text:
Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
Ever since Orient introduced this watch model, I was intrigued. Now that I have finally acquired one, I am referring to it as a grail purchase. Orient Star is Orients mid-tier brand, ahead of just Orient, but behind Orient Star Royal. All three lines exhibit Orient quality, but with different degrees of finishing, movement upgrades and case materials.
This Orient Star is model #WZ0041FR and is a Japan-only model. In addition to the black dial I have, it comes in green, brown and silver dials as well.
The case is all stainless steel and is beautifully finished. Somewhat of a classic cushion style in shape, the sides are high polished and the top is brushed. The bezel ring is polished. The case measures about 43mm without the crown, 45.3mm with the crown, but be advised, it does not wear big! Lug width is 21mm, case thickness is 13.8mm.
The screw down case back is a display type revealing the in-house FR caliber Orient movement with 23 jewels and a decent level of finishing, including a signed rotor. The movement does not manual wind or hack (demerits from me on these points) but keeps excellent time and with a full 40+ hour power reserve as indicated by the power reserve meter. The meter is quite accurate as well!
The dial is a wonderful black with many subtle details, such as the way the power reserve and seconds subdials are gently inlaid and feature circular patterning. The markers are applied and have a beautiful machined look to them, as if they are carved out of a solid chunk of metal. The applied Orient Star logo is also a classy touch. The hands are silver and again, have a cut, expensive look to them. The hour and minute hands, power reserve indicator and outer edges of the markers are luminous. Nice lume and evenly applied. Under examination with an 8X loupe, no defects or imperfections were noted.
Judging from pictures of this watch, one thing that initially turned me off was the look of the seconds subdial. I always thought it looked cheap, but in person, it does not. This watch looks so much better in the flesh than in pictures. The fit and finish does the Orient Star label proud. Its one of those pieces that you can truly derive joy from just by looking at it and studying it.
The crystal is domed sapphire, while the crown is a standard polished affair and does not screw down. I do wish the crown was signed. Water resistance is factory rated at 10 bar.
One feature that truly makes this watch unique is the strap. Orient partnered with Japanese saddle and horse harness maker Somes (Somes Saddle Company - http://www.somes.co.jp/) to make the strap for this watch. Somes makes some very nice leather goods like wallets, key chains, handbags and attaches in addition to the horse tack, and their skill is evident here. While the strap still exhibits a somewhat rustic appearance, the quality of the leather and the craftsmanship is plain to see.
The strap measures 21mm at the lugs and tapers to 20mm at the simple silver buckle. A single fixed keeper is installed near the buckle. The color is best described as honey or warm tan, with darker brown stitching. Luckily, it fits my thin wrist well and looks great.
Overall, this Orient Star Somes as I refer to it is an impressively finished and unique watch that has tons of class but easily plays the dual role of sporting enthusiast and boardroom vice president.
Prices range all over the map, Buy It Nows on you know where are in the upper $500 range, while clean used examples go from $250 to $300, depending on color.
Pro: great looks, unique strap, power reserve meter utility, details abound, Japan-only exclusivity
Con: no manual winding or hacking, no date display (could bother some), Japan-only pricing
Verdict: a superb effort from Orient, with a watch that exudes quality, confidence and style; you wont see this one coming down the street everyday
Thanks for reading and enjoy the pics!
http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010433.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010434.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010435.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010436.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010437.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010438.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010439.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010440.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010441.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010442.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010443.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010444.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010445.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010446.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010447.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010448.jpg http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...o/P7010449.jpg
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
A well executed model from Orient.
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
Thank you for this great review and the excellent macro shots. I have a few Orient Star watches and like you I enjoy Orient's level of finish and attention to detail in this line of watches. I haven't tried any of their Somes but I am tempted after reading your review!
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
very nice review and beautiful photos.... thanks....
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
Very nice review & excellent photos.
A good looking watch that I will never own. The deal-breaker(s) for me is a lack of hack & hand wind. At this price point there isn't any reason not to include them since the competition (seiko, hamilton, tissot) does.
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
Orient Japan photo
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
at the rate that Orient is replacing their movements with the new hackable/windable versions, they are surpassing Seiko by far in this department...
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
I didn't know- great news for us. In that case I retract my last statement. My WZ0091EL hacks and hand winds so I expected that in all Orient Star models.
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
Also available in "white" [WZ0211EL]
Cheers, ^-^
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
I'm a big, but new OS watch fan so I was very pleased to find this great forum for Japanese watches.
Great review and pics of your sweet looking watch!
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
Great shots and review of the OS. Now time to hunt one....
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
If only the newer version came in the dark green dial variant.....
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
I really like that watch, ANZAC1957 where should I be looking for that latest modle as an AU buyer?
Re: Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR
i have a friend who owns this beauty..nice dial and case, superb leather strap.. :bravo_2:
|All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:23 PM.
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2017, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
SEO by vBSEO 3.6.1
vBulletin Security provided by vBSecurity v2.2.2 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2017 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.


text:
Edit Article
wikiHow to Choose a Bed for Toddler
Two Methods:Safety ConsiderationsOther FactorsCommunity Q&A
A toddler bed is often used as the middle step in the transition from a crib to a twin-sized or larger bed. A child can be moved into a toddler bed as early as 18 months and can usually stay in it until around age 5. Since your child spends 10 to 13 hours per day sleeping, it's important to choose a toddler bed that's comfortable and safe.
Safety Considerations
1Look for a toddler bed that sits lower to the ground. This will help your child get in and out of bed and will also reduce the chance for injury if he or she falls.
- If you're worried about falls, you can place some cushioning along the side of the toddler bed that is open to the floor.
2Choose a toddler bed that is solid. Check the joints on a metal-frame bed to make sure the screws are secure.
3Select a toddler bed frame that is simple, without ornamental designs. Look for a smooth finish and round edges when the frame is made of wood or metal.
4Check to see if the toddler bed contains non-toxic paint and finishes. Paint and finishes include toxins that can release emissions years after the paint has been applied and cause allergic and chemical reactions.
- Look for labels indicating a natural paint or finish and low or zero volatile organic compounds.
- If you're planning on painting the bed frame yourself, choose an appropriate color. Bright colors are stimulating and can make it more difficult for your child to fall asleep. Pastels or dark colors work best.
- New environmental regulations, and consumer demand, have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Most paint manufacturers now produce one or more non-VOC variety of paint. These new paints are durable, cost-effective and less harmful to human and environmental health.
5See if guardrails can be attached to the frame easily, if they are not already built into the frame on a pre-assembled toddler bed.
6Choose a toddler bed that will fit a crib-sized mattress or buy the right size to fit. A child can become trapped if the mattress is too short and causes a gap.
- Make sure the mattress is fire retardant.
7Check consumer safety ratings or a national manufacturer's guide before purchasing a toddler bed to see if it meets safety standards and requirements.
- In the U.S., ask to see the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association report on the bed and certify that the bed manufacturer meets or exceeds safety standards.
8Place the toddler bed in an area in the room away from windows, doors or blind cords. Place the bed snug against a wall so the child cannot become trapped between the bed and the wall.
Other Factors
1Evaluate the assembly required on the toddler bed.
- Read online evaluations of the model. This is where you'll find user reviews and opinions on the ease of assembly.
- Read the assembly instructions--if you can--before your purchase. Usually the instructions will give you a clue as to how much time assembly will take, the tools required and if you'll need help.
2Look for a toddler bed that will fit in with other furniture in your child's room--unless you are planning to redecorate.
3Consider price after you've evaluated the quality of several toddler bed models. Price can be a factor in any purchase, but it shouldn't be the overriding consideration when purchasing a toddler bed.
4Review the bed's manufacturer warranty as well as any warranty available on the mattress. Some have warranties for up to 90 days on parts for the bed while others have a full warranty up to a year.
- Know the store's return policy on the toddler bed in case you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
Community Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters leftSubmit
If this question (or a similar one) is answered twice in this section, please click here to let us know.
- Since children only use a toddler bed for a short period before transitioning to a larger bed, it's pretty easy to find used toddler beds for sale. Remember that you're buying the bed "as is," so put it through the same safety checklist as you would in purchasing a new bed.
- Most toddler beds have a weight limit of 50 pounds.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Finance board delays Stonington school project
Finance board delays Stonington school project
STONINGTON — The Board of Finance on Wednesday night denied a K-12 School Building Committee request for up to $50,000 to move forward with plans to renovate and expand two of the town's aging elementary schools.
Instead, board members voted to include the requested money in the 2014-15 budget as a capital improvement item.
The move, opposed only by finance board member June Strunk, effectively halts any chance the committee had to meet a state deadline next year.
"It's off the table now until at least 2015," Superintendent of Schools Van W. Riley said. "We believe there is a strong need for this elementary schools project. This is very important for the community, and we were trying to put it on a track."
The approval of the $50,000 now was crucial to the committee's objective. The money would have paid for an architect to develop conceptual plans for a town referendum, one of many requirements that the committee had to meet so it could submit a project application to the state for consideration by June 30, 2014.
The application needed to include certification that the project had been approved in a referendum.
The committee estimates that the West Vine Street portion of the project, which would eventually put all of Pawcatuck's elementary school students under one roof, would cost $22.3 million, and the Deans Mill portion nearly $20 million.
"One of the concerns is the condition of these buildings," Riley said of the West Vine Street and West Broad Street schools in Pawcatuck, and the Deans Mill School. "They're in need of repair. Now, we're going to have to patch them, make temporary fixes. How much money is it going to cost to put a patch on?" he asked. "It's disappointing. We'll continue working and doing what we need to do to bring to fruition."
The committee approached the Board of Finance with the request in September, but board members were hesitant to authorize spending $50,000 before they knew the potential cost to taxpayers.
After the committee presented cost estimates and project information at the Board of Finance's meeting last month, board members tabled the request to "allow everyone time to digest" the information, Strunk said.
"We have a lot of debt on the books that hasn't come off," newly elected bard Chairman John O'Brien said Wednesday. He recommended putting the money into the budget as a capital request.
The former chairman, Glenn Frishman, who is now serving as secretary, agreed. "It makes sense to include it in the budget," he said.
K-12 School Building Committee chairman Robert Marseglia said the committee will continue to meet and plan.
Its next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Board of Education meeting room in the Stonington Public Schools Central Office in Old Mystic.
"We can continue to work on the priorities based on need for both the Pawcatuck side and Deans Mill," Marseglia said. "We can streamline the process, develop more information to give to the architect. We can get the documents, everything we need prepared, so we're ready.
"I'm disappointed because our method of thinking was to plan out for the future for when the money is available. Now we don't know if it will be," he said.
Latest Videos
- Warmer ocean brings changes to R.I., wreaks havoc on state's ecosystem
- State recommends closing 2 beaches for swimming
- Coventry bicyclist injured in crash with vehicle dies
- Proposal to shield climate research now on governor's desk
- Feds look to improve cod catch data with electronic monitors
- Rhode Island bill seeks background checks for church workers
- Chariho students receive health scholarships from South County Health staff
- Need something to do? Check out The Week Ahead for June 26 to July 3.
- Rhode Island lawmakers enter a busy final week at the General Assembly


text:
Lego Rock Raiders
|This article may be too long to read and navigate comfortably. (June 2013)
|Total sets
Lego Rock Raiders was a Lego theme introduced 1999, and discontinued in 2000. Rock Raiders was the only theme in the Lego Underground series before Power Miners. The theme, while short-lived, featured sixteen sets and was backed-up by numerous story-related media, including several comic books and video games.
The premise of the story involves the crew of the L.M.S. Explorer. The vessel is damaged after wandering into an asteroid field and is sucked into a wormhole, the wormhole exits in an alien galaxy, parallel to the Milky Way. The L.M.S. Explorer's captain orders the ship to use its reserve power and head for the nearest planet. The planet is abundant in the mysterious but powerful Energy Crystals. There the Rock Raiders, whilst repairing the ship, must venture inside the dangerous caverns of the planet to collect the precious Energy Crystals to power the ship.[citation needed]
- 1 Set information
- 1.1 Hover Scout
- 1.2 Rapid Rider
- 1.3 Rock Raiders
- 1.4 Granite Grinder
- 1.5 Loader Dozer
- 1.6 Chrome Crusher
- 1.7 Tunnel Transport
- 1.8 Rock Raiders HQ
- 1.9 Rock Raiders 1
- 1.10 Rock Raiders 2
- 1.11 Rock Raiders 3
- 1.12 Rock Raiders Keychain
- 1.13 Promotional Set 1 – Light Hover
- 1.14 Promotional Set 2 – Chainsaw Bulldozer
- 1.15 Promotional Set 3 – Helicopter Transport
- 1.16 Promotional Set 4 – Drill Craft
- 2 Video games
- 3 Books
- 4 Promotional Comics
- 5 Characters
- 6 Plot
- 7 Energy Crystals
- 8 Planet U
- 9 Wildlife
- 10 Rock Types
- 11 Rock Raiders Vehicles
- 11.1 L.M.S. Explorer
- 11.2 Cargo Carrier
- 11.3 Chrome Crusher
- 11.4 Floating Platform
- 11.5 Granite Grinder
- 11.6 Hover Scout
- 11.7 Mobile Laser Cutter
- 11.8 Loader Dozer
- 11.9 Rapid Rider
- 11.10 Small Digger
- 11.11 Small Transport Truck
- 11.12 Tunnel Scout
- 11.13 Tunnel Transport
- 11.14 Unknown Vehicles
- 12 Rock Raiders Structures
- 13 Rock Raiders Equipment
- 13.1 Action Stations
- 13.2 Construction Barriers
- 13.3 Dynamite
- 13.4 Electric Fences
- 13.5 Beam Gun
- 13.6 GeoScanner
- 13.7 Jetpack
- 13.8 Personal Energy Shield
- 13.9 Power Drill
- 13.10 Radar
- 13.11 Shield Recharge Orbs
- 13.12 Pusher Beam
- 13.13 Laser Beam
- 13.14 Freezer Beam
- 13.15 Sonic Blaster
- 14 Original Plans
- 15 References in other Lego themes
- 16 References
- 17 External links
Set information[edit]
The Rock Raiders theme featured sixteen sets in total. Eight were released in 1999 and seven were released in 2000. Four of the sets released in 2000 were promotional sets sold by Kabaya Foods Corporation.
This section is for set information only, for storyline see below.
Hover Scout[edit]
- Set Number: 4910
- Year Released: 1999
The Hover Scout set is one of the smallest sets. The Hover Scout only has room for one minifig to stand on. The set also includes one Recharge Station, one Energy Crystal and one Jet minifig. First Editions include one comic.
The instructions show three inspiration models, one personal transport, one station of some sort, and one robot.
Rapid Rider[edit]
- Set Number: 4920
- Year Released: 1999
The Rapid Rider is one of the smallest sets. The Rapid Rider has room for one Minifig to sit in the middle, and room for up to two pieces of Lego Ore. The set also includes one piece of Lego Ore, one Energy Crystal and one Bandit minifig. First Editions include one comic.
The box shows three inspiration models, one is a boat, another is a flying vehicle, and the third is a mining vehicle with a power saw on its back.
Rock Raiders[edit]
- Set Number: 4930
- Year Released: 1999
The Rock Raiders set is a collection of all the Rock Raiders minifigs, save for Chief. It also includes one portable Tool Store, one piece of Lego Ore and one Energy Crystal. First Editions include one comic.
Granite Grinder[edit]
- Set Number: 4940
- Year Released: 1999
The Granite Grinder set is one of the medium-sized sets. One of its most noticeable aspects is the large drill on the front, as well as the presence of legs instead of wheels. The legs can move forwards and backwards. The set includes one Axle minifig. First Editions include one comic.
Its box shows three inspiration models, one is a flight-capable version of the Granite Grinder, another is a water-based version, and the third is a flying transport vehicle. This set is not related to the Granite Grinder set from the 2009 Power Miners series, despite sharing a name.
Loader Dozer[edit]
- Set Number: 4950, 4959
- Year Released: 1999
The Loader Dozer is one of the medium-sized sets, it is wide but short. The Loader Dozer is a heavy-task bulldozer, its large scoop can be lifted or dropped with a switch on its back. The set includes one Axle minifig, one piece of Lego Ore, one Energy Crystal and one Rock Monster. First Editions include one comic.
Its instructions and box show three inspiration models, two of them are boats, and the third is a vehicle that can eat through rock walls.
Chrome Crusher[edit]
- Set Number: 4970
- Year Released: 1999
The Chrome Crusher is one of the largest sets. It includes one laser on its top that requires two AAA Alkaline batteries for the light to work. Its engine is visible, unlike every other vehicle set. At the back is a large cargo area, capable of storing at least three pieces of Lego Ore. The set also includes one Axle minifig, one piece of Lego Ore, and one Energy Crystal. First Editions include one comic.
Its box shows four inspiration models, one of them appears to be a much smaller version of the Chrome Crusher, two of them are flying vehicles but only one has a drill, and the fourth one is a boat that is resistant to lava.
Tunnel Transport[edit]
- Set Number: 4980
- Year Released: 1999
The Tunnel Transport is one of the larger sets. It has room for two minifigs to sit in the cockpit. At the bottom is a magnet that can hold either the included Small Digger or the large cargo hold. This set also includes one Docs minifig, one Jet minifig, one Small Digger, one Hoverboard, two pieces of Lego Ore and two Energy Crystals. First Editions include one comic.
Its box shows eight inspiration models, one of them is a mining robot, five of them are flying vehicles, one being a drone with another having a detachable ground platform, and the other two are trucks.
Rock Raiders HQ[edit]
- Set Number: 4990
- Year Released: 1999
The Rock Raiders HQ, also called the Ore Processing Plant, is the largest set at 402 pieces. Included with this set is a Mining Laser, which requires two AAA batteries. The set includes one Bandit minifig, one Docs minifig, one Jet minifig, one Sparks minifig, two pieces of Lego Ore, two Energy Crystals, one small Transport Truck, one unnamed flying vehicle (similar to "Hover Scout") and one rock monster. First Editions include one comic.
Its instructions show three inspiration models, all variations of the HQ.
Rock Raiders 1[edit]
- Set Number: 3347
- Year Released: 2000
Rock Raiders 1 is part of the Rock Raiders Mini Heroes Collection. This set includes one Chief minifig, one display stand and one trading card. This is the only set that includes the Rock Raider Chief.
Rock Raiders 2[edit]
- Set Number: 3348
- Year Released: 2000
Rock Raiders 2 is part of the Mini Heroes Collection. This set includes one Bandit minifig, one Docs minifig, one Sparks minifig, three display stands and three trading cards.
Rock Raiders 3[edit]
- Set Number: 3349
- Year Released: 2000
Rock Raiders 3 is part of the Mini Heroes Collection. This set includes one Axle minifig, one Docs minifig, one Jet minifig, three display stands and three trading cards.
Rock Raiders Keychain[edit]
- Set Number: 3916
- Year Released: 2000
The Rock Raiders Keychain is promotional item. It is simply a Jet minifig with a keychain attached to the helmet.
Promotional Set 1 – Light Hover[edit]
- Set Number: 1274
- Year Released: 2000
The first of the Kabaya promotional sets. This set is a flying vehicle; it has room for one minifig to sit. This set includes one Jet minifig. Its box shows an inspiration model which seems to be a variation of the same vehicle.
Promotional Set 2 – Chainsaw Bulldozer[edit]
- Set Number: 1275
- Year Released: 2000
The second of the Kabaya promotional sets. This set is a digging vehicle. Unlike other vehicles, this vehicle digs with power saws instead of drills. It has room for one minifig to sit. This set includes one Bandit minifig. Its box shows an inspiration model, which seems to be a simple adjustment of the same vehicle.
Promotional Set 3 – Helicopter Transport[edit]
- Set Number: 1276
- Year Released: 2000
The third of the Kabaya promotional sets. This set is a flying vehicle that is similar to the Tunnel Scout. It has room for one minifig to sit. This set includes one Docs minifig. Its box shows an inspiration model that seems to be a variation of the same vehicle.
Promotional Set 4 – Drill Craft[edit]
- Set Number: 1277
- Year Released: 2000
The fourth and final of the Kabaya promotional sets. This set is a flying and digging vehicle. It has room for one minifig to sit. This set includes one Sparks minifig. Its box shows an inspiration model which is a flying vehicle.
Video games[edit]
PC and PlayStation game[edit]
A video game of the same name was also produced for the Microsoft Windows in 1999 with the PlayStation version following under a year later.
Interactive comic[edit]
The interactive comic was an online game featured on the official Rock Raiders site. The game starred Bandit who sailed the Rapid Rider through various caverns. At certain scenes, the game would pause for a short amount of time and allow you to search for Energy Crystals. At a certain point of the game, Bandit would fall asleep and a timed slider puzzle would begin. If the player finished in time the Rapid Rider would safely make it to Rock Raiders HQ, if not the Rapid Rider would fall down a waterfall and Bandit would be forced to travel through a Rock Monster cavern. The more Energy Crystals found, the higher the player's score.
The interactive comic was a digitized version of the promotional comic included with the Rapid Rider.
High Adventure, Deep Underground[edit]
- Writer: Alan Grant
- Illustrators: Robin Smith, Lego Media
- Publisher: Lego Systems Inc.
High Adventure, Deep Underground was a Rock Raiders graphic novel, released in 2000. The novel told, in Jet's point-of-view and in greater detail, the events on Planet U. Many fans consider it non-canon, despite the fact that it only contains a few minor inconsistencies. The reason seems to be that it portrayed the Rock Raiders out of character, even though it only expanded their limited characters. There is nothing in the games that proves it is non-canon. For the book's plot, see below.
There are a few puzzles on certain pages. At the back of the book are inspiration models for the Granite Grinder, L.M.S. Explorer (Which is mistakenly labeled as "HMS Explorer"), Rapid Rider, Rock Monster, Rock Raiders HQ, and Small Transport Truck.
Save the Spaceship[edit]
- Writer: Anna Knight
- Illustrators: Roger Harris
- Publisher: Dorling Kindersley
Save the Spaceship is an interactive puzzle storybook released in 1999, every scene in the book is accompanied by a puzzle relating to something a character said or saw. The book is considered non-canon, due the absence and altering of major events, only the ending is considered canon. Though the book is mostly non-canon, it has been praised for giving more shots from inside the L.M.S. Explorer.
The Rock Raiders are returning home after a long mission. While at the outer edges of a solar system, an asteroid crashes into the L.M.S. Explorer, the ship is cast into orbit around an unknown, earth-like planet.
Chief gathers everyone into the engine room for a mission briefing, stating that they will need to collect as much Lego Ore and Energy Crystals as possible. Docs volunteers to command a team to gather the crystals and ore.
The five Rock Raiders are teleported down to the planet's surface, everyone gathers into the Tunnel Transport and flies to the nearest cavern. While examining the nearby rocks, a Rock Monster smashes the cavern wall and pulls out an Energy Crystal.
Bandit takes a Rapid Rider, which is known as a Cat in the book, and travels down an icy lake. While he is sailing, an Ice Monster rises out of the water and attempts to smash the sailor with a stalactite, Bandit is forced to go through the rapids to escape.
Meanwhile, Docs and Jet are riding a Hoverboard, searching for an appropriate area for Rock Raiders HQ. Docs uses his GeoScanner and finds the right spot.
Axle and Sparks gathered a few Energy Crystals, but doing so got the attention of four hungry Rock Monsters. Axle tells Sparks to throw the Crystals and that the Rock Monsters will follow them.
Docs and Jet have entered an ice cavern and encounter an Ice Monster and a Lava Monster battling. The Lava Monster attempts to burn the two Rock Raiders, but fails.
Later everyone has gathered at the spot Docs and Jet found for Rock Raiders HQ. Docs, using his GeoScanner finds a cache of Lego Ore and Energy Crystals, buried deep underground.
Axle begins drilling with the Chrome Crusher but is quickly stopped by Docs. There is a pocket of explosive gas in-between the cache and the cavern wall. The Rock Raiders stabilize the gas using water from the nearby lake.
Jet went searching for Energy Crystals while the Rock Raiders HQ was being constructed. She had managed to collect four Energy Crystals, but before she could get back a small volcano erupted and knocked her unconscious and out of the Tunnel Transport.
After Jet makes it back to Rock Raiders HQ with the Energy Crystals, she and the other Rock Raiders use dynamite to blast through the last layer of rock blocking the Energy Crystal and Lego Ore cache.
Once the cache is unveiled, a Rock Monster and Lava Monster attack and destroy the Rock Raiders HQ. Using parts of the base, the Rock Raiders construct a temporary Teleport Pad.
The Teleport Pad works and the Rock Raiders made it back on board the L.M.S. Explorer. However the Rock Monster that attacked managed to get aboard too. Docs eventually finds the Rock Monster and feeds it some Energy Crystals.
Race for Survival[edit]
- Writer: Marie Birkinshaw
- Illustrators: Roger Harris
- Publisher: Dorling Kindersley
Race for Survival is a short novel released in 2000, aimed at kids in Grades 2-4. At the side of each page is a small article on Geology. Race For Survival takes place six months after the events in High Adventure, Deep Underground. It is, for the most part, canon, however there are two minor inconsistencies:
- Planet U is located at the farthest reaches of the Milky Way, instead of being in another galaxy.
- Slimy Slugs are giant and swallow Energy Crystals, but in the games they are really the size of Rock Raiders and they drain the crystals of their power instead (although this could mean that some slugs are giant enough to "eat" crystals while the normal-sized ones drain power from the crystals).
Besides those, the book is canon. For its plot, see below.
The cover shows Jet and Axle escaping a lava flow on a Hoverboard, though this scene never appears. The Hoverboard does not even appear in the book.
Promotional Comics[edit]
The promotional comics were small comics included with specially marked, first edition sets. There are nine comics total, one with each 1999 Rock Raiders set, however the Chrome Crusher set is believed to have had two.
Hover Scout Comic[edit]
The Hover Scout comic starts off with Jet and a few other unknown Rock Raiders mining. Jet wanders off on the Hover Scout and discovers an enormous Energy Crystal cache. She goes to grab a few Crystals, but a few Rock Monsters rise out from under them. Jet attempts to flee, but the Rock Monsters have blocked her path, she distracts them and flies under them.
This comic was included with specially marked, first edition Hover Scout sets.
Rapid Rider Comic[edit]
The Rapid Rider comic starts with Bandit finding a piece of Lego Ore, he begins to bring it to Rock Raiders HQ with the Rapid Rider. As he is cruising down he meets a dead end and takes apart the Rapid Rider, he brings its parts over to the other side to rebuild it and then continues cruising. Along the way, he falls asleep and his vehicle cruises past a huge Energy Crystal cavern, and some Rock Monsters making statues. He then approaches a waterfall and falls down the edge, bumping all over and finally back into the water which wakes him up, he then arrives at Rock Raiders HQ.
This comic was included with specially marked, first edition Rapid Rider sets and was also digitized and put onto the official Rock Raiders site as a game.
"Rock Raiders" Comic[edit]
The "rock raiders" comic starts off with Rock Raiders driving a Chrome Crusher down a tunnel. miner sneezes and causes a cave-in that crushes the Chrome Crusher. While the Rock Raiders are repairing the Chrome Crusher with the portable Tool Store, miner sneezes again and causes another cave-in, this time he gets separated from the other Rock Raiders. Docs drills through the cave-in and finds miner and the five Rock Raiders get in the Chrome Crusher. miner sneezes one last time and causes yet another cave-in, luckily this time it does not damage the Chrome Crusher.
This comic was included with specially marked, first edition "Rock Raiders" sets.
Granite Grinder Comic[edit]
The Granite Grinder comic starts with miner in the Granite Grinder along with Axle. The two spot an Energy Crystal, Axle starts drilling the rock to get it, the drilling wakes up a snoozing Rock Monster. Axle manages to hide from it, but miner is spotted. The Rock Monster alerts other Rock Monsters, they destroy the Granite Grinder and take miner hostage. Axle rebuilds the Granite Grinder and tries to locate miner, soon he finds the helmsman at a cliff's edge with a Rock Monster questioning him, about the whereabouts of the other Rock Raiders and Rock Raiders HQ. Axle calls the Tunnel Transport for help, miner then gives the Rock Monsters a raspberry and jumps off the cliff and onto the Tunnel Transport.
This comic was included with specially marked, first edition Granite Grinder sets.
Loader Dozer Comic[edit]
The Loader Dozer comic details a race between Axle, Jet and Sparks with the Loader Dozer, Granite Grinder and Hover Scout respectively. Docs throws the flag that signals the start of the race. Sparks steps on Axle's Loader Dozer and gets ahead, Axle speeds up and trips the Granite Grinder with the Loader Dozer's scoop. Jet blinds Axle with the Hover Scout's thrusters and Axle drives into a wall. The Granite Grinder steps on the Hover Scout and destroys it. The Loader Dozer speeds up to the Granite Grinder and the two crash into each other. Bandit walks into the cavern where the race was held and sees the destroyed vehicles, he yells at the three Rock Raiders. Axle, Jet and Sparks rebuild the three vehicles and start the race over.
This comic was included with specially marked, first edition Loader Dozer sets.
Chrome Crusher Comic[edit]
The Chrome Crusher comic starts with a Chrome Crusher and Jet on her Hover Scout in a cavern. Jet flies off to find some Energy Crystals and finds a big cavern full of them. While examining one, a Rock Monster jumps out and destroys her Hover Scout, Jet hides and the Rock Monster tries to find her. She then goes to repair her Hover Scout and throws a dynamite at the Rock Monster, which opens a crevice that lava pours out of, the lava floods the cavern. The Chrome Crusher tries to flee but gets stuck on a cliff's edge with lava all around it. The Tunnel Transport is called in to airlift it to safety, while the Rock Monster is floating on a piece of rock on the lava shouting insults.
This comic was included with specially marked, first edition Chrome Crusher sets.
Tunnel Transport Comic[edit]
The Tunnel Transport comic starts with a Tunnel Transport and 2 Hover Scouts looking for Energy Crystal caverns. They find a huge load in a cavern and as they are harvesting, a Rock Monster jumps out and attacks the crew. They managed to flee but the Rock Monster jumps onto the Tunnel Transport and gets a ride back to the HQ. Once at the HQ, the Rock Monster goes on a rampage and destroys the Tunnel Transport. Docs makes a plan, he sends Axle to lure the Rock Monster towards the Chrome Crusher. Once in range, the Chrome Crusher fires a beam and the Rock Monster disappears. The crew then start to rebuild the Tunnel Transport, while elsewhere the Rock Monster is teleported onto a small rock that is surrounded by lava.
This comic was included with specially marked, first edition Tunnel Transport sets.
Rock Raiders HQ Comic[edit]
The Rock Raiders HQ comic starts with everything going smoothly at the HQ, the Energy Crystals are processed in the Power Station and the Lego Ore is sent to be taken away via the Rapid Rider, miner manages to dump the Ore on Docs. Jet is operating the Upgrade Station when an irritating fly bothers her, she tries to whack it away but accidentally knocks the controls, the Ore being carried knocks Sparks off his flying vehicle and lands in the Power Station and gets a black face from the Power Station's beam. The Ore then knocks the Ore Refinery apart and Axle is dumped onto a Small Transport Truck, the Ore falls off the crane and smashes onto the Power Station laser which turns around and fires at one of the Upgrade Station supports. The Upgrade Station falls apart and Jet jumps out, but she is rescued by a Loader Dozer as the whole base falls apart. The crew is dismayed but starts to rebuild the base. The fly is unharmed and starts to irritate Bandit.
This comic was included with specially marked, first edition Rock Raiders HQ sets.
Ninth Comic[edit]
The Ninth Comic begins with Sparks and Axle escaping a lava flow in a Chrome Crusher, the vehicles falls off a cliff and is shattered. Axle discovers Energy Crystals nearby and Sparks recovers the parts of the Chrome Crusher, with the parts they build two new vehicles, a drilling vehicle and a boat resistant to lava. This comic is the first known appearance of the alternate set models in the story.
It is unknown whether this comic was included with a specific set, or released in Lego Magazine; however, since the comic revolves around the Chrome Crusher and includes the set's number, it was likely included with the Chrome Crusher set.
- Position: Driver
- Rank: Midshipman
Axle is the Rock Raiders' best driver. He has been seen to be somewhat impulsive and tends to dive headfirst into a dangerous situation, though he is very capable of defending himself.
Axle is happiest when he is driving the Chrome Crusher, the Rock Raiders' largest land vehicle. His ability to handle anything with wheels is second to none; he has won the Lego World Racing Champion award three times, making him one of the fastest in the galaxy.
- Position: Helmsman, Navigator
- Rank: Sub-Lieutenant
Bandit is the Rock Raiders' greatest sailor, and is happiest when cruising the underground lakes and rapids on the Rapid Rider. He is also the Rock Raiders' head navigator, he always knows his exact location. After spending so much time underwater and on the Rapid Rider, he tends to be a little shaky on land.
Bandit cannot tolerate any tomfoolery, and therefore does not get along well with Axle. If the situation is not good, he will be in a bad mood for hours.
Bandit can easily sneak into a Monster's territory and get out with the Energy Crystals, without awakening the Monster.
- Position: Captain of the L.M.S. Explorer
- Rank: Captain
Chief is the oldest, wisest and most experienced Rock Raider. He is calm in any situation and has the experience to solve almost any problem. Chief captains the L.M.S. Explorer, during missions he stays on the ship and commands his team. He always puts the lives of his team above his own, if something goes wrong in a cavern, he immediately teleports the team out.
Chief is the only known Rock Raider to train Rock Raider Cadets. He also gives every Rock Raider team leader their mission briefings. His real name though, is never revealed.
Years ago he lost his left arm while rescuing thirty-seven miners from a cave-in on Pluto, it was replaced with an artificial arm, capable of shooting plasma blasts. Chief has never left the L.M.S. Explorer in twenty years, he loves it so much that he has made it his home.
Chief is the first known person to have encountered an Elemental Monster. Interestingly, this is years before the Rock Raiders ever traveled to Planet U, as he said that he encountered it in his youth; though as seen in Lego Island 2, there are several Rock Monsters in the jungle and in orbit around cloned Earth.
- Position: Geologist, Doctor, Explosives Expert
- Rank: Commander
Docs is the Rock Raiders' head Geologist and Commander. Unlike the other Rock Raiders, Docs is a very calm person, and fully assesses a situation, covering every possible plan. Though sometimes he spends too much time thinking.
Docs can think his way out of any problem, he is very capable of thinking on his feet.
- Position: Pilot
- Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Jet is the most courageous and strong-willed of all the Rock Raiders, she is a very skilled pilot and is always ready to take on new, exciting challenges. Her piloting skills are legendary, ready for any challenge she always approaches her missions with a level head.
Jet will never shirk a difficult task and has great problem-solving skills.
Her favorite vehicle is the Tunnel Transport.
- Position: Engineer
- Rank: Midshipman
Sparks is an expert on all things mechanical and electrical, unfortunately he is also very, very clumsy. He is always taking things apart, but sometimes he forgets to put them back together. Sparks keeps the drills drilling, the grinders grinding, and the loaders loading.
Sparks is one of the greatest engineers ever, his skill to repair any technology is second to none. Sparks is credited with designing most of the Rock Raiders' equipment.
Unnamed Team[edit]
This team played a vital role in storyline, though they were never named. These Rock Raiders helped many other Rock Raider teams that were trapped by a cave-in, or lost in the deep caverns. Were it not for them, many of the Energy Crystals that power the L.M.S. Explorer would never have been found.
Chief personally trained the team's leader when he was a Cadet.
This team was only featured in the Rock Raiders PC video game, and is basically the player and the units he controls in the game.
This section covers only the plot involving the main characters; the events of the PC and the PlayStation games are not covered.
The following events take place in High Adventure, Deep Underground and Save the Spaceship
The story starts with the Rock Raiders returning home, from an unknown Solar System with four planets. Only three days left, the Rock Raiders accidentally pilot the L.M.S. Explorer into an asteroid belt. Several small asteroids collide with the L.M.S. Explorer, though they do no harm due to the L.M.S. Explorer's shield. A larger asteroid collides with the L.M.S. Explorer and takes the shield down. Not much damage is done though,
Another large asteroid collides with the L.M.S. Explorer and damages the signal dishes on top of it. This also causes much damage to the L.M.S. Explorer. As if things couldn't get worse, an enormous wormhole opens up near the L.M.S. Explorer, its gravitational pull begins to pull it in. Chief commands Jet to set the L.M.S. Explorer's thrusters at full speed to escape the wormhole, it does not work and in the process the L.M.S. Explorer's fuel supply is drained. Another asteroid, larger than the previous two, collides with the L.M.S. Explorer and forces it into the wormhole.
The wormhole exits in a galaxy parallel to the Milky Way, as seen by Axle when he runs a scan to see where the Rock Raiders are. Chief orders Jet to use the L.M.S. Explorer's reserve power to travel to the nearest planet. Docs scans the planet and sees that the planet is loaded with Energy Crystals. Chief sends Jet and Docs down to examine the Planet.
Axle, and Bandit join them later. The team examines the caverns and discovers the ruins of an ancient civilization. Docs uses his GeoScanner device to locate a good area for an outpost. While constructing the base, Axle almost falls into a river of lava, but is saved by Jet.
After the base in constructed, Bandit ventures off on his own and Rock Monsters attack the base, stealing most of the Energy Crystals. Axle manages to chase them away in the Loader Dozer, though it is too late, the base has been completely destroyed.
Bandit finds an ice cavern, and is attacked by several Ice Monsters. The Ice Monsters freeze Bandit solid, he has to be rescued by Axle and Jet. Axle, Bandit and Jet find a cave to hide from the Ice Monsters, inside the cave is a Rockwhale that is blocking a lava flow. The Rockwhale moves and the lava begins flowing once again. The three Rock Raiders race to the end of the cavern, Bandit starts a cave-in to stop the lava from reaching the base.
Axle, Bandit and Jet are trapped and Sparks teleports them back to the L.M.S. Explorer, however the landslide also gets teleported and severely damages the teleporter, thereby causing some of the events in the PC game. The teleporter malfunctions, and is only able to teleport people and objects down to the planet, but is unable to bring them back.
Chief informs Axle, Bandit, Jet and Sparks that Docs has gone missing. Chief sends Axle, Bandit and Jet to look for him, Sparks stays behind to repair the teleporter. Meanwhile, Docs is defending himself from several Lava Monsters. Axle is ordered to stay at the base to guard it from the Elemental Creatures.
Bandit and Jet take two Granite Grinders and begin searching for Docs. They encounter a Lava Monster and an Ice Monster battling and run past them. They find Docs who is cornered by several Lava Monsters. Jet makes the Granite Grinder jump over to the Monsters and ejects the Energy Crystals to distract them. She and Docs escape while they feed on the Crystals.
Several days later the Rock Raiders manage to collect enough Energy Crystals to power the L.M.S. Explorer, unfortunately the Ice, Lava and Rock Monsters team up to attack the Rock Raiders' outpost. The Teleporter has not yet been repaired to teleport people back yet, Chief teleports down to the planet and saves the Rock Raiders and Energy Crystals from the Elemental Creatures, with his plasma-blasting arm. While he is blasting away at the monsters, the other Rock Raiders construct a temporary Teleport Pad with parts from the base. All five Rock Raiders teleport back to the L.M.S. Explorer, along with the Energy Crystals.
Sparks creates a map of the entire alien Galaxy, to find their way home, the L.M.S. Explorer takes off at lightspeed. The L.M.S. Explorer's computer detects an alien life form aboard, the Rock Raiders search everywhere for it, but they cannot find it. The Rock Monster reveals itself shortly after they search for it, the creature collapsed itself into several small rocks to hide. It is unknown what happened to the Rock Monster afterwards.
The following events take place in Race for Survival
Six months after the Rock Raiders first discovered the alien galaxy, the Rock Raiders have returned to the planet, and possibly the other planets in the solar system. The planet has now been named Planet U, it is never said what the U stands for, but it is widely accepted that it means Uncharted or Unexplored. The Rock Raiders have now set up quadrants around the planet.
Axle is in a cavern in the unexplored Quadrant 14, drilling with the Chrome Crusher. Without warning there is a small tremor, trapping Axle and the Chrome Crusher. Axle contacts Sparks, who is aboard the L.M.S. Explorer, he tells the engineer that he is trapped and his oxygen supply is low.
Chief gathers Bandit, Docs, Jet and Sparks for a mission briefing. Using the L.M.S. Explorer's onboard GeoScanner, he locates the approximate location of Axle. Docs warns everyone that there is a volcano there, but it is now dormant.
The four Rock Raiders make it to Quadrant 14 in thirty minutes, there were several geysers everywhere. Docs orders Sparks and Jet to take a Granite Grinder and Hover Scout to the nearby mountain. Bandit decides to take a Rapid Rider down the nearby river. Docs takes his Hover Scout and examines the cavern, searching for the cause of the tremor.
Sparks and Jet made it to the mountain fast, they saw the landslide of rocks that had buried the Chrome Crusher. Jet approached the rocks and could hear that Axle was sending them a message via Morse Code. Sparks says that they should not drill, that could cause the entire cavern to collapse. Sparks says they'll have to dig him out, but they must do it fast, Axle's oxygen supply is quickly dwindling.
Sparks and Jet get a beam out of the Granite Grinder and use it to move the boulders. It was not enough though. Sparks and Jet looked behind them and saw that a Rock Monster was standing over them, holding a massive boulder. The Rock Monster puts the boulder down, and walks past the two Rock Raiders. It begins picking up and throwing the boulders out of the way, clearing a path. Sparks and Jet walk into the newly uncovered tunnel and look for Axle, but he, and the Rock Monster, had vanished.
Docs was exploring the nearby Quadrant 15, there was a second tremor while he was there. A large crack opened in the cavern floor, large amounts of magma erupted from it and quickly filled the room. Docs raced away on his Hover Scout, narrowly escaping it through a small crevice in the cavern wall.
Bandit was riding his Rapid Rider, he was about to give up on searching. His Rapid Ride flash a message on its screen that it detected an alien life form. Once again, Bandit had traveled into an Ice Monster's den. The Ice Monster rose out of the water and grabbed the Rapid Rider, the creature threw it and Bandit against the cavern wall. Bandit was not hurt, however the Rapid Rider was slightly damaged, as was his radio.
Back in the mountain, Docs had found Sparks and Jet, and warns them that the mountain is an active volcano. There is pressure building up inside of it, and it would erupt in approximately two hours. Sparks uncovered a large hole in one of the cavern walls, the three Rock Raiders went inside of it. Inside there was a massive cavern, the floor layered with Energy Crystals, the roof was glittering with gemstones, and there was a large lake in the middle of the floor. At the other side of the cavern was the Rock Monster that uncovered the tunnel, it was asleep. Axle was kneeling by a pile of Energy Crystals. Docs realized that this was an Energy Crystal cache, though much larger than any seen before. Axle said he found it when the Rock Monster unveiled the tunnel.
A loud growl echoed throughout the cavern, it awoke the Rock Monster that was next to the Rock Raiders. The Rock Monster runs toward another hidden cavern, inside there were four other Rock Monsters defending their Energy Crystals from a Slimy Slug. The Rock Monsters throw numerous boulders at the slug and it leaves.
Docs warns the Rock Raiders that an eruption is imminent, and that they have to leave now. Jet says that they need to save the Rock Monsters too. Sparks develops a plan to save the Rock Monsters, by using the Chrome Crusher to block the path of the magma, the cavern will not be destroyed and neither will the Rock Monsters.
The Rock Raiders race out of the cavern, five minutes later the Chrome Crusher detonates. Sparks uses the Granite Grinder to drill an escape route. There has been no contact from Bandit for quite a while. The Chrome Crusher held in place and stopped the magma from advancing. The Rock Raiders made it to the surface, Bandit sledded down the mountain on a makeshift snowboard, made from the Rapid Rider's parts.
The Rock Raiders return to the L.M.S. Explorer for a mission debriefing.
Energy Crystals[edit]
Energy Crystals, also called Power Crystals or less frequently, Brickonium, are sources of vast amounts of energy, and are the main sources of power for the Rock Raiders. Energy Crystals were introduced in Lego Rock Raiders, and have appeared in several themes since then.
When an Energy Crystal's energy has been depleted, it turns either a dark gray or a purple color and has to be recharged. Energy Crystals have only been seen to turn gray once, when a Slimy Slug drained one.
Energy Crystals, as well as being able to power machinery, can energize raw materials. There are certain rock walls which contain more Energy Crystals then usual. These are Energy Crystal Seams.
Energy Crystals also serve as the primary food source for monsters and slugs alike, often resulting in conflicts between them and the Rock Raiders.
Green Energy Crystals[edit]
The most common variety of Energy Crystals. Planet U has an abundance of these Crystals and they are used as the main source of energy for Rock Raiders HQ. These Crystals are seen all over the galaxy, on Earth, distant asteroids and even Mars. Crystals with this color of green (though most likely not the same kind of crystal) are also seen in BIONICLE on Aqua-Magna, as well Power Miners.
Red Energy Crystals[edit]
The rarest variety of Energy Crystals, red Energy Crystals are five times more powerful than the green Crystals. These Crystals are only seen in the Rock Raiders PlayStation video game. Crystals with this color (though most likely not the same kind of crystal) are also used in Lego Power Miners.
Purple Energy Crystals[edit]
These energy crystals are actually green Energy Crystals drained of Energy (normally by a Mining Laser, whether it be on a vehicle or stationary), and they must be recharged at a Recharge Seam to make them usable again.
Recharge Seam[edit]
Though technically not an Energy Crystal, these stones are embedded in the cavern walls of Planet U. They are the only known objects that can recharge Energy Crystals. They were featured in the Rock Raiders PC video game, appearing in several of the ice-themed levels.
Other Varieties[edit]
The Energy Crystal brick has since been featured in other sets as an ordinary gem or metal nugget. Most of them are probably not Energy Crystals, or if so, not the same type as in Rock Raiders.
Blue Crystals[edit]
These Energy Crystals' abilities, strength and abundance is unknown. They were originally going to appear in the Rock Raiders PlayStation video game, but they were removed. Crystals with this color (though most likely not the same kind of crystal) are now featured in the 2007 Lego Theme Aqua Raiders and Power Miners.
Gold Crystals[edit]
These Energy Crystals' abilities, strength and abundance is unknown. They were originally going to appear in the Rock Raiders PlayStation video game, but they were removed. Crystals with this color (though most likely not the same kind of crystal) have appeared in the lego castle theme.
Planet U[edit]
Planet U is the alien planet featured in Rock Raiders. The entire plot takes place on this planet. Planet U is located in a red galaxy parallel to the Milky Way. Its solar system has five other planets, and its star is in its red giant phase.
Planet U is a barren planet, devoid of any plant life and has little water on the surface, though there is plenty in the caverns inside it. There are massive lava lakes all around the planet. The poles of the planet are completely made up of ice, with scattered lakes. Planet U was home to an ancient and mysterious civilization, the Elemental Creatures. It is unknown exactly when this civilization was active, but the ruins found suggest it was millions of years old. Some millennia ago, a cataclysmic event occurred and the civilization was broken, the Elemental Creatures were reduced to simple-minded brutes, the Rock, Ice and Lava Monsters who now inhabit the planet's numerous caverns. All that remains are the ruins found by the Rock Raiders Axle, Bandit, Jet and Docs.
Planet U is abundant with Ore and Energy Crystals. The Planet's surface and crust is made mostly of various types of rock, mainly igneous. There are millions of limestone and marble caverns, studded with gemstones. Its mantle is composed mostly of volcanic rock. It is also where most of the Energy Crystals, Ore and wildlife are located. The outer and inner cores are composed of Ore. Near the planet's core is an enormous Energy Crystal cache that is heavily guarded by Rock Monsters.
Planet U has very little oxygen, the Rock Raiders must build Support Stations to purify the air, and make it breathable.
Black Bats[edit]
Black Bats seem to thrive in the deep caverns of Planet U. They live in large groups and are harmless, though they do not like to be disturbed by the noise of drilling. They are rarely seen around Rock Raiders HQ. In the PC version of Lego Rock Raiders, black bats cause some rock raiders to run in fear, disrupting mining operations.
Very little is known about the monsters, mainly because very few have ever been seen. They are obviously the dominant species of Planet U. Their main source of food happens to be the Energy Crystals, so they keep a close eye on them. Monsters have been known to hide lots of Energy Crystals in one cavern, and conceal the entrance. There are three variations of monsters. Rock, which is the most common, Ice, and Lava.
There is a rumor that Chief encountered a Rock Monster in his youth, but he has never shared this experience with anyone else. All that is known is what he saved in the L.M.S. Explorer's computer. The Chief was mentally scarred after the event, and has taught his fellow Rock Raiders to react correctly if a monster appears. Those Rock Raiders unfortunate enough to be unarmed when a Rock Monster appears usually react with unparalleled panic, charging around the cavern shouting 'ARGHHH, ARGHHH!' However this is not definitive of the normal (and expected) Rock Raider reaction, which would usually be to unholster their handy Plasma Guns and fire away until said monster has been dealt with.
"The creature appeared to be made of rock and stood at least twice as tall as me. It had fiery eyes and a fearsome roar that almost turned me to stone! I was terrified as I watched it eat a great pile of Energy Crystals. Once it had finished it seemed to just disappear into the rock!"
Monsters have appeared in a few other Lego themes before, usually as enemies. Though, once again, Rock Raiders is the first to feature them as a major plot element.
Rockwhales are the largest creatures on all of Planet U. Their bodies are large, long and made completely of stone. They have six legs, and two large, pitch black eyes. Like scorpions and spiders, there are two types of them, though these may not by different breeds, a metallic maroon type and a light brown color.
The metallic maroon type are slightly longer than the light brown type. They are capable of running incredibly fast, faster than any of the Rock Raiders' vehicles.
The light brown type are slightly shorter than the maroon type. They cannot walk very fast. Their bodies have several cracks in them. Their aged appearance suggests that this is not a different breed, and instead is just a much older Rockwhale.
Rockwhales' only known weakness is water, if they are exposed to large amounts their bodies become one with the ground.
It has been speculated that the Rockwhales are in fact, another variation of monsters.
There are two breeds of Scorpions on Planet U, a purple breed and a green breed.
The purple breed behave like Earth Scorpions, the only differences are their color, size and that they are not poisonous, though it does hurt to get pinched by one.
The green breed however, are very different from Earth Scorpions, they are very territorial and will attack at the mere sight of a Rock Raider. These scorpions are slightly poisonous, though their venom is not lethal. The green scorpions are capable throwing bursts of energy from their claws.
Slimy Slugs[edit]
Slimy Slugs are large, green slugs with a layer of slime to help them slither faster. Like the monsters, their main food source is the Energy Crystals. However, unlike the monsters they do not swallow the Energy Crystals, instead they suck the energy out of them.
Slimy Slugs are short enough to crawl under Electric Fences, and due to their thick hides they can withstand laser fire and dynamite. The best method to get rid of them is place a Sonic Blaster, which emits a high-pitched sound wave which drives them away.
They are normally docile; however, they have been known to ram into Rock Raiders.
The Snakes of Planet U are a green and yellow stripe pattern, nothing is known about them as they only appeared in the FMV clips of the Rock Raiders PC and PlayStation video games. They appear harmless as they do not bother the Rock Raiders. Axle is afraid of these Snakes.
There are two breeds of Spiders on Planet U, a smaller, harmless breed and a larger, more aggressive breed.
The Small Spiders are Planet U's most common species, hiding under every rock and in every dark corner. They are a brown color with several black stripes. Docs has confirmed the Small Spiders are not venomous, however they do secrete very slippery substance that protects them from being eaten by the bats. In the PC game, a Rock Raider stepping on one of these will slip.
The larger Spiders are much more dangerous than their smaller cousins. They are slightly bigger than the average Rock Raider. Unlike the Small Spiders, the large Spiders are venomous. They prefer to stay in the volcanic areas of Planet U, spinning incredibly large webs that can trap Chrome Crushers. The only thing that can clear the webs is the scoop of the Loader Dozer.
Rock Types[edit]
Rock Walls[edit]
There are four different types of the rock walls. Dirt walls are the easiest to drill through, as they are mostly just dirt. Dirt walls can be drilled by any type of digging tool.
Loose rock walls are slightly harder to drill through, though any digging tool can take these down too.
Hard rock walls are very difficult to drill through. Being made completely of rock, they can only be taken down with the aid of drilling vehicles, the Mining Laser or dynamite.
Solid rock walls are impossible to drill through, and a Rock Raider must find a route around them.
Lego Ore[edit]
Lego Ore is the most common mineral on all of Planet U, it is found behind every rock wall and the majority of Planet U is composed of it. Lego Ore plays a significant part in the Rock Raiders theme, all the Rock Raiders' tools, buildings and vehicles are made out of it.
Lego Ore can be reinforced into Building Studs at the Ore Refinery. Building Studs make constructing much easier and faster.
There are certain rock walls that contain more Lego Ore than usual. These walls are called Ore Seams.
Rock Raiders Vehicles[edit]
L.M.S. Explorer[edit]
The L.M.S. Explorer is the most important Rock Raiders vehicle. It is a massive exploration, and possibly colonization, cruiser. It is not outfitted with weapons, and therefore not a battleship. The L.M.S. Explorer's engines are capable of reaching light-speed.
The L.M.S. Explorer has an energy shield that completely surrounds the ship, protecting it from space debris. The ship is also outfitted with a large GeoScanner, the Rock Raiders use this device whenever they find a new planet. Rather than deploying shuttles, the L.M.S. Explorer has a teleportation system to transport Rock Raiders between planets and to and from the ship.
Cargo Carrier[edit]
The Cargo Carrier is a large water-based craft that is generally used to ferry equipment over the underground lakes and rivers. It has a large cargo hold that is able to carry most of the small vehicles and the Rock Raiders across water.
Chrome Crusher[edit]
The Chrome Crusher, also known as the Giant Drilling Vehicle or "GDV", is the "big daddy" of the Rock Raiders vehicles. It is everything that a Rock Raider will ever need in the dangerous underground caverns. Its powerful drill and high-energy laser equipment are a match for almost any kind of rock. If its drill is upgraded, a second drill will appear where the scanner dish was and this dish is moved up next to the laser. If the engine is upgraded, a huge, powerful-looking engine block appears in the large hollow space in the back of the vehicle, and it is able to move much faster. However, it is still slower than every other vehicle except the Large Mobile Laser Cutter, which cannot get an engine upgrade.
Floating Platform[edit]
The Floating Platform is a special unmanned vehicle. They are deployed when a Rock Raider must cross large amounts of water or lava, and a Tunnel Scout is not available. The Platforms are always on a set to and fro course.
Granite Grinder[edit]
The Granite Grinder is the "big brother" of the Small Digger, its giant drill is very powerful and it grinds through rock more quickly than the Small Digger and Small Mobile Laser Cutter. Its unique "walker" legs make it able to cross rubble and rock debris safely and easily. If the vehicle is upgraded, there are two drills. The Lego Power Miners Granite Grinder is named after the Rock Raiders one.
Hover Scout[edit]
The Hover Scout is designed to make long distance reconnaissance over land easy and quick. It can travel at high speeds and can go over rubble and rock debris. The Hover Scout uses the latest hover propulsion technology.
The Hoverboard appears to be a much more advanced version of the Hover Scout. Many features of the Hover Scout can be seen on the it. The Hoverboard appeared a few times in the theme and was even included in a set, but it was not named until Save the Spaceship.
Mobile Laser Cutter[edit]
The Mobile Laser Cutter is excellent at blasting though dirt and loose rock, using its powerful beam. The Mobile Laser Cutter comes in two varieties: a small, weaker but faster version, and a large, more powerful but slower version. Although they are extremely fast at mining, they both use a lot of energy.
The Large Mobile Laser Cutter uses the same amount of power as the Small Mobile Laser Cutter, but the laser is more powerful and will cut through rock more quickly, and is effective over a much longer range. The vehicle can be upgraded with a second laser emitter.
Loader Dozer[edit]
The Loader Dozer is a heavy-duty bulldozer and is good for clearing large areas of rubble quickly. When upgraded, it can carry large amounts of cargo thereby giving it a dual-purpose: clear the rubble and return the Lego Ore to Rock Raider HQ.
Rapid Rider[edit]
The Rapid Rider is the most basic of the Rock Raiders' water based vehicles. It can travel across underground lakes and rivers, and though it cannot carry much cargo, it is an excellent reconnaissance craft.
In Save the Spaceship, the Rapid Rider is called the Cat. This may be the name Bandit's personal Rapid Rider.
Small Digger[edit]
The Small Digger is a small but useful vehicle, using its twin chainsaws it can cut through most rock. Although it is not the fastest digging vehicle, it is a good choice at the beginning of a mission.
Small Transport Truck[edit]
The Small Transport Truck is very useful vehicle throughout entire missions. It is designed to make transporting raw materials from the excavation site to the HQ much faster.
Tunnel Scout[edit]
The Tunnel Scout is ideal for more advanced reconnaissance, as it can fly over water, lava and land. It gives the Rock Raider team greater flexibility over mixed terrain and its high speed keeps the pilot out of trouble.
Tunnel Transport[edit]
The Tunnel Transport is one of the largest Rock Raiders vehicles. It is inspired by Military helicopters, though unlike Military Helicopters where their propellers are at the front and back, the Tunnel Transport's propellers are at its left and right sides. At the bottom is a chain that can hold the largest land vehicles or rescue trapped Rock Raiders by lifting them aboard. The Hoverboard can be stored in the back compartment.
Unknown Vehicles[edit]
There are a few sets that include unnamed vehicles, most of the inspiration models are vehicles as well. These vehicles are never named, and only two of them were ever featured in the story.
Rock Raiders Structures[edit]
The Docks are always constructed on the bank of an underground lake or river. They are used for mooring the Rapid Rider and Cargo Carrier. The Docks is where Rock Raider cadets can train as sailors.
Geological Center[edit]
The Geological Scanner is where geologists bring rock samples for study. Its large GeoScanner scans the entire cavern. The Geological Center is where Rock Raider cadets can train as geologists.
Landing Pad[edit]
The Landing Pad is a large platform marked for landing the Tunnel Transport. They are usually placed far away from Rock Raiders HQ.
Mining Laser[edit]
The Mining Laser projects a powerful beam which can tackle most types of rock. This must be used wisely as firing the laser uses up Energy Crystals.
Ore Refinery[edit]
The Ore Refinery's function is to process raw Lego Ore into Building Studs. This structure is useful during long missions.
Power Path[edit]
The Power Path is the Rock Raiders HQ foundation, every building must be next to a Power Path to be built, however the paths themselves do not need to be connected to be built. Rock Raiders can run much faster on Power Paths than rubble or cavern floor. The Power Paths use energy from the Power Station and supply it throughout the base, this can be seen when the Power Paths glow blue.
The Power Paths can be used as dams to block a lava flow, though these must be repaired often.
Power Station[edit]
The Power Station is extremely important, as it is where the power is extracted from the Energy Crystals and used to power the buildings at Rock Raider HQ. Once a Power Station has been constructed, the Energy Crystals collected are taken here and used to power the base.
Super Teleport[edit]
The Super Teleport, also called the Large Teleport Pad, has more than double the power of the Teleport Pad. Once constructed you can teleport down the largest land vehicles from the L.M.S. Explorer.
Support Station[edit]
The Support Station is extremely important, it replenishes the air supply in caverns which have limited levels of oxygen in them. It also acts as a lunchroom for the Rock Raiders. The Support Station is where Rock Raider cadets can train as drivers.
Teleport Pad[edit]
The Teleport Pad is a very important building. Rock Raiders and the Small Vehicles use the Teleport Pad to travel into the underground caverns from the L.M.S. Explorer. The Teleport Pad is also where Rock Raider cadets can train as pilots.
Tool Store[edit]
The Tool Store is the first building needed for any Rock Raider HQ and is the starting point of every base. It is a multi-purpose building, as it not only acts as a temporary Teleport Pad, but also stores all the tools needed by the Rock Raider team. Collected raw materials are also stored in the Tool Store.
Unknown Structures[edit]
In the Chrome Crusher and Rock Raiders HQ sets, there are inspiration models for structures. These structures are never named and never appear in the story, though they are likely just variations of Rock Raiders HQ.
Upgrade Station[edit]
The Upgrade Station is where Rock Raiders bring vehicles to be repaired or upgraded. The Upgrade Station is where Rock Raider cadets can train as engineers.
Rock Raiders Equipment[edit]
Among the vehicles, the Rock Raiders have a plethora of tools and equipment. Only the significant tools will be listed here, the minor tools that are included with sets and featured in the PC game will not be listed here.
Action Stations[edit]
Action Stations is Rock Raiders HQ alert system. When activated the entire base glows red and alarms sound. All the armed Rock Raiders go on red alert, looking out for hostile alien life. As a precaution, Action Stations is automatically activated when a building is damaged, be it by alien, equipment or environment.
Construction Barriers[edit]
Construction Barriers are used by Rock Raiders who are preparing an area for a building to be teleported down. Rock Raiders collect them from the Tool Store autonomously, and pick them up if they have been left lying around.
Construction Barrier resemble typical barriers, with black and yellow stripes and flashing lights at both ends.
An explosive material that Rock Raiders can fetch from the Tool Store. It is not shown in the inventory, but Rock Raiders can be seen carrying it to the selected wall. Dynamite can knock down dirt, loose and hard rock in one go. It does work on seams but only once, and the wall is not demolished. Dynamite can do damage to vehicles, Rock Raiders, buildings and monsters alike. Solid Rock walls are unaffected by Dynamite, as is everything else the Rock Raiders use.
Electric Fences[edit]
Electric Fences can be considered a tool, weapon or building. Rock Raiders place Electric Fences around the perimeter of Rock Raiders HQ, any monsters that walk into them are disintegrated. They are ineffective against Slimy Slugs.
Beam Gun[edit]
The Beam Gun is a defensive tool used by the Rock Raiders to protect themselves from the monsters. Using PowerCells, which are only seen in the PlayStation game and are mentioned in the books, it can have numerous functions.
Blue PowerCell[edit]
The Blue PowerCell gives the Beam Gun an ice function. The freezer beam is the most effective weapon against Lava Monsters, though, not surprisingly, it is ineffective against Ice Monsters. When an enemy is shot with an ice beam, they are frozen solid for several minutes. In the PlayStation game, the freezer beam blast circles around the Rock Raider, rather than firing straight, creating a sort of "ice shield".
Yellow PowerCell[edit]
The Yellow PowerCell gives the Beam Gun the ability to push objects away. They are mostly used as a tool for the Rock Raiders, rather than a weapon like the other PowerCells. They can be used against the monsters, but it has barely any effect.
Interestingly, in the PlayStation game the Pusherbeam can stun and shrink creatures, as well as push them away. They are even used against Rockwhales to make them move in whatever direction they are facing.
Green PowerCell[edit]
The Green PowerCell gives the Beam Gun a laserbeam function. The laserbeam is the most effective weapon against the Rock and Ice Monsters, destroying them in one shot. It is effective against Lava Monsters, but not as much.
The GeoScanner, or GeoLocater as it is occasionally called, is one of the most important tools for the Rock Raiders, it is used primarily by Geologists. The GeoScanner can detect minerals, examine the density of rock, and even see what's beyond a rock wall. There are three known types of GeoScanners.
- Hand-Held – Seen in Race for Survival and Save the Spaceship.
- Radar Uplink – Seen in the PC game, several carried by Geologists and one at the Geological Center.
- L.M.S. Explorer – Seen in the PlayStation game and High Adventure, Deep Underground. Due to the way this one functions (Showing the landscape from a high-altitude and scanning the nearby rock), it was assumed to be aboard the L.M.S. Explorer. This was proven in High Adventure, Deep Underground.
Axle, Bandit, Docs, Jet and Sparks have a jetpack fitted onto their uniforms, allowing them to jump over large lakes of water,acid,and lava and help escape danger from the aliens. When used, a red light is seen. Jet had her jetpack modified to jump twice as high as the others'.
The jetpacks only appear in the PlayStation game.
Personal Energy Shield[edit]
Every Rock Raider and vehicle is equipped with a personal energy shield, to protect them from the dangers of Planet U. If a shield's power supply is depleted one of two things must be done; Locate Shield Recharge orbs or immediately teleport the Rock Raider to the L.M.S. Explorer. Docs had his shield modified to recharge while using his drill, it is unknown how this works though.
Power Drill[edit]
The Power Drill is a hand-held tool to drill through the rock walls. It can breach dirt and loose rock walls, but not hard rock.
The radar has two functions, the first is a map of the cavern, showing the Rock Raiders, their equipment, and the aliens if any. The second function is a camera, which can be centered around one object or person, constantly follow it wherever it goes.
Shield Recharge Orbs[edit]
The Shield Recharge Orbs are two small, green, floating orbs that spin in a circle. They have the ability to recharge an object's or person's shield instantly.
The Shield Recharge Orbs only appear in the PlayStation game.
Pusher Beam[edit]
This blaster emits a beam that "pushes" monsters. It pushes them while taking away health. It is especially effective against Slimy Slugs who are not affected by Laser or Freezer Beams, however is less effective against larger monsters such as Rock, Lava, and Ice Monsters. This weapon is seen in the LEGO Rock Raiders PC game. It can be picked up at the Tool Store.
Laser Beam[edit]
This blaster emits a laser beam that damages monsters. It is very effective against Ice Monsters. It is also effective against Rock Monsters. It is, however not very effective against Lava Monsters and Slimy Slugs. This weapon is seen it the LEGO Rock Raiders PC game. It can be picked up at the Tool Store.
Freezer Beam[edit]
This blaster emits a beam that temporarily freezes and damages Monsters. It is very effective against Lava Monsters. It is also effective against Rock Monsters. It is, however, not very effective against Ice Monsters, and Slimy Slugs are completely unaffected. This weapon is seen in the LEGO Rock Raiders PC game. It can be picked up at the Tool Store.
Sonic Blaster[edit]
Sonic Blasters are defensive tools used against Slimy Slugs. Once a Sonic Blaster is dropped, it emits a high-pitched noise that drives away the Slimy Slugs.
Original Plans[edit]
The Ultimate Lego book contained concept art for Lego Rock Raiders on pages 30–31, showing how the theme developed over time. The original plans were vastly different:
- Different outfit designs for the Rock Raiders, with goggles and scarfs.
- Mysterious aliens traveling with the Rock Raiders.
- Rock Monsters were larger, and some had tails and acted more like animals.
- The Chrome Crusher appears with two drills (similar to its upgraded form in the Rock Raiders PC Game) and no laser.
- The Loader Dozer has a drill and a gun.
- A scrapped flying rocket-like vehicle which somewhat resembles the Tunnel Scout.
- A scrapped vehicle with robotic arms, a drill and laser turrets.
- A Mobile Rock Raiders HQ, with Crystal and Ore Refineries and giant arms.
- A Hover Scout with cargo capacity.
Other pictures in the book included:
- Different Granite Grinder, much sleeker look.
- Ice-themes Loader Dozer.
- Ice Monsters in a set.
- Flying transport truck.
Had the theme been more successful, these elements might have been reconsidered.
References in other Lego themes[edit]
A few other Lego themes have shared aspects of Rock Raiders, and vice versa. Some themes have even directly mentioned the Rock Raiders characters.
- Lego Island 2
- Rock Monsters inhabit the jungle.
- Rock Monsters and Slimy Slugs inhabit OGEL Island.
- A Rock Monster appears as the first boss in the Game Boy Color version.
- Lego Racers 2
- The character Berg, is an Ice Monster (though his appearance is identical to a Rock Monster) that wishes to race. This is the first known intelligent Monster.
- Legoland
- Energy Crystals are under Legoland
- Professor Voltage teleports to Planet U right when Docs is being threatened by a Rock Monster; his machine lands on the Rock Monster, knocking it out. The Professor asks Docs how to use Energy Crystals, then returns to Legoland, leaving Docs with a very angry Rock Monster.
- Lego Stunt Rally
- Radium, the City Champion, was originally a Rock Raider, although he got kicked out because he was using radiation on other Rock Raiders. His logo was the Rock Raider drill in the Beta version, but was changed.
Along with the above appearances, numerous Lego themes -some of which came before Rock Raiders, and others after- have featured Energy Crystals, though only a few have specifically said that they are the same type of crystals featured in Rock Raiders.
Although Rock Raiders has been discontinued, in January 2009 a new theme named Power Miners was released, which is heavily influenced by Rock Raiders.
|This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (February 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)


text:
It's touted as the magic cure-all for all infant ailments, the key to a perfect mother-baby bond and the only way to shed the pregnancy pounds with true success.
But, in truth – and whisper it – sometimes breastfeeding is a drag.
From sore nipples to engorged and painful breasts, the struggle to get a screaming newborn to latch on at 3am and the boob-flashing nightmare of trying to feed a wriggly infant in public, the reality can be far from an idyll.
So is breastfeeding actually worth it? And, if you do plump for the boob over the bottle, how can you make it as smooth a ride as possible?
Despite a rash of recent newspaper headlines battling over the pros and cons of breastfeeding your baby long-term – that is, beyond six months to a year – the weight of medical evidence shows that breastfeeding from birth for at least a short time can have highly beneficial effects.
For your baby they include:
- Protective effects against infections and diseases
- Reduced risk of severe diarrhoea and vomiting
- Reduced risk of constipation
- Less chance of becoming obese later in life and therefore developing type 2 diabetes
- A unique composition of nutrients that changes day by day and feed by fed to fit your infant's changing needs
- Evidence that breastfeeding reduces the risk of cot death
And for mothers they number:
- Reduced risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer
- Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
- Less chance of developing postnatal depression
- New studies suggest breastfeeding for six months reduces the risk of high blood pressure in later life
That's not to mention the handy fact that breastfeeding costs nothing and, when it all goes according to plan, is free from the sterilising paraphernalia and bottles that formula feeding requires.
In theory, you can feed a baby any time, anywhere – although as any new mother will testify, it's not always a doddle.
And breastfeeding burns around 500 extra calories per day. (However the weight loss benefits may well be counteracted by the raging hunger that accompanies breastfeeding and the sudden overwhelming desire for cake.)
On the flipside, though, the pitfalls that accompany breastfeeding are often glossed over – meaning new Mums can be surprised and distressed by the difficulties they encounter, leading many to quit before they intended.
While breastfeeding will not be for everyone, for those who aim to give it a shot, here is a guide to dealing with some of the more common complaints:
Sore nipples
This discomfort is most commonly caused by excess suction, when a baby has not latched on to enough of the breast and areola surrounding the nipple. Try to ensure your baby takes as large a mouthful as possible and is not latched on to the nipple alone.
Sometimes, sore nipples occur in the early stages of breastfeeding as your body gets used to the new experience. Squeezing a little breastmilk out of the nipple and allowing it to air dry can help, as can thick nipple creams such as Lansinoh – safe to use while a baby continues to feed.
In some cases, where nipples are also red or cracked, you may have developed thrush. See your doctor for treatment.
Engorged and painful breasts
Some tenderness can occur in a normal full breast – particularly in the first week or so after birth when the milk comes in. Giving your baby frequent feeds can minimise the pain and swelling. Sometimes expressing a little by hand in between fees can provide relief.
Later on, temporarily blocked ducts can create swelling and red, sore spots. Having a warm shower and angling the spray on your affected breast can help, as can 'combing' the breast with a wide-toothed comb to help move the milk along the ducts.
But an intense pain, hardness, redness or swelling - sometimes accompanied by fever – can indicate an infection called mastitis, for which you will need to see your GP for treatment.
Breastfeeding in public
The first time you breastfeed your infant in public can be traumatic – even if nobody is looking you will feel like a spotlight has been planted over your head and a fanfare is directing passers-by to gawp at your boobs.
The first thing to remember is that it is highly unlikely that anyone has even noticed – and if they have, research shows the vast majority of people are unconcerned by women breastfeeding in public. And even if some are not, tough - it is your legal right to do so under the Equality Act.
If you are concerned about being discreet there is a wide range of specially made nursing tops out there that can allow you to feed without exposing yourself. See www.boobdesign.com or www.seraphine.com for some ideas. A large scarf or pashmina can also be a valuable tool, draped over one shoulder allowing the baby to snuggle beneath it. There are even some special breastfeeding 'scarves' available, for example at www.mamascarf.co.uk.
Dealing with a wriggly baby
Once your baby is a few months old and starting to become nosy about the world around him, you may find it virtually impossible to keep him latched on as he feeds – he may constantly break off to have a look around, leaving your nipples waving in the air.
He may even be reluctant to let you cover him with a scarf, preferring instead to tug it away so he can see out. Don't get distressed – it's a phase that soon passes. By four or five months your baby will be fine if he only takes a few mouthfuls of milk – you can make up for the feed when you're in a quieter place, or back at home.
Following official guidelines
Official advice is there to help new mums cope with the chaos of first-time breastfeeding, but sometimes advice can be so rigid as to hamper your efforts. If the usual 'nose to nipple, tummy to tummy' guidance does not seem to be helping, it's OK to let your baby find his or her most comfortable position. Sometimes tummy to tummy isn't what they want – if they're feeding and happy, let them stay in the position they choose.
Getting help
While midwives and NHS booklets and health visitors are all there to offer help and support, sometimes new Mums need a little more expertise. If you are having difficulties La Leche League helpline is manned 24 hours a day on 0845 120 2918 and the Breastfeeding Network (0844 412 4664) or Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (0844 122 949) are also there to offer help and support. The Breastfeeding Network runs local breastfeeding centres and you may find your local children's shop or health centre has information on breastfeeding support groups in your area.


text:
1994 Report on Teaching and Learning Activities for the SURVEY ASSISTANT TRAINEESHIP: Surveying and Mapping Studies
Webb, Robert M. (1994) 1994 Report on Teaching and Learning Activities for the SURVEY ASSISTANT TRAINEESHIP: Surveying and Mapping Studies. Queensland University of Technology.
|PDF (663kB)
This report briefly summarises the educational activities and outcomes associated with QUT teaching of several key/core subjects for the Survey Assistant Traineeship program for the Association of Consulting Surveyors, Queensland. The School of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Surveying at QUT provided in excess of 200 hours of teaching and educational experiences to students involved in this traineeship program.
Impact and interest:
Citation counts are sourced monthly from Scopus and Web of Science® citation databases.
These databases contain citations from different subsets of available publications and different time periods and thus the citation count from each is usually different. Some works are not in either database and no count is displayed. Scopus includes citations from articles published in 1996 onwards, and Web of Science® generally from 1980 onwards.
Citations counts from the Google Scholar™ indexing service can be viewed at the linked Google Scholar™ search.
Full-text downloads:
Full-text downloads displays the total number of times this work's files (e.g., a PDF) have been downloaded from QUT ePrints as well as the number of downloads in the previous 365 days. The count includes downloads for all files if a work has more than one.
|ID Code:
|Item Type:
|Additional Information:
|Report commisioned by Queensland Association of Consulting Surveyors. Report is 95 pages in length, however the appendices have been ommitted from this version. Report presented 14 December 1994.
|Survey and Mapping training
|Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification > ENGINEERING (090000) > GEOMATIC ENGINEERING (090900) > Surveying (incl. Hydrographic Surveying) (090906)
|Past > QUT Faculties & Divisions > Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering
|Copyright Owner:
|Copyright 1994 (please consult author)
|Deposited On:
|15 May 2006 00:00
|Last Modified:
|09 Jun 2010 12:32
Export: EndNote | Dublin Core | BibTeX
Repository Staff Only: item control page


text:
bluezoo Boy's dark blue fleece slippers
Item No.2330207697
Item No.2330207697
These soft and cosy dark blue slippers from our bluezoo boys range have a grip outsole and a fleece upper with a cushioned insole. The youngest ages come in a closed back style and the older ages come in a mule style.
Sunday to Friday - order by 9pm
Saturday - order by 6pm
Monday to Sunday - order by midnight
Orders over £20 - FREE
Orders under £20 - £2
Show full delivery details
Subject to exceptions, Debenhams is happy to exchange or refund your purchase within 28 days of delivery. Please check here for more details on our returns policy and exceptions.
Open a Debenhams Credit Card today and receive:
Please note: if the amount you pay on your card is less than £500 after the 10% discount is applied, the 0% interest offer will not be available.
Credit available from NewDay Ltd to over 18s only
*Terms & Conditions apply.Find out more & apply now


text:
Home ›
Famagusta Halloween Gifts
11 items found
You can send Halloween Gifts to Cyprus in the following cities.
What our Customers Say about our Service
"Your customer service experience was very personal and efficient. I really felt cared for."
Olga N. - River Edge NJ , USA - Sep 28, 2015
"I have placed several orders for baskets to be delivered to Split, Croatia and I have been thoroughly impressed with the service and customer support received. The gifts have been delivered exactly when requested and have been an exact match to those pictured on the website. I would highly recommend giftbasketsoverseas to anyone wishing a delivery of flowers, chocolates etc to loved ones overseas. Order with complete confidence in their ability to deliver!!! Well done team! I shall be using your services again."
Danny Cetin - Carrum Downs, Victoria, Australia - May 5, 2011
"I gave a very short notice on my order. Giving them less than 2 business days and wanting it delivered on the weekend. Between those two facts, I figured my package wouldn't be on time. But I was pleasantly surprised to realize it arrived exactly when I wanted it to! The service is fantastic and ill definitely be using them again. "
Austin - USA - Mar 7, 2015
"I am so impressed with the service. Was punctual and they did everything they could to make it on time. They even went out of their way when the phone number was not working to try other means to contact the recipient. Will always use this company for my international and local gifts. I strongly recommend this company to everyone I know that is looking for gift delivery or any other service they provide."
Ben Mason - New York, NY - Jan 7, 2013
Read more testimonials or leave your feedback here.


text:
[Date Index]
[Thread Index]
[Author Index]
Re: LatticeReduce
>From dan at uiucmath.math.uiuc.edu Tue Mar 10 10:29:20 1992
>Date: Tue, 10 Mar 92 10:28:24 cst
>From: dan at uiucmath.math.uiuc.edu (Daniel R. Grayson)
>To: keiper at wri.com, sgupta at wcu.bitnet
>In-Reply-To: keiper at wri.com's message of Tue, 10 Mar 92 09:49:35 CST <9203101549.AA09390 at spider.wri.com>
>Subject: user question
I am constructing an integer lattice of rank d as the span of n integer
vectors in R^d with n > d . I want to use the LLL algorithm to reduce to
a basis (of size d). Unfortunately, LatticeReduce in Mathematica seems to
require n=d. I need to use LLL in order to find short vectors in the
lattice. What should I do ?
Don't use LatticeReduce unless you really want to get SHORT vectors. The
problem of getting a basis of a lattice is a linear algebra problem, and can be
solved without LatticeReduce.
Do it by row reduction over the integers (but RowReduce doesn't work over the
integers, too bad.) Think of the vectors as rows in a matrix, and use
elementary row operations with integer entries on that matrix to put it in
triangular form:
* * * * *
0 * * * *
0 0 * * *
0 0 0 * *
0 0 0 0 *
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
The pivot in column 1 is the gcd of the integers we started with in that
column. We ignored row 1 and reduced the remaining entries in column 2 to get
their gcd into row 2, with zeroes below, and so on.
These new rows are vectors which span the same lattice, and we can discard the
rows which are zero.


text:
Blackberrys and iPhones and Androids, Oh My!
As the phone call increasingly becomes an antiquated form of communication, text, instant message and email conversations have stepped in to fill the void, enabled by the ubiquity of our digital devices. And while the distraction of one-sided eavesdropping might be a thing of the past, the NY Times wonders if these new methods of chatting are any less offensive to those not "listening" in.
Regardless of your own feelings on the matter, it appears that smartphone use – anytime, anywhere – is gaining growing acceptance within the business community. In a connected world that thrives on immediacy, the prevailing attitude appears to be something along the lines of "now or never," meaning that ignoring an email for 15 minutes might translate into a lost opportunity.
From the perspective of Business 101 this makes some sense, but still it's hard not to think that our very participation in this accelerated culture, isn't collectively feeding into this current belief. What about the things we're missing out on by forgetting to look up from our screens?
But as the Times posits, maybe it's less about actual negotiations and transactions and more about the image of them. We particularly liked the following Wild West metaphor:
Beyond practical considerations, there is also the issue of image. In many professional circles, where connections are power, making a show of reaching out to those connections even as co-workers are presenting a spreadsheet presentation seems to have become a kind of workplace boast.
Mr. Brotherton, the consultant, wrote in an e-mail message that it was customary now for professionals to lay BlackBerrys or iPhones on a conference table before a meeting — like gunfighters placing their Colt revolvers on the card tables in a saloon. "It's a not-so-subtle way of signaling 'I'm connected. I'm busy. I'm important. And if this meeting doesn't hold my interest, I've got 10 other things I can do instead.' "


text:
Welcome to E-Books Directory
This is a freely downloadable e-book.
Open Source Security Tools: Practical Guide to Security Applications
Read this book online or download it here for free
Open Source Security Tools: Practical Guide to Security Applications
by Tony Howlett
Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR 2004
Number of pages: 600
Written with the harried IT manager in mind, Open Source Security Tools is a practical, hands-on introduction to open source security tools. Seasoned security expert Tony Howlett has reviewed the overwhelming assortment of these free and low-cost solutions to provide you with the "best of breed" for all major areas of information security. Inside, you'll find everything from how to harden Linux and Windows systems to how to investigate breaches with Sleuth Kit, Autopsy Forensic Browser, and Forensic Tool Kit. For each security task described, the author reviews the best open source tools and how to use them and also provides a case study and sample implementation.
|Science Books Online
|Books Fairy
|Maths e-Books
|Programming Books