text:
<Clandestine-Assassin>Pleasant dreams kept Makota company as he slept in the hospital. He dreamt that he was back at the South Pole, with Kupo as a puppy, and him as a young man. It was before anything in his life had gone wrong; he didn't know Konoka yet, he wasn't hurt, his father didn't drink... His eyes opened and he sighed. Staring at the white walls of the hospital. He felt much better than he had the day before on the operating table, but he was still very sore from both his surgery and wounds from the fight. He looked next to him and found a glass of water, then smiled. He bended it around, making it into snakes, dogs, hearts, amusing himself before he drank it. He frowned when he did. His mouth tasted like blood. "Gross..." he muttered. He yawned, then looked around the room to see if Gui or Jingfei was there to keep an eye on him.
<Tprinces>He had at least one thing right. Jingfei was there, sitting next to his bed, Kupo's head resting in her lap. When she saw Makota stir, she sat up straight with a smile. "Hey... How you feeling?" She scooted herself a little closer to Makota, elbows on her knees. "Any better? The doctors say you're already recovering amazingly."
<Clandestine-Assassin>He looked at her and smiled, "Yeah. Still sore and everything, but I'll manage." he said with a smile. "So was it Gui in hysterics or the trail of blood that brought you here?" he asked with a dry smile. "How is he, by the way? I remember talking to him yesterday, but I was hardly conscious... I remember him crying a lot and saying that I had to live through this... Something about being my boyfriend, too... But the details are all hazy." he said, then looked down and blinked. Due to the nature of his injuries, they had no given him a gown. He sat up and looked down at himself, "New shoulder, giant scar... Damn, I got really beat up..." he muttered as he stared at his new crescent shaped scar and his steel shoulder.
<Tprinces>Jingfei's smile got a little bit pained. "Well uh... He's been busy, you know. With the prep for the pro-bending ball..." A moment passed and Jing quickly cleared her throat. "Yeah. Honestly, I'm really surprised you lived. Not many do after an attack like that..." Jing might not have been there, but she heard enough. And she saw all she needed. The day prior, Jingfei had gone home only to find no one there, and the back yard torn to hell, a pool of dried blood in the rubble. Thinking of nowhere else to go, she went to the hospital. It was there that she found her cousin looming over an unconscious Makota in this very hospital room. Jing had never seen Gui the way she saw him that day. His face was completely paled over, his eyes sallow and blank. All he could do was stare and mindlessly pet Kupo. That in itself was enough to take Jing aback; Gui would never pet Makota's dog. When Jingfei asked him what happened, he gave her the rundown as quietly and as steadily as if he was telling her what he had for breakfast. She quickly realized that it was the only way he could tell her without breaking down. Jingfei convinced Gui to go home with her. But that morning, when she tried to get him to come with her to the hospital, Gui refused, staying in his bed. "But that shoulder's pretty cool," she said suddenly. "I've never seen something like that before. And I've seen a lot of inventive medicine..."
<Clandestine-Assassin>He looked at her and frowned, "He's not here...?" he looked down, tears coming to his eyes, "...I really thought that he cared this time..." he mumbled, then bit his lip and sighed, quickly bending his tears away. "Y-yeah I guess it is." he said, looking at it, "It's really amazing what those metal benders can do." he said, then touched the cold steel. "Heh... I bet I'll look pretty bad ass from now on. Those gang members won't be picking fights with me anymore." he said with as much of a grin as he could manage. Kupo looked up at Makota, then barked in agreement, wagging his tail. He jumped on the bed with his paws, looking down at his master and licked his face. "Heh, well at least someone's glad to see me alive, right big boy?" He said as he was licked further.
<Tprinces>Jingfei kept her sad smile. "He... does care but... you know. Life gets in the way..." She felt so bad, lying for Gui like this. She wanted to tell Makota that he'd practically been torturing himself this entire time over what had happened. That hurting Makota was killing him. But she knew Gui wouldn't want that. He never wanted to seem weak. "I'm sure he'll be by again soon," she insisted. "Besides, he was up for hours when I came. He needed a shower and sleep, you know?"
<Clandestine-Assassin>He sighed, "So making an appearance at a ball he doesn't even want to go to is more important than making sure I'm not dead?" he grumbled, then laid back down, "I guess I should have expected as much... He never seemed to care about me before." he said. A knock came at the door. Konoka stood there with some flowers in her hands. "Hey, mind if I come visit?" she asked, not waiting for an answer as she walked in and set the flowers down. Makota glanced at the card; Konoka had signed Gui's name on it... He smiled. At least she was trying. "Hey kid." he said, looking up at her. She smiled, then looked at Jingfei, "Oh, we met at the party the other day." she said with a nod as she sat down next to her. Her eyes were very caring and mother-like, and for once, Makota seemed to be enjoying her company.
<Tprinces>"O-oh yeah." It was not the most comfortable meeting in the world, but she surely remembered it. "Of course. Nice to see you again." After what had happened, she was surprised Konoka came at all. But glad. Anything to direct the conversation and Makota's focus from Gui. Jingfei put her hands on the edge of her seat. "Those are some pretty flowers. Did you get them at Mrs. Haun's shop? She has some great ones, doesn't she?"
<Clandestine-Assassin>Konoka nodded, "Yes, you'd be amazed how some flowers lighten up a dreary hospital room." she said. "These ones are called OceanBlooms, they only grow on the fire islands, and are blue like the ocean, much unlike the red plants that are normally found there. I thought a little blue would make my little water bender happy again." she smiled. Makota seemed to be annoyed with the 'My little water bender' comment, but let it slide; not much he could do anyway. She looked at Jingfei, "Where's your cousin?"
<Tprinces>"Um... busy..." Jingfei shuffled her feet. "Oh!" Suddenly, she remembered something. "I brought you a present!" Reaching into her inner pockets, she pulled out what looked to be a sort of pear-shaped metal toy, made to look like a turtle duck, but with no feet or flippers. "I normally make stuff that goes with firebending, but you being a waterbender and whatnot..." She unscrewed it in the middle and scooped a bit of the water from the flower vase before fastening it back on tight. "Now..." She set it on the bedside. It swayed back and forth before settling on its rounded bottom. "It's a water dancer! Go ahead! Make it spin or whatever you like!"
<Clandestine-Assassin>Makota looked at it and smiled, then bended it, grinning in amusement as the turtle-duck danced for him. "Thanks Jingfei, I love it." he said as he continued to play around with it. Konoka gently took Jingfei's hand and lead her out into the hallway, "Hey, I'm worried about Makota... I've been asking around, and this isn't the first time that Gui has hurt Makota... Are you sure that this won't happen again?" She asked, "I don't want to see a sweet boy like Makota with someone who will beat him."
<Tprinces>Jingfei's eyes were sympathetic. "I... I dunno," she said honestly. "He was a wreck when I saw him. Apparently, the doctors said he never left his side until I took him home. I mean... he's never hurt anyone like this before, really." But then again, he'd never fought a novice like Makota, either. "I really hope so, Konoka... but I... I can't say for sure. Gui is-" "I'm what?" Jingfei jumped and turned to see her cousin standing behind her. Well... he certainly cleaned up after being such a mess that morning. His hair was combed, he'd taken a shower and changed. Surprisingly enough, he actually wore a shirt. Jingfei didn't quite know how to react. "You're... here..." "Well duh. How is he? Is he awake?" "Y-yes..." "Good." Pushing past them, Gui stepped into Makota's room, but did not come within five feet of his bed. "Hey there." His smile was snarky. Not at all the smile one would comfort another with. Then again, it was Gui. But instantly, Jingfei noted something... off... about her cousin. "You still breathing, sprinkles?"
<Clandestine-Assassin>Makota perked up the moment he saw Gui. He hadn't expected Gui to be all crying and apologies, so he wasn't exactly let down by his mood. "I told you, it takes more than THAT to get rid of me." he said with a smirk. He sat up, the blanket falling, showing his large scar. Makota's playful eyes turned serious, "I'm glad that you came to visit." he said, "I remember you yesterday... Doing and saying things you'd kill me for if I repeated." he said with a chuckle, "I don't remember the details, but I know the points of the conversation... So when are we going on that date you promised?" he grinned.
<Tprinces>Gui was quiet for a moment, his smile gone. Jingfei could see something in his eyes. If she had to peg it as anything, she likened it to some sort of storm. That's when he did something that took them all by surprise. That snarky smirk came back to his face and, with his eyes closed, he laughed. Cruelly and coldly. "Oh... So you remember all that, huh?" He nonchalantly put his hands behind his head, leaning against the wall. "And here I was hoping it'd all be a bad dream for you." His eyes opened and he stared straight into Makota's. "I mean... come on. You didn't actually believe all that crap I said, did you? I told you, I don't do boyfriends. And to be honest, that new little shoulder pad you've got is pretty ugly. So it's not like you're even cute anymore-" "Gui!" Jingfei could take no more of this, her mouth hanging open in shock. "What are you-?!" "What I should have done a while ago." Hands in his pockets, Gui turned towards the door. "You're more trouble than you're worth, kid. I came here to pay your hospital bill. But the minute you get out, you find another place to stay."
<Clandestine-Assassin>"..." Makota stared at him, eyes wide and tearing quickly. The color in his brown skin faded to a color similar to chocolate milk. Then, that spark came back to them. Konoka was the first to notice it, she tugged on Jingfei's arm, "We need to go NOW." she said and rushed out of the room, hoping the firebender was wise enough to follow her. Makota glared at Gui, "No. That is NOT going to happen you pompous, egotistical fuck!" he yelled, standing up, wincing at his scar. He bended the water out of the baggy that kept him hydrated, falling weakly to one knee, but quickly getting back up. He turned them into two knife-like ice blade, then bended them quickly, faster than Gui had ever seen a water bender do, with their aim to leave an X scar on his chest and land him in the hospital himself. "You're lucky you're here. Else you would have died alone, like you should." he growled hatefully, then went on with his lightning fast ice attacks.
<Tprinces>Gui didn't even try to stop him. Jing, however, did. Quick as she could, she rushed forward and grabbed Makota's shoulders, keeping him from attacking Gui. This in turn left a few nasty cuts on her arms, but that wasn't important right then. "Help! Someone!" The room was soon filled with doctors and nurses, a few of them waterbenders themselves. They took away his ice weapons and quickly got him into bed. One of the healers managed to numb him a bit while he was restrained. Gui watched, his face blank, before turning sharply and heading down the hall. Jing, furious beyond belief, rushed after him. "Gui!" she barked. The earthbender stopped, but did not turn. "What was that?!" she demanded. "How can you be so- so-!" "I was just telling the truth." "Bullshit!" Jingfei was so angry, her breath had sparks with each huff. "You care for him! You know you do! Why are you so insistent on pushing him away?" Gui took a moment to answer, staring at the floor. Slowly, he shifted his head towards Jing, though he didn't turn to see her. "It's better this way." That caught her off guard. "What?" "It's better if he hates me, Jing." Slowly, he lifted his head. True guilt sat there. It was the same guilt she saw that morning. The day before. "Now he'll stay away from me. Far away. That's what's best right now." Jingfei's heart fell, but she knew that he had a point. She opened her mouth to say something else, but Gui didn't stay to hear it. Turning, he marched his way out of the hospital, leaving the firebender alone with her thoughts.
<Clandestine-Assassin>A week or so passed, and Makota was finally allowed to have visitors again. The nurses promised Jingfei that he was calm now, but that he really wanted to see Gui. Makota sat in his room, playing witht he toy that Jingfei had made him the week before. He sighed, looking at the flowers with Gui's name on them. He often did that, just read his name. He looked down. What had Makota done wrong? Did he say something that made Gui want to hurt him so badly? He sighed deeply, wiping his eyes to be sure that he wasn't crying.
<Tprinces>"Hellooo..." Jingfei poked her head in and smiled. "Hi there..." She held up a small, wrapped up bowl of noodles. "Thought you might want something other than hospital food..." She seated herself beside Makota and set the bowl in his lap, handing him chopsticks as well. "I wasn't really sure what kind of noodles you wanted, so I just made you some Flamio's. I hope they're ok. I burned the last couple of tries..." She let her elbows hang from her knees, shoulders hunched a little. "So... how are you doing? I tried visiting earlier, but they kept visitors from you for a while I guess..." Not surprising after what happened.
<Clandestine-Assassin>He sighed and nodded, "Thank you." he said and started to eat, then nodded, "Yeah, I lost my temper." he said, "Konoka was smart to leave... I hope I didn't hurt you too badly." he said, "It was meant for your pig-headed cousin... Who I'm still on a mission to make my boyfriend." he said with a smirk. "After what happened during the surgery... I think he was just trying to ward me away." he said, "When they were operating, he held my hand, told me how sorry he was... He cried a lot... He told me that if I lived through it, then he would do anything I wanted..." he said with a sad smile, "I won't let such a promise go unkept. He means too much to me, and I mean too much to him. Besides, it's not like this will ever happen again. I don't plan on practicing with him ever again. We both get too worked up, and too excited... But... I was thinking..." he looked away, "Maybe I should go up north to learn bending. All I know comes from scrolls. I only learned healing when I went up there." he said, "If I learn how to fight, and do it right, then this can't ever happen again... Right?"
<Tprinces>Jingfei shifted a little uncomfortably at the prospect. "Well if it will help you get better at bending but..." How much should she say, really? "Makota... Listen. I don't think trying to approach him is such a good idea. It's just going to make him pull back more. On top of that, I really don't think he'd ever make good on that promise. He's..." Her words had stopped short and she turned away. Might as well tell the truth. "Well... he's a wreck after what he did. He can't stop blaming himself. And he's well, he's convinced that the only way to make sure this never happens again is if he stays as far away from you as he can."
<Clandestine-Assassin>He looked at her, "Jing... I love him, a lot." he said honestly, "I told him that from now on, I wanted to share his moments with him... Even the bad ones." he said, "I need to let him know that I forgive him, and that nothing like this will ever happen again. If anything, it's my fault for asking him to train me. I should have known that he would get a high like I me." he shook his head, "It's not his fault at all. It was an accident. Nothing more. He didn't MEAN to do that, we were training. I mean, my shots could have inflicted the same damage onto him if he didn't move right. He practically did the same move that I had, but I didn't dodge it right." he said with a smile. "It's not his fault at all, and I'd never blame him for it."
<Tprinces>"I know that," said Jingfei sadly. "But that's not how he sees it..." She rubbed her hands together. "You know that scar he has on his shoulder? The one he got when he was a pro-bender? Well... ever since then, the thing he hates the most is an unfair game. A cheater, I guess. What happened aside, he feels like he broke his own rule, you know...?" Jingfei looked at her gloves, picking at the leather. "I guess he just doesn't trust himself anymore. And that's not something you can fix..." Meanwhile, in the lobby, that same earthbender in question came towards the front desk. The nurse looked up from her paperwork. She smiled kindly. "Back again, I see. Every day this week..." "Can he see people now?" "Sure. I'll let him know you're-" "No. Thanks... I don't want to talk to him. Just..." The nurse frowned a little, but nodded in understanding. "Same as before then. Alright, go on." Gui nodded and then headed upstairs towards Makota's room. The door was open. He must be awake. Leaning against the wall by the frame, he listened in. Was a doctor checking up on him...? No, wait... that was Jing's voice. "Well, just try not to dwell on it, yeah? He'll get over himself eventually."
<Clandestine-Assassin>Makota smiled at Jing, "I'll drag him to the north pole if I have to. After all these months, it's the one thing I'm going to dwell on, especially with that ball coming up." he smiled, "I love him... And nothing would make me happier than to go to it with him. I know a good few people who won't like it if we do, but Gui's not abusive. I learned not to pick fights with him, that's a plus." he said with an uneasy laugh. "And I learned several other 'do's and 'don't's... I really, really want to make it work between me and him.... I like him a lot more than I ever did Konoka, and at one point I was planning to marry her! I won't let him slip. I refuse to. I'm stronger than that, and if he isn't, I'll give him space and time... After that ball. I'm going with him. He doesn't have a choice, no matter what he says about it." Makota laughed, "After that I guess I'll head to the north pole... Unless there's a bending teacher in the city."
<Tprinces>Gui was silent, staring at the floor by his feet. Hearing Makota say all that... It ripped open the wounds that were just starting to heal over. He really was stupid, wasn't he? After all that he still wanted to be with him. Said he loved him. That was scary enough on its own. He'd only heard that once or twice from a few freaked out fan girls. Never something like this. He barely registered his cousin's voice. "Ah, that's mean, Makota. Now I won't have anyone to go with!" The two of them shared a laugh. All it did was make Gu want to cry. Again. Damn. "Well... I'm sure there are waterbending teachers in the city. There are plenty of waterbenders, after all. They've got to learn it somewhere."
<Clandestine-Assassin>Makota nodded, "I guess so." he said, "I'm not looking forward to moving out. I've gotten so used to cuddling with Gui in the night... It'll be so weird without him there." he sighed, "But my appartment isn't ready... So I'm back to that filthy motel, now with open wounds... I hope I don't get infected." he mumbled, "But I don't think it'll come to that. I'm stubborn as a armadillo-donkey." He laughed, then his attention turned to a figure in the doorway. The very man that they were talking about, it seemed at first glance.
<Tprinces>Jingfei frowned. "Well... I'm sure we can find someone else who has a place you can stay. I sure won't be letting you stay in that filthy place while you're healing... mm." Running her fingers through her bangs, she blew through her lips in frustration. "Ah! Stupid Gui... He's been my cousin all my life and I still don't understand him sometimes." Gui tilted his head to the side. Did they really think he was going to just let Makota go just like that? He hadn't planned on it... The plan was to make Makota hate him, but he was still going to give him some money to start off with. Find a better place, something like that. His mind went back to some of those nights he and the waterbender had together. How long had it been since Makota moved in, anyway? A week? Two weeks? Gui grit his teeth and rubbed his forehead. Damn. Why did he have to pick him up in the first place. Then all of this could have been avoided. Stupid penis...
<Clandestine-Assassin>He sighed a bit, "I dunno. A pet shop owner doesn't really make all that much, especially since I'm out of business for a month... I won't be able to afford to live anyplace but their, eating bread and drinking tap water." he sighed and shivered at the thought. he looked to the doorway again, and saw Gui, then smiled, "Gui!" he said happily, "Come in! Come in!" he smiled, a surprised and happy look on his face. He was very happy to see Gui, especially since he didn't have to ask Jingfei to drag him there.
<Tprinces>Gui jumped. Crap. He should have been more careful. Instead of turning to look around the corner, he quickly made his way down the hall. Jingfei, who didn't notice at all until Makota pointed it out, hurried after her cousin. But the minute she stepped outside, Gui was already in the elevator and gone from sight. The firebender sighed and turned to Makota. "Well... maybe I can convince him to come again next time..." She walked forward, sitting herself back down beside his bed. "How much do you think he heard?"
<Clandestine-Assassin>He looked down, putting his arms around his knees, and his face in there so she wouldn't see him cry, "U-um.. I don't know..." he mumbled as the tears dropped onto his blanket. Makota was staying as strong as he could, but seeing Gui just avoiding him... It hurt him badly. Makota didn't know which pain was worse: His physical wounds, or being ignored and hated by Gui. Kupo jumped off of the chair he was on and trotted out into the hallway. He ran down the stairs, then sniffed around until he caught Gui's scent and sat where the elevator he was on would open up with a stubborn look on his cat-like face.
<Tprinces>Jingfei looked helplessly at the young waterbender. Walking forward, she sat beside him and did the only thing she could do. Wrap her arms tightly around Makota's shoulders and hug him.//Gui, stepping off the elevator, was suddenly confronted with Makota's polar dog. His eye twitched and he growled. "The hell do you want?" he spat. With hands balled into fists, he stormed past Kupo, making a b-line for the door.
<Clandestine-Assassin>Kupo followed him and kept staring at him, an unpleasant stare to say the least. As Gui walked, Kupo got more and more annoyed, he started to nip at Gui's hands, then bark and growl at him. It was as if Kupo was yelling at Gui and telling him to go back and see Makota. All the while, that same, unpleasant glare was on the dog's face. Kupo, being the devious ass-nugget he is, found a way that Gui couldn't ignore him. He took a running start, then jumped and bit Gui in the rump, ripping his pants and underwear, but had not broken the skin.
<Tprinces>"AH!" Gui cried out in surprise before quickly being hushed by a passing nurse. Glaring, he turned to Kupo, rubbing his hind end with both hands. "What?" he snapped. "You and your master are both nuts. Nuts! I hurt him, don't you get it?! I can't trust myself to be around him!" He then paused, realization hitting him head on. Putting a hand to his forehead, he drew it down, pulling at the bottom of his eyelids. "I am talking to a dog," he said aloud.
<Clandestine-Assassin>Kupo barked, then jumped down and grabbed his pants leg, trying to drag him back to Makota. He barked louder, sounding angry, then pulled harder. A man looked up, "Polar dogs have the best intuition out of any animal, you know." the elderly man said, "You should listen to it if it wants you to go someplace. Some tribes even believe that they're physic, or sent by the spirits to guide us on our paths."
<Tprinces>Gui tried hard to shake the thing from his pant leg, but found it near impossible. When some old coot insisted that one should listen to a polar dog, Gui's face twitched. Raising his leg up, he let the creature dangle by his jaw as he pointed to it. "If this thing is some kind of spiritual compass, consider me atheist..." He turned his glaring eyes to Kupo and tried again to shake him off his leg. "Ugh! Get OFF, will ya?! Stupid mutt I just had these pants CLEANED!"
<Clandestine-Assassin>Kupo glared at him. The old man looked at him, "You're talking to a man who has seen many miraculous things with all sorts of types. This polar dog looks and acts like the very same one who led me to the woman that became my wife... that dog's name was Kupo... I doubt it's the same dog, but you never know." he smiled before and elderly woman came, took his hand and the two walked out together happily. Kupo glared at the bulge in Gui's pants, then looked back up at Gui, warning him of the next spot he would bite if Gui didn't listen to him.
<Tprinces>Now Gui was one tough guy. But not even he could walk away from something like that with a straight face. Taking a breath, he set his leg down. "Fine. If I go say hello will you leave me the hell alone?" Again, talking to a dog. But whatever. Might as well after everything that's happened.
<Clandestine-Assassin>He barked angrily, as if to ask 'And then?'. Kupo was a stubborn dog, just like his master was a stubborn man. The two fit each other well. Kupo got behind Gui and started pushing him towards the elevator. All the while he was ready to pounce and destroy Gui's precious balls.
<Tprinces>"Ugh... dumb dog." Pulling away from Kupo, Gui made his way back to the elevator, the two heading back up to Makota's floor. But as he rose, his disgust quickly fell to his very true and very harsh feelings of regret. A sigh escaped him and he leaned against the elevator wall, staring at the slowly rising needle above the doors. "Why does he have to love me?" The question was almost to himself. Finally, the elevator dinged. For a moment, Gui didn't step out. He feared it. As though by simply being in the same room with Makota, he'd finish what he started and really kill him. He knew this fear was irrational. What had happened had been an accident. But it was an accident that Gui could have avoided if he kept his head on right. It was an accident that was entirely his fault. With heavy steps (heavier than usual) Gui slowly made his way to Makota's room. He peaked inside. Makota was laying down, and Jingfei was rearranging a vase of flowers beside him. Gui began to have second thoughts. Things were so peaceful in there. Why did he have to ruin it? He didn't need his balls that much, did he? He gave Kupo a look that clearly read: "do I have to?" However, Kupo had made his stance very much clear on the subject. So, after mustering up the courage he needed, Gui stepped inside, hands in his pockets. "Hey." His voice caught the attention of both Jingfei and Makota. He frowned. "Your attack dog is one mean snake shark."
<Clandestine-Assassin>Makota sat up, the covers falling off of his chest and revealing his stitches which had finally begun to heal and started to fall out, "He just likes to see me happy, is all..." He said with a smile as Kupo guarded to door to make sure Gui left on Kupo's terms. Makota smiled encouragingly at Gui, "Come on and sit down... We need to talk about some things." he said. Kupo gave Jingfei a look that said 'We should go'. Makota mind raced a mile a minute despite his calm appearance. What should he say first? What if Gui walked out again? Did Gui love him back? He collected his thoughts, and figured he''d tell him the most important point first, "I don't blame you for what happened, and I never plan to. It was a training accident. We were both high off adrenaline." he said calmly, "In fact, had I been thinking, I would have stopped the fight before the accident. My shoulder was bleeding pretty badly. Nobody's to blame here, Gui. It was something that happened because we were both stupid and misjudging our abilities." he finished.
<Tprinces>Jingfei quickly escorted herself and the polar dog out of the room, shutting the door behind them. Gui, with his arms folded, stared out the window, as though it was the most interesting thing in the world. "Sure. Whatever." Walking over to the sill, he leaned against it, his head slightly out the window now. The breeze gently pushed back some of the hair from his face. "It was an accident. I'm not dumb. And I'd never do it on purpose. But I did do it when I should have stopped myself. Don't try to say differently. So... let's just leave it at that."
<Clandestine-Assassin>Makota sighed, then got out of the bed, unstrapping the wires and such from himself and walked around, trying his best not to limp. He tuned around completely, "Gui, I'm fine now. And that's what matters." he said, "I know that you're blaming yourself.. But don't. And don't try to scare me off again." he said as he walked and stood next to him. "You heard me say something to Jingfei about you that I'm too scared to say to your face. You know how I feel about you, and that won't change, Gui. I'm going to take up water bending again so that even if by chance that does happen, it won't be as bad." he said softly. "I'm doing everything I can to make this work out... I care a lot about you." he said, a blush staining his cheeks, then added to ease the tension, even a little, "Even if you have a fat ass."
<Tprinces>Gui jolted, his lower lip pouting out. "I told you my buttocks are firm and FABULOUS!" However, that little moment of play was doused out quickly and Gui turned his eyes away. "That's good that you'll be taking up waterbending though..." A silence fell between them and Gui shook his head. "What I can't figure out is why." Clearly, he did not mean the waterbending. Gui turned to him, his eyes helpless. "Why would you even... I mean..." He ran his thick fingers through his hair. "I mean... come on, Makota. There have got to be nicer guys than me... You've got to admit that... Guys who would treat you better." It felt like poison on his lips, but he knew the truth behind those words. "You don't deserve an asshole like me."
<Clandestine-Assassin>Makota laughed, "I don't want a nice guy." he said with a smile, "You're perfect for me, actually. You don't like PDA, so I won't turn into a woman, when we're alone, your surprise me and make me feel... I can't even find a word to describe it." he smiled fondly, "But you can also put me in my place if I step out of line, like what you did when I cut Konoka." he nodded. "Believe me, if I were to date a nice guy, I'd be in prison. You know how jealous I get. You can handle it, and even seem to like it when I get hot-headed." he chuckled.
<Tprinces>Gui wanted so badly to argue that. That none of those reasons were valid at all because of what had happened. But in reality, he found those to all be pretty damn good reasons. It bugged him, to be quite frank. Makota was ruining all of his perfectly laid plans to be a self-sacrificing, brooding anti-hero. Finally, he let out a snort and put his hand on Makota's head, ruffling his hair. "You're so damned annoying... And why are you out of bed? Come on." He turned Makota around and pushed him towards the cot, forcing him back under the covers. "Look I've never really done anything like this so... if this is going to work, here are some ground rules." He began to count on his fingers. "First of all, you're not my wife, so don't act like it. Secondly, I don't ask permission for jack squat. If I want to go out and drink at bars, I'm gonna go out and drink at bars. So you either come with me or wait up at home. And thirdly, I will not, under any circumstances, change the color of my drapes. Got it?"
<Clandestine-Assassin>Makota smiled up at him, "I never planned on being your wife, Drinking with you sounds like a hell of a lot more fun than listening to the radio all night, and I never noticed you had drapes." he smiled, leaning up, "I'm not as feminine as you make me out to be, Gui. Hey, you know what would be a lot of fun? If you helped me down at my shop. Mount training seems like it'd be right up your alley." he said, "It's a lot more fun than it sounds, believe me." he said, "Oh, by the way, I'm getting you some sort of domestic bear." he added. Then, he jumped up and hugged him tightly, smiling and closing his eyes. "I'm glad you came around." he said quietly.
<Tprinces>Gui seemed to forget his fourth rule. He will not be getting a pet. But oh well. Reaching down, he pulled Makota into a hug, his lips pressed up against the crux of his neck. It was nice to hold him like this again. Though there was a part of him that was still petrified. Still worried that he would slip and hurt him worse. But that was up to the future, he supposed. Pulling back, he held up a finger. "No bears. I can fit you, I can fit Jing, and I can fit your mutt. But I cannot and will not fit a bear in my house."
<Clandestine-Assassin>Makota blushed at the kiss on his neck, "But it would be so cute." he whined playfully, "It could dance for you, play with your feet..." he sighed happily, simply glad be to back in Gui's arms. He hugged him tightly, burrowing his face into Gui's chest.
Gui's Redeption by TprincesWatch
©2012-2016 Tprinces
Just a little conclusion to what happened with Makota and Gui
Part 1: [link]
Gui © *Tprinces
Makota © =Clandestine-Assassin
Part 1: [link]
Gui © *Tprinces
Makota © =Clandestine-Assassin


text:
Tagged: Nintendo
New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL Handheld Game Consoles Announced
Nintendo has announced two new handheld game consoles in their Nintendo 3DS family, including New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL. Both handheld devices will be available in Japan on October 11 this year. If you're curious, let's go on checking.
SH Figuarts Mario Action Figure
Bandai Tamashii have team up with Nintendo and created a cute Mario action figure. If you're a big fan of the video game series, let's go on checking the SH Figuarts Mario action figure.
The Amazing LEGO Nintendo 64 Transformers
Sorry, you can't use the game console to enjoy your favorite retro games, but we guarantee, you will be stunned by the amazing Nintendo 64 transformers built with LEGO bricks.
The Handmade Famicom Galaxy S3 Case
Apparently you can't use the special Famicom to play your favorite classic games, but if you need a cool protective case for your Galaxy S3, the handmade Famicom Galaxy S3 case may be able to draw your attention.
The Famicom Built with LEGO Bricks
It's a little pity you can't use the Famicom to enjoy those classic video games, but if you're also a fan of LEGO, the Famicom built with LEGO bricks should be able to catch your eyes.
Nintendo Game Controller Backpack
Apparently you can't use the huge Nintendo controller to play those classical video games, but if you want to take your items in a gamer's way, the Nintendo game controller backpack will be a great solution.
Nintendo Wii U Game Console Full Specs Announced
Nintendo unveiled Wii U game console last June. Now the innovative game console will be available soon, and the full specs of Wii U have been released. If you're also curious what features have been packed in, let's go on checking.
Nintendo Game Characters in Ukiyo-e Style
It seems these game characters from Nintendo video games have been redesigned based on Ukiyo-e. If you like this kind of ancient Japanese art along with pop culture, let's go on checking.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Penny Stock Gainers And Losers In Focus: QPON, MEDL, AENYQ235 views 2013-02-26 01:35 Tags: Penny stock Small cap Stock Stocks under stocks for recommendations
MEDL Mobile Holdings Inc (OTCBB:MEDL) was among the gainers and escalated +9.09% and closed the session Friday at $0.300. The day range of the stock was $0.28 – $0.30. The 52-week range of the stock was $0.07 – $1.15. The 3-month performance of the stock was in the green as it surged +100%. The half-year trend of the stock was in the green as it advanced +7.14%.
Americas Energy Company (PINKSHEETS:AENYQ) was also in bearish claws on Friday, as it plunged -95.00% and finished the trading at $0.0001. The market capitalization of the stock remained at $8,886 and its shares outstanding remained at 88.86 million. EPS of the stock was $-0.20. The beta of the stock remained at 19.79. The stock traded with volume of 235,950 shares and its average volume remained 34,048 shares. The stock was in bearish claws as it slipped -99.17% in its 5-day period and dropped -99.23% in its one-month's period.
Subscribe today to receive our latest penny stock alerts and picks at http://www.pennystockwatchman.com


text:
Persona 4 Anime Online
Anime Persona 4
4.45 (769 Votes)
Summary:Persona 4: The Animation is a television anime adaptation of the game Persona 4 made by AIC ASTA. and is overseen by Aniplex. It uses the same characters and setting as its inspiration. Additionally, Shigenori Soejima and Shoji Meguro, the original's art director and composer, respectively, are said to return in their former roles. More
Genre: Adventure, Mystery, School, Science Fiction, Super Power, Supernatural
Manga: Read Persona 4 Manga Online


text:
Daniel Winn: Ducks Flock to Many Sports
Monday, September 24, 2012
Hello Duck fans,
I'm writing from the cross country team's annual training camp in Sunriver, Oregon. First, let me begin with my complaints about the experience: sometimes it takes awhile to agree on what movie to watch, a fly just landed on my leg, and I haven't won every game of Hearts we've played.
Other than that, it has been a fantastic experience. It begins with our training, which is something to see. Every person has shown up at camp in fantastic shape; it's exciting watching the whole team crush workouts together. Everyone exudes a dedication to all stages of training: from runs to recovery, warm-ups, flexibility, stretching, and strength training.
The other significant aspect of camp is the cooking. Tim Costin is a culinary artist, even one-upping himself with each meal. His barbecue bacon burgers with cheese infused into the patty are too incredible for my vocabulary to properly describe. And I would be remiss if I failed to mention my blogging mentor Ben DeJarnette's truly wonderful chili.
The scenery is gorgeous, of course. One long run finished alongside the beautiful Deschutes River. There are a multitude of trails here. I haven't grown bored of any running routes.
More highlights include Chris Brewer's charades performances, numerous card tricks by Colby Alexander, and the clutch performance of the trip so far from Chad Noelle: remembering nail clippers. I was in the running for best clutch performance with my miniature golf game, until an embarrassing double bogey on the 8th hole.
Now I've got to go for a run with Trevor Dunbar, Parker Stinson, Ryan Pickering and perhaps others. Expect another blog shortly, introducing you to our newest Ducks.
You can also follow me on twitter (@pstinsonfan1). And while you're at it, follow @parkerstinson, too.
Go Ducks!


text:
"My friend (if I may still call him that) believed in humanity, and so he also believed in order, in the order of painting and the order of words, since words are what we paint with. He believed in redemption. Deep down he may even have believed in progress. Coincidence, on the other hand, is total freedom, our natural destiny. Coincidence obeys no laws and if it does we don't know what they are. Coincidence, if you'll permit me the simile, is like the manifestation of God at every moment on our planet. A senseless God making senseless gestures at his senseless creatures. In that hurricane, in that osseous implosion, we find communion. The communion of coincidence and effect and the communion of effect with us."
– from 2666, by Roberto Bolaño


text:
A High Fantasy Adventure
View Single Post
The Keeper of Peace
Join Date
: Apr 2006
: Canada
: 1,275
Current Game
: Pheonix Wright
It took Cain several minutes to finally wake up from his table at the far end of the tavern. Something Cain learned over the 2 years since his death was he could manipulate human form. Though flimsy and tedious he could take on the appearance of a human male magically. Though what he normally did nowadays was sleep in Taverns or get drunk and pass out.
When he awoke he was surprised. Mostly because he wasn't lying in a back alley or on his face as usual. He looked around and stood up. His old longsword was still buckled to his belt as it had been. He rarely used it, it was mostly for show.
Cain shook his head slightly and looked around. The tavern was a dead sight. Only a few patrons were sitting at tables. But the table nearest to the door was what caught his eye. Standing at the table was a centaur. Cain only saw a centaur once before and he doubted he knew what he was looking at. Cain walked up to the nearby bar counter and waited for a bartender to show up. Once he did he asked for a simple ale and drank it down in a few short gulps. He began to wonder if it would be a long day or not.
"There's gotta be a better way to make a living"
-Kyle Katarn
you may:
quote & reply
View Public Profile
Find More Posts by DeadYorick


text:
In the Trenches
Test out this look– the Trench is IN!!! Brand new in store today is Tory Burch's khaki trench coat perfect for the transition into Fall. Look chic like Jessica, Taylor, and Gwenyth! Dress it up or down, in the rain or not in the rain! Anyone can pull this look off and it's for every age and every style! I know I can't wait to pick up one of these!


text:
"The team, made up of friends from Iepe's chess boxing club, rented official German railway bicycles and rigged them with buckets at the front to carry the paint. They then loaded the bicycles and the paint into a truck and drove them to the intersection. After the bikes' buckets were filled with the wet stuff they set out with cars driven by members of the team...."
Read more at The Star.
July 20, 2011
How-to video: Dutch artist Iepe Rubingh poured paint in the Berlin streets last year
6 comments:
Very nice, thanks for sharing.
Very good concept of this "Painting Reality"...painting on a huge canvass using real cars as the brush...
I enjoy reading through your article post, I wanted to write a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation All the best for all your blogging efforts. Appreciate the recommendation! Let me try it out. Keep working ,great job!
mesin fotocopy| rental sound | rumah dijual | perlengkapan bayi | SEO Company | party organizer | parfum
I absolutely love reading this article, the manner of writing is outstanding.This post as usual was instructive, I have had to bookmark your website and subscribe to this feed in googlereader. this site looks impressive.
mesin fotocopy | rental sound | rumah dijual | perlengkapan bayi | jakarta hotel | party organizer | parfum
Thanks for taking this opportunity to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and I take pleasure in learning about this topic. If possible, as you gain information, please add to this blog with new information. I have found it extremely useful.
properti semarang | rumah dijual | perlengkapan bayi | jakarta hotel | party organizer | parfum
Hey there, You have done a fantastic job. I will certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am confident they'll be benefited from this website.
parfum | rumah dijual | jakarta hotel | properti semarang | SEO Company


text:
Football Falls To Conference USA Foe UTEP, 44-7
Green Wave defense forces three turnovers; Mackey hits double-digit tackle mark for fifth time in 2011
Quotes Following Football's 44-7 Conference USA Loss To UTEP
Transcript From Tulane's Weekly Football Press Conference
Toledo reviews last week's game vs. Syracuse, looks ahead to Conference USA contest against UTEP
Quotes Following Football's 37-34 Loss To Syracuse
A man with nearly half of century of college football experience either as a coach or player, Bob Toledo enters his fifth season as the head coach of the Tulane Green Wave in 2011.
The veteran coach begins his 18th year as a head coach, his 38th year as a collegiate coach and his 41st year as a player or coach. He became the 37th head football coach in school history when he was formally introduced on Monday, December 11, 2006. In 17 seasons as a head collegiate coach, he sports a career coaching record of 91-103 (.478), and a mark of 13-35 in four seasons with the Green Wave.
In Toledo's fourth year, the Green Wave improved its overall record for the third straight year during the 2010 season with a 4-8 overall mark. The season included an improbable 17-14 victory on the road against Big East Conference member Rutgers, a decisive road victory at UTEP, 34-24, and a thrilling, come-from-behind win at home against Rice, 54-49.
The season was highlighted by freshman All-American Orleans Darkwa, who ran for a freshman record 925 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, the 10th-best effort in a single season, and he also threw for two more scores. Tulane boasted the fifth-ranked defense in Conference USA, including the best passing defense unit in the league.
Despite a record of 3-9 during his third campaign, Toledo's 2009 squad featured Tulane's first 1,000-yard rushing and 1,000-yard receiving duo in the same season, the most prolific freshman quarterback in school history and Conference's USA's top-ranked passing defense. Senior running back Andre Anderson was a Doak Walker Award candidate who rumbled for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns, while senior receiver Jeremy Williams was a Fred Belitnikoff Award candidate who made 84 receptions for 1,113 yards and seven scores. Both players played in college football's postseason games, including Anderson in the East-West Shrine Game and Williams was named the South Team MVP in the Under Armour Senior Bowl.
Quarterback Ryan Griffin, who started the last six games of the season, set Tulane freshman record for completions, attempts, passing yardage and touchdowns. TU's secondary allowed its opponents just 218 passing yards per game, which was tops in C-USA. Williams and senior offensive lineman Nick Landry each signed free agent contracts with NFL teams following the season.
Toledo's second-year squad got off to a solid start with a 2-2 mark following a pair close losses to #13 Alabama and a setback in the final minutes to #14 East Carolina, and wins over in-state rival ULM and Conference USA foe SMU. However, devastating injuries began to mount beginning with the loss to Army, and TU did not crack the win column again. Tulane lost 17 players to season-ending injuries. Among the casualties was leading rusher Andre Anderson, who was named a Doak Walker Award candidate after rushing for 864 yards and seven touchdowns through seven games, and top receiver Jeremy Williams, who caught 27 passes for 437 yards and five scores in five games.
Despite the adverse season, Tulane placed a combined three players on the All-Conference USA First and Second Teams and offensive lineman Troy Kropog, who played in the Under Armour Senior Bowl and was drafted in the fourth round by the Tennessee Titans, while center Michael Parenton signed a free agent contract with the New York Jets.
During his first season at the helm of the Green Wave football program, Toledo may have guided Tulane to a 4-8 overall finish, but the final record was not a true indicator of how close the team was to its first bowl in five seasons. The Wave was not only picked to finish last in Conference USA's West Division, but was not expected to win a conference game according to the preseason coaches' poll. Tulane turned in a third-place finish in its division with a 3-5 league mark, but just missed out on a 5-3 year by six total points. In fact, the Green Wave dropped three games by a combined nine points and won two of its last three contests to close out the season.
Despite the tough losses, Toledo still managed to lead Tulane into the national spotlight. Under his offensive philosophy, senior tailback Matt Forté rushed for a school record 2,127 yards, the seventh-best single season total in NCAA history, and he became the 12th player to surpass the 2,000-yard rushing plateau in a single year. Forté earned numerous All-America honors, including second team All-America honors, and was among the contenders for the Heisman Trophy, the Doak Walker and Maxwell Awards, and was named the national player of the week twice and played in the Under Armour Senior Bowl during his lone season under Toledo.
Forté was drafted early in the second round (44th) by the Chicago Bears and became the sixth running back to be selected on a team coached by Toledo since 1974. Forté joined Karim Abdul-Jabbar (UCLA), DeShaun Foster (UCLA), Skip Hicks (UCLA), Lionel Manuel (Pacific) and Derek Williams (Cal-Riverside) to be drafted on a Toledo-coached team.
Toledo has held head coaching posts at four different schools, including stints at Cal Riverside (15-6 with two championships from 1974-75), University of the Pacific (14-30 from 1979-82) and UCLA (1996-2002). He has coached in 13 bowl games during his career, including seven of the traditional New Year's Day bowls.
Toledo, 65, came to Tulane from the University of New Mexico, where he spent the 2006 season as the assistant head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for the Lobos. During his one year stint in Albuquerque, he led UNM to a 6-6 overall record, a 4-4 finish in the Mountain West Conference (5th place) and to the inaugural New Mexico Bowl.
Under Toledo's tutelage, sophomore running back Rodney Ferguson led the MWC in rushing with 1,132 yards, an average of 94.3 yards per game, and was named first team all-conference. Senior offensive guard Robert Turner and junior wide receiver Travis Brown also received first team accolades. UNM advanced to a bowl despite having to use three different quarterbacks for the first time in 15 years.
Prior to New Mexico, Toledo spent seven years (1996-2002) as the head coach at UCLA where he compiled a 49-32 record overall. The Bruins produced a school-record 20-game winning streak, plus two Pac-10 titles, one Rose Bowl appearance and non-conference victories over Texas (twice), Alabama (twice), Michigan, Ohio State and Texas A&M.
Under Toledo, UCLA went 10-2 in 1998, climbing to No. 2 in the national polls. The Bruins finished the regular season ranked fifth nationally in scoring offense (40.5) and eighth in total offense (482.6). They set school records for total offense (5,487 yards), passing yards (3,658) and passing touchdowns (29), and Toledo was a finalist for three Pac-10 Coach of the Year awards.
Quarterback Cade McNown won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented to the nation's top senior quarterback, and finished third in balloting for the Heisman Trophy. He was the 12th player taken in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Offensive tackle Kris Farris won the 1998 Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation's top interior lineman, and was named first team All-America.
The 1997 UCLA team finished 10-2 and ranked No. 5 in the nation after rallying to defeat Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. The Bruins trailed the Aggies 16-0 before making a dramatic second-half comeback to win 29-23. UCLA averaged 40.7 points and more than 430 yards during the regular season.
Defensively, the Bruins ranked second nationally in turnovers caused (39) and turnover margin (+1.8) and led the Pac-10 with 10 interceptions. Punter/place kicker Chris Sailer, offensive tackle Chad Overhauser, tailback Skip Hicks and free safety Shaun Williams were all named first team All-America.
Prior to becoming UCLA head coach in January of 1996, Toledo was the Bruins' offensive coordinator for two seasons (1994-95) under Terry Donahue. Offensive tackle Jonathon Ogden won the Outland Trophy and tailback Karim Abdul-Jabbar was first team All-America in 1995.
Toledo was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for R.C. Slocum at Texas A&M for five years (1989-93). During that span, the Aggies posted a gaudy 49-12-1 record with three Southwest Conference titles and five straight bowl games, including three consecutive Cotton Bowl appearances. His 1990 Aggie offense still holds the school record for total yards in a single game (774 yards on 76 plays against Louisiana-Lafayette) and season game average with 471.1 yards per game that year.
Toledo served as the offensive coordinator at Oregon for six seasons (1983-88), and helped tutor two of the Pac-10's most productive quarterbacks--Chris Miller and Bill Musgrave.
Before his head coaching stint at Pacific, Toledo guided the secondary under John Robinson at Southern Cal from 1976-78. The Trojans went 31-6 in three seasons and were co-national champs after the 1978 campaign. Toledo's most heralded pupils included Dennis Thurman, Ronnie Lott and Dennis Smith.
Toledo's first collegiate head coaching position was at Cal Riverside from 1974-75. The Highlanders were 15-6 and captured a pair of California Collegiate Athletic Association championships.
Toledo's head coaching career began in 1970 at San Francisco's Riordan High School. His teams compiled a three-year record of 26-5-1 and won two Catholic Athletic League titles.
A native of San Jose, Calif., Toledo was a heralded quarterback at Lincoln High School, leading the team to a 27-3 record during his three years as a starter. He enjoyed an outstanding collegiate career as a quarterback at San Jose City College followed by two seasons at San Francisco State in 1966-67. The Gators had a 16-5 record while Toledo was there, winning the Far Western Conference title his senior season. As a senior, Toledo earned Northern California Player of the Year honors and was named second team All-America. He completed 211 of 396 passes for 3,513 yards and 45 touchdowns, setting eight NCAA Div. II records.
Toledo, who had a tryout with the San Francisco 49ers, was inducted into the San Francisco State University Hall of Fame in 1982 and the San Francisco State Gridiron Hall of Fame in 1996.
Toledo and his wife, Elaine, have three daughters, Demetra, Christa and Alissa, and eight grandchildren.
The Bob Toledo File
Age: 65 (born March 4, 1946)
Birthplace: San Jose, Calif.
Family: wife, Elaine; three daughters, Demetra, Christa and Alissa and eight grandchildren
High School: Lincoln High School (San Jose, Calif.), 1964
College: San Francisco State, 1966-68; received his bachelor's degree in physical education in 1968.
Playing Experience
High School: A three-year starter at quarterback at Lincoln High School from 1961-63, led the team to a 27-3 record.
College: Spent the 1964 season at San Jose State before leaving for nearby San Jose City College, where he was a starter and junior college All-American during the 1965 campaign. He transferred to San Francisco State for the 1966 and 1967 campaigns. He was a two-year starter at quarterback at SFSU, where he led the Gators to a 16-5 overall record and guided his squad to a Far Western Conference title. He was named the Northern California Player of the Year and earned second-team All-America honors during his senior season after completing 211 of 396 pass attempts for 3,513 yards and 45 touchdowns, which set eight NCAA Division II records. He played in the Camillia Bowl vs. San Diego State and the North-South All-Star game in 1967. He was inducted into the San Francisco State Hall of Fame in 1982 and the San Francisco State Gridiron Hall of Fame in 1996.
Professional: Played briefly with the San Francisco 49ers in 1968.
Coaching Experience:
1969 - Head Freshman Coach, Riordan HS, San Francisco
1970-72 - Head Varsity Coach, Riordan HS, San Francisco (26-5-1)
1973 - Offensive Coordinator, Cal Riverside
1974-75 - Head Coach, Cal Riverside (15-6)
1976-78 - Secondary Coach, Southern California
1979-82 - Head Coach, University of the Pacific (14-30)
1983-88 - Asst. Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator, Oregon
1989-93 - Offensive Coordinator, Texas A&M
1994-95 - Offensive Coordinator, UCLA
1996-02 - Head Coach, UCLA (49-32)
2006 - Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator, New Mexico
2007-Present - Head Coach, Tulane (13-35)
Bowl Games Coached:
1977-Rose Bowl (USC)
1977-Bluebonnet Bowl (USC)
1979-Rose Bowl (USC, co-national champs)
1989-Sun Bowl (Texas A&M)
1990-Holiday Bowl (Texas A&M)
1992-Cotton Bowl (Texas A&M)
1993-Cotton Bowl (Texas A&M)
1994-Cotton Bowl (Texas A&M)
1995-Aloha Bowl (UCLA)
1998-Cotton Bowl (UCLA)
1998-Hula Bowl (Coached Offense)
1999-Rose Bowl (UCLA)
1999-East-West Shrine Game (Coached Defense)
2000-Sun Bowl (UCLA)
2006-New Mexico Bowl (New Mexico)
Prominent Pupils
Butch Johnson (UC-Riverside), Dallas Cowboys
Dennis Thurman (USC), Dallas Cowboys
Ronnie Lott (USC), San Francisco 49ers
Dennis Smith (USC), Denver Broncos
Anthony Munoz (USC), Cincinnati Bengals
Chris Miller (Oregon), Atlanta Falcons
Bill Musgrave (Oregon), Dallas Cowboys
Gary Zimmerman (Oregon), New York Giants
Bucky Richardson (Texas A&M), Houston Oilers
Darren Lewis (Texas A&M), Chicago Bears
Greg Hill (Texas A&M), Kansas City Chiefs
Rodney Thomas (Texas A&M), Houston Oilers
Richmond Webb (Texas A&M), Miami Dolphins
Skip Hicks (UCLA), Washington Redskins
Cade McNown (UCLA), Chicago Bears
Karim Abdul-Jabbar (UCLA), Miami Dolphins
Jonathan Ogden (UCLA), Baltimore Ravens
Kris Farris (UCLA), Pittsburgh Steelers
Mercedes Lewis (UCLA), Jacksonville Jaguars
J.J. Stokes (UCLA), San Francisco 49ers
Freddie Mitchell (UCLA), Philadelphia Eagles
Danny Farmer (UCLA), Pittsburgh Steelers
DeShawn Foster (UCLA), Carolina Panthers
Ricky Manning Jr. (UCLA), Carolina Panthers
Matt Forte (Tulane), Chicago Bears
Troy Kropog (Tulane), Tennessee Titans
Michael Parenton (Tulane), New York Jets
Jeremy Williams (Tulane), Philadelphia Eagles
Pete Hendrickson (Tulane), Houston Texans
Phillip Davis (Tulane), San Francisco 49ers
|Final Rank
|UC Riverside
|UC Riverside
|Cotton Bowl
|Rose Bowl
|Sun Bowl
|17 years


text: Be comfy yet stylish this season with these fashionable sneaker wedges! Make sure you add these to your closet, it definitely is a must have! The features include a faux leather upper with studded detailing, front strap design with high polish metal buckles, round closed toe, stitched detailing, side zipper closure, smooth lining, and cushioned footbed. Approximately 3 inch hidden wedge heels. Style: shoes-wedges-fli-colima-15white Brand: Forever


text:
Floral Clock
If you are walking uptown in Edinburgh, chances are you will pass by the floral clock in West Princes Street Garden. The clock is not only an immaculately tended floral display in the shape of a clock, it also tells the correct time. Commissioned in 1903, it is the first of its kind in the world.
The City's green-fingered experts maintain the flower bed all the year round - tens of thousands of small colourful plants in the Summer months and more hardy plants through the Winter. Clock hands, numbers and the surrounding display comprise of growing, photosynthesising life. In 1973, an electric motor was installed to keep the clock hands moving. Before then the clock's mechanism had to be wound daily.
The exact location: the floral clock is situated half way down the stairs into the gardens across from the National Galleries, at the foot of the Mound. You have to lean over the stone wall to see the temporal flower bed. See aerial photograph and map below.
Edinburgh's Floral Clock was inspired by a carpet bedding display in West Princes Street Garden in 1902 to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII. The following year, John McHattie, the City's park superintendent at the time, and Edinburgh clockmakers James Ritchie and Son created the floral clock by installing a clock mechanism in the base of the Allan Ramsay Monument.
The early designs for the clock were carried out by John McHattie who was advised by James Mossman, a direct descendant of the court jeweller to Mary Queen of Scots. The first clock began ticking on 10 June 1903 with an hour hand only, a minute hand was added in 1904.
In 1905 the mechanism based on organ pipes and bellows to replicate the sound of the cuckoo was installed in a box next to the Floral Clock to record the hour. The early mechanism did not include the house for the cuckoo or indeed a full scale model of the bird.
Until 1928, the design of the floral clock was based geometrical shapes with the clock numerals being clearly identified by using a yellow leafed plant. William Grant was appointed Head Gardener in Princes Street Gardens in 1928 and designed and supervised the planting of the clock until he retired in 1946. During the Second World War, motif designs on the clock commemorated wartime events and victories.
The existing mechanism installed in 1903 to drive the Floral Clock was converted to be electrically driven in 1973. In 1953 a house for the cuckoo was installed and the life size replica of a cuckoo appears to sound every quarter hour.
Each year a new display is planted in West Princes Street Gardens along the lines of a topical theme. Last year it celebrated the Queen's Golden Jubilee, in 1994 it took as its inspiration the centenary of the life of Robert Louis Stevenson and in 1974 the clock celebrated 100 years of West Princes Street Garden.
[gmap |zoom=17 |center=55.951701813323005,-3.1971395015716553 |width=601px |height=400px |id=map |control=Small |type=Hybrid |markers=55.951730346489704,-3.197249472141266]


text:
1 May 01:20 2005
[PATCH] Changing FF_COMMON_FRAME to an include file
Josh Varner <jlvarner <at> gmail.com>
I've noticed that the documentation for AVFrame does not get processed by doxygen correctly, since it's defined as a #define which are not macro expanded by doxygen with the current Doxyfile included with ffmpeg. The current documentation at http://www.mplayerhq.hu/~michael/ffmpeg-doxy/structAVFrame.html gives you the impression that it is an empty data structure, and even if you know that FF_COMMON_FRAME contains most of the data the doxygen documentation for FF_COMMON_FRAME shows nothing as well http://www.mplayerhq.hu/~michael/ffmpeg-doxy/avcodec_8h.html#a78. By changing this define into an include file the documentation will be generated correctly by doxygen. I've tested this on my machine, unfortunatly I don't have someplace to post the results, but I got the expected results as doxygen does all of the including during its processing, and the new include file does not have the backslashes at the end of every line to throw off doxygen's processing. I think this will greatly improve the readability of the documentation without any functional changes. Josh P.S I ran the tests and got a failure at this point, but since it passed several pages of tests I doubt this had anything do to with my changes: ffmpeg version 0.4.9-pre1, build 4753, Copyright (c) 2000-2004 Fabrice Bellard configuration: built on Apr 30 2005 16:41:13, gcc: 3.4.2 20041017 (Red Hat 3.4.2-6.fc3) ../ffmpeg_g -y -bitexact -dct_algo 1 -idct_algo 2 -i ./data/b-libav.nut -f crc ./data/ffmpeg.crc /home/josh/projects/ffmpeg/doc/tests/regression.sh: line 125: 21138(Continue reading)


text:
This week's podcast features Chad, Nathan Furl, Kaija Straumanis, and Will Cleveland talking about their favorite albums of 2012. (And sometimes 2011.) It's a pretty tight podcast, featuring thirteen different artists and some interesting insights into why we each like different styles of music. Oh, and of course we digress a bit to talk about awful job postings and whatnot.
Supplementing this podcast, we'll be posting the top 10 lists for all four participants over the course of the day, giving you a wealth of music to check out over the holiday break. To help you out, Spotify users can click here to find a 108 track playlist of our collective favorite songs.
Enjoy the holidays and we'll be back in a few weeks!
As always you can subscribe to the podcast in iTunes by clicking here. To subscribe with other podcast downloading software, such as Google's Listen, copy the following link.
It took reading 44 pages of Intervenir/Intervene before I began to get a sense of what Dolores Dorantes and Rodrigo Flores Sánchez were up to. Recurring throughout these 44 pages—throughout the entire book—are shovels, shovel smacks to the face, lobelias—aha!. . .
As presaged by its title, contradiction is the theme of Peter Stamm's novel, All Days Are Night. Gillian, a well-known television personality, remains unknowable to herself. And Hubert, a frustrated artist and Gillian's lover, creates art through the process of. . .
It's a rare and wonderful book that begins and ends with violence and humor. At the start of Etgar Keret's The Seven Good Years, Keret is in a hospital waiting for the birth of his first child while nurses, in. . .
Last year, Han Kang's The Vegetarian was an unexpected critical hit. Now, it's just been published in the U.S. and has already received a great deal of positive critical attention. The Vegetarian was a bold book to attempt as an. . .
It's been almost a year since the publication of Nowhere to Be Found by Bae Suah, but despite being included on the 2015 PEN Translation award longlist, and some pretty vocal support from key indie presses, the book has. . .
Jorge Eduardo Benavides' novel La paz de los vencidos (The Peace of the Defeated) takes the form of a diary written by a nameless Peruvian thirty-something intellectual slumming it in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Recently relocated. . .
Anyone with any interest at all in contemporary Moroccan writing must start with Souffles. A cultural and political journal, Souffles (the French word for "breaths") was founded in 1966 by Abdellatif Laâbi and Mostafa Nissabouri. Run by a group of. . .
Randall Jarrell once argued a point that I will now paraphrase and, in doing so, over-simplify: As a culture, we need book criticism, not book reviews. I sort of agree, but let's not get into all of that. Having finished. . .
Like any good potboiler worth its salt, Fuminori Nakamura's The Gun wastes no time setting up its premise: "Last night, I found a gun. Or you could say I stole it, I'm not really sure. I've never seen something so. . .
Heiner Resseck, the protagonist in Monika Held's thought-provoking, first novel, This Place Holds No Fear, intentionally re-lives his past every hour of every day. His memories are his treasures, more dear than the present or future. What wonderful past eclipses. . .


text:
Here are three no-load mutual funds that offer exposure to global small caps.
We like the idea of attaining at least some of an investor's international exposure from small-caps. Foreign small-caps tend to sell more into their home markets and less into global export markets, and are therefore more independent of global macroeconomic factors. However, not every investor wants the risk of a fund that invests solely in small-caps overseas. By adding small US stocks to the mix within one global equity fund, the product's risk may be reduced.
However, there are only five or six global small-cap products in the entire universe of no-load funds. The good news is, at least three of them are worth consideration, especially if your investment horizon is at least three years.
Wasatch Global Opportunities
(MUTF:WAGOX) is managed by J.B. Taylor and Ajay Krishnan. Taylor picks the US stocks, while Krishnan picks the foreign ones.
In the three-year period ended September 30, 2013, the fund produced an annualized gain of 14.1%, among the top performers in the Global Equity category of our Performance Comparison tables.
Global Opportunities includes the small- and micro-cap companies in which Wasatch has the most conviction.
Though the fund recently offered exposure to stocks domiciled in 25 countries, Krishnan doesn't pick countries; instead, he and Taylor attempt to provide exposure to most market sectors, allowing country diversification to fall out as it may.
This strikes us as a smart strategy, partly because it enables the fund to own excellent companies that may perform well, even in weak home countries.
Grandeur Peak Global Reach
(MUTF:GPROX) was launched in June 2013, but its management team is one of the most experienced around for global small-cap investing.
Robert Gardiner, who founded Grandeur Peak Global Advisors in 2011, spent the previous quarter century at Wasatch Advisors. He is joined by fellow lead manager Blake Walker, who has worked with Gardiner since 2001, and three associate portfolio managers. The firm also includes 14 equity analysts.
Essentially, the managers are looking for small- and even micro-cap companies that are going to get big.
They want small companies that have the best products, market leadership, or some other competitive advantage on which they can hang their hats for the next five or ten years.
They also look for Fallen Angels—quality growth companies that have hit a bump in the road. Grandeur Peak wants to buy them when they are priced like
stocks, hold through a recovery as earnings growth returns.
Artisan Global Small Cap
(MUTF:ARTWX) also launched in June. The fund is managed by a very experienced team led by Mark Yockey, who joined Artisan Partners in 1995.
Yockey et al. incorporates investment themes into their process. In fact, many of their holdings fit into one or more of the following themes: demographics, technology, privatization/deregulation, outsourcing, and infrastructure.
Essentially, they are trying to find high-quality small-cap companies that will be major long-term beneficiaries of powerful trends in these areas.
They are especially interested in finding companies that will benefit from rising incomes among the masses in highly populated emerging markets.
Also, Yockey et al. appear to favor more mature companies, with slower rates of growth but also much lower valuations. Additionally, the portfolio is more focused: only 32 holdings.
Editor's Note: This article from
The No-Load Fund Investor
by Mark Salzinger was originally syndicated by
Below, find some more great investing and trading content from
Likes and Tweets
Mexico, Mines, and Moxie
Toys, Pets, and Personal Care Products
No positions in stocks mentioned.
The information on this website solely reflects the analysis of or opinion about the performance of securities and financial markets by the writers whose articles appear on the site. The views expressed by the writers are not necessarily the views of Minyanville Media, Inc. or members of its management. Nothing contained on the website is intended to constitute a recommendation or advice addressed to an individual investor or category of investors to purchase, sell or hold any security, or to take any action with respect to the prospective movement of the securities markets or to solicit the purchase or sale of any security. Any investment decisions must be made by the reader either individually or in consultation with his or her investment professional. Minyanville writers and staff may trade or hold positions in securities that are discussed in articles appearing on the website. Writers of articles are required to disclose whether they have a position in any stock or fund discussed in an article, but are not permitted to disclose the size or direction of the position. Nothing on this website is intended to solicit business of any kind for a writer's business or fund. Minyanville management and staff as well as contributing writers will not respond to emails or other communications requesting investment advice.
Copyright 2011 Minyanville Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


text: Previous Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Next View Programs By: Day Week Month 3 Sep Projects: Part One 10:00 AM-4:00 PM All exhibitions and events in the O'Sullivan Art Gallery are free and open to the public. Location: O'Sullivan Art Gallery 3 Sep Intramurals Info Table (St. Ctr. Lobby) 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Location: Student Center Lobby Table A 3 Sep OutRegis! Improv Group 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Location: Modular Room A184


text:
Herbaceous or Bush Peony
Herbaceous peonies are long lived perennials with plants over 100 years of age being in the "prime of life". Unlike tree Peonies, the herbaceous or bush type cultivars die back to the ground each year. Producing their buds for next year's bloom in the fall at the crown of the plant, bush peonies are hardy in even the most severe winter climates. Hardy USDA zones 2 – 8. In zones 2 and 3, they should be mulched after the ground freezes.
Wild Lilies
Wild Lily bulbs making up the genus Lilium belong to the family Liliaceae comprising of approximately 200 genera made up of approximately 2,000 lily species. There are in the neighborhood of 110 to 120 Lilium species depending on whose classification you reference. For the full article, click Knowledge Base


text:
New Motorola Xoom 2 and Xoom 2 Media Edition coming soon
Although the first Xoom hasn't been what you'd call a success (well, no Android tablet has been, at least not when you look at iPad sales), Motorola is gearing up to launch two new Xooms.
The first one, unsurprisingly called Motorola Xoom 2, should be only 9mm thick, featuring a 10.1 inch HD display. According to This is my next, the tablet also has a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 1080p video recording. Reportedly, the Xoom 2 will be the first tablet to come with Adobe Flash Player 11 and Netflix in HD.
The second new Xoom, apparently called Motorola Xoom 2 Media Edition, should feature an 8.2 inch HD Gorilla Glass display, and is possibly splash-proof. It's the same mysterious tablet that we've seen last week in a leaked photo.
Engadget (which published the photos seen below) has it that the new Xooms will run Android 3.2 Honeycomb, and feature LTE support.
There's no word on when Motorola will announce the Xoom 2 and Xoom 2 Media Edition, but it will probably happen soon (and I'm willing to bet that both will be upgraded to Android Ice Cream Sandwich after launch). We'll keep you posted.


text:
Dear Seniors,
While i do stock upload in MB1C using movement type 561, it is giving an error that
G/L account 1212 does not exist in chart of accounts INT
Message no. M7054
The G/L account entered is not included in the chart of accounts for your company code.
If the system has determined the G/L account, the system setting is faulty. Contact your systems administrator.
If you have entered the G/L account yourself, correct the input. Copied from M8043
I have changed the G/L account in OBYC but still this error is coming. what would be the cause and how to solve it ???
goto FS00
here seacrch the acct 1212
if it is not there crete it
better to consult ur FI guy
Check the relavent G/L Account is available or Not by Tr code : FS00 .
If not create the G/L account and Assign to the transaction keys that relavent to inventory posting keys.
1. Please check if you are changing account in OBYC --> GBB --> BSA key for the valuation class which is assigned to material in material master accounting view.
2. Please check in FS00 if the account which you are setting in OBYC is created for your company code and chart of account. If not, then either find out the correct account with the help of FI consultant or ask to create new one if not available.
Check the relavent G/L Account is available or Not by Tr code : FS00 .
If not create the G/L account and Assign to the transaction keys that relavent to inventory posting keys.
Account number 1212 is already there under INT chart of accounts. But it is telling that, it is not there under INT. But i have changed the G/L account there in OBYC and why it is again asking the same 1212 ???
check ur entry in OBYC
goto OMWB
here sect Gl accts,give no and execute
u wil get list of gl accts and where it been used
from here u will get the posting key
then goto obyc and cheange
In OMWB, it is not showing the account number 1212. But when i check in FS00, FSP0, it is showing 1212 under INT chart of account. How to solve now.
Please see Note 379856
Hi ,
To create the account for chart of account INT use tcode FSP0 .
And if you are trying to replace the account with another account check two entries in OBYC
one is in GBB --- give correct combination of valuation modifier , valuation class , use general modifier BSA and your new account
another is in BSX --give correct combination of valuation modifier , valuation class .
If still you are getting error revert back .


text:
Thermaltake Armor A30 Case ReviewBy Steven Walton on TechSpot
Thermaltake seems to be adding new models to their massive line of cases almost every week and we have one of their latest in for review. Announced last month, the Armor A30 is the eighth addition to the Armor family, featuring one of the most aggressive designs we've seen on a compact chassis. Most mini towers claim to be designed with both gaming and HTPC use in mind, but the Thermaltake Armor A30 makes no such promise. Instead, it is strictly a gaming chassis designed for LAN party goers. We feel gamers will be attracted to the Armor A30's near shoebox-sized design that can accommodate high-end hardware such as the AMD Radeon HD 5970, today's largest consumer graphics card.
The Armor A30's proposition is made even more compelling when you consider the number of powerful microATX motherboards available these days that support high-end Core i5, Core i7 and Phenom II X6 processors.
Read the complete review.


text:
- Undergraduate Majors
- Graduate Programs
- Certificate Programs
College of Arts, Sciences & Technology
- Undergraduate Majors
- Applied Psychology
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Information Security
- Information Technology
- Interactive Media Design
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Management Information Sciences
- Public Relations
- Social Sciences
- Web Development
- Graduate Programs
- M.S. - Instructional Design & Performance Technology
- M.S. in Business Psychology
- M.S. - Computer Science
- Certificate Programs
- Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design
Ross College of Business
- Undergraduate Majors
- Accounting
- Applied Management
- Business Administration
- Business Economics
- Business Forensics
- Energy Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial Management
- Financial Planning
- Forensic Accounting
- Human Resources Management
- Information Systems Auditing
- Internet Marketing
- Logistics Management
- Management & Leadership
- Marketing
- Operations & Supply Chain Management
- Risk Management & Insurance
- Graduate Programs
- M.S. in Accounting
- M.S. in Human Resource Management
- M.S. - Marketing & Communication
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
College of Health & Public Administration
- Undergraduate Majors
- Allied Healthcare Management
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Emergency Management & Homeland Security
- Health Information Management
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing
- Public Administration
- Public Safety Management
- Graduate Programs
- Master of Healthcare Administration
- Master of Public Administration
- Certificate Programs
- Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership
- Programs by Location
- Minors
- International Institute for Innovative Instruction
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
RN To BSN ProgramProgram OverviewProgram DetailsWhy Choose Franklin
Course Descriptions
Major AreaView Course Descriptions
Get an in-depth view of the courses that provide the knowledge and skills you'll need to make an impact within your chosen field.
RN To BSN - Bachelor of Science in NursingView Curriculum
Build well-rounded skills and learn the industry specific knowledge you will need to be successful in your career.
RN To BSN - Subsequent Bachelor of Science in NursingView Curriculum
Looking to earn an additional bachelor's degree? A subsequent degree is specifically designed for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree or higher.
Considering a BSN?
Learn more about our program without any pressure to enroll.
Get in touch with us today!
Meet Your Faculty
From the board room to the classroom
Each Franklin program is designed with the ongoing input of industry experts to ensure you gain respected and relevant knowledge that can be applied instantly in the workplace.
Professional Organizations & Associations
Program Outcomes
- Integrate theories and concepts from arts, humanities, and sciences to develop a foundation for holistic nursing practice
- Apply leadership concepts, skills, and decision-making in the provision of quality nursing care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the oversight and accountability for care delivery
- Integrate current evidence including nursing and healthcare research to ground nursing practice and promote high quality patient care outcomes
- Apply knowledge and skills in information management and patient care technology to improve patient care outcomes and create a safe care environment
- Demonstrate knowledge of the influences of healthcare policy, finance, and regulatory environments including local, state, national, and global healthcare trends on nursing practice and the healthcare system
- Employ effective communication in interactions with healthcare professionals, individuals, and groups to advocate for high quality and safe patient care
- Apply the principles of health promotion and disease prevention across the health-illness continuum to improve the health of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations
- Incorporate professional standards, and the values of caring, ethics, integrity, altruism, and social justice in the practice of nursing
- Assume roles in nursing practice and leadership to provide high quality and safe care to culturally diverse individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations across the lifespan and across the continuum of healthcare environments
Similar Majors
Not the program you were looking for?
Check out these other popular, related majors and find your best degree program fit at Franklin.
Franklin is for you. Find out why.
Learn about our flexible class
scheduling, affordable tuition, and
history educating adult learners.
Your request for information has been received, and we will send you an email confirmation shortly.
Apply For Admission Apply Now
Find out if this program is available in your area
On Site
Fennimore Area
1800 Bronson Blvd.
for more details.


text:
Travel update: Lines re-opened after King's Cross rail disruption
08:37 21 February 2013
Services in and out of King's Cross are expected to return to normal today after the disruption caused by power supply problems in Cambridgeshire.
All lines between Peterborough and Biggleswade have now reopened, but commuters have been advised to expect 20 minute delays on East Coast mainline, Grand Central and First Capital Connect services.
London commuters have endured frustrating delays since Tuesday, when power lines came down near St Neots. Network Rail apologised after some travellers were stranded at Kings Cross because of cancellations.
East Coast tickets valid for travel yesterday will be valid today but passengers travelling (up to and including the 09.46 train) from Peterborough to Kings Cross may only enter First Class with standard tickets where First Class has been 'de-classified'


text:
Dr. Homsi earned his degree at the University of Damascus Medical School in Syria and completed an internal medicine residency at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, Mo.
He completed a research fellowship in medical oncology-palliative medicine at Cleveland Clinic and a hematology/medical oncology fellowship at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He was an assistant professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston before joining Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center.
A board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, specializes in melanoma, sarcoma, neurooncology, gastrointestinal cancers, immunotherapy and symptom management.
I enjoy sports, travel and spending time with friends.
Read Dr. Jade Homsi's published articles
Registration forms
Schedule an Appointment
Accepted insurance
View Our Map


text: I seem to be finding the best bargains on the weapons that I want online rather than the gunstore ordering them. The problem is that I can only find the online store's story of how easy its supposed to be. Is it really only a one time fee of up to $50 or is it like nine different fees of $15 or some crap? I just want an actual customers opinion of the process. If it helps I live in Delaware.


text:
Aug 23, 2010 8:20 AM
"There's no place like home, there's no place like home." Dang, you just can't take the Kansas out of some of us. Kansan or not, there is no other place on the planet that feels as "right" as your own home." This Address Plaque ($99) can be customized to proclaim the address of your own special piece of paradise.
If you've got a product or service that you'd like to promote on Outblush, click here to find out about our advertising opportunities.
Outblush is a blog for girls who love to shop. Our staff digs up the best clothes, home stuff, beauty items, and more. New items are posted every day — bookmark us and check out:


text:
Signs of water on Enceladus
22 July 2009
The idea that liquid water exists below the surface of one of Saturn's moons has been given a boost thanks to researchers in the US and China who have detected ammonia, various organic compounds, and possibly argon in plumes of gas and ice particles that spew out of the moon's south pole.
The work should help scientists further understand the formation of this and other planetary bodies and keeps hope alive that Enceladus, Saturn's sixth largest moon, might have the necessary components to support extraterrestrial life.
Enceladus is one of over 50 moons orbiting Saturn
When plumes of ice water were first observed erupting from Enceladus by NASA's Cassini spacecraft in 2005, scientists immediately began to wonder if they were being propelled by liquid water present in the moon's interior. Now, Jack Hunter Waite Jr and colleagues from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, US, and a number of other institutions in the US and Taiwan have added to mounting evidence in support of this theory by analysing INMS (ion neutral mass spectrometer) data on the plumes' gas constituents obtained from a recent Cassini flyby.
'Our evidence [for liquid water] comes from the detection of ammonia which acts as an antifreeze and can lower the melting point of water ice,' explains Jonathan Lunine, one of the paper's co-authors and a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona in Tucson, US.
Moreover, the team believe their analysis points to an abundance of an isotope of argon (40Ar) in the plumes. The most plausible explanation for its presence, they say, is that a fluid must be leaching either the 40Ar or its parent potassium out of the rock deep inside Enceladus' interior. 'Ice doesn't do that so it really should be liquid,' adds Lunine.
Growing support
Last month, German scientists, led by Frank Postberg from the University of Heidelberg, put forward strong evidence for subsurface liquid water by publishing their discovery of sodium salts in Saturn's outer-most ring which is thought to originate from Enceladus' plume material. 'The two studies are complimentary and now, for the first time, we are getting an idea of the full picture of what's happening on Enceladus,' says Postberg.
Also excited about the new findings is Dave Stegman from the University of Melbourne in Australia, who has previously hypothesised the presence of ammonia and liquid water on Enceladus based on dynamic modelling work. 'Certainly, the discovery of ammonia will help influence what scientists consider to be a viable model for Enceladus,' he says.
The latest study is also important for its discovery of diverse organic molecules detected in the plumes. 'Their presence indicates that chemistry is going on in the interior,' says Lunine. What's more, finding these organic molecules adds to the possibility that Enceladus may have the right conditions for life to exist. 'This work helps build the case that the components for life are there - heat, liquid, some organic compounds, and chemical gradients,' adds Stegman.
James Urquhart
Interesting? Spread the word using the 'tools' menu on the left.
ReferencesJH Waite Jr et al, Nature, 2009, DOI: 10.1038/nature08153
Also of interest
Water found in Moon rocks
09 July 2008
Discovery challenges theories of Moon's origin
Q and A: The hunt for water on Mars
12 September 2008
The Red Planet is supposed to be swimming with water - so where is it all?
Planets' birthplace harbours chemical seeds of life
13 March 2008
Organic molecules observed in the planet-forming region of a star resembling our own Sun
Related Links
Comment on this story at the Chemistry World blog
Read other posts and join in the discussion
External links will open in a new browser window


text:
06/30/2011—With the Fourth of July fast approaching, it's natural to have fireworks on the brain, which is exactly why the Lexus editorial team turned its attention yesterday to an entertaining site called...THE EPIC FIREWORKS BLOG.
Even better than the site's name is its not-so-humble tagline: "The Best Fireworks Blog in the World." You can pretty much guess what we found thereoodles and oodles of all things fireworks, including some festively explosive video footage.
Still, "best in the world" is a pretty big claim, and we remained skeptical until we came across this worthy post: a fireworks-themed European Lexus commercial for Lexus Hybrid Drive:
We're not sure what we liked better, the respectful hat tip from the world's best fireworks blog or the ad's data. (Direct quote: "Lexus drivers around the world have clocked up over eleven billion fuel-efficient hybrid kilometers."[1])
But one thing's for certain: colorful fireworks and sleek Lexus vehicles sure complement each other nicely.
Have a great Fourth of July.
Legal Disclaimers
[1] Estimate based on total global sales, using an average of 15,000 km per year.


text:
Custom Chrome is an aftermarket company founded in 1970 in San Jose, California, that's now become one of the largest independent accessories distributors. Based in Morgan Hill, California, they now have an European division called Custom Chrome Europe GmbH, whose headquartes are located in Bad Kreuznachit, Germany, as well as sales offices in Japan and Mexico.
At the recent Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy, Custom Chrome Europe (CCE) introduced a special bagger called "Bolt On and Ride". Based on a 2013 Harley-Davidson Road King, the model has been fitted with quite a few special bits lifted by the Custom Chrome catalogue (which are also sold by H-D itself through its official channels) and assembled by German dealer Harley-Factory Frankfurt.
The 'Bolt On and Ride' uses a big 26-inch 5-spoke front wheel, an addition that required the modification of the rake angle performed by specialist Andreas Bergerforth - from renowned H-D showroom and customizer Thunderbike - through the fitting of a special Touring Kit (with different clamps too).
Other highlights include the finely crafted fork sliders, ape hanger handlebars, leather saddle, new billet footpegs, chrome headlight, BDL open primary belt drive, new tank, new fenders, bigger bags and a silver metal paint job, also made by Harley Factory.
The list of special bits fitted on this bike is so long it would take us ages to write it down (and probably it would be quite boring to read, too), but let's just say that the whole lot makes for an extra 10,000 € that customers should put on the top of the 24,800 € required to buy the H-D Road King (though the kit can be applied to older Road King models as well). However, each CCE component can be sold separately.


text:
Help me with sizing. Stride Rite vs Keen
My 15 month old son is in need of some winter shoes/boots. He is currently wearing Stride Rite size 4W. The Keen's are a size 5. I read that Keen shoes are a wider shoes. So the keens are only 1/4 of an inch wider and longer than his stride rite size 4w. Is this typical when going up a size? These would be my sons second pair of real shoes so I have nothing to compare with. My basic question is, how much larger are shoes when going up one size? Is 1/4 inch suffient? Does anyone have any info on how Stride Rite compares with Keen when it comes to size?
Posted: 12/15/2010 by Stacey57
Answer this question


text:
My question is simple: does raising the dead with a "raise dead" spell constitute a type of summoning that can be affected by the augment summoning feat? (Aren't we effectively "summoning" the dead spirit from a different plane?) I suspect it is not, but want to double-check on behalf of one of my players.
Role-playing Games Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for gamemasters and players of tabletop, paper-and-pencil role-playing games. It's 100% free, no registration required.
Sign up
Sign up
Here's how it works:
- Anybody can ask a question
- Anybody can answer
- The best answers are voted up and rise to the top
No, it does not.
Augment Summoning refers to Conjuration (Summoning) spells only. See the text:
(emphasis mine)
They could be more explicit and state Conjuration (Summoning), but ultimately it's pretty clear that this is what they meant. Technically, "summoning" is a particular form of calling another creature or spirit that follows the specific rules given under the Conjuration (Summoning) section of the Magic Overview. Raise dead is not a Conjuration (Summoning) spell, it is Conjuration (Healing).
Moreover, this strikes me as a bad idea in any event. Dying shouldn't be a good thing...


text:
College Hockey:Boudrow: ECAC Northeast Division III Player of the Year
CENTERVILLE, Mass. — Tufts forward Jason Boudrow has been selected as the ECAC/CCM Player of the Year, in voting announced today. The junior helped the Jumbos capture the Division III Northeast regular season title (15-1-1) while leading the nation in points per game (2.83) and goals per game (1.33) through the February 25 rankings. Boudrow compiled 51 points, 24 goals and 27 assists in league play for an average of 3.00 points per game.
Scott Jacob of Johnson & Wales was named the Goaltender of the Year. In 16 league appearances, the senior netminder recorded a 13-2-1 conference mark while registering a .931 save percentage and 2.09 goals against average en route to the team's second place finish in the regular season. Jacob was ranked 11th among Division III goaltenders for his .921 save percentage.
Worcester State's Justin Vallas garnered the Rookie of the Year award. In his first collegiate season, Vallas led the team in scoring recording 31 points, 15 goals and 16 assists for the regular season. He also ranked third among all of the Northeast rookies in league scoring recording 13 goals and 12 assists in 17 games.
Tufts' Brian Murphy and Johnson & Wales' Lou Izzi were chosen as co-Coaches of the Year after posting impressive marks. Murphy, in his third year with the Jumbos, guided Tufts to a 15-1-1 league record and a regular season championship. Wildcats coach Lou Izzi joined Murphy in the Coach of the Year accolades after leading Johnson & Wales, picked to finish sixth in the preseason poll, to a second-place regular season league finish (14-2-1) as well as an 18-7-2 overall mark.
F Jason Boudrow, JR, Tufts (Somerville, Mass.)
F Brian Yingling, SO, Lebanon Valley (Steelton, Pa.)
F Brian Hannafin, SR, Salve Regina (Medford, Mass.)
D Tim Rink, SO, Lebanon Valley (Ivyland, Pa.)
D Dan Mahoney, SR, Tufts (Tewksbury, Mass.)
G Scott Jacob, SR, Johnson & Wales (Milford, Conn.)
F Tory Jacob, SR, Johnson & Wales (Milford, Conn.)
F Ivan Filippov, SR, Wentworth (Delta, B.C.)
F Tim Yakimowsky, JR, Wentworth (Walpole, Mass.)
D Ben Kwon, SO, Lebanon Valley (McClean, Va.)
D John Hourihan, SR, Wentworth (Walpole, Mass.)
G Jamie Vanek, SO, Wentworth (Brampton, Ont.)
F Chris Thunman, Johnson & Wales (Stockholm, Sweden)
F Justin Vallas, Worcester State (Wilmington, Mass.)
F Pat Byrne, Tufts (Burlington, Mass.)
D Chris Hartly, Wentworth (Portland, Ore.)
D John Gambale, Fitchburg (Billerica, Mass.)
G Raj Bhangoo, Wentworth (Caladon East, Ont.)
ECAC/CCM PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jason Boudrow, Tufts
ECAC/CCM ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Justin Vallas, Worcester State
ECAC/HEATON GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR: Scott Jacob, Johnson & Wales
ECAC/KOHO CO-COACHES OF THE YEAR: Brian Murphy, Tufts; Lou Izzi, Johnson & Wales
The following is a self-policing forum for discussing views on this story. Comments that are derogatory, make personal attacks, are abusive, or contain profanity or racism will be removed at our discretion. USCHO.com is not responsible for comments posted by users. Please report any inappropriate or offensive comments by clicking the "Flag" link next to that comment in order to alert the moderator.
Please also keep "woofing," taunting, and otherwise unsportsmanlike behavior to a minimum. Your posts will more than likely be deleted, and worse yet, you reflect badly on yourself, your favorite team and your conference.