text:
- All
- Angels and Demons
- Atonement
- Basic Reformed Theology
- Irresistible Grace
- Limited Atonement
- Perseverance of the Saints
- Total Depravity
- Unconditional Election
- The Church
- Church Discipline
- Church Leadership
- Creeds and Confessions
- God
- Holiness
- Sovereignty
- Heaven and Hell
- Heresies
- The Holy Spirit
- Jesus Christ
- Cross
- Incarnation
- Resurrection
- Justification
- Last Things
- Man and Sin
- Reference
- Sacraments
- Salvation
- Faith
- Regeneration
- Scripture
- Systematic Theology
- Theological Views
- Roman Catholicism
- Music
- Apologetics
- False Teaching
- Atheism
- Book Reviews
- Children's Books
- Christian Classics
- Christianity and Culture
- Creation
- Ethics
- Fiction and Literature
- Philosophy
- Science
- Bible Figures
- Bible Interpretation
- Bibles
- Books of the Bible
- Gospels
- Covenants
- General Reference Works
- Introduction to the Bible
- Jesus' Ministry
- Life of Jesus
- New Testament
- Old Testament
- Parables
- Prophecy
- Sermon on the Mount
- Ten Commandments
- The Lord's Prayer
- Controversies in the Church
- Alcohol
- Arts
- Bible Translation
- Covenant Theology
- Creationism
- Education
- Gender-Neutral Language
- Law and Gospel
- Lordship Salvation
- New Perspective on Paul
- Politics
- Race
- Sabbath
- Spiritual Gifts
- Women in Ministry
- Marriage and Family
- Divorce
- Parenting
- Practical Theology
- Discipleship
- Evangelism and Missions
- Grief and Death
- Pastoral Ministry
- Preaching
- Worship
- Spiritual Growth
- Anxiety and Worry
- Apostasy
- Assurance
- Conscience
- Depression
- Doubt
- Fellowship
- Godliness
- Guilt
- Humility
- Joy
- Knowing God's Will
- Legalism
- Love
- Money and Stewardship
- Oaths and Vows
- Prayer
- Pride
- Repentance and Forgiveness
- Sanctification and Growth
- Service
- Spiritual Fruit
- Suffering
- Thankfulness
- Vocation
- American Church History
- Ancient Church
- Biography
- The Byzantine East
- Eighteenth Century
- Enlightenment and Modernism
- Historical Theology
- Medieval Church
- Nineteenth Century
- Puritanism
- Reformation
- Seventeenth Century
- Twentieth Century
The Spirit's Internal Witness
Nearly forty years ago, I was a part of a group known as the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy. Concerned about the impact of liberal higher criticism, we gathered to define what it means that the Bible does not teach …Read More
Spiritual Alzheimer's
"Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by …Read More
Spokesmen for God
The Lord did not commission His prophets to act as missionaries, going to those who had never heard God's Word, nor were they to be innovators inaugurating a radically different religion. Their primary duty was to administer spiritual first aid …Read More
Spontaneous Compassion
Bureaucracies aren't programmed to be compassionate. It's not in the nature of the thing. Take my friend, David Bowie, in his big, bulky wheelchair. After he became a quadriplegic in a car accident and his wife left him, he moved …Read More
Staging a Reformation
Having served R.C. Sproul during the past several years, I have enjoyed the great privilege of answering to many of his humorous nicknames by which he addresses me. Over the past few years he has adopted one in particular that …Read More
Stand Firm
I suppose it's a fault. I'm sure that my wife who remembers every name, place, and date for the last fifty years thinks so. But, for some reason, I find it difficult to recall details of the past. If I say …Read More
Standing Firm
Martin Luther, in his Table Talk #403, makes the statement that "an upright shepherd and minister must improve his flock by edification, and also resist and defend it; otherwise, if resisting be absent, the wolf devours the sheep." Resisting and …Read More
Standing On The Promises Of God's Word
It doesn't take long to feel overwhelmed in most Christian bookstores these days. So many books, some good, some bad, all competing for your attention and dollar. You may buy a book every so often, only to have it sit …Read More
The State of Theology
Tabletalk: Why did Ligonier do the State of Theology survey? Stephen Nichols: One of the cardinal rules of giving a speech is "Know your audience." Back in 2014, we partnered with LifeWay Research to conduct a survey of the theological …Read More
"A decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered…." In Luke 2, the well-known passage introducing the nativity story, the title accorded to the Roman emperor is Caesar Augustus. Had this census been mandated earlier …Read More


text:
Discussion in 'The Coffee Shop ~ Chit Chat' started by ChevyFan, Mar 6, 2008.
I mean Flatman... I'm 6 months younger so I can call him old man I guess.
Flatman (35)
happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Brother!
Happy birthday arty:
hmm...35...almost over the hill...just joking. :lol: Have a very happy birthday!
Happy b-day
Happy Birthday arty:arty:
Separate names with a comma.

subset: commoncrawl


text: I was looking at branding irons, Mann lake, ever hot, wood craft. My question is on intricate logos will they brand deep enough? what kind is best I figured propane since it is portable. How about old fire ones or buying them locally from a fabricater anyone have luck with that? I just want to know mostly your experiences and if the technology can produce a detailed logo that is about the size of a pog that will burn deep and not be a burnt circle. I figured the logo will be name and other information around the circle and a simple bee or something in the middle like a 50 cent piece. Thank you gentlemen and woman for any information given it s much appreciated taking you time out of your busy bee schedule to help a fellow keeper out. Thank you.


text:
Sign Up
Log In
Saturday, November 10, 2012Wisconsin
It looks like your log contains HTML or UBB formatting. We now use Markdown formatting because it works on both web and mobile. Would you like to convert your log?
Success! To keep these changes, hit "Submit Log Entry" at the bottom of the page.
Hmm. Some of your log formatting is not supported. You might want to remove it and use Markdown formatting.
Went to meet and greet in the park this morning and had some work at the daughters house to do and after dinner we took of and did this series. It took use about 4 hours and we did the last few with the flashlight. TFTC
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Advertising with Us


text:
When Jack Reacher writer/director Christopher McQuarrie saw Aussie Jai Courtney's audition tape, he emailed it to producer and star Tom Cruise.
Five minutes later he got a reply that simply read: "Cast him."
"There was no discussion about it, we never talked about it, we just, we hired Jai on the spot," he says.
For Courtney, getting the villainous role of Charlie in Jack Reacher was something of a break into Hollywood movies.
"It was certainly a welcome gig to get after a couple of years of not working - and a fantastic project," says Courtney, who last appeared in TV series Spartacus.
Since getting cast in Jack Reacher, the thriller based on Lee Child's book series, Courtney has acted opposite Bruce Willis, playing his son in A Good Day to Die Hard, and scored roles in I, Frankenstein with Aaron Eckhart and in the Aussie film Felony.
With all these films slated for release this year, or beyond, you sense it must feel like the calm before the storm.
"I've had some incredible experiences in the last year or so and [am] just embracing that."
He says he's not really thinking about whether he will lose his anonymity, admitting he's a little naive about it and will just see how he handles it when or if it happens.
Meanwhile, McQuarrie says he couldn't be happier that Courtney, who he describes as a genuinely good soul, has gone on to such success.
"You work with somebody very closely and somebody that you feel some sense of having a part in discovering that person and then to have other people step up and validate what you saw is great," he says.
"I'm just thrilled for Jai."
While Jack Reacher is McQuarrie's second time directing, he is a seasoned screenwriter, having won an Oscar for penning 1995 film The Usual Suspects.
But aside from the great script, for Courtney scoring the role of Charlie also marked something of a first.
"This was kind of the first villain I had played," he says.
"Of course there's [also] the whole boys with their toys thing. I get to shoot guns and drive cars," he says. "It's a dream come true."
To prepare for some of the stunts, Courtney needed to train with weapons, particularly sniper rifles, and learned choreographed fights.
He first met Cruise when he dropped by during a fight rehearsal.
"I was like sweaty and in my trackpants and he kind of rolled in and yeah, you have one of those moments where it was like [looking starstruck], 'hey, how you doing, man,"' he says.
"But soon after that you find yourself in a meeting and you're discussing the role ... and it's just a colleague."
As for working with Cruise, compared to working with Willis, Courtney says the experiences were totally different, but equally enjoyable.
"Bruce was a lot of fun to work with," he says.
"In some ways [I] had a lot more to do with Bruce than I did with Tom, in just the nature of those characters and the journey in the script of the Die Hard film."


text:
You have been greenlit
by Gimp June 29, 2003
prison lingo when a dirty cop wants a prisoner dead he will have him green lit which means he gives the okay for another prisoner that owes him a favor to shank this guy to death in the showers
when detective vic mackey wanted armadillo's brother dead he had him green lit then some black dude that owed vic a favor stabbed him in the shower
by ronib lindsley March 04, 2004
American prison term. It means person will be shanked in the shower. Bleeding out before guards even notice that he was late for the breakfast.
by TheShield May 19, 2009
The vengeful act of crapping on a lover's chest while they sleep.Buy the plush


text:
Houses of Tolerance
Considered a significant subject of modern life, prostitution captured the attention of both writers and visual artists. Edmond de Goncourt and Emile Zola were leading figures in Naturalism – a literary movement where writers drew their ideas from observation. In the visual arts, a similar approach to examining and recording modern life was adopted by artists such as Edgar Degas and subsequently by Lautrec.
Houses of tolerance [maisons de tolérance] were established in Paris during the early nineteenth century to regulate prostitution. Luxurious establishments [maisons de luxes] were located in the suburbs of the well-to-do. Alternatively, less wealthy men queued at the 'slaughterhouses' [maisonsd'abattage] for a liaison in miserable surrounds.
The dissolute nature of the brothels appealed to Lautrec, as did the matter-of-fact transactions and the unselfconscious attitudes of the prostitutes. Lautrec visited brothels with his friend François Gauzi:
Ever on the look-out for new models, and attracted to those with the most striking personalities, Lautrec frequented … the brothels of the rue des Moulins, the rue d'Amboise, and the rue Joubert. So that he should miss nothing of the private life of their lodgers, he took to having meals with these ladies…
Accepted as a regular visitor, Lautrec was afforded access to the private lives of the prostitutes.


text:
Jo Garcia's Sports Week
Jo celebrates the release of NCAA Football 12 and Sony predicts the outcome of the 2011 MLB All-Star Game.
This week kicks off the 2012 sports video games season with NCAA Football 12. Critics are loving the crap out of the game and new features like authentic gameday traditions and an enhanced tackling engine seem like the perfect ways to make the game more true to life and better to play. With a potential for a lost NFL season there may be plenty of Sundays that get filled with games of NCAA Football 12. NCAA Football 12 is out now for PS3 and XBOX 360.
Baseball season is hitting the halfway mark here and the 2011 All-Star Game is tonight. This season has already been pretty memorable with things like Jeter's chase for 3,000 hits. Maybe you're the curious type and are looking for an edge predicting whether the National League or the American League will take home bragging rights at this year's MLB All-Star game. If so, the folks behind MLB 2011: The Show have gone ahead and simulated the All Star game. It's crazy to think that this wasn't the real game recap, it feels ridiculously real. I'm not sure I'd use it to place any bets, but check out the recap below.
Send me a tweet on my Twitter account @gamernextdoor and let me know what games are dominating your week or have you excited for the future.


text: I had planed to do one of these, I was just waiting on the right frame and I will soon have one. So I started off this afternoon with some of the loose part I had in my parts stash. Quick pic to draw inspiration. The beginning of the project.


text:
Cancer treatments max out insurance plans
In 19 years with breast cancer, Gladys Lester has had a mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and a stem-cell transplant. She's had operations to remove cancer that spread to her liver, lungs and ovaries, and chemotherapy that left her bald five separate times.
But only in March, when she was told she'd used up her health coverage, did she feel she'd been handed a "death sentence."
She arrived at the hospital for chemotherapy that day and was told she'd hit her health plan's $1 million lifetime maximum.
"All these years, I've treated my cancer as a chronic disease," and not a terminal one, says the Ramsey resident, 51. "I live my life as best I can. I walk every day. I play with my kids."
She's not the only one whose life has hinged on a line of fine print in a health plan.
In Fort Lee, Australia Montoya, 42, defied doctors' expectations after being diagnosed with advanced colon cancer 20 months ago. She underwent surgery, 25 rounds of chemotherapy, and a second major operation. Now back at her normal weight, she says she feels good.
Except for one thing: She has no more medical coverage for her cancer. She exhausted her plan's $150,000-per-illness limit months ago.
Her husband, Jose Montoya, spelled out the consequences when he appealed in writing to her health plan: "Failure to provide continued cancer treatment for my wife's condition will result in DEATH."
The appeal was denied.
Cancer patients like Lester and Montoya are inspiring examples of medical progress. They've survived tough treatments against long odds. Lester has lived long enough to see her son, 7 months old when she was diagnosed, grow up and go to college.
Yet their cases also show the high costs of such progress — and how those costs can exhaust insurance coverage.
When charges for new cancer drugs and the latest in high-tech imaging are toted up — year after year for long-term patients — a million dollars doesn't last as long as it once did. Advanced breast cancer patients can ring up $160,000 annually just for chemotherapy. One of Montoya's hospital stays was billed at more than $200,000.
Meanwhile, employers who want to control insurance costs limit — or cap — coverage.
When these two trends converge, the unthinkable happens. Who'd anticipate running up more than a million dollars in medical bills? Who'd expect to run out of insurance?
"The whole point of insurance is to protect people against catastrophic loss," says the American Cancer Society's Stephen Finan. "To cut them off at $1 million is to throw them into medical hell or bankruptcy."
A recent study found that the number of Americans with inadequate insurance coverage had risen dramatically — to 25 million people in 2007, a jump of 60 percent in four years.
On the other hand, helping people like Lester and Montoya will take more than raising the caps, says Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans, an insurance industry group.
"Why are some of these treatments so expensive? What can be done to control the increasing cost of care?" he says.
"Maxing out" is still rare, but "it will become more common," says Dr. Andrew Pecora, chairman and director of Hackensack University Medical Center's cancer center. "Wonderful new drugs" that prolong life are great news for the patient, he says. But their price tag, for society, "represents a major problem."
He adds: "None of us ever wants to go into a patient's room and say, 'Your recent scan shows the tumor has completely faded away, but the chemo I've been giving you can't be continued because you've reached your maximum.'Ÿ"
Caps come in many forms: lifetime caps, annual caps, prescription caps, caps per illness. Most people don't realize their policies are limited until they find out the hard way.
the latest
Special Section
See all of our Special Sections and Magazines


text:
|Narrator Prime
|Ulric Vastagar
|Malstrom Kolozsvar
|Narrator Prime
Ustalav, cold and miserable, even in the spring months. The land looked green enough, but the sounds of animals and birds was muffled somehow, as if they were too frightened to draw attention to themselves. Filds of crops sat like a forlorn hope amongst greyish woods and run down villages.
The heavy coach lumbered along a well worn roadway, it's wheels following the ruts of a hundred carriages before it. Two well armed outriders led the way, their eyes scanning the wooded lanes carefully, both of them urging the coach driver to keep the vehicle moving so they could make their destination by nightfall. No one wanted to be on the road when the light of the sun sank behind the great hills to the west. Things came out and fed at night in this land.
Inside the heavy darkness of the armoured passenger compartment sat five strangers. Each were caught up in their own thoughts, but they all had one thing in common. A simple piece of parchment, once sealed by red wax and carrying the arcane mark of a man they had all met at least once. Each of them now travelled to his funeral, summoned by his daughter as part of the man's last will and testiment.
Take the chance here to describe your character, and maybe have some sort of in character conversation with others. Note this part is just to get some idea of what you're doing in the game thread and get a feel for your new character. We're still a bit away from starting as some folks are busy and haven't sorted toons out yet.
|Ulric Vastagar
Ulric looks over everyone, making his assessments and not caring too much to break off any stares that get noticed. He's quite out of sorts, being in the bloody carriage. He asked for a horse as he hated to travel any roads without seeing the terrain and wearing his comforting layers of protection. He kept his shield and sword beside him though, not apologetic about the space they took up. He didn't know these folk so he kept his hands close enough to the daggers concealed near his waist. A couple times conversation had been kindled but sputtered out soon after. He really didn't care much about that. Obviously, everyone was considering what change of fortune, if any, might be coming their way. Ulric, quite content to continue as he already was in life only decided to come because he had no current contract to uphold. "Might I suggest that if any of you who currently have weapons upon them, keep them close to hand. I know this country well and we are too near to dusk to travel unprepared for hazard. This little journey to fortune could well finish in blood if we don't make town soon. Not to be an omen of ill, just stating facts. Ulric Vastagar by the way, the pleasure is mine." He grips his longsword within its scabbard in a reverse fashion, its tip resting upon the carriage floor.
|Malstrom Kolozsvar
I don't like it, I don't like it, I don't like it, Malstrom was continuing saying to himself, it's just not right. The inner termoil was all consuming.
Looking down to his hand where he held a piece of steel, his thumb subconsciously rubbing up and down its legnth. At one time it would have been an inch thick, now it was probably half that concaved in from its treatment. Bringing the flat back of the steel to rest upon his cheek, Malstrom took a deep breath, calmed himself and said
Hail fellow travelers I am Malstrom Kolosvar, what brings such a fine group of citizens to be travelling in this carriage in this god forsaken land?
In a flat tone, as he's gazing out one of the carrage windows, "Only the foolish travel these lands unarmed and only the trusting openly discuss their reasons for traveling." Archeos' expression difficult to read due to the half-mask he's wearing and the statement seems at odds with the fact that he is not visibly armed.
"I'm Archeos," the comment is off handed and disinterested as if one might have stated "that is a horse".
|Ulric Vastagar
Ulric snorts derisively at the mask wearers comment. "Trust me! I know where you're heading as we all are on the same bearing. Notice my hands if you will. One on my sword and one lingering over a dagger. I spoke to take measure of those in my company by their words. Your response speaks volumes."
He looks to Malstrom. "Nice to meet you master gnome. Malstrom was it? I don't know about you but I'm here for an answer to a mystery."
|Malstrom Kolozsvar
Ahh Archeos, I am pleased to meet your aquainence and you Sir Ulric. There is nothing sinister or mysterous about my travels. I have come to say goodbye to an old teacher, he past away just recently. He was very dear to me, taught me many things, helped me immensely, last time I saw him was probably even before you were born young Ulric. How time flies, I should have made a better effort to to keep in touch. I owe him so much
As Malstrom looked forlornly into his lap he realised he had stopped rubbing the peice of steel, this sudden realisation jerked him back to reality, he smiled to his other traveling comrades and continued his work on the steel.
|Ulric Vastagar
Now Ulric may not have remembered the man who had passed from this life but seeing someone before him with an obvious emotional connection to this stranger somehow connected him to this world. He could then genuinely intone a succinct prayer for his patrons 'ears'. "May he greet Pharasma gracefully." He didn't quite like being addressed as Sir but thought he would ignore it this one time.
deep breathing, deep breathing...must regain control...
I am Brethan Snowspitter of the Khellid. I go because Petros Lorrimor has asked me to go
[b]I think i need some air. Can i ride up on top[b]
|Ulric Vastagar
Ulric appraises Brethan, his youth full upon his face and in his manner unfinished. He admired the rough edge to the young man who had obviously seen combat even at his young age. His hands were rough and labored which meant he wasn't afraid of work. Yes, he could get along with this kid. "I am with you Brethan, I greatly dislike being contained so. Swing the door open at least and let some air in."
|Brethan Snowspitter
Brethan swings the door ajar to allow air to flow in. Not too chilly it stills a crisp bite to it that clears his mind and brings thoughts of home and tribe in. He feels better and realises that the swaying rocking motion of the coach was making him feel unsettled"Ahh i feel better already. Let me know if it gets to cold for anyone and I shall close it."
|Ulric Vastagar
The Cold air snaps Lucem out of her reverie. Watching the sun set always seemed to dampen her sprits. Knowing that the light that shows all and has protected her was fading once again. She took solice in her medallion of Sarenrae, it was her strength in the darkness. It was also a treasured gift from the man who had summoned her, from his grave it seemed. She was also troubled by the fact that she was the only woman in the group. But it seemed that any eyes she saw looking her way were on her face or her weapons. A lesson learnt long ago meant that she kept her dagger close at hand when travelling with men in close quarters. So far she hadn't sensed anything menacing from the others, just the usual male bravado.
Taking in a deep breath and using the crispness to clear her lungs.
"My thanks for opening the door. The air has a cleansing affect, I think we need our spirits cleansed before we farewell our friend. Well met, I am Lucem. Since our dear friend has requested us all to celebrate his passing it seems we have touched his life in some way. We may all share in some quaity. And travelling unarmed dear Ulric may not be that quality" As she winks at Ulric, deftly bringing the dagger out of its hiding place, and putting it back again before anyone could react.
|Ulric Vastagar
Ulric smiles at Lucem. "My, my Lucem. Why just a flash? By the look of your garb I would say you use that for healing above all else, yes? I too have dealt much healing and counseling with my weaponry. They certainly heed you well when wielding such divine instruments."
|Brethan Snowspitter
Smirking at Ulric "One 'flash' from me and you let your guard down. It's not just my healing that you should be wary of.... Well now is that a personality I see behind your steel? This farewell could be more interesting than I'd anticipated." Lucem turns to Malstrom and watches him methodically rub his piece of steel.
|Ulric Vastagar
|Brethan Snowspitter
|Ulric Vastagar
|Narrator Prime
The conversation took their minds from the dullness of the trip, and before long, the coach began to rattle on cobbled roads rather than empacted dirt. As the heavy wagon pulled to a stop, the group could see a tidy little hamlet sprawled around them.
The buildings mostly stood constructed of Tudor style plaster and board, with heavy shingle roofing to ward off the incessent rain and drizzle in this part of the world. A few buildings were constructed of heavy black stone, mined from the Bezkan mountains in the distant west. Most likely these would be used for defensive fallbacks when the inevitable orc raids drifted in from those very same mountains.
A heavy round church, dedicated to Pharasma dominated the village itself, while on a nearby hill, the burnt and ruined remains of a huge stone building stood looking over the village. The heavy walls and empty windows gave the grim impression of some skeletal visage glaring down across the landscape, and a chill ran up most of their spines at the first sign of this edifice.
As the group dismount from the coach and unload thier gear, they notice the stares of the townsfolk who are still about in the ever darkening dusk. They looked to be of hardy stock, but their faces clearly showed the distrust and suspicion they held for strangers.
The coachman leapt from his seat and unloaded the mail bag while the two outriders orgainised for teh wagon to be stored and the horses stabled for the night. Without so much as a backward glance, all three men left teh group to their own devices.
Well, you're in a village called Ravengro. You were summoned here by a letter from the estate of Professer Petross Lorrimor, a man all of you met at some stage in the past. The letter doesn't provide much info, just that he is to buried upon your arrival in Ravengro and you should report to his estate as soon as you arrive. Over to you
|Ulric Vastagar
Ulric immediately looks to his gear. Stepping down from the carriage with his scabbard fastened at his hip and shield slung over shoulder. He grabs his backpack and looks about the solemn town. He retrieves his Flail from his gear and carries it. The flail, his favored weapon has an inscription upon it which he intones to Pharasma's as he enters battle. Once ready with his gear, his flail chain resting over his shoulder so as not to look threatening, he looks about and calls out. "My lady, Pharasma has seen to take Professor Lorrimor. We here all, arrive to pay our respects and witness his bodies commitment to the earth. Directions to his estate if you please."
That result is totally befitting his persona
|Brethan Snowspitter
I will get out of the coach and check my kit. Make sure that i'm not tripping over Icebreaker, step towards the the nearest citizen and say "Goodman/woman (whichever the case may be) please point me in the direction of the Lorrimor estate, or whoever is handling his affairs".
My only skill really is intimidate. D20+3 = 16+3=19.
If that gets me spat at I will head to the nearest inn. When in doubt drink it out.
Archeos dismounts and then retrieves his backpack from the carriage. Casually putting on his quiver and fastening his bow to his back Archeos takes stock of the surroundings.
"I must admit I was expecting a welcome of some sort given the nature of our summons."
|Ulric Vastagar
|Narrator Prime
The older warrior steps from the coach and approaches a crone hanging around the town square. Her shawl couches her face in shadows, and her back is slightly stooped with age, but the woman looks firm enough as she carries a basket of produce along the cobbled yard.
At Ulric's approach and demeanor, she turns her head and spits a phlegmy gobbet of filth onto the street, before proceeding along as if not hearing him. As she turned to go however, the looming form of Brethan strode into view. His voice boomed as he demanded directions to the Estate of his old aquaintance, clearly cowing the old woman. She cringed from the hulking barbarian for a moment, before pointing with her gnarled hand down one of the laneways. "Tis down the end of yonder street. Now leave an old lady be so she can get inside afore the sun sinks full behind the mountains"
She scurried away, casting a last glance over her shoulder before again spitting and making a spiralling sign of protection across her heart.
Archeos watched the exchange with some amusement, looking to see if someone more official was available to talk to, but it seemed as if even the town militia were keen to be off the streets tonight.
Will give the others a chance to post as well
|Ulric Vastagar
Lucem Grabs her bag and steps down to the road holding the pummel of her scimitar. She steps away from Brethan, sure that he will sniff his fingers when he thinks noone is looking. Stretching Lucem looks around the village looking for someone who is looking more than curiously at the group and also looking for someone who may have a family resemblance to the deceased.
Her hand goes to her sword handle when she hears the outburst.
|Brethan Snowspitter
I will wait a short while for the people i believe are all coming to the will, namely the girl, the mask, the armour and the little person to get off the coach and I'll say "I think making it indoors before nightfall is sound advice" if everyone is ready in a suitable time frame i will head down the laneway the old spitty crone pointed out.
|Malstrom Kolozsvar
Malstrom waits for the Lady to dimount, shaking his head at the rudeness of the other 3. What a bunch of Dog S$!* Bunch Of Losers he thinks to himself, the quicker I see the back of them the better.
Can I help with any of your bags Lucem?I ask politely
I also retreive my gear, strap my Long Sword to my hip and whispers Good to have you back at my side Angradd and you too Kols sliding his Scale over his shoulder.
Following the old lady's direction I start to move toward the lane.
Archeos eyes the indicated street skeptically, but in the absence of any other directions decides that it's at least worth a quick look.
I agree ... the faster we get this done the better.
|Ulric Vastagar
|Ulric Vastagar
|Brethan Snowspitter
|Narrator Prime
The group decide to follow the old crone's words and begin to make their way down the street. As they go, they catch glimpses of folk peering from between curtains, the warm lights of their houses casting the faces in shadows. The eeriness of the moorland trip and the unfriendly greeting from the locals has most of them on edge, but it would seem hat ambush and murder are not in the townsfolk minds this night.
Leaving the village centre, they quickly find the road line with grey barked trees. The cold winter here the moorlands still clung tenaciously to the land, so the trees were still bare. Their twisted branches and heavy bark provided stark contrast against the reddened sky as the sun finally dipped below the mountain peaks in the distance.
There were few houses in this lane way,but both Lucem and Malstrom spotted a young woman standing on the verandah of one modest home, watching the group as they approached. She looked to be in her early twentys, moderately comely, and clearly a blood relation to Lorrimmor. Most likely, this was the person who sent for you all.
|Malstrom Kolozsvar
I get the attention of my fellow companions and say, I believe this might be the house we are looking for pointing to the dwelling with the young lady standing out front.
I continue along the pathway leading to Professor Lorrimmor's house and introduce my self to the young lady.
Bowing politely I say, Good evening Miss, how are you this cool night? I am Malstrom Kolozsvar, please to meet your aquaintence. Myself and my fellow travelers here introducing them in turn, have received a letter, which I believe came from you to inform us that dear Professor Lorrimmor past away. I am deeply sorry for your loss he was a mentor and friend to me
|Ulric Vastagar
|Brethan Snowspitter
I think it is time for shelter.
"Good woman whether you are the person we seek or not, the sun is down, the dark approaches, and we seek shelter for the night. If you can lodge us it would be appreciated, and I can pay some coin"
d20+3=7+3=10 all i've got is intimdate as a communication skill, but i don't really want to intimidate her, can i just do the base d20=9 (?)
|Narrator Prime
The woman turns her head at the sound of little gnome, and it becomes apparent to all of them that she was completely unaware they had even been there. Her face showed clear signs of recent weeping, but even so she was quite attractive. Her slim figure was clothed in dark materials, and a thin black veil hung across her upper face.
Her eyes opened a little wide at the motley crew assembled before her, before her mouth turned into a thankful smile.
"Pharasma be praised, you came!" she cried as she hurriedly moved down the stairs to greet you all with arms wide. She moved to each pary member, hugging them in turn and kissing Lucem on the cheek in friendly greeting.
"Oh, you are all just as father described. Please, come in. We have had no idea if any more people were coming, and now you all have arrived."
She ushers all of the group into a largish lounge room. Even so, there isn't enough room for everyone to sit. "I'll return with refreshments. Please make yourselves as comfortable as possible."
As an afterthought, she turns to the hulking barbarian and smiles warmly. "My fathers friends are always welcome to stay in my home. As long as you need."
Her voice caught on the last words as tears again seemed to come unbidden to her eyes. "Excuse me" she sobbed, be fore leaving the room to gather refreshments.
This is Lorrimar's daughter. Anyone who spent significant time with Lorrimar in the past (student of Lorrimar for instance) will remember her as a much younger 12 year old or perhaps as someone you caught a brief glimpse of, depending on the timing of your background. She's grown up alot since then.
|Brethan Snowspitter
|Ulric Vastagar
In unfamiliar surrounds with unknown people, Ulric wonders why he bothered coming. He didn't want refreshments, he just wanted to get this over with. He was wondering if he could genuinely muster any empathy at the professors passing. Pharasma awaits him, let him be judged. I do suppose it is good to get in out of the weather however so let us make the most of this. He makes space in a corner near the entry way to the room and keeps his belongings close at hand.


text:
If anyone understands the design guidelines for Rosemary Beach, Florida, it's Tim McNamara. "The original inspiration was Dutch Caribbean, but Rosemary Beach has sort of morphed into its own style―a mix of traditional and contemporary that adds spice," says the former town architect. At first glance, it appears Tim strayed a bit from the community's official palette of muted tones (mostly earthy greens, browns, and gray-blues) when he designed a house for his own family. Outside, it's a study in black and white, with one small patch of conciliatory olive siding. Inside, muted tones are nowhere in sight. You can see why Tim's wife, Paige, declares, "We like color."
Vibrant red sets off the frames of French doors and windows in the open living/dining/kitchen space on the ground floor. Apple green kitchen cabinets rise to the ceiling's Mondrian-inspired composition of squares and rectangles, some painted yellow, green, or red. "We like to think we have lively personalities, and that the colors reflect that," Tim says. "Having renovated a lot of old houses, we decided to let loose with this new one."
Upstairs, they gave the color wheel another spin. Dark brown and pale blue impart an elegant air to the master bedroom, while orange tiles make a bath glow. In a bedroom that serves as a play space for the couple's sons―Connor, 13, and twins Mitchell and Davis, 10―multihued stripes run up the walls to meet in the center of the ceiling. And that vivid red shows up again on bedroom doors, which sport numbers. "You get a lot of visitors at the beach," Tim explains. "This way you can tell them, 'You're in room 3.'"
The imaginative use of color lends the interiors―created by Tim with the aid of designer Susan Massey―a sense of whimsy and freedom in keeping with the seaside setting. "This is a resort area, where people can have fun with design," he says. "Some worry that color will affect resale value, but your home is where you spend a lot of time, and you should enjoy it. If it doesn't work, just repaint it!"
Second homes at the shore are often decorated as though summer never ends; this year-round residence takes a different approach. "We wanted the house to avoid a strong beach influence while still fitting in," Tim says. Contemporary furnishings strike an urbane note, but the design's casual spirit suits the coastal context. And the colors get a boost from color-free elements, such as the living space's white upholstered seating, rugs, and draperies, and black ottomans and floor.
In addition to its 2,100-square-foot interior, the house embraces the balmy climate with 1,500 square feet of outdoor living space, from compact balconies to a screened room atop the porte cochere. Tall French doors connect the living room to shady front and side porches, the latter equipped with outdoor-fabric curtains and a fireplace for cool-weather lounging. The upstairs bedrooms all connect to a partly screened veranda. Looming over all is a corner tower with "a Mary Poppins view over the roofs of Rosemary Beach," Tim says. "It's a beautiful place to watch the sunset."
The vivid dusk sky seems to support Tim's opinion that more people should embrace color. "Some of my clients see my house and say, 'I love this but I could never do it,'" he says. "I tell them, 'Sure you can. You only live once, you might as well go for it!'"


text:
"the right word" in French. Coined by 19th-century novelist Gustave Flaubert, who often spent weeks looking for the right word to use.
Flaubert spent his life agonizing over "le mot juste." Now Madame Bovary is available in 20 different crappy english translations, so now it doesn't really make a damn bit of difference.
by namealreadyusedbysomeoneelse July 21, 2009
a French (read: pretentious) expression meaning "the right wording/phrasing"
often used by snotty intellectuals like Frasier Crane from the TV show Frasier
often used by snotty intellectuals like Frasier Crane from the TV show Frasier
"Oh anyway, as I was saying, it was horr--well, actually, "horrible" isn't quite le mot juste--more like calamitous! Disastrous! Deplorable! EXECRABLE!"
"Oh brother."
"Oh brother."
by sssshhhnake September 20, 2005


text:
A woman confronted me recently about an article I had written. She said: "My husband says you are wrong. Housing is the best investment because you can leverage it, they are not making any more land and people always need a place to live."
He is correct on all counts. So why are some economists prattling on about the rampant housing market in Auckland with medium sale prices nudging $600,000. Here is why:
A country becomes richer by increasing its production of actual goods and services. This is measured by Gross Domestic Product. This ultimately determines average incomes in a country. New Zealand's GDP is increasing at the pace of a three-legged turtle.
The sale of an existing house represents a transfer of assets between the buyer and seller. There is no new physical output or incomes or employment generated except for real estate agents and bankers.
Housing inflation in New Zealand over the past decade has largely been matched by increases in private debt, much of it borrowed from overseas.
We have used overseas money to bid up our own house prices. There is no increase in New Zealand's ability to service this debt through this process. Individual landlords may be able to generate income from rent but those paying the rent still have to earn an income from somewhere. The process of debt-fuelled housing inflation has not generated any well-paying jobs to service the debt. This lack of output and income growth must eventually bite. The billion dollar question is when?
Some of the housing inflation has been attributed to wealthy overseas buyers. This may be the case, but they are not contributing to increased output or incomes in New Zealand or this would have shown up in our GDP figures. So many are either earning their incomes overseas or have come here to retire.
Rampant housing inflation has created a very ugly generational divide. Young people wishing to buy a first home are forced to take on a massive debt which reduces their ability to save and invest in productive enterprises such as new businesses. Parents may fund their offspring into a first home but this still represents a loss of funds that could have been used to grow our economy.
Individuals can get rich by buying and selling houses but a nation cannot. In such a situation a housing market resembles a giant game of pass the parcel hosted by a very profitable banking sector. In our case most of the profits head overseas. There is no net gain to our country, just more debt and higher house prices. In most cases they are the same houses they were 20 years ago.
Real estate bubbles can last for many, many years. They are self-reinforcing. The ultimate cost to a society is far greater than that of a sharemarket crash because of the massive debt hangover and the impact on the real economy in lower output, employment and incomes. This is why some economists are ringing alarm bells.
Peter Lyons teaches economics at St Peters College in Epsom and has authored several economics texts.


text:
Cultural Transformation
Considering it has been demonstrated to affect outcomes as diverse as employee morale, performance, absenteeism, safety, recruiting, retention, quality of products or services.
Professional Development
To truly thrive and succeed it is even more critical that you become a master of the soft skills that will allow you to manifest your skills and knowledge over the broadest spectrum of people and circumstances, leading to the greatest return on the investment of your time in your career.
The WHY of Your Actions
What is it that causes you to move into action? What are the drivers of your behaviour? What activities, careers and conversations inspire a "passion" within you, causing you to want to become involved?
Sorry, The page is not available. It might have been removed or had its name changed or is temporarily unavailable. You may go to our home page, and use the menus to navigate to a specific section.


text:
BuchmalerbriefMetz, Reinhold
Buchmalerbrief, 1982
watercolour, lacquer and ink on paper
19,5 x 26,5 cm
© photo credit
Collection de l'Art Brut, Lausanne
Metz, Reinhold (1942), Germany
Reinhold Metz was born in Karlsruhe-Durlach, Germany. Raised by his grandmother, he wanted to become a writer or poet, but his manuscripts were rejected by the publishers to whom he sent them. Later, he became an assistant in a printing works, then found employment in a library. In parallel, he had a job in a secondhand bookseller's shop.
At around 30 years of age Reinhold Metz abruptly felt he had been entrusted with a mission: that of reviving the age of illustrated manuscripts in the manner of the copyist monks of the Middle Ages. He started to do calligraphy and illumination for Cervantes' Don Quixote in Spanish, German and French. He dedicated this huge work first to Unicef, then to Jean Dubuffet and Michel Thévoz.
Reinhold Metz works with inks in bright, glossy colours and as a support uses highly absorbent handmade paper. Each book is made up of 270 handwritten pages, whereby text and images mingle and form an indissociable whole.


text:
The forum page could use a link to the giants.com front page.
The forum page could use a link to the giants.com front page.
I used to be FIFTY6G-MAN, but was unable to restore my acct. What can I do since the last email acct I had with this username is no longer available to me? I tried just logging in using FIFTY6G-MAN and my old password but it stated my password was incorrect. There used to be a phone number to get things like this corrected. Any help would be awesome!! Mods????
Is anyone else finding these new boards to be EXTREMELY slow?? I've experienced it on 2 different computers, so I don't think that it is my computer(s).
Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same thing . . . . .
More old users YAY!


text: I seem to have a little slack in my steering. It is most noticeable at hwy speeds. Dangerous im sure and a little scary. What could be the cause and is it something I may be able to fix myself. Im not ASE certified but Im pretty good with cars. RWD at least! :lol:


text:
2 December 2010 News in brief
Dubai-based Emirates received its 15th A380 on 30 November, with the handover occurring at Airbus' delivery centre in Hamburg, Germany. It is the 40th A380 provided to customers so far, and the 17th delivered this year. More than 7.5 million passengers have flown on A380s in revenue service to 20 international destinations.


text:
Baby Story Time
September 30, 2013
Program Locations:
Babies from birth to 18 months and their parents/caregivers can enjoy great books, lively songs and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. First come, first served. Program limited to 15 children. Tickets distributed at 11am.
Keep Up With NYPL Events
Subscribe to our newsletters:
Programs for educators:


text:
Local responders prepare for all disasters
Many drills take place year-round
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Plans for an emergency response at a big local event take place throughout the year, according to local officials who are closely watching the events after the Boston tragedy today.
The Santa Barbara Police Department says whether it's a large scale community festival like Old Spanish Days, or a smaller event like a local marathon race, they are prepared for an emergency that could result in many injuries.
There are also mass casualty drills with other agencies including the Sheriff's Department, Coast Guard, and school officials.
During Fiesta in 2007, police had to shoot and kill a man with a gun who was involved in a State St. brawl with a loaded weapon.
In a larger emergency, possibly involving terrorists, "we would render aid to the victims and evacuate innocent civilians. Then beyond that, address other issues," said Sgt. Riley Harwood.
When high profile politicians or dignitaries come to town, "we have designated locations that are safe locations. Hospitals to go to. The planning is very detailed," said Harwood. "We practice for those types of scenarios regularly."


text:
2010 worlds pairs lp small medal award ceremony.avi
My first post, please be gentle...
With that being said, I'm not sure why there is so much hate for K/S. It's one thing to not like a style or a certain program, but to dismiss and entire long program because of two falls is not the reality in judging and certainly not fair. They have so much difficulty on that program the base score is 60 vs. 56 and 55 for S/S and M/T.
The reason K/S are ranked #1 in Russia is because they are better than M/T. Out of over 15 competitions where they competed against each other M/T have only beat K/S twice. GPF 2009 where M/T were 4th and K/S 5th and Euros in 2008 when M/T were silver and K/S got bronze. K/S have their issues...I hate every time she crashes into him on the split twist (she is going to dislocate HIS shoulder!) but I like the athleticism they have, he is strong and she is flexible. I appreciate the fact that they tried the quad knowing she might fall and they both seemed to shake off the mistakes and skate clean the rest of the program. Unlike the Olympics where it effected them the whole time. They seem to have a dedication M/T don't have. Especially judging by the interviews they both give.
I saw them skate at Euros this year and the biggest difference between K/S and S/S is the speed and coverage over the ice. K/S were so fast and covered so much ice it was like watching a tennis match but S/S were slow like they were skating in mud. They were elegant and beautiful but watching them was like watching an ice show not a competition. I think both Russian pairs will improve but I think S/S have done as much as they can unless they step it up.
As for M/T, my Russian is really poor but from what I can gather, he seems like a real jerk. My heart went out to him after the short program at the Olympics, his reaction was heartbreaking. But he seems to be his own worst enemy. If he wants to be #1 in Russia he needs to work, not talk. If it's his partner...change partners, if it's the coach...get rid of him. If he wants it bad enough, he should make the changes. It's not fair to Maria or his next partner should they break up. I hope they stay together I don't think Tatiana is any better than Maria. IMO I don't think Tatiana is that great. If they pair up they will still be around 4th place. I don't see them getting good enough for gold.
At any rate I think they all need long vacations.
Could you explain to me, how K/S ended up defeating M/T in the SP by 2 points? I am sorry to say this but it looked to me an pre-arranged ranking between these two teams. M/T were absolutely flawless, while K / S were not. I personally prefer M // T long lines and shapes to K / S. but that is an opinion, however, I cannot accept glitches overloked with one team, which were not sever, but should have lowered the grade of execution of those elements, but the judges take the PCS weapon and re-arrange the ranking as they wish.
As much as I thought Pang & Tong deserved Gold in Vancouver, I much preferred Savchenko & Szolkowy's performances here.What beautiful programs, what beautiful skaters. They blend CoP elements so effectively with the music while showing so much gentle emotion. Love them!
I hardly look at M/T SP as being flawless, I saw many small inconsistancies in lifts and spins that I didn't see in K/S. Not to mention the base value of each has to be taken into account. I do think their score were low and they should have easily been in front of S/S who skated a terrible SP. M/T footwork wasn't as nearly nice to watch as the top teams and if the difficulty is not there just skating around and looking elegant won't cut it.
If there was such blantant bias going on with the judges they would have had S/S in second and not third. I personally think they should have been fourth.


text:
'Contemporary China' topic of April 29 presentation
The Center for Lifelong Learning at Central Lakes College will examine the social and political implications of China's rise as a global superpower when it hosts "Contemporary China" from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, April 29, at the Brainerd Campus of CLC.
Joseph Rogers, director of the Center for Global Education at the College of St. Benedict (CSB) and St. John's University (SJU), will present topics including the transition to a new generation in China's leadership, the rise of nationalism and China's relations with its neighbors, and the ongoing concerns of environmental degradation.
Rogers draws upon his recent experiences in China, as well as 25 years of experience as a China-watcher. He also previously served as director for Education Abroad and coordinator of the Asian Studies Program at CSB/SJU, in addition working as a lawyer in private practice for seven years before shifting his focus to international education.
Cost to attend this event is $6 for non-members or free for those with a Center for Lifelong Learning membership. Pre-registration is recommended by calling 218-855-8118.
For more information on The Center For Lifelong Learning, visit www.clcmn.edu/lifelonglearning.


text:
Search Results
Results found: 1
Aion: The Experts Secrets Game and Strategy Guide
Emereo Publishing, October 2012
Aion: The Experts Secrets Game and Strategy Guide
List Price: $15.96 eBook price: $11.99
Top 10 eBooks eBookMall.com
- A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Agora: Ancient Greek and Roman Humour - 2nd Edition: Agora Harder!
- Nonprofit Risk Management & Contingency Planning: Done in a Day Strategies
- How Music REALLY Works!: The Essential Handbook for Songwriters, Performers, and Music Students
- The Human Magnet Syndrome: Why We Love People Who Hurt Us
- Lies of a Real Housewife
- The Ultimate Food Allergy Cookbook and Survival Guide: How to Cook with Ease for Food Allergies and Recover Good Health
- 2017 / 2018 ASVAB For Dummies
- "They Say / I Say": The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (Third Edition)
- The Simple Gift
- La Guia Completa sobre Instalaciones Electricas


text:
FBG`s:Major Aust.Co`s Partner to form Multiple Ind.Elec.Mkt.
Document date:
Wed 05 Jul 2000
Published: Wed 05 Jul 2000 00:00:00
Document No: 125797
Document part: A
Market Flag: N
FOSTER'S BREWING GROUP LIMITED 2000-07-05 ASX-SIGNAL-G HOMEX - Adelaide +++++++++++++++++++++++++ MEDIA RELEASE The intention to form Australia's first multiple-industry business- to-business e-marketplace - corProcure - was announced today by fourteen of Australia's leading companies. The companies, each of which is a founding shareholder in corProcure, include Amcor, AMP, ANZ, Australia Post, BHP, Coc0 a-Cola Amatil, Coles Myer, Foster's, Goodman Fielder, Orica, Pacific Dunlop, Qantas, Telstra and Wesfarmers. Together, these companies intend to spend more than A$8 billion on indirect goods and services using corProcure over the next two years. The total value of indirect spend in Australia exceeds A$300 billion annually. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today, and a shareholders' agreement is expected to be signed in 45 days. corProcure will be an independent, st0 and-alone, internet-based indirect goods and services marketplace open to all existing and new suppliers. The Founding Shareholders will share the investment cost of e-procurement infrastructure. In a joint statement, the Founding Shareholders said that by seamlessly connecting thousands of trading partners, regardless of size and location, corProcure is expected to deliver new transaction efficiencies and standards as well as significant business networking opportunities ac0 ross the supply chain that will significantly benefit both suppliers and buyers. "The number of leading companies coming together from a range of industries and business sectors is unmatched in Australia's business- to-business marketplace. This is a significant and far-reaching partnership of major buyers and sellers that will utilise technology to extract and deliver wide-ranging benefits for all parties. "corProcure is an initiative that will transform procurement practi0 ces in Australia, create new value for buyers and suppliers and give all participants an improved competitive footing in the regional and global economy. "Suppliers will gain access to a much larger customer base, will be able to reduce administration and customer acquisition costs and better manage product demand processes, and will eliminate time- consuming paperwork and tracking. Buyers will benefit from simplified ordering processes and improved order accuracy. "corProc0 ure is committed to the development of an open-platform, standards-based, multiple-industry regional trading network that delivers real value and benefits to all participants and stakeholders." Examples of goods and services traded through corProcure may include: office and cleaning supplies, fuel, energy, telecommunications, facilities management, human resources services, legal services, promotions and advertising, computer services, insurance and capital expenditure items0 . Each founding shareholder will be represented on the board of the new company. A Team Leader, Business Establishment has been appointed and a search will be launched this week to recruit an independent management team. Proposals for technology infrastructure will also be solicited in the next few weeks. It is expected that transactions will begin by September this year. In recognition of the importance of suppliers to the success of corProcure, the Founding Shareholders 0 said they would discuss the company's proposed e-procurement strategy and logistics directly with suppliers over the next several weeks. A corProcure website, launched today, contains information for suppliers, and other interested parties. The web address is http://www.corprocure.com.au. The Founding Shareholders have not disclosed the amount of expected savings in transaction costs. For further information contact: Sally Abbott or Rupert Hugh-Jones 03 9289 9555 Contact 0 details for corProcure Founding Shareholders. Amcor Kerrie Lavey Orica CORPORATE AFFAIRS OFFICER Kate Shea Tel: 03 9226 9004 PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER 03 9665 7256 Peter Brown MANAGING DIRECTOR Pacific Dunlop Amcor Australasia Anton McKernan Tel: 03 9811 7135 CORPORATE AFFAIRS OFFICER Qantas AMP Justi0 n Kirkwood Telstra CORPORATE MEDIA MANAGER Selena Adams 02 9257 7473 PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER Tel: 02 8255 2687 ANZ Australia Post Wesfarmers Stephen Walter CORPORATE AFFAIRS GROUP Tel: 03 9204 7135 BHP Mandy Frostick MANAGER MEDIA RELATIONS 03 9609 4157; Mobile: 419 546 245 Dr Robert Porter VICE PRESIDENT INVESTOR RELATIONS 03 9609 3540; Mobile: 419 587 456 Coca-0 Cola Amatil Alec Wagstaff CORPORATE AFFAIRS MANAGER, Australia Tel: 02 9259 6571 Coles Myer Greg Price MANAGER, MEDIA RELATIONS Tel: 03 9829 6273 Foster's Mary Reikert NEW MEDIA ADVISOR Tel: 03 9633 2277; Mobile: 0418 313 478 Goodman Fielder Robert Hadler CORPORATE AFFAIRS DIRECTOR Tel: 02 8874 6095, Mobile: 4017 00 000 1


text:
Click here to read highlights from the first nine years of Muzzle Awards. Or pick a year below to read the full articles
1998 | 1999 |2000 |2001 | 2002 |2003 |2004 |2005 |2006 |
In 2006, Romney led the pack of honorees for his excessive zeal in pursuing terrorists, calling for the wiretapping of mosques and the monitoring of foreign students .
Now he's back, for refusing (when he was still governor) to provide security — even though it had been requested by the State Department — for a speech by former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami at Harvard University. And that wasn't all, as you will learn.
Romney epitomizes how the Muzzle Awards have morphed since their debut in 1998. In that more innocent time, shutting down a community radio station and removing newspaper boxes from an urban neighborhood was about as bad as it got.
Such stifling acts still take place, of course, and they still matter. But the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, ushered in an era of unprecedented repression. Nationally, the crackdown has been led by George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, with their contempt for constitutional protections such as habeas corpus and their embrace of secret detention and torture.
Nor has Congress provided much of a check. In April, the Boston Globe won a Pulitzer Prize for revealing that Bush had used — and abused — presidential signing statements to ignore hundreds of bills passed by Congress, including a mandate to report on how the FBI was using its expanded police powers, and a law allowing accused terrorists to see the evidence against them.
This police-state mentality has permeated New England, as well. For instance, Muzzles this year go not only to Romney but to the Maine Department of Corrections, which has allegedly covered up its abuse of prisoners by ignoring federal consent decrees requiring prison officials to allow inmates to communicate with reporters; and to Rhode Island governor Donald Carcieri, for apparently backing a proposal that would allow law-enforcement officials to inspect private records without having to go to the bother of obtaining a court warrant.
Traditionally, the US Supreme Court has been a great defender of the First Amendment. But Bush has succeeded in remaking the high court in his image, and three decisions handed down in late June were something of a mixed bag. To its credit, the court overturned a so-called campaign-finance-reform law that had restricted the right of corporations, labor unions, and other organizations to buy television commercials that could influence elections. Unfortunately, the justices also ruled that an Alaska high-school principal acted within her rights when she suspended a student who had unfurled a BONG HITS 4 JESUS banner, and threw out a lawsuit that had challenged the Bush administration for spending taxpayer funds on religious programs (this week Harvey Silverglate delves further into that case: see "Alito: Hypocrisy in High Places.").
See all articles by:
All Slideshows


text:
Defender® brings an all-new 3-D remake of the original arcade classic to next-generation consoles, offering the only space-combat game that lets players rescue and defend humans from an alien onslaught with a combination of high-octane, space-combat action and strategic command.
Players defend and protect the human race from an alien invasion as they assume the controls of six new combat-ready Defender ships. Battling an onslaught of vicious aliens, players must strategically pilot their ship through 32 treacherous missions in seven expansive worlds, executing dynamic tactical maneuvers such as barrel rolls, 360-degree loops and spinning reversals in order to evade the enemy.
Featuring a new view perspective with a fully 3-D, third-person chase camera, Defender drops players into the explosive action of an alien invasion where they must utilize speed and control to outwit the enemy. Ship upgrades are also available with various power-ups including shields, advanced weapons, engine enhancements and cloaking technology. Aliens can be taken head-on in single-player campaign mode or defeated with a friend in the two-player, cooperative campaign mode.
Defender Key Features:
SHIP DATE: Fall 2002
PLATFORMS: PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube