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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword ReviewBy Jason Wishnov - Posted Nov 11, 2011
Skyward Sword joins Super Mario 64 as a game that almost single-handedly justifies Nintendo's approach to hardware development, and stands as one of the best titles in the storied franchise. Still, it can't get away from a few minor faults that stop it just short of perfection.
The Pros
- Dungeon and puzzle designs are among the series' best
- Impressive MotionPlus controls and swordplay
- Art direction compensates well for lack of graphical horsepower
- Fully orchestrated score lives up to Zelda's lofty standards
The Cons
- The world structure is both linear and sparse
- Design inconsistencies and the occasional bit of recycled content hurt the overall experience
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review
"The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is better than _________."
It's a meaningless statement. It pretends at objectivity, and has no place in what is meant to be a personal opinion delineated in somewhere around 2,000 words, but there's a score at the top of this review. Maybe you've noticed. A direct comparison to the game's predecessor, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, seems apt. I probably had more fun with Skyward Sword, if that means anything, but Twilight Princess was more even, more steady-as-she-goes. It did not hit the peaks of Skyward Sword, but neither did it reach the lows. It's likely the opinion will be fairly split.
Still, Skyward Sword improves upon its legacy in several, non-trivial ways. It's a testament to Nintendo's iterative process that they can improve so steadily on an existing formula, though a word to the wise for anyone expecting some sort of revolution in the franchise: the narrative and gameplay structure of Skyward Sword very closely match its forebears. The designers at Nintendo rely on the strength of the MotionPlus controller to complement the experience, a hardware addition that clearly represents what the Wii remote should have been at launch. And, largely, they succeed. There are issues inherent, yes, but every aspect of The Legend of Zelda that fans have grown to love over these past 25 years is present and accounted for.
Really High School
In Skyward Sword, both Link and Zelda live in the village of Skyloft, floating high above the clouds. Link is in training to be a Knight of Skyloft, whose heroic duties appear to be limited to telling villagers they can't fly at night. To this end, Link has a companion: a Crimson Loftwing, who will appear at the press of button to carry Link across the sun-drenched skies. The relationship between the two is, unfortunately, not explored as the game progresses.
Instead, the opening narrative focuses on a bit of a love triangle between Link, Zelda, and Groose, who is essentially Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. It's all a little more high-school drama than we're used to from the series, but that's not to say it doesn't work effectively enough. The slightly-more-than-friends connection that Link and Zelda share adds emotional resonance to many of the scenes, something the Zelda series had been missing of late.
Eventually, Link attains the Skyward Sword, and along with it, his trusty colleague in this particular installment of the series: Fi, the spirit of the sword. Fi is an artificial intelligence (the Goddess of Hyrule has clearly been taking some programming lessons), advising with stoic guidance and cold probability. She doesn't offend, but she certainly lacks the charm of Midna, a bright spot in Twilight Princess. There are a few twists, but overall, Skyward Sword continues the tradition of placing gameplay ahead of story. And that's okay, because that gameplay part is, you know, pretty good.
Really Hyrule
There's nothing out of the ordinary in the overall gameplay structure: some adventuring in the surrounding world, dungeon, boss, repeat. But Skyward Sword takes those puzzle elements from its dungeons and more effectively integrates them into the surrounding land of Hyrule, making the journey from one Big Key to the next a much more intellectually rewarding experience. The addition of a dash feature gives Link greater mobility over his surrounding environment, and though it can occasionally become a chore having to wait for the stamina gauge to refill, the mechanic is used very well as a puzzle element throughout the game.
The dungeon design itself deserves rare praise, even among the game's predecessors. Several of the dungeons of Skyward Sword somehow consist of only four or five larger rooms, instead of dozens of smaller ones, and yet somehow they tie together so fluidly that the exploration of those rooms can take upwards of an hour and a half, challenging and creative the whole way through. There is some mythical braintrust that Nintendo and Valve must share; their puzzle designs are unmatched in the industry. In addition, while the first few bosses aren't terribly impressive, the game's later encounters are some of the best in gaming; there are some true Shadow of the Colossus-esque moments in there, in exhilarating fashion. And, as a quick mention, the "spirit trials" later in the game produce feelings of genuine terror, something a Zelda title has never quite managed prior.
But within these glowing facets of the gameplay lie significant faults. First, though each newly attained item is used well, there are only two items in the entire game that can be properly qualified as "new" to the series, which is a disappointment. But this annoyance pales in comparison to Skyward Sword's largest issue, the world connecting the dungeons together…or rather, the lack thereof. There are only three areas in the game, each not terribly large, connected by a literal "over-world": the cloudscape above and around Skyloft.
This, itself, wouldn't be a problem, since this structure is really only a three-dimensional version of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker's azure seas, which were full of interesting islands and hidden secrets. But the scattered boulders floating around Skyloft are devoid and empty, and there is precious little to do or to see outside the village proper. Without a connecting world to bind the locales together, Hyrule feels less of a real place and more a path to the next dungeon, and as a result, Skyward Sword feels much smaller, and much more linear, than one would expect.
Still, kudos for Nintendo for maximizing every square inch of those three main areas. Despite the lack of real estate, Skyward Sword clocks in as one of the longest Zelda's on record, and despite a few odd instances of recycled content about halfway through the game, nothing feels nearly so "filler" as that Triforce Hunt from Wind Waker. Expect a good 35-40 hours for the average player to see the end credits roll.
And, as a final note on gameplay, I want to mention a very out-of-place addition to the franchise: the ability to upgrade your existing equipment using items and bugs scattered across Hyrule. The game seems to think that it bestowing one of these ingredients (in big treasure chests, no less!) is a satisfying reward, but by and large, most of the upgrades feel worthless. The items in any Zelda game are primarily used for puzzle-solving, not combat, so upping their damage potential feels fairly useless. In addition, shields now have the capacity to break after extended use, either forcing the player to advance without protection in a dangerous area, or trudge all the way back to Skyloft to either repair or purchase a new shield. By the end of the game, you'll be saddled with a bunch of useless items in your collection screen, and only a scarce few end up useful (most notably, those used to upgrade health potions). This is a feature we could have done without.
A Painting in Motion(Plus)
Skyward Sword's art direction, color palette, and graphical effects were designed to hide the limitations of the now nearly ancient Wii hardware, and do a fairly excellent job in that regard. There is a strange depth-of-field shader, wherein distant objects look more and more like an impressionistic watercolor painting as they fade into the distance. It's a cool effect, to be sure, but it seems to be oddly inconsistent at times: occasionally an object very close to the camera will look strangely blurry. The score, meanwhile, is triumphant: a fully-orchestrated mix of brilliant themes, both original and reimagined from Zelda's history. Sound design is equally impressive, though if Nintendo doesn't rid themselves of the "low heart beep" effect soon I'm going to punch a hole through some drywall.
Much has been made of the motion controls, and rightly so: they are a primary focus of gameplay. Every single item uses them in some aspect or another, but they aren't superfluous; most genuinely draw you into the game. The control of your Crimson Loftwing through the skies is particularly engaging, the bird reacting perfectly to even the barest rotations of the Wii Remote. This precise control enhances the breathtaking feeling of simply skydiving at will, either off of on onto an island in the sky. Unfortunately, due to what one can only assume were technical limitations, this cannot be done seamlessly onto the island of Skyloft itself, which is disappointing.
More minor issues mar the experience. For some reason, any item in the game that requires pointer controls does not actually use the Wii's sensor bar, but rather solely the MotionPlus capabilities of the Wii remote. While you can recalibrate and re-center the crosshairs at any time by pressing down on the D-Pad, it can be disorienting and frustrating during the heat of battle. In addition, there seem to be some inconsistencies as to when MotionPlus controls are implemented. At many points throughout the game, you thrust forward to insert your sword into a lock, twist the controller, and then…press A to push the lock inward. Why? Why wouldn't we just thrust again, or pull the sword out? Why do we use motion controls when skydiving, but not sliding down a hill? These aren't major complaints, but they add up.
Swordplay is, for the most part, well implemented, even if the game simplifies your free slashing movements into one of only eight recognized directions (nine, if you count thrusting). There's a bit of a learning curve, though; don't expect "waggle" to get you anywhere, as it did in Twilight Princess. The first boss even makes a point of chastising you for such behavior, punishing any non-directed swipes.
Here's to the future, Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword does a whole lot right, and at times, it's a genuinely magical ride. It delivers in spades, but its corners are too sharp, its edges too rough, to warrant that coveted perfect score. Still, I say this: to fans of the series, be not disheartened. Skyward Sword is a fantastic continuation to the storied franchise.


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Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Time: 1:05 pm
Brighthouse Field– Clearwater, FL
Weather: 81, Mostly Cloudly
TV: The Comcast Network, MLB Network
Follow Phillies Nation on Twitter
Cliff Lee takes the hill for the first time this Spring against the defending AL Champion Tigers. Tyler Cloyd, Michael Stutes, Phillippe Aumont, Jonathan Papelbon, and Raul Valdes are scheduled to follow Lee.
The Phillies will face Tigers' Rule 5 pick Drew Smyly. Smyly, a fellow Arkansan, is represented by the same agent as Lee and worked with Lee in the offseason to improve his game, focusing on the cutter.
1. Betancourt- SS
2. Utley – 2B
3. M. Young- 3B
4. Howard – 1B
5. Ruf – LF
6. Ruiz – DH
7. Mayberry – RF
8. Kratz- C
9. Martinez – CF
Go Phillies!
40 Comments
Can somebody…ANYBODY…tell me why Michael Martinez is still with the organization, much less getting ABs in spring training?!?
I thought the same thing when I saw the lineup Mike. It's embarrassingly laughable. Not to mention it's stupid for him to be taking at bats away from legitimate guys who the organization is trying to evaluate. He shouldn't even be in baseball.
Wasn't Stutes traded?
No, it was Schwimmer that was traded.
Anyone know who the backup catcher will be until carlos comes back?
Humberto Quintero is the only candidate for that backup slot that I've heard.
Jeff, that was Schwimmer (sp?) that was traded to Toronto. Speaking of which, why for a 1B prospect? Really? They could use a prospect for pretty much any other position besides 1B except maybe CF.
You'd think if anything they'd be giving the new rule 5 kid those ABs playing CF to see if they even want to keep him.
Yes, I don't really get the Schwimmer trade either. I know the organization may have been unhappy with him (The Inquirer mentioned some things on Sunday) and that may have played a part in the trade, but it seems like the Phillies got the short end of the stick on that deal. Besides, Art Charles sounds more like a guy who plays in a polka band.
Maybe he's related to Ray Charles.
It'e interesting (if that's the right word) that there's more discussion about Mini playing than the fact that Chr;ie split up Utley and Howard. With Utley having missed the last couple springs, there wasn't much chance to even try that, but I can't remember the last time that happened. Now whether it means anything, I'd say decent chance, but I'm not sure what. MY gets the sanwich between them today, but boy, it's hard to see him in the 3 hole on any regular basis.
Heh I was going to comment on Utley hitting 2 until I get to the end of the lineup and my MM rage kicked in. I like the idea of Utey hitting 2nd and Young 3rd. I'm soooo sick of seeing lefty specialists late in the game pitching to Utley/Howard.
What appeals about Younbg 3 other than his righty stick? Maybe that's enough to make you feel that way?
One of my concerns with Young hitting in the 3 hole is he represents too much chance of a GIDP.
Here he is with 2 on, nobody out, let's see if he avoids that here.
Michael Young actually has a better career BA (.301) than Utley (.288), and AFAIK has the highest career BA of anyone on the current roster.
In addition to breaking up the lefties, I like Utley hitting 2nd because he takes a lot of pitches and would give the leadoff guy more chances to steal 2nd. Plus, as a lefty pull hitter, would be far more likely to advance the runner from 2nd without having to *try* to go the other way.
Granted, you could still use a lefty specialist and just walk Young unless the bases are loaded, but you're playing with fire more there than just pitching to Utley/Howard back to back.
That's true on the batting average comparison between Chase and Young. For what it's worth to you, Utley has a 30 point OBP edge, like .375 to ,345.
What prompted my question of you wasn't so much based on whether Utley should be moved, it's who should hit between the two. I don't care for Young there. I'd like more power than I think he'll offer at this stage. I wish Ruf could exert himself, but that might be asking a good amount for now. I don't like Brown getting pushed down in the lineup, but that's L-L-L anyway. I wonder if Delmon Young might get a shot. Chooch isn't a prototypical 3 guy, but given the choices, he might.
It's interesting that they seem to be thinking about it at least.
By traditional lineup construction, you put your best hitter 3rd. However that's not the only theory by any means. For example:
"The Two Hole: The old-school book says to put a bat-control guy here. Not a great hitter, but someone who can move the lead-off hitter over for one of the next two hitters to drive in.
The Books says the #2 hitter comes to bat in situations about as important as the #3 hitter, but more often. That means the #2 hitter should be better than the #3 guy, and one of the best three hitters overall. And since he bats with the bases empty more often than the hitters behind him, he should be a high-OBP player. Doesn't sound like someone who should be sacrificing, does it?"
"The Third Spot: The old-school book says to put your best high-average hitter here. The lead-off hitter should already be in scoring position and a hit drives him in. Wham, bam, thank you ma'am.
The Book says the #3 hitter comes to the plate with, on average, fewer runners on base than the #4 or #5 hitters. So why focus on putting a guy who can knock in runs in the #3 spot, when the two spots after him can benefit from it more? Surprisingly, because he comes to bat so often with two outs and no runners on base, the #3 hitter isn't nearly as important as we think. This is a spot to fill after more important spots are taken care of."
Now, I would be very encouraged if I thought for moment that the Phillies were trying this because they're into novel and advanced strategies. More likely, unfortunately, is that they are under the laughable impression that Young is a better hitter than Utley. Actually the most likely is that they are trying to split Utley and Howard, as Mike and Ken have said.
So now i'm confused though… would it go:
Revere, Utley, Rollins?, Howard, M.Young? …… If nothing more than to not have Rollins' speed wasted by him behind Howard on the basepaths
The problem with the lineup optimization theories is that they are all based on old data compiled during times when managers did not optimize their lineups. As soon as you start putting your top two OBP guys 1 and 2, the #3 hitter becomes that much more important than he would in scenarios where your #2 hitter was a guy whose job was to take pitches and make "productive" outs.
I'm not sure that's entirely true, Schmenkman. Part of the problem with maximization theories is that so many managers have different theories about what is maximization.
I suspect maximization would also differ somewhat based on the talent level of any particular lineup, or the types of talent that lineup might have. If your GM has neglected the #4 spot, for instance, you may not have a decent guy to put in there, and might even be forced to move your #3 down or your #5 up. If you have no great OBP guy, you might have to do some creative thinking about the leadoff spot.
Utley is their best #3 hitter, which is problematic because he's also their best #2 and leadoff hitter.
The best reason for batting Utley #2 is to separate him from Howard with a right-handed batter or a switch-hitter to minimize the effect that LOOGY's can have on the line-up late in games.
Good points on lineup optimization.
I agree, it's probably just to split Utley and Howard, which may now be necessary.
Through 2010, Utley hit at least as well vs. lefties as he did vs. righties, so it didn't matter as much if a loogy was brought in to face Utley in addition to Howard.
2003-10 vs. LHP: .283/.392/.502 (136 wRC+)
2003-10 vs. RHP: .298/.375/.519 (130 wRC+)
But for the last two years, while he has continued hitting about as well as he ever has vs. righties, he's struggled vs. lefties:
2011-12 vs. LHP: .202/.312/.333 (82 wRC+) in 266 PAs
2011-12 vs. RHP: .285/.373/.471 (128 wRC+) in 550 PAs
His BABIP in those 266 PAs is only .217. Line drive rate is about his career norm, but he has hit more grounders and fewer fly balls, so it's probably more than a blip.
Just a thought about MiniMart playing:
It's spring training, and players are generally working hard on all sorts of things. It's possible that being in a game would take time away from things like fielding, bunting, and working hard on batting mechanics, or other types of practice, major coaching sessions, or what-have-you. It's also possible that people like Revere, Brown, Mayberry, might need a day to recover from game time, practice time, or other things. Regulars have a lot more games to play, and may need some time to prepare for a grueling season, whereas roster fillers like Mini don't, because he's probably not going anywhere except down after the spring.
Exactly… if we see Mini Mart playing for the Phillies during the Regular Season, we're in trouble… but in Spring Training, you just need guys on the field to finish the game
True enough…except that he was in today's starting lineup.
Darin Ruf's gotten a chance to play early on. Hasn't gotten a hit yet, doesn't look overmatched. Wonder if Charlie runs him out again tomorrow against the Yanks, or a little break. Either way, it'd be nice to see him get a first hit. Don't wanna let an 0-fer go too long and lead to pressing.
Couple hits for Howard today. Beats the alternative.
That Detroit team is good. You get Smylie and Porcello competing for the 5 spot, and that offense, it's a helluva head start. World Series last year, and now Vic Martinez back. Ooooeee.
He had two hits in their intrasquad game on Friday, both doubles… I don't think anyone is worried about him not getting an official hit in a grapefruit league game yet
I'm not worried, if that's what you took from that. I'd just like to see him avoid reaching a point of an o-fer that creates some pressing.
Looks like Cinco-Ocho/Papelbomb/Psychotron found out about the karma train today. Lmao. Glad they broke up the lefty-lefty (Utley/Howard) in the middle.
Really hope Ruff starts hitting.
Don't fret, gang, Mini-Mart will be gone once Spring Training is over; however, I would love to see the Rule 5 kid get some more at-bats.
Sorry for the truncated post, on the train and about to lose Wi-Fi.
Interesting post, Schmenkman, I liked it.
If Martinez were an outstanding bunter, he would be a better offensive player and all-around player with some potential as a utility player. BUT, he is not a good bunter. How can a little guy with some speedand NO power NOT become a decent bunter
Probably because he has no talent.
Reminds me of the reason why the chicken crossed the road.

subset: commoncrawl


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Holy ****, just realized i didn't even include JR in the plans, i guess he would be coming in when melo sits.
AND we still need another point as insurance and a big to backup Chandler. Would prefer someone like Dalembert, but Kmart definetely deserves some love for the help last year.


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Sprecher Brewings & Doings
13th June 2010
Not that we hibernate 3/4 of the year, but it's true — Milwaukee comes alive during the summer. Today is the 34th Annual Locust Street Days, always a fun, neighborhood festival with great bands, kids activities, and lots of people out for a good time in the sun. Can't find Sprecher on the street? Stop into the Tracks or Linnemans. If you're not down at the Lakefront but you like really amazing aerial feats, you might want to get yourself there quickly because the truly mind (and ear) blowing Air and Water Show is happening as I type. Check out the website, and then go see it for yourself: http://www.milwaukeeairshow.com/.
Now I need to step back in time. On Friday night Randy and I attended the annual Greg (GB #85) and Nicole Jennings party benefiting Habitat for Humanity at Merrill Hills Country Club. ( I'm proud to say Sprecher was the official beer that evening. ) Several hundred party guests along with 50 or so Green Bay Packers such as Jennings, Jermichael Finley, AJ Hawk, Nick Barnett, Nick Collins, Aaron Rogers, Josh Sitton, Patrick Williams, etc., appeared to really enjoy the event which included dinner, a live auction, music and fireworks.
Far from being aloof, all the Packers I spoke with were really gracious. Honestly, if you're a Packer fan, the $100 ticket price is a small fee, especially since 100% of the proceeds are donated to Habitat. I took a few photos, most of which look better on my phone, but here are a couple:
I'm always struck by how different football players look w/o their gear on. Jermichael Finley is very tall; it would be hard to mistake him for anything but a professional athlete. Same with Josh Sitton who's not exceptionally tall, but he's certainly solid. But that's not always the case. From the photos above you can tell Jennings and Collins are about the same height as Randy. In fact, it would be easy to mistake them for just another party guest. Quick Quiz — if the photos weren't labeled, could you figure out who is the brewmaster and who the pro football player 😉 ?


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A Friday Film Analogy
That Buddha sure wasn't kidding when he said "Life is suffering."
He must have been a Pirates fan.
Yet spring training is supposed to be that time of year when every team has a shot at being the best, every team has the opportunity to go all the way, every team can hope to be champions — well, every team not named the Pirates, Royals and now: The St. Louis Cardinals.
That's right, folks. The Cardinals were big losers before they even got to camp thanks to one General Manager John Mozeliak. It is no secret that I hold little regard for the man who did nothing to better our ball club during this off-season, so I will refrain from further condemning him back to the bookish hell from which he originally oozed.
What I will do instead is make it easy for you, dear readers, Cardinal lovers and Cardinal haters alike: those days of St. Louis fans harboring perennial playoff hopes are long gone. And all that remains is an empty, blown-out pipedream much akin to that of one Theo Roll, modern dancer extraordinaire.
Don't know who Theo Roll, modern dancer extraordinaire is?
Watch and learn (at the 1:35 mark look for some fine, world class, Academy Award worthy acting):
Get my drift?
Don't hate me 'cuz I'm right.
14 Comments
Wow, Jeff. How did you NOT get an Oscar nom for Best Supporting Actor? I sensed a little Brando, a little Sean Penn, and a lot of Will Ferrell. Good job!
Lmao.. wow. The world is indeed not ready for Theo Roll.
I may be calling this one early, but I'm thinking Randy Stockton will be the next Youtube sensation.😀
– V [ http://flairforthedramatic.mlblogs.com ]
I sensed some Mark Wahlberg Jane.. the Andy Samberg portrayal though, lol.
– V [ http://flairforthedramatic.mlblogs.com ]
i also like to give people my art. the last girl i gave it to is still on valtr…. whoa… anyway, nice acting.
that video is to art as this video is to toughness:
just be careful, not everyone likes actors:
Be still my beating heart! But I would really like to know what Theo was doing with the tree at about 2:05 into the video. Or maybe I don't.
I am moved. Forget that crap by Eastwood or Streep or Hoffman. Freakin top caliber acting and sad this short is not up for nomination. The academy is a joke. Enough said.
After we oust Selig perhaps we should raid the Academy and get Theo in the know. It's a tragedy the way the system alienates the little guy nowadays. Thank you all for your support.
DK — Special thanks to you for providing those video links which have certainly made me a better… er… man.
anytime Jeff. seriously though, the video was great, watched it several times and laughed more each time. Da'vinci and helicopters… priceless.
Forget the Oscars, you guys need to have your own show! I would watch this over whatever crap TBS is trying to pass off as comedy these days.
May I please obtain permission to use that picture of the Buddha for a non-profit purpose to produce a poster to commemorate Visakha Puja Day ('09).
Thank you very much.
TWP — Go ahead. I downloaded it off the internet somewhere, so technically, it's not mine… but such is life on the internet, eh?


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How To's
Baking with a Bread Machine
Bread machines that mix, knead and bake bread have become popular appliances. Here are a few tips for making the most of your bread machine:
- Read and follow manufacturer's directions.
- Use only recipes specifically developed for your bread machine.
- Always use bread flour.
- For a whole grain loaf, whole grain flour can be substituted for up to half of the bread flour. The volume of a whole grain loaf will be less than a regular loaf.
- Measure ingredients accurately. This should be done with all baked recipes, but it is especially important when using these appliances.
- Bring ingredients to room temperature before placing them in the machine. Do not use perishable ingredients such as yogurt, eggs or milk if you're using the delayed-time bake cycle. The ingredients can spoil before baking begins.


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Dear Lewie,
I wanted to write to you with my best intentions of preparing you for the life to come. I have so much to tell you and so much to prepare you for. Don't worry; I'm not ruining any surprises. It's like when you read the ingredients of your favorite dinner on the menu of your favorite restaurant. You know what's coming but knowing just that never seems to ruin the experience, does it? You still experience the joy of the meal. It's a bit like that my friend. This letter will only foretell you of things to come. My purpose in writing you is to make sure you understand what it means to experience life.
I'll cut straight to the core issue–your life is going to be good and I have nothing but good news for you. Despite what you're about to read it's all beautiful. Your life is going to change. Okay, before I continue I know what you're wondering and yes, you will get married. You're going to meet this beautiful girl in college. She's going to distract you from everything. You'll have a romantic tunnel vision. Everything else is going to blur and you're going to focus in on her. Her smile is going to capture you. Her eyes are going to melt you. You'll learn to love. This is the love that can never be adequately expressed in words. Actions and experience is the only sufficient way of knowing this love… a love that helps you understand God.
This brings me to my next point. Sooner or later you're going to become a Christian. The thing is, this doesn't make your life any easier. You'll go to a university and study philosophy and you'll learn to love science. Pay attention in school. Please, if this finds you please study physics more before university. It will make things easier for me here! You'll eventually aim to make a career in academia.


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"Monica" knew her family was a little different. Even as a young girl, she was well aware she needed to take care of her mom rather than the other way around.
She never knew her dad, but she knew her mom had lots of friends who came over and she and her sister would be best to stay in their room. Nights were difficult because most of the time her mom's friends left very late and sometimes stayed all night. "Monica" knew because she and her sister saw them sleeping on the floor when they left for school. They moved quite often, sometimes because her mom was in trouble again or didn't have any money.
"Monica" was in more schools than she cared to count. Each move required her to adjust to new routines, new schedules and new friends. It was a little harder each time.
Her mom's alcoholism also worsened, so "Monica" was taking care of her mom and her sister. At age 13, she was essentially managing the family, cooking, cleaning and trying to balance the little money they had. She was losing sleep from worry about money, living arrangements, police and neighbor problems, homework, her mother's health, breaking up parties, scouting for burning cigarette butts, making her sister's lunch and many other issues.
At one point, her Mom decided Arizona would be a better place to live, so she packed all their belongings and the kids in the car and, with no job and no place to live, left for the city of the sun on a rainy Monday night. Upon arrival, they ended up living in the car and begging for money and food. This lasted about three months until they were busted one too many times for vagrancy.
"Monica" and her sister lived briefly with a foster family while her mom was in rehab. After that, "Monica" and her sister were sent to live with their aunt. They only heard from their mom one time after that, and then several years later they heard she died in a fire. "Monica" didn't feel much of anything when she heard about her mom's passing. If she was honest, she might have told you she felt relief mixed with resentment.
Many years later, "Monica" had been through a series of unsuccessful relationships, usually with alcoholic men, not only because of their alcoholism but because of her unbearable need to control everything. As much as "Monica" had hated taking care of her mom and felt like her childhood had been stolen, she couldn't find another way to behave.
She was full of fears of being abandoned, of not having enough money or enough of anything, for that matter. She was painfully insecure and angry all the time. Although "Monica" didn't drink alcohol or use drugs, she had "the family disease."
She finally found an Al Anon group and slowly began working through her issues.
• Rick Atwater is a licensed clinical professional counselor.


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Unique Valentine's Day Gifts for Mom That Honor Her
Because Valentine's Day is a celebration of love, it makes the perfect occasion to honor Mom! The Bradford Exchange Online has always been a fantastic destination for finding unique Valentine's Day gifts you won't find anywhere else, but our distinctive gifts for Mom are equally beautiful and meaningful. From artistic apparel and fashion accessories that express her passions and intersts, to collectible figurines, custom music boxes and fine jewelry, our wide selection of gifts is sure to make her Valentine's Day extra special.
We understand that each mom is a one-of-a-kind, each with her own interests, style and passion. That is exactly why we offer one-of-a-kind Valentine's Day gifts we sincerely hope will speak directly to her heart. One of the best ways to find that special treasure she's sure to adore is by choosing one of our Valentine's Day jewelry gifts. With options that range from a custom charm bracelets you can help create, to dazzling diamond pendants celebrating the love of motherhood, to our personalized Valentine's Day rings featuring engravings of her children's names, our jewelry gifts are truly unique. Won't Mom be so pleased to know you were thinking of her this Valentine's Day?
So this year, while you are shopping for sweet Valentine's Day gifts for her, don't forget to get something special for Mom. She will most certainly be thrilled at the thought that went into your selection, and the quality of our Valentine's Day gifts will allow her to cherish your present for years to come. Plus, you can always feel confident when shopping with us. We have the best guarantee in the business, which allows returns up to one full year (120 days for jewelry) and free return shipping. That's our promise to you! Ready to find Mom something wonderful that's straight from your heart? Shop Now!


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The calling card of tourism pays off in the mountainsWritten by Caitlin Bowling
In addition to the obvious benefits of tourism ŌĆö jobs and revenue for the county ŌĆö tourism dollars save Haywood County residents a few hundred dollars in taxes every year.
Steve Morse, a mathematics professor at the University of Tennessee, presented business owners and county tourism leaders with a faux jumbo check made out to ŌĆ£Each County Household.ŌĆØ The check was for $334.
Without tourism dollars, every household would be paying out that much more money in taxes each year.
Tourists are ŌĆ£temporary taxpayers,ŌĆØ said Morse, who spoke at a luncheon sponsored by the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority celebrating National Tourism Week.
ŌĆ£What a country! Where you can have people say, ŌĆśPlease come pay part of our taxes,ŌĆÖ and people say, ŌĆśSure,ŌĆÖŌĆØ Morse said.
The tourism and hospitality industry constitute one-fifth of the jobs in Haywood County, Morse added.
ŌĆ£Tourism plays a large role in many peopleŌĆÖs lives,ŌĆØ Morse said.
Even that truism seems like an understatement when looking at recent tourism spending numbers, which have rebounded back to pre-recession figures.
In 2007, $116.7 million was spent on tourism in Haywood County ŌĆö only $400,000 more than in 2010.
ŌĆ£As we look forward, we see a bright future,ŌĆØ said Lynn Collins, executive director of the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority.
One particular advantage that Haywood County, and Western North Carolina in general, have over other parts of the country is an abundance of adventure activities ŌĆö kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and the like.
ŌĆ£Adventure tourism is hot as a firecracker,ŌĆØ Morse said.
Morse pointed out that the same perks that make Haywood County a great place to visit can turn those visitors into residents or business owners.
ŌĆ£TodayŌĆÖs visitor could tomorrowŌĆÖs business investor,ŌĆØ Morse said.
And, although good schools, affordable housing, available transportation and low tax and crime rates are still important, the next generation of entrepreneurs is also looking for open spaces, ŌĆ£local, unique flavor,ŌĆØ a sense of community, diverse cultures and natural resources when finding a place to settle.
ŌĆ£They want to live in Mayberry,ŌĆØ Morse said.
With changes in technology, people will be able to work from pretty much anywhere, he said, and Haywood County should play up its attributes to draw in new residents and businesses.
ŌĆ£People will change to live and work in places with diverse cultures,ŌĆØ Morse said.


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Up to 8x BD-R & BD-R DL writing speed - includes CyberLink software
- Quick 8x writing speed on single & dual layer BD-Rs for 50Gbs storage
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Burn Blu-ray Discs, DVDs and CDs fast.
The Pioneer BDR-2203 is a computer combo drive that reads and writes BDs, DVDs, and CDs. With the ability to write up to 8x speed on Blu-ray discs, backing up 50Gbytes of your HD content is faster than ever. So whether you want to create a Blu-ray disc, DVD or CD of your movies, music and files, you can do it all with the BDR-2203 Blu-ray burner..
And it doesn't end there. The BDR-2203 also allows you to watch, listen and play your favorite BDs, DVDs and CDs on your computer screen.
This BDR-2203 bundle includes:
More Storage.
The Pioneer BDR-2203 works with BD-R discs which can hold 25 Gbytes and BD-R DL (Dual Layer) discs which can hold 50 Gbytes of data.
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Test & create HD Blu-ray and DVD content
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Playback movies on a PC with award-winning performance.
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Create file backup discs easily
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The BDR-2203 internal Blu-ray burner comes with everything you'll need to get up and running. With the familiar serial interface (SATA) and installation manual, you can be burning your own DVDs and Blu-rays in a matter of minutes.


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- Game Details
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Lumines Coming To iPhone, Prepare To Have Shinin' In Your Head Again
Who doesn't want to own Lumines on yet another platform? (Actually, I'm probably good.) The classic Q Entertainment music puzzler is coming to the...
'Lumines' Hitting The PSN?
Update: Lumines Super Nova (screenshot above) has been confirmed to arrive at the Playstation Network this fall. The latest version of the hip...
My X-Play 1000Th Episode PosterLatest Post: Mar 18, 2013 by Smashdrama
I Can't Believe It's Come To This.Latest Post: Mar 18, 2013 by Shadow_ben_jamin
Anime Corner Farewell Tour! March...Latest Post: Mar 18, 2013 by Squeakachu31


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I'm at my wits end today, and I can't figure out what the problem is.
Elisabeth has been exceedingly *****y today. Every time I feed her, she's fine for about five minutes, then she starts fussing. She's hardly eaten anything today, because of this. Twice, I've put her down for naps, and she'll sleep for about an hour, and wake up fussing again. When she does eat, she pops off every minutes or so, and I have to put her back on, which is pissing me off, frustrating her, and making feedings take twice as long. I'm getting more and more frustrated by the minute, which is NOT helping. Her diaper's fine, she's had plenty of sleep. The only thing I can think is maybe the shots she had a couple days ago are making her fussy, but she's been fine up until now.
Does anyone have any suggestions? She's hungry, I know she is, because she's sucking on her fist something fierce, and she's pouting and making hungry cries, but she won't eat, dammit, and I'm getting tired of this. My nipples HURT from all the popping off.
ETA: The last time I attempted to feed her, she just start screaming as soon as I set her on the boppy. It can't be letdown problems if she's screaming before she even starts nursing! She's in the other room, wailing like a banshee now, and I just can't figure it out. Maybe she's finally starting colic. *sighs


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"I have been a fan of Catholic Answers from its beginnings. Keep up this great apostolate, as it does help many of our Catholics appreciate their faith, especially in the military. Blessings and prayers for your continued success."
~ Fr. Eric, US Army, Baghdad
0 results sorted by popularity
"Let us then not be ashamed to confess the Crucified. Be the cross our seal, made with boldness by our fingers on our brow and in everything; over the bread we eat and the cups we drink, in our comings and in goings out; before our sleep, when we lie down and when we awake; when we are travelling, and when we are at rest."
~ St. Cyril of Jerusalem in his "Catecheses" (xiii, 36), on the sign of the cross, a practice familiar to Christians in the second century and which had passed into a gesture of benediction by the fourth century, as many quotations from the Fathers show


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You are Here:
Farm Bill
Regional Conservation Partnership Program
/ RCPP Partner Testimonials
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The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) relies on innovation and bold ideas from partners. Hear from some of the partners who have worked with NRCS previously:
Partnerships Help Longleaf Forests, Other Conservation Efforts
"The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) in Mississippi could allow for the local conservation districts in Mississippi to promote coordination between NRCS and the state's producers and landowners. NRCS has always provided great assistance to producers through the conservation district's partnership agreements and through program contracts or easement agreements.
"The RCPP in Mississippi could have the opportunity to greatly enhance the partnerships on longleaf pine. The Longleaf Pine Restoration Initiative has allowed private entities, landowners, private conservation-driven nongovernmental organizations and institutions of higher education along with the local conservation districts to restore areas of southern Mississippi back to its original habitat with longleaf pine forests.
"In Mississippi, there will be other opportunities for the RCPP funds. We in Mississippi have worked had to have these existing partners in place and the key will be to provide a ease of applying for the funds and a clear understanding of how the RCPP can be best used in Mississippi for the greatest advantage to the existing conservation programs and to be a benefit to the local landowner."
Gary Blair, First Vice President of the Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts and Commissioner of the Lincoln County Conservation District
RCPP Can Help Make New Hampshire's Strong Partnerships, Stronger Still
For a small state, New Hampshire has big challenges in natural resource conservation. From water quality issues in our tidal estuaries, rivers and lakes, invasive plants and insects threatening our farm and forestlands health and productivity to the continuous development pressures that drives land use change from farm and forest to asphalt and concrete.
Thankfully, since 1946 New Hampshire's Conservation Districts have worked with landowners, state and federal partners to put conservation practices in place that work toward enhancing our natural resource base.
One of the highlights of the recently passed 2014 Farm Bill is the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. The RCPP is a new opportunity that will help bring new partners and cooperators to working lands conservation.
Partnerships are the cornerstone of working lands conservation efforts and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program encourages new entities to participate in conservation efforts.
Farmers and forestland owners have long known the value of working lands conservation programs and the RCPP can help us deliver the value of conservation to partners that may have not seen an entry point to engaging with working lands conservation to enhance their resource concerns.
The RCPP provides the opportunity to work with new partners from business, institutions, NGO's and municipalities on identifying resource concerns of critical importance and addressing them with them a targeted and flexible approach, too.
New Hampshire is known for its scenic beauty, from the White Mountains to our small and vibrant seacoast area to the small towns and farms that inspired Robert Frost and Norman Rockwell.
Sustainability has become a buzzword among, business, institutional and municipal leaders, large and small and working lands conservation has been quietly engaging in long term sustainable practices for generations.
The RCPP provides an opportunity to take sustainability off the buzzword list and put it to work in sustaining the resources we all depend on.
Roger Noonan, President, New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts
RCPP Can Encourage New Members To Join Conservation Partnerships
As president of the National Association of Conservation Districts, I appreciate the opportunity to support the implementation of the new USDA NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Being a rice, soybean, and hay producer from Southwest Louisiana, I see the RCPP program as an excellent opportunity to reach a new level of commitment to conservation delivery on the working landscape in America. This program will encourage greater investment and participation by the private business sector, membership organizations, and state and local governments.
The concept of partnering to accomplish the delivery of conservation is not new. Soil and Water Conservation Districts were established on the state and local level since the 1930's to partner in the delivery of federal funds based on local priorities. As our population grows, the management of our natural resource base becomes more complex, requiring the accelerated adoption of conservation practices on an ever growing portion of the landscape. With the baseline of conservation program delivery and a large footprint on the landscape, districts can be the catalyst for driving the concept of expanded partnership to deliver regional conservation.
The application for receiving an RCPP contract will require community leaders working together to determine the target area on the landscape needing further restoration. These areas can be determined based on national, state, and local priority resource concerns. Based on this determination, the potential partners can be recognized and encouraged to bring their influence and support to the table as part of a RCPP proposal.
In Louisiana, we are proud of an ongoing partnership to deliver, improved water use efficiency and quality for wetland wildlife habitat, to the rice growing region of Southwest Louisiana. Ducks Unlimited, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, and private landowners have teamed up to promote the adoption of wildlife habitat on private working lands by developing conservation plans on over 8,000 acres in 2014. Even with the success this program is experiencing, there is still a need for additional partners to expand the conservation effort. The Regional Conservation Partnership Program has the potential to play a part in assisting the growth of this partnership to address new conservation issues.
I encourage each of you to evaluate the conservation needs in your region and consider building a collaborative effort to address these needs.
Earl Garber, Louisiana, President, National Association of Conservation Districts
2014 Farm Bill Home Page | RCPP Home Page | CCA Home Page
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actually san jose lol but lol oihwell
actually san jose lol but lol oihwell
my DH and his sister are 10 months apart - he was born 6 weeks early, so tech. they should really be about a year apart.
My best advice, seeing as how I have never been in your spot is to eat really healthy, for the one you've got outside, and the one you've got inside, and try to get as much rest as possible...laundry can wait!
Take your vitamins - congrats!
well POO! I live in North Hollywood! (San Fernando Valley)
Nobody is near by!
im actually from livermore lol wat a hickville lol but ohwell heehee
I would invest in a supplemental nursing system (SNS). At some point (from what I understand) you will need to supplement and an SNS will allow you to keep the baby nursing so that you can BF him still when the next one arrives and the milk comes back.
Good luck and congratulations.
All over the world there exists in every society a small group of women who feel themselves strongly attracted to giving care to other women during pregnancy and childbirth. Failure to make use of this group of highly motivated people is regrettable and a sin against the principle of subsidiary. ~ Dr. Kloosterman, Chief of OB/GYN, Univ. of Amsterdam, Holland
Mama to:
Shiloh (5/6/06) Nursed for 13 months and Josephine (7/26/08) Nursed for 23.5 mos Currently nursing my new little firecracker, Finley Catherine, born on the 4th of July!!
yeah im already using formula for hinm hopefully breastfeeding my next oner will work! thanks everyone if you have any thing else let me know thank you! !!
Congratz! I'm sorry the circumstances aren't great, but you can BFed throughout the pg, I did with James and Toby. My milk production did slow alot, and with such a young one you might have to supplement some. My cousin pumped alot int the begaining of her pg before her milk supply went down so she had a stash for the slower months. s Good Luck!


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2014 Car Models
- New Mercedes-Benz C-Class hits U.S. shores
- Are self-driving cars safer than human drivers?
- Vans, Trucks take center stage for Ford
- Nissan shrinks Versa hatchback
- Nissan concept suggests next SUV
- Honda has big plans for small SUV
- VW hints at larger SUV
- Infiniti shows new car, new names
- Next Toyota hides under flashy concept
- Images: Acadia gets infusion of style, tech
- Ridgeline gets major update for 2017
- Images: Go in and around the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
- Images: Chevrolet introduces its first all-electric car
- Images: Sporty Chevrolet Cruze added to lineup
- Honda's Pilot gets new shape, features
- Images of the new Mazda CX-3 compact SUV
- 2015 Ford Mustang production begins
- Chevrolet gives sneak peek at new Trax SUV
Driving Tips
- What to tell your teen before they drive
- Take better care of your vehicle in 2014
- 5 tips for surviving family trips
- Should you let dealer or garage fix car?
- Driving rules in different countries
- 5 ways commuting tricks can reclaim days
- Top car-related apps
- Keeping that old car? Avoid costly repairs
- Shopping around nets deals on car service


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|Vintage Pulp
|Jan 9 2013
If you think I'm having a good time now, you should see how much I enjoy it when the water isn't fuh-reezing.
Above, the cover and some interior scans from the Dutch cinema magazine Cheerio! #117, featuring an eclectic selection of international stars, 1956.
Netherlands, Cheerio!, Venetia Stevenson, Jayne Mansfield, Elsa Martinelli, Sophia Loren, Marcelo Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, Doris Day, Belinda Lee, Martine Carol, cinema


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Marbury is the biggest idiot the league has had since he came to it. Even before he was drafted he was talking **** that he wouldn't play for the Bucks/Clippers. He quit on the T-Wolves because jealous of Garnett and his 126 million contract. He then quit on Nets because he hated Keith Van Horn. He quit on the Suns under D'antoni. He then quit on the Knicks for so many reasons and people on this site still worship him?
It is incredible to think that some here don't understand the value of being a true professional which Marbury was ever with any team. It was all about his 20/8 games and never sacrificing to make others better. All the talent he once had, because I would have chossen him over Iverson in 1996. The guy was simply incredible those first few seasons in Minnesota but everything went south when he wanted to play closer to home. He is a head case and the Mike Tyson of the NBA.
Again, he had one game where he made a difference, against the Magic in Game 5. He hasn't made me sorry, every other game he hasn't been good at all. Someone else here put up the playoff numbers, they aren't good. So, he hasn't performed overall.
Game 7:
3 turnovers
1 assist
4 pts on 25% fg
Hahaha!! What an awful performance. He even ran out of bounds on one play. Too funny. Mebury Lovers lost.
It's kind of weird to me that MSGMebury33 started this post just to keep Marbury on the site, but at the same time, leaving him open to exposure. Particularly when he has one of history's most rotten game 7s. It was always gonna be the way though I guess. The man was born to lose!
Oh well, could be his last game in the NBA? It's a shame he was never as good as he thought. If he was, I'd be a fan and he'd be a champion.
As Charles Barkley famously quoted: "He just doesn't get it" and now it's gone.
talking about charles barkley he got the pregame predictions on the orlando game right on the money. but marbury/starbury/mebury's, w.e u refer him as, situation is going to be interesting. do the celtics sign him back up since hes an unrestricted free agent. do they have doubts about them? will another team take a chance on him? does he want a starting role? this is going to be a interestingoffseason for stephon. i dont hate him, and i hate the celdicks so i hope he goes elsewhere and plays better. but if he decides to stick with them i will root against him and hope he puts up bad numbers. and for a funny thought, what about bringing steph and me-myself-and-iverson to charlotte together with larry brown
Well I have to give Marbury credit b/c he carried the Celtics straight to the house.
Thank you Marbury!!!!!!!
The Celtics were only up by 10, when Marbury entered the floor, in game 3 of the Celtics and Bulls. If you saw the game, you would have known that. The lead ballooned to 23, with Marbury on the floor.
Don't try to backpedal now.
(LGAY caught backpedaling.)
You were one of the people who thought Marbury could not make it passed the first round of the playoffs, and he proved you to be a jackass and an ignoramous.
Despite all of LGAY's moaning and groaning, from all the pipe he was taking in the ass and mouth from D'Antoni, Marbury still made it to the second round of the playoffs.
(The same pipe D'Antoni shoved up LGAY's ass and mouth.)
Despite all of LGAY's screaming and pushing, as if he was 9 months in labor with Isiah Thomas' son, Marbury was on a team that won over 60 games and competed in 14 playoff games.
(LGAY caught screaming and pushing)
Jeremon Linbury
Marbury barely got any playing time, and the Magic scored 0 points off of Marbury's turnovers. Marbury played good defense, and he did a good job of setting up the offense. It's not his fault that Doc Rivers chose to use a 4 guard allignment(a lineup that took away the Celtic's rebounding and defense).
The Celtics lost, but I don't care. Like I stated on other posts, I don't like the Celtics. I only watch them in the playoffs, and I was only interested in watching them, because Marbury was on their team. If Marbury goes to another NBA team, I will completely stop watching the Celtics, because I never liked the team to begin with.
Jeremon Linbury


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Good Afternoon. The fact sheet on student assessment changes that was included in the message I sent earlier today contained an error. The statement about writing (second subpoint under the first bullet) should have indicated that the proposed changes will "increase writing assessment so that students in grades 3, 4, 6 and 8 are assessed (now grades 3, 5 and 8)"
The earlier version inadvertently indicated that writing would be assessed in grade 9 rather than grade 8.
Robert Schiller
State Superintendent
of Education


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Wanna peek into my e-mail inbox?
I have the great pleasure of "talking" (read: e-mailing) each day with some of our great staff around the world. They always challenge me with their perspective.
I've been reading along with all the posts and comments about visiting your sponsored child, as I weigh the decision of when to make a trip. (I just happen to sponsor children in two of the most expensive countries to visit!)
This e-mail from Samuel Llanes, our field communication specialist in Guatemala, about his recent experience accompanying a sponsor tour gave me a new perspective on sponsor visits.
We've talked a lot about how a sponsor tour impacts the sponsor and how it impacts the child, but this e-mail made me realize a whole other aspect: how it impacts the universal Body of Christ. As we visit members of our family around the world, God uses it to unify us, helping us to recognize that we are part of a global family — the Body of Christ.
Hi Amber,
I want to share with you about what I learned in this sponsor tour we had this summer.
I knew the kind of heart a sponsor is supposed to have but NEVER had the experience of "experiencing" it first hand. It was amazing to see and feel the kind of heart they have and how humble they are. And not just them, but even their family! Some of the sponsors came with their entire family and it was so awesome seeing how their kids were so "into" everything! Some of those kids started passing around a plastic bag to collect food to give later to some of the students at the center. For me, it was really amazing. Also, there were some "advocates" there. I had never had the chance to see one of them, but I saw how a heart like theirs really is! 🙂
I saw some of them who met their sponsored children for the first, second or third time. They were so happy (they were even crying!) when they saw them! For me, it was a very touching thing to witness because I could see and prove their commitment toward our fellow sponsored children! It really touched my heart, and those people are a real blessing to me!
A Genuine Heart for the Poor and Compassion International's Help
I know that the American culture can sometimes be seen as a cold and individualistic culture, but this trip taught me that not everybody is like that. All the sponsors had an utterly different way of treating people (and even me! Hehe!) and they broke indeed a lot of paradigms I had about the American culture. I never saw hearts like those EVER in my life, and I was completely touched by it.
Seeing how humble their hearts and spirits were for the children it's something indescribable! I could see God's love showed there and I couldn't believe it. It was like they were their very own children!
These are what I thought were the most remarkable things I saw. My heart continues to be shaped into something different, and know that I truly want to make a difference as I write these stories! 🙂 I am so glad I work for God, and I want to serve him for the rest of my life!


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100 N. First Street
Board Room, 4th Floor
Springfield, Illinois
January 25-26, 2012
View Education Policy Planning Packet
View Government Relations Packet
View Plenary Session Packet
Part 51 Legal Changes - 1/26/12 handout
NOTE: The sign-in sheet for public participation will be set out 30 minutes prior to the start of each meeting.
Public Participation Policy
All open meetings will be audio cast on the Internet at: www.isbe.net
State Board of Education Meeting - January 25-26, 2012
WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2012 Times are estimated for planning purposes.
|1:00 p.m.
|Finance & Audit Discussion
Board Room, 4th Floor
|*3:15 p.m.
|Education Policy Planning Discussion
Board Room, 4th Floor
|*5:30 p.m.
|Closed Session (Closed session will be held immediately following Education Policy Discussion on Wednesday or prior to the first session on Thursday morning.)
|* The meeting will begin at the conclusion of the previous session.
THURSDAY, January 26, 2012 Times are estimated for planning purposes.
|8:45 a.m.
|Governmental Relations Discussion
Board Room, 4th Floor
|* 9:45 a.m.
|ISBE Plenary Session
Board Room, 4th Floor
* The meeting will begin at the conclusion of the previous session.
All State Board of Education meetings listed on this agenda will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Persons planning to attend who need special accommodations should contact the Board office no later than the date prior to the meeting. Contact the Superintendent's office at the State Board of Education, Phone: 217-782-2221; TTY/TDD: 17-782-1900; Fax: 217-785-3972.
NOTE: Chairman Chico may call to order the Board's plenary session early for the sole purpose of hearing a motion to go into closed session. In such case, the plenary session will reconvene for action items at the time posted. Chairman Chico may also call for a break in the plenary session on Thursday at which time the Board will go into closed session.
100 North First Street, Springfield, Illinois
January 26, 2012
9:45 a.m.
(This meeting will begin immediately following the previous session.)
All meetings will be audio cast on the Internet at www.isbe.net
- Roll Call/Pledge of Allegiance (Gery Chico, Board Chair) 9:45 a.m. (or immediately following lunch)
- Consideration of and Possible Actions on Any Requests for Participation in Meeting by Other Means
- Public Participation (up to 30 minutes)
- Resolutions & Recognition
- *Consent Agenda
Superintendent's Report
All action consideration items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine and will be enacted in one motion and vote. Any board member who wishes separate discussion on any item listed on the consent agenda may remove that item from the consent agenda, in which event, the item will be considered in its normal sequence.
- *Approval of Minutes:
- Plenary Minutes: December 15, 2011 (Plenary Packet pp. 4-10)
- Board Operations Committee: December 14, 2011 (Plenary Packet pp. 11-13)
- Ad Hoc Rules Committee: December 14, 2011 (Plenary Packet pp. 14-15)
- *Rules for Initial Review
- Part 51 (Dismissal of Tenured Teachers under Article 24 and Dismissal of Tenured Teachers and Principals under Article 34 of the School Code) (Plenary Packet pp. 16-55)
- Part 226 (Special Education) (Plenary Packet pp. 56-64)
- Part 575 (School Technology Program) (Plenary Packet pp. 65-72)
- *Rules for Adoption
- Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) (Plenary Packet pp. 73-97)
- Part 151 (School Construction Program) (Plenary Packet pp. 98-102)
- *Contracts and Grants Over $1 Million
- RFSP for Evaluator Pre-Qualification and Re-Training Program (Finance & Audit Packet pp. 6-8)
- Grant Agreement with Regional Office of Education (ROE) #20 for Child Find Project (Finance & Audit Packet pp. 9-11)
- Contract Renewal with Illinois Department of Human Services for Gateways to Opportunity Scholarship Program (Finance & Audit Packet pp. 12-13)
- *Approval of Internal Audit Charter (Finance & Audit Packet pp. 16-23)
- *Approval of Lemont-Bromberek Community School District113A Financial Plan (Finance & Audit pp. 24-79)
- *State Model for Principal Evaluation (Education Policy Packet pp. 14-31)
- *Approval of ESEA Waiver Application (Education Policy Packet pp. 32-34)
- *
Adoption of Growth Model (Education Policy Packet pp. 35-46)
- Approval of December closed session minutes
- Election to Fill ISBE Vice Chair Vacancy (Plenary Packet p. 103-104)
- Approval of FY13 State Board of Education Budget
(handout as discussed in Finance & Audit)
- New Business/Other Items
- Board Visibility Across the State (Plenary Packet pp. 105-106)
- Announcements and Reports
- IBHE Liaison Report (Dr. Proshanta Nandi)
- B. P-20 Council Liaison Report (Joyce Karon)
- Superintendent's/Senior Staff Announcements
- Chairman's Report
- Member Reports
- Information Items
- ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports (available online at www.isbe.net/board/fiscal_admin_rep.htm)
- ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports (available online at www.isbe.net/board/fiscal_admin_rep.htm)
- Adjourn
End of Consent Agenda


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Vehicle catches fire on Blennerhassett Island
PARKERSBURG – Firefighters fought a vehicle blaze on Blennerhassett Island for more than an hour Thursday evening.
Blennerhassett Volunteer Fire Department assistant chief Tim Robinson said the initial concern to fire crews was the close proximity of the truck to the Blennerhassett Mansion.
The vehicle belonged to a park employee who was able to use a farm tractor to move the vehicle farther away from the mansion once crews had the fire contained, Robinson said. The name of the employee was not immediately known Thursday night, officials said.
Responders arrived from the Parkersburg Fire Department, Washington Bottom Volunteer Fire Department, Belpre Volunteer Fire Department and Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department. The fire was reported around 5:30 p.m. and the fire wasn't out until about 6:30 p.m., Robinson said.
"We had to use so many resources to aid in transport and use of the boats and things like that since it's the off-season and the island's ferry is currently out of service," Robinson said. Crews used fire extinguishers to fight the fire.
"Pumps and hoses were ready to be put into service if we did need them," Robinson said.
Blennerhassett VFD requested Parkersburg firefighters for backup assistance, said Parkersburg Fire Department Capt. Mark Kunselman. The truck, which belonged to a Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park employee, was engulfed in flames when fire departments arrived, he said.
Kunselman said the truck was within 15 feet of the island mansion, which did not sustain damages.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Blennerhassett Volunteer Fire Department but is believed to have resulted from a mechanical issue with the vehicle, officials said.
Park employees were on the island at the time of the fire, Kunselman said.
The truck was a total loss.


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by Anton Shilov
ATI, graphics business unit of Advanced Micro Devices, said on Monday that it had shipped over 800 thousand of graphics processing units (GPUs) that support DirectX 11 application programming interface. The rather high number of rather expensive graphics chips sold during the global economic downturn emphasizes the interest towards discrete graphics cards for desktops and PC gaming in general.
The company said that so far it has shipped over 500 thousand ATI Radeon HD 5700-series graphics processing units code-named Juniper and over 300 thousand graphics chips known as Cypress that power ATI Radeon HD 5800-/5900-series graphics adapters. Thanks to partly resolved supply issues with 40nm chips, AMD's graphics business unit seems to have high chances of shipping around a million of DirectX 11-supporting graphics processors this year.
ATI's DirectX 11 lineup consists of several offerings and covers performance mainstream, high-end and enthusiast market segments. The most affordable DirectX 11 graphics card – ATI Radeon HD 5750 is available for about $140 in the U.S. – whereas the most expensive – ATI Radeon HD 5970 – costs over $600.
Good sales of the latest graphics cards will help Advanced Micro Devices to post greater revenue and profits for this quarter. AMD reports its results for the current quarter in approximately a month time, on January, 22, 2010.
Shipments of ATI's new product family were slowed down by poor yields of 40nm chips at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. As a result, the actual demand towards the new high-end graphics cards from ATI/AMD is considerably higher than supply.
At present ATI's arch-rival Nvidia Corp. does not offer DirectX 11-supporting graphics processors, which is a yet another reason why the demand towards the new Radeon HD 5000 family greatly exceeds supply. DirectX 11 provides better performance and higher quality images in next-generation PC video games.


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Home List of Titles Passive spiral formation from halo gas starvation: gradual transformation into S0s
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/55876
- Title
- Passive spiral formation from halo gas starvation: gradual transformation into S0s
- Author(s)
- Bekki, Kenji; Couch, Warrick J.; Shioya, Yasuhiro
- Abstract
- Recent spectroscopic and high-resolution Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging observations have revealed significant numbers of "passive" spiral galaxies in distant clusters, with all the morphological hallmarks of a spiral galaxy (in particular, spiral arm structure), but with weak or absent star formation. Exactly how such spiral galaxies formed and whether they are the progenitors of present-day S0 galaxies is unclear. Based on analytic arguments and numerical simulations of the hydrodynamical evolution of a spiral galaxy's halo gas (which is a likely candidate for the source of gas replenishment for star formation in spirals), we show that the origin of passive spirals may well be associated with halo gas stripping. Such stripping results mainly from the hydrodynamical interaction between the halo gas and the hot intracluster gas. Our numerical simulations demonstrate that even if a spiral orbits a cluster with a pericenter distance ~3 times larger than the cluster core radius, ∼80% of the halo gas is stripped within a few Gyr and, accordingly, cannot be accreted by the spiral. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that this dramatic decline in the gaseous infall rate leads to a steady increase in the Q parameter for the disk, with the spiral arm structure, although persisting, becoming less pronounced as the star formation rate gradually decreases. These results suggest that passive spirals formed in this way gradually evolve into red cluster S0s.
- Publication type
- Journal article
- Source
- Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 577, no. 2 (Oct 2002), pp. 651-657
- Publication year
- 2002
- FOR Code(s)
- 0201 Astronomical and Space Sciences
- Keyword(s)
- cD; Clusters; Galaxies; Elliptical; Formation; HST; Hubble Space Telescope; Interactions; ISM; Lenticular
- Publisher
- University of Chicago Press
- Publisher URL
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2002 American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.
- Peer reviewed


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"I listen to Catholic Answers Live every morning and evening. You have changed my life!"
"The civil authority has been, ever from the days of Herod, the enemy of Christ. The question, now pending, is whether the Church shall admit to ministry those only who, according to the dictation of the civil power, are fit for the office."


text: Is is common to see weaver stances in competition (Prefereable IDPA or 3 gun)? I know that the isosceles stance is what I see most of the time but even with some practice (not a whole lot yet) I cannot get very stable with this stance. Is this stance used because most shots are not that far or hard to hit so stability is not extremely important or is that just the stance that everyone takes up and just learns and practices until they are most stable with it? Thanks for the help!


text:
Pope Francis recently raised eyebrows by saying, in an interview, that "proselytism is solemn nonsense, it makes no sense."
This could sound strange since, historically, the word "proselyte" has simply meant a convert, and proselytism has simply meant making converts.
Yet the pope was not dismissing the idea of making converts. In fact, evangelization is high on his priority list.
How can we square these two things?
Francis on Proselytism


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GV Now
Events celebrate Women's History Month at Grand Valley
Posted on March 05, 2014
A variety of events are planned throughout March to celebrate Women's History Month at Grand Valley State University.
Sponsored by the Women's Center and Women and Gender Studies, events are free and open to the public.
The first event, "Hands Off! Ending the War on Women," will take place on March 10, 7-9 p.m. at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts in Grand Rapids. Jessica Jennrich, director of the Women's Center, will join a panel for a discussion on women's rights in the U.S.
Some Women's History Month events are highlighted below.
Her Story with Jo Ann Wassenaar, associate director of the Women's Center: March 11, noon-1 p.m., room 2204, Kirkhof Center
EqualiTEA: March 18, 3 p.m., room 2204, Kirkhof Center
Students, faculty and staff members are invited to celebrate a centuries-old tradition of combining tea parties with discussions of literature, politics and reform. RSVP at www.gvsu.edu/women_cen.
Women's Commission Fireside Chats event: March 26, noon, room 1201, Kirkhof Center
The series of events provides an environment for diverse women from across campus to engage in intercultural education. Melanie Shell-Weiss, assistant professor of liberal studies, will give a presentation, "Migration and Social Justice Movements in Western."
Mascupathy: March 28, noon-1:30 p.m., room 102, Holland Meijer Campus
Randy Flood, director and co-founder of the Men's Resource Center of West Michigan, will share his research, knowledge and expertise of mascupathy.
For more information, contact the Women's Center at (616) 331-2748 or visit www.gvsu.edu/women_cen.


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2013 Gest Fellow Jonathan SassiThursday, April 11th, 2013
Gest Fellow Jonathan D. Sassi is Professor of History at the College of Staten Island and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. His project is entitled "Toward Gradual Emancipation in New Jersey."
I am studying the political struggle that eventuated in New Jersey's gradual emancipation act of 1804. New Jersey was the last state to pass such a law during the period of "the first emancipation" that followed the American Revolution, with Pennsylvania having been the first in 1780. New Jersey's gradual emancipation statute was the result of a decades-long campaign by antislavery activists, many of whom were Quakers. I have been trying to learn how the eighteenth-century antislavery movement functioned: how it fashioned winning arguments and rebutted the opposition's; mobilized supporters and built coalitions; went to court and won legislative victories; all with the ultimate goal of uprooting an entrenched institution and liberating people held in bondage.
The Quaker Collection holds a rich variety of primary source materials that illuminate various facets of the struggle against slavery. To cite a few examples, the correspondence of several key individuals along with the records of abolition societies reveal the inner workings of the movement. The minutes of various Quaker meetings also provide insight into the drive to eliminate slavery, both within the Society of Friends and in society at large. Manumission certificates and legal depositions open up fascinating stories about how particular men, women, and children escaped the snares of enslavement. Moreover, I discovered that the Quaker Collection also contains unexpected finds. For example, a wedding certificate or business receipt — documents that on the surface seemingly have nothing to do with the antislavery movement — can lay bare the personal ties that connected several of the major historical actors and bring their eighteenth-century world into focus.
My research will require me to visit a number of other archives in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. The full tapestry of New Jersey's antislavery campaign will only become visible as I reconnect the scattered strands of evidence. My time at the Quaker Collection has been enormously productive and provided me with an abundance of findings and leads for further investigation. I am grateful to have been awarded a Gest Fellowship and to the library's expert staff for their manifold assistance.


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I attended the I-69 information meeting at Refugio city hall Monday evening, and was sorely disappointed by the apparent lack of interest by our community leaders. I saw Mayor Jaso, Councilman Hosey and Judge Mascorro, but where were the rest of the City Council members and the rest of the county commissioners?
The routing and construction of the I-69 corridor will profoundly impact the finances, environment, and population of our county, and one would think that our leaders should be much more concerned about that impact than to miss out on this information directly available from TxDOT officials responsible for the planning of I-69.


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Monday to Friday, from 2:00 am till 2:00 pm EST and Saturday, from 3:00 am till 12:00 pm EST (with the exception of German public holidays)
For more information, please refer to our customer care page.
Nobody does the glamour of Italian fashion quite like Roberto Cavalli.
Peter Dundas channels Roberto Cavalli's signature kitsch-inspired aesthetic into knockout contemporary looks for FW16. This fall offers endlessly breathtaking styles, reworking denim on denim, striking metallics and animal prints (which a Cavalli collection wouldn't be complete without) into head-turning special-occasion options. Opt for one of the printed maxi dresses for a touch of the label's bohemian glamour.
Since he burst onto the fashion scene and established himself as the go-to designer for glamorous party pieces in the 1970s, Roberto Cavalli has continued to offer collection after collection of extravagant knockouts and ready-made evening elegance. Italian-born and forever tapping into his heritage with a highly artistic design vision, Cavalli arguably boasts one of the world's most recognisable aesthetics. With Peter Dundas at the helm since 2015, we're expecting nothing less than the wonderful combinations of glamour, tradition and innovation that Cavalli is known and loved for.
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Get an overview of this hotelCentral Rome hotel across from Teatro dell'Opera
Expedia Insiders' Select™ Winner 2015
This hotel is one of the few selected in Rome to receive this exclusive award based on 1 million guest reviews submitted annually by Expedia travelers.
+VIP Access™ Hotel
Our customers receive consistently exceptional service at these hotels.See details
In downtown Rome
Centrally located in Rome, this hotel faces the Teatro dell'Opera and is within 2 blocks of the Repubblica metro station and Via Nazionale and within 1 km (0.5 mi) of Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Lobby bar, terrace
Guests of iQ Hotel Roma can sip drinks in the lobby bar and enjoy views from the rooftop terrace. This modern hotel also has vending machines on each floor, a 24-hour business center, gym, and children's play area.
Free Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs
The non-smoking guestrooms at iQ Hotel Roma feature beds with memory foam mattresses, flat-panel televisions, complimentary wireless Internet access, laptop-compatible safes, and compact refrigerators.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
iQ Hotel Roma
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
The lobby bar at iQ Hotel Roma faces the Opera House and has an on-call staff available around the clock. A partially covered rooftop terrace overlooks the roofs of Rome. For a surcharge, a self-serve breakfast buffet with hot and cold dishes can be enjoyed on the terrace. The hotel also has unique vending machines containing toiletries, wine, beer, sandwiches, snacks, and coffee.
Guests have complimentary access to the 4-star hotel's gym. A play area is available for children as well. Business travelers will appreciate the 24-hour business center and complimentary wireless Internet access. Wired Internet is accessible for a surcharge. Nearby parking is available (surcharge and reservations required). Each floor of the hotel has a designated area for smoking. For a surcharge, the hotel will pick up guests from the train station as well as shuttle them to/from the cruise terminal, airport, and ferry (advance notice required for all shuttles).
- 24-hour front desk
- Airport transportation (surcharge)
- Total number of rooms - 88
- Number of floors - 6
- ATM/banking
- Babysitting or childcare
- Concierge services
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-out
- Fitness facilities
- Cruise terminal shuttle (surcharge)
- Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
- Free WiFi
- Designated smoking areas
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
- Laundry facilities
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Multilingual staff
- Rooftop terrace
- Porter/bellhop
- Luggage storage
- Train station pickup (surcharge)
- Year Built 1970
- 24-hour business center
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Bar/lounge
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Television in common areas
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Free Wi-Fi
- Soundproofed rooms
- Laundry facilities
- Babysitting or childcare
- Refrigerator
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Room Amenities
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Air conditioning
- Soundproofed rooms
- Phone
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Bidet
- Desk
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Satellite TV service
- Flat-panel TV
- Free WiFi
- In-room safe (laptop compatible)
- Bathtub or shower
- Down comforter
- Memory foam mattress
- Yard
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 2 PM
Special check-in instructions:
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! Children 3 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- No onsite parking is available.
No rollaway/extra beds available
- A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 6 per person, per night, up to 10 nights. This tax does not apply to children under 10 years of age.
Optional extras
- Breakfast fee: EUR 10 per person (approximately)
Hotel Name
- Hotel iQ Roma
- Hotel Roma iQ
- iQ Hotel
- iQ Hotel Roma
- iQ Hotel Roma Rome
- iQ Roma
- iQ Roma Hotel
- iQ Roma Rome
- Roma iQ
- Roma iQ Hotel
We should mention
All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport. Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 2999.99, due to national regulations. For further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation. This property offers transfers from the cruise terminal, ferry terminal, airport, and train station (surcharges may apply). Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Children 3 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.


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Dear members,
Thank you, NarutoBase Staff
i still dont think u need senju dna for the renni .
Pretty sure Madara created Zetsu with Hashi Dna from their fight. I dont think the 10 tails would plot out stuff like that. I'm sure itll be just like the ninetails, you can talk to him in his conscience but on the outside its just BOOM CRASH **** stuff upp Tbb.
Originally Posted by gameove
i still dont think u need senju dna for the renni .
My theory is you don't NEED it for rinngan but it may speed up the process or make it easier.
Originally Posted by Mattyj420
hers my idea...........the 4th is gonna come back he learned all his sealing tecks from the uzumaki clan the reaper death seal may have more to it than we know...he sealed half of the 9 inside of him the other half in his son....the 10 tails cant truely become complete with out all of it the gold and silver brothers are inside it and now it needs naruto miniato and the rest of killer bee... you can say it wont matter but theres gotta be a weakness to the statue if all the chakra is not there he wont ever be 100 percent the 4th was sapost to be sealed away but he was able to see his son when the time was right by adding to his 8 tetragram seal only baby Naruto The third and the thirds subordinates new what the 4th did. Theres 2 hosts for all of the nine tails powers and im almost sure that the 4th mastered his side of the 9 tails in his eternity of nothingness..He used the reaper death seal for some reason. that statue was alive at once its not a mindless klling machine...i may be completely wrong but someone who mastered space time travel and sealing formulas im sure the 4th left himself another loophole..when he was fighting obito at the end obito said hell take over the world and there is so many ways to do that..if ur told that to a leader ur gonna prepare something more than a wim ur son will control the power u gave him..if the infinate genjustsu is perfected and everything that was is gone that means all the past will be undone if u change the past u change the future....soo i guess wait and see theres an idea its a stretch but lets see how it goes.
Hmmm... interesting idea. Not sure if that chakra would really make a difference. It does puzzle me though, because Orochimaru was about to summon the 4th Hokage when battling the 3rd, until the 3rd stopped him. So I do think it is possible to get Minato back... and quite possibly the 9-tails chakra sealed with him....
I don't know if it would go down as you say exactly... but it is a possible plot twist... very interesting... reps.
Originally Posted by Cash
The Gedu statue is the vessle for the Juubi.
How did Madara mysteriously find himself in the cave with the statue?
The Uchiha and Senju were the two separations of the SOT6P.... Uzumaki was not one of the two splits in the blood line....
I thought through what you said a long time ago, and it puzzled me then
I thought the statue was a vessel of the juubis chakra because the manga stated the sage created the moon with chibaku tensei and put its body in there. Like Nagato did when he attempted to capture Naruto.
Originally Posted by rdees1011
I thought the statue was a vessel of the juubis chakra because the manga stated the sage created the moon with chibaku tensei and put its body in there. Like Nagato did when he attempted to capture Naruto.
You are right. That IS true. But the statue is now in that cave. And Nagato was able to summon it chained up with a covering over its eye.
The only possibility is that someone summoned the Gedu statue there, and brought Madara to it.... BUT WHO? LOL. It would have to be a whole new previously not mentioned character... there is noone left.
Interesting theory! White Zetsu is from Hashirama DNA, but its plausible but in my opinion unlikely about Black Zetsu being from the 10 tails. Nothing we know at present suggests the 10 tails had rational thought, but it is possible due to the thoughts of the tailed beast. It would be quite interesting if the ten tails does have a sort of manipulation, but I am doubting it
I admire your P.O.V.
It may be possible what u saying
the white Zetsu part seems not very true but +rep because it was logically reasoned :D
i feel ya it was just a thought thanks for not being an *******...idk if thats how it will go down but i feel like thats something kishi would do..... there is also that seal the 4th put on obito when they were fighting so he could fly right over to him. if the 4th doesnt come back theres gotta be a link with the seal that was placed on obito...im not sure this may be wrong but i thnk it was a contract seal. it took 9tails back with it and was also able to warp to him let me know if u think that may have anything to do with things
Umm.. just no. If this was Kishi he would've left us 10,000 hints beforehand including something stupid like "Tobi" = "obito" without the 'o'. I don't see that with madara and the 10 tails.
zetsu is an orochimaru creation
my first base theory/thread was a wall of text. but had massive theories in it....which i kinda forgot about. but why has nobody really realized that black zetsu is madaras cells....it makes most sense
You have no evidence to support your theory....
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