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This page contains the information about AviSynth internal working (most of this info is deduced from AviSynth source code, because documentation is sparse and AviSynth developers are hard to reach) and GSoC 2009 "AviSynth plugin wrapper for GStreamer" project, codenamed "GstAVSynth".
AviSynth is a framework aimed at video- (and, to some extent, audio-) information processing and serving that information to an application, presenting it frame-by-frame (sample-by-sample) as an AVI file (hence the name) via Windows Multimedia AVIFile API.
To do that AviSynth constructs a graph that consists of AviSynth filters. Filters may process video/audio frames, or produce them (source filters). Filter graph is constructed from AviSynth script, written by user in AviSynth scripting language. Filters could be implemented as dynamically-loadable modules (plugins) or as scripts, or both - AviSynth exposes scripting functionality to plugins, so it is not forbidden for plugins to rely on other plugins (as a script would do).
AviSynth internals
AviSynth exists as an instance of the ScriptEnvironment class, that implements IScriptEnvironment interface. IScriptEnvironment interface is defined in avisynth.h and is the only way for plugins and external applications to communicate with AviSynth. A pointer to ScriptEnvironment object is passed along to all plugins, so that they can use AviSynth facilities. Plugins are forbidden from storing this pointer. AviSynth creates one ScriptEnvironment object when Windows attempts to use AviSynth to open a script via AVIFile API.
When ScriptEnvironment is created, it checks for CPU extensions (to provide this information to filters that are able to use CPU extensions), sets up memory limits for itself and performs pre-scanning of all plugins.
Plugin loading
AviSynth finds all dynamically-loadable modules in its plugin directory and looks for initialization functions in each of these modules. If such function is found, AviSynth calls it, passing ScriptEnvironment object to it.
Initialization function usually does just one thing - it calls AddFunction method of the ScriptEnvironment (multiple times, if a particular plugin implements more than one AviSynth filter).
When AviSynth pre-scans the plugins, AddFunction works in pre-scanning mode: it only stores function name and function parameters specification string in the function table, which contains information about each plugins and about all functions that the plugin implements.
When function is invoked from a script or from another plugin, it is looked up first in local function table (loaded functions), then in pre-scanned plugin function table (functions that are not loaded yet; if function is found in this table, the appropriate plugin is loaded and its functions are added to local function table), then in built-in function table (functions that are part of AviSynth core and do not require loading).
Plugins are not prohibited from calling AddFunctions with the same arguments more than once, and pre-scanned function table will hold duplicate entries, but only the most recent entry will be found on a look-up. Plugins are allowed to add functions that override any of the built-in functions, except for LoadPlugin function.
Filter graph building
AviSynth script consists of a list of statements. Most of the statements are expressions, with common operations (assignment, addition, subtraction etc) and function calls. If statement first-level expression is not an assignment, the result that expression is implicitly assigned to "last" variable. Also, if first function argument is of type "clip", and it is not specified in the function call, its value is implicitly defined by the "last" variable. Thus a script
Func1() Func2(foo=bar)
where Func1() returns a clip object and Func2 takes a clip object and an argument named "foo", is implicitly equivalent to
a = Func1() b = Func2(a, foo=bar) return b
A script must return a clip object, and most of the functions will return clip objects rather than integers or string. Clip object is an object of a class that implements IClip interface. AviSynth builds a filter graph from these objects when it first parses a script. Then it starts calling GetFrame() method of the last clip in the graph (the clip object that got implicitly assigned to "last" variable in the last statement, or the clip object that was returned by "return" statement) to get a next frame to serve to an application.
A clip object usually makes a few calls to GetFrame() methods of its clip children (upstream filters in the filter graph) and processes the buffer(s) it gets (by rewriting parts of a buffer, or by creating a new buffer). Source filters don't call GetFrame(), since the have no children. They generate frame buffers by themselves (usually by reading from external source).
AviSynth scripts have a few special statements that are re-evaluated for every frame, the other statements are only evaluated when a script is pre-parsed and a filter graph is created. AviSynth plugins on the other hand are free to do any per-frame calculations, since they work through GetFrame().
AviSynth plugins can call Invoke method of the script environment to invoke other plugins (external or built-in ones). AviSynth allows such calls do be made inside GetFrame() method, although developers advice against it, because Invoke builds a filter graph branch (which is the desirable behaviour when filter graph is being built), which is then used to get necessary frame, and is destroyed afterward (because GetFrame(), unlike filter object constructors, will not preserve the branch). Obviously, this causes a performance drop.
AviSynth plugins are allowed to work with AviSynth script variables and can manipulate the scope. In conjunction with Invoke method that gives AviSynth plugins all the same possibilities that are available to AviSynth scripts.
When AviSynth builds a filter graph from a script, it inserts a cache at each link. Invoke call however will not cause video frames to be cached, that is why AviSynth exposes cache-related functions via IScriptEnvironment.
GstAVSynth will implement some of the AviSynth interfaces (mostly the IScriptEnvironment) which allows it to interact with AviSynth plugins.
GstAVSynth is aimed at video filters only, because AviSynth audio capabilities are unimpressive and audio processing is implemented separately in AviSynth.
ScriptEnvironment instantiation
While plugin initialization functions usually only call AddFunction method of the ScriptEnvironment, they are not prohibited from calling other methods too. Still, pre-scanning of the plugins (the process of finding plugin libraries, querying them for function names and creating GStreamer element classes based on this data) can be done without having a fully functional ScriptEnvironment object.
GStreamer pipeline may have to use AviSynth plugins in more than one place, and these plugins will not have any AviSynth-specific interactions among them, only generic GStreamer linkage. This is roughly equivalent to an application opening two AviSynth scripts at once, each script with its own ScriptEnvironment.
While sharing one ScriptEnvironment amongst all GstAVSynth elements may look attractive, it may introduce serious threading-related issues, and also requires ScriptEnvironment to exist outside of GstAVSynth elements, probably as a singleton.
Plugin pre-scanning
GstAVSynth pre-scans the plugins when it is loaded (i.e. in plugin_init() function). It creates a dummy ScriptEnvironment object that only supports AddFunction() method and does nothing when other methods are called.
Filter graph building
GstAVSynth will not implement Invoke() method, since a quick survey has shown that most of the plugins (at least the ones used in MeGUI) do not use Invoke to call anything other than trivial built-in functions (usually - caching and colorspace conversion). Some plugins may be designed to work with other plugins (such as UnDot/Deen or Telecide/Decimate), but that would require full-featured AviSynth script engine, which is out of scope of GstAVSynth project.
Thus, GstAVSynth will not build a filter graph, since each instance of GstAVSynth will wrap around exactly one filter.
GstAVSynth element will have two properties:
* Initial cache size * Name of the function to call
All other properties will be interpreted as function parameters, except for clip argument(s). Each clip argument will be interpreted as a sink-pad. First pad will be always-pad, other pads will be sometimes-pads, because some filters that accept two or more clips may work fine with just one clip. Each filter will have one source-pad.
Some filters will return something other than IClip-derived object, meaning that instead of building a chain of filters AviSynth should apply the filter for each frame. GstAVSynth won't support that - each filter must return IClip-derived object (that implements GetFrame() method), else the filter is considered unusable.
Some properties may conflict with generic element properties, such as "name". A good way of solving this is to only interpret properties as AviSynth filter properties when they have names prefixed with some string, like "avs_". This is yet to be resolved.
GstAVSynth will have internal cache, that stores N frames. It will look much alike to a ringbuffer, but that is only a matter of definition, because it wouldn't be built on the same concurrent producer/consumer model as audioringbuffer, where producer starts to overwrite buffer elements when consumer can't read them fast enough.
GstAVSynth cache will provide random access to N frames that reached its sink. For GstAVSynth elements with more than one sink a separate cache will be maintained for each sink.
GstAvSynth will invoke underlying AviSynth plugin right away and will keep getting (and caching) frames from upstream until the plugin gets all the frames it requires to produce one frame. This is true for both pull and push modes.
Cache size will grow beyond initial size, if the plugin requests a frame outside of cached frame range.
Cache size would not grow beyond memory limit, deduced from the amount of free memory available at GstAVSynth element creation time. When memory limit is reached, GstAVSynth will throw fatal error. That is the smartest behaviour at the moment; later it could be possible to implement out-of-cache-range-and-beyond-memory-limit frame requests via seeks, probably with negative playback rate.
Each buffer placed in cache will have "touched" flag. Each time it is requested by a filter, its "touched" flag will be set. After a filter produced one frame, the cache will find all untouched frames and remove them from the cache. It will also reset "touched" flags on all the frames still cached. This will ensure that unnecessary frames will not be in cache. It is possible to use a counter instead of a flag, and to uncache a frame only when it remains untouched for C cycles (1 cycle - 1 call to filter's GetFrame() method; C is a function of N (cache size)).
This will also allow the cache to keep up with a filter that changes the framerate. Imagine a filter that takes 5 frames to produce 1 frame and that reduces framerate by the factor of 2 (say, 24 fps -> 12 fps). For simplicity initial cache size is 0. Also, for simplicity we will assume that the cache blocks incoming data flow even if it does have enough space for some new buffers (essentially reduces 2-threaded parallel system to 1-threaded system with switching contexts):
Cache: empty, cache size is 0 AVSynth asks filter for frame #0 Filter asks for source frame #0 Cache blocks until it gets source frame #0 Cache: 0 Cache size is 1 Cache returns source frame #0 Filter asks for source frame #1 Cache blocks until it gets source frame #1 ... Cache: 0 1 2 3 4 Cache size is 5 Cache returns source frame #4 Filter returns frame #0 (made from source frames #0-4) AVSynth pushes it downstream. Cache looks for untouched frames (finds none). AVSynth calls the filter for frame #1 Filter asks for source frame #2 (because it skips frames, for frame #1 it requires source frames #2-6, not #1-5) Cache: 0 1 2 3 4 Cache returns source frame #2 ... Cache returns source frame #4 Filter asks for source frame #5 Cache: 0 1 2 3 4 Cache blocks until it gets source frame #5 Cache: 0 1 2 3 4 5 Cache size is 6 Cache returns source frame #5 Filter asks for source frame #6 Cache: 0 1 2 3 4 5 Cache blocks until it gets source frame #6 Cache: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cache size is 7 Cache returns source frame #6 Filter returns frame #1 (made from source frames #2-6) AVSynth pushes it downstream Cache looks for untouched frames, finds frames #0 and #1 Cache: 2 3 4 5 6 x x Cache size is still 7 AVSynth calls the filter for frame #2 (requires source frames #4-8) Filter asks for source frame #4 ... Filter asks for source frame #7 Cache: 2 3 4 5 6 x x Cache blocks until it gets source frame #7 Cache: 2 3 4 5 6 7 x Cache size is still 7 Cache returns source frame #7 Filter asks for source frame #8 Cache: 2 3 4 5 6 x x Cache blocks until it gets source frame #8 Cache: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cache size is still 7 Cache returns source frame #8 Filter returns frame #2 (made from source frames #4-8) AVSynth pushes it downstream Cache looks for untouched frames, finds frames #2 and #3 Cache: 4 5 6 7 8 x x Cache size is still 7
While the filter keeps skipping over 1 frame in each cyclye and requesting 5 frames, a cache of the size = 7 will be enough. If the filter at this point asks for source frame #2 (for some reason):
Cache: 4 5 6 7 8 x x Cache clears itself, resizes to 7 + (4 - 2) = 7 + 2 = 9 seeks back to source frame #2, blocks until it gets source frame #2 Cache: 2 x x x x x x x x Cache size is now 9 Cache returns source frame #2 Filter asks for source frame #6 (falling back to familiar pattern, it needs source frames #6-10) Cache: 2 x x x x x x x x Cache blocks until it gets source frame #6 Cache: 2 3 4 5 6 x x x x Cache size is still 9 Cache returns source frame #6
Cache will expand until its size is enough to keep sustain the filter's activity without seeking backwards.
In real environment it is undesirable to keep the cache size just large enough to enable the filter to produce just one frame. Cache should be large enough to utilize the time that filter spends producing a frame (after it got all the frames it needs for the job) to refill itself, which is not possible in the model described above (the cache removes some buffers and frees 2 slots only after a frame is produced). Because the cache can't know in advance which frames to discard, it should grow larger than R + J (R - number of frames required to produce one frame, in this case R = 5 (we won't count abnormal jump back to frame #2), J - frame jump per cycle, in this case J = 2). Possible solutions:
#1 Wait until the cache size stabilizes (remains the same for L - X frames, where L is the number of frame that caused the last cache resize, and X is the number of frame that caused the last cache reset (and a seek backwards)) and then enlarge the cache by the factor of 2.
#2 Remember the number of frames (T) touched in the last cycle. When the cache becomes full, enlarge it right away, unless the cache size is larger than Y*T (Y is a positive integer constant, equal to 2 or 4 maybe). This is the solution that got implemented.
Event handling
This section should describe the big picture of how GstAVSynth should behave when something happens.
Flush start/stop
Flush start event makes elements to discard any further data they get from upstream, regardless of where it comes from (upstream or downstream). Flush stop event makes elements to discard any data they've got, including segment information, and start accepting data from upstream again. Newsegment event is to be expected after Flush stop. Flushing usually occurs as a response to a seek event or some other flow interruption.
When a flush comes to one of the sinkpads, it should only affect the part of the pipeline connected to that pad. There is no reason to believe that data coming on other sinks should be flushed as well. Flush event should not be passed downstream either. If we had a seek event coming from downstream that caused one of the upstream pipelines to flush, that means other pipelines are likely to flush too. That would make downstream pipeline to be flushed more than once, which doesn't make any sense. Instead, GstAVSynth should emit flush events by itself when it thinks it is right to do so (when seeking occurs, for example). If GstAVSynth did a seek on upstream pipeline by itself, it will get flush events and therefore should not pass them downstream.
A flush stop coming from upstream invalidates the segment information for the pad it comes onto. Pad will discard upstream buffers after flush start and until it gets newsegment event. Flush stop should also clear EOS state (see below) from a pad, so that it won't cause downstream EOS event, but will wait for more frames (or issue a seek) instead.
When a flush comes to the source pad, it affects the whole element and should be passed upstream through all sinkpads.
EOS only comes from upstream. GstAVSynth should collect EOS on a sinkpad without forwarding it downstream. Instead, GstAVSynth should emit EOS event once it runs out of data on one of its sinkpads (when GetFrame() of its cache asks for a frame that is not cached yet) that already got EOS event - it won't get the requested frame from upstream, meaning that it is not possible for underlying filter to produce frames anymore, hence the EOS sent downstream. GstAVSynth stops pushing data downstream. At this point GstAVSynth should start discarding all buffers coming from upstream with GST_FLOW_UNEXPECTED, suggesting upstream elements that it is EOS indeed (demuxers do that to sources, it is appropriate for a filter to do that?).
Newsegment is sent downstream and indicates new playback start/stop positions, playback rate and speed. Newsegment always precedes first buffer being sent after a seek (or first buffer sent after pipeline construction). Sinks should drop buffers that are not in current segment range. Newsegment without a flush event doesn't reset stream time to 0.
Each sinkpad of GstAVSynth stores a segment it gets from upstream to use its start/stop values to clip incoming data.
It is not obvious what GstAVSynth should do with rate/applied_rate information, if it is different for some of its sinkpads.
GstAVSynth should compare segment duration with the duration it got from the last duration query, and if the duration is different, it should recreate the filter - it is assumed that most filter will not request incoming frame's VideoInfo (which contains the number of frames, i.e. duration) repeatedly, but do it once when they are created.
Other segment fields are of no interest. GstAVSynth maintins its own segment which is calculated based on VideoInfo of the output frames and should send Newsegment events downstream when this segment changes.
It is not obvious what to do with metadata.
GstAVSynth cannot adjust its quality. It is expected from GstAVSynth to perform full and precise processing of the source material in its complete and best form and it should never be expected to be fast enough to match realtime playback.
Seek event may come from downstream to request different playback position and rate in the stream. Seek may be flushing (to discard any data and jump to the position specified), precise (to take the time necessary to jump precisely) and/or segment (to make the pipeline post SEGMENT_DONE message instead of EOS event when a segment ends).
When a seek event comes from downstream, GstAVSynth will simply store the new segment structure and reply that seek has been successful. If it is a flushing seek, GstAVSynth will send flush events downstream. GstAVSynth should also tell each of its sinkpads that a seek has occurred and remember that itself too. All seeks are treated as precise. GstAVSynth should remember a segment seek and post SEGMENT_DONE message when it reaches EOS condition (see above).
Internal segment is always in GST_FORMAT_DEFAULT format. Its time field holds current frame number. When GstAVSynth updates it to new values (start = time = seek.start, stop = seek.stop), the next call to GetFrame() method of a filter will get the new frame number, which will be adjusted by filter and passed to the cache via its own GetFrame() method. The cache will notice that a seek has happened and will send a seek event upstream to seek for a requested frame. Once all upstream pipelines finish their seeks and a new frame is produced by a filter, GstAVSynth will remember that it had a seek event and will compare current segment with new segment it got from a seek event. If there is a difference, it will send Newsegment event downstream and update current segment with a new one. GstAVSynth will also clip all output frames to current segment (prevents it from pushing an old frame downstream if it was caught by a seek event in the middle of producing a frame).
This two-stage seek scheme is necessary because GstAVSynth does not know how to convert incoming seek start/stop values to be passed upstream. And even so, if GetFrame() of a cache gets a request for frame #N and it seeks to that frame, it does not mean that a filter won't ask for frame #N-1 after that (i.e. a filter may not request frames in incrementing sequential order), which will cause yet another seek. Because of that all seeks involving GstAVSynth will be somewhat slower.
It is possible to fix that by calculating last request frame range for each sinkpad after a frame has been produced, and using that range to seek each upstream pipeline (clearing each cache) before a cache has a chance to do so. At best that would complete the seek after one attempt. At works it would only increase the number of seeks by 1.


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|Expand all Collapse all
|Results 1 - 2 of 2
1. CJM 1999 (vol 51 pp. 96)
|Partial Characters and Signed Quotient Hypergroups
If $G$ is a closed subgroup of a commutative hypergroup $K$, then the coset space $K/G$ carries a quotient hypergroup structure. In this paper, we study related convolution structures on $K/G$ coming from deformations of the quotient hypergroup structure by certain functions on $K$ which we call partial characters with respect to $G$. They are usually not probability-preserving, but lead to so-called signed hypergroups on $K/G$. A first example is provided by the Laguerre convolution on $\left[ 0,\infty \right[$, which is interpreted as a signed quotient hypergroup convolution derived from the Heisenberg group. Moreover, signed hypergroups associated with the Gelfand pair $\bigl( U(n,1), U(n) \bigr)$ are discussed.
Keywords:quotient hypergroups, signed hypergroups, Laguerre convolution, Jacobi functions
Categories:43A62, 33C25, 43A20, 43A90
2. CJM 1998 (vol 50 pp. 897)
|Fourier multipliers for local hardy spaces on Chébli-Trimèche hypergroups
In this paper we consider Fourier multipliers on local Hardy spaces $\qin$ $(0

subset: commoncrawl


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"Awesome product at an amazing closeout price! Tremendous savings to our 7U baseball team for those early season cold weather games. Thanks Epic Sports! " (E1158)
"Great buy for a great product." (E945)
"Use with 10U daughters in lite flite machine. Can't find a lower price than Epic Sports. Product works great." (E3445)
Fan Mats St. Louis University Baseball Mat [E43476]


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Nice LoL
I've been sporting my new Fins hat for over a month now in the Twin Cities. When I first wore it I got a lot of flack from people saying how the Fins were gonna suck. Now all I hear is "Damn Tannehill looks good, is he legit? I wish the Vikes had him" It's great because growing up in North Dakota my two favorite teams were the Fins and whoever happened to be playing the Vikes.
When I die I want to hire the Miami Dolphin's to be my pallbearers so they can let me down one last time.
Great thread man.
I'm on team CalDolFan10x14. Join me!
-Dan MarinoI just try to be myself, whatever that is. I don't think about how I'll be remembered. I just want to be consistent over a long period of time. That's what the great players do.
Most will not come out until we lose again.
I believe any man's finest hour - his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle...Victorious
good thread lol
Want-Goodell to be Impeached.
Follow me on on Twitter www.twitter.com/FinFanChubby
In psychology, Stockholm Syndrome is an apparently paradoxical psychological phenomenon in which hostages express empathy and have positive feelings towards their captors, sometimes to the point of defending them. "[6]
This is cheating. In that scene, homer walks inside the bush, not out of it. You're not funny. Go play in traffic.
I kid.


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The California Maritime Academy requires all unmarried undergraduate students under the age of 24 to reside on campus and participate in a meal plan. The Office of Housing & Residential Life provides students with a unique living and learning environment to help them succeed while at Cal Maritime. While here, you have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events and programs that your Resident Assistants plan, are closer to your classes and the dining center and, if required by your major, you will live aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear for at least one semester of your freshman year prior to going on your freshman cruise.
The Office of Housing & Residential Life strives to create a safe environment conducive to academic and personal success for Cal Maritime students. If you have any questions that are not answered elsewhere on our website, please contact us at email@example.com. We look forward to seeing you on campus!


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8. Elimination
The half-Uruk took the rough terrain, grumbling to himself as he did. From time to time his brisk pace and the treacherous gravel underfoot combined to spill him painfully on his hands and knees, but his tough frame was able to take the punishment. Bird twitter filled the air, and rays of sunlight cut through the green boughs overhead. Motes of dust danced in their columnar pathways, merrily oblivious to the large Orc's irritation.
Kurbag was unusual among Orcs of both races in one respect—he had a strong capacity for aesthetic appreciation. For example, he recognized that the glimmering late afternoon, with its color schematics of green and gold, was beautiful. Ordinarily, he would even have found it pleasant to look upon. However, at the moment he didn't really care about admiring it. There were other things that he would much prefer to be doing with his time, and he could think of one in particular that didn't involve tree gazing. Still, though flitting images of blue eyes and smooth pale limbs might beg to ply their dreamy influence, he kept his attention on the task at hand, casting a glance up through the verdant greenery overhead whenever there chanced to be a break in cover.
A squirrel began chattering somewhere. Kurbag gritted his teeth. He had only just left behind another squirrel that had followed him for some distance, scolding this tall intruder for daring trespass on its woodsy domain. Kurbag wondered if this wasn't the same squirrel. If it was, the little bastard had been following him for nearly half a mile now.
Abruptly, the half-Uruk stooped and picked up a large rock, tossing it up and down in his hand. "Hel-lo-oh….Where are you, little friend?" he called softly, his thin lips widening in a sinister smile. "Come out, come out, wherever you are…."
The words were greeted by silence. However, it was not the silence typically greeting such an interruption—rather, it was the deafening silence of everything within hearing distance holding its breath. It was silence of a kind that Kurbag had learned to recognize and treat as the ominous sign it was. He quickly dropped to his belly—
—and not only saw but felt the tremendous shadow pass over him. Looking up, he had a bare split second to register dark wingtips before the patch of blue was once again placidly vacant.
A good twenty feet overhead, and no evidence it had noticed him. Nonetheless, his brain continued hammering out panicked obscenities. Kurbag exhaled slowly. Forcing himself to rise, he knocked pine needles from his arms and continued walking.
The next time the big shadow passed he was watching. He also saw what it left in its wake. Actually, he was lucky he wasn't hit by it, as a bucket's worth of guano spattered the forest floor for the length of several yards ahead of him.
Kurbag's comment was accurate, if not particularly original.
"Aw, I don't know what you're talking about."
"Fuck that, y'little pervert, I saw you slip it behind yer back!"
"I'd like to see you prove it, old One-Ear."
"Don' think I'll take that shit off've you! Hand it over or I'll—"
Grushak hovered grudgingly at the edges of wakefulness. With his keen senses of hearing and smell, he could come to an instant alert in the event of danger or threat. Without immediate confrontation, though, he was reluctant to leave off his sluggardly dozing.
Then someone fell against him heavily, and that changed.
"Oi!" Grushak bellowed, surging to his feet, "gerroff, you!"
Shrah'rar yelped as he tumbled away. Grushak towered over him, teeth bared angrily. "I didn't mean to, he pushed me!" the small Orc exclaimed. His eyes widened and he ducked, narrowly avoiding Grushak's fist.
The swipe had been a cursory one. Grushak swung around to see the target of Shrah'rar's accusation. Rukshash swayed a little on his feet, betraying his intoxication, his good eye a slit of rage. "Out've my way, Grushak," he said in a slurred snarl. "He's b'n cheatin' me this entire game, and if he won' give it to me in silver I'll take it out've his hide. You tell 'im, Pryszrim…you tell 'im what the little goiter owes me."
"Um, well, I, uh…"
"Feh! You're useless," Rukshash dismissed the stammering Pryszrim with disgust. "I ain' lived this long to put up with yer crap, you miserable goatsuck," he growled, turning on Shrah'rar in a threatening manner.
Shrah'rar darted behind Grushak. The larger Orc grunted and kicked him away but put up a hand to forestall Rukshash. Though ugly of temper as any of them, he had long realized that sometimes conciliation was in the best interest of the band. "Hold, friend. Why break a sweat over it? He's not worth the effort."
Shrah'rar heaved a shameless sigh of relief.
Grushak smirked. "Easier to wait and slit his throat while he's sleeping."
"Yes, easier to—Hah! Hah! Hah! Oh, you are so funny, Grushak! Yes, very funny!" Shrah'rar laughed weakly.
Rukshash's upper lip was still curled, and Grushak wondered if he would have to turn Shrah'rar upside down and shake loose any items on his person to satisfy the older Orc. The prospect wasn't uninviting. Fortunately, or not so fortunately, Rukshash finally muttered something incomprehensible and sat down again, taking up his drinking skin again and swigging sullenly.
Blows avoided for the moment, Grushak yawned and stretched. He squinted up through the branches of the tree they were under, noting the late afternoon hour. Unable to sleep any longer, he glanced at the overturned dice board and dismissed it, not being of a mood for abstraction. Scratching one shoulder, he happened to notice Squeaker's companion beside the fire. The man-brat's eyes were fixed on him. Grushak pretended to ignore her, sauntering the circumference of trees and looking up at the sky as though marking the progression of the sun's slow circuit overhead. He could feel her stare boring into his back.
Yes, watch me, little rabbit. Let's draw this out, shall we? He touched the scratch on the back of his hand and smiled grimly.
"He's awake," muttered Maevyn.
Maevyn clearly wasn't listening. She crouched, hunched over, at the Elf girl's side, watching the big Orc talking with the others. Strands of dark hair fell over her eyes, but she seemed unaware of them.
"Do not attract his attention," said Eleluleniel quietly.
Maevyn made an odd sound in the back of her throat. Fresh scabbing cracked as she rubbed the rawness of her wrists against her knees. She watched Grushak as he resolved the other Orcs' quarrel and crossed to the other side of camp.
The Elf sighed. "The bread is finished," she said, resigned to the fact that Maevyn was paying her no heed. So long as the girl didn't try anything impulsive, she supposed there was nothing more she could do. Eleluleniel had quickly discovered that her new friend had a stubborn streak. Too many cautions, too many imperatives and Maevyn might do something foolish out of pure childish rebellion. These men, thought Eleluleniel despairingly. It is as Father said, they have the lives of moths—already brief, fluttering ever nigh the flickering flame.
The sound of stirring in the underbrush many yards behind broke into her reverie. She cocked her head briefly to decipher what she was hearing, then went on with drawing the little loaves out of the chamber of heated stones. Kurbag's heavy tread was readily recognizable to her. Maevyn, with her weaker human ears, did not hear the half-Uruk's approach until he was closer. Breaking her fixed gaze at Grushak, she looked over her shoulder. Her eyes widened. Eleluleniel continued with the task at hand. Mentally she prepared herself for Kurbag to stop, but he passed them by, heading straight for where Bragdagash was sitting, leaning in to speak with him.
Well, of course. He would want to make his report before anything else. She relaxed a little.
"Who's that?" asked Maevyn, sidling nearer her. "I saw him last night."
"That is Kurbag. I believe Bragdagash sent him to do something earlier. He must have just returned."
Maevyn studied the large Orc. He was tall, with dark gray skin that almost verged on bluish—a flint-colored complexion. He wore his black hair in a long ponytail like Hraghragh's but, unlike Hraghragh, was fully clad in ashen gray and black leathers, with plates of rusty metal crudely appended here and there in a half-hearted attempt at armor. Kurbag was gesturing to an object of some sort that he held in his hand, which Bragdagash took from him in a somewhat delicate manner and peered at with obvious satisfaction. He looked up, nodding and saying something in a pleased rumble. Kurbag, looking smug, scratched the side of his neck as he turned and headed over to join Grushak.
"I wonder what that was about," said Maevyn.
"I think he was doing some scouting on Bragdagash's orders," said Eleluleniel. "What, I do not know."
"Kurbag. You didn't mention his name earlier, with the others." Maevyn cocked her head. "He's the one you talked about yesterday. You said he's the one who wanted to keep you."
"Oh. Yes." Eleluleniel went very quiet. "I would rather not speak of that right now, Maevyn." Avoiding Maevyn's eye, she proffered a little loaf of the bread. "Here. Eat this."
The girl took the little loaf, looking at Eleluleniel curiously. The ploy with the bread was an obvious one but, probably remembering how the Elf had snapped at her before when she asked too many questions, Maevyn did not try to ask any now. As she was about to bite into the bread, though, a clawed hand snatched it out of hers.
"Bread!" Pryszrim crowed, and stuffed it into his mouth. His left cheek bulged obnoxiously as his eyes glazed over in evident bliss. Maevyn gave him a surprised and resentful look. The Orc ignored it, saying in a stuffy voice through his mouthful, "Garrummore, Squeaker?" Eleluleniel sighed and offered him four of the loaves, which he snatched in characteristically thankless Orkish fashion, making off for the shelter of the trees.
"I hate him," muttered Maevyn.
Eleluleniel was surprised. Pryszrim was no prize, and she didn't expect Maevyn to like any of the Orcs, but he wasn't the worst of the lot by any means.
Maevyn, without being asked, expanded: "He practically drowned me yesterday." Suddenly she squirmed, glancing around uncomfortably. "Leni," she whispered, "I can't hold it anymore."
"I have to pee."
The Elf blinked. "Oh." Understanding Maevyn's dilemma—and amazed that she had managed to abstain for so long! certainly she had realized the girl was strongwilled, but this was proof extraordinary!—Eleluleniel looked in the direction of the Orcs. For herself, she had been in their company long enough that old dismay and embarrassment had long given way to numbed necessity. Eventually Maevyn would have to reach that point on her own, but far be it from the older girl to force her early. She turned and inclined her head gracefully in the direction of the pine trees beyond their bedding of the night before. "I will take you to those trees over there. They will not bother you if they see me go with you." They know I will not let you do anything foolish.
Maevyn gave her a grateful look. She got rather awkwardly to her feet, and Eleluleniel, likewise rising, was irritated with herself that she hadn't asked Maevyn whether she had needed to go before. Many years of experience as an older sister should have made that second nature. Guilty half-memories of similar occasions with her little sister, when Veisiliel had been even littler than Maevyn, prompted her to reach for the younger girl's hand to lead her.
Maevyn pulled away, annoyed. "What are you doing that for? I'm not a child!"
Eleluleniel, unable to repress a smile at this, turned her face away so that Maevyn wouldn't see. "Come you," she said, walking to the edge of the pines, far enough from where they were sleeping that there would be no problem. "I will stand guard."
"As long as you don't watch," Maevyn grumbled, pushing into the deciduous skirts of piney green tree boughs.
Still smiling, Eleluleniel turned her back on Maevyn…and saw Nazluk watching her from across camp. Her smile faded, and she looked back at him timidly for a few brief seconds before dropping her gaze. Studying the needle-strewn forest floor, she wondered what it was that he was thinking.
Nazluk, as it so happened, was irritated. He snorted. "Did you see that?"
"See what?"
"Damned Elf accompanying Grushak's bint." His upper lip curled unpleasantly.
Grymawk looked at where Squeaker was standing near the trees, where the little tark brat was doing her business. He looked back at Nazluk and shrugged. "So?"
Nazluk rolled his mismatched eyes. Sometimes he thought he was surrounded by fools. Didn't anyone else recognize the danger represented by the Elven bitch? The very fact that they tolerated her among them showed how far they had been compromised. She could hold them back on their push North while Kurbag made his little considerations for her. Seeing that she had water, weak Elves being quicker to thirst than proper Orcs. Wasting his time and attentions on her. Nazluk did not understand the half-Uruk's preoccupation with her. Was it a question of novelty? She had been a novelty of sorts, yes, but three months was a long time for any novelty. Surely she would be of better use eaten than holding them back.
The fact that the Elf had been of little tangible inconvenience to them thus far was no matter to Nazluk. It was the principle of the thing. And her merest action, her slightest movement, the movement of her eyelids as she blinked, the flickering pulse of her throat with her breathing—these aggravated him to no end. That his fixation on the Elf was every bit as obsessive as he accused Kurbag of being did not trouble Nazluk. Orcs are not known for temperance. Where Nazluk loathed, he loathed immoderately.
Certain factors, however, constrained the full expression of his resentment, and so he cast for another outlet for his frustrations. A roar of laughter caught his attention. He cast his baleful stare in the direction of Grushak and Kurbag, narrowing his eyes. Grushak was the culprit, still guffawing loudly, while Kurbag smirked in evident amusement of his own. Nazluk glared, resentful of their good humor.
It was Shrah'rar, though, who actually asked out loud what Nazluk was silently wondering. "Oi, you big fuckers. What the fuck are you laughing about?
Kurbag grinned at him. "Oi yourself, little fucker. We're laughing because your buddy Grymawk is fucked!"
"Eh?" Grymawk, interrupted twice in as many minutes, looked up from his fletching again. "How do I come into this?"
"I've already spoken to Braggy. Ask him, why don't you?" The half-Uruk chuckled. "My suggestion to you is, eat up tonight, 'cause you're not gonna be wanting any breakfast on the morrow!"
Grymawk looked pained. "No! It involves climbing, doesn't it? I hate climbing!"
"And just what has our favorite half-Uruk been up to, anyway?" Nazluk queried dryly.
"Why, as it so happens, I sent him on a little expedition," Bragdagash said, joining in. "You were right, Grymawk. Wing folk in the mountains. Isn't that so, Kurbag?" He held up a curiously white and glistening rock, turning it this way and that. "Eagle scat. Freshly shat, too." Suddenly, without warning, he tossed the rock in Grymawk's direction. "Catch!"
Grymawk, acting reflexively, dropped the bolt he was holding to catch the rock. There was a moist chunk sound as it made contact with his hands. He swore and dropped the rock, breaking the quarrel in the process, while the others laughed.
"There now," said Bragdagash, teeth bared in a grin. "You've got the best nose for this sort of thing, Tracker. Tell us what you think, eh?"
Irritated at the loss of a good quarrel and wrinkling his nose, Grymawk sniffed the revolting stuff on his hands distastefully. He blinked and examined it with new interest. Hesitantly he licked his lips, then flicked out his tongue to sample briefly. Contrary to revulsion or even further merriment at this action, the laughter died down as the others waited in semi-seriousness on his judgment. Even Hraghragh, who had been holding back to enjoy the last of the sun before its setting, drew near with curiosity. Grymawk sucked in his cheeks, turning his eyes upward in thought. Then he smiled slowly. "Female. Just brooded…."
"Eggs," breathed Pryszrim unnecessarily.
"Yeah. That's right," said Bragdagash, looking around his band of Orcs and Uruk-hai with lazy satisfaction. "And what do you suppose fertile eagles' eggs are fetching up North, my lads?"
"Oh aye, we'll be drownin' in tokens," said old Rukshash sourly from his beer skin. "But who's gonna be shimmyin' his sorry ass up to get them, I'm wonderin'?"
Grymawk's face fell as the others eyed him. "Oh no."
"Oh yes!" Kurbag clapped him on the back, nearly knocking the small Orc over. "Don't worry there, Grymawk, we'll watch your back."
"Sure. You'll have first dibs on the liver as well," said Bragdagash. "That'll cure what ails you. They say an eagle's vigor lies not in his heart but in his liver."
"Grymawk, eagle-mighty!"
"Foe to the feather folk!"
"Braver of the high sharp rocky places!"
The mocking cries were going up among all of the bigger Orcs, while Grymawk himself stood, a diminutive and rather forlorn figure in their midst. "I'm so honored," he muttered sardonically, looking as though he was going to be sick.
This is a work of fan fiction, written because the author has an abiding love for the works of J R R Tolkien. The characters, settings, places, and languages used in this work are the property of the Tolkien Estate, Tolkien Enterprises, and possibly New Line Cinema, except for certain original characters who belong to the author of the said work. The author will not receive any money or other remuneration for presenting the work on this archive site. The work is the intellectual property of the author, is available solely for the enjoyment of Henneth Annûn Story Archive readers, and may not be copied or redistributed by any means without the explicit written consent of the author.


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Masterpieces of American Art
Celebrate the genius of American art during visits to the new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the venerated Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and more!
Tour Details
Each of my Smithsonian Journeys has been outstanding. For me, the educational component is major, as well as upscale accommodations and food."
Joan P.
- Smithsonian Journeys to Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand
- A Leopard Named "Hollywood"
- Memories of Africa
- Treasuring Life in the Indian Desert
Celebrate the history of American art during visits to the new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the venerable Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and more! Gain valuable insight from our Smithsonian expert throughout this unique art tour, which sold out quickly last year! Visit acclaimed Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton's studio carriage house and residence, preserved nearly unchanged from the time of his death. At the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City, take an in-depth tour of the American art collections, featuring extensive holdings of Native American art and masterworks by Raphaelle Peale, Frederic Edwin Church, Thomas Hart Benton, as well as Isamu Noguchi and Claes Oldenburg. Then travel to Bentonville, Arkansas, home of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the first major museum of American art to open in nearly 50 years. Its galleries, nestled in the scenic Ozarks, feature a breathtaking collection of American masterworks, including iconic images by Asher B. Durand, Norman Rockwell, and Andy Warhol, each reflecting a distinctive moment in the evolution of American art history. Plus take an excursion to the charming town of Eureka Springs, known as a haven for artists and writers and for its lovely Victorian architecture. Limited to 34 participants.
Day 1 — Home, Welcome to Kansas City
Individual arrivals at The Raphael Hotel Kansas City. Join fellow travelers and your Smithsonian expert for a welcome reception, opening remarks, and dinner. (R,D)
Day 2 — Thomas Hart Benton Studio, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Spend the morning at the home of the famed Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton. Visit his studio, which remains as he left it, including coffee cans full of paintbrushes, paints, and a stretched canvas waiting to be transformed into another masterpiece. Then tour the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, including the extensive collection of American artworks. Highlights include Raphaelle Peale's Venus Rising from the Sea—A Deception, Frederic Edwin Church's Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, and the American Historical Epic and Persephone of Thomas Hart Benton. Plus view a superb group of sculptures by Isamu Noguchi, as well as Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen's Shuttlecocks. This evening enjoy a lecture by your Smithsonian expert followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 3 — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Depart for Bentonville, Arkansas, and arrive at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. After your welcome luncheon, join your gallery guide to see the permanent collection, which spans five centuries, from the colonial era to the present day. Included in the collection are iconic pictures such as Asher B. Durand's Kindred Spirits, Norman Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter, and Andy Warhol's Dolly Parton. The museum's collection also showcases major works by Stieglitz Circle artists and a Skyspace by James Turrell. There will be an optional guided tour exploring the extensive trails and landscape features. Late in the day depart for the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Bentonville. After getting settled in, gather for dinner in the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 4 — Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Enjoy a narrated tram tour of the charming Ozark town of Eureka Springs, known for its fine Victorian architecture and as a haven for artists and writers. Afterwards, enjoy a luncheon in town. Go back to Bentonville in the afternoon. You may then return to Crystal Bridges for additional time at the museum on your own or stay at the hotel for the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. This evening enjoy a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Bentonville, Kansas City International Airport, Home
After breakfast, depart Bentonville for Kansas City International Airport for flights home. (B)


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What is STEM?
STEM@SU Factsheet
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Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) at the
Center for Coastal & Ocean Mapping, University of New
The Center for
Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM) at the University of New
Hampshire is a national center for excellence for the
development of state-of-the-art ocean mapping technologies and
for training the next generation of ocean mappers.
CCOM's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program
is designed to create research experiences for undergraduate
students who are interested in pursuing graduate work.
SURF is aimed primarily
at students who are working toward a degree in science,
engineering, or math and are completing their junior year.
Students accepted into the program will spend up to 10 intensive
weeks (normally early-June to mid-August) working under the
guidance of a CCOM faculty member.
They will conduct research related to acoustics,
bathymetric mapping, habitat mapping, lidar, marine geology and
geophysics, optical imaging, sonar signal processing, or data
visualization. Research
activities may include laboratory experiments, field work, a
research cruise, data analysis, model development, or instrument
development. The research
conducted by all fellows will be presented to CCOM at the end of
the summer, and summarized in a written report.
Students who are awarded
a fellowship will receive a stipend, on-campus room and board,
and travel assistance.
How to Apply
Students should submit the following:
• a current transcript indicating their GPA
• a list of courses in which they are currently enrolled
• two letters of recommendation from faculty at their home
• a short essay (one to two pages) outlining their research
interests and reasons for applying for the SURF
Submissions should be in PDF format and sent to
Applicants will be informed of the selection committee's
decision by April 1.
For more information about CCOM-SURF, visit


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POSTED: Saturday, December 22, 2012 - 2:00pm
UPDATED: Saturday, December 22, 2012 - 2:04pm
CNN — Martin Scorsese, the director behind Travis Bickle from "Taxi Driver" and Billy Costigan from "The Departed," will focus his latest project on a real life character: Former President Bill Clinton.
The iconic filmmaker is partnering with HBO to produce a documentary about the 42nd president, and will have Clinton's full cooperation, according to a release from the cable network. HBO said the picture would "explore [Clinton's] perspectives on history, politics, culture and the world."
Joining Scorsese as producer of the film is Steve Bing, a major benefactor of Democratic causes and a personal friend of Clinton's. This summer HBO aired a documentary looking at the life of Clinton's predecessor, former President George H.W. Bush.
"A towering figure who remains a major voice in world issues, President Clinton continues to shape the political dialogue both here and around the world," Scorsese said in a statement distributed by HBO. "Through intimate conversations, I hope to provide greater insight into this transcendent figure."
Clinton said he was looking forward to "sharing my perspective on my years as President, and my work in the years since, with HBO's audience." A title and release date for the documentary have not yet been set.
Scorsese, who's known for films like "Raging Bull" and "Goodfellas," has worked with HBO in the past on documentaries of the Beatle's George Harrison and the New York author Fran Lebowitz. He's also an executive producer of the network's hit series "Boardwalk Empire."
HBO, like CNN, is owned by Time Warner.


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Lie Down in the Darkness, Rise up from the Ash: 4. Alone Together
Frodo woke the next morning slowly, and felt for a moment confused by the soft golden light that filtered through the trees and tent. From somewhere nearby, an elvish voice raised itself in song, and the sad melody brought the memory of loss sharply to his mind, making it impossible to sleep again so he rubbed his eyes and then sat up. All about him his companions lay slumbering, and for once none so much as twitched in his sleep.
We wore ourselves out, doubtless,he thought, thinking of the odd and almost painful discussion they had had last night. Chief among the topics of debate had been the unusual audience with Galadriel and Celeborn, for none of them had withstood the gaze of that high lady, and none save perhaps Legolas knew what to make of it. But if he did, the Elf kept the knowledge to himself, for he had said nothing from his place in the corner the night before, content to listen to his more vocal comrades.
"I liked it not," Boromir had said immediately. "What sorcery she sought to cast, I know not, but I trust it not either."
"I don't know about that." Surprisingly, it had been Sam who spoke up in response, and a very thoughtful look indeed he had worn.. "I don't know… it weren't magic, I think, unless all Elves are magic, beggin' your pardon Master Legolas. But it was less about her and more about us, if you understand me, sir."
"I think I do." Pippin had interjected, which had been even more surprising. "It was… well, I saw you blush, Sam, and I thought to myself 'guilty.' And that was exactly how I felt! Guilty! It was as if she knew everything about me, and showed me the one thing that I wanted most and said I could have it, if only I would turn aside. I mean, I do want the quest to succeed, so it can't be what I wanted most…but, well… you know…." he had amended, stumbling over the oblique assurance as he blushed in his turn. Finally, he had fallen silent.
"You speak truly," Gimli had said then, taking up the conversation as he had stroked his beard, considering anew, perhaps, his own experience. "And though it seemed we stood naked before her, yet my choices in this matter would remain secret. Or so I perceived."
"It was but pretense – what choice could any of us have made that would not be known instantly to the others?" Boromir had challenged. "And what purpose lay in this… this testing? Have we not yet proved ourselves true?"
"In the matter of the Ring," Frodo had said, speaking at last, "there is no proof that is final, until It be unmade. How could there be? Else we would not suffer so under the weight of Sauron's malice. Gandalf said it once himself: he could trust no one, not even himself, in matters concerning the Ring. As for the Lady Galadriel's purpose, none can read it, but neither can any doubt it. You do wrong to speak ill of her, for what evil lies upon this land comes but with us, and does not lie with her."
Frodo had met Boromir's proud eyes, and for a moment they had seemed to strive against each other. But in the end the Heir of Denethor had looked away, and though there had remained tension in his posture, he had said no more. So relieved had Frodo been by this seeming withdrawal that he had needed a few moments to realize that he had won the contest of wills in a battle he had never thought to fight. He had felt a thrill of misgiving over the victory, doubting whether a quarrel might not break the fellowship, and wondering whether this was an omen of things to come.
Perhaps it was, for though they had passed eventually to other topics, an aura of palpable tension had hovered in the air between them, and would not dissipate. Eventually, their conversation had fallen silent, and the companions had bidden each other an uncertain good-night. Despite that, Frodo had fallen asleep almost instantly, and if he had dreamed he could not remember any of it.
Perhaps that is just as well, he thought, for waking life grows harder with each day, and I dread the nightmares! Since that fateful night in Moria, when he had eavesdropped on the secretive talk between Gandalf and Aragorn, his dreams had grown dark indeed, and fear was ever in his heart. He could not yet clearly perceive the danger that Gandalf had foreseen, but the dread had grown nevertheless. Almost his courage had failed him when the Balrog had appeared, and who knew whether it would now prove sufficient to carry him to the Mountain of Fire?
He wished he could talk to someone about such fears, but he could not bring himself to broach the subject with Sam. And he could not speak with Aragorn on this matter either: he had sensed a change in the other that had come hard upon Gandalf's fall, and he feared to learn what dark care preoccupied the Ranger.
And where was he last night? Frodo wondered, frowning as he glanced over and saw Aragorn asleep upon his couch. Strider had disappeared early and the hobbit could not imagine what had kept him so very late. I could ask him….
But once more, doubts welled up, and in the end, he decided to let it lie. What, after all, did it matter if the Ranger preferred his solitude to the company of others in this time of grief?
All I see is the Shadow, Frodo thought tiredly, closing his eyes again as his left hand rose almost habitually to the Ring upon its chain. All I see is darkness spreading further and further until it swallows the sun. I know I must come at last to Orodruin, if I can, but how? I thought to leave all others behind, but now I am bereft ere ever I could fly myself for that dark realm!
Frodo bowed his head. Foolish was I to suppose I would be the first to break with this Fellowship! But… I needed to hope. Now, as Strider said, I must do without it for a time. His eyes strayed round once more to his companions, who were beginning to stir. Yes, I shall carry on, I suppose, to whatever end awaits. I only wish it would come quickly!
The day waxed. In time, the companions roused themselves, though to what purpose, no one seemed to know. After so long upon the road and on guard against its dangers, they seemed unsure what to do, and there was a bereft quality to such little tasks as they set themselves to that could not be traced simply to the loss of Gandalf.
So it was that Gimli , having attended to such small chores as his gear required, stood at the edge of their camp, and he frowned as he gazed up at the heights of Caras Galadon, squinting at the noon-day sun, wondering if he dared leave this clearing without Aragorn in tow as a witness to his good intentions. He doubted not that the Lady would laugh at his fears, and though he trusted her implicitly now, he found that trust in general still came hard to a Dwarf adrift in the land of the Elves. With a snort for his own ridiculous anxiety, he turned and took a few hesitant steps beneath the boughs of the mellyrn, then paused again, turning back towards the clearing.
What is it that holds me back? Shall a Dwarf feel constrained by the faintest hint of Elvish displeasure? Gimli grimaced, feeling riven by uncertainty as he never had before. As he stood there, he saw Aragorn emerge at last from the tents and, after a moment's hesitation, make off quickly northwards. So much for a witness!
"Some of us seem born to wander whither they will," said a wry voice softly from behind him. Startled, Gimli turned and saw, to his surprise, Boromir. The Man stood with his arms folded across his chest and he leaned against a tree, gazing out after Aragorn, apparently. Boromir looked down at him, and his grey eyes held an odd gleam as he continued, "While the rest of us remain tethered in place, hmm? Do you not feel thus, Master Dwarf?"
"Tethered… yes, I suppose that that is an apt word," Gimli replied, and cocked a heavy brow at the other. "And you, Master Boromir? What has a Man to fear from Elves that he feels… tethered?"
"There are some things that Men were never meant to see," Boromir replied, seeming to repeat a maxim of sorts. "'Tis perilous to meet with the Firstborn, for such encounters change one. Some say that one loses a part of one's humanity in such a meeting."
"I had not heard such rumors," Gimli confessed, and shrugged. "For myself, I know not what to think of your humanity, Boromir; I know only that I am and shall always be a Dwarf, let the Elves do as they will! Perhaps Aragorn could better reassure you as to the truth or falsity of such a notion." It was meant as a friendly suggestion, but Boromir's eyes narrowed and the gleam grew stronger, so that Gimli began to feel a certain uneasiness.
"Ah, that one! I think not, for he is too much an Elf himself, though his blood run as red and mortal as any of ours – saving only Legolas's, of course. I wonder sometimes whether he has not been too long sundered from his own kind."
"You speak as if you have some grievance against Aragorn, my friend," the Dwarf replied carefully, scowling this time for he liked not the course of this conversation and wondered what lay behind it. He scrutinized the other's face carefully, but unless it were the flash of some peculiar emotion in those intense eyes, he could discern nothing of the other's thoughts.
And perhaps I am not a fit judge in these matters. But even as he thought it, his heart misgave him, though he knew not why, precisely.
"'Tis hardly his fault, I suppose," Boromir said in response, speaking slowly, almost as if to himself now. "Fate is an unfaithful mistress, and cruel are her ways. Nay, 'tis not his fault. Nevertheless…." Boromir shook his head and brushed irritably at a long lock of jet black hair that fell into his face. "It matters not. Only I am not at ease in this wood, and shall be glad to see the land of my home again!"
"Aye." And although Gimli agreed wholeheartedly, he spoke with reluctance, some part of him unwilling to accept the change of subject, but equally unwilling to argue it with his companion. "Aye, you speak for me there. But, since we are here, I shall make the most of it – insofar as it is granted a Dwarf to do so in the midst of Elvish ways. Good day, Boromir."
The Dwarf bowed, after the manner of his people, and Boromir smiled absently and returned the salute, hands crossed upon his breast according to Gondor's customs. Then the Man strode quickly away, vanishing swiftly into the woods at the opposite end of the clearing.
Gimli meanwhile stood still as stone and pondered what meaning that odd conversation might have had. He did not even realize he was not alone until a sigh ruffled his hair, and he turned sharply, hand going swiftly to his ax in a reflexive motion. But then his eyes widened in astonishment as he gasped incredulously, "Legolas!?" The Elf''s mouth was a tight line of worry, and he seemed not to realize how very close to death (or at least to injury) he had come. "What do you here? And why came you behind me?"
"I came to see who might remain in the glade. And I came behind you because I heard your voices on the breeze, and you face the wind."
"And so an Elf of the Woods is drawn to speak to a Dwarf? Are you ill?" Gimli demanded, abandoning tact. Legolas's eyes flashed a bit at that, but then that fire faded, and was replaced by an emotion strange to the Dwarf.
"Nay, not ill, unless it be that grief is illness. And perhaps for Elves it is. Too many of us have died of that wasting disease!" Legolas sighed, and Gimli felt abashed for his outburst, which drew Gandalf so sharply and easily to mind. But before he could formulate an apology, the Elf continued, "Something eats at him."
"At Boromir?"
"Yes," Legolas looked down at him again, and his gaze was unusually frank and solemn, "You see it, too. How could we not, we who have so often stood at his sides?" Gimli raised a brow, surprised by the acknowledgment of their private war of wills. "Shall we not be honest with each other for once, Gimli, and set aside our quarrel for a time?"
"For the sake of the Company?"
"If you will," Legolas replied with an impatient shrug. "I care not what reason you give, but I like not the mood that has fallen upon us all."
And Gimli, gazing hard at his rival, asked suspiciously, "Is that the only reason?"
"Oh, very well!" Legolas gave an exasperated sigh, and his voice bespoke irritated embarrassment, a state altogether foreign to the Elf. But then, so are these clumsy attempts to disguise his feelings, Gimli thought, realizing that the other truly was concerned about something. "In truth, I came hither because I heard your voice, and I…I wished to ask you what you thought of this matter of Boromir."
"Why not ask Aragorn?" he demanded. "Surely a Man would better suit your need in this case."
"Aragorn was not present to hear our companion last night," the Elf countered, "and he, too, has troubles that he does not wish others to see, though I cannot guess what they might be. But I think that they are not of the same sort as Boromir's. Alas! An Elf has little understanding of Men at times, and I fear to misread him. I thought to ask you because…."
"Because Dwarves, too, are mortal?" Gimli asked when Legolas faltered. "That may well be, but I am no more a Man than I am a hobbit! Think you that I understand Frodo any better?" Legolas pursed his lips, and his brows drew together as he considered this, and Gimli nearly laughed aloud. The Elf seemed so utterly puzzled, as if it had not occurred to him that a Dwarf might labor under the same burden of incomprehension as he!
Not all mortals are alike! That Lindir fellow back in Rivendell was more right than he knew, perhaps, when he said that mortals were not the study of Elves, Gimli thought. Finally, however, he took pity upon the other's confusion, and said:
"You and I look into another world, Legolas, and it is foreign to us both. Nevertheless, we must do what we can to aid the Quest. Perhaps we may between us discern what lies at the heart of Boromir's temper." Elf and Dwarf stared at each other across the gulf of their differences, and for a while they seemed poised thus, unable to move toward each other. And yet, that very estrangement which separated them from each other also lay between them and most of the others of the Company; thus ironically, what kept them apart was also that which gave them ground to stand upon together.
"Perhaps," Legolas allowed finally, and he cocked his head slightly, and his posture relaxed ever so slightly. "Perhaps we may. And perhaps we may speak further upon this?"
"If we do, we must wait for the others to disperse, for I would not risk being overheard again," Gimli warned.
"Why not go our own way, then?"
"Ah…hmm." Gimli's eyes flicked towards the treetops involuntarily, as if seeking Elves hidden among them, or else monsters. Legolas noticed, and something suspiciously like a smile passed quickly over his face.
"The wardens would not dare to arrest you in my presence, if that is what worries you," the prince said, and there was a hint of true mirth in his voice. And even, Gimli thought suddenly, surprised by the insight, even a touch of endearment – as if the Elf were charmed by that uneasiness. For a long moment, the Dwarf gazed at his strange would-be companion, and it was as if he had at long last begun to see him.
"Very well, Master Legolas," he said at length, and there was now in his voice a certain bemused challenge. "We shall see how high the Elves of Lórien esteem their kinsman from afar. Lead on!" And for the first time since the Watcher had driven them into Khazad-dûm, the Dwarf felt the shadow upon him lift.
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Bolivar Trask Tracks Mystique in New "Days of Future Past" Clip
Peter Dinklage and Jennifer Lawrence feature in the newest clip from "X-Men: Days of Future Past," which teases Bolivar Trask's Sentinel technology.
COMIC REEL: "Star Wars: Episode VII" Cast Revealed; SyFy Announces New Comic Adaptations
Disney & Lucasfilm announces the new "Star Wars" cast; SyFy puts new comic book adaptations into development & more.
COMIC REEL: Maria Hill Features in "Agents of SHIELD"; Garfield on "Amazing Spider-Man 2"
Check out an advance clip from tonight's "Agents of SHIELD" featuring Maria Hill; Andrew Garfield & Marc Webb tease "Amazing Spider-Man 2" & more.
COMIC REEL: "Justice League" Movie Confirmed; New look at "Guardians of the Galaxy's" Nebula
Warner Bros. has confirmed Zack Snyder's "Justice League" movie; new "Guardians of the Galaxy" photo highlights Karen Gillan as Nebula & more.
5 "X-Men: The Last Stand" Mistakes "Days Of Future Past" Should Fix
Screenwriter Simon Kinberg said he wants to make up for a previous X-Men film's flaws; SPINOFF ONLINE offers five places to start.
WC14: Jeanty On "Buffy," Wrapping Up "Serenity: Leaves on the Wind"
Georges Jeanty discussed working on "Buffy" and "Serenity," and his reaction to seeing his Bishop design used in "X-Men: Days of Future Past."
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Jon M. Chu announces the core cast for "Jem and the Holograms; Rumors state Cyborg will play a role in the "Man of Steel" sequel & more.
Singer Declines "X-Men" Promotion, Calls Sexual Abuse Claims "Completely False"
Director Bryan Singer has responded to the sexual abuse allegations against him, calling them "outrageous, vicious and completely false."
COMIC REEL: Feige on "Age of Ultron," "Ant-Man"; Kinberg on "Days of Future Past"
Kevin Feige touches on "Age of Ultron" Hulkbuster concept art and the evolution of "Ant-Man"; Simon Kinberg discusses "Days of Future Past" & more.
COMIC REEL: Ruffalo Posts Behind-the-Scenes Science Bros "Age of Ultron" Photo
Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr. pose for a Science Bros photo during "Age of Ultron" shoot; "Chew" gains Steven Yeun and Felicia Day & more.
Five Amazingly Astonishing Spider-Man/X-Men Team-Ups
A big screen "Spider-Man"/"X-Men" crossover may not happen any time soon, but here are some other Spidey-X team-ups worth checking out!
COMIC REEL: Rogue's "Days of Future Past" Status; Blackout Heads to "Agents of SHIELD"
Simon Kinberg discusses the Rogue-centric "Days of Future Past" scene that got cut; "Agents of SHIELD" cold open introduces Blackout & more.
WC14: "Days of Future Past" Set to "Right Wrongs" of "The Last Stand"
Writer Simon Kinberg spoke about the latest "X-Men" film and showed the crowd-pleasing opening sequence.
The Story Behind the "Days of Future Past" Plug in Sony's "Amazing Spider-Man 2"
Sony plugging Fox's "X-Men: Days of Future Past" in "Amazing Spider-Man 2" was a part of the deal in 2012 to bring Marc Webb back to the Spider-verse.
COMIC REEL: New "Days of Future Past" Trailer, "Agents of SHIELD" Images
Get a new look at "X-Men: Days of Future Past" in a new trailer; Maria Hill features in new "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." photos & more.
WATCH: Final "X-Men: Days of Future Past" Trailer
The third and final trailer for next month's "X-Men: Days of Future Past" has arrived -- with plenty of Sentinels, Magneto vs. a stadium and more.
Cold As Ice: Iceman's Coolest Moments
With Shawn Ashmore touting Iceman's new soldier status in "X-Men: Days of Future Past," we take a look back at some of the X-Man's biggest triumphs.
COMIC REEL: New "Days of Future Past," "Amazing Spider-Man 2" Clips
New clips from "X-Men: Days of Future Past" & "Amazing Spider-Man 2"; "Agents of SHIELD" executive producers tease the show's direction & more.
Sentinels Attack in New Action Sequence from "X-Men: Days of Future Past"
Fox has released a clip from "X-Men: Days of Future Past" featuring Iceman, Kitty Pryde, Bishop, Blink and more battling a group of Sentinels.
Multiple "X-Men" Spinoff Films May Be In The Works
Producers Lauren Shuler Donner and Simon Kinberg say there is renewed hope for more spinoff films, mentioning Mystique as a potential candidate.
Singer: "X-Men: Apocalypse" is "Somewhat" Based on "Age of Apocalypse"
Bryan Singer confirms that the "Days of Future Past" follow-up will be "somewhat" based on the popular "Age of Apocalypse" comic book storyline.
COMIC REEL: "Days of Future Past" Producers on Quicksilver, Potential Spinoffs
"Days of Future Past" producers Simon Kinberg and Lauren Shuler Donner discuss possible spinoff films; new "Guardians of the Galaxy" images & more.
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Singer Weighs In On "X-Men: Days of Future Past" in New Featurette
Bryan Singer discusses bridging the gap between the "X-Men" and "X-Men: First Class" casts in a new featurette.
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Star-Lord features in first "Guardians of the Galaxy" clip; Samuel L. Jackson confirms Nick Fury appearance in "Agents of SHIELD" finale & more.
Quicksilver, Mystique Chow Down in Hardee's "Days of Future Past" Commercial
Fast food chain Hardee's has debuted a series of "X-Men: Days of Future Past" commercials featuring Quicksilver, Mystique, Colossus and more.
COMIC REEL: More "Age of Ultron" Details Hit; Casting News for "Man of Steel 2"
New "Age of Ultron" photos indicate official Avengers uniforms; more actors join the cast of the "Man of Steel" sequel sequel and more.
Wolverine, Mystique & More Feature in New "X-Men: Days of Future Past" Posters
Nine new posters for "X-Men: Days of Future Past" have debuted featuring new looks at Wolverine, Mystique, Professor X, Magneto, Storm and more.
COMIC REEL: New "Days of Future Past" Footage; "Batman" Animated Short
New behind-the-scenes footage for "X-Men: Days of Future Past" surfaces online; Bruce Timm to helm a new Batman animated short & more.
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Hugh Jackman sings about his Wolverine identity crisis to the tune of "Who Am I?" from "Les Miserables" on BBC Radio's Matt Edmondson Show.
CinemaCon 2014: "X-Men" Excites But "The Secret Service" Steals Fox's Show
Fox sneaked a clip from the adaptation of Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons' "The Secret Service" into its CinemaCon presentation.
In Your Face Jam - 3/26/2014
After rewatching the first season of the '90s "X-Men" cartoon, Brett explains why the beloved animated series nailed it in a way the films haven't yet.
COMIC REEL: Nick Fury's Role in "Age of Ultron"; Ashmore on "Days of Future Past"
Samuel L. Jackson teases Nick Fury's role in "Avengers: Age of Ultron"; Shawn Ashmore discusses Iceman's return in "Days of Future Past" & more.
Shawn Ashmore's Iceman Chills Out in "X-Men: Days of Future Past"
Shawn Ashmore talks with CBR about "X-Men: Days of Future Past's" rougher, tougher Iceman, his new costume and why X-fans will love the film.
What Is Fox's Mystery Marvel Movie?
Fox's upcoming Marvel movie slate includes a "Wolverine" sequel, the "Fantastic Four" reboot and an unnamed project. CBR narrows down the possibilities.
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Wolverine, Mystique Dominate New "X-Men: Days of Future Past" Poster
Fox's latest poster for Bryan Singer's time-traveling mutant ensemble features Wolverine, Mystique and more of the super-team.
Fox Debuts Second Full "X-Men: Day of Future Past" Trailer
Fox has released the second full-length trailer for Bryan Singer's mutant-filled "X-Men: Day of Future Past."
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Michael Larabel
If you cater to Linux gamers, shouldn't you care about what gamers care about?Phoronix Media is the largest Internet media company devoted to enriching the Linux hardware experience and catering its content to Linux gamers and computer enthusiasts.
On the presentation, like others said, it's the exact same info, just presented differently. I really don't care if the min/max numbers were also in table form, because they alone are not that useful: what if it was a single anomalous spike? In the graph you can see how often the spikes appear.
Seriously, lets not get to this again. Their numbers are completely meaningless, of zero value - you can't expect anything from reading those.
The folks from HardOCP know that the numbers are meaningless, but they include them anyway because people keep asking for them.
The only thing that matters for a [H] review is the gameplay experience, something which can only be poorly expressed in terms of fps numbers.
The fact is that the reason they -ARE- meaningful is because they run at the best playable configuration with information on the hardware and setup that was used to achieve that configuration. That's extremely useful to know.
What's not meaningful is a game benchmark that runs at 3 frames or 300 frames. Those have no value. Nobody is going to use that configuration to play that game on that hardware. Tell me where is the value in benchmarking a game using settings that nobody is going to use.


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Boston Celtics 3D Foam Sign
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The Boston Celtics 3D Foam Sign is the perfect item for the game or game room. Made of multiple layers of thick, colorful EVA foam, this Boston Celtics 3D Foam Sign is sure to pop whether you hang it on your wall or hold it up at the game. Ideal for use in the den, office, man cave - the Boston Celtics 3D Foam Sign will stand out anywhere you want to show your Celtics pride. Features holes on back for easy hanging. Approximately 18 inches on longest side.
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The Ching Emperor" depicts the story of Emperor Hong Hei (Julian Cheung Chi-Lam) and the dictated General Ao Pai (Lam Ka-Wah). When Hong Hei was a kid, Au Pai was his martial art teacher and he taught him how to be a good king. Hong Hei respected Ao Pai a lot and always looked up to him. Nevertheless, after the day Hong Hei grew up, Ao Pai came down with a serious case of tyrannical decisions and actions. At first, Hong Hei did not mind much, but the situation gradually went out of hands and Ao Pai ended up being extremely powerful in the kingdom. It came to a point where Hong Hei knew he had no choice but to fight with Ao Pai in order to gain back his authority.
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Nero Calf Informale Bag
This distinctive bag is made of soft quality leather, with hand-woven intrecciato inserts. Comes with 2 internal compartments, accessible pockets, large zip-pulls, a side pocket, handles and an adjustable shoulder strap.
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Composition: Calf-skin leather
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Track & Field - Girls Varsity
Berkshire's Track & Field Program prides itself on rigorous individual development in the pursuit of overall team success. Berkshire competes against both Division I, Division II, and Division III teams, with the season culminating in the New England Prep School Championship Meet.
The 2013 team ended a successful season finishing fifth of twelve teams at the New England Championship meet. The 2014 squad goals include finishing in the top three at New England's. We look forward to continued success on the track and in the throwing and jumping events.
Some recent Berkshire alums have gone on to run for:
|University of Vermont - Hillary Rawding '12
|Bates College - Ansley Flanagan '09
|Occidental College - Jenny Quilty '11
|University of New Hampshire - Allison Letourneau '07


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Dialysis is a treatment that takes over the job of your kidneys if they fail. The kidneys have many functions that help your body stay healthy. They help clear toxins out of your blood and help your body balance salt levels. Most patients begin dialysis when their kidneys have lost 85%-90% of their ability. You may be on dialysis for a short time, or you may need it for the rest of your life or until you receive a kidney transplant.
If you have kidneys that are not working and the damage is not reversible, you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is caused by conditions such as diabetes, kidney cancer, drug use, high blood pressure, or other kidney problems. Dialysis is not a cure for ESRD, but it does help you feel better and live longer.
There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. This fact sheet will focus on peritoneal dialysis.
Reasons for Procedure
The main functions of peritoneal dialysis are to:
- Remove waste and excess fluid from your blood
- Control blood pressure
- Keep a safe level of salts in the body, such as potassium, sodium, and chloride
Possible Complications
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have peritoneal dialysis, your doctor will review a list of possible complications. These may include:
- Lowering your red blood count and causing anemia
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea, vomiting
- Headaches
- Feeling hot, sweaty, weak, and/or lightheaded
- Infection of the abdominal cavity
- Inflammation of the heart sac known as pericarditis
- Neurologic problems
- Disruption of calcium and phosphorus balance, resulting in weakened bones
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
- Adhesions or significant abdominal scar tissue
- Infection of the peritoneum—lining of the abdominal cavity
- Abdominal hernia
- Diverticulitis—an infection of a pouch that forms in the wall of the large intestine
- Abdominal defects
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Before the first treatment, a small, soft tube about 24 inches long will be placed in the abdomen. This tube will remain there permanently. A portion of the tube remains outside the body for use in the process. It is important to keep this access clean and dry to prevent infection.
Description of the Procedure
Peritoneal dialysis can often be done at home.
The abdominal lining is called the peritoneal membrane. It is used to filter blood. A cleansing solution, called a dialysate, is inserted into your abdominal cavity through a tube. Fluid, wastes, and chemicals pass from the tiny blood vessels in the peritoneal membrane into the dialysate. The dialysate is drained after several hours. New dialysate can be added to repeat the process.
There are three types of peritoneal dialysis:
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)—This is the most common type of peritoneal dialysis. A bag of dialysate is infused into the abdomen through a tube called a catheter. It remains there for 3-6 hours and is drained. The abdomen is refilled with fresh solution. This way, your blood is always being cleaned.
- Continuous cyclical peritoneal dialysis (CCPD)—Infusing and refilling the abdomen with dialysate is done by machine. It is done at night while you are sleeping.
- Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD)—This uses the same type of machine as CCPD. It requires assistance and is usually done at a hospital or center. It often takes longer than CCPD.
How Long Will It Take?
The time needed for peritoneal dialysis depends on a few factors:
- How much kidney function remains
- How much fluid weight gain has occurred since the last treatment
- Amount of waste in the body
- Body size
- Level of salts in your body, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride
- Peritoneal dialysis type used
The approximate time and frequency of each type:
Will It Hurt?
In general, peritoneal dialysis does not cause pain.
Post-procedure Care
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. There are some special considerations:
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. There are some special considerations:
Certain dietary guidelines should be followed. This will help to maintain overall health and optimize treatment effects. Talk to your doctor about your specific dietary needs.
Your doctor may give you various medications. These include, but are not limited to:
- Blood pressure medications
- Calcium supplements or multivitamins
- Phosphorus binders—to lower phosphorus levels in the blood
- Diuretics—to remove excess fluid
- Stool softeners or laxatives—to prevent or treat constipation, which can be caused by decreased fluid intake
- Iron supplements—to increase iron intake, which is important in the production of red blood cells
- Medications to stimulate the body to produce more red blood cells
Call Your Doctor
Contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the catheter or tube insertion site
- Blood or cloudiness in the peritoneal dialysis fluid
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Lightheadedness
In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Adrienne Carmack, MD
- Review Date: 05/2014 -
- Update Date: 05/28/2014 -


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Boston Celtics Golf Head Cover - 3 Pack
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Celtics fans can be golfers too, and these golf club head covers are the perfect golf accessories for the ultimate Boston Celtics fan. This set of three longneck headcovers have embroidered faux leather and mesh along either side.
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