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The original deal pioneer keeps on pinching pennies and cracking wise. No, that price isn't a typo.
Go to Woot
Candlepower and puppet shows are so passé. Get the newest TVs, speakers, home theater gear, and more.
Go to Electronics.Woot
The robots are coming! And so are the laptops, the tablets, the chargers, and all sorts of other gadgets!
Go to Computers.Woot
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Go to Home.Woot
Make it, build it, improve it. But whatever home project you've got in mind, start by saving money on it.
Go to Tools & Garden
Sports, fitness, and outdoors deals, because saving money is only one of your passions.
Go to Sport.Woot
You don't have to spend a lot to look like you do. Werk it and twerk it with amazing deals on designer watches, handbags and more.
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Go to Kids.Woot
Our exclusive graphic tees will make you laugh, will make you cry, will make you look totally hot.
Go to Shirt.Woot
Direct from the winery to your thirsty lips: wine deals worth doing a spit-take over.
Go to Wine.Woot
Last chance deals for hardcore cheapskates. Catch 'em before they - you guessed it - sell out.
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456,709 deals (and counting)
from around the web, shared and ranked by a community of deal fiends like you.
Go to Deals.Woot.
Love it! Maybe the writing could be a little larger so it's easier to see
Re: Odysseus's Grecian Positioning System v1.0
I really like how creepy this looks, and beautiful at the same time. Nicely done
j5 wrote:Nice one.
Welcome back to the mix.
There's a new demographic since you last submitted, so let's hope you see the proper appreciation.
That's great to hear. I saw a couple of the pervious weeks derbies and wished I had made something so I made up for it by doing this week. Hopefully I can continue submitting again and have people like yourself that enjoy my work
coconutman1 wrote:We had a similiar idea, with really different execution. Great!
Nice! I saw yours when I was about halfway through mine. Seems like a lot of people had the same idea this time.
spazzyhilo wrote:I really like how creepy this looks, and beautiful at the same time. Nicely done
Thank you very much!
It's my very first approach to this technique and I feel so happy with the feedback.
I love it too!!!
Re: Alice in Wonderland - Cake
j5 wrote:This is right up there with "fresh cake" in cheeky splendor.
Cheeky splendor - I love it! Thanks j5:D
Re: Frankenstein
Awesome design, however I think it'd be better if the village pastries were holding kitchen utensils like a butcher knife or a cookie cutter
Re: Treasure Island
paxdomino wrote:Great design, I really like the style!
Thank you very much =D
kevlar51 wrote:great work--excellent details!
Very friendly!
Such an honor coming from an artist with so much prints.
Thank you very much Kevlar =D
I love the simple elegance. Good luck!
Re: Hidden Wolf
Re: Chateau d'If Cliff Diving Team
Chateau d'If, made famous in The Count of Monte Cristo.
tomspc wrote:"Rejected because: No photos please"
What? What? No what? No PHOTOS?? Say What??? ROFL
If you didn't sputter with indignation each time Woot acted in a way that you disagreed with, it would be much less comical that you're now using their designation as validation.
Re: Welcome To The Inferno
Ohhhh, I like the lettering on this. =D
Re: Maybe this wasn't the best idea...
The textures on this are really good at invoking the feel of the ocean. I like the look of it.
taylor1313 wrote:Love it!!!! Actually looks like an artistic piece unlike too many of the other shirts that get posted here that are absolutely ghastly and somehow get tons of votes. I'm starting to wonder how people actually vote and what exactly they are looking for in a shirt. It's a shame so many awesome, creative shirts get ignored and the ones that rise to the top are over-used ideas that look horrible as shirts.
Thanks! I noticed it as well, I know my stuff isn't the best, but I know that some of the top voted designs wouldn't translate well into shirts but for whatever reason some get voted up while other don't.
deborah11565 wrote:I agree with you on the fog picks... go check out the community and you will see how most of these have worked out. This shirt is very creative and original, a nice change ! But... in my opinion, I would have liked to have seen a bit more definition in her face, on this design.
I appreciate the feedback! I didn't want to draw too much attention to her face but I can see how something in the background or maybe even lips would have ground the image more.
dreamofcaramel wrote:My fave of the bunch
Thank you! Glad you like it!
Re: In Search of Lost Time
Haha, no proust love? I originally had this on a baby blue background which made the image standout more, but the 6 color rule did me in.
In case it needs clarification, this design was meant to portray Proust's feeling of overwhelming joy after he had tea and madeleines his aunt had made him. It was meant to be childish and joyful to demonstrate the innocence and joy of childhood, which was a part of his experience while eating.
Re: Dracula
Inspired by: Dracula - 1897 Gothic horror novel by Bram Stoker.
kevlar51 wrote:very cool
Thanks Kevlar! Really appreciate the positive feedback!
Re: Little Red, Riding Hood
mrharmon wrote:badass!
Thanks MrHarmon! Glad you like it
dawnao wrote:The shadow is great and I especially like the black with the pop of red. Love this design. Very clever.
Thanks Dawnao! I am pleased with how the shadow turned out too.
Design inspired by Jack London's "The Sea Wolf".
Re: Jabberwocky
A universal "Thank you!" to you all.
Re: The Nautilus Encounter (V.2)
Altered top of GIANT SQUID to make it less... well... apparently some folks were seeing things not intended... so...
Re: Moby pencil
totally indeed with kevlar, so much cuteness on it
Lovin' the shadow!
Re: The Picture of Dorian (Orange) Gray
Awesome work, love the joke and your style, why you're so clean
Super cute and totally wearable!
Amazing detail on this one!
Re: Escaping the Wild
The layout looks great!
Looks nice!
orabbit wrote:Looks nice!
Nice to have a reason to throw a vote in the derby! Great work as always!
Re: The Legend of Camelot
I love the waves!
cmdixon2 wrote:Nice to have a reason to throw a vote in the derby! Great work as always!
fishbiscuit5 wrote:Lovin' the shadow!
Thanks Fishbiscuits! I was striving for an early comic book style, superhero kind of design.
Love love this. Hope it prints I will buy if it does. Awesome work!!
Re: Nevermore
I'm still laughing as I type this. Nice job!
I love this design a lot, having trouble deciding whether or note I would actually wear it but I have a couple days till it wins to decide
Thanks you so much to everyone who voted for my design!!
View All →


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too polished video was hurting them. I think there's a learning curve about how to make a compelling Kickstarter video; it isn't all about making the shiny.
It may not be obvious to you, there are medical conditions that cause people to fail to recognize what people say in their body language, but it is obvious to some.
I didn't see anyone bitching about broken promises
Last edited by Dan555a; 10-13-2012 at 11:28 PM.
Maybe this sort of criticism is a reason not to use promotional videos for a Kickstarter project, and instead just rely on still photos and compelling text. Of course, if you're going to try to compel with text, you'd better write well.
I may have missed it but I don't recall anybody mentioning M.O.R.E. - old school turn-based 4X space strategy game.
The developers are from my country Poland and they are commited to creating a Linux and Mac versions although making it's realease at the same time as Windows is set for a stretch goal of $80k. If they won't get to this stretch goal they will release it 3 months after the Windows version.
The video for this campaign is of a great quality and the game looks like a dream come true for fans of the genre. They already have $53k which is $3k more than the initial goal.
But don't let anyone stop you from throwing your money away. I hear Bernie Madoff was a great investment opportunity as well.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Art Alternatives Pocket Watercolor Set This line of Pocket Kits makes art on the go a breeze! Each kit comes in a reusable aluminum tin that snaps closed. The Watercolor Set comes with 18 half pans of high quality pigmented watercolor and a round watercolor brush. All of these kits make great gifts or buy one for yourself to carry along with you anywhere you go!


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No minimum purchase. First time buyers only. Click here to activate.
with Auto Delivery on this and all future orders of this item with our
Simplify Life automatic delivery program!
Click here for details.
Liv-A-Littles are healthy and natural treats for dogs and cats. Halo uses only high quality, human-grade, chemical-free ingredients. Available in chicken, beef, and salmon. USDA Approved 100% meat freeze-dried treats are the perfect snack, reward or food topper for your cat or dog.
Refrigerate after opening. Contents may settle and crumble during shipment.
Available in 1.6 oz (salmon), 2.5 oz (chicken), 2.75 oz (beef)
Review Rating: 4.5
Manufacturer: Halo
Ingredients - Freeze-Dried Whole Chicken
Guaranteed AnalysisCrude Protein (min) 80%Crude Fat (min) 3.0%Crude Fiber (min) 1.0%Moisture (max) 4%
Ingredients - Freeze-Dried Whole Beef
Guaranteed AnalysisCrude Protein (min) 70%Crude Fat (min) 10.0%Crude Fiber (min) 0.5%Moisture (max) 4%
Ingredients - Freeze-Dried Whole Salmon
The reviews below are presented for informational purposes only and are not intended as an endorsement of any product. The information is not intended to be a substitute for visits to your local veterinarian. Instead, these testimonials offer the reader information and opinions written by pet owners and/or veterinarians concerning animal health and products that they have used.
(based on 103 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
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Healthy Cat Treats
By M the crazy cat lady
from Dexter, Michigan
About Me Long-time Pet Owner
Comments about Halo Liv-A-Littles Freeze-Dried Meat Treats:
The salmon flavor is tough, but my cats still eat it if I rip it up for them. The chicken and beef flavors are soft.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Comment on this review
Salmon bits
By Linda
from Phoenix, Maryland
I add the salmon bits, shredded and broken up, to my dogs normal meal...A drop of water, stir, and it's good to go. She loves this...You do not need much...Just a taste will suffice! It has been a great backup to the fresh turkey bits that I occasionallly add. Love the product...Always have much in reserve!
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
All of my
By Walksincircles
from Conway, SC
All of my pets - dog and cats - LOVE this!!! Even my most "selective" cat (who often - much to my chagrin - prefers to catch her own food) loves Halo freeze dried chicken. Wish I could buy it for them more often - I like that I am giving them a very healthy treat. I have also given as gifts to my friend's pets. One of my friend's pet is a small, elderly dog with most of her teeth missing. She can still eat this treat and loves it. Thank you Ellen and Halo for offering such a great treat. Any chance you could lower the price???
Excellent Special Treat
By Moose
from Dover, DE
The expense is worth it. Excellent treat to keep around for a special, loving treat, including after administering meds, for training, and/or when kitty is not feeling or eating well. Great product!
delicious treat!!
By Lisa
from NY,NY
all 3 cats are devouring this and I know it is healthy
Too big and messy when broken
By cat owner
from Midwest, USA
Senior cats really like the treats, but the pieces are too large for cats. When you break the treats into smaller pieces they are powdery and many small shards fall on the floor. Other brands have smaller sizes of the same product, less messy, and still enjoyable by cats.
Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Can't get enough
By Alice the Cat Lady
from Houston, TX
These are the best things in the world! My dogs and cats go crazy about them. They must taste wonderful.
(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
I am currently eating these. SO GOOD
By weird freak
from connecticut
Okay my aunt gives these to her cats and dogs and they all love it. Sometimes I give them out to the pets just for a little treat. I always thought, holy swiss cheese these things look good. So I took a bite. They taste just like a yummy piece of chicken...this is super weird...I am eating a jar of them right now...TASTY
Images shared by weird freak
Merchant response: It's raw- so not intended for humans since our GI tract is MUCH longer!
By ilovemycats :)
from Westchester, NY
Three out of my four cats LOVE these salmon treats!!! I like that they are natural ingredients, just dried salmon :) My one finicky cat will only eat the chicken ones but the other three love these & the chicken ones.
By Pumaa
from Long Island
Unbelievable how they run when they just hear the bag coming out - have never seen such an addiction to a treat as with the freeze dried chicken. Just hope its a little healthy!!!! A winning treat!
© 2015 Only Natural Pet LLC - All Rights Reserved


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Childbirth Education Myths 3Tuesday, February 18th, 2014
To read the whole series, begin with Childbirth Education Myths 1.
MYTH #3: "The hospital class will be good enough."
One of the best ways to be prepared for birth is to learn about birth. What happens in the normal, physiologic process? How do interventions (medical or non-medical) affect that process? What is the difference between the medical model and the midwifery model? Under what circumstances will each model benefit you? These are topics a hospital class will likely not tackle.
1) Limited information.
Hospitals often teach what is available at their facility. This makes sense, because hospitals are in the business of selling medicine. Their maternity department offers the medical model of care, and hospital childbirth classes reflect that. Their instructors are employed by the hospital, and the hospital has direct control over their curriculum.
The class offered at a hospital is more likely to focus on when to get to the hospital, what to do if your water breaks, protocols for epidural placement, and what to expect in a cesarean. They may cover logistics like where you go to get admitted, what happens there, and where you get moved around to. They will make sure that you are familiar with the routine protocols and procedures, which can be beneficial if you are planning to birth there.
They may or may not offer much information on non-medical pain management, the physiology of birth, doulas, or birth plans, as these are not things normally offered in hospitals.
2) Alternatives to the medical model are not offered.
Generally speaking, hospitals do not employ care providers like chiropractors, naturopaths, independent midwives, or other more holistic-minded care providers. If they do, they may not think to refer you for care from any of these areas, as they are not part of the medical model of care for birth. To learn about non-medical options, a local independent childbirth educator is going to be a wealth of resources and information for you.
3) Informed Choice vs. Informed Consent
Many hospital classes cater to the majority, who are anticipating the status quo American birth: Start labor, get epidural, have baby. While there is nothing wrong with a woman choosing that model, many hospitals operate under the assumption that this is the only model that interests women. Thus, they spend more time preparing moms for what to expect at the hospital than they do preparing them to cope with labor in whatever way seems right to her. If a mother wants something outside that model, a hospital class may not be the best fit for her, and she may feel as though she is sitting in a "How To Be Good Patient Class," rather than a comprehensive, evidence-based, balanced childbirth class.
4) Availability of Instructor
Independent childbirth educators are often available by phone and email between classes, to help with homework, provide resources and referrals, and to answer questions. Hospital instructors may not have such ready availability. Their class sizes are usually much larger, so their ability to give one-on-one attention or instruction may be severely limited.
Questions to Ask Childbirth Educators:
- What curriculum do you use, and what is it based on?
- How much experience do you personally have in this hospital attending births? Do you have any experience working with the independent midwives in town to offer a balance in models of care?
- Is this class going to teach in-depth about the physiological birth process?
- How much time is devoted to labor coping techniques?
- Are you a certified instructor? With whom?
- Are you available for questions or concerns outside class? Can you refer to outside providers, and if so, whom?
In short, it's not a bad idea to take the hospital class — just don't let it be an exclusive source of information. There are a wealth of independent organizations that do an excellent job at preparing you for birth. There are methods like Bradley and Hypnobirthing, as well as comprehensive courses by Lamaze and CAPPA. (We'll address method classes in this series as well, so stay tuned!)
For more on this topic, we found another excellent perspective here: 5 Reasons Not To Take Hospital Chilbirth Classes
Where did you take your childbirth classes? How did they help or hinder your understanding of birth? Did you have a good experience with the hospital?
Team Preparing For Birth


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Contact Sports Desk: Call: 603-516-2949 / E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Briefs: UNH's Evans named to East-West Shrine Game
Friday, January 4, 2013
DURHAM — University of New Hampshire senior linebacker Matt Evans was selected to participate in the 88th annual East-West Shrine Game, the nation's longest-running all-star college football game, scheduled for Jan. 19 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.
DURHAM — A number of local football players were named to the rosters for the second annual CHaD NH East-West High School All-Star Football Game.
Selected to the East team include Matt Dow (OL/DL), Kyle Seawards (RB/WR/DB) and Eric Wilson (TE/LB) from Dover; Dillon Crosby (RB/OLB), Rick Holt (DT), Kurtis Leonard (C/DE) from Portsmouth; Drew Francoeur (QB/DB) and Tyler Kretschmar (OL/DE) from Somersworth; Kyle Hall (OL/DL) from Spaulding; and Ryan Monette (RB/WR/CB/S) and Joe Richard (G/LB) from St. Thomas.
The game benefits the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD) and features the top graduating football players from across the Granite State in a battle of East vs. West at UNH's Cowell Stadium on June 29.
UNH athletes honored
DURHAM — University of New Hampshire senior offensive lineman Chris Zarkoskie was named to the 15th annual Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) Academic All-Star Team on Thursday. It is the second straight year Zarkoskie has received this award. The three-year starter, played left guard all 12 games this season, compiled a 3.58 cumulative grade point average as a psychology major.
Zarkoskie, UNH's senior co-captain, was previously recognized as a two-time member (2011-12) of the Capital One Academic NCAA Division I Football District I First Team. He earned CAA Academic All-Conference Team honors in 2010 and '11, was nominated for the 2011-12 CAA Football Student-Athlete of the Year award, received the CAA Commissioner's Academic Award in '10 and '11, and he's been named to UNH's Academic Honor Roll every semester he's been a Wildcat, including Highest Honors twice and High Honors three times.


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Summary Report for:
23-2093.00 - Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.
Sample of reported job titles: Abstracter, Advisory Title Officer, Commercial Title Examiner, Counsel, Searcher, Title Abstractor, Title Department Manager, Title Examiner, Title Officer, Title Searcher
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings
- Prepare lists of all legal instruments applying to a specific piece of land and the buildings on it.
- Examine documentation such as mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, plat books, maps, contracts, and agreements to verify factors such as properties' legal descriptions, ownership, or restrictions.
- Read search requests to ascertain types of title evidence required and to obtain descriptions of properties and names of involved parties.
- Copy or summarize recorded documents, such as mortgages, trust deeds, and contracts, that affect property titles.
- Examine individual titles to determine if restrictions, such as delinquent taxes, will affect titles and limit property use.
- Prepare reports describing any title encumbrances encountered during searching activities, and outlining actions needed to clear titles.
- Verify accuracy and completeness of land-related documents accepted for registration, preparing rejection notices when documents are not acceptable.
- Confer with realtors, lending institution personnel, buyers, sellers, contractors, surveyors, and courthouse personnel to exchange title-related information or to resolve problems.
- Enter into record-keeping systems appropriate data needed to create new title records or update existing ones.
- Direct activities of workers who search records and examine titles, assigning, scheduling, and evaluating work, and providing technical guidance as necessary.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
|Laser printers — Computer laser printers
|Notebook computers — Laptop computers
|Photocopiers — Photocopying equipment
|Scanners — Computer data input scanners
|Special purpose telephones — Multiline telephone systems
Technology used in this occupation:
|Data base user interface and query software — Data Trace Title IQ; Landtitle USA Title Plant software; Microsoft Access; Property Insight TitlePoint
|Document management software — Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat; File management software; GATORS ANYWHERE; PropertyInfo SureClose
|Internet browser software — Microsoft Internet Explorer; Web browser software
|Project management software — SoftPro ProForm; SoftPro software
|Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
|Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
|Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
|English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
|Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
|Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
|Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
|Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
|Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
|Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
|Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
|Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
|Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
|Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
|Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
|Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
|Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
|Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
|Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
|Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
|Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
|Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
|Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
|Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
|Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
|Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Work Activities
|Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
|Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
|Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
|Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
|Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
|Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
|Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
|Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
|Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
|Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Work Context
|Frequency of Decision Making — 99% responded "Every day."
|Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 99% responded "Extremely important."
|Telephone — 100% responded "Every day."
|Structured versus Unstructured Work — 96% responded "A lot of freedom."
|Contact With Others
|Face-to-Face Discussions
|Letters and Memos — 77% responded "Every day."
|Freedom to Make Decisions
|Time Pressure
|Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Job Zone
|Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
|Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
|Related Experience
|Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
|Job Training
|Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
|Job Zone Examples
|These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, occupational therapy assistants, and medical assistants.
|SVP Range
|(6.0 to < 7.0)
Percentage of Respondents
|Education Level Required
|High school diploma or equivalent
|Some college, no degree
|Bachelor's degree
Interest code: CER
|Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
|Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
|Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Work Styles
|Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
|Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
|Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
|Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
|Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
|Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
|Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
|Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
|Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
|Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Work Values
|Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
|Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
|Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Related Occupations
|Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
|Tax Preparers
|Paralegals and Legal Assistants
|Billing, Cost, and Rate Clerks
|Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Bright Outlook
|Procurement Clerks
|Municipal Clerks
|File Clerks
|Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
|Legal Secretaries
Wages & Employment Trends
|Median wages (2014)
|$20.71 hourly, $43,080 annual
|State wages
|Employment (2012)
|68,000 employees
|Projected growth (2012-2022)
|Average (8% to 14%)
|Projected job openings (2012-2022)
|State trends
|Top industries (2012)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2014 wage data and 2012-2022 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2012-2022). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.


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Martha Stewart Living Craft Space Divider Inserts for Cubby
# 07957
Separate and organize your cubby drawers with our Martha Stewart Living Craft Space Divider Inserts. Available in a variety of sizes and shapes, the dividers will ensure that everything in your drawers has its own space including your ribbon, stamps and scrapbooking tools. Keep everything in its place; order now.


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Message from the Master
The Worshipful Company of Bowyers can trace its detailed history back to 1363 when the craft of making longbows first appeared on the list of taxation for the City of London. Prior to that the first bowyer to be recorded is that of Ivo le Bowyre in 1293.
During the hundred years war and the great victories at Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt, when the longbow was at its zenith, the Company enjoyed unparalleled success supplying the medieval archer with the tools of his trade.
Today the Bowyers' Company prides itself with being involved in many charitable and educational activities and upholding the traditions of the City of London by supporting the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and the Corporation of London in promoting the City in a modern day environment.
I trust you will find our web site interesting and informative and if you would like to know more about us please feel free to contact the Clerk.
The Reverend John Hayton TD, - Master Bowyer
Waterloo Supper, 11 Feb 2015
A record turnout of almost 60 Bowyers and their guests attended the company's 'Waterloo Supper' to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Wellington's victory over Napoleon in 1815. Assembled in Bangers Bar & Grill on Wednesday 11 February they were entertained to a fascinating presentation from Liveryman and newly-appointed Court Assistant, Major General Andrew Sharpe.
Andrew has made a life-long study of those momentous events which took place one June day in the fields and forests of Flanders - events which so dramatically altered the history of Europe. He has spent many hours walking the battlefield and is acknowledged as one of the foremost experts on the subject.
With the precision of a military strategist, he outlined both sides' battle plans, lucidly describing the various manoeuvres and engagements in laymens' terms and carrying the narrative through from the early skirmishes to the bloody denouement. But it was his witty and colourful anecdotes about the personal lives of the key players in the drama which brought the subject alive. Arthur Wellesley, the philandering Duke of Wellington; Jerome Bonaparte, Napoleon's dissolute younger brother; Field Marshal von Blucher, the battle-hardened Prussian veteran; Prince William of Orange, "Billy the Frog"; and, of course, "The Little Corporal" himself.
The undoubted star of the show was Napoleon's deputy, the courageous, flamboyant, foul-mouthed, Marshal Ney - Le Rougeaud, Le Brave des Braves. Andrew closed his talk with a moving account of Ney's execution, when the heroic soldier, although innocent of treason, took charge of the firing squad and gave the order to end his life because the guard commander was too overcome by emotion.
Andrew Sharpe possesses that rare quality in a public speaker - the ability to leave his listeners wanting more. He spoke for over an hour yet held his audience spellbound so that they scarcely noticed the time passing.
The evening closed with a splendid three-course meal and a convivial time was had by all.
Chester Stern


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Politics of Arda
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Cursed Queen of Angmar, The: 37. Herumor Returns
Ariashal supervised the cobbler while he measured the feet of the royal children. Imrahil
behaved with decorum worthy of a prince; Adrahil was reasonably calm; Zimraphel, restless; but the two littlest were terrified of the strange, leather-scented man. They clutched the nurses' skirts, crying, kicking, and fighting, while their feet were quickly measured.
Truth be told, she had many misgivings about the cobbler. Her observations were not reassuring. He was short and thin; years of hard work had robbed him of his youth and many of his teeth. He reminded her of her own experiences with tailors and cobblers, men who plied the trades in whatever town the court had happened to be staying. Her father saw no reason to pay men to work only for him; any master craftsman would do, and he would not have to 'drag them around with him'. She could not recall any one of them being as skillful as the sleek southerner who made the royal shoes at Carn Dum. Indeed, she had wanted to wait until they returned home before fitting the children with new shoes; but the King had insisted that they patronize a local man. Besides, some of his own shoes needed resoling, and he had no intention of wearing his boots from now until they reached Carn Dum.
When the cobbler finally finished with them, he gathered up his papers and the King's worn shoes. "I should have these back by week's end."
"Very well. My servants shall see you out."
After he left, Lalwen ran to Ariashal, clinging desperately to her skirt. "Mama!" she cried, sobbing. "Mama!"
Ariashal gently scooped her up. "He has gone, little one," she soothed. "All is well now."
But Lalwen would not be comforted. She clung to Ariashal, crying, until she finally fell asleep. The nurse gently took her, carrying the limp child to her bed. Ariashal watched while the girl was laid out for sleep.
"Why did she call you Mama?" demanded Imrahil.
Ariashal took a long breath. "Her own mother died when she was very small, Imrahil. That she and Thabadan are starting to think of you as their brother and your father and I as their parents is very important."
"But why?" Zimraphel seized her mother's hand. "You are not her mother!"
"No, little one, I am not. But she needs a mother, for she and Thabadan are all alone."
"So if we accept them as family they become family?" Imrahil eyed the sleeping child.
"Yes, and it is wise of you to see that. For if they do not have us, then they have no one."
"Then they will always have us!" Adrahil protectively put one arm over Thabadan's small shoulders. "So you will be my new brother!"
Thabadan stared, wide-eyed, at the older boy.
The King was not pleased with Ariashal's desire to adopt the two children.
She silently embroidered while he stalked about their chambers. He said little, only< occasionally heaving a sigh laden with annoyance. Finally she breached the wall. "What is it you fear, my lord?"
"Fear?" He stopped pacing. "Have you forgotten already what concerns us all? While their grandfather still lives, they are useful as hostages. Should we adopt them, that would make them a rallying point for Ferion. He could claim that we had stolen them and made them our own to strengthen our claims to Rhudaur. There would be many who would be outraged at the thought that the children had been abducted and forced to accept me as their surrogate father."
She set her embroidery aside, needle jabbed through the cloth. "To speak truthfully, I do not think I can bring myself to prevent them calling me "mother". They have known enough hardship in their lives. You know how Ferion neglected them!"
"Aye, madam, you and I know the truth; but there are many still who would side with Ferion. How many actually saw the children? How many would believe what their old king told them? Tis this which we must fear."
"But we cannot continue in this manner forever!"
"Indeed, madame, we cannot. And as soon as Ferion swings from the parapet, then will I gladly take these two children and claim them as my own. For though they were not born of my loins, they are still part of our family, and deserve to be made one with us."
As quickly as she could she joined him, throwing her arms around him before kissing him. "Thank you, my lord!"
"If it pleases you, madame, it will be done." He gently took her hand. "I know that you longed for more children, and I wished for it, too. But I feared that I could not protect you much longer. And you know, now, what it is that would have snatched our children away."
"I could not bear that." She buried her head against his chest.
"Nor could I, my lady queen." He drew her close. "Nor could I."
Someone knocked at the door. Ariashal stepped away from her husband.
"Enter," ordered the King.
Herumor slipped into the room, drawing the door closed behind him.
"Welcome, lord Herumor!" The King greeted his friend. "Tis good to have you with us once more."
"Too long have you been parted from us," added Ariashal.
Herumor bowed to them. "It is good to be in your presence again."
"Tis scarcely a fortnight, yet you have been sorely missed." The King settled into a chair, Ariashal at his side. "Be seated, my friend. How fares Carn Dum?"
For the rest of the evening Herumor regaled them with the stories of what he had seen on his journey. His recollection of the long flight to Carn Dum was somewhat hazy, although he knew he had seen nothing out of the ordinary. Certainly by the time he reached Carn Dum he was well aware that nothing untoward was occurring.
At Carn Dum the situation was much as they had anticipated. Some, emboldened by the King's absence, had tried to expand and enforce their authority; others saw the Rhudaurian voyage as an opportunity to take a holiday from their appointed tasks. Most, however, had continued in their proper capacity, which pleased the King.
"Angmar is fortunate to have men who are faithful," commended Ariashal. "You have chosen your men well."
"That is true," agreed Herumor. "I had Minios deliver a message to those whose transgressions seemed greatest."
"Minios was not fooled." The King squeezed Ariashal's hand. "He is a most observant Captain of the Guard."
"No, he was not deceived." Herumor chuckled. "He knew immediately who I was, and guessed at why I had come. The beast keeper, too, knew the difference. A good thing, too, for I did not wish to have to ride Nardu!"
"Nardu!" The King laughed. "My old soldier has not mellowed with age!"
"No, he has not! The rascal tried to bite me when I drew too close to his stall."
"Then it is for the best that you were discovered," Ariashal smiled. "I would not want Nardu to eat you!"
"Nor would I," agreed the King.
"I do not think he could stomach such poison," laughed Herumor.
"Outside of nearly poisoning my beast, what other news have you?"
"As I said, Minios delivered the message that no further mischief would be tolerated. The ambassador from Harad was quite angry, for he said he had waited weeks for his audience. I gave him an informal hearing, and it will not surprise you that the arrogance which he displayed to others melted away in my presence. He merely wanted to renew our trade agreements, which I readily approved. He left some gifts of silks, which I ordered placed into the Queen's chambers."
"He is mercifully unaware of his own insignificance," said the King. "He does not realize that his presence in Carn Dum is punishment, and that he has no hopes of ever returning home."
"Why?" Ariashal was confused.
"He is staying in Carn Dum as a favor to the King of Harad," explained Herumor. "He is that king's cousin, and has great, if false, hopes of one day taking the throne. Here, he is no threat to anyone."
"What other crises did I avert?" asked the King.
"His was the only pressing matter. Nothing else needed your attention."
"There were no signs of anyone coming from Dol Guldur?" Ariashal nervously tightened her grip. "No word from Khamul or--anyone else?"
"No, not a thing. I saw no signs that they have even attempted to reach Carn Dum. All was secure."
She sighed, relieved.
"I doubt that any of them will come willingly," explained the King. "Khamul is an Easterling. He has no fondness for snow. And the--other--also hates the cold. I am certain that even Dol
Guldur is too cold to suit his fancy, yet he dares not leave."
"Perhaps we will have a cold winter, and he will freeze in his tower," offered Herumor.
"We can always hope," agreed the King. "So--was there anything else of import that you wish to share?"
Herumor shrugged. "I saw some men working on a road, and another crew reinforcing a bridge. The crops seem to be healthy, and some harvesting has begun near Carn Dum. All seemed to be in order."
"That is good." The King relaxed. "If that is all, then you may go and rest. Your trip was long, and I know you are weary."
"Thank you." Herumor stood to go.
"My lord," said Ariashal, "there is a boon I would ask of you."
"Whatever you wish, madame."
"I have restored a small pool and grotto near here. I would very much like to take the children here, and would have you accompany us."
"I would be most pleased to do so," agreed Herumor. "Perhaps we shall go tomorrow, weather permitting."
"Yes," she agreed. "Weather permitting."
Herumor nodded and left the room.


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The PA also wanted cap compliance buyouts and escrow limits, two things outside the system...so clearly they weren't 'in agreement on money'. And they hadn't even gotten to discussing HRR yet (the transition).
But all the bait-and-switch stuff smacks of the players trying to pay back the owners for 2004 when they took the 24% rollback and used it against them. That's what they tried yesterday taking the $100 million and saying 'okay, what else'? Which tells you going tit-for-tat on an eight-year old negotiation is more important than actually getting the best deal or any deal. Problem is you not only ticked off Gary but most of the few guys on the other side actually willing to make a deal.
Let's go through the players listed as being in New York for the negotiations.
Craig Adams, David Backes, Mike Cammalleri, Sidney Crosby, B.J. Crombeen, Mathieu Darche, Shane Doan, Ron Hainsey, Shawn Horcoff, Jamal Mayers, Manny Malhotra, Andy McDonald, Ryan Miller, George Parros, Brad Richards, Martin St. Louis, Jonathan Toews, Kevin Westgarth.
First let's acknowledge that none of these players were involved significantly last time. The union leaders were by and large players over 30. That organization has been overhauled since then. Then, let's think about who among these players were actually in the union last time - Adams, Cammalleri, Darche, Doan, Hainsey, Horcoff, Mayers, Malhotra, McDonald, Miller, Richards, and St. Louis were NHL players at the time, but only Richards, St. Louis, and Doan were prominent ones. The rest of the guys probably wanted desperately to play that season. Many of them were on the NHL fringe or just coming up - a year off could be a disaster.
This has nothing to do with 2004-05. It has to do with now - getting the best deal now.
Edited by Triumph, 07 December 2012 - 08:23 AM.


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Tess begins to wonder if she will always have to live in her perfect brother's shadow.
Tess shows everyone why she deserves a spot on the boy's wrestling team.
Tess and Allie are both invited to a party for cool kids only.
When Allie comes to stay with the Fosters, Sam tries way too hard to make a good impression.
As Tess and Allie plan their trip to Italy, is Jack's chocolate-covered pretzel an evil omen?
Behind the scenes of Life With Boys, Madison Pettis (Allie) and Torri Webster (Tess) talk about what it's like when they go shopping.
Behind the scenes of Life With Boys, Torri Webster (Tess) talks about her worst experience trying to impress a crush.
Tess makes a little mistake and catches her brother making a big mistake.
Is Tess about to have an amazing night out -- or the worst birthday party ever?
Is Jack's new job the most embarrassing job in the world? Maaaaybe.
Check out this sweet trick roundup from The Thundermans!
Want more of Open Heart? Download the unlocked app now!
Watch every night at 12AM ET!


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Delightful Dwarf Stories
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In the Deep Places: 6. Conversations, part II
Gimli sat near his bedroll, watching through heavy eyes as Gandalf and Legolas argued. Their voices were so soft that he could hardly hear them, and what few words he caught were in a language unknown to him. Elf and wizard stood, tense and angry, and then suddenly Gandalf swept Legolas into a brief hug. When they broke apart the Elf seemed subdued. He turned from the wizard and walked silently to the doorway, where he stood looking out into the dark passage. Gandalf made his way back to his bedroll and sat against the wall, staring into space and turning his pipe slowly in his hands.
Gimli cast himself down on his blankets. It appeared that the Elf had been overruled, and they would stay here a few hours longer. Gimli viewed this development with mixed emotion. Despite himself, he had come to trust the archer's senses, and it seemed strange to disregard his warning. There was something about that central passage he did not like, and much as he wished to pass Legolas' words off as Elvish fancy, he could not deny the sense of dread that churned his stomach. He would be glad when they were quit of this chamber.
But he was bone weary, and his back and shoulders ached. He could not go further without some rest. So, trusting Gandalf to stand guard, he closed his eyes and cast himself into sleep.
It seemed that he had only rested a moment when he was shaken awake again. Blearily he looked to see Aragorn kneeling beside him, a hand on his shoulder. The Ranger's face was lined and weary, but he smiled as Gimli heaved himself up. "Gather your things, Master Dwarf. We have much ground to cover." Gimli nodded sleepily and accepted the rations that Aragorn offered him. He was stiff and a muscle pulled in his back as he gathered up his bedroll. He could hear Gandalf telling the Hobbits that they would take the right hand passage.
"It is time we began to climb up again," the wizard said, and at this Gimli shot a quick glance at Legolas. The Elf stood in the doorway, exactly as if he had never moved since Gimli lay down, save that he now carried his small pack as well as his quiver and knives. He showed no reaction to Gandalf's words, but turned and smiled briefly as Aragorn joined him. The Ranger held something out to the Elf. Legolas glanced at it and shook his head. There was a brief dispute, which ended when Aragorn shoved something into the archer's hand and stepped back, glaring at him. Legolas glared back, but accepted it with poor grace. The Elf turned back to regard the outside passage again, and Gimli saw that the item in his hand was a bit of bread and dried meat. He nibbled at it reluctantly, and as the Company set out Gimli was vaguely aware of Aragorn watching Legolas until the Elf finished it all.
They made good time through the dark passages. Gimli led the way with Gandalf while the rest of the Fellowship ranged along behind. Legolas and Aragorn brought up the rear. Gandalf seemed more sure of their way, and Gimli felt a faint sense of relief as they climbed away from the central corridor.
They walked on for eight long hours, and ever there was nothing to see but the wizard's light stretching away into the blank darkness. Gimli soon settled into the steady, mile-eating stride of the Dwarves. The stiffness faded as his muscles warmed to the journey, and his hands swung loose at his sides. He was relaxed, his axe stowed securely at his back. Save for an occasional check behind to ensure that the Hobbits were not in difficulty, he was able to forget their peril and take comfort in the steady ring of his boots against rock, the solid weight of good stone around him.
And yet, as much as he tried to keep his mind blank, images from the previous night kept intruding: the harsh scream of an Orc, the stench of foul blood; the Elf dancing golden and deadly in the dark; the touch of his hand against cool rock and the sense that maybe, just maybe, there could be something more; the shock of pain and loss as he stood before the straight passage and knew that his people's kingdom was forever gone.
A swell of pain and resentment welled in Gimli's chest, and he cast a glance behind him. He could just see Legolas, shining faintly in the gloom. Those Orcs were mine. The Elf should have left them to me. It is not his home that was invaded, not his kin driven and ruined. He does not suffer.
But when they finally came to a halt for the night he saw that this was not true. All the Company was weary, but Legolas seemed drawn to a fine edge between pain and trepidation. His usual mischievous air was completely gone, and even the light that shone about him seemed to have dimmed. He stood apart and silent, and watched the dark.
The rest of the Fellowship was also looking around, although the Hobbits immediately sank down and did their looking from a seated position while unpacking food supplies. Pippin was rubbing his feet and grumbling softly to Merry.
There was a great draught of cooler air and the Dwarf knew they had entered an immense hall, far greater than any they had yet passed. Gimli turned his face up and smiled at the feel of the cool air against his skin. The Company's voices seemed small and lost in the echoing dark.
"Now I will risk a little real light," murmured Gandalf, and there was a flash that dazzled Gimli's eyes. Shadows leaped up and away, sliding back from immense columns that towered over them. Endless passages stretched away before them, wrought with detailed carvings. The black walls were polished and shone like glass, despite the long years. Gimli felt tears sting his eyes as he beheld his people's greatest glory. Carved from solid rock, hollowed by generations of loving toil, hallowed by Dwarven hands and Dwarven hearts, this was the Dwarrowdelf. Gimli fell to his knees, unnoticed as the others settled around him. Child of the Lonely Mountain though he was, raised in the small forges and metal shops of the exiles, this was beyond all his experience. He was lost, overwhelmed by the immensity of it all. And yet, deep in his heart, he knew this place. It was beyond his thought, beyond his imagining. But it was the home of his soul.
Then the light went out, and the hall fell back into darkness.
"There used to be great windows on the mountain side," Gandalf was saying, "and shafts leading out to light in the upper reaches of the Mines. I think we have reached them now, but it is night outside again, and we cannot tell until morning."
There was a soft, choked sound behind Gimli, and he turned to see Legolas. The Elf was standing still and straight in the great passage. His face was turned up, searching as though to find the windows Gandalf spoke of. But all was dark, and there was no hint of light from sun or stars. Legolas' face betrayed nothing, but Gimli read anguish in his eyes. For a moment he felt a flash of pity for the Elf.
Then his attention was drawn away as Sam asked about the hall. "There must have been a mighty crowd of Dwarves here at one time," said the Hobbit as he munched a bit of cheese, "and every one of them busier than badgers for five hundred years to make all this, and most in hard rock too! What did they do it all for? They didn't live in these darksome holes surely?"
Gimli rose to his feet. The Hobbit could be forgiven his ignorance – after all he must have been somewhat isolated in the Shire. But it was high time someone educated him. Gimli had noted the odd reverence with which Sam seemed to hold Legolas, and indeed all things Elvish. Clearly the boy needed a lesson in what a proper culture was like.
"These are not holes," he said, and the Hobbits turned to look at him. "This is the great realm and city of the Dwarrowdelf. And of old it was not darksome, but full of light and splendour, as is still remembered in our songs." Closing his eyes, he cast his mind back to his youth, to the songs and tales told about a flickering fire. The dreams held in the face of loss, the dreams of Khazad-dûm.
Slowly he chanted the song of exile, remembering the look of his father's eyes in the firelight as Glóin told his son of their people's heritage, and their people's doom. Gimli remembered the glory of Moria, and his heart ached at the desolation, the loss of such beauty. He put this into his song, into the slow metre heavy with sorrow, and when it was finished, he fell silent.
Legolas was not listening to his companions' conversation. He had clung to discipline during their long march in the dark, schooling his mind desperately to the lessons of centuries past. He could hear the dry voice of the archery master, seek a focus. Concentrate on the target. There is nothing else. Breathe in. Breathe out. There is nothing else. He fixed his eyes on Mithrandir's small light and tried to shut away the malicious death weight that pressed in upon him. Slowly they had drawn away from the resonance of the straight road, and slowly his heart eased. But it was only a slight reprieve, he knew that. There was still evil in the stones, and Shadow still sought them. And they had tarried, walking with slow steps in the dark, and now resting.
Resting when they were so close to the end! He could feel it, feel the lessening of the stone above them, the nearness of the stars. Yet there was no light from window or hole, despite Mithrandir's assurance that the shafts were there. No star song reached him, though he strained to hear it. The black wave of despair that followed this crushing disappointment threatened to drown him. He could have run the length of the great hall, followed the slightest breath of fresh air, scaled the walls to escape this pit. But they must stop, for the Hobbits could go no further. So again he grasped the tatters of his warrior's training, and grounded himself in duty. He must protect the little ones. He tried not to think of what he protected them from.
Still he could not help giving occasional glances toward Mithrandir. He did not know if he sought to protect the wizard, or looked for reassurance from him. In any case Mithrandir did not look at him. The wizard sat back against the wall and watched the Hobbits with a bemused air. His staff was propped beside him, and he held his unlit pipe in one hand. Somehow the gesture seemed unbearably poignant. Mithrandir had not changed in all the centuries, and he cheerfully disregarded Elven sensibilities. The pipe was a part of him, and was likely to make an appearance in any serious discussion, whether it be in Mirkwood's throne room or Elrond's house of healing. Thranduil had once complained that it was impossible to carry on an extended debate with Mithrandir, for the longer one talked with him the longer it would take to get the smell of pipeweed out of the tapestries.
Something stung Legolas' throat, and he looked away. It is his choice. His right. But his heart cried out within him.
"You are troubled." Aragorn's voice came softly as the Ranger joined him. Legolas swallowed hard and then looked at him. He raised one eyebrow in deliberate imitation of normal Elven playfulness. "Is that the astute observation of a Ranger experienced in reading subtle clues?"
The corner of Aragorn's mouth quirked. "It is the observation of a friend, and an offering of support. And no, the clues are not subtle."
Legolas smiled back faintly, and then tilted his head as he caught the faint shuffle of bare feet in the dark, as he had done so often during their long march. "Gollum tracks us still. He is there, somewhere."
Aragorn studied him. "It was to be expected, I suppose. He is used to life in the dark. Is that all?"
Yes, Legolas longed to say. Yes, that is all, just a footpad in the dark, and a foolish Elf trapped in the caves. Do not concern yourself, do not fear, be at peace, mellon nîn. "No," he whispered. "You said that you could feel the Shadow in this place, Aragorn. It grows. Something is coming, and I fear . . ." Unbidden, his eyes turned back toward Mithrandir.
Aragorn's rough hand, stained and blackened with toil, grasped his shoulder firmly. "I do feel it. But it seems no different to me now than it did last night. Maybe less." He followed Legolas' gaze to where the wizard sat talking with Sam. "We must trust Gandalf. Tomorrow we will see the sunlight, and we will escape this place. Perhaps nothing will come of it." But the Ranger's voice was tinged with fear, and his words rang hollow.
Legolas did not take his eyes from the wizard. "Perhaps," he said.
They were interrupted then by a most unlikely sound. A rough, deep voice lifted in chanting song behind them, and the echoes ran away into the endless depths. Aragorn and Legolas turned. Gimli stood a short ways away, his eyes closed, his face half hidden in the shadows as he sang of the lost glory of Khazad-dûm. Legolas exchanged a shocked look with Aragorn, and the Man smiled. "Do not underestimate the Dwarves, Legolas. They always find a way to surprise you." With that the Ranger moved away. He settled his pack near Merry's and leaned back to watch Gimli.
Legolas stayed where he was. Do not underestimate the Dwarves. His father, he knew, would have said that was not possible. Certainly the song was what he might have expected from a Dwarf, had he ever stopped to consider what a Dwarf might sing about. It was a glorification of riches and jewels, a tribute to material wealth that left Legolas cold. But as he listened, Legolas heard something more. There was memory in the Dwarf's words, not of possessions but of accomplishments. Gimli's voice was full of love for the deep earth and pride in past glory, and a bone aching sorrow. Almost, in that moment, almost the Dwarf sounded Elvish.
The song ended and the last echoes faded to silence. The Hobbits set up a clamor of questions but Gimli turned away from them. The Dwarf cast his hood over his face and settled against the wall near Legolas, away from the rest of the Company.
Legolas turned away, gazing out into the vast hall. Mithrandir was answering the Hobbits' questions, describing the wonders that had once been found here. Legolas did not listen, focused as he was on the black space around them. Tales of mithril and gems did not interest him, though he did wonder briefly at the history behind Mithrandir's story. It seemed absurd to think that there had once been friendship between the Dwarves of Moria and the Elves of Hollin. And yet the doors of Moria bore witness to the unlikely alliance.
What could a Dwarf offer that would be of worth to an Elf? True, the Hollin Elves had been of the Noldor, and more likely to find value in stones and caverns than a Wood-elf ever could. Was it love of metal craft that drove Celebrimbor to befriend the Dwarves? Or was it friendship that fueled him to develop smith work, so rare among Elves? Can it be that Middle-earth suffers because of friendship? Are mortals truly so powerful, that their love can swing the fate of the world?
Legolas was pulled from these thoughts when Aragorn stirred and said, "The hour grows late. We should set watches for the night and retire."
Mithrandir nodded. "Have we any volunteers?"
Legolas started to speak, but Aragorn shot him a dark look and said, "Legolas will not stand guard. Nor will you, Gandalf, or Gimli. All of you need to sleep."
Gimli did not look up from his position by the wall, but Mithrandir's eyes twinkled as he nodded. Legolas, however, narrowed his eyes at the Man and set his jaw. Did Aragorn really think to command him to sleep in this tomb?
"I do not need sleep as you do, Aragorn," he said. "Nor will I find rest here, whether you set me a watch or not. Does it make sense to weary other members of the Company when I will be alert in any case?"
Aragorn turned slowly to face him. "Not even you can go without sleep indefinitely, Legolas. I value your senses, but they will be of better use to us when you are rested."
Legolas lifted his chin, but Boromir interrupted. The Man had been characteristically taciturn all through their night march, but now he spoke, glancing between Legolas and Aragorn. "Then let us compromise. Legolas will take one watch, and he will rest during the others. We must still decide how many watches we will set. I will take one."
"Three watches," Mithrandir said. "We cannot afford more than six hours rest." Legolas shot the wizard a look of pure gratitude. For the sake of the Hobbits he knew they must stop, but every moment of delay grated upon him.
"I will take a watch," Frodo said. "I haven't had one since before Caradhras." Aragorn looked at the Hobbit in surprise, but only nodded. Perhaps he remembered the Ring-bearer's words at the chasm they had jumped yesterday.
"Then Boromir will have the first watch, Frodo the second, and I will take the third," Legolas said firmly. Everyone turned to stare at him in surprise, and he looked back at them defiantly. Rarely did he seek to command the group. Usually he was content to only offer guidance and allow Mithrandir or Aragorn to make the decisions. By temperament he was a quiet Elf, and did not seek to draw attention to himself. But he had been raised a prince, and he had commanded scouting parties in his father's service for two centuries. He returned their looks with his best imitation of Thranduil's imperious stare, and was rewarded when Aragorn sighed and threw up his hands in a combination of amusement and exasperation. "Very well. Then Boromir will wake Frodo in two hours time, and those of us not on watch will sleep now."
There was a general murmur of agreement as the Company set out their sleeping rolls. Aragorn fixed Legolas with a steely look until the Elf sighed and came to join them. They were huddled in a corner away from the draught of cool air that ran through the great hall. Legolas positioned his bedroll in a way to block as much of the draft as he could. The cold did not bother him, but he had noticed Pippin shivering.
Aragorn and Gimli were both close by. Aragorn had perhaps positioned himself with a similar intention, but Gimli gave no sign of noticing any of the others. The Dwarf sat propped against the wall and stared blankly into the dark, his face half hidden by his hood.
Legolas stood by them, scanning the shadowed hall until an impatient snort from Aragorn brought him back to his immediate surroundings. He sank down onto his blanket, folding his legs under him in a position that appeared relaxed but from which he could instantly spring up to action. Aragorn seemed to accept this as the best he was likely to get. The Ranger stretched out on his own bedroll and shut his eyes. Legolas looked around at his companions. All were preparing to rest, save Boromir, who sat at some distance away and was slowly running a cloth over the Horn of Gondor. A soft chorus of somnolescent breathing already rose from the Hobbits' sleeping pile.
"How can you sleep?" Legolas murmured. He might have been speaking to himself, save that he spoke in Westron.
Aragorn opened one eye. "We sleep because we have to, Legolas. As you must."
Legolas shook his head mutely, but Aragorn had already closed his eyes again. Soon the Ranger's breathing settled into the slow pattern that the Elf had grown accustomed to during their many journeys together. Legolas watched him for a moment. A faint crease lined Aragorn's brow, even in sleep. His eyes were sealed shut against the dark.
Mortals close their eyes to the world. Can he so easily shut out the Shadow? Legolas would not have dared to sleep under the threat, even had it been possible. Elven dreams followed the pattern of their thoughts. Though he could not see his surroundings when he slept, Legolas was always aware of them. His dreams danced to the wheel of stars overhead and sang with the whisper of the night breeze. He dared not think what form they would take here, in the stone and silence and weight of Shadow. It was a part of the Gift of Ilúvatar, he supposed, that mortals could remove their dreams from their environment, and escape the circles of the world.
In truth Legolas was bone weary, exhausted in a way he had never been before. It was not a weariness of flesh, but of soul. He had not slept and hardly had eaten since they had entered Moria. Normally this would not trouble him, but he needed more than food or sleep to sustain him. The loss of Ilúvatar's Song and the shutting away of the sun and stars wore upon him in a way that mere physical discomfort could not. Though most mortals would not have discerned any difference in his appearance or movement, the weight of Shadow was taking its toll. Even in the southern reaches of Mirkwood the black influence of Dol Guldor was relieved by the whisper of trees still friendly to the Elves, the occasional shafts of light that pierced the canopy. But here there was no respite from the aching weight that bore down upon him.
So often mortal senses had seemed dull to him, their world was oddly narrow and limited to only what they could see and hear with their physical eyes and ears. But now he envied them. If Mithrandir was right, what good was there in sensing what was to come? They could not escape it in any case. If they were doomed to stay in this black pit, what a relief it would be to close one's eyes to the stone, to escape the Shadow for just a little while. But that was not his right, and not his place in the Fellowship. Let the others seek comfort in mortal sleep. Legolas steeled himself to his duty, and willed his mind to remain clear, his senses sharp despite his exhaustion.
But as he watched, he became aware that not all his companions slept. Gimli sat a short distance away, his arms folded and his head covered. He was as still as the rock behind him, but the Dwarf's customary snores were absent from the chorus of nocturnal breathing around them.
The Dwarf, at least, he might have expected to sleep. Gimli was comfortable beneath the earth, and did not seem troubled by Shadow. Yet the Dwarf was wakeful. At any other time Legolas would not have thought much about Gimli's habits, or indeed noticed him at all. But he was sick of dwelling on Shadow and terror. Try as he might, in all the long hours in the dark he had not sensed any physical threat. Only the loss of Song, and the dead stone, and the Shadow. There had been no change in all that night's long march, and no relief save for the brief encounter with the Orcs the day before. His mind seemed to chase itself in endless circles, Mithrandir's words and Aragorn's reassurances racing round in a senseless litany. He was sick of it. Sick of the fear, and the taste of iron, and the void of silence. Any distraction was welcome, even were it only an insomniac Dwarf.
"Are the great halls of my people so dull, Elf, that you must stare at me?"
Legolas blinked. Gimli's voice was cold and bitter. He still sat and stared ahead, his face obscured by his raised hood. He had not moved or looked at Legolas, yet it was unquestionably his voice that had spoken.
"It is dark," Legolas said.
Gimli snorted. "Do not tell me that those Elf eyes fail you now. Gandalf's light still shines."
Legolas glanced around. In truth he could see quite a bit of the great hall as it stretched away before them. The shadowed pillars marched into the depths, dark against the gloom. "I see only what I have seen since we entered Moria. Stone and shadows. There is nothing worth looking at."
Gimli turned to face him. His hood fell back and his hands were clenched on his knees. There was a murderous light in his eyes. "Do not say that word! This is no black pit, Elf, and your feet are not fit to tread its passages. This is Khazad-dûm, and you will speak of it with respect!"
Legolas stared at the Dwarf in mild astonishment. The hostility toward himself was expected, even welcomed as a small thread of normalcy in this disorienting place. But beneath the anger in Gimli's tone there was a far stronger current of grief. Sorrow and memory deepened the Dwarf's voice, and his breath was ragged.
Gimli was not behaving as Legolas expected. First there had been the song, and now this tirade that seemed more of a sob. For all his fascination with mortals, Legolas had never imagined such depth in a Dwarf. Gimli piqued his curiosity.
"I mean no disrespect, Master Dwarf," he said after a moment. "But what can you see here? All is in ruin. Your city is gone."
"You are wrong, Master Elf." The anger was more distant in Gimli's voice, the grief stronger. "Durin's folk may be driven away, but the cities of the Khazad remain. They will endure until the end of the world."
Legolas studied the Dwarf. This was a mood he had never thought to see, one he had not thought the Naugrim capable of. Anger, yes, passion, yes, but not this deep well of memory and sorrow.
"Mortals fade and pass away," he said softly, "but the stone remembers them."
Gimli looked at him, his eyes wide with surprise. "Yes," he said.
"I had not considered this before," Legolas mused. "It is a great mystery to us, why Men and Dwarves must always break the earth to suit their cities. They tear down the forest rather than live within it. But they know that their time is brief, and with the passing of an Age they are forgotten. So they must scar Ennor to leave their memory."
Gimli frowned. "You call this a scar on Ennor? Think what you say, Elf. Would you rather see only the damp holes that were here before? Shallow pits and barren rock? We have improved what Ennor gave us. We have brought life to the waste, and created beauty. The treasures of Khazad-dûm are legend! Think of the great craftsmen here and the things they made! Jewels like the sun, and mithril stars!"
Legolas looked at the vast columns around them and thought for a moment of the endless labor to create just one of them from a blank pit of stone. The toil of hundreds of craftsmen, mortals who would never see the fruit of their labors, but who left them as a legacy for their children. He could never love this place as Gimli did, and his soul still cried for the song of living things. But this was also a hall of memory, and an Elf could appreciate that.
"You comfort me, Master Dwarf," he said at last. "I am honored to witness the memorial of the Dwarves. But in truth I can find no beauty without life. Great skill your ancestors had, but their gems are meaningless without them."
Gimli's eyes grew dark. "Aye," he said. "Though it seems to me that your father found great value in our gems, and did not trouble about the living Dwarves that claimed them."
Legolas' eyes narrowed. Must the Dwarf dwell on such trivial issues now? "The king claimed no more than was his due after defending your people from the Orcs. They would have ravaged your plunder were it not for us. No paltry stones can repay the Elven lives lost that day."
"The Dwarves had no need for rescue. My father proved that when he escaped your dungeons."
"Would you rather they had been kept in the flets of the trees?" Legolas asked dryly. "It would have been more secure, but we thought they would be more comfortable in the cellars."
"Oh I do apologize," Gimli said with deep sarcasm, "I suppose they should have understood your motives better. Somehow they were distracted by the attempt to rob them."
For an instant Legolas was cast back to that day with the utter clarity of Elven memory. He had remained in Laketown to direct the building of shelters for the people left destitute by Smaug's attack, and had only joined his father's main force shortly before the battle began. He heard again the screams of dying Elves, his people, his friends. He smelled the acrid dust and thick stench of blood. He felt the lust and hatred of the Orcs. And then, in the bitter aftermath of grief, there had been the pride and greed of the Dwarves. The Elves had died defending these mortal strangers, had sacrificed immortality to protect the free peoples and drive back the Enemy's servants. But the Dwarves cared only for gold.
"We stole nothing," Legolas hissed. Under normal circumstances he would not have allowed the Dwarf to bait him so. He would have held himself with the dignity becoming a son of Thranduil, and perhaps tempered Gimli's harsh words with understanding of the pain the Dwarf was in. But at this moment he did not care. He was beyond weary, beyond pain, beyond caring. He was sick unto death of the Shadow and the weight of malice, and he would not be in this place at all were it not for the Dwarves.
"Ever have the Elves fought to save Middle-earth, even now when it is our Doom to leave it. But the Dwarves care nothing for life or beauty, except in their rocks. They leave the free peoples in hardship or betray them to the Enemy. What of the sacking of Doriath? What of the siege of Barad-dûr? Where were the Dwarves when Elves and Men died together? You reap the reward of our sacrifice, and yet betray us and scorn our loss!"
Gimli jumped up, his hands balled into fists. He stood over the seated Elf, shaking with fury. "And what of the treachery of the Elves? It was not the Dwarves that betrayed Middle-earth. We would not be here at all were it not for Celebrimbor's idiocy! Durin would not have fallen were it not for those accursed Rings. Khazad-dúm would not have been lost!"
Legolas leaped fluidly to his feet. "No one forced the Rings upon the Naugrim. And it was not the Elves that drove you from Moria. Your greed stirred that which hunts us now, and endangers Frodo's quest. This is your people's legacy, greed and treachery that leave Middle-earth in darkness! The orphans of Doriath know this. The widows of Gorgoroth will remember the stunted ones that fought with Sauron."
Gimli glared at him. "Always the Elves must live in the past. Those deeds were done an Age ago, and yet you lord it over us still. Why does Aragorn dread his heritage? Because Elrond holds the mistake of an ancestor forty generations dead over his head!"
"Lord Elrond knows Aragorn's destiny far better than do you, Dwarf. Aragorn will claim his heritage in his own time. He has already sacrificed beyond your ability to comprehend, and no Elf would belittle his pain as you claim. It is the Dwarves that refuse to acknowledge their history."
"Do not presume to tell us our role in Middle-earth. And know this: those dead were dust three thousand years ago. Do not think to blame us for the past!"
Legolas stepped forward dangerously. "My brothers died in that battle!"
They stood for a long moment, breathing hard, as the hatred of ten thousand years flickered between them like heat lightening.
Then Legolas spoke, his voice hard and cold. "Mortals think that time washes away the past, as though it never were. But that is not true. Elves need no stone to remember us – we endure. The legends of your ancestors, Dwarf, are my father's experiences. And I will remember the Dwarves' greed and treachery when your precious halls are dust."
Gimli ground his teeth. "And your arrogance will not be forgiven, Elf, so long as there are Dwarves to remember it."
They glared at each other as the moments stretched away in silence. Gimli longed to reach for his axe, to cut down the Elf's pride. He thought of his father's long torment in the dungeons, so easily dismissed by this arrogant Elf-brat. To think he had the gall to stand in Durin's home and insult the generations of his descendants! His fury burned in his throat, and his eyes stung and watered as he met the Elf's gaze. But Legolas had not reached for his knives, and Gimli would not draw first.
Then a strange look came into Legolas' clear eyes, and the Elf frowned and turned his gaze away from Gimli's. Gimli sagged slightly, as though a physical weight had been lifted from him. He would have claimed victory in the staring match, but Legolas seemed distracted, almost as if unaware of the Dwarf before him. He was gazing over Gimli's head at something behind the Dwarf, and a faint crease was drawn between his eyes.
Reluctantly Gimli turned to see what the Elf was looking at. There seemed to be nothing unusual, just the dark humps of their sleeping companions and Boromir. Then Gimli frowned. There was something odd about the Man. Now that he thought about it, it was strange that he and Legolas had not been interrupted in their argument. Never before had they been permitted to voice all the long grievances and past hurts that lay between their peoples. Never had they fought so long, with words that cut like knives. On the occasions that they had exchanged heated words someone had always broken them apart. Usually Aragorn, but sometimes Gandalf or Boromir. Yet this time no one had intervened. Gimli was glad for that, but it was strange.
He looked over the Fellowship. Aragorn had stirred and kicked off his blanket, but had not waked. Gimli wondered at this. The Ranger was a light sleeper and he and Legolas had not troubled to keep their voices down. But Aragorn was clearly exhausted. He seemed nearly as uneasy as Legolas in the caves, and this took its toll on his mortal body. Gandalf also slept, as was to be expected after keeping watch all through the night before. But Boromir was awake, and he had not shown much patience for their bickering in the past. He should have interrupted them. Yet the Man only sat, his eyes blank, turning the Horn of Gondor slowly in his hands.
Gimli narrowed his eyes. Something was definitely wrong. Aragorn seemed to have settled, Gandalf had not moved, the Hobbit pile was oblivious, though Frodo seemed to be stirring in his sleep. . . Frodo. Boromir was staring at Frodo.
Legolas spoke behind him, his musical voice low and intense. "How much time has passed?"
Gimli started, and then said without looking at the Elf, "An hour and a half, perhaps two."
"Long enough." Legolas slipped by him and was nearly to Boromir before Gimli registered the cool wind of his passing. The Elf stopped at the Man's side and said sharply, "Boromir." There was no response. "Boromir!" Legolas bent down and shook the Man's shoulder.
Boromir started and looked around. "Legolas? You should be asleep."
"It is well that I am not," the Elf said shortly. "You are clearly fatigued, and your watch is over."
"Is it?" the Man smiled ruefully. "I am sorry, Legolas. I must have drifted off for a moment. I was more tired than I realized." Boromir got up and picked his way over to the Hobbits. Legolas watched through narrowed eyes as the Man woke Frodo and then retired to his own bedroll. He wrapped the cloak around himself and lay down to face the wall without another glance at the Elf.
Frodo was looking between Legolas and Gimli with a puzzled frown. Legolas spoke softly to the Hobbit and then came back to his own blanket. He did not sit down, but stood against the wall and stared over at the shadowed lump that was Boromir. The Elf's eyes were dark with suspicion.
"He was watching the Ring-bearer," Gimli said softly.
"Yes," Legolas' voice was distant and cool as wind off the mountains. "It seems that Durin's Bane is not the only one to hear the call of the Ring."
A/N: My assertions about Legolas' age, possible siblings, and role in the Battle of the Five Armies are entirely my own and have no basis in canon, although there are some wonderfully well written arguments to support the theory that he is "young" for an Elf, perhaps around 500 years old. We do know that his grandfather Oropher was killed in the Last Alliance and his father Thranduil led the surviving third of Greenwood's forces home, but not much else.
The Dwarves' role in attacking the Elven kingdom of Doriath is related in the Silmarillion. Tolkien says that all creatures, including birds and beasts, were divided in the last war with Sauron. Elves were the one exception to this, for they fought only against him. So I interpret this to mean that some Dwarves fought on Sauron's side, just as some Men did. Durin's kin, however, (Gimli's direct ancestors) fought against him. But for the most part the Dwarves were not involved with the Last Alliance, on either side.
Next up: Chapter 7, dead Dwarves and a glimpse of light.
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I get to be Simone Heyward this weekend! #stud @lsu_softball #secfacilities
Excited to break out my new Louisville Slugger beautifully powerful glove this weekend! @sluggerFP @sluggernation @profastpitch
I'm in pretty good company here ... @sluggernation
My new hitting instructor @Nomar5. Shockingly, he might actually know a thing or 2 about hitting ;-)


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About ECM
May 11 , 2012
Reviews of the Week
Lisa Smirnova's recording of Handels
Eight Great Suites
continues to surprise reviewers
Until a few years ago, I would not have believed that Handels harpsichord suites could be successfully performed on a modern concert grand. . [ ] I have changed my view [ ] they can, indeed, be well and successfully performed on the modern instrument. Lisa Smirnova [ ] has obviously given much thought to these works, and her dedication comes through in her performances. Her tone is appropriately clear, never allowing the sound to become muddied,a s I had always feared the music would become if played on a concert grand. She gives each type of music its due character. Preludes, sarabandes, and allemandes are appropriately weighty, gigues and courants light and fast.
Ron Sami, Fanfare
Steve Kuhn, Steve Swallow and Joey Baron are applauded in French magazine Télérama for their playing on
Wisteria, le thème si beau dArt Farmer, justement, voit passer le trio de la sérénité pensive à lexpressivité expansive. Steve Kuhn, invraisemblable dautorité rythmique et dinvention harmonique; Steve Swallow, développant des lignes de chant mélodique; Joey Baron, subtil dans ses écoutes du piano, fabuleux artificier dans ses relances fortes : trois grands musiciens qui jouent des dynamiques de telle sorte que le mot perfection simpose à lesprit. Alors là, oui, chapeau les artistes!
Michel Contat, Télérama
Renowned American magazine Strings on Miklós Perényi's
Britten, Bach, Ligeti
For his solo debut on ECM, Miklós Perényi plays with granite beauty and masterful command an unusual cellistic trinity of Britten, Bach and Ligeti: specifically Benjamin Brittens Third Suite, Op. 87 (1971); Johann Sebastian Bachs Suite VI D-Dur; BWV 1012; and Gyorgy Ligetis Sonata (1948/53). Despite the passionate intensity with which Britten and Ligeti hurl the cellos resources into new spheres, the music ultimately shows how towering Bachs genius remains for his breathtaking sonic vistas tracing deep emotional lines.
Laurence Vittes, Strings
Examiner.com is thrilled by the choice of material on Garth Knox'
[ ] the CD covers material from the twelfth-century nun Hildegard von Bingen to the two-part suite, Vent nocturne, for viola and electronics, composed for Knox by Kaija Saariaho, as well as one of Know own compositions, Fuga libre for solo viola. [ ] overall, the recording is less one of a journey through music history and more a performers perspective that the corpus accumulated over the last thousand years is all of a piece; and that perspective makes for a thoroughly engaging experience for the serious listener.
Stephen Smoliar, examiner.com
Neue Zürcher Zeitung on Carolin Widmann's and Alexander Lonquich's approach on
Kalt läuft es einem über den Rücken, wenn die C-Dur-Fantasie D934 von Franz Schubert anhebt wenn der Pianist Alexander Lonquich mit den heiklen Tremoli im Pianissimo den Sehnsuchtsraum eröffnet, den das Andante des Beginns ausschreitet, und wenn dann die Geigerin Carolin Widmann mit unendlich zarten, fragilen, verletzlichen Klängen ganz von ferne herübergrüsst. Das ist Kammermusik vom Feinsten. [ ] Ungerührt wird diese CD niemand ins Regal stellen.
Peter Hagmann, Neue Zürcher Zeitung