text:
|Garden Tool
Do not make rolls for NPCs. If you provoke an attack of opportunity, the GM will resolve it. If the outcome of the attack that you provoke has any bearing on the rest of your actions (if any) that round, you can halt or "pause" your turn until after the GM has resolved the attack of opportunity.
|Garden Tool
The moon is high over the port city of Totra, in Osirion. Syndir and Farid have just paid an exorbant gate tax, and are preparing to find lodgings in the city.
Meanwhile, Jelani Guldis and his recent acquaintance Kamlann have just met the somewhat out-of-place pirate, Seamus Haggrathy, in an inn called the Gilded Bottle. The inn doubles as a tavern (as many do in port and crossroad cities like this one), though only one other patron, sound asleep and snoring away at a back table, occupies the alehouse that dominates the first floor of the three-story clay building.
Soon, it'll be time to strip off your gear and get some shuteye, but the barkeep has been strangely absent for the last few minutes. Save for the snoring patron and the sounds of your own voices, the tavern is silent.
Silent, that is, until Syndir and Farid stroll through the door. With no staff in sight, Seamus, Jelani, and Kamlann comprise the only real activity in the bar.
Feel free to introduce yourselves, or not. Poke around, or steal some drinks, or have a seat, or shout for some service... whatever you like. I'll mix things up and start to bring the party together shortly.
|Syndir Apep
The sun darkened man that entered the Gilded Bottle couldve passed for a local but his companion probably wouldnt. He scanned the inn mostly out of habit not out of any real interest of its occupants. In later years when he reflected on this moment he knew that was a major oversight. Those gentlemen should never be ignored. Not seeing any staff readily available and used to having a plethera of slaves to cater to his whims; Syndir clapped twice loudly followed by a
after just a second's wait
Hmm, well my friend Farid. We might have to wait for that drink. Which is a shame as I, for one; am sorely parched.
|Farid Heydar
The man accompanying the sun darkened man is dark of complexion as well. He wears plain loose clothing nothing out of the ordinary that can be seen at any rate. Your eyes are drawn to the large axe of good quality strapped to his back underneath a fully stocked backpack.
Farid chuckles at Syndir's attempt to rouse the barkeep, "You spent too much of your youth being served. As your friend I will glad to get you the refreshment you desire".
Farid steps around the bar and pours a set of ale's for himself and Syndir. He leaves payment on the bar ( a handful of copper) and comes back around bringing a mug to Syndir. "For what we paid to get in this city, we had better find some work that pays well. If you don't mind though I want to see whether my mark has been around these parts".
|Garden Tool
|Seamus Haggrathy
Seamus watches as the pair of men walk into the bar, his hand drifting to the weapon concealed under his coat. He can't fight the smile that creeps across his face at the interaction between the two. The one with the axe certainly was one to keep an eye on but Seamus had seen many like the other, little lordlings who expected the world to swoon at their very presence. Glancing at the counter, he moved to where Farid had poured the two drinks. A fool and his money.
Aye, we've not seen a damned soul that could be called the owner of this place. You seem to have the right idea with taking the matter into your own hands though. Seamus pours himself a mug of ale and then throws down payment on top of what Farid left on the bar, his motions quick and fluid.
Seamus will attempt to take the coppers left on the counter from Farid and replace them with some odd bits of junk, rocks, lint, etc.
Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
|Kamlann of Egorian
Kamlann looks up from his discussion with Seamus and Jelani at the newcomers, giving them only a passing glance. Seeing nothing to indicate a threat or anything of interest to him, he turns back to the others. "So tell me, Haggrathy: what are the limits of your contracts? I'm looking for someone with both skill and discretion, but most of all someone not likely to balk at getting his hands dirty if needed. Are you the man I seek, or should I keep searching?"
|Farid Heydar
"I have found that waiting around is a waste of time when you can get what you want with little bother. How long have you been here that no one has attended to you stranger?"
|Seamus Haggrathy
Seamus settles back down with his drink and "earnings", looking across the table at Kamlann. Contracts. I guess you could call them that. What it boils down to is can you keep me paid and excited? As long as the gold shines and I don't grow bored, you can count on me for as long as you need.
His voice lowers and his tone goes a bit more serious. As for what I'm comfortable with, I imagine my hands are a bit dirtier than you're used to. Don't you worry about that, whatever needs doing then so be it. Just be aware that I don't exactly make it a practice to put my head in the hangman's noose for no one. If the risk of what you ask is more than the worth of the task, don't expect me to blindly follow you to the gallows.
Turning at Farid's voice, Seamus shrugs. Not much longer than yourselves.
|Kamlann of Egorian
|Syndir Apep
Perception - 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Syndir caught the strangely dressed man's subterfuge but didnt react to it. What did he care if the man ripped off an establishment that didnt even have the decency to serve its customers? He kept his replies to Farid private considering his companion had started talking to the man with the quick hands.
|Garden Tool
Perception checks all around, please. I'll account for modifiers like distance and intervening barriers, just give me your rolls, plus your normal modifiers. In general, if you have situational modifiers to skill checks (favored enemy, trapfinding, etc.), I'd like you to note them when you roll.
Once that's done and Jelani gets around to posting, we'll move forward. For the record (since Farid asked), the barkeep and the lone server on duty have been absent from the unguarded tavern floor for the better part of ten minutes. Seamus, Kamlann, and Jelani have been engrossed in a bit of conversation until now, but it is a tad strange, now that you think about it.
EDIT: Syndir, that Perception check will suffice for the check that I requested.
|Kamlann of Egorian
|Jelani Guldis
It occurs to me now that this "All-Seeing Eye" forgot to take ranks in Perception. Hah. Next level xD.
Perception check anyway: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Jelani looks appraisingly at the newcomers. This was tedious business, but his new ally thought it was important to have a couple more people around them. This... Seamus, wasn't exactly the brightest character. Jelani doubted he could even manage a simple cantrip. Fellah* was the osiriani word for such commoners. Either way, Jelani hadn't said much to Seamus yet, preferring to let Kamlann do the talking in this case.
The pair that had just entered also held little interest for Jelani, and didn't look to hold any potential either. He sighed, just a little petulantly. Hopefully Kamlann knew what he was doing.
*Translates roughly to "pleb" or "peasant"
|Seamus Haggrathy
|Farid Heydar
Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
"I am gonna go in the back and see what is going on. If this place does not want to rent rooms we can move to the next place Syndir".
Farid moves towards "the back" of the establishment to seek out its employees.
|Garden Tool
If anyone catches Seamus' little grab, no-one speaks up. Farid, heading back behind the bar, sees a single wooden door that may lead to a storeroom, or may simply lead to the alley out back.
The patron at the far table continues to snore away.
It could be nothing, but given the almost eerie stillness of the tavern floor, something about that creaking sound (soft as it was) just above the long table where these three strangers sit makes you nervous. You're a man with enemies, after all, and for all you know, the adventurers gathered here are working for your enemies, or brought their own.
Syndar, with the above in mind, please proceed with your actions and interactions in the tavern.
|Syndir Apep
Syndir all of a sudden 'saw' the room. It was as his masters had taught him...look, dont focus and see everything!... He hailed his rugged companion.
|Jelani Guldis
It seemed strange that the Kelish man would switch languages mid-stream. He had been speaking Common just a minute ago. And he was complaining about the beer... Jelani hadn't seen him even take a drink. He leans in to speak quietly to Kamlann.
"That Kelish man... do you think he is a spy?"
|Seamus Haggrathy
|Garden Tool
As the words leave Jelani's mouth (and hardly a beat after Syndir had spoken), a dull but clearly-audiblke thud and a faint shuddering of the front doors signals that something relatively heavy has come to rest against the entrance of the inn, on the exterior of the building.
All five of you are (or have been) hunted men, and your instincts tell you one thing: that kind of tactic is a stall. A barred door typically won't hold for long - often not long at all. Whatever or whoever has come here doesn't intend to let you sit for long. Not long at all.
Danger is imminent. Very imminent.
Sensing imminent danger, but seeing no obvious threat, I'd like everyone to give me one action that they'd like to take.
Then I'd like everyone to give me an initiative roll (though we aren't in combat or acting on initiative order quite yet). I've marked your positions on the GoogleDocs map. Kalmann, Jelani, and Seamus are sitting. (I believe that is a -2 AC vs. melee attacks, +2 AC vs ranged... sort of like a lesser version of the prone condition. It's a move action to stand.) I'll assume that no-one has weapons drawn at present. Please remember that drawing a weapon is a free action as a part of a normal movement action, but not as part of a special move action (like standing up from a sitting position).
The green [?] on the map represents the sleeping patron.
The * icons on the map represent standing lanterns (see the Map Key). Please remember that unless you are within 30 ft. of a lantern, you're in dim light (concealment). If you're outside of 60 ft. from a lantern, you're in total darkness.
Characters with low-light vision (Jelani) should double those ranges.
|Kamlann of Egorian
Kamlann looks back at the two newcomers, more seriously, noting the weapons on the one called "Farid" and the nervousness that had suddenly overtaken the one called "Syndir." "Not necessarily..." he begins, in Common, but the sudden noise at the door cuts off that thought. Kicking back his chair, Kamlann rises to his feet, reaching for his blade as he looks toward the door.
Edited for post conflict. Action is to stand.
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
One more question: which door has been seemingly barred? I assume the main door is at L-M/18...
|Jelani Guldis
Jelani hands instinctively twist into the arcane tracings that protect him, the arcane chant flows effortlessly and suddenly there is a shimmer around his robes. He stands, reaching for his staff.
Not sure if 'one action' refers to one round worth or a surprise round worth (standard or move only). If it's the latter, my standard action is to cast Mage Armour.
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
|Seamus Haggrathy
The mug slips from his hands as Seamus hears the thudding sound against the inn's door. Jumping up, his hand is almost a blur as it draws out his scimitar as he looks around himself for danger.
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Move action to stand up from a sitting position. Because I have the Quick Draw feat I posted myself drawing my scimitar as a Free Action, outside of the "as part of the move". GT please let me know if you disagree.
Also, my pistol is concealed on my person currently. It will probably be out very soon but until then here's the initial Sleight of Hand I should have made for people to attempt to spot it. Sleight of Hand for hiding pistol: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
|Kamlann of Egorian
|Farid Heydar
Initiative 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Any other doors or stairs in this place?
Farid wants to draw his axe and listen at the door to determine if there is something going on on the other side.
Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
|Garden Tool
@ Kamlann: The sound clearly came from the front doors at L18 and M18, yes. Kamlann is standing, ready to draw.
@ Jelani: One action means a single action only (move or standard, plus free and swift actions. Jelani remains seated, but with mage armor cast.
@ Seamus: I concur with regards to the Quick Draw. Seamus is standing, with scimitar drawn.
@ Everyone: Really great initiative rolls so far, guys.
|Kamlann of Egorian
|Garden Tool
@ Farid: The back door (or storeroom door, for all you know) is still some 20 feet away (you were still only headed there), so I'd have to treat your action as a simple active Perception check. One action means one action, though, so it's either draw your axe or make an active Perception. I'll assume for now (unless I hear differently from you before everyone's initiatives are in), that you intended to draw your axe as a move action, and move toward the back door as a part of that action.
EDIT @ Farid: The upstairs staircase (three-story building, remember) is marked on the map. Characters higher up the staircase have height advantage over characters lower on the staircase. Remember that height advantage only applies to melee attacks, and that travelling up most staircases (including this one) is effectively the same as moving over rough terrain.
|Jelani Guldis
Does it help at all that Jelani can act in any surprise round? Totally forgot my Forewarned, and that also bumps my initiative by 1.
|Garden Tool
|Farid Heydar
|Syndir Apep
Initiative - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
The Qadiran man hadnt moved since Fadir had given him the brew and he hadnt taken a drink either. He could only guess if any of the men realized that or understood his native tongue. As the thud at the door sounded through the tavern; Syndir knew their chance to run was long gone and wished fervently that none of the men in this room were involved in the trap. For trap is what it had to be...coil with fangs bared...ssslither and sstrike... but he wasnt sure how anyone had recognized Farid nor himself in the scant few moments theyd been in town. He quickly cast a protective spell and shifted his weight so that 3/4 of his body rested on his back foot as he sunk into a slight crouch.
move action to cast Mage Armor - AC = 18
swift action to activate Snake Style
|Garden Tool
With all eyes (save one pair) on the tavern doors, the apparent threat emerges, without warning, with a soft, thudding plop. A torrent of sand surges through the floorboards above Kamlann, Jelani, and Seamus' table with unnatural, gravity-defying speed. Something amber-colored - a stone? - glitters in the heart of the teeming sand pile that now rests on the surface of the long banquet table.
Syndir, while perhaps confused, is not surprised; and Jelani's supernatural senses alert him to danger instantly. The thing on the table makes a move of some sort, and combat erupts all around you.
A combat reminder: As I said in the original post in the Recruitment Thread, I'll be rolling my dice on the table, but hiding my modifiers. The exceptions are initiative rolls, damage rolls, and other rolls whose totals are apparent. Thus, you'll see my literal die rolls "on the table," but not my modifiers. Rather, I'll simply let you know if my attack succeeded, if my save failed, and so on. You'll be able to guess at my modifiers by looking at the roll, but you'll rarely know for sure what they are.
Feel free to use the information you are able to discern (such as learning a creature's AC by trail-and-error) to your advantage.
The initiative order is as follows:
Only the creature, Syndir, and Jelani will act in the surprise round, and in that order. I do interpret the surprise round as including and allowing for free actions and swift actions.
sand creature; 26
Syndir; 20
Farid; 7 (+3)
Jelani; 7 (+2)
Seamus; 6
Kamlann; 4
The initiative order is as follows:
Only the creature, Syndir, and Jelani will act in the surprise round, and in that order. I do interpret the surprise round as including and allowing for free actions and swift actions.
The sand creature occupies square AD11, and acts first. As a standard action, it changes shape.
Shifting it's shape before your eyes, the formless sand pile takes on a distinctly human shape (though it's color and texture remains clearly that of sand). The thing assumes the form of a regal Kelish human with a sharp widow's peak. The faux-man appears to be wearing fine clothes and holds the object which was formerly at the sand-creature's center in it's left hand. The object is plainly a hunk of cut amber.
I need a Will save from Kalmann, Seamus, and Syndir. Since we'll have to wait until evening for Jelani to take his surprise-round action, you three should go ahead and roll your own saves in this case, as it won't really slow down combat.
Anyone who would like to roll a Knowledge skill with regards to this creature should do so.
|Kamlann of Egorian
|Garden Tool
It is Syndir's turn. Surprise round actions only. I need a Will save from you.
This shape is that of the former House Apep head servant, Jahoum. Jahoum was a very professional, very well-mannered house servant, and served House Apep faithfully for many years. He perished in the fire that Syndir left behind.
|Garden Tool
A Knowledge (planes) check reveals all elemental traits, and all traits related to the earth, elemental, and extraplanar subtypes. Please remember that although talking is a free action, you cannot take actions while flat-footed. Please reserve any warning shouts, etc, until it is your turn. After you are no longer flat-footed, you may speak "out of turn" all you like.
|Syndir Apep
Will Save - 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Recognition dawned on the monk even as the lethargic feeling washed over him.
...Ah, but of course it would be Jahoum...
This has nothing to do with you men. I fear my problems have followed me here...as they have everywhere... You should leave as soon as possible by any means at your disposal with my humblest apologies.
|Garden Tool
|Seamus Haggrathy
|Syndir Apep
HP = 18/18, AC = 18, F/3 R/4 W/8, Snake Style Active
As he'd done and as he knew he'd do again; Syndir prepared himself to destroy one of his house's minions. He called upon the wyrm inide of him and charged his hand with negative energy.
Suprise Action - cast Touch of Fatigue
|Jelani Guldis
Suprise Round
HP:17/17, AC=15, F4/R2/W9, Mage Armour active
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
The creature before him was fascinating. He had heard of these so-called "sandmen" but never had he had the chance to see one. Unfortuneately, it wasn't bound like the other elemental subjects he'd observed. He should prepare to defend himself. He stands, reaching for where his staff used to be, only to find it had clattered to the floor.
Move action to stand. Depending on your ruling, this would probably provoke an AoO.
|Garden Tool
The revised initiative order is as follows:
sand creature; 26
Syndir; 20
Seamus; 8
Farid; 7 (+3)
Jelani; 7 (+2)
Kamlann; 4
Bizarrely, Seamus simply nods off on his feet in the heat of combat, his chin dipping down and his eyelids fluttering shut.
As I mentioned in the original post, the rules do not mention how or when you fall prone if you are knocked unconscious or rendered dead or dying. Thus, my ruling (and the closest thing I have to a house rule) is that you'll go prone at the start of your next turn after becoming unconscious. Thus, Seamus will fall prone on his turn.
Syndir casts some sort of spell; his fingertips crackle softly with strange energies.
Jelani, you are correct. Standing from sitting or prone positions does provoke. The creature has height advantage.
slam attack of opportunity: 1d20 ⇒ 16
slam damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Jelani reels from the attack, grasping at his chair as the creature's sandy fist slams into him.
Jelani takes 5 damage. The surprise round is over; it is now round one, and the sand creature's turn.
The creature's shape shifts again, taking on the form of a broad-shouldered, ruggedly handsome Kelish rake. Smirking at the distant Farid, the monster takes a casual swipe at Kamlann, then surges forward, taking a roundabout path to Syndir's side. Kamlann is wounded, and feels a strange, sleepy sensation wash over him again as the strange sand that comprises the creature's body showers down around him. Once again, he does not give in, and the drowsy feeling passes.
slam attack: 1d20 ⇒ 19
slam damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Kamlann's Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Kamlann takes 6 damage. The creature moves to space AA10 after attacking. This would provoke from Jelani, but Jelani is not armed.
Though it speaks not a word, the creature ...rumbles, a strange sound that originates from somewhere inside of it. The sound is alien, yet oddly unmistakable. It's laughter.
Syndir, it is your turn.
|Syndir Apep
|Garden Tool
|Farid Heydar
Seeing his companion in trouble Farid charges the creature.
"Syndir what manner of creature is this with a shifting face!"
Melee Axe Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Axe Damage 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
|Jelani Guldis
Managing to sneak in some posts today :)
Jelani had luckily managed to get his arms up just in time to block most of the damage from the blow, but he was still left reeling. "It's some sort of earth elemental!" Jelani curses his inability to dismiss such outsiders. But perhaps he could help ensure that there were no casualties from the battle. He focuses for a moment, his hand going to the amulet hanging around his neck. He says a quick prayer to Nethys, picturing the birthmark on his neck. Suddenly, everyone in the room feels a surge of morale as Jelani's spell flows out to his allies in this fight.
Standard Action to cast Bless centered on Jelani. Move action next to Seamus. Can't access the map from work :(
|Garden Tool
Farid, I've moved your icon on the map. Also, if anyone else wants to roll Knowledge on this, feel free.
Farid connects with the man-shaped mass of sand, but his axe deals no damage to the monster - the force of his axe is absorbed by the creature's shifting sand-flesh.
Damage reduction absorbs all seven points of damage.
|Garden Tool
|Kamlann of Egorian
"It may have been your problem, Qadiran, but you've made it ours!" snarls Kamlann angrily, spitting blood. He raises a hand, murmuring an arcane phrase, and a shimmering energy field glimmers into existence before him. Standard action, cast shield. As soon as the spell is finished, Kamlann leaps over the chair next to him, drawing the scimitar from his belt as he does so; for a moment, a strange gleam appears to ripple along its edge. Move action to AB10, going over the chair to avoid the AoO (even with the rough terrain penalty, should be no problem), drawing scimitar as part of the move; swift action, spending an arcane point to enchant the blade.
AC 21, hp 17/23, current effects bless, shield, arcane point.


text:
A Vero Beach man who returned to his hometown of Pittsburgh learned he had cancer and only had days to live, so a group of volunteer pilots helped his dying wish come true.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Well, the final Listening Project focus group has come to a close and the list of interview questions is set! They'll be available online presently and so will the procedure for recording. Yesssss!
During the focus group discussion (which occurred over cups of tea I brewed myself thankyouverymuch), we talked a lot about what makes the Listening Project a compelling initiative for the Haverford community. And, of course, because I believe it is compelling, I wanted to share what we came up with: nothing like this has ever happened before. Okay, that's a cliché, but it's also true (Listening Project recording is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… but we won't go there). Student voices are sorely underrepresented (read: absent) in the oral history recordings housed in the college archives. Faculty and administration have had their say and effectively preserved themselves in Haverford history… but what about the rest of us? We know you'll have something to say about our questions, so check back soon!
Keep your eyes peeled for information about the Inaugural Day of Recording and training dates for Student Interviewers. And, as always… get in touch, if you're interested!


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Events » Adult Education Classes » Drawing Class
Drawing Class
Heads and Hands in the Norton Simon Museum: Into the 19th and 20th Centuries
Date: Friday, November 22, 2013
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Teacher: Richard Houston
Type: Drawing Class
Discover approaches to drawing the human head and hands with artist Richard Houston. Working from masterworks in the Museum's collections, students explore drawing heads and hands through a series of discussions, demonstrations and exercises.
Into the 19th and 20th Centuries
The final session addresses the changing approaches used by 19th- and 20th-century artists in depicting heads and hands. In the 19th-century galleries, students explore the work of Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas. They conclude their studies by looking at Picasso's Bust of a Woman and Modigliani's Portrait of the Artist's Wife.
Meets in Entrance Gallery | All levels of experience are welcome. Each class is $20 ($16 for members), and space is limited to 18 participants. All materials and admission to the galleries on the day of class are included. | Online registration is required. For further information, contact the Education Department at (626) 844-6980.


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7-22-10 PNC Park
I got a Club level seat tonight. The last time (link) I sat in the Club level, I caught two foul balls, and the visiting team was the Milwaukee Brewers. This was the Brewers final game at PNC Park this year.
Batting Practice was very frustrating.
I only got two balls during the Pirates portion. One was a Lastings Milledge home run that landed underneath the left field rotunda.
(Ball #3 says Blood Pressure Rising, which I responded "You're telling me," after snagging it – in regards to the frustrating BP)
Game: 6 balls (4 hit, 1 thrown, 1 device)
Season: 318 balls (171 hit, 71 thrown, 32 device, 44 found)
Games: 49 games
Average: 6.49 balls per game
2010 Game Balls: 5
Career: 896 balls
Streak: 145 consecutive games attended with at least 1 ball snagged.
Attendance: 18,715
2 Comments
Wow! Awesome–and they were both clean catches, too. So cool, Erik!
Thanks – definitely one of the highlights of my 2010 season so far.


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Hello everyone, I am new here and know that you can help me if anyone can.
Friday I caught a severe virus and was vomiting and diarhea non stop until today (Monday)... I ensured that I nursed my 8 month old every opportunity in order to get whatever antibodies I could provide and then had to give supplemental food and formula as my milk declined and then VANISHED I am sure it is due to dehydration, yet I am still FAR below where i need to be for his needs. It happened so rapidly that it really threw me off guard.
I have had difficulty with production in the past and used Fenugreek 3 pills X 3 times daily back then as well as pumping I have the Pump in Style Advanced (told it was the best, other than hospital grade) The only problem is I can't pump every 3 hours at work like I was before. I was able to negotiate a great reduction in my work hours and load which includes coming home to feed the natural way once a day, so I really don't want to push the issue too hard with added pumpings as well.
So my question is; is the Fenugreek going to be enough? What can I do other than herbal supplements if anything?
Is this something that will happen everytime I get ill? I am just thankful that he hasn't caught this as well


text:
When: Plays May 16th through May 19th Thursday and Friday at 7:30 PM Saturday and Sunday 2:00 PM
Where: Arts Garage, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Price ::: In Advance: Premium Seat- $25.00, Reserved Seat- $20.00, General Admission- $15.00; $5.00 more at the door
Footloose is the story of a young man from Chicago (Ren) forced to move with his mother to a puritanical, small town after his father abandons the family. To Ren's shock, dancing and rock 'n' roll are forbidden. Through tenacity and clever use of the Bible, Ren manages to convince Reverend Moore to let the town's high schoolers dance again.
More information: email@example.com or call: (561) 450.6357


text:
All World Travel and Tours will be conducting the trip, and the contact person in Beeville is Dr. James Lee. The trip includes round-trip air from Houston, nine nights at 3- and 4-star hotels, full Scottish/Irish breakfast at hotels each day, dinner each evening, except one free evening in Scotland, Medieval Banquet and entertainment with a celebration dinner on the last day of trip.
Many sites will be scheduled such as the Edinburgh Castle, St. Andrew's Castle and Cathedral, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle with time to kiss the Blarney Stone and much more.
For more information on tour inclusions, pricing and trip itinerary, contact Dr. Lee at 358-6339 or email at email@example.com.


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A Call for a Ban on Crappy Nicknames
In 2005, the St. Louis Cardinals called up a 27 year-old lifetime minor leauger to get his first hacks at the big league level. That man's name was John Rodriguez.
Don't remember him? No worries. Most people don't.
Mr. Rodriguez came on pretty strong during his brief glimpse of the Majors, hitting .295 with 5 HRs and 24 RBI in 149 at-bats. The folks in St. Louis liked him and his cinderella story so much that someone decided to grace Mr. Rodriguez with the nickname: J-Rod (a la A-Rod, K-Rod, YourMom-Rod, et al).
J-Rod *ahem* wasn't a fan of the name. Why? Maybe because he wasn't A-Rod! To be honest, he wasn't anywhere close to being an A-Rod type player. His greatest downfall was was being born with the same easily nicknameable name as poster boy Alex while also having a first initial that contained just one syllable (you see, W-Rod would never work).
Flash forward to December 7th, 2009 and my trusty misanthrope of a colleague, Mr. Allen Krause, deigns us with the phonetically challenged nickname "Pla-Po" for his beloved (and now long gone from Detroit) Placido Polanco.
Pla-Po? Are you kidding me? How is that even pronounced? PLAY-Poh? Plah-POH? Ah, forget it; all I know is that it sucks.
So, please know, Mr. Krause, that from now on we are calling for a complete ban on poorly constructed nicknames, specifically on those you created. For those of you dear readers unaware, the following Krausian nicknames shall no longer be used, under any circumstances, lest you wish the worst on the baseball-politico community:
- Matt Holliday — Ma-Ho
- Barack & Michelle Obama — Bachelle
- Albert Pujols — A-Jols (read "A-Holes")
- Dick Cheney — Dick-Chin
- Pablo Sandoval — P-Sand
- Harry Reid & Nancy Pelosi — Harry Nancy
- Carlisle Littlejohn — C-Lit
- Michael Cuddyer — Mi-Cudd
- Ann Coulter — 'Lil Beotch (it should be "Big Beotch")
- Kevin Youkilis — K.Y. Kill-Us
And of course, let us not forget to mention the ongoing ban against one of the crappiest nicknames of all time, also penned by Mr. Krause, for his dilapidated Mo-Town Tigers team:
'Cuz unless finishing the AL Central in second place qualifies you as a 'winner', then this just needs to stop.
Hate me 'cuz I'm brash, just don't hate me 'cuz I'm right.
14 Comments
K.Y. Kill-Us…Hmmm…I like the "Kill Us" idea, if the "us" is the opponent, but K.Y.? Not so much. We'll stick with "Youk", "Youk Dog", etc.! (How will KY Jelly kill us, after all?)😉
Harry Nancy, eh? Sounds like a caveman version of the illustrious Speaker…
Maybe Harry Nancy can be re-titled "Your Hirsuteness"…
I know I call that balkd-headed member of the Red Sox Nation Kevin U-Kill-us because we get to see that mug 17 times a year.
But there are some good nicknames still present in the MLB.
I still love "Zorilla" for Ben Zobrist for the way he burst on the MLB scene to the rest of you in 2009. We always knew he had the right stuff. That is why he was "Benzo" before Rays Manager Joe Maddon popped the "Zorilla" on him.
Even if a true zorilla is a little striped polecat found in west and south Africa.
Ahhh, research can make these names better (lol).
Rays Renegade
Hmm… Allen would come up with something like "A-Jols." He's just jealous that the Cardinals are the superior team.
Greg — Actually, for many people, KY makes it a more pleasurable experience🙂 And I'm all for "Your Hirsuteness"… if I can figure out what it means🙂
RR — Zorilla beat Benzo any day, man! And thanks for the research. I had no idea it was a real animal!
Julia — Hehe… it makes me chuckle, I cannot lie.
Emmy — He IS jealous! You know it! And the Cardinals are superior. See 2006 for more info🙂
Jeff, "hirsute" means "hairy"–nothing more. Hence "Harry Nancy"…also, ergo, the caveman reference (perhaps Victor, Renegade's interview topic).😉
But the funny thing to me, as one who (like you) likes to turn words around, is that it sounds like a word that would be in a Monty Python royal proclamation ("Hear ye, hear ye, forsooth hirsute…ah, whatever…)
As for KY Kill You, perhaps that experience would be the "death" of you?😉 Hmmm!…
BRILLIANT! GREG! NOW LET US GO CLIMB MT. KILIMANJARO, CHAP! Which one, Sir?
Go forth and conquer Mt. Kilamanjaro, Your Hirsuteness! Thence we shall sally forth to Mt Rushmore! Off with his, er, their heads!😉
So are you saying that you like Travis Hafners nickname. What does he call himself? Kronk or Krunk?
Hehe. Freak, I believe the correct term is "Pronk" and, well, let's just say it sounds like he looks: ugly.
Yeah, Mike (thefreak) is right: Pronk is pretty bad. But as for Allen's nicknames, A-Jols is hilarious.
Al thinks so too, Jane🙂


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Hi everyone - I've posted this concern within another thread, but I keep hearing conflicting stories from the 'professionals' so once again, I am looking to those who have 'been there' to further comment for the upteenth time.
My ds is 7 weeks old and recently weaned off a nipple shield (sometimes have to use it the middle of the night still). With the shield, my ds would nurse about 10-20 minutes - usually only on one side. About two weeks ago when he finally latched on, I noticed he only ate for about 5-10 minutes total.
Now at 7 weeks, he seems to be full even faster! He does eat very quickly at the beginning and I seem to have very fast milk, and what appears to be overactive let down. On average, he has about two (what I would call) really good feedings a day (around 6 or 7 minutes total), about 4 or 5 that are 'okay' - around 4-5 minutes total, and about 2 or 3 'bad' feedings - only about 2-3 minutes total.
He appears totally satisfied when he is done - and I can generally still 'spray' milk out of both breasts when he is done - so I don't think its a supply issue (although I was concerned about that). We continue to try to feed usually for about 30 minutes, but it seems when he is done, he is done. He still has about 2 or 3 large bowel movements a day (mustard yellow, seedy, usually very watery). Every single diaper is pretty wet - I've tried the trick of putting water in a diaper to judge the wetness, and his diapers all just seem normal to me - his output hasn't really changed since we transitioned to the breast. He is gaining weight significantly - 6-14 at birth - last weighed in at 9-12 (at 6 and a half weeks). He doesn't fuss or cry when he is done eating, I always try the nipple shield at the end just to see if he wants that. Thing is, when he is sucking, he is truly sucking milk - I can see it spraying out the corners of his mouth and my milk often lets down about 2 or 3 times every feeding. He usually eats every 2.5 to 3 hours.
Previous threads have told me this is perfectly normal - that he is just an 'efficient' eater. However, a doctor I spoke to today was shocked that he eats for such a short period of time and told me I should probably be supplementing him with a bottle after feedings. Should I be trying that? Problem is that when he is done, he is done - I try to put anything near his lips and he locks them shut - won't let anything in there. It has taken me 7 weeks to accept the fact that he is okay - as I have been worried about his eating since day one and now I think he is perfectly satisfied. But when doctors say things like that, I start to worry all over again.
Help please! Looking for reassurance. Is this normal?


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11 NCAA Div. III individual championships
DES MOINES—The Central College men's and women's track and field squads contested four events Saturday morning at the Drake Relays and came away with a pair of school records.
The women's sprint medley squad of Monica Ruiz (freshman, Hudson), Katie Sunderman (freshman, Pella), Felicia Coleman (senior, Houston, Texas, J. Frank Dobie HS), and Elin Phipps (freshman, Boone) finished seventh and brought down the first school mark with an effort of four minutes, 4.17 seconds, just nipping the previous record set in 2010 (4:04.4) by the foursome of Rachel Purdy (senior, Ankeny), Emily Teas, Jill Ziskovsky, and Rachelle Tipton.
"Our women ran great in the sprint medley," said coach Joe Dunham. "Elin Phipps ran a great anchor leg (2:13.9) and Felicia Coleman capped off her Drake Relays career by getting her name up on the board one more time."
The men's squad nearly won the distance medley relay. Drew Jackson (sophomore, Johnston), Philip Heisterkamp (senior, Jefferson, Jefferson-Scranton HS), Ben Schornack (senior, Urbandale), and Eli Horton (sophomore, Runnells, Southeast Polk HS) ran near the front of the pack in every leg before falling to the defending indoor national championship team of Wis.-La Crosse. Their time of 9:55.87 was nearly eight seconds faster than the record set last year (10:03.25) by Jackson, Alex Edwards, L.J. Lipscomb (sophomore, Johnston), and Horton.
"It was a very good all-around effort from the men's distance medley," said Dunham. "Drew had to navigate some traffic in the lead-off spot but ran a very smart race to get us into third. Phil and Ben did a great job of defending our position and Eli made a bid for the win. He had to run a very fast first lap to catch the leaders, but recovered well and nearly won the race for us."
The men also competed in the 4x110-meter shuttle hurdle relay. Eric Larson (sophomore, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS), Dan Roemerman (freshman, Iowa City, City HS), Jake Forgie (sophomore, Le Claire, Pleasant Valley HS), and Drake Hickok (freshman, Cedar Rapids, Washington HS) crossed the line in 1:02.67 and finished 11th. The sprint medley team of Mason Zimmerman (sophomore, Urbandale), Logan Danko (senior, Centerville), Tyler Westphal (senior, Le Mars) and Riley Wattier (freshman, Des Moines, Waukee HS) was 20th (3:33.93).
"It was the first time in a few years that we had run the shuttle hurdle relay," said Dunham. "It wasn't a totally clean race but when you run so early in the morning that is tough to do. I was pleased that they could get the experience because I think we'll see some special things from that group of hurdlers in the coming years."
Central also sent a large contingent to the Simpson Kip Janvrin Open Friday. Notable performances included Hickok in the 400 hurdles (54.91), Shanna Aberson (senior, Orange City, MOC-Floyd Valley HS) in the javelin throw (111-8), Alyssa Eaves (sophomore, Johnston) in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (11:50.56), Romerman in the 110-meter hurdles (14.98), Steve Messerschmitt (junior, Neola, Tri-Center HS) in the hammer throw (158-2) and Gunnar Johnson (sophomore, Johnston) in the javelin throw (149-8).
The Dutch will be return to action Saturday at the Monmouth Invitational in a final tune-up before the Iowa Conference championships.
"We're looking forward to the meet at Monmouth next week," said Dunham. "Everything comes down to the championship part of the season and we're almost there. We'll be preparing to represent the Dutch well."


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Making a Measurable Difference in 2013
Your Dollars at Work Inside Yellowstone
Thanks to the more than 16,000 individuals, corporations and foundations that donate to Yellowstone Park Foundation each year, our board was able to approve $600,000 in funding for 12 projects in 2013 that will preserve, protect and enhance the Park for years to come.
In measuring the profound impact of these programs, perhaps their value is most appreciated by envisioning their absence. What if funding for these programs did not exist?
For instance, in the case of aquatic invasive species (AIS), we know two things for certain: One, AIS are spreading through the nation's waterways and national parks. And two, in some instances AIS have devastated fishing, water recreation activities, and ecosystems. With YPF funding, we can continue efforts to prevent AIS from entering Yellowstone's waters by hiring seasonal staff to educate, inspect and clean boats and angling gear.
What about the documentation and study of an archeological treasure inside Yellowstone where little is known of the area's prehistory? Without funding for the Snake River Archeology Project, nearly 12,000 years of use by native peoples would remain a story untold.
Or what if there were no funding for the smaller, lesser-considered wildlife that rely on the health of Yellowstone's ecosystem?
In the case of the little brown bat, as of January 2012 as many as 6.7 million bats have died in the U.S. as a result of the spreading White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), presenting a threat for existing species. Rather than waiting for WNS to arrive in Yellowstone and reacting, YPF funding enables biologists to collaborate with university experts and continue gathering data to protect the 10 species of bats that live there and understand their benefit to the Park ecosystem.
And while we've been able to monitor bald eagle, peregrine falcons and osprey through past funding of the Yellowstone Raptor Initiative, what about the 20 other Yellowstone raptor species with few detailed studies to inform Park managers?
There is little data on owls for example, and in fact a full inventory of which birds of prey use the Park has never been conducted. Such efforts require continued funding commitment for field research to be successful. Funding this multi-year study means that raptors including golden eagles, prairie falcons and Swainson's hawks, all identified as species of concern across the region, will receive the essential conservation attention they need.
One thing is certain: Yellowstone wouldn't be the place it is today without these programs.
2013 Project Grants to Yellowstone:
Prevent Aquatic Invasive Species Program, $40,000
Scientific Research on Brown Bats, $30,000
Yellowstone Raptor Initiative, $85,000
Scientists Symposium for Old Faithful, $35,000
Wildlife and Visitor Safety Program, $75,000
Removal of Illegal Trails in the Bechler Region, $40,000
Snake River Archeology Project, $40,000
Development of a Distance Learning Studio, $30,000
Solar Energy Upgrades at Lamar Ranch, $45,000
Remote Sensors for Boundary Enforcement, $30,000
Wildlife Health Program $50,000
Slough Creek Native Trout Project, $100,000


text: The emergence of a 'baby red spot' earlier this year on the gas giant looks to be a temporary phenomenon, as it appears to have nearly disappeared. Now it is deformed and pale in color and sits on the opposite side (east) of the Great Red Spot. These three natural-color Jupiter images were made from data acquired on May 15, June 28, and July 8, 2008 by the Hubble Space Telescope's Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2).


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In the insect world, appearances can be deceiving. A cute, fuzzy or brightly colored exterior, may hide a painful surprise when handled carelessly. Caterpillars, the immature stages of butterflies and moths, are not usually intimidating, but some should be approached with caution.
Many caterpillars have bodies covered with pointed or barbed hairs for defense against predators. These hairs can produce irritation and rashes when they come in contact with human skin. Some species have hollow, stinging hairs with poison glands at the base called urticating setae. These special defensive hairs can puncture the skin and break, releasing a venom. This venom produces a painful burning sensation and inflammation in many people.
The majority of stinging caterpillars belong to three groups: Puss Caterpillars, Slug Caterpillars, and Giant Silkworm Moths.
According to the USDA, most caterpillar stings in the South can be blamed on puss caterpillars. These insects are covered with dense brown hairs concealing shorter stinging setae. Some species even possess long wispy hairs protruding from the posterior giving them a mouse like appearance.
Slug caterpillars are varied in appearance with bodies bearing long fleshy lobes covered with brown hairs or colorful triangular projections. The most common species, the saddle back is distinctive, with a charcoal grey body and lime green saddle across its mid-section.
The largest stinging caterpillar commonly encountered is the larva of the Io Moth. The mature larvae can reach lengths of 2.5 inches. These caterpillars are lime-green in color with bright horn-like spines and four rows of stinging hairs.
Stinging caterpillars are generally not encountered in large numbers. Many are solitary feeders on a wide variety of smooth-leafed shrubs and trees, though the saddle back has been found associated with garden crops including corn. These caterpillars have one or two generations per year and transform into plain brown moths.
The majority of caterpillar stings result from careless handling or brushing against trees and shrubs while mowing the lawn or doing other yard work. Since these insects are rarely encountered and occur in low numbers no chemical control is needed. The best ways to prevent stings are education and avoidance. Admire that colorful or cute and fuzzy caterpillar from afar and walk away with a pleasant memory not a burning irritation.