text:
Purim Gifts
It is customary to send Mishloach Manot to friends and strangers.
Reprinted with permission of the author, whose website can be visited at www.rabbishmuel.com.
The ninth chapter of the Book of Esther states (verse 19): "Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the 14th day of the month of Adar a day of gladness and feasting, a holiday, and of sending portions to one another (mishloach manot)."
From this historical event our rabbis teach that the Jewish people must send gifts of food to each other on the holiday of Purim. However, the question arises: What is the ultimate purpose of these gifts?
One approach sees the mitzvah [commandment] of mishloach manot as counteracting the accusations of Haman. Haman accused the Jews of being "a scattered, and divided nation." Thus, the Jewish people send gifts to each other in order to show that they are not divided, but rather are united. (Following this mitzvah can be understood as a positive reinterpretation of midah ke-neged midah--measure for measure.) The mishloach manot bring peace and harmony to an at times divisive and fractured Jewish community.
This explains why some maintain that one may fulfill the mitzvah of mishloach manot by sending not food, but words of Torah. Since the purpose of this mitzvah is to unite the Jewish people, one can fulfill the mitzvah with anything that achieves this goal. And what better method is there of achieving harmony amongst fellow Jews than by sharing words of Torah? (See Rabbi Yonah Metzger, Mi-Yam Ha-Halakhah, sec. 113.)
A second explanation for the mitzvah appears in the Terumat Ha-Deshen (sec. 111) of Rabbi Israel Isserlein (15th century, Vienna), who writes: "It appears that the reason for this mitzvah is so that everyone can fulfill the mitzvah of eating a proper, festive meal on Purim." In other words, the mitzvah intends to guarantee that rich and poor alike are provided for at the Purim meal. (It may also be taken as a symbol that both Jewish rich and poor. should recognize the universal aspect of redemption from the physical extinction of the entire nation).
This second approach raises another question. Indeed, there is already another mitzvah that assures that the poor are provided for on Purim, i.e. the mitzvah of mattanot le-evyonim (sending gifts to the poor). Why, then, is there a need for a second mitzvah of mishloach manot? So some suggest that the mitzvah of mishloach manot actually derives from the mitzvah of giving gifts to the poor on Purim. However, due to concern that the poor would feel ashamed that only they did not have sufficient means to provide for the Purim meal, the rabbis decreed that not only the poor, but all people should send and receive gifts on the holiday of Purim.
Thus, we see that the mitzvah of mishloach manot has two main functions--to instill harmony and love in the Jewish people, and to remind ourselves that as we celebrate the holiday of Purim, we can not forget about the needs of the less fortunate in our community.
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Dungeon Empires
Dungeon Empires Overview
Dungeon Empires is a free-to-play 3D browser game set in an abandoned world created by Light, Water, Darkness, and Fire Gods. These deities once ruled alongside each other until jealousy ignited a war of words over whose element was the most powerful. Envy turned into deep seated rage and eventually hatred among the once close-knit group. A large-scale war began. The battle resulted in all four of the Gods' untimely demise. Now there's a realm abundant with magical forces and creatures in need of a hero worthy to reign. Similar to games like Sherwood Dungeon or Age of Empires players raid dungeons, loot, and fight an assortment of monsters. Each player has their own dungeon that they can build and customize. Add various creatures to attack uninvited guests, set traps, select different room styles, and fixtures. Train your lair's inhabitants to be unbeatable. Master spells to perform in turn-based battles against other player's dungeon legions. Create the most challenging dungeon in the Middle Kingdom and rule.
Dungeon Empires Screenshots
Dungeon Empires Featured Video
Dungeon Empires Full Review
By Ange Perdu
Dungeon Empires is a 3D fantasy themed browser MMORPG that incorporates looting, building, and turn-based battles. In a deserted underworld of dungeons players become a young hero or dungeon master in the making. Explore a realm with magnificent treasures. Raid various dungeons. Kill numerous monsters from giant spiders to deadly ghosts. Master the elements and perform spells involving light or darkness to defeat foes.
Collect ghouls found during raids and train them to do your bidding. Construct your own challenging dungeon to prevent other players from stealing from you. Decorate it with fixtures, traps, and magical shards. Prove your skills as a dungeon builder and conquer those who dare to oppose you in this tactical role playing game.
Raiding & Looting, the Gameplay
Most of the gameplay involves dungeon raiding and building. Players enter a virtual world divided into five distinct sections known as the Foundation, Dungeon Vault, Pit of Shadows, RockFall, and Middle Kingdom. Each has a set level requirement in order to access. Beginners start off at the Foundation. There are hundreds of dungeons levitating in the air. Users can choose another player's dungeon to raid or select the non-player dungeon option. Non-player dungeons are usually larger with complex maps and more creatures to battle. It's 60 action points to attempt a raid. Action points function as energy in the game. The system is nicely balanced. Heroes can perform 5 consecutive raids before their meter dwindles down. When a player enters a dungeon a small map appears at the top of the screen. The maps slowly reveal rooms as players explore. Users navigate their heroes through different rooms using their mouse or by simply clicking on their desired location within the map. Scattered throughout the various rooms are monsters.
Similar to Sherwood Dungeon there are a variety of mythical beings to battle. Fight skeletons, giant spiders, vengeful knights, ghostly armor, goblins, and evil rats. The combat is turn based. A gauge on the side of the screen with animated headshots displays the turn sequence. Players can decide to perform a standard melee attack or cast a spell. Defeating the beasts will open a chest with several loot items. Heroes can only have one item of their choice. Loots usually consist of a rare creature, additional room, fixture, or lump sum of gold. These items are used for the construction of a player's dungeon later on. Successfully raiding and killing monsters earn XP as well. There's an excessive amount of grinding necessary to level up. It can be frustrating and feel repetitive at times since certain aspects of the game remain locked until a hero progresses.
Darkness Spells for Battle
There are only hatchets, swords, and scepters in Dungeon Empires. During turn-based combat against various foes heroes rely on their spell casting to deliver damaging blows. These skills are learned once a player reaches a certain level and pays a small fee in gold. Melee attacks like the elemental strike, cleave, whirl, lunge, and taunt can be performed without draining mana. Spells in the art of Fire, Water, Light, and Darkness require a sufficient amount of magic to execute. Master the Inferno, Flame Strike, Fire Breath, Wound Cooling, Exorcism, Life Drain, the Nasty, Fortitude, and the Dawn to destroy monsters during dungeon raids. All of the melee attacks and spells have cool animations. The Ice Cage spell freezes a target for 3 turns. The Incubation slows down an enemy's speed and causes high levels of damage. The Rainbow decreases a target's magic for each of the four elements. The Ice Shield delays attacker's next action and absorbs fire spells.
In the Dungeon Editor heroes create their own chamber of horrors to stump other players. Rooms, shards, monsters, and fixtures are the four major components for constructing an appropriate lair. The editor's easy to use interface allows users to simply click and drag items or a particular room addition into any area they desire. The only stipulation is that each cubbyhole must be connected through a corridor. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this feature. Players can build elaborate massive dungeons with a variety of traps and dangerous beasts. A special feature prompts a preview window where users can view changes before committing to them. There are dozens of detailed room styles to choose from. Add small stone tiles, rugged stone floors, worn tiles, mine, mossy mine, Austere, cave, natural cavern, sandstone, limestone, crystal, Ancient crypt, or gloomy catacombs to customize your dungeon. Strategically place monsters and winding pathways to challenge trespassers.
Much like Age of Empires players have to carefully plan each move. Shards are magical elements that increase particular creature's strengths. Each room can have a particular shard embedded. Fixtures include the standard torture table or alchemy shelf. This building feature is nicely implemented. There are some issues with obtaining these cool dungeon items. Tedious grinding or raiding does assist in accumulating creatures, rooms, and a few random fixtures but it takes a long time. Shards are extremely rare and hard to find in loot chests making heroes somewhat restricted in what they can do. The dungeon creating process is stagnated until a player is able to raid enough supplies or can afford to purchase the necessary items in the Premium Shop.
The Premium Shop is expensive. Every item requires a set amount of Dragon Ore. Dragon Ore must be purchased with real money. Players with this precious form of currency can really have fun in this game. Heroes without Dragon Ore have to do some serious goblin slaying. It's almost worth it. In the shop there's a wide selection of powerful dungeon monsters like the Icy Gargoyle, Fiery Mercenary, Glowing Wasp, Stone Golem, Icy Succubus, Cerberus, or Dark Skeleton Mage. Various mercenaries can be bought to assist in raids including a strong melee fighter, mage, and healer. A Megalith, Bone Mobile, Bitter Boletes, Ogling Shrub, Contorted Thorn, Armor stand, Pole arms, Darkness Shard, Fire Shard, Light Shard, Water Shard, Knight's Hall, Ducal Dining Room, and Gun Chamber can also be purchased. The character customization options are limited. All of the heroes resemble each other. A small selection of items like the Flaming Great Sword or Scepter of Inspiration, Boots of the Thief, Plate Armor of Devastation, Robe of Mercy, Ring of Disintegration, and Headdress of Mercy can be used to boost a player's attributes. The Merchant only sells a handful of health and mana potions so if gamers want more they have to venture into the Premium Shop.
Final Verdict: Fair
Dungeon Empires has a great concept but it falls short in comparison to other next generation free-to-play browser games. Although the graphics are impressive the gameplay could be a lot better. The endless dungeon raiding gets old after awhile. There is an option for players as they advance to raid with friends and conduct monster training.
The best feature in the game is the easy to use Dungeon Editor. The downside is that it's useless without the rooms, magical shards, and fixtures that take forever to acquire. Comparable to Sherwood Dungeon or Age of Empires in some ways this game definitely stands apart from the rest. Any gamers that enjoy fantasy and dungeon building might want to check it out.

subset: commoncrawl


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stevo. wrote:Does anyone know if these solar deals include batteries? I get the impression that there's no batteries? So then you are just creating power during the day and then are using the grid when there's no sun (night).
Thats right,
Down here the rates of supply go up if you are supplying to the grid.
Blurry Ar33holes.
Screw the common person.


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Sights & Attractions in The Cyclades
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The Cyclades Sights
Browse Sights
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(130 out of 130 results)
Fodor's Choice
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Mykonos and Delos 43
Paros and Antiparos 28
Naxos 27
Santorini 16
Tinos 15
Folegandros 1
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Archaeological Site/ Ruins 15
Arts/ Performance Venue 1
Beach–Sight 51
Building/ Architectural Site 1
Castle/ Palace/ Chateau 2
Cave 2
Historic District/ Site 1
House/ Mansion/ Villa 1
Island 1
Mine 1
Mountain–Sight 1
Museum/ Gallery 23
Nature Preserve/ Wildlife Refuge 1
Neighborhood/ Street 3
Plaza/ Square/ Piazza 1
Religious Building/ Site/ Shrine 17
Tour–Sight 1
Town/ Village 1
Volcano 1
Windmill 1
Winery/ Brewery/ Distillery 5
The Cyclades Sights
Showing 130 out of 130 ResultsFilter Results
Showing of Results
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Mando Mavrogenous Square
- Plaza/Square/Piazza
Start a tour of Mykonos town (Hora) on the main square, Mando Mavrogenous Square (sometimes called Taxi Square). Pride of place goes...
- Neighborhood/Street
The main shopping street, Matoyanni, is lined with jewelry stores, clothing boutiques, chic cafés, and candy shops. Owing to the many...
Public Art Gallery of Mykonos
- Museum/Gallery
Located on Mando Mavrogenous Square, the Public Art Gallery of Mykonos changes exhbitions every ten days giving Greek artitists and international...
Aegean Maritime Museum
- Museum/Gallery
The charming Aegean Maritime Museum contains a collection of model ships, navigational instruments, old maps, prints, coins, and nautical...
Lena's House
- House/Mansion/Villa
Take a peek into Lena's House, an annex of the local Folk Museum, and experience an accurate restoration of a middle-class Mykonos house...
Mykonos Agricultural Museum
- Museum/Gallery
This museum displays a 16th-century windmill, traditional outdoor oven, waterwheel, dovecote, and more. ...
Folk Museum
- Museum/Gallery
Housed in an 18th-century house originally built for Captain Nikolaos Malouchos, this museum exhibits a bedroom furnished and decorated...
Church of Paraportiani
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
Mykonians claim that exactly 365 churches and chapels dot their landscape, one for each day of the year. The most famous of these is...
Little Venice
- Neighborhood/Street
Many of the early ship's captains built distinguished houses directly on the sea here, with wooden balconies overlooking the water. Today...
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Mykonos
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
This cathedral is dedicated to Virgin Mary the Great (as locals know it by) and is noted for its number of old icons of the post-Byzantine...
Roman Catholic Cathedral
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
Next to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral is the Roman Catholic Cathedral, the Virgin of St. Rosary, from the Venetian period. The name and...
Mykonos Windmills
- Windmill
Across the water from Little Venice, set on a high hill, are the famous Mykonos windmills, echoes of a time when wind power was used...
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
- Museum/Gallery
Before setting out on the mandatory boat excursion to the isle of Delos, check out the Archaeological Museum, set at the northern edge...
Monastery of the Panayia Tourliani
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
Monastery buffs should head to Ano Mera, a village in the central part of the island, where the Monastery of the Panayia Tourliani, founded...
Delos Archaeological Site
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
This tiny, sacred place—the fabled birthplace of Apollo—is a testament to Greece's glorious ancient civilization, home to one of...
Panayia Evangelistria
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
The Tinians, hardly unaware of the icon's potential, immediately built the splendid Panayia Evangelistria, or Church of the Annunciate...
Archaeological Museum of Tinos
- Museum/Gallery
On the main street, near the church, is the small Archaeological Museum; its collection includes a sundial by Andronicus of Cyrrhus,...
Cultural Foundation of Tinos
- Museum/Gallery
Founded in 2002, the Cultural Foundation of Tinos, housed in a large and splendid neoclassic building at the south end of the quay, remains...
Stavros Beach
- Beach–Sight
Within walking distance of Tinos town, this beach is a peaceful little corner of Tinos. One or two tavernas are nearby but Stavros beach...
Ayios Ioannis Porto Beach
- Beach–Sight
Since it's secluded from the summer's temperamental gusty island winds, the sands that fill up the pretty curved beach of Ayios Ioannis...
Pachia Ammos Beach
- Beach–Sight
Secluded in a cove east of Tinos town, Pachia Ammos is named for its thick sand, which has a unique green hue that complements the surrounding...
Sanctuary of Poseidon
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
The reason to come to this small community outside Tinos town is to visit the large, untended Sanctuary of Poseidon, also dedicated to...
Museum Iannoulis Chalepas
- Museum/Gallery
The marble-working tradition of Tinos survives here from the 19th century and is going strong, as seen in the two adjacent museums Museum...
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
Although the capital town is primarily beloved for its Venetian elegance and picturesque blind alleys, Naxos's most famous landmark is...
Old Town
- Neighborhood/Street
A bewildering maze of twisting cobblestone streets, arched porticoes, and towering doorways, the Old Town plunges you alternatively into...
- Castle/Palace/Chateau
You won't miss the gates of the castle. The south gate is called the Paraporti (side gate), but it's more interesting to enter through...
Domus Venetian Museum
- Museum/Gallery
Located in the 800-year-old Dellarocca-Barozzi house, the Domus Venetian Museum lets you, at last, into one of the historic Venetian...
Naxos Folklore Museum
- Museum/Gallery
This little museum shows costumes, ceramics, farming implements, and other items from Naxos's far-flung villages giving you insight into...
Catholic Cathedral of Naxos
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
Built by Sanudo in the 13th century, this grand cathedral was restored by Catholic families in the 16th and 17th centuries. The marble...
Naxos Archaeological Museum
- Museum/Gallery
Today the historic convent and school of the Ursulines houses the Naxos Archaeological Museum, best known for its Cycladic and Mycenaean...
Greek Orthodox Cathedral
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
The Greek Orthodox cathedral was built in 1789 on the site of a church called Zoodochos Pigis (Life-giving Source). The cathedral was...
Metropolis Site Museum
- Museum/Gallery
Built in the square in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral is a small museum that showcases the history of Naxos beginning with the Mycenean...
Ayios Georgios Beach
- Beach–Sight
Essentially an extension of Naxos town, the easily accesible Ayios Georgios beach is a popular, developed destination that sees its throng...
Ayios Prokopios Beach
- Beach–Sight
This is one of the most popular beaches on the island due to its close proximity to Naxos town and its long stretch of pure, fine, white...
Ayia Anna Beach
- Beach–Sight
Located south of Naxos town, Ayia Anna is a sandy smooth extension of Ayios Prokopios beach. A small port, with connections to Paros,...
Plaka Beach
- Beach–Sight
South of town, Plaka beach is a natural extension of Ayia Anna beach. It's a gorgeous two and half mile stretch of sand filled with sand...
Mikri Vigla Beach
- Beach–Sight
Mikri Vigla's pure white sand is beautifully offset by a rocky hill, turquoise waters, and large, gentle sand dunes. The beach itself...
Kastraki Beach
- Beach–Sight
Although close to the popular beach destinations, Kastraki beach has kept its tranquil, quiet, and low-key status in place. The sandy...
Pyrgaki Beach
- Beach–Sight
One of the island's quietest beaches is a stunning, wide cove of fine sand bordered by green cedar trees. Its name comes from a nearby...
Bellonia Tower
- Castle/Palace/Chateau
The graceful Bellonia Tower (Pirgos Bellonia) belonged to the area's ruling Venetian family, and like other fortified houses, it was...
"Double Church" of St. John
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
The unusual 13th-century "double church" of St. John exemplifies Venetian tolerance. On the left side is the Catholic chapel, on the...
Ayios Mamas
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
St. Mamas is the protector of shepherds and is regarded as a patron saint in Naxos, Cyprus, and Asia Minor. Built in the 8th century,...
Timios Stavros Monastery
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
The name Sangri is a corruption of Sainte Croix, which is what the French called the town's 16th-century monastery of Timios Stavros.
Kastro Apilarou
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
Above the village of Sangri, you can make out the ruins of Kastro Apilarou, which is the castle the Italian conquerer, Marco Sanudo,...
Temple of Demeter
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
The Temple of Demeter, a marble Archaic temple circa 530 BC, was lovingly restored by German archaeologists during the 1990s. Demeter...
Panayia Protothrone
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
You are now entering the heart of the lush Tragaia valley, where in spring the air is heavily scented with honeysuckle, roses, and lemon...
Frangopoulos Tower
- Building/Architectural Site
Chalki itself is a pretty town, known for its neoclassic houses in shades of pink, yellow, and gray, which are oddly juxtaposed with...
Panayia Drosiani
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
Just below Moni is one of the Balkans' most important churches, Panayia Drosiani, which has faint, rare Byzantine frescoes from the 7th...
Archaeological Museum
- Museum/Gallery
A very small Archaeological Museum, established by a local mathematician, Michael Bardanis, displays Cycladic finds, including statues...
Panayia Ekatontapyliani
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
The square above the port, to the northwest, was built to celebrate the church's 1,700th anniversary. From there note a white wall with...
Archaeological Museum of Paros
- Museum/Gallery
The Archaeological Museum contains a large chunk of the famed Parian chronicle, which recorded cultural events in Greece from about 1500...
Scorpios Museum
- Museum/Gallery
The Scorpios Museum is set next to a garden full of large models of traditional Parian windmills, dovecotes, churches, and other such...
Monastery of Longovarda
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
Halfway from Paros town to Naousa, on the right, the 17th-century Monastery of Longovarda shines on its mountainside. The monastic community...
- Beach–Sight
A boat from Naousa regularly heads to Lageri, a long beach known for its fine sand, sand dunes, and calm, quiet atmosphere. Those are...
Santa Maria
- Beach–Sight
Several sandy footpaths from the main road lead you to one of Paros's most popular family-friendly beaches; the boat that travels to...
- Beach–Sight
The beach, which is noted for its anfractuous rock formations, is also considered to be one of Paros's best, attracting its share of...
Ayios Ioannis
- Beach–Sight
Served by the Kolimbithres boat, Ayios Ioannis' golden, sandy beach is peaceful, clean, and quiet. Protected by a rocky cove, the beach...
Three Caverns
- Mine
Marked by a sign, three caverns are bored into the hillside, the largest of them 300 feet deep. Here is where the world-famed Parian...
Piso Livadi Beach
- Beach–Sight
Piso Livadi beach is one of the most popular beaches on Paros's southeastern coast. There are trees offering natural shade but lounge...
Pounta Beach
- Beach–Sight
Pounta is Paros's party beach. A packed schedule of beach party events kicks off in the summer and continues daily. Mainstream pop music...
Petaloudes Park
- Nature Preserve/Wildlife Refuge
The Jersey tiger moth returns year after year to mate in Petaloudes (Butterflies Valley), a lush oasis of greenery in the middle of this...
Christos sto Dasos
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
A 15-minute walk or 2-minute drive back toward Paros town from the Valley of the Butterflies leads to the convent known as Christos sto...
Panayia Ypapantis
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
The modern Greek Orthodox cathedral is a major landmark; many business in Fira list their addresses simply as "near the cathedral." You'll...
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
- Museum/Gallery
This is the treasure house that displays frescoes and other artifacts from the famed excavations at Akrotiri. Many of the finds have...
Archaeological Museum
- Museum/Gallery
This dusty collection of bits and pieces from island's millenia of history includes pottery, statues, and grave artifacts found mosty...
Nea Kameni
- Volcano
To peer into a live, sometimes smoldering volcano, join one of the popular excursions to Nea Kameni, the larger of the two Burnt isles.
Naval Maritime Museum of Thera
- Museum/Gallery
In an old neoclassical mansion, once destroyed in the big earthquake, the museum has an enticing collection. Pieces include ships' figureheads...
- Beach–Sight
The closest sand beach to Ia is handy when you don't feel like making trip to more famous beaches on the south end of the island. It's...
Monastery of Profitis Ilias
- Religious Building/Site/Shrine
Standing on the highest point on Santorini, which spans to 1,856 feet at the summit, Santorini's largest monastery offers a Cineramic...
Ancient Akrotiri
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
If Santorini is known as the "Greek Pompeii" and is claimant to the title of the lost Atlantis, it is because of the archaeological site...
Red Beach
- Beach–Sight
A backdrop of red and black volcanic cliffs adds no small amount of drama to this strand of multicolored pebbles and red-hued sand, and...
Ancient Thira
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
A Dorian city—with 9th-century BC tombs, an engraved phallus, Hellenistic houses, and traces of Byzantine fortifications and churches—floats...
Folklore Museum
- Museum/Gallery
Exhibits reconstruct traditional farming life. The adjacent church of Agios Panteliemon celebrates the feast day of Saint Panteliemon...
Nomikos Conference Center
- Arts/Performance Venue
Upper Fira's new exhibition hall, named for the famous ship owner, hosts many international conferences as well as concerts. Its permanent...
Koutsoyanopoulos Winery
- Winery/Brewery/Distillery
Founded in 1870, the Koutsoyanopoulos winery offers a tour of its old facility, now a multiroom museum that is picturesque, authentic,...
Museum of Marble Crafts
- Museum/Gallery
In the highest building on Pirgos hill, the Museum of Marble Crafts is part of the Piraeus Bank Cultural Foundation's network of hi-tech...
Folklore Museum
- Museum/Gallery
Naousa's small Folklore Museum, 150 yards from the main town square, is in a traditional house donated by Kanstantinos and Marouso Roussos.
Vallindras Distillery
- Winery/Brewery/Distillery
In the back of their quaint neoclassical house, the Vallindras family has supplied Naxos and Greece with citron liquor from their distillery...
Camping Beach
- Beach–Sight
This long, quiet sandy stretch of beach is located off a small path leading from the Antiparos Camping site and just north of Antiparos...
Psaraliki Beach
- Beach–Sight
Within walking distance of Antiparos town, this beach has two parts, referred to by locals as Psaraliki one and Psaraliki two. Yellow,...
Sunset Beach
- Beach–Sight
As its name implies, this is where Antiparians head to watch their island's fantastic sunsets. Clear water and golden sand are guaranteed...
Ayios Giorgios Beach
- Beach–Sight
Head 11 km (7 miles) south of Antiparos town to the calm, southeastern beaches of Ayios Georgios. This series of small, fine sand coves...
Cave of Antiparos
- Cave
In the 19th century the most famous sight in the Aegean was the Cave of Antiparos, and it still draws many visitors every year. Greece's...
Krios Beach
- Beach–Sight
Close to Paroikia, this sandy beach is a popular summer destination. Cliffs jut into the sand line, parting the coastline and providing...
Marcello Beach
- Beach–Sight
Marcello's famously cool waters attract Parians on the hottest summer days. You can spend the entire day eating, drinking, swimming,...
Livadia Beach
- Beach–Sight
Considered the closest authentic Parian beach near Paroika, Livadia is the first wide bay north of the harbor that's comprised of a series...
Ayios Sostis Beach
- Beach–Sight
Known for its shallow turquoise waters and excellent, clear view of Mykonos, the yellow sand-filled Ayios Sostis beach is said to be...
Rohari Beach
- Beach–Sight
Located in the next cove southeast from Panormos beach, Rohari remains just as popular in the summer as a favorite northern beach destination...
Panormos Beach
- Beach–Sight
The sandy beach affronts the lovely fishing village of Panormos, which at one point was the island's main harbor. Located north of Tinos...
Isternia Beach
- Beach–Sight
The beach, located right at the foot of the little fishing village of Isternia bay, is actually two beaches. There's one pebbled area...
Kionia Beach
- Beach–Sight
Just 3 km (2 miles) west of Tinos town, Kiona beach remains one of the island's most visited beaches. It's a combination of both pebbles...
Ayios Fokas Beach
- Beach–Sight
This long sandy beach is the closest organized beach to Tinos town and it's also the island's largest beach overall. The coastline is...
Ayios Stefanos Beach
- Beach–Sight
Like many beaches in Greece, Ayios Stefanos takes its name from the little chapel built on it. Just north of Mykonos town, this sandy...
Ayios Ioannis Beach
- Beach–Sight
One of the best places in Mykonos to catch the sunset is the pebble and sand beach of Ayios Ioannis. Divided into two sections by large...
Psarou Beach
- Beach–Sight
With shiny yachts parked in its clear, pretty waters, sandy Psarou attracts vacationing international VIPs, Greek TV stars and singers,...
Platis Gialos Beach
- Beach–Sight
Spacious, sandy, and pleasant, Platis Gialos is a calm southern beach getaway that's protected from the island's strong summer winds.
Paraga Beach
Small and stunning, and surrounded by a picturesque rocky coastline that juts out against a sparkling turquoise bay, Paraga beach is...
Paradise Beach
- Beach–Sight
Famous the world over for its party scene, young, fun, international crowds hop straight to Paradise beach. There's music, dancing, clubbing...
Super Paradise Beach
- Beach–Sight
Young and wild, gay and straight: All crowds head to Super Paradise to let loose. The stunning sandy beach is one plus, but the beach...
Agrari Beach
- Beach–Sight
Agrari is a low-key beach with yellow pebble sand flanked by a low hill of small whitewashed buildings to the left and a rocky island...
Elia Beach
- Beach–Sight
Long, tranquil, and beautiful, Elia is a popular option for those who seek beach relaxation. Attracting a predominantly gay crowd, this...
Kalo Livadi Beach
- Beach–Sight
Mykonos's characteristic rocky hills surround Kalo Livadi's long sandy beach, which is situated at the edge of an island valley for...
Ayia Anna Beach
- Beach–Sight
Somewhat hidden in the shadow of Kalafatis beach, Ayia Anna is a low-key beach, named after a little whitewashed chapel built nearby.
Kalafatis Beach
- Beach–Sight
This long stretch of picturesque beach with a line of shady trees is known for the water sports and windsurfing crowds it attracts. The...
Lia Beach
By Mykonos standards, Lia beach is considered tranquil and quiet, perhaps because it's one of the farthest organized beaches from Mykonos...
Ayios Sostis Beach
- Beach–Sight
All you'll find at Ayios Sostis is turquoise waters lapping against the sand and small pebble coast. Without natural shade, or any...
Panormos Beach
- Beach–Sight
A fine golden sand beach with turquoise waters, Panormos caters to all kinds of beachgoers. Nudists head to the far right for peace and...
Ftelia Beach
- Beach–Sight
Ftelia is famous for its winds, which attract windsurfers who love to test out the turquoise waters. The beach's smooth sand is free...
Venetian Kastro
- Historic District/Site
Close to the port you'll find yourself walking into the pedestrian paths of Antiparos town, lined with whitewashed shops, restaurants,...
Logaras Beach
- Beach–Sight
Just around the bend from Piso Livadi is a long stretch of yellow sand called Logaras beach. A few tavernas are nearby and in the distance...
Ornos Beach
- Beach–Sight
A community has grown around this beach, which is now considered one of the most family-friendly on the island. It's pretty and sandy...
Agora of the Competialists
The first monument you'll see, from the left from the harbor, is the Agora of the Competialists (circa 150 BC). The competialists were...
The Sacred Way
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
East of the Agora of the Competialists you'll find the entrance to the Sacred Way, which leads north to the temple of Apollo. The Way...
Sanctuary of Apollo
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
Beyond the Sacred Way is one of the most important sites on the island, the Sanctuary of Apollo. Three separate temples originally stood...
Sanctuary of the Bulls
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
Southeast of the Sanctuary of Apollo is the ruins of the Sanctuary of the Bulls, an extremely long and narrow structure built, it is...
The Sacred Lake
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
A short distance north of the Sanctuary of the Bulls is an oval indentation in the earth where the Sacred Lake once sparkled. It is surrounded...
Avenue of the Lions
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
One of the most evocative and recognizable sights of Delos is the 164-foot-long Avenue of the Lions. The five marble beasts, which were...
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
Northeast of the palaestras is the Gymnasium, a square courtyard nearly 131 feet long on each side. "Gym" means naked in Greek, and here...
Archaeological Museum of Delos
- Museum/Gallery
This museum is on the road south of the Gymnasium. It contains most of the antiquities found during excavations on the island: monumental...
Sanctuary of Dionysus
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
Immediately to the right of the Archaeological Museum is the small Sanctuary of Dionysus, which was erected about 300 BC. Outside the...
Ancient Theater and Residential Quarter
Beyond the path that leads to the southern part of the island is this ancient theater, built in the early 3rd century BC. It once sat...
Mt. Kythnos
- Archaeological Site/Ruins
A dirt path leads up the base of Mt. Kynthos, which is the highest point on the island. Here lie the remains of many Middle Eastern shrines...
Kaminia Beach
- Beach–Sight
Sandy, long, and unorganized, Kaminia sits to the north of Paroikia bay. Beachgoers seeking more solitude can head here, even though...
Parasporos Beach
- Beach–Sight
This large sandy beach is surrounded by a few shady trees, but umbrellas (and chairs) are available for rent in the summer season. The...
Delfini/Souvlia Beach
- Beach–Sight
This small beach is known for its pretty water and "chill" atmosphere. It's also known around the island for Magaya, a colorful...
Golden Beach
- Beach–Sight
Golden beach (or Chrysi Akti in Greek) is a series of tree-fringed sandy beaches that are well-organized and in close proximity to an...
Gavalas Winery
- Winery/Brewery/Distillery
This winery has been exporting its distinguished produce since the days when mules carted wine-filled goatskins to the port in Fira.
Boutari Winery
- Winery/Brewery/Distillery
The island's first winery open to the public puts on a big show, with a bright, view-filled tasting room surrounded by vineyards and...
Kamari Beach
Santorini's most popular beach, one of several excellent stretches of sand on the southern end of the island, manages to maintain its...
Santorini Wine Tours
- Tour–Sight
Vaios Panagiotoulas, a professional somelier, is your guide on an informative and fun tour of some of the island's leading wineries.


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In Violet, Sutton Foster and Joshua Henry star as a physically scarred white woman and a young black solider whose unlikely friendship shakes up a town nestled in deep south in 1964. Check out Broadway.com's clips from the Encores! staging.
Fiasco Theater is making a New York debut with their acclaimed staging of the Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine fairy tale musical Into the Woods at the Laura Pels Theatre.January 23, 2015
On this week's episode of The Broadway.com Show, we've got news about the Beauty and the Beast movie musical, added Hedwig material for Darren Criss and Bruce Willis' new Broadway gig.March 11, 2015
Ronald Keaton on becoming the man who coined the term "The Iron Curtain" in Churchill.February 19, 2015
Christopher Sieber answers your questions about working on his knees in Shrek, working in the same theater as Spamalot and his dance-filled pre-show ritual in Matilda.February 27, 2015
Scenes from the well-loved musical, now playing at the Minskoff Theatre.March 18, 2010
Chantel Riley has dreamed of playing Nala since she first saw The Lion King movie. Now, she embraces her Broadway transformation into the "strong and powerful" lioness. See the history behind her makeup and how the role helped her grow.November 9, 2012
The Broadway cast performs the title song of "Mamma Mia!"January 26, 2010
Tony nominee Ramin Karimloo returns to Show People to discuss his onstage life, backstage life, workout life and more.November 21, 2014
Emma Stone is the newest member of the Kit Kat Klub! Get a first look at the screen star making her Broadway debut in Cabaret, then see her live at Studio 54.December 9, 2014
The stars and creators of the national tour Kinky Boots want to raise everybody up with their story, songs and fancy footwork! Get to know the fabulous folks behind this Tony-winning, one-of-a-kind musical, which hits the road on September 6.August 27, 2014
The "gender-flex" star of Hedwig and the Angry Inch talks about her hard-rock image, her uncool other side and her long Broadway journey to Tony glory.September 26, 2014
The nekkid guys come back to the New York stage.April 5, 2012


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From a lazy Sunday to a night out on the town, nothing is more versatile than your favorite jeans. Accordingly, they are probably the most-worn item in your wardrobe. If they're going to spend that much time hugging your thighs in all the right spots, shouldn't you make sure that hug doesn't involve a chemical […][Read More]
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News/Special Offers
About ECM
Peter-Anthony Togni
Lamentatio Jeremiae Prophetae
Jeff Reilly
bass clarinet
Elmer Iseler Singers
Rebecca Whelan
Lydia Adams
Lamentatio Jeremiae Prophetae
Concerto for bass clarinet and choir on texts from The Book of Lamentations
Quomodo Sedet Sola Civitas
How doth the city sit solitary
Quomodo Dominus Filiam Sion Obtexit
How hath the lord covered with obscurity the daughter of zion
Quomodo Obscuratum Est Aurum
How is the gold become dim
Recordare, Domine
Remember, o Lord
Recorded October 2008
ECM New Series 2129
Order CD
Contemporary music that bridges sacred vocal composition and expressive improvisational gestures: Lamentatio Jeremiae Prophetae by Canadian composer Peter-Anthony Togni (born 1959) is a 55-minute setting of The Old Testament prophets lamentations for solo bass clarinet, mixed choir a cappella and solo soprano. The piece was commissioned from the Canada Council for the Arts as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations and was given its premiere by the performers heard on this CD in 2007. Tognis idea originated in a request from bass clarinet player Jeff Reilly for a concerto in which dramatic narrative events would be enacted through the soloists improvisations. In fact, the piece which, according to the composer, is a direct expression of my Roman Catholic faith conveys the story of Jeremiahs prophesies of the impending destruction of Jerusalem from the hands of the Babylonians with the choir providing the crowd scenes and the bass clarinet as the voice of Jeremiah.
Peter-Anthony Togni studied organ and composition in his native Canada and at the Schola Catorum in Paris. He is a co-founder of the group Sanctuary, an improvisation-based trio of bass clarinet, organ and cello and has received numerous commissions in various genres. Bass clarinet virtuoso Jeff Reilly has considerably expanded the technical range of his instrument; he has played, among others, with musicians such as Jerry Granelli and the duo of bassist Barry Guy and violinist Maya Homburger.


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|Results 1 - 1 of 1
1. CMB 1998 (vol 41 pp. 497)
|On the construction of Hölder and Proximal Subderivatives
We construct Lipschitz functions such that for all $s>0$ they are $s$-H\"older, and so proximally, subdifferentiable only on dyadic rationals and nowhere else. As applications we construct Lipschitz functions with prescribed H\"older and approximate subderivatives.
Keywords:Lipschitz functions, Hölder subdifferential, proximal subdifferential, approximate subdifferential, symmetric subdifferential, Hölder smooth, dyadic rationals
Categories:49J52, 26A16, 26A24


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|Remember Jorge De La Rosa's critics? Good luck finding them now.
Why bring up Ramirez? When he showed up to spring training out of shape in 2008, Dan O'Dowd shipped him to the Kansas City Royals in a controversial move for the defending National League Champions. Ramirez had shown promise, despite a large ERA, many Rockies fans thought that '08 would be his year.
Suddenly, he was gone, traded for a player to be named later. A month later, the Royals sent the Rockies back that player. His name was Jorge De La Rosa. The move was heavily criticized. De La Rosa was a highly-talented left-handed starter. He threw in the mid-90's and possessed a slider that was as good as anyone in the league. However, he wore his emotions on his sleeve. When something bad happened, instead of minimizing the damage, he would let the inning spiral out of control.
Originally signed by the Milwaukee Brewers, they had given up on him after two seasons. He then spent two years in Kansas City, struggling with the same issues. The complaint from the critics was that if he struggled to control his emotions in Milwaukee and Kansas City, how could he possibly handle the rigors of pitching at Coors Field?
Many of those issues came to the surface with the Rockies in 2008, but in 2009, the lefty turned the corner. Often forgotten about is how De La Rosa was the leader of a pitching staff that lead the Rockies back to the playoffs after a difficult 2008 season. He won 16 games, and could have had 17, but a groin injury in his final start, the day after the Rockies clinched a playoff spot, eliminated him from that game, as well as the playoffs.
Suddenly De La Rosa was a serious force in the Rockies rotation. He was getting better and better, only to live a pitcher's nightmare in May of 2011, when he popped the UCL in his elbow and needed Tommy John surgery. After a long recovery process, the critics came back in full force. Many were certain he would never regain his composure.
All De La Rosa has done since returning is prove his doubters wrong. His fastball doesn't have the speed that it once had, but his slider still has an incredible bite, and his change up ducks under the bats of opposing hitters. He hasn't just pitched like the ace of the Rockies, he has pitched like an All-Star. Without the impact of De La Rosa, one can only imagine how bad the season would be for this Rockies team.
On Wednesday, the lefty added another game to his growing stockpile of great games. He pitched seven innings, giving up two runs on eight hits. He walked only one, and struck out six. He was helped by an odd double play in the 6th inning in which Yorvit Torrealba was able to chase Jedd Gyorko back to third base, tagging him out, then reacting quickly as Jesus Guzman attempted to reach third base. Torrealba tagged Gyorko, then slid to block third base and tagged out Guzman. The play was as weird as it gets on a baseball field.
The Rockies got another strong performance from rookie Corey Dickerson on the offensive side. He went 3-for-4 with another triple and two doubles. His impressive debut, especially in his second stint with the Rockies, has given him the upper hand in his attempt to earn a spot on the big league roster in 2014.
With Dickerson providing much of the offense, De La Rosa made it easy for the Rockies to pick up the win. It has become expected that De La Rosa will take the pressure off of the offense. If the team can score more than a couple of runs, it seems to always be enough for the Rockies ace.
The way De La Rosa, Jhoulys Chacin and Tyler Chatwood have pitched, there really is no reason the Rockies shouldn't be in a better spot in the standings.
Many Rockies fans might remember Ramon Ramirez, but they certainly don't think about him every fifth day when the guy they got for him takes the mound and dominates the opponent.
Follow me on Twitter @RockiesReview. Like me on Facebook, search "Rockies Review"


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Hi: 9° Lo:5°
By Dan Santy Thursday 03 January 2013 Updated: 03/01 09:07
PUT four women together and, statistically, one of them will be a victim of domestic abuse at some point in their lives.
It is a shocking and little known statistic, and it is one which highlights the hidden problem of the behind closed doors violence 9,000 Warwickshire residents - most of them women - are thought to be put through each year.
And it is thought to be getting worse. While awareness of domestic abuse increases - and the taboo of discussing it diminshes - pressures brought on by the economic slump mean more innocent women are ending up as the target.
With Christmas and New Year marking the time when such incidents spike, Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse has launched a drive to make people aware of the problem and let sufferers know help is out there.
Backing the campaign is Rugby woman Jill and her friend Leslie (names changed). Two years ago Jill survived a horrific assault at the hands of her abusive ex-partner, only managing to stop the attack by calling 999 on the phone in her pocket.
Now free of the cycle of abuse and rebuilding her life - she is studying to be a health visitor specialising in domestic abuse - Jill has told her story to help others trapped by domestic violence.
Jill met her partner in 2001, having two children with him. The abuse started quickly, she says, with controlling behaviour and negative comments which dented her self-esteem.
"They were just not very nice comments, things like saying I looked fat if we were going out. It was all very subtle," she said.
As with many other cases, the violence came when her partner had been drinking. Jill recounts being held up against a wall by her throat and thrown outside on such an occasion.
"I chucked him out after that, but he managed to work his way back in. He was clever and manipulative."
Her friends bore witness to his controlling behaviour, but they did not have the full picture and remained in the dark for a long time about what Jill was enduring behind closed doors.
Close friend Leslie remembers a gathering at her house when, fuelled by drink, Jill's partner became aggressive towards the rest of the group - especially when Leslie argued back.
But it was not enough to make her realise her friend was a victim of domestic abuse.
"I only knew what Jill told me, and it didn't cross my mind it was domestic abuse," she said.
"Looking back I wonder if I should have said something more as her friend, but you can't make somebody do something and I didn't know what it was really like for her."
Even Jill was not fully aware of her situation until a training course at work saw her recognise all the signs of an abusive relationship.
"I didn't understand it was abusive until then. It was like a lightbulb being turned on, and I thought I've got to get out of this."
But in 2010 it came to a head when Jill's partner called while drunk to tell her he was locked out of home.
When she let him in was the moment she was attacked and badly beaten in a brutal assault lasting nearly an hour.
Fortunately her phone call had raised the alarm, and the police arrived and arrested her partner, leading to him being convicted of grievous bodily harm and sentenced to four years in prison.
Jill was free, but her world as she knew it had been turned upside down and it only marked the start of her attempt to rebuild her life.
With the help of those close to her and support workers she has done so, putting her in a position to be philosophical about abusive relationships and just how hard it is for women to get out of them.
"I was scared to leave - I didn't know what it would be like. But now I am out of it I know nothing will ever be as bad as it was then.
"I'm a single mum, it's hard but I no longer live in fear, having to walk around on eggshells and worry about upsetting him.
"It sounds stupid, but one of the defining moments for me was going shopping and being able to buy what I wanted. It was a massive release for me."
*HELP is at hand for victims of domestic abuse.
With families spending more time together at Christmas and New Year, tensions can rise and reports of domestic violence increase as a result.
It has prompted Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse to remind victims help is out there if they can find the courage to speak out.
It is estimated there are at least 9,000 cases of domestic abuse in Warwickshire each year.
On average, victims live with 35 assaults over seven years before reporting it to the police. Sufferers are more likely to tell friends or family before anyone else.
Warwickshire's domestic abuse manager, Sue Ingram, said: "Domestic abuse can start with small changes in behaviour. It is all about control and can take many forms - physical, psychological and sexual.
"Sufferers' behaviour often changes as they become quieter, more introverted and less confident.
"I would urge people to open their eyes to domestic abuse and if they are suffering silently or know someone who is, I hope they will find the courage to take steps to seek help."
Every month around 700 incidents of domestic abuse are reported to Warwickshire Police, but during December the force expected this to have risen by a third.
Det Insp Roy Wheelwright, from the county's domestic abuse unit, said: "Domestic abuse is not acceptable and we are asking the public to help us to stop it happening in our communities.
"It is now much more socially acceptable to report domestic abuse than it ever has been. At some time in their lives one out of every four women and one out of every six men will be affected by domestic abuse.
"Don't suffer in silence or stand by and let it continue - whoever you are, if you have been affected, please seek help."
Visit www.talk2someone.org.uk or call the Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse helpline on 0800 408 1552 for support and information for victims, their families or perpetrators.
Buy photos» Help is available online and over the phone for victims of domestic violence in Warwickshire. (s)
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This brilliant adventure includes most of Switzerland's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, combining well-known sites with spectacular places of great natural and cultural interest that are slightly off the beaten path. Highlights include the Convent of Saint Gall with Switzerland's oldest library, scenic "Heidiland," the Tectonic Arena Sardona, a boat trip on the scenic Walensee, and an excursion into Swiss National Park. You'll also experience a ride on the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, the incredible castle ruins of Bellinzona, pretty subtropical Lugano with its picturesque lake, Berne's Old City, the vineyard terraces at Lavaux with included wine tasting, the beautiful Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve, and so much more. At every site you will have an expert Local Guide explaining the destination's unique qualities. It's a true experience that will stay in your memories forever.
Headsets throughout the tourSightseeing: Boat ride Walensee; visits to St. Moritz, Lugano, Le Locle, Gruyére, Lucerne, Interlaken
Scenic Highlights: Heidiland, Walensee, Swiss National Park, Lake Como, Jungfraujoch
Local Guides for city sightseeing in St. Gallen, Walensee, Müstair, Mount San Giorgio, Bellinzona, Berne, Lavaux, La Chaux-de-Fonds. Professional Tour Director while touring. An information pack will be provided by the Swiss Commission for UNESCO, explaining the meaning of World Heritage, its values, and importance to humanity
Check into your Zürich hotel, then the rest of the day is free to explore this exciting city. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Travel to St. Gallen, where guided sightseeing shows off the city's main highlights and visits the baroque Convent of Saint Gall with its magnificent cathedral and rich medieval library, the oldest library in Switzerland. (B)
Pass through scenic "Heidiland" today and discover the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dramatic demonstration of mountain building through continental collision. Included boat trip on scenic Walensee. (B,D)
Today, an excursion into Swiss National Park reveals picture-perfect landscapes and pristine beauty. Then, on to the quaint border village of Müstair. Here, join an included guided tour of the Cloister of St. John, an ancient Benedictine monastery known for its exceptional collection of Carolingian art. (B)
All aboard the Bernina Express train to travel along the UNESCO World Heritage Via Albula/Bernina route through scenic alpine terrain from St. Moritz to Tirano. Then, continue by motorcoach to lovely Bellinzona, skirting the shores of stunning Lake Como. (B)
In Bellinzona, join the included sightseeing tour of the town center and Castelgrande, and peek behind its historic walls to discover the reason for these mighty fortifications. The town once represented the most important defensive line between the strategic Gotthard Pass and Lombardy. Take a stroll in lakeside Lugano, then, an included excursion to explore fascinating Monte San Giorgio, site of fine fossil records of marine life from the mid-Triassic period. Visit the Fossil Museum and enjoy time at leisure. (B)
Across the Gotthard massif and along the Lake of the Four Cantons. Stop in Lucerne for a visit including the wooden covered bridge. Continue to Berne. (B)
This morning, discover the rich history of Berne, the Swiss capital, as you stroll with a Local Guide through medieval alleys and along the Old City's characteristic covered arcades. This afternoon, travel to La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle for insight into what life was like here in the 19th century when the area blossomed as a center for watch-making. Return to Berne. (B,D)
Drive south today and visit the medieval hilltop castle of Gruyére. Continue toward Lake Leman, then relax and watch the world of the Lavaux glide by on a pleasure ride through the vineyards. Marvel at the views of the terraced vineyards, lake, and mountains beyond. Then, stop at one of the best-known wine cellars for a wine-tasting session. (B)
The Jungfrau/Aletsch region of the Swiss Alps offers spectacular landscapes and a wide range of habitats—from Mediterranean-style steppe to bare rock-top mountains, all in harmonious balance with the surrounding cultural landscape. See it all on the included ride on the Jungfraubahn to the "Top of Europe." Before returning to Berne, visit Interlaken. (B)
No region in the heart of Switzerland can match the Canton of Lucerne for natural treasures. No surprise, then, that UNESCO considers it a model region for sustainable development. This mystical world promises tranquility, inspiration, and relaxation. Pristine moorland, idyllic alpine meadows, and the majestic Schrattenfluh with its extraordinary rock formations promise memorable views and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy an included cable-car ride from Sörenberg to Rothorn, highest peak in the Canton of Lucerne, then return to Zürich. (B)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Transportation: Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in Zürich if Cosmos issues the air tickets. Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. The Bernina Express train; Jungfraubahn
Buffet breakfasts; 2 dinners
The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on the Swiss UNESCO World Heritage:


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Eating Beijing Food
I had a great time in Beijing this time and here are a small subset of the scrumptious food I had while I was there.
I went back to Paper again (this time to my disappointment as the set dinner was almost the same with only a few new dishes and the portion had gotten smaller), sampled some fantastic regional cuisines such as Sichuan, Guizhou (贵州菜) and Dalian (大连菜)…
The highlight of the trip was a very fancy dinner at Green Tea House (紫云轩). Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to capture any pictures there. All I can say is WOW as I was floored by the decor and ambiance, plus the food was actually pretty good despite a fusion (I don't even like fusion food) menu. The presentation and the plating of the food were a real-eye opener–think a plate of jiaozi served with a tree trunk, beer served in a giant bowl, and an unknown plant that is at least 2 feet tall–all as the centerpiece of the food ordered. It was a totally new dining experience and I would recommend you to check it out if you are in Beijing.
Green T. House
No. 6 Gongti Xi Lu Chaoyang
Beijing 100027
PR China
Tel: + 86 10 6552-8310/8311
Fax: + 86 10 6553-8750
Hours: 11:30am – 3:00 pm; 6:00pm – midnight
Feast your eyes with the food porn aboveand let me know which dish looks the best to you. I looooved the steamed turbot and wok-tossed chicken. ;)
Related Posts:
- Photoblog: Beijing – People
- Eating Beijing: Paper
- Eating Beijing: Hooked on Heat
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16 comments... read them below or add one
Hi, RM, I am SO jealous! I love going for food Holidays like these! The 'no menu' concept at Paper is really clever, I always say that if I ever opened a restaurant, there would be no menu and people would just have to eat what I cooked on the day, and that the restaurant will only be open when I felt like cooking. Oh and only 20 guests at a time! HAHA!
I love the look of the juicy egg plant at Paper and the idea of 14 really mini courses. YUMMY!!
I am so amazed at the photos you took! I'm going to try to make it to Paper when I go.
That water cooked fish looks awesome! And the clams. Mmm. Lucky you.
I always thought turbot was a big fish?
i always wondered how turbot tastes like..they serve this in unique seafood…for RM248++ a kg..which is twice as expensive as soon hock..and way above cod fish..hmmm
The dishes looks really really nice. It is because of your photography skill?
The Clam Soup looks delicious. Also, does "water cooked" just mean boiled? Poached?
I don't like fusion food either.
For the love of food – OK, you have to tell me when you open your no-menu restaurant.
Steamy – yeah, but please also go to Green T House. It was really quite an experience.
WC – I have had turbot in the US (imported from France) and it was bigger. The ones in China seems smaller, but I have had bigger ones there, this one is definitely smaller.
Joe – I love Turbot…but I love Soon Hock, too, but the last time I had Soon Hock was like 10 years ago and I forgot the taste. But steamed turbot is just soooo good.
Gazard – LOL. I have to say that some are great, and some are so-so. Hehe.
Marvin – I love clams so anything with clams are good, hehe. Water-cooked (translated literally from Chinese) is a Sichuan cooking style where they use oil to cook the fish…very spicy.
Simcooks – hehe, we are similar. I love authentic foods as they are harder and harder to find these days. At fusion / cosmo restaurants, all their menus look the same. For Green T. House, even though they serve fusion food, their ambience, decor, and presentation sorta "disguise" the fusion food as I was paying more attention to the environment than the food. The food wasn't half bad that's why I recommended it. ;)
How come Paper cut down on the portions just within a few months? :O
I only like fusion food when they "fuse" the cuisines I like, and when the resultant turns out "what I like"? Hahhaha….I also dunno wat I talking lah….eg. when I tried some chili crab pasta(pasta with lots of chili crab egg gravy) in a bistro bac in Sg, I thought it was yummy (if considered fusion?).
Though there're no pictures of Green Tea House, I like the chinese name 紫云轩 a lot! 紫云轩 sounds so therapeutic. But I would have associated it with a lavender-themed place coz of the color purple :D
Beer served in a giant bowl? Sounds like how the "chinese dynasty era" serve their 高梁酒 and 女儿红. Just that 紫云轩 use beer instead. That is called fusion too right? – the presentation? And what a name… Turbot fish is 多宝鱼!!! :D
Sorry…I was a bit long-winded again, but the food, names, and descriptions were very interesting leh, so can't help it.
great pics as usual. I *so* wanted to slurp up the clams. mmmMMMmmm…
I passionately agree with Oh For the Love of Food. I'd love to enter a restaurant and they just bring food, food, food! No decisions needed. All freshly cooked, all tasty, and lots of it. No waiting, either!
i visited beijing 7 years ago…. unfortunately, i just couldn't remember what i had before at that time :( lucky you to so much of yummy food @ beijing!
Welcome back…..waiting for more "sharing" from you.
I was looking for a satay sauce recipe and stumbled on your blog.I'm a Malaysian living in Los Angeles and writes a blog too. It brings back memories, I've been so busy I've not gone back in 20 years but will make a trip next year if nothing just to eat. I miss the food, ice kachang especially- Anne of blog socalgalopenwallet
Those dishes really very Chinese !
Multiple tastes at one go right !
restaurant in beijing with adress and telephone number, juice, dinner


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News/Special Offers
About ECM
Dino Saluzzi
Anja Lechner
El Encuentro
A film by Norbert Wiedmer & Enrique Ros
Dino Saluzzi
Anja Lechner
Tigran Mansurian
George Gruntz
Levon Eskenian
Pierre-Dominique Ponelle
Felix Saluzzi
U.T. Ghandi
Alessandra Franco
Jules Buckley
The Metropole Orchestra
Format: DVD NTSC, 16:9 (anamorph); Country Code: All; Audio: Multi-lingual original version, stereo; Subtitles: German, English, Spanish; Total Time: 52 min.
© 2011 PS Film / Biograph Film / suissimage
El Encuentro follows bandoneonist Dino Saluzzi and cellist Anja Lechner to locations in Argentina, Germany, Armenia, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Your perception of music and your way of playing music change when you travel, says Anja Lechner. The camera joins the journey and underlines the point, illuminating the processes of music making in very different contexts.
They come from backgrounds that could hardly be more diverse Saluzzi from South American tango and folk traditions and Lechner from the world of European classical music, but have worked closely together since the mid-1990s, beginning with the
(ECM 1251) alliance between Saluzzi and the Rosamunde Quartett.
El Encuentro offers insights into the life of these travelling musicians seen here in concert, in rehearsal sessions, at recording studios, and in informal settings, variously joined by a cast that includes composer Tigran Mansurian, arranger Levon Eskenian, pianist George Gruntz, and Saluzzis brother, saxophonist/clarinetist Felix Saluzzi.
The journey culminates in a concert of Saluzzis music with the Metropole Orchestra in Amsterdams Muziekgebow. A musician who has created a unique personal idiom, I compose with hopes and memories, says Dino Saluzzi, as he shapes a forward-looking personal idiom, coloured by remembrances of things past.
Watch the trailer of El Encuentro!
Further recordings by Saluzzi and Lechner are:
Ojos Negros
El Encuentro
(ECM 2155) and
Navidad de los Andes
(ECM 2204) with Felix Saluzzi.


text:
When it's time to say goodbye to dead batteries or that old can of paint, make sure you do it right.
The three keys to great garage system; easy, versatile and expandable.
While everyone agrees that recycling is the right thing to do, it can be a challenge at times. From flimsy recycling bins to roughhousing garbage collectors, and from messes to odor, everyone's got a complaint or two about managing their recycling. Fortunately, Rubbermaid's Stackable Recyclers offer the perfect solution to managing your household's recycling "depot."
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ITS FLAPS REDUCE CLUTTER & CONFUSIONFlip doors allow you to easily add recyclables to each unit, while at the same time providing cover so that you don't have to look at a mess of cans and bottles. They will also help reduce odor. "Finally," adds Murphy, "each container comes with a label. Simply use a Sharpie to identify which bin stores which recyclable," to make sorting even easier for everyone in your household. See the full lineup of Rubbermaid Recycling Bins here.
BIN BUSYYou can cut the amount of waste your home produces by vigilantly recycling. Here are more solutions for managing your recycling.
Hidden Recycler - Attaches onto a kitchen cabinet door to keep recyclables out of sight.
2-in-1 Recycler - Sort your trash and recycables with this divided container.
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love Biotone!!
Massage Warehouse offers competitive pricing and quick shipping. Highly recommend - a pleasure to do business with.
Not enough for the price. Poor quality for what you need it to do which it didn't do. Buy Versa instead.
Great for all modalities, esp. lymphatic, deep tissue and geriatric.
This is my go to cream. It had a perfect glide and doesn't leave my clients oily. It doesn't require a lot so the product lasts longer. It has never caused a rash on clients that are prone to skin irritation. The smell is so faint that it doesn't bother even the most sensitive noses. Highly recommend this product
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that MSDS be available to employees for potentially harmful substances handled in the workplace under the Hazard Communication regulation.
MSDS BIOTONE Dual Purpose Creme


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Danny Dicola, Frecks, Jamie Thomas, Let the Good Times Roll, LTGTR, Ride Channel, Riley Hawk, Tattoo, Windsor James, YouTube
Hellaclips Exclusive: Best of May 2014Hellaclips exclusive Best Of 2014 is now up featuring Windsor James, Brain Hansen, Frecks and much more. Continue reading
C1RCA House Ep. 8Mystery pro Windsor James and the rest of the Circa team hit the streets and bishop park in the latest episode of Circa House. Continue reading
C1RCA House Ep. 6In this episode of C1rca House the Circa team skate the Fireside ditch. Then head up to LA to stop by Kr3w to skate the park! Featuring Windsor James, Nick Boserio, and much more. Continue reading
Ride Or Die: Windsor JamesWindsor James can get down at any session, good or bad. Watch him handle a rough DIY spot with the Shake Junt homies on the new Ride or Die. Continue reading


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Clogged exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passages in the intake manifold can become clogged resulting in a rough running engine, poor fuel economy, or lack of power. The intake manifold will need to be removed and cleaned to correct this concern.
Car problem reports
Problem with your car? See what our experts say or submit your own.
Newest reported 1990 Nissan Stanza problems
Clogged EGR passage
4 Reports


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Lie Down in the Darkness, Rise up from the Ash: 24. Black Gate-Bound
Pain. Sam felt a whimper stick in the back of his throat as he groggily roused from a stupor. His head throbbed, and he felt nauseated as he struggled to remember what had happened. Orcs! Heavens help me, there were orcs! In a flash of clarity, it all came back to him--the marsh, and the mere; the orcs in the fog, and running... running, then turning to fight because Frodo.... Where's Mr. Frodo? That got his eyes open despite the pain, and Sam blinked away blurred vision. The darkish mass that hung before him resolved itself. An orc leered at him, looming over him, and Sam gasped.
"Gar, so the rat's awake," the goblin spat. Then, raising his voice, he called, "Hey lads! He's awake!"
A chorus of harsh laughter rang out, along with jeering insults, of a nature and crudity to make Sam blush despite the horrible circumstances. A ring of dirty, orcish faces appeared, crowding at the edges of his vision as they pressed in, lured by the prospect of fresh prey.
"This dropped Dráshnig?"
"He ain't more than a mouthful!"
"Rat's got a pretty bauble, though!" Claws snatched at Sam's cloak, curling around the leaf-clasp of Lórien, and shook him like a cat would a mouse.
"Drop him!" At that sharp command, the orcs fell back a bit, muttering, and Sam winced as he was let fall back to the ground ungently. Craning his neck, the hobbit saw a somewhat larger orc step into the ring of onlookers. And as he gazed flatly at his followers, Sam felt a shiver run down his spine. It seems like there's orcs, and then there's orcs, he thought fearfully, watching as the other goblins drew back before that angry, menacing stare. And while they were cringing, Sam tried to see a bit more of his surroundings. From the muck and slime, they were still in the marshes, but the fog seemed less thick here. And where is Mr. Frodo? I hope he got away! For as far as Sam could see, he stood a good chance of getting caught in the middle of an orcish fray and stabbed.
"We followed you into the horse-boys' land and out again empty-handed, Grishnákh! We stayed with you when those other crawling vermin abandoned in the blasted rock hills, afraid to come home in your company. And our folk caught the worst of it back by the river. It weren't Uglúk's boys as got ripped apart by that cursed tark warrior, it was us! I say we've earned a bit of a reward," snarled one of the orcs, getting some grunts and mutters of agreement. Sam shivered.
Above him, the orc-captain growled, "Our orders are to take halfling prisoners alive and unspoiled. Or have you forgotten what the Nazgûl said?" Grishnákh eyed the rebellious lot of them, who became suddenly much more subdued. With a grunt, he continued, "That's more the spirit, lads. Remember that if the Nazgûl isn't pleased, it'll not be me shrieking while he pulls bones out one by one. Hear?"
A ragged and grudging chorus of "aye" came back, and the orc--Grishnákh?--turned his attention to Sam, who swallowed hard and did his best to look him in the face, scowling as fiercely as he could. Apparently, though, the Gaffer's favorite frown was not particularly impressive to an orc, for the goblin simply laughed evilly. "So, my rat has still some spirit in him, eh? We'll see to that. For the Great Eye wants a word with you, little halfling," Grishnákh grinned malevolently, as he leaned close to whisper in Sam's ear. "A private word, about something you stole from Him." Bless me if I've ever wanted to see Strider or Gandalf more than right now! Sam thought, clenching his teeth and holding his breath against the reek of the other as he tried vainly to put even a little distance between himself and the orc.
"Get him up! You, take the other but keep your claws to yourself," Grishnákh ordered then. The other? Sam froze, feeling his heart sink, and the queasy feeling grew worse. But an orc grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and, muttering, picked him up like a newborn kit, carrying him along with no regard to Sam's aching head, or his strangled noises, as he choked against the claws that scraped throat. The orc found a place in the forming line that suited him and then fairly dropped Sam. The hobbit groaned, feeling his teeth rattle in his head. For a moment, his vision blurred again, and he blinked furiously. He might have spent some moments wishing that he could raise his bound hands to his face to help clear his sight, but the fear was overwhelming as he craned his neck up at his captors. The other... where is the other? Frodo? Lumpish, deformed figures the orcs seemed, in their armor and with their slinking posture, gathered all about him so that he could hardly see a thing otherwise. Where was Frodo? Where--
And then, in a shattering instant, he saw an orc lope into place with a small, grey-cloaked, mud-bespattered figure slung limply over his shoulder. Speech failed Sam--his mind simply refused to put words to the keening horror that filled him, and he felt himself struck dumb. And then there was no time for words, for Grishnákh shouted orders and the whole troop began to move, sweeping Sam helplessly along.
How long they ran, Sam would never know, and he didn't much care. His skull had pounded in time to his own stumbling strides, jarred with each step, and a few times, he had actually collided with one of the orcs. Usually, that had earned him a shove and a curse, and the line had kept moving. Through ankle-deep muck and slime they had run, with Sam struggling to pull free of the clinging earth. Sometimes, sunk in his own misery, Sam did not notice the reeds or the bushes, and leaves would snap across his face, leaving stinging cuts. Sometimes, the orcs, reaching a mere, would simply trample through it. Once, when Sam had begun to flounder in a pool, which had been deeper than expected, an orc had grabbed an arm and dragged him, spitting water all the way and gasping for air, through the murky, churned water. Nothing slowed them--it had seemed that the orcs would never tire, and would simply continue running so long as they were shielded from the sun's rays!
But at long last, yells came back down the line, and the company slowed, then stopped. Sam collapsed to his knees, then curled onto his side, chest heaving, head throbbing, and there was a peculiar, foul taste in his mouth. Likely that swamp water, he thought. What on earth was in it? Never mind, I don't want to know! And where is Frodo? Bestirring himself to open his eyes, Sam blearily glanced about, vainly searching for him, but it seemed that the orcs wanted to keep the two hobbits apart. What happens now? Sam wondered, twitching feebly against the ropes that bound his hands behind his back. His legs felt like jelly after that run, and (ominously) he did not think he could stomach the thought of food. Not that the orcs looked like feeding him any time soon. They were all sitting upon the ground, or lying down, resting. Some sharpened weapons, and there were muttered conversations here and there; an occasional growl and spate of curses and raised voices marked the point when orcish tempers took hold and ended a talk.
Some little distance up the ranks, a knot of orcs stood muttering in their own harsh tongue, and a few emphatic gestures seemed to tell of a heated and serious discussion. I wonder, would it be too much to hope that they'd just kill themselves? Start a big fight and do all my job for me? For it was unquestionably his job to find a way out of this for the Ring-bearer. Unfortunately, nothing came to him, and Sam spared a moment to wish he had Boromir's or Aragorn's advice on how to plan an escape. That neither Boromir nor Aragorn would have found escape a likely possibility, were their positions reversed, did not occur to him. His mind had fixed on one idea, and refused to leave it: Frodo must not be brought to Mordor in the company of orcs. For that matter, the orcs must never know what a prize they had, and Sam only hoped that the orders about spoiling would be scrupulously observed. For what if, as the orcs pawed Frodo, they should come across the Ring? Surely one of these fell creatures would never resist the lure, orders or not.
And what are you going to do about that, Sam Gamgee? he asked himself, desperately seeking an answer. What if that fit comes over him again, and he gives himself away? Or rather, if the Ring gives him away? Whichever, it doesn't much matter, he'll be just as dead. And I can't bear that! But what to do?
Just then, a sharp cry caught his attention, rising to a pitiful, sobbing scream as the circle of orcs laughed harshly. Sam felt his heart hammer in his breast at the noise. "And now th'other one's up as well. Ha! A nice brace of rats, they are!" one of the orcs proclaimed loudly, getting laughter, and a few growled complaints from some of his more weary fellows. The jeering orc leaned down, his bulk obscuring his hands, but shortly thereafter, there came more cries, and Sam gritted his teeth as he sat up.
"Hi there! You leave him alone!" he shouted hoarsely. Heads turned towards him, and eyes luminous with ill-intention fastened on him. All or nothing, Sam, he told himself, lifting his chin defiantly. "That's right, you heard me! Don't you touch him!"
"The rat squeaks too much," one of the orcs said after a moment, and grinned toothily. "Can't you lot keep your squeaker quiet?" he demanded of those sitting or lying about Sam.
"Then keep yours from squalling, Urdúk! Some of us want a bit of sleep around here. Not like we didn't cross the stinking mountains, too, you know," one of the orcs from nearby retorted.
Nevertheless, though, he turned to Sam with a scowl, and with a suddenness that stunned the hobbit, struck and cuffed Sam viciously across the face, knocking him back to the ground with casual irritation. "And you keep quiet or else I'll take it out of your hide, rat."
"And if you lay a hand on him without my knowledge, I'll take it out of your hide with interest," snarled Grishnákh's voice just then, and the orcs seemed to freeze for a moment. The orc captain glared about at all and sundry, then continued. "Remember that we deliver these lads in speaking condition to the Master of the Gates. I don't want any accidents on the way. And as for you," Grishnákh's head swiveled towards Sam, who had not moved since being struck, "don't worry, there's a lot of things that can be done that'll leave you able to talk that you won't much like. By the time you see the Black Gate, you'll know a few of them." Having delivered that threat, Grishnákh stalked onward, leaving Sam with a knot of dread in his stomach.
Frodo lay panting on his side, dazed and not quite able to grasp what was happening about him. He was aware of harsh voices, and one in particular, and his face hurt dully where once claws had grasped and shaken him. But it seemed that he could not quite piece it all together. Or else he did not want to. Or else.... Frodo shivered at the thought of that 'else.' Once Sam had stabbed that orc, Frodo had found himself dashing for cover, his legs moving of their own accord, it had seemed, for he had been wandering still in a valley of desire... desire to disappear. The Ring had filled his mind, seeming wreathed in flame, taunting, tempting, promising salvation if only he would put it on... put the Ring on....
He could not recall at what point he had stopped and torn the chain from round his neck, panting, knowing that he had only a few minutes, perhaps, left to him ere the orcs found him. He knew not what power had put the idea in his head, but he had pulled out a knife and a bandage that were near the top of his pack and flung himself down under what cover the nearest bush could offer. For he had known that he could not outrun the orcs, and now that they had found his trail, he would not be able to escape. And if he could not escape, then they would surely search him, or else some 'accident' would happen, as it had at the Prancing Pony. And that would be the end. Fear had driven him, and he would never know how he had managed the task so quickly, with so little hesitation, but he had even had time to try to run a bit further, for all the good that had done.
So now, as he lay there on the ground, he whimpered to himself, and his left arm seemed to throb and burn, as if the fires of Mt. Doom writhed in his veins. An agony of heat to complement the earlier agony of ice, and he might have laughed that it was always his left arm, but at the moment, he could scarcely manage the demands of consciousness. He had awakened screaming ere ever the orcs had touched him, and now that he had managed to swallow his cries, he was not certain that he would ever be able to bring himself to open his mouth again.
A Elbereth, it burns! It burns! Frodo was shaking now, lips peeling back from his teeth as he fought to hold his sobs in. The orcs were laughing now, he thought, or perhaps they were arguing; he could not tell, could not make himself pick out the words, as if in losing his own tongue, he had lost all power of speaking and understanding. There are just the words in my head... and my memory of other times. But that is fading... Elbereth, it is fading so swiftly! Frodo groaned, unable to help himself, and an orc kicked him in the stomach. Frodo curled up instantly into a ball, and for once was grateful to the foul, rotting slime, for that at least felt cool. But it makes the heat of it seem worse!
As he sank further from the waking world, visions formed aimlessly in his mind, hazy memories of Rivendell and the Shire pierced by sudden flashes of clarity: the curl of smoke wafting up from Gandalf's pipe; Boromir's fingers wandering the length of the horn of Gondor in a familiar, worried caress; the glint of sun off of Legolas' hair; trees in autumn; Galadriel's eyes; Aragorn's moon-backed silhouette as the Ranger stood watch; water. The water stayed with him, and those brief memories seemed adrift in it without rhyme or reason. Frodo struggled against the tide, drowning, as a hissing voice cackled, "Alive without breath, as cold as death... alive without breath, as cold as death...." Over and over the words repeated, but the heat in the center of his body would not abate, was weighing him down, driving him mad with pain.
"Alive without breath...." —Pippin's face was milk-pale on Weathertop—
"As cold as death...." —two lovers twined about each other on a hilltop in Lórien, and one of them cried out with a mortal breath—
"Never thirsty, ever drinking..."—an elven boat floated down a gleaming river—
"All in mail...." —the broken bridge dwindled above him as the darkness of the chasm swallowed the fires Khazad-dûm—
"Never clinking...." —a shiver ran up the haft of the ax, and then the tree seemed to shriek as it swept downwards—
Stop! Stop! Stop! I never saw any of it—these are not even my memories! Stop, or I shall go mad! A fish breached the surface of Anduin and in its last agony spit out a golden trinket that slipped down through the waters to nestle in the mud, and wait. Stop!
"Mr. Frodo, sir? Oh please, listen to me, just listen to me a moment, and open your eyes!" Frodo blinked, gasping, and Sam's worried, dirt-streaked and bruised face stared back at him.
"Sam!" Frodo croaked hoarsely, his voice barely a whisper. To his horror, he could feel tears stinging his eyes, threatening to slip down his cheeks.
"Don't worry, Mr. Frodo, it was naught but a nightmare. Here now, I'd offer a shoulder, but I don't know as we can move that much. Just lie still a moment, and try to keep quiet. I'll talk a bit, but those nasty brutes are quick with a slap or worse if we're not careful," Sam murmured. "Do you know where you are, Mr. Frodo?"
"I... I don't remember. There were orcs in the marshes," Frodo replied weakly after a few moments, and closed his eyes again. His left arm felt leaden—molten, even, throbbing painfully, but the fires seemed contained for the moment. They did not lick outward to consume him and his mind, but only smoldered now. Almost, he could feel relief that it was merely his arm that pained him so.
"Aye, there were. I'd hoped you'd got away!" Sam's voice sounded so chagrined, so close to tears that Frodo made himself open his eyes again. The other's expression spoke eloquently of dashed hopes and self-accusation for the failure.
"No... no, Sam, do not blame yourself. I just wasn't fast enough," Frodo sighed in response, and left it at that.
"Well, at least they've got us together now. The first day, or night, rather, I suppose, they kept us separate. But don't you worry, I'll stay with you, Mr. Frodo. We'll make it." To where? Frodo felt like asking bitterly, but swallowed the urge. What point in scorning what little comfort Sam had to offer, even if they both knew that it was a vain hope? "The good thing is, that this here orc troop seems like it's a small one. I think they lost some after Parth Galen."
"Parth Galen? These are the same orcs?"
"Seems like it, from what I've heard. A part of that group, at any rate, though they must've left the others behind, and they seem to've been running from their own for awhile. Went over the Emyn Muil like us, but they must've found another way. Fellow named Grishnákh seems to be in charge, and he's a mean one, even for an orc, or so I fancy," Sam said, voice sinking to an even lower whisper. "And there's the bad news—this lot got their orders from a Nazgûl. They're supposed to take halflings to the master of the gates, whatever that means."
"Morannon," Frodo murmured faintly, feeling cold sweat spring up instantly.
"I'll try my best, Mr. Frodo, but I'm not very good at planning things like this," Sam sighed, and Frodo was tempted to laugh. Planning things like this... planning an escape? The notion was absurd, and Frodo felt a certain admiration for Sam's stalwart attempts to bolster his spirits, but....
But! As Frodo stared, speechless, at Sam, he realized something: Sam was not jeseting. He was in deadly earnest—he believed that it could be done. That it had to be done (which Frodo certainly did not dispute) and that he could do it. Hobbits really are amazing creatures. You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years they can still surprise you at a pinch, he thought, marveling.But no, he realized, as murky recollection surrendered a sudden bit of clarity to him, that was Gandalf who said that. And perhaps the old wizard had been correct. Well... it cannot hurt to let him keep that illusion, after all, Frodo decided. Poor Sam!
"All right my rats, up we go and off we get!" An orc loomed up and grabbed each of the hobbits by the collar, dragging them to their feet. "Run, or else you'll only wish we'd skinned you alive!" They were shoved forward, and Frodo gasped as he stumbled against Sam, jarring his left arm. "Move it!" Move! Move! he ordered his legs, and haltingly, staggeringly, he began to run, and the fire began to spread again.
Sam was worried. He had every right to be, but he was worried. Something was wrong with Frodo, that seemed plain. The Ring had been wearing him down since Moria and before, most likely, but it had seemed a slow decline, one that Frodo had been able to manage, to control somewhat. But now he seems like he's sleep-walking, Sam thought fearfully. Frodo staggered along at his side, eyes wide and staring and glazed, heedless, it seemed of his surroundings, and Sam knew that he was in pain. The scratches and exhaustion, stench and fear aside, Frodo was in agony. And Sam had no least idea how to help him. It's not injury as far as I can see, he thought, furiously searching his memory, cataloguing each bump and scrape and hardship they had endured. And much though I don't want to say it, these orcs have been uncommonly careful round us. I guess I would be, too, if I had to answer to a Nazgûl. I've never seen him like this, though, not since Weathertop and I—
Weathertop. Wordless insight struck so hard that Sam tripped and pitched forward with an oomf! as he hit the ground. With a snarl, a nearby orc reached down and grabbed him by the hair, dragging him as he scrambled for his footing. He had only barely regained it, however, when—oh glory and trumpets!—a halt was finally called. Panting painfully, Sam sank down to the ground again, head bowed as he let the blood rush to his face. Beside him, Frodo lay collapsed and shivering fit to break. And as he gasped for breath, Sam could hear little moans catching in the back of the other's throat. Sam shook his head sharply, trying to clear it, and frowned as he gazed down at Frodo. Weathertop. Not since Weathertop, he thought, feeling a chill work its way into his heart. But there's no Nazgûl here, and surely Lord Elrond cured him. He was healed! They took the splinter out.
Perplexed, caught between ignorance and bone-deep certainty that what ailed Frodo must surely be similar to the injury done him at Weathertop, Sam chewed on his lip, frowning down at his friend. And so he did not see the orcish fist until it connected with his ear, and Sam gasped as he tasted blood. "The master wants a word with you, he does, but Grishnákh said you'd be learning a few things on this little trip, my dears," sneered an orc, and there was much laughter and agreement as the orcs crowded round. Sam dazedly got to his knees, eyes watering, and he watched as an orc advanced with a drawn knife. Frodo! For Frodo still lay exactly as he had, seemingly unaware of his surroundings. Setting the point against Frodo's collar, the orc began to cut slowly through the fabric, but after a moment, he frowned and paused.
"Gar, now, what's this? What do you know, lads! I ain't seen a hide worth more than this one's!" Sam closed his eyes, as the murmur of orcish interest grew louder, climaxing in a series of gasps and muttered orcish exclamations.
"And what do you think you're doing?" came a voice.
"Taking it off of him. What's it look like, you clod-brained mule?"
"Grishnákh said no spoiling!"
"Ain't spoiling if it's company property. Heh, we can turn it over in Lúgburz. Eh? Keep it right safe 'til then."
"Oh, I'm sure you will! I wouldn't trust you with a sack of dung, Rakûsh!"
"You were the one reaching for that bit of elvish jewelry!" It looked as though a fight would begin on the spot, and Sam held his breath. But just then, Grishnákh intervened.
"Enough! Rakûsh, bring them with you."
"Why?" Rakûsh snarled resentfully, clearly displeased to have his 'fun' spoiled. Grishnákh stared at him flatly for a moment, and then, with a suddenness that shocked Sam, struck. Dark blood sprayed, and Rakûsh staggered back, clutching at his throat. He collapsed back into the crowd, which parted to let him fall, and after but a few moments, lay still.
"Urdúk, bring the halflings with you and follow me. The rest of you, rest now, for you'll not get any tomorrow." Urdúk, growling but apparently cowed by that demonstration, stepped forward and caught Frodo and Sam up, one under each arm, and stomped after his captain. Muttering, the other orcs began to settle down. Grishnákh led them a ways away from the other orcs, though not so far that he could not keep an eye and an ear on them, and then indicated that Urdúk should set them down. "Tie their legs. I don't want them getting it into their heads to run. For you'd not get far, my dear halflings, but tomorrow brings another long run," Grishnákh added, grinning in such a way that Sam felt rather ill.
And while Urdúk began tying Sam up, Grishnákh set about getting the mail shirt off of Frodo. Sam held his breath, uncertain what he was going to do once Grishnákh discovered the Ring on its chain, but he knew he would have to do something. I may not live to regret it, but I have to try! Sam hissed as Urdúk pulled the bonds painfully tight, but otherwise, his attention remained focused on Grishnákh, who had untied Frodo's hands and was working the mail off with rough haste. Frodo moaned a little, and began to twitch, seeming to begin to come out of his stupor. Here it comes. Sam held his breath, tensing for he knew not what action, waiting for that gasp that would tell of the discovery....
But it never happened. There was no gasp, no sudden immobility. Grishnákh simply slung the mithril shirt over his shoulder along with Frodo's cloak, and, after patting the hobbit down with ruthless efficiency, moved away to begin lighting a fire while Urdúk came around to redo Frodo's bindings. As the orc knelt behind him and began to wrap rope about Frodo's wrists, Sam had a clear view of his friend, and shock rippled through him. Frodo's pale chest heaved still from their painfully swift journey, but his neck was bare. There was no chain, no ring, nothing. Only a few bruises here and there, and a bloodied bandage tied off tightly about his left upper arm.
The Ring had disappeared!
"Alive without breath, as cold as death...." etc., from "Riddles in the Dark" in "The Hobbit."
" Hobbits really are amazing creatures. You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years they can still surprise you at a pinch." FOTR, p. 61, "The Shadow of the Past."
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Prior to replacing the automatic transmission fluid (to improve shift quality), make sure that the transmission fluid level is correct. Also, make sure the computer that controls the transmission has the most up-to-date adaptive programming information. When servicing these transmissions be sure to use fluid approved by Hyundai.
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Repairpal verified 2006 Hyundai Tiburon problems
Poor Shift Quailty of Automatic Transmission
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