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About the Book
"Feist has the universe firmly under his control."
—Contra Costa Times
"Feist has a natural talent for keeping the reader turning pages."
—Chicago-Sun Times
Midkemia's fifth and final Riftwar—the devastating Chaoswar—explodes in the opening volume of Raymond E. Feist's spectacular new epic fantasy trilogy of magic, conflict, and world-shattering peril. A Kingdom Besieged is a breathtaking adventure that brings back Pug—first introduced in Feist's classic debut novel, Magician, and now Midkemia's most powerful sorcerer—who faces a major magical cataclysm that forces him to question everything he's ever held as true and dear…including the loyalty of his beloved son Magnus. The Chaoswar promises to be the crowning achievement in the three decades-long career of a New York Times bestselling master fantasist who rules the sword and sorcery universe along with Terry Goodkind, George R. R. Martin, and Terry Brooks.
After nearly thirty years and more than two dozen novels, Raymond E. Feist's Riftwar Cycle has become one of the most iconic, beloved, and enduring sagas in modern fantasy. The Riftwars—including the original Riftwar, the Serpentwar, the Darkwar, and the Demonwar—were epic battles between Good and Evil whose ramifications have echoed through generations. The latest entry in the epic, A Kingdom Besieged, ushers in the most fearsome threat the Kingdom has yet faced—the Chaoswar—a magic apocalypse with cataclysmic results.
A Kingdom Besieged
Years ago, the Empire of Great Kesh failed in its attempt to conquer Krondor after the Serpentwar, thanks to the bravery, cunning, and magic of the sorcerer Pug and the Conclave of Shadows. Since then, peace has benefitted both nations, and the Kingdom has been free from the threat of another Keshian invasion. Yet now, the dark clouds of war gather again. . . .
From the Far Coast in the west to the frontier with the Eastern Kingdoms, rumors, uncertainty, and political instability are rampant. Spies have gone missing—some were murdered while others have turned traitor. Factions are rising, powerful legions from the Keshian Confederacy have been mobilized, and an attack on the kingdoms of the Isles and Roldem is all but certain.
As the men of the Western Realm begin to mount a defense, Martin conDoin, the middle son of Lord Henry, Duke of Crydee, finds himself leading the charge against the invaders—like his legendary ancestor, Prince Arutha, who stood firm to the death against the Tsurani invasion. But Arutha had an entire army at his command. Martin has just a ragtag force comprised of a few old men and young boys.
As Kesh's invading hordes once again descend upon the Kingdom, no one is safe—not experienced masters of intrigue Lord James Dasher Jamison and the beguiling and deadly Lady Franciezka; not the brave warrior Knight-Adamant Sandreena and a new generation of loyal yet untested defenders; not even the great Pug himself, the most powerful magician the world of Midkemia has ever known. A threat far more terrifying has arisen, an evil whose burgeoning power portends Midkemia's demise. And soon even the Kingdom's enchanted defender will find himself questioning everything he's ever held abiding, true, and treasured . . . including the loyalty and desires of his beloved son, Magnus.
Educator and Librarian Resources
Critical Praise
"Originality and wit a rollicking tale Feist's narrative skill, ingenuity at creating systems of magic, and eye for plausible militaryscenarios stand him in good stead. His many fans will be pleased." — Booklist
"Sheer readability." — San Francisco Chronicle
"[Feist] introduces a new dimension to his universe and added new depth to recurring characters while creating fascinating new heroes and villains. With a fast pace and clean, crisp storytelling, this fantasy saga belongs in most libraries." — Library Journal
"A promising start to what looks like a strong, dire trilogy of fantastic adventure." — San Diego Union-Tribune
"Fast action, appealing characters, and a splendid setting will delight readers of fantasy and leave them eager for the next battle." — Kirkus Reviews
"A massive, entertaining tale." — Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
"There's an evil sparkle here, brighter and hotter than any of Feist's works since the Magician trilogy. The Dasati and their world are sumptuously realised . . . It's an entertaining, at times intoxicating mixture." — SF Site
"Feist brings a new world alive." — The Oregonian (Portland)
"Originality and wit... A rollicking tale... [Feist's] narrative skill, ingenuity at creating systems of magic, and eye for plausible military scenarios stand him in good stead. His many fans will be pleased." — Booklist
"Feist has a natural talent for keeping the reader turning pages." — Chicago-Sun Times
"[A] compelling and profoundly moving tale… an invaluable addition to a beloved canon." — barnesandnoble.com
"This tale of shape-shifting magicians, human sacrifice, man-eating demons, and a little young love will satisfy Feist's fans, and the ending will leave them waiting for another volume." — Publishers Weekly
"Action and intrigue and evocative writing . . . Feist brings a new world alive." — The Oregonian (Portland)
"A sensitive coming-of-age tale in which brutality and camaraderie are equally present, Feist's newest saga has a freshness of vision that suggests it will avoid the staleness that often eats away at multi-volume epics." — Publishers Weekly
"An epic reading experience . . . Unpretentious, fast-paced . . . Shadow of a Dark Queen works admirably." — San Diego Union-Tribune
"A story of redemption and heroism featuring an unlikely hero . . . This classic fantasy should find a welcome audience among the author's fans." — Library Journal
"A great read and a wonderful addition to Feist's collection." — SF Site
"An action-packed story of intrigue and betrayal." — Library Journal
"A fine yarn . . . vivid . . . suspenseful . . . The action is nonstop. — Booklist
"As usual, Feist brings this off wonderfully." — Science Fiction Chronicle
"Another crowd-pleaser for Feist to add to his already impressive resume." — Publishers Weekly on King of Foxes
"CLASSIC." — Chicago Tribune
"Feist has the universe firmly under his control, and the adventure is grand[.]" — Contra Costa Times
"Feist's fans will look forward to the saga's final episode." — Publishers Weekly
"Feist is at his best." — Science Fiction Chronicle
"Originality and wit . . . A rollicking tale . . . Feist's narrative skill, ingenuity at creating systems of magic, and eye for plausible military scenarios stand him in good stead. His many fans will be pleased." — Booklist
"In the forefront of contemporary fantasy adventure." — Library Journal
"FUN . . . A place to start for those yet to discover Feist's fantasy worlds." — Locus
"Fine entertainment . . . Feist works his signature magic . . . an absorbing and carefully crafted adventure with pleasing density of plotting, good characterization . . . this is populist Dickens out of Tolkien, and it works." — Sydney Morning Herald
"Sure to please Feist fans and win new ones." — Publishers Weekly
"Splendid . . . fast action, appealing characters . . . (It) will delight readers of fantasy." — Kirkus Reviews
"Shows Feist in top form." — Adelaide Advertiser
"This simple, charming fairy tale will appeal to adult fans of the Riftwar books as well as mature teens who don't mind a bit of romance in their sword-and-sorcery." — Publishers Weekly
"This is a series that gets better as it goes along." — Science Fiction Chronicle
"With his storytelling mastery and ear for colorful language and nuance, the author of numerous books set in the dual worlds of Midkemia and Kelewan here launches a series that takes his fantasy universe into a whole new phase. " — Library Journal
"The prose is smooth, the plot is exactly what you'd expect and the characters do exactly what Feist tells them . . . File under guilty pleasure." — The Guardian
"The most interesting character in the saga to date, Kaspar . . . another complicated and compelling protagonist . . . [W]ill have Feist fans eagerly awaiting the next installment." — Publishers Weekly
"Well-paced storytelling by a veteran entertainer." — Kirkus Reviews
Product Details
- Imprint: HarperCollins e-books
- On Sale: 04/12/2011
- Pages: 400
- List Price: 3.99 USD
- BISAC1: FICTION / Fantasy / General


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Washington Monument Reopens
WASHINGTON — More than 150 cracks have been repaired, rainwater leaks have been sealed, and the 130-year-old Washington Monument is set to reopen Monday for the first time in nearly three years since an earthquake caused widespread damage.
The memorial honoring George Washington has been closed for about 33 months for engineers to conduct an extensive analysis and restoration of the 555-foot stone obelisk that was once the tallest structure in the world. The monument's white marble and mortar were cracked and shaken loose during an unusual 5.8-magnitude earthquake in August 2011 that sent some of the worst vibrations to the top. Debris fell inside and outside the monument, and visitors scrambled to evacuate.
Now new exhibits have been installed, and visitors can once again ride an elevator to look out from the highest point in the U.S. capital. The full restoration cost $15 million. Businessman and philanthropist David Rubenstein contributed $7.5 million to pay half the cost and expedite the repairs.
Mr. Rubenstein told The Associated Press on Sunday that he's been surprised how much the monument means to people from across the country who have written him letters and emails. He said he's pleased the job was done on time and on budget.
"It became clear to me that the Washington Monument symbolizes many things for our country — the freedoms, patriotism, George Washington, leadership," he said. "So it's been moving to see how many people are affected by it."
During the monument's restoration, the AP had a look at some of the worst damage from the 500-foot level. Stones were chipped and cracked all the way through with deep gashes in some places. Others had hairline cracks that had to be sealed.
The monument was built in two phases between 1848 and 1884. When it was completed, it was the world's tallest structure for five years until it was eclipsed by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The monument remains the world's tallest freestanding stone structure.
It normally draws about 700,000 visitors a year. A reopening ceremony began at 10 a.m. Monday, and tours began at 1 p.m.
The National Park Service will offer extended seasonal hours to visit the monument beginning Tuesday and through the summer from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Tickets can be reserved online at Recreation.gov.
Get more news on the nation's capital by signing up for the Capital Journal Daybreak newsletter: http://on.wsj.com/CapitalJournalSignup.

subset: commoncrawl


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In Their Own Words – 10 Ways to Help Your Child with Autism
This "In Their Own Words" essay is written by Lydia Wayman. Lydia is a 22 year old who "resides somewhere on the autism spectrum." Her three favorite things are her service cat, Elsie, her best friend and her mom. She recently wrote and published a book, "Interview with Autism," for parents and caregivers about life on the autism spectrum. Lydia previously submitted a fabulous post called "Ten Things That I Wish You Would Accept, No Questions Asked."
Between my blog and the parents' message board I enjoy visiting, I get a fair amount of questions from parents. Should I let her line up her toys? Would going to his dad's on weekends be too upsetting to his routines? What can I do to help her get through an EEG?
I always do my best to answer them based on what I would have needed or wished my mom would have done for me, keeping in mind how it will affect the child as he grows up. As I get more questions, and they start to repeat themselves, I'm seeing patterns. I thought I would write something for parents to answer some of those repeated questions, and if they still had more, they can always contact me.
These are in no particular order (meaning, as they pop into my mind), though I will number them 10 to 1. I will use the pronoun "he" for the sake of simplicity and statistics.
10. On a day when he is particularly hard to handle, make a list of the things you love about your child. Share it with someone (spouse, coworker, sibling, pastor, friend; if you're still stuck, heck, I'll listen). But how does this help the child? It reminds you of why you love him so much, reorients your attitude, reminds you of why you do so much for this little person. Your improved attitude will have a positive effect on your child. I promise, we can tell when you're upset with us.
9. Allow your child a chunk of time to engage in or talk about his very favorite thing with you, completely unbridled. People with autism spend so much time either self-redirecting or being redirected, that it often feels like we never get to really dig into what we love without the accompanying being cut off or redirected. Personally, every time I talk about cats, it's overshadowed by the nagging thought that Leigh or mom or sister doesn't really want to hear about them. They certainly never ask about Elsie. So for a bit of time, just let him be obsessed. Obsess with him. Pretend that what you're hearing is the most fascinating thing you've heard all week. This subject is where he shines, whether it be bus schedules, the early years of the Beatles, or Thomas the Tank Engine.
8. Label emotions for your child early and often. Last night, an unimportant but abrupt change in plans left me frazzled. First things first; I picked up my kitty. Then I said, "Mom. I'm upset." No response. "Mom, did you hear me? I'm upset." The words felt unsettling. "Mom, I'm telling you something. I'M UPSET!" It struck both my mother and I that this was the first time in … ever, maybe? … that I'd come to her and labeled an emotion without prompting and without just acting out. This should not have taken 22 and 7/12 years to happen. Don't let this be the case for your child. Ask your child frequently, "How do you feel?" You may need to offer suggestions or options at first, but never stop asking.
7. Model, model, model. Rinse and repeat. Model language, dealing with emotions, and facial expressions. Over-exaggerate and explain, step-by-step, what you're doing and why you're doing. "Do you see that my eyebrows are pointing inward and how my mouth is puckered? My face is telling you that I'm angry." "Hey, let's get your new school shoes when we go to the mall to get so-and-so's birthday present. People say that we'll 'kill two birds with one stone.' That's a silly way of saying we'll get two things done with one action." "Oops; I expected the ice cream shop to be open. It's probably closed early because it's a weeknight. I feel very disappointed about that because I was expecting ice cream from this shop. But we can either go get ice cream somewhere else, or we can wait until tomorrow. Which would you prefer?"
6, Limit choices. If your child takes an hour to get dressed in the morning because nothing feels right, step 1 is to reassess his wardrobe and make sure that he owns only clothing that feels comfortable. Style comes second. That makes step 2 possible, which is to say "You can wear jeans or sweatpants today. Which would you like?" Do not allow him to pick any outfit from amongst 10. When you go to the store to spend his birthday money, rather than allowing him free reign of the toy section, say, "Would you like a game or some Legos? It's your choice." Obviously pick 2 things you know he likes, but do not allow him to choose Option C. Children, especially those of the autistic variety, become very easily overwhelmed with too many choices. For a young child, 2 is plenty. Expand the number of choices at your own discretion, but even as an adult, your child may struggle with this and need you to artificially limit his options.
5. Be flexible. If your child prefers to sleep on the floor rather than in his bed, simply move the mattress to the floor. If he complains that his pajamas hurt, let him sleep in his underwear. If he wants to watch pre-school directed television when he's 18 years old, who's he hurting? Realize that children with autism, by the nature of their developmental disability, show very scattered skills and abilities. He may be able to drive like a 16 year old, follow stories like a six year old, read like a 10 year old, and express emotions like a pre-schooler. Don't look at your child as the age he is, but rather as the age at which he functions in each specific area. Cater to these as best you can, because your child cannot help it.
4. Use play to engage. If your daughter likes dolls, a dollhouse is the perfect toy with which to practice language, emotions, and interaction. If your son likes cars and trains, Thomas the Tank Engine characters have faces and speak and can be used to act. Many children like plastic animal figurines, which can be used in the same way. Encourage this type of play with an adult, older sibling, therapist, peers … all of the above.
3. Communication options. Regardless of how verbal your child may seem, teach him at least one alternative method of communication (PECS, sign language, typing, text-to-speech, etc). I was very verbal at a young age (2, 3), but the topics on which I can be verbal have always been limited. As I've grown older, I've learned to take fragments of things I've either said in the past or have heard others say and piece them together so that it sounds like intelligible speech. It's really complex delayed echolalia. Very little of what I say out loud is both my own and novel. In order to produce new ideas, I need to write. In order to process, I need to write. In fact, and this may not make sense, I often do not process what I say. I can piece the fragments together and form a response based on what I know I should say, but most often, it would be impossible for me to repeat what I've just said to you, because I never processed it. Part of my brain gets left out. Even if it appears that your child is keeping up verbally, if he is on the autism spectrum, there is a good chance that a second means of communication would serve him well.
2. Don't be scared of different. If I want to use a TTS in public and I'm not afraid of "what people will think," you had better not be either. If your child wants to wear clothing that he finds comfortable and you find unattractive, and you've explained that "people typically do not wear clothing like that. They may look at you and think you are strange" and your child has no problem with that, then let him be. If he wants to text and wear headphones during church because it's the only way he can possibly stand to be in that crowded room right then, and you're afraid people will think he's rude, then I question why you're trying to impress people at church. If you know your child can only process auditory information when his hands are doing something (for me, it's Spider Solitaire on the computer), but it looks like he isn't listening, I ask you: Would you rather have him hear you, or look like he hears you?
1. Be consistent. If you're upset, stressed, scared, overwhelmed, and yes even exuberant, keep your expressions of intense emotion to a minimum. They will confuse your child. Children with autism need their parents to be the same, above all else. It's okay to practice labeling and expressing emotions, but only insofar as your child can understand them and can do the same for his own emotions. I am grateful for almost nothing more than the fact that my mom has always been rock steady in every way. You can use a lot of words to describe people on the autism spectrum, but "forward thinking" isn't usually one of them… we live in the here and now, and if here and now is confusing or not right, then our worlds crumble. We can't see beyond the right now to the what will be. We like routine because it's consistent. Bedtime needs to have the same routine, day in and day out, as does wake-up time, meal time, and time to go to the grocery store. It may be boring to you, but it will make for a much happier child. If something different is going to happen, please let us know what to expect and remind us several times. Check for understanding.
"In Their Own Words" is a series within the Autism Speaks blog which shares the voices of people who have autism, as well as their loved ones. If you have a story you wish to share about your personal experience with autism, please send it to email@example.com. Autism Speaks reserves the right to edit contributions for space, style and content. Because of the volume of submissions, not all can be published on the site.
August 16, 2010 at 10:34 am
Thank you for sharing this, it will help a lot with my 6 year old son.
August 16, 2010 at 10:44 am
Great list! I've definitely gleaned a few great ideas!
August 16, 2010 at 10:55 am
Thank you for this excellent list. You express yourself fabulously in writing: you are lucid, coherent and convincing. I think we apply many of these principles at home, but I'll definitely be more aware now. Just one question – what is a service cat and how is it different from a regular cat? (I love cats too)
August 16, 2010 at 11:03 am
Wow, thanks for that list!
August 16, 2010 at 11:10 am
Wow! This is great! Thanks for shareing!!!
August 16, 2010 at 11:11 am
Do you have any ideas for getting my 14 year old daughter to poop in the toilet???!!!
August 16, 2010 at 11:14 am
This was so very helpful to me and described the way my son is, thank you as well for sharing.
August 16, 2010 at 11:28 am
Thank you for this, it was very enlightening. Some of the items on your list I have been doing with my 5 year old son, but there are others I really need to work on.
August 16, 2010 at 11:44 am
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have a hard time with trying to understand my child but your words helped me. Thank you.
August 16, 2010 at 12:23 pm
So true and so enlightening. Days when eveything seem so " normal", its easy to forget exactly how things must be done and so easy to fall back on the oh so important steps that must be done. Thank nyou for sharing!!
August 16, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Thank you for sharing your insights!
August 16, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Thank-you for taking the time to write this. My son will be 3 this weekend and we have had his diagnosis since December 09. We work very hard to understand him and where he is coming from so he can have a happy and healthy life. It's insight like this that help to make this possible. By sharing you are helping us as parents to make the lives of our children better and happier. Thank-you for caring enough to want to change all of our lives for the better.
August 16, 2010 at 1:21 pm
I need to remember to give my son 5-10 mins of uninterrupted time to talk about his passion everyday (nickelodeon and graphic design). Its so hard to just sit and listen and be engaged in his world when I have no clue what he's talking about,..but maybe if I listened more often i would. We have a church that watches him one night a month,..and he always comes home SO elated because his "helper" has literally let him talk about whatever he wants non-stop for 3 hrs. I need to remember that look of satisfaction on his face when he gets in the car,..
August 16, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Thank you for sharing your insight! My son is almost 4 and I know he understands so much more than he is able to communicate to me. Your beautifully written thoughts are very helpful to me in keeping perspective and better supporting my son. Thanks!
August 16, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Thank you so much for writing all this wonderful info!!! My son is 3 1/2 years old. He is a beautiful boy with so much going on for him. He was recently diagnosed this past February as moderate autistic. I am a military wife so I stay at home with him and his one year old sister. Everyday is different and challenging for all of us. When I read your essay, it made me feel better to know how to understand my son better. Thank you again!
August 17, 2010 at 10:53 am
You have no idea how wonderful your list is. Although as a parent, I know I must do all of these things to help my 3-year-old cope, in the heat of battle, I sometimes forget. For example, if I discover that she is about to do something dangerous, I find it nearly impossible not to scream–she is my baby. So what I am going to do is copy the main points from your list onto pieces of neon tag board and post them around the house. They will make great, colorful reminders! Thanks!
August 17, 2010 at 11:25 am
This is an amazing article. It has brought me to tears twice because it is like looking through a window at my own life as a parent. I printed it for my husband and I am posting a copy on my workspace as well. Thank you so much for this and God bless you for what you are doing to help families dealing with this disorder.
August 17, 2010 at 1:53 pm
This is SUCH a wonderful resource for parents and I plan to share it with my son's teacher and counselors. Thank you so much for sharing so candidly! You're helping a LOT of families!
August 17, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Lydia, you're fantastic! I've always felt that those things you talked about were going through my sons' head and after reading your piece, I feel even closer to him. Thank You ever so much, you're great!!
August 17, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Im 21 years old and as I read on I couldn't help but feeling a little sad… I have a 6 year old brother who means the world to me we always thought of anthony as an amazing gifted child he loves to draw and he most draw every single day :) ..when he was diagnosed with autism we didn't believe it because he seemed like any other child to us (and bc we had never heard of autism spectrum before) but as time went by we noticed that he was living in a pattern and over reacted to things that made no sense to us and sadly we just thought he was a spolied child that wanted everything handed to him… its not easy I still stuggle to believe that there's something wrong with him as sometimes society puts it …but I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your list your wonderful list…its like a window into how he feels and how we can help …there's so many ppl around anthony that care for him but who didn't know how to help…but now we can understand so much more again thank you so very much .. One last thing, I wouldn't change the way anthony is for anything in the world otherwise he wouldn't be the unique and amazing artist that he is …he's my world . :)) -cAnDy
August 20, 2010 at 9:42 am
Lydia, thank you so much for your insight. It has opened my mind and eyes to what is going on with my grandson who is 3 years old and lives with us. He is such a sweet boy, but at times is very difficult. Now I know to let him be not only as an autistic child, but also as an individual. He is our little man and he is so special to us. I will definitely share this with his mother and the rest of the family. Once again, thank you for opening up his world to us. God bless you for who you are and what you are doing for everyone you reach with your articles. Keep up the GREAT!!!!! job.
August 20, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Lydia, your list was wonderful! It should be given out as a pamphlet to all parents who have a child newly-diagnosed. My 6-year old only talks so much as to tell us what he wants or answer a simple & direct question. I PROMISE you that when he is old enough to be obsessed with something and wants to talk to me about it that I will listen until the sun comes up. Oh and by the way, I love cats too!
August 20, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Go Lydia! YES!! Keep telling this truth because everyone ELSE (as in those NOT understanding of life on the spectrum) needs to hear it – I remain ever certain that with enough knowledge comes understanding, and once there, every being who is gifted with autism can truly let their light shine.
YAY Lydia!
August 20, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have a 3 year old son on the spectrum who I am still trying to figure out. This list is a great help and inspiration. Keep up your wonderful writing!
August 21, 2010 at 5:40 am
Thank you Lydia, this has been very helpful! I am a parent of a 15 year old on the spectrum. Your insight are wonderful reminders, and I felt like I was listening to my sons' wishes.
August 21, 2010 at 1:49 pm
This article has been such an eye opener. I have a four year old son who is autistic and after reading this I couldn't help but sit here and think "WOW, if only I had this sooner…"
August 21, 2010 at 3:02 pm
My son is 20 years old and on the spectrum. He is heading off to college in a couple of weeks. What a wonderful list to share with his advisors. Thank you!!!
August 22, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Thank you, Lydia. That helps me to understand my great grandson. I love him so much.
August 28, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Thank you for the excellent suggestions. Sometimes, we parents overlook the many gifts our children possess, which enrich our lives daily. We may also forget to give credit to our sons and daughters for the brave efforts they make every single day to thrive with their ASD.
August 31, 2010 at 10:09 pm


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Third-year students participate in the White Coat Ceremony at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, which marks their entry into the profession of pharmacy.
Morgan Jones and Salvatore LaFerla, both of Osage Beach, were among 242 students to participate in the ceremony.
"As you don your white coats tonight, I hope you will reflect on the responsibility the coat symbolizes," said Tricia Berry, Pharm.D., BCPS,'94/'95, professor and interim senior associate dean of pharmacy. "By entering covenantal relationships with patients, you will need to place their needs before your own. It will also be important to recognize the need to not only care for your patients, but to care about them, as well."
Kevin Colgan, '77, corporate director of pharmacy at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and vice chair of the College's Board of Trustees, spoke at the ceremony. After all of the students received their coats, they recited the Pledge of Professionalism, led by third-year student Jeffrey Pasucal. The pledge, signed by all of the students, will be displayed on campus.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
Published: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 7:49 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 7:49 a.m.
Nicholls State University's Office of Student Services will present "The Vagina Monologues," a play about the feminine experience, on Feb. 14, 15 and 16.
A special Valentine's Day performance, which will include a three-course meal, will begin at 7 p.m. in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Bollinger Memorial Student Union. Advanced tickets are $25 and must be purchased by Monday.
Performances on Feb. 15 and 16 will begin at 7 p.m. in the Mary M. Danos Theater of Talbot Hall, and tickets will cost $10 at the door.
Promoting female empowerment and raising awareness about violence against women, "The Vagina Monologues," written by Eve Ensler, will be performed by a group of women from the Nicholls campus.
Proceeds will benefit the Nicholls Women's Resource and Services Office and V-Day International, a nonprofit group that benefits female victims of violence and sexual abuse.
To purchase tickets or get more information, call 448-4080.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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Always double down on an ace.
The good folks at Stan's NoTubes make it easy to convert your rear
wheel to the new SRAM XX1 11-speed group with the Stans XD Driver for a
fraction of the cost of a new wheelset. Just pop off your 10-speed
freehub body and install the XD Driver. Stan's even included the drive
side end cap for your particular axle.
The Stan's NoTubes XD Driver is available in four sizes–135/10mm, 135/12mm, 135/9mm, and 142/12mm.
- XX1 compatible
- No need to replace wheelset
Tech Specs
View more Wheel Small Parts
Reviews & Community
Essential part on a good bike build
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Runs smoothly and is well made
Required Hardware
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
For any Stan's wheel that's running SRAM, you'll need this sweet little ditty installed on the hub for compatibility. The best part? It's machined well enough to withstand a nuclear blast (I think -- haven't had a chance to try that test yet) and runs smoothly and silently, which is the hallmark of the best parts.
Will this free hub work on my Specialized...
Will this free hub work on my Specialized Roval Traverse wheel. Bike is a 2013 Stumpy Evo Comp. Trying to convert to xx1.
This hub is just for the stan's no tubes wheelset. They make their own special hub, you will have to contact Specialized to get the XX1 hub.
Will this work on the 3.30ti hubs?
Will this work on the 3.30ti hubs?
Hey Ron,
This should be compatible with Stan's 3.30, 3.30ti as well as the 3.30HD
No need for a new wheelset
Easy installation, quick hub engagement, and cheaper than a lot of other options. I haven't ridden enough to warant servicing it yet, but I have no reason to think there will be any issues when I do.


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There's nothing like the feeling of racing an ice cream cone to evoke the true feeling of summertime: the inexorable slide of the ice cream, a few dribbles at a time, that slowly necessitates an all out dash to lick and erode the scoop, ending in victory with sticky mouth and hands and a feeling of unparalleled contentment.
Luckily, we're spoiled for choices here in the Vail Valley. Whenever that craving for sweet summer sustenance hits, there's an ice cream or gelato or sorbet that will suffice. However, uniformity is not a problem — each business offers a unique perspective on this chilly treat and new businesses are opening around the area.
Find your fix
From well-established businesses to the new kids on the block, there is a solution for your ice cream cravings in the Vail Valley. For those truly committed connoisseurs, a tour might be in order: from east to west, here's where to get your ice cream (and gelato and sorbet and soft serve) fix.
Start in East Vail at Sims Market to pick up a pint of Scoop Vail. Tim McCole started this small batch ice cream company in August 2013 and has been churning out — and delivering — pints of his hand-crafted ice cream ever since. In addition to his classic flavors of Vail-nilla, Chocolate Frost, Mogul Milk Chocolate Chip and Mud Season, he has also created a few new flavors including Moosey's First Tracks (a tribute to his uncle who sparked his ice cream idea) and a summertime flavor: Golfer's Delight.
"It's an Arnold Palmer-esque flavor: half lemon and half tea," McCole explained. "It's packaged side-by-side in the pint; I recommend getting a half-spoonful of each as you're taking a bite."
McCole said that he originally made this unusual combination for a golf party last summer; the guests wanted a "golf-flavored" ice cream and this was the result.
You can also find McCole scooping up a root beer float flavor of ice cream at the Minturn Market on Saturdays through Sept. 6.
Luscious landmarks
Moving on to Vail, stop by the Marble Slab Creamery on Meadow Drive. This experience is all about the toppings — or mix-ins, in this case — which are incorporated into the supple ice cream on a chilled marble slab. There is no limit to the flavors you can create with the mix-ins, though the Creamery does have suggestions for combinations, such as the Cherries Jubilee, which is sweet cream ice cream with cherries and graham crackers. There is also a Marble Slab Creamery location in Edwards.
Also in Vail Village is Joe's Famous Deli and Homemade Ice Cream. A landmark in Vail for the past 14 years, owner Joe Joyce has been perfecting his ice cream and sorbet recipes since the beginning.
"It has taken a long time to get to the quality that we're at now," Joyce said. "I think it really comes down to the ingredients and how they're handled. We use all Colorado dairy, Ghirardelli chocolate, all of our sorbets are made with fresh berries — no concentrates. It's a lot of work, but we love it."
During the summer, Joe's Famous Deli serves up to 300 gallons of ice cream a week. It's made fresh five days a week and he's always experimenting with different flavors. Try the blueberry cheesecake, which is made like real cheesecake before being turned into ice cream.
Rimini, with locations in both Lionshead Village and Beaver Creek Village, specializes in gelato and sorbetto. Every element of the place evokes the feeling of an authentic Italian gelateria, from the small cafe tables to the aroma of freshly brewed espresso to the luscious mounds of gelato poised behind the glass. Each flavor is identified by a small hint, from one perfect strawberry to a ribbon of Swiss chocolate adorning the top.
Kaleidoscope of flavors
Head west to Minturn to try one of the newest options for ice cream. Elizabeth Horvitz opened Zibby's Ice Cream on Main Street in June. With an ever-rotating kaleidoscope of flavors, each visit to Zibby's offers a new opportunity to taste and explore. Incorporating everything from cereal to roasted waffles to candied bacon, Horvitz makes every batch by hand and is constantly inventing new flavors.
"I listen to my friends and family. I see what they like and I think about favorite flavors I had when I was growing up," Horvitz said. "I always try to keep the flavors changing. People walk in and they say, 'you don't have chocolate?' and I'm thinking in my head, 'if you want chocolate, go to the grocery store.'"
Horvitz makes a bucket of each flavor (each bucket yields about 25 servings) and when it's gone, a new flavor is rotated in.
While the flavors may be constantly changing, Horvitz will remain at the forefront of the experience.
"I come from a small town in New Hampshire. I was used to going into any store, crossing any sidewalk, riding my bike and knowing everyone and everyone knew me," she said. "I want to get to know every customer from the area and get to know their name. If I see a local kid in an article in the newspaper, I'll paste it on the wall. I want them to feel like Zibby's is theirs."
An edible rainbow
In Avon, KIWI International Delights and Coffee is serving up ice cream, gelato and sorbet but in flavors that are rarely seen outside of the produce aisle in the grocery store — if even there.
Owner and ice cream inventor Martha Trujillo draws inspiration from her travels as well as from her native Mexico in creating flavors that range from dragon fruit to cilantro to sweet red pepper.
"I love to cook and what I do in my kitchen is what I do with my ice cream," Trujillo said. "I like to try flavors and try to invent. I'm never following recipes. I like to open the fridge and use whatever I have in the fridge."
Gazing into the case at KIWI is like looking at an edible rainbow, the sorbets glowing like jewels; the fruit and veggie pops are like bricks plucked from the Technicolor world of Oz.
"In Mexico, you have a little bit of the different flavors, like mole ice cream. A lot of the recipes that I have here, I open the fridge and I say, 'why not?' I say 'tomato sorbet' and people look at me like I'm crazy. Then people stop by and love it," Trujillo said. "I like to do different things and I don't like to feel like I'm in a box. I like to be different and offer options to people."
"I was impressed by the selection and number of interesting flavors," said Merrill Mann, who lives in Edwards. "I also like the fact that they have ice cream, gelato and sorbet — and a lot of it. I had the ginger and it was awesome."
Throughout the valley, there are ice cream options galore, with gelato and sorbet to boot.
Start at one end and sample your way through the flavors.


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Vice President Joe Biden "guaranteed" Mayor Thomas M. Menino — a leading national gun control advocate — that President Obama will pass sweeping firearms reforms by the end of the month, the mayor said today.
"He said, 'Tommy, I guarantee you, we'll get it done by the end of January,'" Menino said at City Hall today. "They're going to get it done."
I will say that if many of those people in the Congress and Senate vote for a gun ban they will need to be arrested for treason.
The states will have to use the Supremacy Clause by nullifying the unconstitutional gun ban.
It is amazing how Illinois and N.Y now have bills in to ban guns in every respect. The people there are not doing anything about it either. They aren't taking to the street and demanding their rights be upheld.
The people in the U.S. have become a nation of poisoned sheeple. They are stupified by the fluoride in the water, the chemtrails in the air and the GMO food they eat. This is of course besides the programming they get from the T.V. and media and their brainwashing in school.
I never thought I would see this day. We literally won't have any rights from our constitution left. They have all been taken away in the name of "safety" for the people.
Our nation was eroded and was over thrown from the inside out and the people sat back and let it happen.
This country is in distress and all flags should be flown upside down.
All the soldiers who died in previous wars have died for nothing and in vain now! How could any soldier today go to war for a country that has no freedoms left? Considering that is what they are suppose to be fighting for. All the soldiers are suppose to be fighting for liberty and freedom today, that is what the government and media tell us.
Every single soldier needs to resign and walk away from the military as it is not about the oath they took anymore. They need to have an honorable discharge as they are standing up for the constitution and our freedoms by walking away and turning their backs on the military and refuse to go to war for "freedoms" when they don't exist anymore.
UPDATE 1/8/13 - NRA is not just about Guns it is about our FREEDOMS!


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Breeding: Blue-winged teal breed primarily in the northern prairies and parklands of central North America. Their relative abundance generally increases from west to east and north to south within the Prairie Pothole Region. Nesting habitat includes wetland areas within grasslands, such as shallow marshes, sloughs, flooded ditches and temporary ponds. Females change breeding sites from year to year in response to changing wetland conditions and lay an average of 10 eggs.
Migrating and Wintering: Blue-winged teal are generally the first ducks south in the fall and the last north in the spring. They migrate from the Prairie Pothole Region to wintering areas in Florida, the Caribbean Islands, the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, Mexico and Central and South America. Wintering habitats are diverse, including mangrove swamps, fresh and brackish estuaries and shallow wetlands. In the United States, the highest winter densities occur in southern Texas and peninsular Florida. Blue-winged teal are common in winter from Central America, the Caribbean and South America south to Peru and northeastern Brazil. They also stay regularly in small numbers in the Galapagos Islands and are vagrants to Chile, southeastern Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina (Scott and Carbonell, 1986).
Population: Since 1955, blue-winged teal populations have ranged from 2.8 million to 7.4 million. Generally, numbers have increased in recent years, due to favorable prairie wetland conditions. This has resulted in an average population of 6 million during the past 10 years (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2009). Blue-winged teal have the highest annual mortality rate (reaching 65 percent) of all the dabbling ducks, possibly as a result of hunting and long over-ocean migration.
Food habits: Blue-winged teal dabble to feed on the vegetative parts of aquatic plants (algae, duckweeds, pondweeds, etc.), seeds (sedges, pondweeds, grasses, etc.) and large amounts of aquatic invertebrates found in shallowly flooded wetlands.
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President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act into law.
First duck stamp, designed by Pulitzer-prize winning editorial cartoonist, Jay N. "Ding" Darling, issued.
Prairie drought peaks.


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Start Planning
Start Planning the Memories You'll Leave Behind
When should I start planning?
There are lots of reasons to start planning early, from making sure your wishes are carried out to sparing your family from high funeral costs. Here are a few things to consider:
Gain comfort in knowing
Planning ahead can give you a sense of relief knowing your life will be celebrated exactly how you want. We plan everything from vacations to retirements, and knowing what may lie ahead once we're gone can often be a relief.
Lower stress
Purchasing final arrangements in advance is important for your family's security and well-being. It will reduce the stress on your family members knowing all urgent decisions are taken care of and the financial arrangements are made.
Reduce financial burden
Planning early offers cost savings of up to thousands of dollars and reduces the financial burden on your loved ones. By making your investment in today's dollars, at today's prices, you can protect your estate from inflation and rising costs.
Benefits of Pre-planning
Death affects each and every one of us sooner or later. When you plan ahead, you can customize your final arrangements, your way, to reflect your taste, culture, lifestyle and budget. Plus you will greatly ease the stress on your family and friends. Learn more in this informative video.
Why Pre-plan?
Whether you have decided to take care of your final arrangements well ahead of time or are facing an imminent need, pre-planning relieves your family of having to guess at your wishes and of the financial burden. As importantly, it ensures that you are remembered in a way that truly reflects who you were and how you lived. Pre-planning brings a measure of certainty to the most uncertain time of your life.
Planning FAQ
You can plan many aspects of your final arrangements today, sparing your family from needless worry and often saving thousands of dollars. Our FAQ provides the answers to common questions about pre-planning.
Free Guides
Make informed decisions - request your free educational publications today.


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December 2, 2004
Today is December 2nd, which means I have frighteningly few days to finish knitting, wrapping, and sending my holiday gifts. As Christmas grows nearer, I start to get nervous.
Fortunately, I think I've found the answer: Joelle Hoverson's new book, aptly titled
Last-Minute Knitted Gifts
In the Boutique: Cheerful Stitches
Working on a tricky pattern and need to mark your place in your work? Make it fun with the clever little
stitch markers from Zecca
, made of bright and colorful polymer clay ornaments, quirky beads, and buttons. And don't forget, we have knitting-themed
holiday cards
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Share your experience
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Year-End Challenge
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If you're interested in helping and are in a position to contribute this year, you can send a check or money order (payable to Heifer International), in whatever amount you can afford, to:
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For businesses that want to compete in the global marketplace, the development of a culturally and internationally competent work force is fundamental to success. Business professionals increasingly seek out international experience as a key to professional development and advancement. The stakes are high, therefore, to ensure that global assignments are both readily available and successful. Yet women lag behind men in taking on international transfers, and the hurdles they face – "trailing" spouses, competing family and community responsibilities, inadequate training, challenging timetables and disadvantages on repatriation – are generally more numerous for women than for men. Through NCRW's network, professionals and HR leaders are provided with the information they need to develop a business case for change as well as best practices for developing a more diversified talent pool.
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Latest update : 2012-05-03
Our Focus programme brings you exclusive reports from around the world. From Monday to Friday at 7.45 am Paris time.
2016-08-23 Niger
In Niger the malnutrition of children is worsening
In Niger the combination of food insecurity, scarce water resources and lack of infrastructure are affecting children's lives. The country holds the highest infant mortality in...
2016-08-22 Burma
Video: Can Burma overcome decades of bitter ethnic conflicts?
Today's Focus takes an in-depth look at one of Burma's many ethnic guerillas. The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) is one of the armed groups invited to the 21st Century...
2016-07-29 nuclear power
Taiwan's nuclear dumping ground
Taiwan is on an earthquake faultline and exposed to typhoons. These environmental factors have parallels with Japan, so people are nervous of a repeat of the Fukushima nuclear...
2016-07-28 India
Indian women on frontline of battle against alcohol
Alcohol consumption in India claims a life every 96 minutes. As alcohol-related violence also continues to rise, women are at the forefront of a war against alcohol in the...
2016-07-27 guns
Europe struggles to crack down on weapons trafficking
After a series of terrorist attacks in Europe, people are urging their governments to find ways to protect them. One of the major concerns is the number of illegal weapons...