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Rider Of The Mark
|Chapter 38 - My Big, Fat Rohirrim Wedding
|Posted the week of: April 4, 2008
|"Three times round, Once for the Daughter, Twice for the Crone, Thrice for the Mother, who sits on the throne."
Dréogan was not happy.
Gamling didn't blame him.
The war stallion had been fully dressed out in flowers and greenery. His mane and his tail were braided and ribbanded. His saddle was bedecked with garlands of pale pink roses and peonies.
He was almost as pretty as Adenydd.
***Why don't you just drape a 'Just Married' sign over his rump and be done with it...***
Adenydd was very taken with her ribbands and flowers. She kept looking back, nosing at the pretties. Twice, Haleth tried to distract her with apples, before brightening and reaching into his pocket for a carrot.
Abéodan was holding the stallion's bridle, close to the bit, struggling to keep Gamling's horse from pulling at the garland. Several times, the warhorse took hard nips at the Rider, who looked as uncomfortable as the horse. Gamling walked up close to the young Rider and whispered in his ear, "Who?"
"Not me! I wouldn't do this to him!" Abéodan hissed. "Or to you! I think Haleth and Cynn's apprentice went a bit far."
"Get rid of them."
Abéodan had the grace to blush. "No time. Here comes your bride."
Gamling turned to realize he was forced to peer through a sudden crowd of people. His mother,
***crying, as promised...***
His sisters, the one brother in law, trying hard not to limp, his nephews...
"Aefre isn't in this group," Gamling spat over his shoulder. "You have time-"
"I was threatened on pain of death," the young Rider hissed back. "I think I did well, considering as they tried to put a side-saddle on Lady Aefre's horse! Adenydd wasn't having none of it!" He was treated to the visage of a Gamling-glare.
"You have time-"
"Begging your pardon, but despite the respect I have for you, and fear your wrath, I'm terrified of your mother!"
"My mother ordered this?" Gamling's voice had lowered to a barely audible hiss.
"Actually, no." The two were interrupted by a familiar voice. Éomer was leading his own horse from the stable. "The order came from me, and your mother, Béma love the woman, delivered the message to - ah, here comes your bride!" Gamling's turned to see Aefre come down the steps of the Golden Hall, accompanied by Eowyn, Eadignes, and...
And who else didn't matter. He saw nothing, but Aefre.
Aefre, in the ice blue he had brought from Gondor, with a mantle of red and purple. It was trimmed with gold beads; true to his mother's words, her hair was done up, gold and multi-colored jewels glinting in the sunlight. Her floral bridal wreath sat on her head, like a crown, unlike his, which insisted on sitting cocked sideways.
He only saw her smile.
***beautiful, beautiful Aefre...***
He couldn't breathe, had forgotten how; she was there, next to him. One hand raised, an elegant finger drawing a red lock over his shoulder. "Good morrow, Gamling. You are well dressed for such an early morning ride."
There was no sound, not even birdsong. He hadn't taken a breath.
"I see you've saddled my horse. Are we going for a ride?"
Gamling still wasn't breathing. He was too busy taking all of her in...
***mineminemineminemineminemin-sweetsweet thing...***
"Have I grown a second head?"
In the recesses of his mind, he remembered this was a portion of the ceremony, part of the role he was to play. He could feel the gentle stroke of her finger on the rim of his ear. He blinked rapidly, hoping, praying to Béma, he wouldn't stumble over his part.
"I would take you somewhere special. Would you ride a ways with me?"
Aefre's eyes lowered, demurely; certainly not shy, not his Aefre, not his-
"With all these friends in attendance?"
"Unfortunately." Gamling shrugged, as if he had no choice. " They insisted."
Aefre leaned forward, as if to speak only to him. "I would be honored. Might I have a foot up? These skirts are a mite cumbersome."
"Is it far?" one of the little ones piped up. "My butt hurts if I ride too long."
"I need to pee."
Somewhere, somehow, he managed to step to her horse's side, his hands cupped to receive her leather - clad foot. As she lifted her skirts and swung into the saddle, a breeze whipped by, Gamling's cloak billowing and causing her skirts to rise high, exposing shapely, firm calves...
I will be the breeze...
Aefre lowered herself, settling her skirts about her. "Bothersome, all this frippery."
"Better you, than m-"
***oops. did I say that out loud?***
"What was that?"
Gamling looked up with a wide grin. "I said beautiful. You look beautiful."
***she's blushing and Gamling makes a comeback!!!! YES! Who's the Rider... who is the Rider!!!!***
Horses parted, a path made, the couple and their entourage picking their way to the gates. Gamling lost count of the number of townsmen and women, at their doors, in front, sweeping the rock road in front of them. Children threw flowers onto the roads.
Good morrow to you...
May fortune light your path...
The pace of the party picked up after they went through the gates and down onto the plains. Both bride and groom were aware of the chittering going on behind them.
"They go this way first-" Éomer was spinning his finger in a circle, "and then I pronounce them-"
"No, no! You dolt!" Aelwydd was spitting. "The other way. Sun wise at first. They don't go counter-sun wise until you've pronounced them husband and wife!"
Gamling shook his head and leaned over towards Aefre. "If we put the spurs to our horses, no one will be able to catch us. We can beat them to the glade and by the time they reach it, I will have you well beneath me and wrapped in my cloak!"
He was met with a humored, but non-bendable glare.
***It was a thought...***
They rode quietly, listening to the terse instruction Gamling's mother was giving Éomer and the king's even shorter-tempered responses.
"Gamling, do you think they will kill each other before we reach the glade?"
"If Béma is gracious."
All talking behind them came to a momentary stop, before continuing at a lower pitch. Gamling looked at her sideways, his bridal garland tilted at a rakish angle and a boyish grin gracing craggy features-
"Are we there yet? I really need to pee!"
"BOY! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO REPEAT IT?" Aelwydd's voice carried over the plains and over her grandchildren's whinings. "I swear, you are as hard-headed as your da! And yes, I knew him well!"
Aefre's eyebrows shot to her hairline. "By all that is holy-"
"I'll not apologize." Gamling's eyes were now roaming the countryside, scouring for the glade -
- and Orcs and Mountain Men. Old habits die hard and the Rider suspected that this was one habit that would never fade.
I humbly ask the attendance of the Elementals of life.
"You really look beautiful."
It came from nowhere, caught Aefre by surprise. They had been traveling now in almost silence - well, as silent as Aelwydd and Éomer would let them be. Occasionally, they would hear Eowyn laugh; Éomer admitted to Gamling the night before, his sister now laughed more than he could remember since she allowed 'that Gondorian princeling' near her. Arwen and Elrond were somewhere in the small entourage, as was Imrahil and Lothiriel, invited by Aefre.
"I really look beautiful?"
Gamling sniffed, almost insulted. "I mean, I think you're beautiful all the time, but-" He stopped in mid-sentence seeing the humorous smile on his bride's face and he realized she was teasing with him.
***See if I try to compliment you again...***
"You look... very nice." Aefre whispered. Gamling could tell the admission had been difficult, but heart-felt.
***Hah! Two can play that game!***
"Thank you." It was stiff, but Aefre could see the smile on his face.
"I see your are wearing my ribband." This was true. Gamling had carefully washed the ribband she gave him when he left for Gondor and had tied it around his bicep. Gamling grunted in response. "That one is rather worn, I would have given you a new one."
"This one is fine."
Aefre had the feeling he was rather attached to that particular ribband and nothing else would have mattered. She continued on. "You trimmed your beard."
"Yeah," he admitted dryly, "I'm told I clean up nice."
"It gives you a different look," she admitted quietly. After thinking for a moment, Aefre drew her mount up against his, her skirt clad legs brushing against his. "Can I tell you a secret?" She was leaning as close as possible.
Gamling leaned over, attempting to whisper in her ear. "What?"
"I like you scruffy and sweaty from the barn." Gamling jerked upwards, shocked at the admission, but before he could respond, Aefre continued. "It makes you smell earthy and I just want to bathe you and lick you dry!"
***Forget the ceremony! MOTHER! You've caught us in my cloak, right?...***
"How much further is this glade?" Gamling's youngest nephew groused loudly. "My legs are sore and my butt hurts!"
"I'm hungry." The youngest niece piped up. "Wanna eat now."
"Are we there yet?"
"Stop your whinging!" Aglaeca retorted hotly. "You're to be a Rider of Rohan! And you too!" he snipped at the little one, causing her to recoil on the little pony she was riding. "Béma made you stronger than that!"
"Your butt, maybe-"
"Mama? Are we there yet?"
Welcome, O powers of Air! With clever fingers weave tightly the bonds of Heart, Spirit and Love between these two! Let none undo the fabric of their love!
Somehow, they made it to the glade without Éomer drawing and quartering Gamling's mother and Gamling's mother not laying out the King of Rohan. Gamling imagined he heard a sigh of relief from the party of riders when the glade came into view, from the children, especially. As the group dismounted, loosely tying reins, they made their way into the glade, Gamling holding tightly to his bride's fingers -
"I won't run. You can loosen your grip!"
"Oh. Sorry."
- and the children of Sulis running ahead of the couple, throwing the customary flowers on their path. It was obvious they had been coached very carefully, and they took their duties very seriously, one going as far as to use the toe of her shoe to push flowers exactly where she wanted them!
Éomer managed to call the Elementals of Life, without much prodding or correction.
Then again, it was still early in the ceremony.
Haleth was part of the ceremony; Gamling quietly insisting he be considered family. Truth be told, Aefre was equally prepared to argue for the almost teen, determined he was part of her family. Haleth held a lit censer, waving the smoking incense around, when a breeze picked up, causing the smoke to flair up and making Aelwydd sneeze loudly. He blushed as he called to the Elemental of Air.
***I AM the Air...***
It took several nods of the head and a finger point or two before he figured out where East was in order to set the bowl in its proper place. Once it was placed, Beornia, Sulis and Mayda had no difficulty placing their objects around the glade. A candle lit for Fire, (Haleth blushed even more furiously at the call for that Elemental!) a bowl for Water, a potted late-blooming daffodil for Earth. All were invited.
Welcome, O powers of Fire! Ignite the Passion and the Love for this blessed pair. Ever burning, yet never consuming one or the other!
Éomer's invocation began serious and solemn -
"Gracious Béma, Grant this blessed pair thy love and protection. We gather here this day in a ritual of love. Aefre of the Wold, and Gamling of the Westenmet, stand here before your friends, the elements, and your King to join together as the beginning of a family. For before there can be three, there must be two."
"Do you think anyone told him?" Beornia whispered to her mother.
"Béma, no!" Aelwydd spat, continuing to hold her skirts down - damn this wind! "Aefre will be giving birth before he figures it out!"
- but quickly turned humorous as he commanded them to not only love one another, but to love one another often enough to fill Edoras with screeching and love howls and to let everyone think that Gamling, even in his decrepit old age, was the most spectacular rutting beast in the Riddermark; next to the King, of course, and to do their duty of filling the hall with Horse Lords and Shield Toddlers.
If anyone noticed the Groom and the Bride staring at the ground, biting lips, no one ever said a word.
Welcome, O powers of Water! Bless this couple with a love as deep as any ocean! May richness of body, of soul and of spirit be theirs ever more!
When the stories were recounted that day, by those who attended the union, it would be said to the last soul, that all were shocked at how quiet and soft-spoken Aefre was. All had to lean closely to hear her vows, while Gamling, normally, a quiet man, who carefully chose every word that came from his mouth, and was not known to bellow, was strong and forceful. His voice carried to the treetops and there was no doubt, from the King of Rohan, to the sparrow, flying overhead, exactly how he felt.
He promised to worship her body.
Aefre pulled him close and whispered in his ear. "You better."
Only Éomer heard. But he told everyone in the Hall that night, after the two had retired to their chamber.
Welcome, O powers of Earth! Bless this man, this woman with thy strength and wisdom.
"What do you have to offer this woman for her love?"
Gamling had not thought hard on this one. He knew he had to present Aefre with something, a part of him that would be a symbol of his feelings. Feelings, he could cope with. It was simply talking publicly about it that made it difficult. So while he had not thought hard on what her would give her, he had thought long about how he would say it.
Publicly. In front of people.
***Just don't think about Éomer, or Mother, or anyone else. Just talk to Aefre. Hey! She's going to let me get a word in! I'm actually going to be able to finish a sentence! Wait, that's unfair...***
He turned to Aefre, pulling the battle-scared dagger and its sheath from his belt. As he went through the oft-rehearsed speech, his voice, starting softly, became louder and stronger. "Aefre, I offer you my love and my pledge. May I never knowingly or willingly harm or grieve you, in any form or fashion. Accept my battle dagger as a token of my trust. Like its blade, may my love be as strong. Like its metal, may our love be enduring. Accept it, for what is mine, is yours."
"He's got that right," Mayda's husband whispered to the stately Elf standing next to him. "Everything that's his is now hers! And everything that is hers is still hers!" He grunted when Mayda's elbow gouged hard into his ribs and Elrond smiled at the eternal love of Man.
Éomer was staring at Gamling. "I would have never believed such honeyed words could fall from your mouth," he whispered loudly. He wiped a nonexistent tear from his before placing a hand theatrically over his heart. "I am deeply moved."
"Shaddup," Gamling whispered back.
Aefre ignored the banter between Horse Lord and King and accepted the dagger, noticing despite the care and cleanliness of the weapon, it had seen use in battle and had served its master well. "I accept your pledge and your love, as I accept your token. May I guard and serve your heart always, as this dagger has guarded and served you. Know what is in my heart, as I know what is in yours. All of my love will ever be yours."
Éomer repeated his question to Aefre. "What do you have to offer in return for the love of this man?"
Unlike Gamling, Aefre had had a difficult time coming up deciding what to offer him as a token of her pledge. She had lingered over her personal weaponry, deciding that it was not proper. She wished she had her father's ornamental bridle, but her sister-in-law had appropriated all that had belonged to Aefre's family and coveted it for her son. The woman had gone as far as to go through Aefre's things when she forcibly removed Aefre from her childhood home, attempting to confiscate several items, including the wedding gift Aefre had chosen - a rare, pale blue diamond, set in a mithril chain, handed down from her grandmother.
"I present to him my love and this pledge. May I never knowingly or willingly do such a thing to harm, nor grieve him in any form or fashion. Accept this, my jewel, as a token of my trust. I value your love more than the most valuable jewel of my family. Just as its bright gleam, may our love glow. Like the stone that is its essence, may our love be as strong and enduring. Accept it, my love, for that which is mine, is yours."
"Bull. OUCH! Stop poking me, Mayda!"
Gamling leaned over, causing his bridal garland to slip over his eye, while Aefre fastened the chain around his neck. When he stood back up full, he tipped the garland back in place and took a moment to inspect the jewel. He had never been one for 'pretties' or 'sparklies', as his sisters had called them, but he was fascinated by the facets and many glimmers of light that reflected from the diamond. He could not begin to fathom the age of either jewel or chain, but he realized its worth was more than anything he would ever possess. That Aefre had given this-
"My... my love, I accept your pledge and your love, as I accept your jewel. Know what is in my heart, as I know what is in yours. All of my will, my love, shall ever be yours."
"With this binding I tie you, heart to heart, together as one. With this knot you are joined in sacred union. May Béma and all here, smile upon thee, and bless you with health and prosperity! May neither take advantage of the other. For remember what one may not provide, the other may!
At some point, their wrists had been bound with a silken, white cord, a binding that should not be removed until Gamling had taken Aefre to their chambers and removed it with their clothing. As ancient custom older than Rohan proclaimed, he would hang it on the door, showing his acceptance of his bride, as well as signaling to his friends and family they could safely *catch* he and Aefre wrapped in his cloak.
Éomer was feeling his oats; this was not the first time he had presided over a wedding, but this was *his* friend and as promised, he refused for it to be a simple thing. He had been to Rivendell on many occasions, trading with the Elves and he was fascinated by their jewelry, most especially, their betrothal and bridal rings. Over the years, he had collected several plain, but fine pieces, and had decided this would be his gift to his friend and his new bride. "Your vows have now been heard by all. These rings, like your vows, are without beginning or end. When placed, they represent a seal of your love and respect for each other."
"Éomer," Gamling whispered, "this is really too much."
"Shaddup. It's a gift." He nodded at Aefre. "Besides, she likes hers."
Aefre was inspecting the ring Éomer was holding out for Gamling to place on her finger. The craftsmanship was exquisite and she openly admired it. "Gamling is correct. This is really too much."
"You shaddup too. It's a gift and I'll be offended if you give them back."
"Really, Éomer-"
The King of Rohan raised a single finger to shush the woman. "If you do not accept this gift, I'll force you to spend a season in Belfalas, by the sea, doing nothing, but dancing attendance on the Royal Family. Nothing but talk and needlework."
Aefre shuddered.
"And no horses."
Gamling gagged.
"The rings are beautiful."
"Thank you, sire. Your generosity is-"
"Abundant and overwhelming," Éomer grinned, cheekily. "I'm so pleased you think so."
***Brat! Just wait until it's your turn...***
Éomer shoved the ring at Gamling. "Come on. You know what to say!"
With a frown, Gamling snatched the ring from Éomer's fingertips. Grabbing Aefre's hand, he placed the ring on her middle finger. " Aefre, you are my wife. You were not created from my head to out think me. You were not made from the sole of my foot to be trod on by me. You were made from my rib over my heart to be held close, side by side, and to be tucked under my arm to be protected by me and to be cherished! I will respect you as an equal partner and seek your counsel, for you are wise. I will protect you, argue with you, and listen to you, for I know you love me."
Éomer was much gentler with Aefre. " Gamling, you are my husband. I was created from your rib, over your heart, to stand with you, side by side. You will be the head of our household, the father of our children and the king of our holdings. I will comfort you and bind your wounds, see to your needs and respect you as an equal partner and seek your counsel, for you are wise. I will honor you, argue with you, and listen to you, for I know you love me."
We thank the elementals of life for their attendance this day and ask they go forth and herald this union.
Traditional Rohirrim customs were adhered to on this bright morning; they shared their first drink from what they discovered was the King's own chalice - Éomer was showing his favor on this union, indeed - exquisitely wrought silver, Rohan's standard finely etched on it.
May you never thirst.
They shared their first meal; honeyed bread, still warm from the kitchens of Edoras.
May you never hunger.
They jumped not only the sword, but the broom together.
May the sword cut all ties with the old and the broom sweep them away.
Éomer raised his sword and headed towards the eastern corner of the glade.
"Nonononono!" Aelwydd hissed. "North!" Her finger pointed at the potted daffodil and then spun the digit counter-clockwise. "And it's the other way!"
Éomer slowly changed direction, as calmly as possible. "I knew that. I simply wanted to check the horizon!"
"Mama? Is it much longer? I'm hungry."
"I need to pee."
Three Times Round, Once for the daughter, Twice for the crone, Thrice for the mother who sits upon the throne!
"You can take a breath, you know. Or we could just wait and you can proceed with the bedding."
Éomer's voice was sardonic, cutting through the couple's amorous reverie. Gamling raised his head from Aefre's, pulling her tighter into his embrace. "You said I could kiss my bride. I'm kissing her." He looked down at Aefre. "Where were we?"
A wide smile greeted him. "You are such a man!"
"Mama! I'm reeeeeeeeeally hungry."
Gamling turned loose of his bride and addressed his young niece. "We will ride back quickly."
"No, don't worry." Aelwydd was coming back into the glade with a large basket. Mayda and Beornia carried baskets also. "I knew this was a ways out, and we would be here a while, so I had a light lunch packed." She set the basket down and began to pull out bread and wine flasks. "This will tide us until we return to Edoras, where a fine feast awaits."
Gamling waggled an eyebrow at Aefre.
***Very fine feast, indeed!"
"I know what you're thinking." Aefre whispered.
"Thinking of bathing me and licking me dry?"
"Come on, you two! Come and eat!"
***grrrrrr... that's what I want to do...***
The meal was not heavy, but it satisfied the children, who had behaved as long as they could. Eyes raised and watched carefully as little ones found shrubbery and then played tag on the edges of the glade. After a time, the baskets and flasks were put away, all mounting up on their horses.
Except Aefre.
Tradition stated she was to be carried back in her new husband's lap. Except...
"Gamling! I can not ride in your lap the entire way back!"
Gamling was scowling. "Custom dictates-"
"I really don't give a mighty Orc's arse what custom dictates!"
"Mama? Did Aun' Aefre say what I think she said?"
"You never mind what your Aunt Aefre said." Sulis was glaring at the openly battling couple. "Let me help you on your pony-"
"I don' need help! I'm Ro-he-rum!"
"What's a mighty Orc arse?"
Gamling rolled his eyes at his sister's children's antics. Béma forbid, his own child should be this difficult! "Aefre," he started quietly, forcing a rather grim smile on his face, "it is our wedding day. Please do this for me."
"I am doing this for you, you oaf!" Aefre smiled back, her teeth gritting in a mockingly painful grin. "Carrying me on your lap the entire way would not only cut off the circulation to your legs-"
"She might cut the circulation from your Mighty little Horse Lord." Éomer was munching on the last of an apple. "You might want to consider it." He moved on, out of the way of the twosome.
***it's not little...***
"I still know what you're thinking," Aefre whispered. "And you're right."
Gamling raised a finger. "Don't get me off the sub-"
"I am not riding back on your lap." Aefre turned and whistled for Adenydd.
Gamling grabbed her by the elbow, spinning her around. "Look! The least we can do is discuss it! I have bathed for you today!"
"Oh," both of her hands went to her hips, fisted in tight wads, "thank you for considering your hygiene today!"
Gamling didn't take a breath. "I wore an uncomfortable dress tunic," His finger went around the collar, pulling it out, "that is too tight around the neck and is choking me!" He tugged for extra effect. "And it has too many spangly things."
"Those are emblems of your station!" Aefre was completely affronted. "You should be proud to wear them!"
Gamling was continuing, never taking a breath. "And a dress sword! I never have had the need for a," and with this he pulled it out for emphasis, " a shiny, blunt blade with jewels in the handle, making it impossible to grasp properly!" He shook it at her. "The blade is so dull, it couldn't cut down a baby Orc."
"Ooooh. Do you tink da baby orcses would like to pway?" Mayda's youngest daughter apparently no longer needed to go to the bathroom. Always on the lookout for a new playmate, it didn't dawn on her that this particular playmate wasn't desirable.
"I trimmed my beard for you!"
"Thank you." It was said through clenched teeth.
"And new boots!" Gamling's finger went in her face." That pinch! And I had them shined! Just for you!"
Aefre smacked at his wrist, knocking his hand away. "I am pleased your mother trained you so well!"
Gamling took a step back at that, snickering from the crowd behind them. "I even bathed Dréogan! He was quite pissed about that!"
Aefre's finger went in Gamling's face. "Don't lie! Dréogan loves to be bathed and you know it! You bathed Adenydd too and you know she loves her baths!"
Gamling attempted to focus on the wagging finger, having great difficulty, before reaching out and grabbing it. "I polished his fastenings, as well as Adenydd's! I even braided my hair! I went through all this for you-"
"And I endured nothing?"
"Mama?" Yet another young voice piped up. "Why are Uncle Gamling and Aunt Aefre fussing? I thought they were marry-ed?"
"That's why they are arguing." Mayda's husband grunted as his wife elbowed him for the fourth time.
"Weren't you listening?" Aglaeca answered for the child's mother. "They promised to argue with each other." He rolled his not-quite-grownup eyes and pulled up on his horse. "They are doing just that!"
Gamling and Aefre were oblivious to the jesting going on behind them. "We'll take turns," Aefre half-heartedly suggested. "I'll ride in your lap a ways, and then you can ride in mine!"
Gamling's finger was moving in a blur. "No. I want to know what you've endured for me today - besides agreeing to be my wife!"
Aefre's eyes narrowed. "You want to know what I've endured?" Gamling shook his head. "Fine! I sat while Eowyn half pulled my hair out of my head!"
"It needed to be tight-" Eowyn tried to interject. "You don't want it to fall down while riding or while your vows were being spoke."
"Bad luck," Éomer whispered to Prince Imrahil, who was watching the argument in fascination. "Wives tale is if the bride's hair falls during the ceremony, the groom will never get it uh--" The Rohirrim King blushed when he realized Imrahil's daughter was listening intently. "-uhp... la la la..."
Aefre's tirade was continuing. "I had to wear this ridiculously heavy dress with more skirts than is needed for three women! Sad thing is," she leaned forward so only Gamling could hear, "it's the only one I have that isn't tight in the waist! And that's YOUR fault as well!"
"It took two of us, Aefre!"
"Your boots that pinch? My feet are swollen! And the rings and bracelets and the earrings... I make more noise than a Dunleding in orgasmic throes!"
"That's pretty noisy," Éomer whispered to Faramir, who was having a difficult time keeping a straight face. The normally reticent Gondorian was very red in the face and his shoulders were shaking.
"Save me," he whispered to the blonde head tucked under his arm.
"Not on your life!" Eowyn grinned. She looked across the chest of her lover, towards her brother. "Eight!"
Éomer nodded. "Eight. Who should be next?"
"I can't believe I'm doing this." Aefre was grumbling and had been for the last five minutes. "This is damned uncomfortable and I know it's hurting your legs!" She was sitting across his lap, Adenydd tied to the back of Dréogan's saddle. Both horses had finally given up on eating their finery.
For now.
Gamling sighed, a comical, theatrical thing from him. "Edoras is over the rise. We compromised, remember? You were to ride Adenydd until we were within half an hour of Meduseld, and then you would ride my lap. That way -"
"I know, I know, I know! That way, it would look to the people that we had fulfilled customs's dictates, without-" Gamling's hand stole from her waist to a full breast. "Gamling! Get your hands off my-"
He took advantage of her open mouth. "Mine!" he whispered, descending in a kiss that made Aefre's toes curl.
"I believe he has found a way to hush her up." Éomer leaned over towards Imrahil. "I'll make note!" He completely missed the look of indignation from Imrahil's daughter.
The newly married couple were still arguing. "Well, if we are close enough for me to ride in your lap, we are close enough for you to put your bridal wreath back on!" Said wreath dangled on Aefre's finger. It had been part of the 'compromise' between the couple; she could ride her horse as long as he could remove the garland. Much to the consternation of Aelwydd, they had removed the bridal rope, each holding an end, retying it to their wrists when Aefre mounted Dréogan.
"That thing drives me insane."
"Well, now you know how I feel riding in your lap!"
"Kiss her again!" Multiple cheers came from behind them, causing both bride and groom to scowl at the party behind them. With a snarl, Gamling snatched the bridal wreath from Aefre and slapped it on his head, causing greenery fronds to fly over the fields.
"You'll have nothing left if you continue that!" Aefre's own garland rested gently on her head, her hair still up, with only a few well placed ringlets about her ears and neck.
Cheering from far off greeted their ears. Edoras was now well in sight.
***Now the part I am going to hate...***
There was dancing, lots of it. There were demands of Gamling to dance with his bride, something they both refused. Éomer decided to dance with Aefre, an amusing thing to watch, as Gamling was tied to her wrist. A minstrel was strolling around the room, his lute plucking obscure tunes, most of the fluffy and romantic persuasion, that had women sighing, and men getting drunker and drunker. Gamling watched Éomer dance with Imrahil's daughter-
***What is her name again? Loth-i-ree... Lottie - loo... ***
- and then dance with Eadignes, dance with his sister, dance with all of Gamling's sisters. Gamling thought he would crawl under the table, when the King of Rohan danced Aelwydd. Gamling had never seen his mother move and wiggle like that.
It was obscene. A woman her age carrying on like that.
There was pounding on the tables with tankards with demands for kisses, which were always met. Gamling made sure his ale was well-watered; he did not want a repeat of the previous night! Aefre was drinking sparsely as well.
There was food, and more food, and two Elves that looked identical sang for the couple; it made Aefre sigh contentedly, but Gamling couldn't understand a word. He just smiled and nodded and applauded at the song's end.
He noticed several times Elrond staring at him thoughtfully.
Twice, he thought he heard the echo of a woman's voice in his head -
You have chosen well, Master Horse Lord...
- only to look up to see the Lady Galadriel staring at him intently. The depth of her eyes could clearly be seen across the room and it unnerved him in a way he would never admit to even Aefre. Both times, he set his goblet down and found somewhere to look.
Several times, a man, Horse Lord, Gondorian, Swan Guard, it mattered not, or an Elf, would whisper in his ear; encouragement, crass suggestions. Éothain was in his element that night with bawdy acts recently learned in the Blue Whale; Éomer was no better. The Elves suggested things that made sex sound like a twisted piece of bread, paining Gamling's joints just thinking about them. Imrahil, Elrond, and even Celeborn -
***who would believe such a revered Elf was such a perverted old coot?***
- had comments and suggestions.
***Do they think I'm a untried youth???***
At some point, he realized that Aefre's movements were becoming heavier and slower. When he looked down, he saw she was flushed and her eyes were fatigued. Taking her hand in his, he leaned down and whispered, "You are tired."
"A little." She dipped her head. "It is rather hot, as well."
He nodded towards the bard, calling him over. "Go to the far side and play something bawdy. Poke fun at Éomer or Faramir." The bard smiled knowingly, grimacing quickly, when Gamling grabbed his arm, none to gently. "Do not bring attention to my bride and myself. I will hunt you down." The musician smiled nervously.
"Of course, my lord. You wish your privacy."
They watched as the thin, young man strolled over to Éomer, strumming away. He opened his mouth...
He wears his silk pyjamas in the summer when it's hot,
he wears a woolen nightshirt in the winter when it's not,
But later in the Springtime and early in the Fall,
Éomer King jumps into bed with nothing on at all...
Éomer's jaw dropped and cheers went up. While everyone's attention was on the reddening sovereign, Gamling grabbed Aefre's hand and quietly snuck out of the over - heated and stifling room. He nodded to Willan, who winked and began to stroll over to the doorway, arms crossed. Willan had danced several times with Eadignes, a light in both's eyes, Gamling well knew and hoped would bloom into more.
No sooner than the twosome had turned the corner and began to move down the hall, a shout went up, demanding where the bridal pair had gone. Chairs could be heard scrapping back and Gamling tugged at Aefre's hand. "Run!"
They barely made it to their chamber - finally their chamber - slamming the door. Gamling leaned into it, feeling the thick brace of wood bounce and shudder as his friends pounded it. Aefre lowered the bar and between the two, they managed to bar it from any invaders.
"Aw, c'mon Gamling!" Éomer's voice was clearly slurred. He would awake in the morning with a hangover worse than this morning's and this time, Gamling would refuse any aid to the king. "Wuh jus' wanna say g'nite!"
"Good-night, sire." Aefre spoke to the door, before slipping off the bridal rope, leaving it dangling from Gamling's wrist and moving away, abandoning Gamling to deal with the drunken rabble outside.
"We wanna see t'bride!"
***where is Willan?...***
"You've seen the bride. Good night, m'lord." Gamling's forehead was resting against the cool wood. Several more times, it jolted, heavy fists pounding, before the occasional yelp and body slam announced that Willan had finally arrived and was clearing the hall. Finally, it was quiet and there was a gentle scratching at the door.
"Go enjoy yourself, my friend." There was an answering scratch. "Go gentle with her." Again, an answering scratch. With a dip of his head, he removed the white cord from his wrist, left dangling by Aefre and dropped it on the bar. It would be easy to find early in the morning when he was forced to crawl from the bed and hang it on the front latch.
Gamling turned away from the door, noticing the seemingly hundreds of candles lit all over the room. It cast a wondrous glow about the chambers, the bed turned down.
Aefre was sitting before the cold hearth, skirts pooled about the floor. She looked exhausted, but content. She smiled up at him. "Good evening, m'lord husband. What would be your pleasure tonight?"
***Husband... sounds sooooo good...***
Gamling dragged his chair over by her and said the first thing that came to his mind.
"Look at what Béma left for me." He tucked a finger under her chin and lifted it. "A rare flower of infinite beauty."
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Brittany Miles began compulsive dieting and exercising after being tormented about her weight in high school. She went from a size 18 to a size 4 and was 15 pounds underweight. Over time, she began to exercise less, eat more and reshape her attitudes toward food and her body.
She beat an eating disorder, loves her curvesPublished 7:41 AM CDT Jun 16, 2014
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KATHY KINNEY MAKES NO SECRET about what is in her bag of tricks: five shades of blue eye shadow, a bottle of black liquid liner, false lashes, scarlet blush, three shades of red lipstick and (for cleaning purposes) a pack of Chubs baby-bottom wipes. That cosmetic concoction is what transforms the amiable 43-year-old actress into the spectacularly gruff-and-garish Mimi Bobeck, resident tough cookie on ABC's The Drew Carey Show. "My mom and friends are proud of me," says Kinney, who parlayed an original one-shot, walk-on performance into a regular role, "but they're always saying, 'You're such a pretty girl, Kathy. Why do you wear so much makeup?' "
Because it works, of course. Sporting two islands of eye shadow that nearly reach her hairline—and an attitude the size of Long Island—Kinney plays a confrontational department-store assistant who is coworker Carey's worst nightmare. The comic, combustive mix between the supporting actress and the show's rumpled star has turned Kinney into a fan mail target for everyone from Texas prison inmates to New York City drag queens. It has also helped keep the Wednesday night sitcom, now in its second season, in Nielsen's Top 20.
Kinney took to her war-painted character with gusto. In the second episode, "I had to hand Drew this envelope, and as soon as I started to hand it to him, I decided to cough on it," she says. "In that moment, Mimi was born." Since then she has been impossible to ignore, telling off coworkers with her trademark "bite me" retort while constantly giving Carey the back of her hand and sometimes the bottom of her boot.
"What Mimi does is horrible, but the sense of joy Kathy brings to her part makes it very attractive and warm and funny," says costar Craig Ferguson, the show's Mr. Wicks. Mimi may be portrayed as an unglamorous screamer, adds Ferguson, but Kinney herself is "one of those people who is comfortable in her own skin." Which is no easy feat for a large woman in Hollywood, the actress admits. "I find that Los Angeles, more than anywhere, can sap your reserve of self-confidence," she says. "But as I'm growing older, I'm like, 'I'm just who I am.' If someone doesn't want that, they can move right along."
A Wisconsin native, Kinney began her odyssey to prime time in Stevens Point (pop. 24,000), the only child of Marian Kinney, now 78, and her husband, Harold, a Cadillac dealer who died in 1970 of emphysema. "I was 15½," says Kinney, recalling his death, "and I hadn't come to terms with why we're alive, what life's all about, who we are and all those things teenagers go through...life seemed so hopeless."
At first she found her solace at one of her favorite hangouts, the local library (where, thanks to her later financial support, she says, her photo hangs on the Productive People from Portage County wall next to "this guy who ran the paper mill and this fur trapper"). Later, at the local University of Wisconsin campus, she studied theater but stayed backstage, working on sets and wiring. In 1976, with one acting appearance to her credit, she quit school and headed to New York City.
There, Kinney scuffled through secretarial jobs, took acting classes and eventually taught an improv course herself. Ten years passed before her first screen role, as Jean in the 1986 AIDS drama Parting Glances. Then TV character parts began dribbling in—as Newhart's sex-crazed town librarian, a mad bomber on Dream On and finally her break-out role on Drew Carey.
Steady paychecks haven't changed Kinney's style. Never married, she shares a two-bedroom, 1930's Spanish-style house in North Hollywood with her cat, fixes antique furniture in her spare time and a couple of evenings a month hosts a poker night for pals. "I have a short attention span playing card games," she notes, "so I'll say, 'We'll play five-card draw, and you have to speak in a Swedish accent.' "
If anything, she hopes TV success will let her pursue some personal goals. "I want to continue furthering the fact that women can look any way they want, be whatever size or age they are and still be successful," she says. "I also want to help make books more available, to show kids how important and fun it is to read." Anything else? Says Kinney with a smile: "I want to do all these altruistic things while flying first class."
PAULA YOO in Los Angeles
Painted Lady
updated 05/05/1997 AT 01:00 AM EDT
•originally published 05/05/1997 AT 01:00 AM EDT


text:
We propose a special issue of Gender & History that will address "Gender History across Epistemologies." The editors hope to promote conversations that bridge scholarly communities and epistemological and methodological divides. We especially seek contributions, either as individual or co-authored papers or in pairs or clusters, that highlight or problematize the diverse assumptions and methods of gender history as it is understood and practiced across the humanities, the historical social sciences, and historical approaches to natural sciences. How have these diverse fields contributed to gender history and responded to each other in recent years? Can positivist and anti-positivist approaches to gender history productively address one another and, if so, how? Which arenas of gender history are currently producing constructive exchanges across methodologies and even epistemologies, and what are the innovative directions in which gender history could move in the future?
These are large questions. We seek contributions that can address them through historical research on a particular time, place, and/or topic, and that also problematize "ways of knowing" – the epistemological presumptions, methodological decisions, limits and possibilities inherent in various approaches to studying gender historically. We are open to submissions on all periods and themes and from all approaches. Possible arenas of cross-epistemological or cross-methodological exchanges would include, for example: Cultural anthropology and the categories of gender and kinship; quantitative data and the relationality of gender; the gendering of economic theory and gendered analyses of production and consumption; case law approaches to legal history and literary approaches to self-representation; approaches to studying embodiment and subjectivity when mediated through texts; gender and the state, statelessness, and transnationalism. These are merely indications of the kinds of dialogue we hope to generate; submissions on these or any other topic are welcome, as long as they explicitly address epistemology/methodology as well as being grounded in a specific area of research in gender history.
We seek contributions from scholars at all levels. Our process of development of the special issue will include a workshop to be held at the University of Minnesota in April 2011 on the general theme of "Gender History across Epistemologies." Scholars interested in being considered for participation in the workshop should submit paper abstracts by November 1, 2010; abstracts should outline the historical substance and the epistemological issues to be raised by the proposed paper. The editors will select a set of abstracts for development into full papers to be pre-circulated for discussion at the April 2011 workshop. Our goal is to form clusters of papers that might be brought into productive conversations with one another at the workshop, and then revised for submission to Gender & History following the workshop. Authors may also submit article manuscripts for consideration for the special issue directly to the journal through the usual submission process.
November 1, 2010
Deadline for submissions for abstracts for consideration for the workshop
December 1, 2010
Selection of abstracts for workshop
March 15, 2011
Full first drafts of papers to be pre-circulated in advance of workshop
March 15, 2011
Deadline for additional abstracts of articles (beyond those discussed at the workshop) which would be submitted directly to Gender & History for consideration for special issue
Mid-April, 2011
Workshop in Minneapolis to discuss papers
July 15, 2011
Deadline for revised workshop articles and independent submissions submitted to Gender & History for review process and consideration for special issue
September 2011 through March 2012
Editorial process
June 15, 2012
Deadline for final revisions


text: shapj wrote: > I caught up with Alex Morrow of Lotus yesterday, > so I want to close the > loop on that discussion. > > It proves that the numbers encoded in Domino URLS > are indeed capabilities. > Domino allocates universally unique identifiers > to all objects using a > swiss number scheme or some comparably strong > randomization strategy. I > can't speak to the strength of the randomness, > but it is intended that > these ID's be sufficiently random to be > unguessable. The resulting IDs are > then directly encoded in the URLs. I'll reiterate my concern that it doesn't seem correct to me to say that using very large unique numbers makes an object identifier a capability. Does IPv6 use capabilities, or just a very large addressing space? When does a candlestick become a murder weapon, or a list of invitees an ACL? As far as I can tell, Domino relies solely on ACLs for access control. It does not appear to me that Domino URLs are meant to be passed between users as a sign of granting access. There is certainly no information on the Domino web site to indicate otherwise. Tyler


text:
Single Article Purchase:
Perforating Duodenal Diverticulitis
Juler GL, List JW, Stemmer EA, Connolly JE.
Arch Surg. 1969;99(5):572-578.
Published online November 1, 1969
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Obtain AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ by reading an article and completing an online quiz. Quizzes are available to AMA Members, subscribers, and those who have purchased tokens.


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Topsham/Portland Wage & Hour Dispute Attorneys
Fair pay for a fair day's work: wage and hour disputes.
In Maine — and all over the country — you're guaranteed minimum wages and overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act. But there are times when employers fail to live up to their responsibilities. That's when you should contact us. Because we're here to help you fight for the money that's rightfully yours. The money you've earned.
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Did you know that Maine has a higher minimum wage than the federal minimum? This means that you may be underpaid if your employer uses the federal minimum wage to set your pay. And that means you need to recoup what is rightly yours. But under Maine labor laws, there are statutes of limitations that prevent you from bringing a case against your employer after a certain amount of time. So if you think you were underpaid, don't let time run out before it is too late.
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text:
While students were away working summer internships and jobs, traveling near and far, and, we hope, catching a little R & R, Denison's campus was undergoing more than the normal amount of summertime changes. Here's a quick look at some of the highlights.
Ebaugh Laboratories:
Chemistry and biochemistry majors will be conducting their experiments in the Samson Talbot Hall of Biological Science and a few other locations around the North Quad this year while the Ebaugh renovation and 19,000-foot expansion continues. Meanwhile, the professors' will take up office space in Chamberlin House. When all is finished in the fall of 2011, the new Ebaugh will feature four classrooms of varying size, six teaching laboratories, research lab space for 10 faculty, and instrumentation rooms on each floor.
Student parking behind the Mitchell Center:
As the college anticipates a new natatorium and expansion of the Mitchell Center (provided we can raise the funds), a new student parking lot was built behind the Mitchell Center—and that much closer to student housing on the East Quad.
Knapp Hall Performance Lab:
The Dance and Theatre departments have a new uphill performance space in the basement of Knapp Hall. Formerly a large amphitheatre-style lecture room, the new facility has all the latest and coolest stuff: computerized systems for interactive performance and primo lighting, video projectors, screens, and sound.
Academic Quad marker:
Look carefully and you'll see something new on the A-quad, a historic marker tucked in between Higley and Slayter, that indicates the location of the college's first brick building, Marsh Hall, which was built in 1854 and razed in 1940.
Fellows Hall update:
Classrooms, offices, and computer labs in Fellows Hall are greener and more comfortable after the HVAC system was replaced this summer. The circa-1965 building also got new ceilings, carpets, lights, and other office renovations.
The Spectrum Series:
Denison's annual campus-wide, theme-based series of events, studies, and speakers has been renamed the Spectrum Series. This year's focus on "Technology and Community" kicks off with bestselling author and 21st century opinion leader Steven Berlin Johnson, who will deliver the Opening Convocation in Swasey Chapel on Tuesday, Sept. 7.
Language and Culture House:
This special-interest, multi-linguistic residence program moves from Sigma Alpha Epsilon house to Preston House (pictured above), and much closer to campus. Some exciting plans made by and for its residents and faculty advisors promise a year of multicultural events and dining adventures.
Trayless Everyday:
After the smashing success of Trayless Tuesdays last year, the dining halls are making it a permanent feature — which means less food waste and less water use.
An "emphasis" on Bluegrass:
The newest addition to the course catalog, the Bluegrass emphasis, is something to sing about. Five courses, plus lessons and ensemble work, will earn this designation on your diploma. And in celebration, the Vail Series is kicking off its season with a concert by Mark O'Connor with Dailey and Vincent on Sept. 29.
Sandella's Flatbread replaces Ultimate Baja:
Ultimate Baja was, unfortunately, not the ultimate for Denison, so the Slayter bistro has been replaced by Sandella's Flatbread Café, a national franchise (not from the college food service) whose menu specializes in grilled flatbreads, wraps, paninis and salads — get ready for a lot of YUM!


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text:
Top Definition
Compervert: a person who gets a sexual pleasure from the joyful sexual experiences of others. Related to compersion.
My husband got laid last night and I couldn't stop fantasizing about it because I'm a huge compervert.
de mbmIX 02 Ianuarie 2012
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text:
5 Open Source Wi-Fi Hotspot Solutions
You'll find many Linux-based and/or open source options when searching for a Wi-Fi hotspot solution. Whether you're wanting to give away or charge your visitors for the wireless Internet, you should find something that will work. The best part is that most of these solutions are free — you don't have to spends hundreds on a off-the-shelf hotspot gateway.
DD-WRT is a firmware replacement you upload onto a supported wireless router. This changes your router's control panel and gives you many more features, including several hotspot solutions: Chillispot, NoCatSplash, WiFiDog, and Sputnik. You might also find a use for the other new features as well. For example, you could create a separate wired or wireless network for your private network with VLANs and multiple SSIDs.
Comments are closed.
Copyright © 2016 FreeSoftNews - All Rights Reserved


text:
The fellowship is intended to encourage innovative study in the historical problems, identities, philosophies, and especially, the expressive cultures of working people in Arkansas. Another goal is to support publishable research about the lives of working people that might fall outside the parameters of traditional academic research and funding.
The stipend can be used for any purpose related to the research project, including reproduction of materials, oral history interviewing, travel and lodging. Documentation will be required for reimbursements.
Applicants may be from any relevant academic discipline.
Applications should include a written proposal, of no more than 1,000 words, describing the proposed research project and its significance; the research question and methods to be used; a projected timeline; an estimated budget; a preliminary bibliography; and the Applicant's curriculum vitae. To apply, send all application materials in paper format to: Jordan Fellowship Committee, Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, 365 N. McIlroy Avenue, Fayetteville, AR, 72701-4002.
Applications must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2013. Fellowship awards will be announced no later than May 1. Funds will be awarded on a reimbursement basis. Successful applicants will be required to submit a final report within one month of completing the fellowship.
The Lioneld Jordan Fellowship in Labor and Working Class Studies was established to honor the leadership and vision of Lioneld Jordan, the current mayor of Fayetteville, Ark. Jordan was an undergraduate student at the University of Arkansas, a carpenter with the university department of facilities management for 26 years, president of Local 965 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, president of the Northwest Arkansas Labor Council, and an advocate for the interests of working families.
For more information, please contact the Jordan Fellowship Committee at 479-575-5577 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
2016 Fund Drive!
Spread the Word?
27 March 2012
Some audio enjoyment for your Tuesday: Liz Argall's roller derby fairytale "The Rugged Track", published here last year, has been recorded for Podcastle, read by Tina Connolly.
Copyright © 2012 sh news
Reviews and blog comments disabled
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06 June 2014
A quick update: as it says in the title of this post, comments on our reviews and on this blog have been disabled. Unfortunately, the Movable Type installation we use for those areas of the site is being overwhelmed by...
Stranger Horizons, May 2014
01 June 2014
A day late with this installment, for which apologies; I've been on the road for the last week, and my final stop unexpectedly involved a lack of internet. Still, better late than never, here's the round-up of contributor news from...
On Dialect
18 May 2014
Last Monday, we posted a review of Long Hidden, a new anthology edited by Daniel José Older and Rose Fox; a number of commenters were disappointed and/or hurt by the way the review approached its subject, in particular its critique...
Stranger Horizons, April 2014
30 April 2014
As usual, we start this round-up of SH contributor news with some new books: Emily Jiang's Summoning the Phoenix ("Poems and prose about Chinese musical instruments", illustrated by April Chu), is out from Shen's Books (and got a starred review...
Hugo nominations!
19 April 2014
This year's Hugo ballot is out! Many congratulations to Sofia Samatar, whose SH story "Selkie Stories are for Losers" (audio) is a nominee in the Short Story category, and who is herself a nominee for the John W. Campbell Award...
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The Wondrous World of FirefliesFor centuries, the beauty of fireflies has evoked wonder and delight. Yet for most of us, fireflies remain shrouded in mystery: How do fireflies make their light? What are they saying with their flashing? And what do fireflies look for in a mate? In Silent Sparks, noted biologist and firefly expert Sara Lewis dives into the fascinating world of fireflies and reveals the most up-to-date discoveries
$23.99Honeybees make decisions collectively--and democratically. Every year, faced with the life-or-death problem of choosing and traveling to a new home, honeybees stake everything on a process that includes collective fact-finding, vigorous debate, and consensus building. In fact, as world-renowned animal behaviorist Thomas Seeley reveals, these incredible insects have much to teach us when it comes
$9.99From one of the finest naturalist/writers of our time, a fascinating investigation of Nature's inspiring death-to-life cycleWhen a good friend with a severe illness wrote, asking if he might have his "green burial" at Bernd Heinrich's hunting camp in Maine, it inspired the acclaimed biologist to investigate a subject that had long fascinated him. How exactly does the animal world deal with the
Meaning and Mystery in Animal Migration"A noted naturalist explores the centrality of home in the lives of humans and other animals . . . A special treat for readers of natural history." — Kirkus Reviews Every year, many species make the journey from one place to another, following the same paths and ending up in the same places. Every year since boyhood, the acclaimed scientist and author Bernd Heinrich has done the same, returning
Why We Demean, Enslave, and Exterminate OthersWinner of the 2012 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for NonfictionA revelatory look at why we dehumanize each other, with stunning examples from world history as well as today's headlines "Brute." "Cockroach." "Lice." "Vermin." "Dog." "Beast." These and other monikers are constantly in use to refer to other humans—for political, religious, ethnic, or sexist reasons. Human beings have a tendency to regard
Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden
A Natural Approach to Pest ControlIt may seem counterintuitive to want bugs in a garden, but insects are indeed valuable garden companions. Especially those species known for eating the bugs that eat plants. Assassin bugs, damsel bugs, and predatory stink bugs are all carnivores that devour the bugs that dine on a garden. Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden is a book about bugs and plants, and how to create a garden that ben
Evolution and the Rise of InsectsDinosaurs, however toothy, did not rule the earth—and neither do humans. But what were and are the true potentates of our planet? Insects, says Scott Richard Shaw—millions and millions of insect species. Starting in the shallow oceans of ancient Earth and ending in the far reaches of outer space—where, Shaw proposes, insect-like aliens may have achieved similar preeminence—Planet of the Bugs spins
Lessons on Life, Love, and Language from the Insect WorldInsects have inspired fear, fascination, and enlightenment for centuries. They are capable of incredibly complex behavior, even with brains often the size of a poppy seed. How do they accomplish feats that look like human activity— personality, language, childcare—with completely different pathways from our own? What is going on inside the mind of those ants that march like boot-camp graduates
$9.99FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GREAT NATURE WRITERS SUCH AS E.O. WILSON AND CHARMING MEMOIRS LIKE GERALD DURRELL'S MY FAMILY AND OTHER ANIMALS, THIS FASCINATING BOOK WILL ALTER THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT BUMBLEBEES.Dave Goulson became obsessed with wildlife as a small boy growing up in rural Shropshire, starting with an increasingly exotic menagerie of pets. When his interest turned to the anatomical,
Caterpillars of Eastern North America
A Guide to Identification and Natural HistoryThis lavishly illustrated guide will enable you to identify the caterpillars of nearly 700 butterflies and moths found east of the Mississippi. The more than 1,200 color photographs and two dozen line drawings include numerous exceptionally striking images. The giant silk moths, tiger moths, and many other species covered include forest pests, common garden guests, economically important species,
$15.19Being among bees is a full-body experience, Mark Winston writes. Bee Time presents his reflections on three decades spent studying these remarkable creatures, and on the lessons they can teach about how humans might better interact with one another and the natural world, from the boardroom to urban design to agricultural ecosystems.
An Introduction to the World of InsectsBugs Rule! provides a lively introduction to the biology and natural history of insects and their noninsect cousins, such as spiders, scorpions, and centipedes. This richly illustrated textbook features more than 830 color photos, a concise overview of the basics of entomology, and numerous sidebars that highlight and explain key points. Detailed chapters cover each of the major insect groups,


text:
on December 2, 2012 - 1:00 AM
The almighty dollar won on Thanksgiving
So the big stores decided to tell people, "Don't take time for Thanksgiving this year; just give that up and come spend money. We can give you great rewards, great savings, a reason for your commitment and devotion."
And they said to their workers, "You must serve us now. Your commitment to your God, your faith and your family doesn't matter. You are our servants and you will be punished severely if you do not come and labor as we command." And their workers said, "Yes, Pharaoh."
So the workers slaved away and the people came, in droves. They waited in line for hours so as to rush in and bow down at the tables of merchandise.
There was no time for "Now thank we all our God, with hearts and hands and voices…" Certainly there was no time to get together with family and friends, to bow our heads and thank God for his goodness, to eat a marvelous meal together, to visit and play together, and to consider how to be generous with those in need. There was no time to go to a church for worship with people from many congregations, and make this the highlight of the day.
No, but there was time to go shopping! Why should we be surprised? After all, long ago, Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money]." Mammon won.
Charles Lamb


text:
Employment law for individuals
Our highly experienced Employment Team can give expert advice and assistance to employees, in all areas of employment law. These include contracts of employment and all manner of disputes that may arise.
We always aim to achieve a reasonable outcome in all circumstances arising in the workplace, whether through a grievance or disciplinary process, or the termination of employment, including claims for wrongful or unfair dismissal and redundancy.
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text:
So, what do we know about this guy? What kind of game does he have? Strengths? Flaws?
Edited by Bliz, 30 July 2005 - 09:25 PM.
Jump to content
Posted 30 July 2005 - 07:22 PM
Edited by Bliz, 30 July 2005 - 09:25 PM.
Posted 30 July 2005 - 08:59 PM
|QUOTE (Bliz @ July 30, 2005 - 08:22PM)
|he's a two-way forward with good skating ability...and not much more than that.
Edited by cincywingfan, 30 July 2005 - 09:21 PM.
Posted 30 July 2005 - 10:38 PM
|QUOTE (cincywingfan @ July 30, 2005 - 09:59PM)
| My family has known the Abdelkader's for many moons. I grew up through same hockey system although I was too many years older and didn't get to play with him. I am extremely happy for him and his family. Also... How about a little shot of pride for Muskegon!
I have seen him play many times at the high school level. The above description is accurate. He has what you want in a winger, a commitment to both ends of the ice, a quick release, and a knack for finishing.
Justin Abdelkader
Hometown – Muskegon, MI
6'-1� / 195#
2004 MHSAA Mr. Hockey at Mona Shores High School, led them to the D2 title game in 2004.
Played 2004-2005 at Cedar Rapids in the USHL, only 4 assists in the playoffs but a good regular season with 27 goals in 60 games. Cedar Rapids won the Clark Cup.
He'll signed to be a Freshman this fall at MSU
I hope he has great success.
Congrats Justin!
Posted 31 July 2005 - 12:21 AM
Posted 31 July 2005 - 02:31 AM
Edited by Erack82, 31 July 2005 - 02:42 AM.
Posted 31 July 2005 - 02:02 PM
|QUOTE (Erack82 @ July 31, 2005 - 03:31AM)
|Abdelkader is an interesting pick, especially as a local kid who grew up in Muskegon as stated. I saw him play in the USHL and he was definetly one of the better players on the team, but didn't impress me enough to take him as high as the Red Wings did. Decent size, skill, shot, puck handling, skating ability, offensive awareness, and grit. Abdelkader does a lot of things well, but nothing outstanding. He posted a respectable 52 points in some 60 games. One thing that concerns me is that he dissapeared during Cedar Rapids playoff run. Is that an indication of things to come? I don't know. I will give him the benefit of the doubt as he was an '87 playing against players mostly older than him. MSU and the CCHA will be a good test for him, and he should be able to be a top-6 forward on the Spartans roster right away and once all is said and done I project him as an above average 3rd line forward. Could pan out as a less gritty version of Jim Slater.
Posted 31 July 2005 - 04:23 PM
Edited by mannysBETTER3434, 31 July 2005 - 08:55 PM.
Posted 31 July 2005 - 05:51 PM
|QUOTE (Cruiser008 @ July 31, 2005 - 08:02PM)
|A 3rd line forward?? Damn that's pretty underwhelming for a 2nd round pick.
Posted 31 July 2005 - 07:25 PM
Posted 02 August 2005 - 02:36 PM
Posted 29 August 2005 - 07:38 AM
Posted 29 August 2005 - 12:33 PM
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text: David Hopwood wrote: > "Communities", please, not camps. This isn't a battle, and many people > consider themselves to be members of both communities. Yes, thanks. Certainly. > I'm afraid I don't have much time for anyone who tries to understand a > concept in terms of just one implementation approach. (In the case of > dynamic method dispatch, there are at least three approaches, of which > v-tables are a special case of one [*].) First, Bill himself understands all these concepts quite well. He's one of the architects of KeyKOS and has made substantial contributions to E. What he's trying to help us figure out is why various folks, such as Shap & I for example, have such a persistent difference in perspective about how to describe a common semantics. If you don't have time for Bill's approach, do you have a different explanation to offer for this difference? > I am not so pessimistic about the general programming population that I > assume that most of them are making this mistake, or that any particular > programmer is making this mistake. I am. I know that I myself have made this "mistake" numerous times: of deriving a descriptive stance from the imagery suggested by a canonical naive implementation story. > Even if they were, how can using different terminology for the same > concept in languages and operating systems possibly be helpful? > I'm definitely not going to repeat every argument that I want to make > about obj-cap systems using two different sets of terminology. It would > be a waste of my time. I agree. We should use the terminology connecting out field to that of object-oriented programming, since that's the "object" we mean by "object-capability model". I don't think Bill was suggesting otherwise. Bill? > [*] The three approaches (not necessarily exhaustive) are: > > - caller looks up method ID in a data structure associated with the > invoked object's concrete type. > - caller looks up (method ID, concrete type ID) in a global data > structure. > - caller calls a single entry point associated with the concrete > type, and that routine does different things depending on the > method ID. > > All of these are potentially applicable to *all* object systems. If the object's allocation unit includes the representation of the object's concrete type, whether a type ID, vtable, or whatever, then, in all of these, the allocation unit is the object. Two facets on the same composite would need different concrete type representations, and so would still need separate allocations. If the concrete type representation is moved into the pointer (as in KeyKOS keys or the fat pointer technique), then multiple facets of the same composite can share a single allocated record holding only the composite's state. So this doesn't change your conclusion. I just wanted to be clear that the salient implementation choice is orthogonal from the one you explain above. -- Text by me above is hereby placed in the public domain Cheers, --MarkM


text:
Funding Canceled
Funding for this project was canceled by the project creator on June 22, 2013.
Stompy Bot Productions
Project by
Stompy Bot Productions
First created | 0 backed
Singleplayer and multiplayer mech combat in Unreal Engine 4 by the director of Heavy Gear II and lead designer of Far Cry and Crysis.
Funding for this project was canceled by the project creator on June 22, 2013.
First created | 0 backed
Update: E3 Preview Footage
For the first time ever, view the boarding of a Gear as it prepares for a heart-pounding league match -- all with in-engine footage in UE4.
-Full 1080p HD Download
Update: Opt Out of Free-to-Play: The F2C Model
Hate F2P? Opt out with a one-time Bundle. Love F2P? Play for free -- forever. Or sign up for Premium membership to host your own servers. Read more...
Update: Gear Customization: Dev Talk #2
Learn about customizing your Gears for both aesthetic appeal and enhanced performance. Read more...
Update: Multiplayer Game Types: Dev Talk #1
Learn about the many multiplayer game types, including tournaments, deathmatches, duels, deathraces and many more. Read more...
Update: Oculus Rift VR Headset Support Official!
Immerse yourself in the mech experience with the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, featuring high-resolution display and ultra-low latency head tracking. Read more...
Update: Gear-a-Friend and Get Rewards!
Make potentially unlimited in-game currency, earn Heavy Gear figurines or score Beta access keys by referring your friends! Read more...
Update: Singleplayer Episodes Announced!
You spoke -- and we listened. We will be including Episode 1 of our singleplayer war stories as part of our initial $800k goal. Read more...
The world of Heavy Gear Assault is unforgiving – but so is your lust for glory. A pilot on the distant planet Terra Nova, you play the high-stakes game of competitive Gear Dueling. You earn fame and fortune by making a name for yourself on the arena floor. You stand out from the crowd by customizing the look and style of your Gear. You manage corporate sponsors, hire a support staff and fine-tune your Gear's performance in the Gear Bay. You rise to the top, claim your position – and with every cannon shell left in your magazines, you refuse to let go.
Building on the acclaimed Heavy Gear PC games by Activision and the award-winning science-fiction Heavy Gear Universe by Dream Pod 9, Heavy Gear Assault features:
Heavy Gear Assault immerses you in a gritty, futuristic mech combat by allowing you to control the pilot of your Gears and compete for glory and honor in the Khayr ad-Din arena circuit. Fight with style and skill to build your reputation. Bragging rights await you -- should you rise victorious. Team and 1-on-1 multiplayer game types that sit firmly at the forefront of our production schedule include:
Stream live footage of your matches to viewers on their PC, console or mobile platforms. Share your exploits with friends and fans on your favorite social media page and revel in the glory. Even sponsor your favorite players with in-game currency and put bounties on the heads of combatants who show poor sportsmanship.
More on multiplayer game types, respawning, victory conditions and rewards...
Heavy Gear fans asked for singleplayer — and we listened. In addition to a robust multiplayer suite, the base game of Heavy Gear Assault will include singleplayer story episodes that take the player back to famous battles in Heavy Gear history. These offline episodes will draw upon the rich lore of the series' universe and drop players in challenging situations that put their mech piloting skills and battlefield strategies to the ultimate test.
With more episodes to come as we reach higher stretch goals, the first episode involves the initial contact with Earth's Colonial Expeditionary Force (CEF) and sets the stage for Terra Nova's bid for independence. Bitter enemies will unite to repel the CEF in what will be known as the War of the Alliance. This gripping first episode will be told through the eyes of military veterans turned duelists.
*More singleplayer details to come soon in future Updates. Stay tuned!
A Heavy Gear is a humanoid, one-man combat vehicle -- a fusion of the flexibility of an infantry soldier and the firepower and armor of a modern day tank, all with a dizzying array of customization options. Performance customization involves the balancing of weight, power, speed, armor and weapons to fine-tune your Gear's performance and gain a competitive edge. Visualization customization allows you to stand out from the crowd or camouflage in the battlefield. In fact, every item installed on a Gear has an impact on overall performance and visual appeal.
A typical medium Gear loadout might include:
Whether you eviscerate your enemy with relentless firepower or put a precision VibroKatana blade in their back, be sure to do it with style. After all, that's what your fans paid to see.
More on Gear customization, including armor, weapons and engine components...
Heavy Gear Assault players will be able to access certain game features from their Android or iOS mobile devices, such as spectating and sponsoring other players' matches, maintaining and customizing their team and Gears, shop for equipment, share their exploits and much more. Players can therefore interact and participate in Heavy Gear Assault even though they are away from their gaming platforms. With our mobile app, you will never be too far from the action.
"Unreal Engine 4 powered Heavy Gear Assault goes all out."
-- Destructoid (Read more)
"The idea of a small team putting together a AAA-quality, free-to-play, eSports game would have been ludicrous a few years back. The wave of next-gen hardware isn't even here yet, but in its wake we are already seeing a glimpse at tomorrow."
-- Digital Trends (Read more)
"Stompy Bot is making sure that the first next generation mech game goes all out."
-- Level One Gaming (Read more)
"Heavy Gear Assault has its sights set on the exploding e-sports scene."
-- Gamesbeat (Read more)
"Heavy Gear Assault promises out-of-mech experience."
-- Polygon (Read more)
"Often it's the case that indie games are kept to the most basic of ideas with exciting new twists to them, but Heavy Gear Assault is targeting next-gen PC hardware, is running on Unreal Engine 4 and is intended for the most passionate e-sports fans."
-- Indie Statik (Read more)
All players who contribute at least $15 on Kickstarter will receive access to the first singleplayer episode and any additional episodes that are unlocked as part of our stretch goals during the Kickstarter campaign — at no extra cost. In addition, all Kickstarter Backers receive a one-time-only special discount on Opt-Out Bundles and Premium membership.
More on Bundle, Premium membership and F2P features…
Heavy Gear is a game universe developed by Canadian hobby-games publisher Dream Pod 9 in 1994. The Heavy Gear property features several tabletop tactical war games (Heavy Gear Blitz, Heavy Gear Arena), a role-playing game and a combat card game (Heavy Gear Fighter). In 1997, Activision published the first Heavy Gear video game title (Heavy Gear) and followed up with a sequel in 1999 (Heavy Gear II). A 40-episode, 3D-animated TV series was produced by Sony Pictures Family Entertainment in 2001, which featured a much simplified version of the universe developed in the role-playing game. The original Heavy Gear PC games left a lasting impression on an entire generation of gamers through their action-packed gameplay, cutting-edge graphics and deep lore. With the power of Unreal Engine 4 and the passion of our talented team, we're excited to return Heavy Gear to the gaming world with Heavy Gear Assault.
We are a collaboration of hardcore gamers, some of whom are industry veterans, sharing a common love for mechs. Our team is dedicated to not only bringing the best game possible to market -- but the best Heavy Gear gamefor today's mech-hungry gamers. We came together to bring justice to the Heavy Gear universe -- a brand that is well loved and has a rich, lore-filled history in video games, television and in table top games.
To bring Heavy Gear Assault to life, we recruited the right people for the right positions. We assembled a stellar team of artists, developers, programmers and game designers from more than 14 countries, working in 10 time zones. Each team member brings different perspectives, experiences and skills to the table, making us stronger as a group. We intend to work around the clock to make mech fans and genre newcomers as proud as we are of the Heavy Gear name.
Here are some of the people involved:
Jack is a former games director for video game publisher Activision and video game developer CryTek. Jack has directed some of the most successful video games ever produced.
James is a champion of independent game development, getting his start in video game development over a decade ago. James is better known for his role as producer of the MechWarrior MekPak Expansions on the PC and Tesla Pod System. As an artist himself, James believes that video game development can be an amazing experience when developers are allowed to work directly with their fans.
Vince has spent years developing, modding and producing content for the mech community through MekTek.net, a community-orientated mod team supporting the mech genre. He is well known as the founder of MekTek and advocates strongly for independent video game development. Professionally, Vince has worked in the R&D sector developing 3D technologies with real-world civilian and military application for the better part of a decade.
Stompy Bot Productions — Cute name, killer company. New Brunswick's premier independent digital publisher, Stompy Bot was created by gamers to produce quality independent video games and media. Stompy Bot is committed to supporting developers and artists who they, themselves, are committed to crafting innovation.
As a crowdfunding contributor, you'll be among a small group of instrumental gamers, believers and hardcore mech fans. You've seen what we have in mind and our vision of where this could go. We want to create a game that the mech community will get excited about and want to play. We aim to change the game industry around and give it a new perspective.
Mech games are pretty much dead according to large publishers. We aim to prove them wrong and to show them that the community has an insatiable appetite for mega-ton destruction. We want to push the technological envelope and show everyone what a true mech game can and ought to be.
Although our team includes industry veterans, we are essentially a new team, dedicated to the development of Heavy Gear Assault. We have the experience -- we need the support. We aim to bring the mech genre to new horizons, and we want you to be there with us when we do.
Click here for the full details of every pledge reward mentioned below.
With Heavy Gear Assault, our goal is to develop an innovative mech title with an amazing in-game experience. But depending on the funding levels reached, we may have to limit the experience for the initially released game version. We have a fully qualified team with members who have produced some of the best games in the industry but this team is in need of funding which is why we are asking the PC gamer community for help and offering you a chance to be part of something monumental -- the revival of a video game franchise.
Our innovative approach is like one no one has ever seen before, and thus a lot of the innovative features will require massive research to accomplish, but we have an experienced and talented team that is ready to meet the challenge if we receive our funding. Even with our very limited self-funding we have been able to do already a lot of work which is why we can show you not just concept art and a cinematic trailer, but actual game play. So, we are confident that even with limited means we will be able to deliver an amazing experience.Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
Yes. We will be adding a facility to our website to register your Kickstarter pledge once the campaign has finished. Go ahead and pledge and we will accumulate all your pledges for your final incentive package.
Heavy Gear Arena is the perfect IP for Kickstarter because it allows us to home in on a very focused product. We have every intention to expand into the outer universe. It is part of our stretch goals.
Our break down of $800,000 is based on the costs associated with building a modern video game. Video games are marvels of technological achievement and require a great deal of time and effort to develop. We are using the money to pay for the production costs for the game. Other Kickstarter projects have asked for similar amounts.
Not an actual term used in the table top game nor the lore, but is used among the table top players of Heavy Gear; "core" Gears or "basic" Gears are the designs that are most common in the military forces on Terra Nova and are prominently featured in Dream Pod 9 books and supplements as well as in the product line.
Typically the term refers to one specific model in each of the four (4) military roles; Recon, Trooper or General Purpose, Strike and Heavy Support used by each of the Leagues or factions.
For Northern Factions Designs, these are: Trooper: Hunter, Recon: Cheetah, Strike: Jaguar, Support: Grizzly.
For Southern Factions Designs, these are: Trooper: Jager, Recon: Iguana, Strike: Black Mamba, Support: Spitting Cobra.
For Peace River Factions Designs (stretch goal), these are: Trooper: Warrior, Recon: Skirmisher, Strike: Warrior IV, Support: Crusader IV.
For New Coalition Factions Designs (stretch goal), these are: Trooper: Chasseur, Recon: Jerboa, Strike: Cuirassier, Support: Chevalier.
HGA is a old school mech game with tons of controller options! We plan to support Joysticks, Game Pads, Rudders, Pedals, Keyboards, Mice, Kinect, and the list goes on. We are actually working with a major joystick manufacture to distribute copies of HGA with their devices. We are really excited by adding an excessive amount of controller options to HGA.
Windows, Mac and Linux will all be supported.
Heavy Gear Assault will feature old school mech simulator controls, including torso twist and throttle. It will not be using FPS controls.
- (40 days)


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LVFC All You Can Eat Fish Fry
May 18, 2013 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Event Navigation
The Liverpool Volunteer Fire Company will be holding an All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry Saturday May, 18, 2013 from 4-7pm at the fire hall. All you can eat fish, french fries, baked beans & pepper slaw along with a dessert. Homemade ice cream available. 7174443512


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Offers & Perks
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Paper proposals are invited that explore how the British people (broadly defined) have thought about their relationship with a society that has so many similarities but also so many differences from their own. From the mid-sixteenth century America has exerted a powerful influence over the thoughts of the British people and this conference will explore how the views of America have changed over the course of more than four centuries. Whatever the realities of American life, it is how the British perceived or 'imagined' America that is our focus and we are particularly interested in papers that will address themes through studies of race, gender, landscape, literature, music and the arts, sport, painting, photography, film, warfare, politics, and popular culture.
We plan to publish an edited collection based on the research presented at this conference, and we hope that all panellists would be willing to contribute to this.
Due to the generosity of the American Embassy we have two scholarships worth Ł750 each for US nationals coming from the USA. We hope to make these awards available to junior faculty members. We also have limited funds to assist with the travel expenses of junior scholars and graduate students based in the UK. For more information about these please contact the conference administrator.
The deadline for proposal submissions is December 31st 2004.


text:
Rent Will Eisner 1st edition today, or search our site for other textbooks by Robert Greenberger. Every textbook comes with a 21-day "Any Reason" guarantee. Published by Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated, The.
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Adventure holidays to Russia, the land behind the Iron Curtain for so many decades, offers the traveler grand cities, graceful buildings, incredible museums, historic monuments and a vast landscape.
From the colourful domes of St Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin in Moscow to the ancient capitals of the Golden Ring, from the cultural attractions of St Petersburg to the medieval treasures of Novgorod and the incredible scenery one enjoys on the Trans-Siberian Railway travelling the vast Russian steppe to Beijing, an adventure tour to Russia will leave you with powerful memories of this enigmatic nation.
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text:
|Next time, put a positive spin on your self-talk
So just what is this thing called "self-talk?"
Psychologists refer to it as that conversation you are having with yourself all day long. And a lot is being said. In fact, while I am talking to you, you are talking to yourself more than three times faster. When I stop talking, you are talking to yourself six times faster. (The reason we can do this is that we think mainly in pictures and feelings…more on that in a future column.) The research suggests that although we usually speak out loud at the rate of 150 to 200 words per minute, we can therefore talk privately to ourselves at the rate of approximately 1,300 words per minute.
And the brain is recording everything you are saying, whether it is true or not…or good for you or not. No questions asked. It was for this reason that I had so much trouble with math in elementary school…not because I was unintelligent…but because when I exclaimed to those around me, "I'm stupid at math!" my brain accepted it as absolutely true, and it made sure I was "stupid at math!"
This leads to our first brain principle today: Your brain is not recording what is happening; it is recording your version of what is happening.
Did you know that your eyes do not perceive? That is not their job. Their job is to simply take in light reflecting off objects, and it is your brain that then goes to work. It records what it thinks you are seeing based on what it has learned in the past. So it is simply recording your version of what you are seeing or hearing or smelling and not the actual event itself.
This leads to one of the most important brain principles I teach. "You must agree with the opinion of another about you before it becomes a part of your own self-images."
When a professional tutor was hired to help me with elementary school math, I remember him exclaiming in exasperation one time, "You really can't understand this, can you!" Now when he said that, my brain recorded it as a new truth that was then added to the other truths in my self-images in the area of math. Why? Because he was a professional tutor, so he must know I can't understand math.
Now if I had known my future, I could have said to him, "Who are you to tell me that? I can understand math. In fact, 40 years from now I'll be teaching university math, and write two college text books that will include a lot of math." But at the age of 8, that was not really an option for me. He was, after all, the expert.
In other words, people might be your greatest critics or give you their opinions of your abilities or character, but you must agree with them before their opinions or statements become a part of your self-images. Psychologists refer to this as giving sanction.
Suppose someone says unkind things about you behind your back or snubs you to your face. These are all words and no word or gesture can in itself hurt you unless you agree with it. And changing this is deceptively simple. You simply quit automatically agreeing with what people say to you about you, especially if their opinions do not fit the person that you want to become.
And this leads us to the last brain principle today. "Your own self-talk has as much an affect on your self-image as what others say to you."
When we do something stupid, we exclaim, "How could I have been so stupid?" But we don't stop there. The conversation goes something like this: "How could I have been so stupid?" "Well that's not hard to answer. Don't you remember what you did last week?" "Oh yeah…I remember that!" "And last year, that was really stupid too!" "And you were the slowest reader in the second grade. You remember that, don't you?" "Oh yeah, I had almost forgotten."
I have seen that kind of self-talk can go on in my students for hours…some for weeks…months…years…some for their entire lives.
But here is the clincher. The brain is recording these memories and beliefs as if they were brand new…as if they had just happened. And those are a lot of memories and beliefs – about 12,000 to 50,000 per day according to the National Science Foundation, depending upon how deeply you think.
So, when you make your first mistake today, think differently than you have in the past by first making a mental note of your mistake and learning from it.
Then feel really bad for no more than 15 seconds, and then use the wonderful words that have helped so many people. Those are "The next time, I intend to…" and create a picture in your mind of how you will do it differently the next time.
The phrase the next time has three wonderful qualities.
• 1. There will always be another next time: When I ask my students how many next times they have, there is an inevitable silence in the classroom, along with some very puzzled looks. In time, one or two students exclaim, "There are no limits!" Correct. As long as we are alive, there is always a next time. This is a mindset that great leaders use, and most of them had to learn it.
• 2. I am still learning: I have not yet learned it all. I am still making mistakes…but then…the rest of the world is also. Simply read the front page of any morning newspaper on any day of the week to see the proof.
• 3. I will never give up: And finally, when you say "the next time," you are also saying that you will never….give….up!
There is always a next time!
Steven Campbell is the author of "Making Your Mind Magnificent" and conducts "The Winners Circle" every two months at Sonoma Mountain Village in RP. He can be contacted at 480-5007 or email@example.com. For more information, go to www.anintelligentheart.com.


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Kanye Spoofs Himself – But Blasts Critics
Anyone who dreams of being as cool and successful as Kanye West now has the chance to be just that – well, sort of.
As part of the "In an Absolut World" ad campaign for Absolut vodka, West, 31, stars in a fake commercial for "Be Kanye" tablets.
"How many times have you told yourself, 'I feel famous and powerful on the inside, but nobody sees it that way on the outside'?" he asks in the clip. When added to water, the tablets (which last four hours, according to the package) will "unleash the superstar inside you."
Of course, West knows that being a celebrity isn't always easy. In a recent post on his blog, he fires back at a Chicago Sun-Times report that he is headed to anger management classes.
"I have never had any conversations about anger management. If anything, I need anger enhancement!! lol!"
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