, nothing she couldn't handle or suppress. It gave her that much more reason to hate it here, hate the dark, hate imprisonment and evil. "That doorway," she stated as she pointed across the room with the tip of her blade, "They brought me through here once with some mining gear they needed repaired. This is a lot more familiar."
"That's good news to hear," Takao breathed. He made his way over to the table and, observing the contents of the clay mugs, drank and doused the burning in his throat. He stepped back to hand the rest over to Shier.
But then, the lights went out.
There wasn't a sputter of magic or a breeze. The lights just suddenly went out.
Takao grunted as he carefully put the mug on the ground. "...This is just terrific."
He heard Shier give a yelp from tripping on a stone but he ignored it, immediately finding a wall and putting his back against it, dagger up again and pointing out at the empty black air. He held his breath, listening. Shier stood her ground, ears perking up and standing still, trying to get an image of the room, targeting any breathing. She could hear Takao against the wall, but there didn't seem to be anything else.
"No one's slicing us open yet," Shier whispered, "I don't hear a thing. Maybe it was just the air from us coming in..."
A slight orange glow told where the doors were, some withering-sun growing from the wood, but other than that there was nothing but black. Takao inched his way closer to that glow, his heart hammering in his ears, his hands growing colder in the vicious chill of the mine, but it wasn't the cold that made him tremble.
"Frack me!" Takao exclaimed in a little squeak, the words sounding strange coming from the swordsman's mouth. He wasn't one to normally swear but this was a special occasion; "Something just brushed past me!"
"That was me so don't stab me," Shier said quietly. She didn't sound disturbed at all now. She rubbed her chin. "Lack of air perhaps? Likely not, actually. No, I do believe–" Her speculation cut off mid-sentence when a flash of purple light lit the room like a lightning strike from behind. She barely avoided the sword slash of a lithe and ragged figure melting into existence before her like a shadow.
Another powerful blow came down, this one fierce and desperate enough to disarm the Dawei immediately. With a choked cry of surprise, she fell backwards into a stool, and there was a glimpse of her attacker's eyes. He was obviously abnormal, as the swordsman had magic swirling around his very being. Shier saw her own reflection, indignant, dark, and startled, in the Ghoul's violet crystalline eyes, and for a moment she deliriously wondered if she would die with her own eyes open or shut when this descending sword cleaved her chest open. Takao left the question unanswered. His dagger flew through the air with a horrible shriek, connecting sickeningly with the swordsman's head and rocketing him backwards into the wall. For a moment he teetered there, with the hilt sticking from his shattered forehead like some extra appendage; then gravity caught them, and they slid slowly to the floor. There the entity, barely discernible from the shadows engulfing them, vanished in a cloud of ash.
Panting, too disturbed to even try to piece together how any of that had happened, Shier merely watched the ash collect as light returned to the room, as if the lanterns never ceased giving it.
Takao stepped forward immediately to reclaim his weapon from the pile of black soot, asking anxiously, "Only one, eh? Only one . . . Are you well, Shier?"
"Yes," Shier confirmed from the floor. Takao helped her up, his jian gleaming naked in his other hand; his eyes were deadlier. Sharp and crystal-blue, they settled for a moment on the remnants of their foe. A bead of sweat dribbled from his chin, spotting his breastplate. His eyes widened disturbingly as they took their steps back towards the table.
"Damn snakes!" Shier swore, though she would have said anything to break the silence.
"Not snakes. Ghouls," Takao announced quietly.
"I know it's a Ghoul."
Takao was about to ask why did you say snakes, then? to distill the stress with humor, but Shier's gaze broke any chance of that happening. "Well now," he began. "Maybe this is our 'ghost' then that you saw earlier."
"We'd be in trouble then if you're telling the truth," Shier sighed. "That was a lucky shot! Ghouls that can shadow-walk and douse the lights with their will was not what I was hoping for." She rolled her eyes and smirked, nudging Takao with her elbow. "Then again, I wasn't hoping to run into any adversary, but I might take one of those ud'raan slavers instead of this."
"I agree wholeheartedly," Takao nodded. "Now then, which way?"
"...Door says this way, so this way we will go."


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Davey Jones's "Walk Of Shame" After Sports Bet [PHOTO]
Some of you may already know that I'm a New York Jets fan. Over the weekend I had to wear a New York Giants Jersey. It all started with a bet.
Some of you may already know that I'm a New York Jets fan. Over the weekend I had to wear a New York Giants Jersey. It all started with a bet.
New Orleans 49 – N.Y. Giants 24
Drew Brees threw for 363 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another score, and the New Orleans Saints beat the New York Giants 49-24 on Monday night. The loss was the third in a row for New York (6-5), which dropped a game behind first-place Dallas in the NFC East
With the Giants and Eagles set to square off in an early season NFC East showdown on Sunday, questions remain about whether Eagles' starting QB Michael Vick will be able to suit up as he recovers from a concussion suffered in last week's game against the Atlanta Falcons.
While having Vick sidelined would hurt Philly, one Giants' player is hoping that the Pro Bowler takes the field, after all.
Even though the NFL regular season hasn't started yet, Jeremy Shockey has already proven himself an invaluable off-season free agent signing for the Carolina Pathers.
This year's NFL draft was tough for Mark Herzlich. The Boston College linebacker and 2008 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, who analysts said probably would've been a top 10 pick in 2009 had he not been stricken with bone cancer that year, didn't hear his name called and went into the rookie pool of free agents who were frozen until the end of the NFL lockout.
Players and owners reached a deal Monday to end the NFL lockout and now Herzlich finally has some good news of his own — he announced on Twitter Tuesday morning that he's been signed by the New York Giants.
The NFL lockout is over and football returns to normal. Thank God! This means normal football activity can resume and I can start preparing for my fantasy football draft. There no doubt be a flurry of signings and players being release as NFL teams haven't been able to do any of that for the last four months
New York Giants football player Justin Tuck was involved in a minor SUV accident in New Jersey Friday night.

subset: commoncrawl


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Marketplace Monday: JIRA Enhancer
- By Dave Meyer, Product Marketing, Atlassian Marketplace
- Products, JIRA
- On December 3, 2012
Tuncay Senturk, the developer behind this week's Marketplace Monday add-on, has been working on his JIRA Enhancer Plugin for over six years. JIRA Enhancer extends JIRA's capabilities with a powerful set of custom fields. The 21 custom fields capture a ton of data that can better inform your dev team'ss project tracking. Most of the fields cover are related to issue state changes–it can also log the information about issue state changes into reports, which can provide the full history of an issue.


text: I like the walled off booths and lobster bisque. The place is dark. I've never felt welcome here. 3 out of 4 times I ate at Z's I swear they borrowed a waitress from Dennys for the occasion. I've not found anything on the menu to get excited about. I think if I drank and smoked the bar might become... More


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Dengue fever
Dengue fever
Dengue fever is a virus-caused disease that is spread by mosquitoes.
See also: Dengue hemorrhagic fever
Alternative Names
O'nyong-nyong fever; Dengue-like disease; Breakbone fever
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Dengue fever is caused by one of four different but related viruses. It is spread by the bite of mosquitoes, most commonly the mosquito Aedes aegypti, which is found in tropic and subtropic regions. This includes parts of:
- Indonesian archipelago into northeastern Australia
- South and Central America
- Southeast Asia
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Some parts of the Caribbean
Dengue fever is being seen more often in world travelers.
Dengue fever should not be confused with Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is a separate disease that is caused by the same type of virus but has much more severe symptoms.
Dengue fever begins with a sudden high fever, often as high as 104 - 105 degrees Fahrenheit, 4 to 7 days after the infection.
A flat, red rash may appear over most of the body 2 - 5 days after the fever starts. A second rash, which looks like the measles, appears later in the disease. Infected people may have increased skin sensitivity and are very uncomfortable.
Other symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Headache (especially behind the eyes)
- Joint aches
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Vomiting
Signs and tests
Tests that may be done to diagnose this condition include:
- Antibody titer for dengue virus types
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for dengue virus types
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. You will need fluids if there are signs of dehydration. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is used to treat a high fever.
Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). They may increase bleeding problems.
Expectations (prognosis)
The condition generally lasts a week or more. Although uncomfortable, dengue fever is not deadly. People with the condition should fully recover.
- Febrile convulsions
- Severe dehydration
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have traveled in an area where dengue fever is known to occur and have developed symptoms of the disease.
Clothing, mosquito repellent, and netting can help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Traveling during periods of minimal mosquito activity can also be helpful.
Mosquito abatement programs may reduce the risk of infection.
Naides SJ. Arthropod-borne viruses causing fever and rash syndromes. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 390.
Vaughn DW, Barrett A, Solomon T. Flaviviruses (yellow fever, dengue dengue hemorrhagic fever, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone: 2009:chap 153.
Review Date:1/11/2013
Reviewed by:A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang. Previously reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital (8/23/2011).
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorousstandards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information andservices. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorialpolicy, editorialprocess, and privacypolicy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch.)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatmentof any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 2015 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication ordistribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


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"We've known for a long time that television viewing is a risk factor for overweight, though the common perception is that this is due to the fact that it's a sedentary use of time," said Jean Wiecha, the study's lead author and a senior research scientist at HSPH. "This study provides evidence that television is effective in getting kids to eat the foods that are advertised, and this drives up their total calorie intake."
Wiecha and her colleagues collected baseline data on dietary patterns and television viewing habits for 548 Boston-area students in sixth and seventh grade and then repeated these measurements 19 months later. When surveying the students about their food intake, the researchers asked specifically about snacks and beverages commonly advertised on television, such as soda, chips, fast food and baked snacks like cookies. Students were also asked to estimate the number of hours spent watching television each day of the week.
The results of the study showed that each hour of increased television viewing over baseline was associated with a total energy increase of 167 calories -- just about the amount of calories in a soda or a handful of snack food, said Wiecha. Each additional hour of television viewing was also independently associated with increased consumption of foods commonly advertised on television, and these foods were shown to be responsible for much of the calorie increase. Viewing time seemed to have the strongest connection to additional consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
Twice as many children and almost three times as many teens are overweight today compared to their counterparts growing up 20 years ago. Overweight young people are more likely to become overweight or obese adults who are at risk for diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The results of this study bolster a longstanding recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics to limit children to less than two hours of television each day to both lessen sedentary time (a risk factor for childhood overweight) and reduce exposure to content associated with negative consequences.
While further research on this topic is necessary, particularly on the "dosage" of advertising necessary to influence dietary choices, Wiecha believes that her team's results have important implications for parents and the food advertising industry. "Basically, we concluded that kids in this study eat what they watch," she said. "This should help inform discussions about food marketing aimed at children."
This research was funded by grants from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Charles H. Hood Foundation.
Harvard School of Public Health is dedicated to advancing the public's health through learning, discovery, and communication. More than 300 faculty members are engaged in teaching and training the 900-plus student body in a broad spectrum of disciplines crucial to the health and well being of individuals and populations around the world. Programs and projects range from the molecular biology of AIDS vaccines to the epidemiology of cancer; from risk analysis to violence prevention; from maternal and children's health to quality of care measurement; from health care management to international health and human rights.
Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 21 Feb 2009
Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.


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WHAM13 - Search Results
Rochester Fire rescue caught on camera
Rochester, N.Y. - An online video shows Rochester firefighters reviving a man after he suffered a heart attack, and crashed into a pole.
A witness's camera was rolling as firefighters performed CPR on the man, who was not breathing after the crash near Engine 5 on Lyell Avenue. The video was posted on Youtube, and a spokesperson for the Rochester Fire Department confirmed it is authentic.
The firefighters' efforts were successful. The man was revived, and is expected to recover.
Watch the video--click here.


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SKU: #8081036Product Information
- Put together an easy breezy ensemble in an instant with the versatile Chakalaka Skirt.
- Tencel® fabric wicks away moisture, dries quickly, and acts as an odor inhibitor by naturally preventing bacterial growth.
- Wide, stretch waistband with ruched side seams.
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- 48% Tencel® lyocell, 48% organic cotton, 4% spandex.
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- Imported.
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Creme Fraiche
With a tangy flavor and thick consistency, crème fraîche is the natural result of letting cream skimmed off the top of milk ferment at a warm temperature-or at least it is in its native France. In America, we pasteurize milk, killing off the bacteria that would cause fermentation. To make crème fraïche with American cream,... View Article
Half and Half
Half and half is a combination of equal parts whole milk and cream, with a butterfat content ranging between 10 and 12 percent. Half and half cannot be whipped.
Heavy Whipping Cream
Also called heavy cream, heavy whipping cream is the basis for rich and smooth sauces, custards, ice creams, and, of course, fluffy whipped cream. Cream is formed when milk naturally separates into 2 layers-a thick, fatty top layer and the thin skimmed liquid below. The percentage of milk fat in the top layer determines what... View Article


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We had a great time and enjoyed visiting with each other. And of course the food was great. We will be having a fall "pow-wow" as Sue calls it. We are looking at the 2nd weekend in September...that would be the 10th. How does that work with everyone's schedule?
Marla Jo....I have your plants here for you from yesterday.
Follow-Up Postings:
Hi Marcia, I was amazed at how late it was when the last of us stragglers left yesterday evening and hope we did not overstay our welcome...I need to get a new watch! I had a great time and was amazed at how much I did 'not' come home with and am so pleased with the few choice plants I opted to receive, especially considering how many nice plants were being 'pushed' there. Kate, it was so nice seeing you and meeting your Mom. She was such a nice addition to the swap, and I look forward to her joining us at future swaps. I wish we would have had more time to visit after I got all my plants 'pushed' and distributed....whew...what a chore. Nance, I got a kick out of your friend Sue, pushing her plants just like a real swap 'pro' and hope she will plan to be a swap regular. Might she want to join Garden Web, to make some prearranged swap or sharing transactions? I'd love to know a bit more about Farnsley, and see the new 'home' of things I have shared in the past. I envision the gardens there to be spectacular. Linda, Jen, Tina, Hunk, Marla Jo, Marcia, Well I stopped and shopped on the way home, closing down Goodwill at 9 and then Penneys at 10 and didn't buy a thing. I think I was just too exhausted to try and make any decisions on anything and didn't want to make a purchase that I would later regret....like would I really ever wear a sterling silver toe ring...or am I a wee bit too old? I thought one might look good with my new sandals that as Tina said, "are way out there." Well had best get things unloaded and cared for and get my day started. Thanks Marcia and Dwight for yet another great time. I'm already looking forward to us getting together in the fall. Sue |
Hi Marcia, Thank you for including me in your plant swap.It always is so pleasant.I really would have stayed longer but Sue had to get home. I already got half of those plants planted at Farnsley Moreman Landing. I will not keep any those plants for myself.I am so happy to get all these since there wasnt a plant in my work area.[we had the whole garden disked and soil tested and ect] I was worried about those bachelor buttons but they perked up after watering every thing last night.I am so glad I got those daylilies from you Sue. Got a perfect spot for them Toe ring would look good on you,Sue....go good with your sandles!!! Hoping to see you this Fall. Thank you Linda for e mailing me about the swap.Just a super bunch of women! Sue.. Be calling you so you can tell me how to get pictures of my plants on GW. Nancy from Valley Station |
Thank you, everyone, for once again entrusting me with so many of your "babies." I promise I'll give them a good home. I know my neighbors already think I'm a bit strange, since I'm the only one around here who has a clothesline, compost pile, or veggie garden, and I also seem to be the only one who lets their kid run around nekked through the sprinkler. (I guess Sue would call me a bean sprout.) So I'm sure they just love the elaborate umbrella system I've set up in the front yard to keep the hot morning sun off the plants I put out there. Not to mention the hollies that are now out by the curb, waiting for someone to take them or the trash men to haul them off. Oh well. I had a great time Saturday, and hope to be able to attend this fall, too. Jen |
Thank you, Marcia, for hosting a lovely swap -- again! Hunk and I had a marvelous time, and I am so very pleased with my plant haul. :) Most everything is in the ground, save for a few that are going to Alan's workplace, and the fern (I can't yet decide where it needs to be planted). Had to move a few things to get it working, but it looks nifty. Thank you ALL for the wunerful good time, and the wunerful good plants! The fall dates look good to me. I'll check back when I have our early school schedule and know for sure. I scooped it up and put it under a big ol' hollyhock that was below the nest site. It shouldn't have feldged for about another 3-4 days. Mom and dad held careful watch through yesterday, feeding him when I left the garden, and slowly led him out of there and into the wild brush strip in the backyard (to get him away from that scary human) it looks like. Sue - Toe ring, definitely a go -- it would look great on you, and especially great with those sandals! --Tina |
- Posted by flowerchildky z6KY (firstname.lastname@example.com) on Tue, Jun 7, 11 at 6:46
oh yes, what a nice time! I am pleased with my new plants too- haven't gotten them planted out, but they are looking good doughnuts for breakfast, wonderful salad for lunch (and cupcakes and brownies) -thanks so nice to have some new 'members' to our group Marcia- let us know when that 'bouncing baby boy' gets here- see you in Sept |
Ha Jen, you aren't truly a beansprout if you eat anything with coolwhip in it. I'd love to see that umbrella system you rigged up...yes, I'll bet your neighbors are either shaking or scratching their heads on that one. Tina...wish you would have gotten a pic of the little wren in the bathroom. When I find injured birds I always bring them in and put them in the tub and shut the door on the bath to wait and see if they recover after flying into the pic window. I can't leave them outside because of the furbabies getting them. Yes Linda...I always enjoy the 'goodies' as much or more than the plants, along with the socializing. later.........Sue |
- Posted by marciagaye z5KY (My Page) on Fri, Jun 10, 11 at 20:15
MarlaJo came and got her plants...I kept them alive till she got here..... I enjoyed seeing and chatting with everyone. Sue....nobody overstays their welcome here....hell...if I get tired I say so long and head to bed...LOL. My daylilies are starting to slowly bloom, so I will take pics and number them for the fall...so everyone can get what they want. Kate...I just realized I did not get a chance to talk with you. I will next time !!! I had to move that one hanging basket again and I got John...my stepson ( that belongs to DeeDee) to get some dead limbs out of the tree. Now to remove some live limbs that are hanging too low...it never ends. |
Darn, I missed it. I've haven't been able to attend for a couple of years and thought I would check to see if I could make it this year and lo and behold I missed it. It looks like everyone had a great time. Hopefully, I can make it in the fall. |
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I came to Montreat College on an athletics scholarship, only to find that this is where God had intended me to be all along.
I came to Montreat College as a student who was bent on getting a degree and running track and field. However, in addition to receiving a Christ-centered business education, I ended up becoming very involved, growing in my walk with Christ, and now, receiving the honor of leading my fellow students as the SGA President for the 2013-2014 school year. This place has changed my life and pointed me in the right direction.


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Vaginal Itching and Burning - Causes and Finding Relief
Vaginal itching and burning can be very bothersome to many women. There are plenty of different causes of this discomfort, but they usually point to a problem of some kind. It is important to take care of yourself and make sure that you get your symptoms alleviated as quickly as possible. If they point to an underlying condition, you should learn about remedies for vaginal itching and burning when they are only symptoms of another issue.
What Causes Vaginal Itching and Burning?
There are several different causes of vaginal itching and burning. Everyone has a different level of discomfort with vaginal itching and burning and the causes are often the reason that the symptoms can be different for everyone. The most common causes of vaginal itching and burning include:
• Bacterial Vaginosis
• STDs
• Yeast Infection
• Menopause
• Chemical irritation
• Other bacterial imbalance
Usually, the uncomfortable symptoms that are caused like vaginal itching and burning are related to an imbalance in the body's bacteria production or pH, which is why the causes are almost always similar. In some cases, finding relief is a simple matter of figuring out the causes of vaginal itching and burning.
Relief from Vaginal Itching and Burning
There are many different remedies to help relieve vaginal itching and burning. It doesn't matter what causes your discomfort because solutions are available for everyone. There are OTC medications and topical treatments, of course, but these aren't always the most desirable. Prescription medications are also an option, but require a visit to the doctor and the expense of the medication. If you just have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, probiotics are an alternative option as a natural remedy* for vaginal itching and burning when you don't want to spend a lot of money or use risky products to get relief.
How to Choose the Best Remedies for Vaginal Itching and Burning
When it comes to picking the right remedy for vaginal itching and burning, there is a lot to think about. However, your foremost priority should be finding something that is safe, effective, and going to give you the best relief with the fewest risks or possible side effects. For that reason, probiotics are often the best relief from vaginal itching and burning.* Probiotics for women helps replenish healthy vaginal flora while maintaining vaginal and urinary health.* They're safe, natural, and can be found in many places, including:
• Yogurt
• Soy Products
• Dairy Products
• Supplements
• And more!
Next time you're trying to find the best remedy for vaginal itching and burning, odor, or discharge, consider natural probiotics to restore your body's natural balance.*
Where To Go From Here
- Candida Albicans - Understanding Candida Overgrowth
- Candida Overgrowth - Why The Overgrowth?
- Causes of Candida - Knowledge Can Lead to Natural Solutions
- Candida Remedies - Different Options For All
- Probiotics for Candida - Get Natural Yeast Relief
- Explore Your Options - A to Z Articles
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- Vaginal Itching and Burning - Causes and Finding Relief
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2 Men Found Shot Dead In Car On Side Of U.S. 101 Near Watsonville
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office was investigating the deaths of two males who were found fatally shot near a car on the side of a road off of U.S. Highway 101 on Sunday night.
Motorcyclist Critically Hurt In Collision With Bus On Highway 101 In SF
A motorcyclist was critically injured in a crash on southbound U.S. Highway 101 in San Francisco Tuesday morning, a California Highway Patrol spokesman said.
Fuel Tanker Wreck Shuts Northbound 101 In Cotati For Several Hours
All lanes of northbound U.S. Highway 101 have reopened Thursday night after a tanker crash caused a fuel spill that closed the roadway Thursday morning.
Man Checking Disabled Vehicle Killed In 101 Brisbane Crash
One person was killed in a crash on southbound U.S. Highway 101 in Brisbane Tuesday morning, a California Highway Patrol officer said.


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Start learning with our library of video tutorials taught by experts. Get started
Get the skills necessary to edit and install basic Perl and CGI scripts.
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WAMC New England News
1:51 pm
Wed August 12, 2009
Hotel Motel Tax on Ice in Berkshires
By Charlie Deitz
Berkshire County – In order to balance the state budget, Massachusetts law makers made significant cuts to local aid in fiscal 2010. Law makers also granted towns the power to exercise a hotel motel tax to help make up the difference. In Berkshire County, municipal governments are bending to their business communities and holding off on raising the hotel motel tax for now. Our Berkshire Bureau Chief Charlie Deitz reports


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New Applications Take The Pain Out Of CRM And Help Sales Professionals Uncover Valuable Connections
For the sales professional, the saying 'time is money' and 'connections are everything' go hand in hand. With that in mind, is it any wonder that many sales professionals find themselves frustrated with CRM systems when they need information fast? Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), in conjunction with ThreeWill® and Datahug, have addressed this problem by delivering tools that automatically serve up information such as real-time customer data and organization-wide relationships with your customers. Plantronics headsets also help these applications capture and track your call information, eliminating steps in the CRM process.
"Sales professionals need to move quickly to access customer information, leverage existing relationships and update CRM applications," said Jeffrey Siegel, vice president of Strategy and New Business Development at Plantronics. "Instead of spending time navigating through multiple screens, Popcorn and Datahug provide information when they need it most; as they are engaging with customers. This integration will also update records so the sales professional does not have to go back and manually enter information on who they called and when."
New Tools for Sales Professionals: Popcorn and Datahug
Imagine receiving a mobile call from a prospective customer, you answer it and a screen pops up on your PC that shows all the relevant information and history for this contact. You've just experienced Popcorn, a new app for Salesforce.com from ThreeWill. Popcorn also 'pops' Chatter, the social enterprise tool from Salesforce.com that helps you collaborate with context. Popcorn gets information about mobile calls through the Plantronics APIs.
"We are inspired by what contextual intelligence has to offer us as application developers. In particular, knowing when incoming or outgoing calls are taking place. What gets us so excited about Popcorn and our relationship with Plantronics is that we are going to have a real impact on sales professional's daily conversations," said Danny Ryan, co-founder and vice president of Business Development at ThreeWill. "The killer feature of Popcorn is the ability to log a call to Salesforce directly from the Popcorn dashboard – sales professionals are going to like this and sales managers are going to love this."Check Out Our Best Services for Investors
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NYC Health Board Approves Ban on Large Sugary Drinks
Posted on September 13, 2012
The New York Times reports a ban on the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants, street carts and movie theaters has passed. The measure will take effect in six months.
Read the full story here.


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Latest News
Kris Humphries Has Written Proof He Was Set Up To Be 'The Bad Gu...
By Jen Heger – Radar Assistant Managing Editor
Kris Humphries. is claiming he has proof that producers of Kourtney & Kim Take New York set him up t… READ MORE
PHOTOS: Lindsay Lohan Shops 'Til She Drops
Lindsay Lohan isn't letting her legal woes get in the way of what she does best. RadarOnline.com found the troubled starlet shopping up a storm at New … READ MORE


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Tolls will soon return for motorists traveling on the western end of the Massachusetts Turnpike.
The first of two informational hearings is scheduled for tonight on implementation of tolls between Exit 1 in West Stockbridge and Exit 6, which leads to Interstate 291 and Springfield. The meeting will be held at Lee High School.
A piece of legislation that would set up a rent control board in a Berkshires mobile home park has been approved by Massachusetts' state Senate.
In February, at a special town meeting in West Stockbridge, voters approved a home rule petition to establish a rent control board for regulating evictions, rent adjustments, and occupancy standards for mobile home parks.


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Two American Folk-songs
By John Rutter
Two American Folk-songs composed by John Rutter (1945-). For SATB choir, a cappella. Mixed Voices. Secular, Choral Leaflet. Vocal score. 12 pages. Duration 3', 2'. Published by Oxford University Press (OU.9780193430488).
ISBN 9780193430488. Secular, Choral Leaflet. 10 x 7 inches.
For SATB unaccompanied Arrangements of traditional American tunes. 'Sourwood Mountain' is also available in Encores for Choirs 1 and Folk-Songs for Choirs 1. 'Black Sheep' is also available in Folk-songs for Choirs 1.


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My Favorite Course: Ian Baker-Finch
Ian Baker-Finch, professional golfer and golf analyst for CBS Sports, talks about his favorite golf course.
Nick Faldo Talks About The Wells Fargo Championship
Nick Faldo joins Ed and Steve to discuss the upcoming Wells Fargo Championship tournament
Kick Off Golf Season With E.S.P.'s Spring Golf Guide
The arrival of golf season allows us once again to hit the links with some friends, get some exercise and take in the sunshine. To help get things started, E.S.P. presents their spring golf guide.
My Favorite Course: Nick Faldo
Nick Faldo, golf legend and lead golf analyst for CBS Sports, talks about his favorite golf course.
Sports Rehab: Masters Talk With Gary Williams
Gary Williams, host of "Morning Drive" on Golf Channel, joined Bob and Glenn and Sports Rehab to discuss the first major of the PGA season, The Masters. With Tiger Woods not participating in this year […]
Mark Zinno: Tiger Woods Out Of Masters
ESPN and CBS have lost a large chunk of their audience before the biggest golf tournament in the world ever teed off.
Steve Davis: What Is Your 2nd Favorite Sport?
We all know what is #1 for most people. Football. We don't need a poll to tell us that, although we got one.
Five Sporting Events Worth Traveling For
Some of the best American sporting events worth traveling for are the Daytona 500, the Masters Tournament, the Super Bowl the U.S. Open and the World Series.
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Shanghai was run by the English, French, Japanese and a few other Western powers. It's quite obvious they think they're better than the rest because they're the most Western. Don't pretend they don't have some inferiority complex. You think they play polo now because its fun?
As for airlines, I expect the person doing the job to be able to do it regardless of what the look like. Do these airlines even allow men to be flighit attendants or do you have to have breasts? Unlike new money countries, the West doesn't need to put on a show to show how Westernized they've become or to play off some ideal to foreigners about how they wished their entire country was.
Yeah, ironic that the wealthy countries now prefer tans to show their vitality while your "white" asians look more akin to being sick than white.
Each of the states are separate from each other. Taiwan is going to need a military and should have a military in order to defend themselves. Taiwan and China will have to get along at some point and hopefully that will happen without war, that is where the US can come in and help if necessary. However, it would be best that America not get involved in this situation because it needs to be dealt among the two states. If America gets involved it would add unnecessary complications into the situation.
Pacific Century,
Thank you for your perspective. This certainly helps round out data points: " Perhaps I did exaggerate a bit, but that's the impression I got from interactions with my Taiwanese friends and colleagues, that the Taiwanese just don't have the will to fight wars at all."
It probably is much different than the 1980s, when Taiwanese I knew left to live in the US at relatively young ages, supposedly to make sure they can avoid the draft. At that time I guess the ROC Army, like the KMT dictatorship, had a pretty tough reputation (may have been much bigger too, say towards that 600,000 man figure of the 1950s than today's declining figures in the 200,000 range).
Agree on economic pressure. Plus it would be hard for countries to contest certain measures if they already recognize Taiwan as a part of a PRC dominated China (or could get more difficult, especially in 10 years or so as the PRC's diplomatic heft increases).
One old study (from 2008) from the Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) suggested that Taiwan's population could start declining around or after 2016. Wonder if that is the case - If so that would further make things difficult for Taiwan from a military perspective.
America's backing down on selling the F-16s to Taiwan are part of a growing trend. The more powerful China gets, the less support Taiwan can get. China's influence over what happens to Taiwan grows every day, and it seems clear that slowly but surely Taiwan will be forced to become part of China again. The worst case scenario is if China gets feed up with waiting for Taiwan to come back into the fold and starts and invasion, as it seems that they have been building up their army to do. Hopefully, the Chinese are actually trying to build up their army to use it as a political tool to scare Taiwan, and not as a prelude to invasion
It kind of seem like the United states is stepping on China's toes by trying to sell Taiwan military supplies. Taiwan has been trying to gain independance from China for decades which has always been denied. By the United States selling new fighter jets to Taiwan it looks like we are backing them up and is creating tensions between the UNited States and China. Its scary to think if Taiwan decided to revolt agaiinst China for their independance the UNited States would almost certainly have to back them up.
Quote: "...But the question also arises whether China would dare to sink a US ship and killing US sailors..."
You may also ask whether the US jet fighters would dare to take down their Chinese counterparts and killing PLA troops if they are to intervene in a cross strait armed conflict.
@Michael Dunne
Perhaps I did exaggerate a bit, but that's the impression I got from interactions with my Taiwanese friends and colleagues, that the Taiwanese just don't have the will to fight wars at all.
As for the overall quality and reputation of the ROC army, my comment was based on what I was told (by my Taiwanese friends/colleagues) and from the news/articles/forums I read in various Taiwanese and Hong Kong media.
(I had lived and worked in Taiwan for 3 1/2 years before and have been following Taiwanese-related news for over 10 years. Since my company has a few offices in Taiwan, I have to travel there from time to time.)
But frankly, the chance of a military conflict between mainland China and Taiwan is extremely slim, as mainland China can always bring Taiwan to its knees by economic measures. So why use brute force?
Taiwan's independence is merely a pipe dream. There may be many Taiwanese who "want" independence, but almost none of them "dare" to take real actions. The Taiwanese politicians who keep shouting "Taiwan Independence" are merely acting to canvass votes.
@ Michael Dunne
This is all hypothetical, but if hostilities ever resume, whatever "assymetrical measures" that Taiwan could come up with, is probably just to stall for time, hopefully enough to get some assistance from the US Pacific Command.
That's where China also has its own assymetrical measures against the US carrier strike groups if they approach to help Taiwan. But the question also arises whether China would dare to sink a US ship and killing US sailors, as that would could escalate into a US-China war, negating any benefits of taking Taiwan.
Interesting post. Seems that Taiwan has realized/detected a lack of enthusiasm for arm sales by the US for some time, just reading this comment: "Wu, who noted the U.S. had been lukewarm to selling new fighters to Taiwan in the past, said it was not a good thing for the F-16 C/Ds to become the focus of the international community, as Taiwan's needs for equipment at sea and joint warfare weapons could be affected."
Just curious - what kind of assymetrical measures are they considering. This sounded very conventional:
"it could provide technological assistance to help Taiwan produce defensive weapons, such such as smaller submarines, and build a self-sufficient defense industry."
Would they look to cyber warfare, electronic warfare (artificial EMP), use of hallucinogenic chemical weapons (like BZ - saw the Chung Shan Institute for Science and Technology (CSIST) had a dept - fourth - for studying CBW in the past), direct energy weapons, building stealth boats?
Just curious, when is Taiwan's population expected to begin to decline? Or decline substantitively (really drops in numbers)? Because I suspect that will prove decisive at the end of the day..
Pacific Century,
No offence, but I am sure just about any power overly confident in its fire power has had generals think like this:
"My bet is that by the time the first barrage of missiles are fired from the Mainland, the ROC Army would have dropped their weapons and surrender."
Maybe substitute Germans for the barrage(rs) and Belgians for dropping their arms, in 1914 say...?
Maybe substitute Russians for the former, and Finns for the latter, circa 1940...?
Maybe substitute the French for the former, and the Vietnminh for the later circa 1947 or so?
Sometimes it is true, like the S. Vietnamese army when chaos at the top and the end was clear in 1975. Or when the overly soft Benelux countries and Denmark pretty much folded in the face of the German blitskrieg in 1940. Just not sure the same assumptions can be applied though.
For instance if there is a gradual escalation of tensions, what could be the impact of such a change in state of affairs? Is there a possibility of a house cleaning/overhaul/firming up of forces as a response by the Taiwanese? Is there a possibility that tensions create an equivalent of local patriotism that could be harnessed by the military (or conversely, could it prove demoralizing, to your point)?
Seems they have a reasonably professional reputation amongst the military analysts publishing in the web-sphere (as opposed to the end of WWII and the subsequent civil war). Had not heard of them being deemed a demoralized force. But maybe the gallows humor, alcoholism and/or hazing and what not stereotyped for formations say in Russia have not reached the ears of English writing boffins?
My sense is that costs and decline in the birth rate will prove some of the more decisive factors in limiting the effectiveness of any Taiwenese military in the far future (say 10 to 20 years).
Taiwan is developing "asymmetrical strategies" utilizing unconventional capabilities to counter China's military buildup
You have overlooked the ROC Army's will to fight. When I was working in Taiwan, my Taiwanese colleagues used to tell me about their military lives (each Taiwanese adult male had be drafted for 2 years, but the conscription period has been shortened to 1 year since 2009). They jokingly said when they were serving their time in the military, they all wore "white underwear" because in case the PLA struck, they could use their underwear as "white flags".
Frankly, except maybe the elitist ones like the commandos, Taiwanese soldiers just don't have any will to fight a war at all (at least not against the PLA).
If you had more knowledge about the Taiwanese military, you would have known how corrupt, loosen and decayed they are. The ROC troops aren't called "Strawberry (meaning pampered and weak) Soldiers" for no reasons.
Of course, I am not saying the PLA aren't corrupt, but I believe they are much more courageous and sturdy given the fact that most are drawn from rural areas. And they have been brainwashed to be ultra-nationalists by the CCP, remember? :-)
My bet is that by the time the first barrage of missiles are fired from the Mainland, the ROC Army would have dropped their weapons and surrender.
Bismarck wrote:"At the end of the day, the Americans would not have sent 100,000 sorties during the Gulf War if it was as easy as lobbing 1000 missiles. Airfields can be quickly repaired. The planes are most likely in hardened bunkers"
Because the US took time to ensure a complete destruction of its infrastruture and tried to minimize casualty. This is not the case for the PLA. China is willing to lose tens of thousands of PLA troop to win the war. Airfields can be repaired quickly and can be destroyed quickly again with long range guided rockets or missiles.
"My point is this why do you assume the Chinese would do better against the ROC when the Russians Airforce did against the Georgians. Its not just training in Russian planes. The Russians have been doing alot more than just training them to fly Russian planes. They have joint exercises together.
The Georgians did not even have any fighters, but still manage to shoot down seven Russian planes with their primitive air defense system."
The Russian / Georgian conflict was a small scale border war. Russia was only trying to teach Georgia. Time was not an issue. The Chinese attack on Taiwan will be as quick as possible. And China is willing lose hundred planes for the attack.
You are comparing apples to oranges here.
"Again, that is why the 1600 guided missiles are there. It is to knock out all their heavy equipment of defense, such as planes and artilleries. Missile war heads can be equiped with cluster bombs to destroy air fields. Then follow by the Air strikes."
At the end of the day, the Americans would not have sent 100,000 sorties during the Gulf War if it was as easy as lobbing 1000 missiles. Airfields can be quickly repaired. The planes are most likely in hardened bunkers.
"you are entitled to your opinion of course. What I wrote is quite similar to what Hibro posted of the ROC ministry national defense release. The present fighters of the mainland, such as the J10B, J11B and SU30 are far better than the 150 F16A/Bs the Taiwan side has. This is the exact reason why Taiwan asks the US for better planes.
A small number of Chinese pilots being trained in Russia for the planes they bought. ROC pilots being trained in the US for the planes they bought. So what is your point?"
My point is this why do you assume the Chinese would do better against the ROC when the Russians Airforce did against the Georgians. Its not just training in Russian planes. The Russians have been doing alot more than just training them to fly Russian planes. They have joint exercises together.
The Georgians did not even have any fighters, but still manage to shoot down seven Russian planes with their primitive air defense system.
"They are prone to counter attack, artillery etc. Any type of sea borne assault means time and more causalities".
Again, that is why the 1600 guided missiles are there. It is to knock out all their heavy equipment of defense, such as planes and artilleries. Missile war heads can be equiped with cluster bombs to destroy air fields. Then follow by the Air strikes.
"and As far as I know the Russian don't actually buy any planes from China or send their pilots to China for training. But the Chinese do. Are the Chinese electronics a whole lot better than the latest Russian plane? I doubt it or else Chinese wouldn't be buying whole planes from Russia"
China only bought the SU27 and Su30 from the Russians. The J11B is the re-engineered copy of the SU27 with better stealth and fire control Radar AESA.
you are entitled to your opinion of course. What I wrote is quite similar to what Hibro posted of the ROC ministry national defense release. The present fighters of the mainland, such as the J10B, J11B and SU30 are far better than the 150 F16A/Bs the Taiwan side has. This is the exact reason why Taiwan asks the US for better planes.
A small number of Chinese pilots being trained in Russia for the planes they bought. ROC pilots being trained in the US for the planes they bought. So what is your point?
'The [Taiwan] government will continue its push for a full-voluntary military system in a gradual fashion so that the ongoing alteration will not squeeze other defense budget, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in response to a latest report released by the Pentagon that calls for a re-evaluation of the transformation.
"The implementation of an all-volunteer military is a must for the country in order to transform the armed forces into a more professional one," said military spokesman Lo Shao-ho.
The country's dwindling birthrates and the continuous cutting of the length of compulsory military service have resulted in lack of soldiers, Lo said.
These factors forced the MND to make the decision to replace the current system with a fully voluntary one, he added.
Lo's comment came after a United States annual report on China's military buildup was released in Washington.
The report on the buildup of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) reiterated generally known information about Chinese ongoing military buildup and warned the cross-strait military balance has continued to tilt in Beijing's favor.
It also pointed out that President Ma Ying-jeou's defense reforms designed to streamline and professionalize the country's military continue.
However, "budget shortfalls and escalating costs will lengthen the time necessary for implementation."
"Taiwan plans to cut its military force to 215,000 troops and transition to an all-volunteer military by 2015, but recruitment and cost challenges may require a re-evaluation of the scope or implementation schedule," it noted.'
"10,000 airborne troops is a whole division of armed forces. It is sufficient to secure an entire region or town along the shore. The hugh PLA army will follow. Another area the PLA will first attack will be PengHu island. Taiwan will have very little chance of defending it."
They are prone to counter attack, artillery etc. Any type of sea borne assault means time and more causalities.
""Why are you so certain of the capability of the PLA? The Russians had overwhelming firepower against the Georgians, but Georgian Airforce was still able to fly sorties against Russian troops"
As far as I know, the Russians didn't have 1600 guided missiles bombarding the Georgian airfields and command centres. The PLA has for years mapped out all the Taiwanese military installations with their satellites.
And if you follow the latest millitary hardwares, the Chinese actually have more advanced military electronic than the Russians. The Russians still produce better fighter engines, I give you that. "
As far as I know the Russian don't actually buy any planes from China or send their pilots to China for training. But the Chinese do. Are the Chinese electronics a whole lot better than the latest Russian plane? I doubt it or else Chinese wouldn't be buying whole planes from Russia. The gap between Russia vs Georgia is much greater than that between China and Taiwan. Yet the Russians had problems taking out the Georgian Airforce. So how do you think the PLA Airforce faced with an opponent with better pilots, technological parity, better numerical advantage and better air defense systems compared to what the Russians faced in Georgia will fare?
"You can have the best pilots in the world but it won't help if the planes can't get off the ground. The few that can take off will not be sufficient to defend. They may not have a base to return to after their first sortie, for refuel and re-arm. And the Taiwan strait is only 100 to 120 miles apart."
The problem with using missiles to bomb airfields is that its unlikely to be effective. You need damage assessment. If that was the case the Americans would do just use them against the Iraqis.. And forget about spending two month softening up the Iraqis during the Gulf War. Then there is a risk of civilian causalities if a missile gets accidentally shot down. Bombing airfields will basically render a decapitation attack useless. You want them intact.
"One thing I haven't mentioned is that There are about 10% of the Taiwanese population who actually want to reunite with the mainland. There will be mainland supporters (many from the mainland) sabotaging the major Taiwanese installations."
The problem is you assume that the Taiwanese have no morale (ie they won't fight), but the mainland supporters are fanatical enough to do that. Or that the Chinese PLA soldier is fanatical and devoted enough to put his life on the line for reunification, but a ROC Soldier is not going to surrender when family is killed by PLA bombs. Are you sure that 10% will risk life and limb. Would that 10% be so keen if their relatives were killed by PLA bombs?
Unlike you I assume that the morale of the PLA and the ROC forces to be the same. For all mocking of the morale of the ROC soldier, they are defending their families and home, that cannot be said of the PLA soldier.
"One major difference of Taiwanese leadership to others is that many of the politicans/military commanders have hidden foreign residence rights, such as the green card. They will not stay to lead the defense when war breaks out."
The same could be said of the Israeli leadership. Benjamin Netanyahu definitely has a Green Card (he worked in America at one point and spent most of youth in the States). Their Central Bank Governor - Stanley Fisher is an American Citizen.
Looking back to the history of China, We can see Taiwan will intergrate with the main land finally. The Country will come to it's peak after the unification. After this ,it will come to an decreasing road. Then the revolution will come, a new regime will began. This is China.
-- 'Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) released the English-language version of its biennial 11th National Defense Report during an Aug. 22 press conference.
Of interest, the report does indicate that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has added the People's Armed Police (PAP) to "its array of forces for operations against Taiwan."
The report outlines the various campaigns PLA could wage against Taiwan, beginning with the likely use of military intimidation.
Military intimidation strategies would include intensifying military activities, adjusting deployment, and using the media to publicize military risks in the Taiwan Strait with the objective of causing a panic in Taiwan.
The PLA also may use its Air Force and Navy to set up partial blockades against Taiwan's key ports and harass the outer islands, which would "weaken the morale of our military and civilians, sever our economic lifeline, deteriorate our living environment, and force us to seek peace agreements."
The PLA's Second Artillery Corps also could launch missiles to destroy command-and-control hubs, political and economic centers and symbolic targets. The attacks would begin slowly and escalate to cripple Taiwan's air defense, sea control and counterstrike systems, "thus shattering our will to fight, forcing us to surrender, or creating a foundation for subsequent strategic operations."
China also might use a "Triphibian Invasion" with the following sequence: preliminary engagement, electromagnetic control operations, air superiority operations, sea control operations and landing. China will "aim for a short battle and a quick victory before foreign forces [the U.S. military] can intervene, thus establishing a political reality that will prevent further intervention."
The report concludes that a Normandy-style invasion of Taiwan is not a likely option. China lacks the amphibious transport craft needed to successfully invade Taiwan. No mention is made in the report of past concerns about a decapitation strategy using special operations forces and fifth column elements to take the capital city of Taipei first...'
[ Bismarck888 wrote:
Sep 26th 2011 3:33 GMT
'China definately has a lot of room to improve its rule of law, freedom of expression and religion. But it should learn from HongKong instead of Taiwan, a lot better example.
When its GDP/cap. improves, so will the above."
Actually Taiwan has done quite well since the 1945 relative to Hong Kong. Hong Kong had a per capita income 3-3.5 times that of Taiwan in the 1950s. Now its 1.8.
As for your war scenario between Taiwan an China, its unlikely that China will launch a seaborne invasion if they attack. First off that is what the Taiwanese expect. They have been preparing that for decades. China can transport about 50,000-60,000 through the Straits, allowing the ROC military time to mobilize reserves and the Americans to intervene. Once that happens its going to be hard and bloody slog. Eventually China will win, but it will costly diplomatically and politically.
If it comes down to amphibious assault, its most likely the assault will peter out. China has enough strategic reserve of Oil to last 25 days in normal situations. The Taiwanese/Americans will know an assault is eminent if China starts beefing up its oil reserves. The surprise element is lost.
If it gets to an amphibious landing, it means that America will choke off China's supplies from Middle East. There is little China can do about it. Secondly, did ask yourself how many units China has that are capable of an amphibious assault. As far as I know about 10,000 (PLAN) marines.
Chinese military planners will try to avoid the conventional scenario of softening up targets and then launching a seaborne assault. Another possibility is a surgical strike knocking out key command and control and seizing the legislature and Presidential Palace. At the same time they will use airborne units to capture airfields so they can airlift soldiers in.
It will be done in under a week so that the ROC military does not have the time to call up reserves.
Another possibility is a rapid air attacks followed closely by airborne units landing in key areas with Taipei. They strike at the heart of power in Taiwan, capture the Presidential Palace, the Legislature etc. Chinese airborne troops capture key air bases so they can air lift divisions from China. There will be some pro-unification politicians clamoring to be made provisional head etc.
The only problem with the second scenario no one has captured an island, particularly as heavily defended as Taiwan with just airborne troops. Not even the Americans did that in Iraq. Airborne troops are good at diverting attention, capturing key installations. But its not the main focal point of attack.]
Sun Tze said: "To win one hundred victories in a hundred battle is not the acmes of skill. To subdue your enemy's army without battle is the acme of skill.
[Bismarck888 wrote:
Sep 26th 2011 2:43 GMT
"So, where does the "Chin" part of your Chindian come from. I thought you got it from being a Singaporean. Can you also confirm that?"
What does being Indian have to do with being Hindu? I guess that is one thing they don't teach in CPC School of Propaganda - Religion.]
Where did I say anything about being Indian have to do with being Hindu? All that I was doing is to try to establish your identity.
So, you are a Singaporean of Indian descend? Why can't you just confirm that?
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