text:
|By Nunouno1
|More from Nunouno1
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|The Mystery Deepens
|Chapter information
|Written by
|Release date
January 23, 2013
|Last chapter
A lone mountain stands dominating the landscape of the southern Earth Kingdom, as a single man tall and wide as a man can be, stands alone unwavering and retrained in front of a flat wall of stone and rock, standing with only a massive war hammer. As moments pass an object approaches in the distant, making the man look in anticipation. The object draws ever closer until it is revealed to be a carriage he then walks forward until the carriage stops.
" Halt! who so ever dares approach the home of the assassin should be ready..." "Oh shut up already Yevgeni!" The spy and Kiran leave the carriage as the carriage stops. " Kiran you came back already. What was the result of your mission?" " The mission was a success but our associates were captured..." "What you allowed fellow brothers and sisters to fall, our entire society could be revealed to the outside world." The other man finally speaks.
" Like that wasn't going to happen eventually the league has served for generations in the shadows, the light had to shine eventually." " And who are you to decide when such a moment has to arrive." The spy pushes out his fist to reveal his ring. " The order governs all even your pitiful excuse of an organization." The man growls.
" Watch your tongue or I will cleanse it for Wen the great, it was your mission that doomed our fellow siblings." "Don't worry I'm sure our friends will arrange to have your associates freed without notice. " " We do not need your help the league looks after themselves." Kiran in annoyance speaks up. "Oh will the two of you just shut up already, you're just like children. Yevgeni just let us in already!"
The man simply stops and walks to the stone wall behind him, he pulls his hammer and uses it to hit the wall. Moments later a piece of the mountain wall rises up as to reveal that a doorway that leads into a massive lit room hollowed out of the mountain. As they enter the room closes behind them to reveal a hangout filled with many other assassins.
The group walk in silently as they cross the room and enter a steel platform as it rises to a higher level and walk through a series of hallway until they finally arrive at a solid door and enter.
The room is shrouded in darkness lit only enough to see the wall lined with trophies, relics, and memorial shrines to past members. In the center there is only a lit bon fire as a man sits there in silence.
" Yevgeni leave us." "But master it would be wise..." " I said leave us!" Yevgeni only stands in shock before complying and then exits, leaving Kiran and the spy alone with the man. The man then stands as showing his physical build and size, littered with scars and thicken over the years as an warrior, his face defined and shaped to match his experience.
" So tell me how was the mission?" " Your subordinates performed adequately enough Wen." Kiran then steps back in fear. " Please Wen let me explain what happened..." The man suddenly rises with a blade pointed at her neck. " For generations the League of assassins have operated with the highest demand for success to represent the best of what the world could offer."
Kiran falls to her knees " Please master I have served you faithfully and with loyalty for years, please excuse my inefficiency ." Wen continues to hold his blade in place but then places it back in his hilt as Kiran rises in relief. " Thank you Wen." " Have comfort in the fact that you at the very least have succeeded in your mission." The spy then speaks out disgusted with his sight.
"Your society wastes such skill for hire. Wen your services and resources could be put to much better use." Wen then just snaps at the man as he holds his blade up to the spy. "And what use would that be?" " The Order has much demand for a skilled fighting force such as yourselves." " We have our traditions and you have yours." The Spy merely shrugs. " Very well! Now Kiran if you don't mind."
Kiran then takes out the same sealed envelope she looted from her mission and hands it to the spy, a hawk flies down from the ceiling as it lands on the spy's' shoulder. He places the envelope in a messenger box tied to the hawk's back and whispers into its ear. The hawk then flies into the room and leaves through a small opening in the ceiling and flies away into the sky. " The Order will be pleased with the results nevertheless."
The spy then grabs two bags and throws them to Wen. " There your reward, and a bonus this transaction never occurred." Wen picks up the bags to reveal that they are revealed to be filled with gold pieces. "They never do." Kiran finally speaks out in anticipation. " Fine you got what you wanted, now leave." " As you wish my dear, I have business elsewhere anyway."
As the spy prepares to leave a sudden explosion sounds in the distant, he opens the door to see several assassins running to investigate. Wen and Kiran charge into the hallway to follow." You there! What is happening?" One of them stops to address the two of them. " Master Wen we are under attack! By whom we do not know!" " Impossible no one can pass Yevgeni he is the gatekeeper."
1 Minute earlier
The doorway closes behind Yevgeni as he once again resumes his post. " Pathetic Order slum, they know not what the league is and what we stand for." As he stands he notices a small object again approaching from the road in front of him. " Halt in the name of the league of assassins you will..." He is silenced as a massive row of spikes in earth rises and crashes into him sending him flying into the wall smashing it down as the doorway is revealed.
As the assassins move in and surround Yevgeni as he regains his footing. " Who dares violate the scared home of the league..." They are met with the sight of a flying bison that charges in roaring, as Aang and Toph jump into the air. Appa leaves the cave as Aang follows with a massive blast of wind that blows into hideout blowing many of the assassins onto their feet and Toph lands on the ground shaking the foundation of the mountain as it violently shakes causing debris to fall.
"It's the Avatar run!" Before the others could flee, a commanding voice takes control. " Do not run cowards, fight back and strong for the glory of the league of assassins and master Wen." Many then turn back and join the charge with Yevgeni as they run toward the trio. They respond with many shuriken and arrows that fire, while the others assault. Aang raises a wall of earth to protect them, while Toph kicks the floor leveling it the other side plunging the forces into disarray.
" You know Toph we could have just waited for them to leave and captured one as they left." Toph responds by quickly pinching him. " This is personal Aang! and you know why!" Several assassins jump over the wall, and attempt to attack the duo with blades. Only to end in failure as Aang blasts one with a powerful gust of wind knocking him out while Toph encases the other in rock and throws him into the air across the room. Then a heavy swing of a hammer smashes through the wall set up.
" You dare attack the home of assassins! You shall pay!" He swings his hammer slamming it between Aang and Toph separating them. Yevgeni then swings his hammer toward Aang only to be avoided as Aang dodges it, he then slams it down only to be stooped Aang fires a burst of fire in front of him temporary blinding him. Toph collapses the ground beneath Yevengi making him lose his balance and falls down under his own weight. Aang and Toph then come together and make a massive fissure that blows Yevgeni across the room knocking him out.
Several more assassins attempt to attack only to be stopped as Aang sends a long stream of fire that fills the ceiling, while Toph collapses several Stalactites hanging from the ceiling causing debris to fall from. The combined attack demoralizes the assassins as they flee from the two benders. Toph advances the attack by bringing her hands together creating a massive wall from each side of the cave and uses them to trap the fleeing mob.
Kiran and Wen arrive at the balcony overlooking the carnage and stare in shock. " No! How could they have found us?! " " I can give you one guess Wen." " That does not matter Kiran we must intervene." The sounds of the battle continue on the ground below followed by another violent shaking of the ground. " Wen are you sure we can still escape through the..." Wen then smacks Kiran across the face.
" You dare call me a coward Kiran! I never run from any fight! Much less one in our own home!" Wen then draws a blade and jumps down into the fight, followed by a very nervous Kiran.
Toph finishes a fight by bending a series of debris and sends a massive rising a line of rock toward a group immobilizing them, Aang finishes another confrontation by recreating a small whirlwind that sucks many assassins into the air and then stops it sending them all crashing into the walls of the cave.
The remaining assassins rally behind the destruction as Aang and Toph walk towards them where suddenly Wen and Kiran land from the second floor. Kiran immediately locks eyes with Toph seeing a face of sheer anger and hatred, Aang meanwhile moves to confront Wen.
" Listen to me whoever you are, there is no need to escalate this fight any further." Wen merely laughs at this statement. " I doubt that even the two of you want to talk." " You can say that again!" Toph responds by suddenly launching a massive boulder at them, only to be stopped as Wen punches the boulder in midair breaking it into pieces.
" So hostile like the rest of your kind." Aang runs to Toph and tries to restrain her. "Toph calm down! We need answers not violence." Toph then grabs Aang and throws him across the cave. "Speak for yourself!" She then just charges at Kiran with a massive wave of earth.
Just before Toph crashes full force into Kiran a small rock emerges from the ground tripping Toph collapsing the wave she created. Taking advantage of the situation Kiran fires several shuriken at Toph, only to be stopped by Aang who stops the attack with an air shield. " Why did... Why did you do that?!" " Please Toph we need to know what is happening ? and besides I know we wouldn't be able to live with yourself if you killed her." Toph simply stops as Wen approaches and speaks.
" Tell me young avatar why do you seek to gain from here?" Aang then returns to a new verbal confrontation. " Your associate there murdered the parents of my friend here, we simply want to know who ordered that mission and what your role in it was?" " You expect me to answer that!"
" You invade my home, assault my family, and now have the gall to demand answers from me!" Wen draws a blade and points it to him. " Please sir we do not need to fight I am willing to..." Aang is silenced as Wen just charges at him, Toph is able to escape from Aang and then again runs in a fury driven assault toward Kiran.
Aang is just barely able to evade attacks as Wen repeating swings his blade violently, even predicating where Aang will evade to with near accuracy. Aang is then able to jump over Wen and lands behind him only for that to be a mistake, Wen swings his arm back and slashes Aang's back making him scream in pain.
" You are indeed powerful, but you are still a child." Wen again slashes again this time slashing the floor as Aang rolls across the ground, throwing several blasts of fire at him. Wen is easily able to evade the attacks and again swings his blade, Aang responds by sending several mounds of earth at Wen only to be stopped as Wen again either evades or destroys them.
Aang finally just raises an entire wall of earth and sends it flying at Wen, he is then pushed violently into the wall as it stops right before he is crushed by the side of the cave. Aang then breaks the wall and encases Wen into a box of stone, a small explosion then goes off blowing a side of the box allowing him to escape. Aang fires several blasts of fire at Wen only again to end in failure, Wen strikes only to be stopped as Aang pulls out his glider to block his attack.
" You fight well avatar, but you lack the will to truly finish a fight." " I don't kill." " Weak." " That's a point of view." Aang then breaks free of the lock and blows Wen's blade away as he charges forward with a series of coordinated punches and kicks, Aang is effectively able to dodge all the attacks and ends the fight by blowing a massive blast of wind at Wen throwing him against the wall of the cave.
Aang then runs up to Wen's body and checks his pace to see that he is still alive, and turns away to help Toph. Another mistake... Wen then awakes and grabs Aang and throws him against the wall and then pins him with another blade. " You are powerful, but that is no substitute for experience." Aang's eye spy a pipe in the corner of his eye and notices a small drop of water falling from it. " You know I couldn't agree more."
The pipes suddenly shatter and break as water is blasted into Wen forcing him onto the floor, Aang then follows by freezing the water trapping Wen onto the floor and entrapping his body with a layer of rock for security sake. " This won't stop me forever avatar! You will come to fear the league of assassins! I swear it!"
Aang merely walks up to him as he is trapped upon the floor. " I just wanted to talk, you could just as easily avoided this." Wen looks to the corner of his eye and then smirks. " I doubt she wants to talk." Aang then looks up and sees what he means and charges at the sight.
" No Toph! You can't...!"
Toph charges in a fit of rage at Kiran pulling a spear of stone out of the ground and throws it at Kiran's head. " Shit!" Kiran crouches and avoids the attack just barely, Toph follows by collapsing the floor and ceiling around Kiran attempting to crush or trap her with debris. Several other surviving assassins join the fight and surround Toph, only to be blown apart as Top slams the floor blowing the floor sending them all into the air.
Kiran attempts to go escape by going back to the second floor, she is stopped as the ground rises from out of the ground and pulls her back. Toph then runs and stops on top of her, Kiran then jumps up and throws a small powder into her eyes which only bothers Toph temporary. " You murdered my parents..." Kiran runs off again only for a wall of earth to rise in front of her.
" You murdered my parents and now you use this against me!" Kiran draws her blade and backs into the wall. " You murdered my parents! and you used to try and blind me!" Toph laughs and grabs Kiran's blade bending it backwards, causing Kiran to fall to feet in utter fear. "Did you ever knew anything about me?! I don't need these eyes! I never did!"
Kiran strikes forward in a futile attack, Toph then grabs her arms and sends her through the wall sending her rolling across the floor. She attempts to stand up only for Toph to grab her and stand her up and then punches her, sending her flying across the room. Kiran is now just barely able to stand as she holds herself up, her face alone battered and bloodied as Toph only continues her assault. " Please... stop..."
Toph ignores her as she bends restrains around her feet and hands, followed by Toph approaching her manically and deranged, she wipes the substance from eyes and opens them to show her rage and fury. She then enters a battle stance and places her hand and foot forward. Toph speaks with spite and utter hatred.
" Give me one good reason." Kiran throws her head down and closes her eyes as she waits for her fate. Toph then launches her arm creating a spike from the ground and launches it toward her.
End of POV
" No Toph! You can't...!" Aang bends a stream of water to Toph's arm and leg to restrain her, stopping the spike only inches from Kiran's face. " Aang what are you doing?" "What do you think you're doing Toph. What do you expect to accomplish by killing her." " She deserves it for what she's done! She's killed my parents and who knows how many other innocent people!" Kiran now looks back in fear of what might occur.
" Toph please don't do this! Revenge does not help anyone it's a double bladed sword, it takes a life and destroys the person inflicting it." " I think I can live with that Aang!" "No you can't
Toph I've known you for years and I know that you won't be able to live with yourself, right now you are angry and filled with adrenaline. You aren't in full control of your actions back down before you do something you'll regret!"
" How do you know Aang! How do you know the pain?! You don't! So just let me go..." Aang then walks up slowly to Toph as her eyes open in realization. " Toph, are you really that angry and blinded by hatred to forget. I know that pain all too well, my entire people and culture was destroyed in a day because of me, and yet I survived by pure luck and faith."
Toph then looks down as the thick fog in her mind clears. " I'm sorry Aang." Aang then reaches as grabs one of her shoulders. " I understand your pain Toph, the pain of knowing how powerless and vulnerable you can be, but I know this if you go through with this you will never forgive yourself." Aang then releases Toph leaving her unrestrained.
" Tell me Toph will you grow or will you drop yourself to her level?" Toph then lifts her head up and focuses on Kiran, feeling her heartbeat racing at miles an hour, her face filled with utter terror and fear suspenseful of what might occur next. Toph then makes her decision, she lower the spike and enters a default stance. Kiran finally relieved passes out from exhaustion.
Toph then turns around looks up at Aang and enter a hug with him. " I'm sorry... I'm so Sorry Aang." Aang then wraps his arms around Toph and comforts Toph as begins to sob. " Don't worry Toph you have proved your strength today." Aang and Toph stay in that hug for a few moments until it is finally broken and look around. " Well know what twinkle toes?" " I don't know Toph, I just wanted to capture one of them and talk so we could find answers." " Yeh sorry about that... let me check something."
Toph walks to the center of the room and then slams her foot against the ground, sending vibrations throughout the cave, sensing the bodies scattered through the cave. Until she finally detects a person in a locked room in the floor above them, Toph looks up at the second floor along with Aang. " There's one last person left up there."
The spy is seen in front of the bon fire throwing several papers he was carrying into it, all of a sudden the door behind collapses and rock around suddenly rises and encases his body and is risen into the air as he is dragged to the entrance as Aang and Toph enter. " Now you are you?" The man then places a small object on a packet of paper as it falls to the ground, Aang goes and picks them up. "I'll ask again who are you?" The man merely smirks.
" I'm nobody and I won't talk to you or anyone." " We'll see about that." The man then grins an insidious smile. "No you won't." The man suddenly jerks up in his mouth and bites down hard and opens his mouth to show that one of his teeth is gone. " Know this I am not alone and though I fall, others will carry on my mission. All... shall... see o... Orde... Order." The man flumes at the mouth and quietly dies.
Toph merely releases him knowing the irrelevance in holding him. " Who was this guy?" " My god! Toph you have to look at..." Toph then turns and gives Aang a "Really" look, causing Aang to slap his face lightly. " Sorry, but this is important." " Well what is it?" Aang looks through the packet of paper seeing images of people with red Xs across their faces. " It's a hit list, everyone in this list is someone he or someone else killed!"
" How many people are there?" "About a dozen." "Who were they?" " Governor Chin of the Pao City, General Tui of the Southern army, Fire Nation Grand admiral Howe." Aang suddenly jumps up in surprise. " Long Feng?" Toph also responds in shock. " Wait that's impossible, the guards reported that he escaped and disappeared?" " Apparently he didn't." Aang continues to look until he arrives at a familiar face.
" Well look at this!" Aang sees an image of Zuko followed by Lao and Poppy Bei Fong all with red Xs across their faces. " Toph, Whoever ordered your parents' death also called for Zuko's assassination." Toph rises his hands to her face. " My god. Who could do this?" Aang turns back to the front of the packet and sees a symbol. " This symbol... it means Order, and it was his last words. All shall see Order." " The Order? what is that supposed to be mean?" " Who knows, that's still one last person."
Aang flips back to the back of the packet and sees another familiar face. " You've got to kidding me." " What is it? Did they kill someone else?" " No they're going to kill..." A small object on the back of the packet suddenly lights up and releases a spark of fire that ignites the packet and engulfs it in flames, Aang merely drops the packet in response. "Damn it. NO! " The packet is merely incinerated as the flame devours the evidence leaving only the small object.
" What happened?" " Doesn't matter anymore we have to go now!" Aang runs out the door followed by Toph, Aang blows his whistle again bringing Appa back into the cave. Aang and Toph then climb onto Appa as he then flies them out. " Aang what is going on? Where are we going?"
" Whoever these people are they are apparently responsible and powerful enough to kill generals, politicians, and Fire Lord Zuko without concern! So we have to be careful, but now we know where to head next." " And where is that?" Aang grabs Toph and pulls her in and whispers in her ear, followed by her leaping up in shock.
" No way! No way twinkle toes! We are not going to save..." " What choice do we have Toph, we don't know where to go to next and who is involved in this! I don't like this anymore than you do, but it's our only lead into what's happening! " Toph stands preparing to argue again, but gives in. " Fine, but I don't have to like it."
A few minutes of silence go by as they merely analyze recent events, finally Toph breaks the silence. " Aang..." "Yes Toph." " Before we go can we just do a thing or two?" " No Toph I'm sorry but I don't know how much time we have..." Aang looks back at Toph seeing something he never saw before; vulnerability, fear, and sadness. " We know maybe we do have a little time." Toph quickly walks up to Aang and whispers. " Thank you." She leaves a small peck on his cheek, as she goes back and curls back into a small ball. Aang looks back and sighs. "Why her? How is this all happening?"
The Next Day - An Undisclosed Bar
A cloaked man walks into a bar in the middle of an empty rural countryside, inside the bar is a sheer contrast. Filled with several bar fights as violence strikes out in every corner and table. "Filth." The man only continues to walk until he stumbles across a crowd gathered around an event. The man sits down as the crowd cheers on in a drunken and wild mass, a few moments later a man is literally thrown into the air beginning a massive set of cheers and roars. The man then gets up and goes through the crowd as they are distracted by drinks and currency pieces, until he arrives at a table held by a woman cuddling with a pile of money and a pint of alcohol.
" Oh life is good!" " I know, June long time no see." June suddenly looks up in shock as the man sits in. " Oh Vladen it's you, haven't seen you since that job in Omashu." " You mean the job where you left me dead and ran off with the bounty." " You have your, Verizon. And I have mine." Just then a man falls from the second floor. " Wouldn't mind if we continue this conversion in a more tamed environment."
Moments later June and Vladen are outside where they are attacked by a massive shirshu. " Nyla calm down it's just an old friend." " You own me June for that job and you know it." "Oh Vladen I love to pay you, but I don't have much spare cash." She says as she throws a bag onto Nyla with a heavy clink.
" You can keep your money, I just need your services, mainly Nyla." Nyla strikes at the man to terrify him, but he remains motionless and timid. " What do you need Vladen?" " I've been hired to find a certain man and Nyla here can track him." and I care why?" " The bounty is a 1000 gold pieces." June eyes open wide in shock and trembles slightly.
" A thousand... who is this guy?" " The Avatar." "Ugh him again. I tracked him already three times, his scent is practically burned into Nyla's noise, but if the price is right." " You can keep the entire reward June, minus the amount you own me." June rolls her eyes at this statement. "Really why so generous Vladen?" " Its Personal." The man removes his cloak to reveal his face, bald with a heavily defined face and a bread; with a center eye tattoo printed across his forehead.
Gaoling Cemetery A sun sets in the horizon, leaving a red sky overshadowing the area. Two cloaked individuals enter a cemetery, throughout the land it is littered with tombstones and actual tombs spread for rows across the land. Many still attend to grieve for those who fell during the war, whether they be friends, family, or even fellow squad mates. The two cloaked figures still continue to walk until they reach a fenced in area lined with marble and decorative gates, as well as a guard that approaches them.
" I'm sorry people but this area is reserved for valued citizens and lords ships, I do believe you have any..." One of the figures throws out a bag at the guard. " We just need a few minutes." The guard picks up the bag and opens it to see it filled with silver and gold pieces, the guard then speaks with giddiness and glee" Very well... very well. If you just step over here, You can have all the time you desire!" The two figures walk in and ignore the guard as he runs with his prize.
Aang and Toph remove the cloaks covering their heads. " Where did you even get all that money Aang?" " I guess after ending a war you get a lot of grateful people who really want to express their gratitude, and not a lot of them take no for an answer." Aang and Toph continue to walk passing several rich nobles, officials, and regional leaders. " The Upper crust of society... Yuck."
Aang and Toph stop in front of a gate inscribed with a flying boar as they enter quietly and stop in front of two fresh tombstones. " For generations my family been buried here, and now my parents join them." " Was there anyone to see them off?" Toph merely stands motionless for a few moments and then speaks. "No aside from a few friends and "business, we were really isolated and alone. Now I'm all that's left. Assuming they weren't going to disown me."
Aang places his arm on Toph's shoulder to comfort. " I'm Sure they loved you Toph, and in the end they did see you as their daughter." Toph laughs lightly as a tear falls from her eye." Straight for the cheese ah twinkly toes." Aang laughs briefly before making a serious face. " I'll give you a moment." Aang quietly leaves as Toph sits on the ground as well as places her hand on the floor.
" Hey Mom... Dad... it was nice to see you again for that last peace celebration... I still remember the old days when it was just the three of us. Sure you guys were idiots and never let me do anything, but you did care." Toph begins to cry as tears fill her eyes. " I'm sorry... I'm sorry that I couldn't be there for you guys more, maybe just maybe... we could have just been... a family."
Toph takes another pause as she looks down in sadness, only to look up to see Aang had came back grasping her shoulder, she stands up slowly and quickly hugs Aang as she just breaks down in tears. " Let it out Toph, just let it all out."
Toph continues to cry as Aang holds her still for what seemed like hours, while only lasting a few seconds. Toph then let's go of Aang and walks back to the tombstone. " I promise... I will find out what happened, and why it did! I swear it!" Toph places her hand over her heart as she makes her oath. " I'll make you guys proud one last time." Toph takes a step backwards for each word she speaks. " I... Love... You... Mom.... Dad..."
Toph then turns around and leaves as Aang pulls something out of his robe and leaves it between the tombstones. " I may not have known the two of you for long, but I do you what you guys meant to her. I promise I'll look after her while we find the truth." Aang then catches up to Toph as they both leave the cemetery.
Between the tombstones lies an sealed envelope protected by the both of them.
An hour Later The dark one, Penga, and Ho Tun are seen practicing metalbending by firing metal coins at a target board hanging on the wall. As they wait patiently for the return of their master. Their prayers are answered as the sound of a bison roaring across the air is sound. They looks up to see Appa soaring across the sky.
" Toph's back!" " Hopefully she didn't get into too much trouble with the Avatar." The duo run off as the Dark one remains twinkling around several coins. Penga then runs back and grabs his arm forcing him to come with her. " Come on Dark one let's just go and see them." He just reluctantly responds. " Fine." As he is carried off the teenage girl.
Appa arrives right next to the entrance of the academy as Toph jumps off alone. " Sure you don't want to stick around Twinkle toes? This shouldn't take long." " Don't worry Toph I'll be back in a little while, besides this is between you and your students." Aang then turns away. " Yip. Yip." Appa then flies away as Toph looks feeling the draft of air knowing his trek into the sky.
Toph then kicks the door open as she stomps the ground, seeing only two pairs of feet moving towards her while one is dragged. " Gee wonder who that is?" Toph hoping to avoid that confrontation as long as possible charges toward her room.
Toph begins to gather clothing, supplies, and a possession. It being the Bei Fong flying boar emblem on a small cloth, the only thing she has left of her days with her parents. " Why was I so afraid? Why couldn't I just give them a chance?" She holds it tightly against her as a tear falls from her eye.
Her thoughts are broken as three bodies burst into the room. " Master Toph, you've returned!" " Yeah... welcome back." They continue their approach until stopping as they see Toph's travel bag and herself still in deep thought.
" Toph are you alright?" Toph remains silent for a moment until finally responding. " No." " What's wrong?" Toph then drops the cloth as she silently wraps her belongings together. " Listen guys me and twinkle toes are going on a trip." Toph then turns to them. " You guys are my best students, until I return I leaving the school in your hands."
They stare in awe at her face red and full of tears not even noticing their promotion, even the dark one grows concerned for the person he has grown to respect. " What happened?" Toph then turns away as she becomes distant and firm. " I don't want to talk about it!" " Please master don't keep us out, there is no reason for to doom..." Toph then snaps.
" Shut up with Doom! I've had enough of this doom thing you've always had! You know not everyone is doomed to just die for reasons... that they... never told you..." Toph then gives in as she sits down on her bed and begins to weep again, her students join her as they comfort her. " Tell us. We're here for you." Toph and the others are shocked as that voice came from the Dark one.
Toph cries for a few more moments longer until finally recollecting herself. " You guys knew that I was going to see my parents again." " Yeah you said that they were in trouble or something." " Yeah but I didn't think you were serious, given your guys' history." The Dark one is then punched as Toph finally smiles briefly.
" You don't have to remind me. I was there. You all know what I did to them. " Penga then speaks. " But that was years ago. What happened yesterday?" Toph reminds in silence for a moment as the image of her parents being slaughtered by Kiran reenters her mind. " They... killed... them."
" Who's they? Who died?!" Toph continues to struggle to speak as she finally reveals the tale. " My mom... My dad... they're dead." Penga and Ho Tun look on in shock and worry, even Dark One's eyes pop out. " Who killed them!? Why?!" Toph rubs her eye as the tears stop and a new sense of strength begins to rise. " An assassin. I don't know why." Toph then stands up now determined and slightly angered. " But I'm going to find out! That's why I'm leaving"
Her students then stand with her. " Take all the time you need master. We'll hold down the fort for you." Toph then looks down. " There's more. In the next few weeks you guys are going to hear lies about me and Aang. Even Aang murdering Zuko was bullshit. and it won't end there."
" Don't worry master we'll know the truth. " " But be careful out there, you might do... just take care of yourself. " " I will Ho Tun." They share a group hug as the Dark one looks on, suddenly an arm reaches out and pulls him in. " You're not getting out that easily." The Dark one then reluctantly joins in.
They remains in that position for over a minute until they break. " We wish you luck on your journey and hope you find the answers you deserve." " I will or die trying."
That Night
Toph waits atop a balcony overlooking the vast empty valley she decided to make her home in. She looks on in worriment pondering on what is happening, and what will occur. " Why did this happen? Why were you killed? Why couldn't I save you?!" Toph then buries her face in her hands as tears begin to fall from her face.
Finally Toph hears a roar in the sky. Toph without a second though knows who has finally returned. She walks in her room and takes a bag she prepared containing another set of clothing, some food, and her memento. Toph as she walks through the hallways her mind still cluttered with thoughts on her school, her students, and what will happen on her new adventure.
Right before grabbing the door she stops and looks back seeing what she hoped to accomplish with this place. She remembers her dreams of seeing metalbending reaching every corner of the world helping society in anyway. " I'll be back... One day."
Aang remains still on top of Appa waiting for Toph in front of the school, finally returning from his task. " It was a risk but it will be worth it." Aang train of thought is broken as the door opens to reveal Toph emerging. She stops briefly to smile and pet Appa' snout as he licks her. Aang smiles as Toph laughs briefly, if only moments like this could continue.
Toph then throws her things onto Appa's saddle and then climbs up his leg to join Aang. " So how was it?" Toph just sadly responds. " Fine." " You know Toph if you ever want to talk, I'll be right here." Toph then looks up and finally shows encouragement. " I know you will, Aang." Aang the pulls the rims of Appa's head alerting the bison that it is time to leave.
Aang and Toph are on Appa as they fly into the horizon unaware of what awaits them as the mystery of the world only deepens around them.
On the ground in Gaoling a man is seen hanging a poster. " What a shame." He then leaves as the poster hangs on the wall.
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For the collective works of the author, go here.


text:
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Description: For undergraduate courses in Psychopharmacology / Drugs and Behavior. Organized by disorder. This text introduces a sufficient background in neuroanatomy and physiology so that students can comprehend the necessary details of drug action. Unfortunately, undergraduate students do not always get a sufficient introduction to neural and physiological sciences, so they are unprepared to approach courses in psychopharmacology. Presents pharmacology in the context of the behavioral disorders they are designed to treat, not necessarily by traditional drug classification. Students are familiar with the major diagnostic categories (affective disorders, psychoses, attention disorders, etc) so presenting pharmacology as it pertains to these familiar disorders strengthens their understanding of the physiology and neurochemistry underlying them as well as the approaches to their treatment. Students in many applied fields need accessible information that can be built upon in professional programs as well as information that is both relevant and applicable immediately. This text provides both.If your course requires a writing or research project and you'd like resources to help, please visit www.mysearchlab.com for more information
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
By Frank LoBiondo
We, and many others, have long said that the federal government should not be subsidizing homes in flood zones.
The National Flood Insurance Program, which was once self-sustaining, is now $24 million in debt thanks mostly to Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. Without a solvent federal flood-insurance program, we argued, there would be no tourism economy in New Jersey. Therefore, getting the program on a sound financial footing was in the best interests of coastal residents - even if it meant paying higher premiums.
And so, we called the draconian premium increases in the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 bitter medicine but necessary medicine.
But last week, thanks to an unusual bipartisan coalition of lawmakers from coastal areas and other flood-prone regions, Congress scaled back the coming premium increases. An earlier version of the bill, which had passed the Senate, would have - unwisely - gutted the Biggert-Waters act. The measure that eventually passed both houses was far more sensible, and the White House has said President Barack Obama will sign it.
Premiums for second homes in flood zones and for homes that have flooded repeatedly will still increase up to 25 percent a year until they reach actuarial levels. That was a key component of the Bigger-Waters act, and lawmakers were wise to retain it.
But for others, premiums will increase from 5 percent to 18 percent a year, rather than 25 percent. Owners of homes with subsidized premiums will now be able to pass on those low-cost policies to new buyers - an especially critical change. And people who bought homes after Biggert-Waters was enacted in 2012 will have their initial premiums rolled back.
As with any good compromise, people on both sides are still unhappy. Have no doubt, flood insurance premiums will still increase - and should increase - here at the shore, but they will do so more slowly.
Fiscal conservatives note, correctly, that the flood-insurance program will remain dangerously insolvent for longer thanks to the rollback. Environmentalists note, correctly, that the flooding risk along the coast is rising, and the intent of the original law - to discourage rather than subsidize building in flood zones - was the proper approach.
But overall, this is a sensible and responsible fix that retains the goals of the Biggert-Waters act but phases them in more slowly.
U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, and New Jersey Democratic U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker were among the lawmakers from both parties who worked together to get the changes enacted. They all deserve praise for addressing the problem - and addressing it carefully and responsibly.
Source: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/opinion/editorials/flood-insurance-changes-a-responsible-fix/article_c595150a-f9fd-59c5-bcc1-d426d87fb9f6.html


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Navy day on 4 december is celebrated due to?
Navy day on 4 december is celebrated due to?
4 December is celebrated as the Navy Day in India, to commemorate the start of Operation Trident during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The one-night attack the Indian Navy sank three vessels near the largest Pakistani port of Karachi. Operation Trident resulted in first use of anti ship missiles in the region.In Vizag its a week long event showcasing warship, planes, tanks etc. at RK Beach.
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text:
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Irina Shayk appears in the September issue of GQ.
Shayk is the girlfriend of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo but the model says "I'm not a fan of soccer, for sure not."
Here is Shayk's work at SI.
The issue also has LeBron James on the cover. The story by J.R. Moehringer is called "Three Weeks in Crazyville" and James talks about Cleveland, Miami and the star's dislike of the Cavs owner.
There is also a Q&A with Donovan McNabb where the quarterback explains the whole throwing up at the Super Bowl story and his feelings about being traded in his own division.
Reid Cherner has been with USA TODAY since 1982 and written Game On! since March 2008.
He has covered everything from high schools to horse racing to the college and the pros. The only thing he likes more than his own voice is the sound of readers telling him when he's right and wrong.
Michael Hiestand has covered sports media and marketing for USA TODAY, tackling the sports biz ranging from what's behind mega-events such as the Olympics and Super Bowl to the sometimes-hidden numbers behind the sports world's bottom line.


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Actor Rana Daggubati and actress Amy Jackson display the creation of fashion designer Anushree Reddy (C) during the Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2015, in Mumbai on Aug 30, 2015. Nawabi designer Anushree Reddy unveiled her signature style of vintage flora fused with age-old Hyderabadi zardozi to recreate a romantic old world charm, at Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2015.
Evoking a spirit of clear open skies and calm seas that signify freshness of the mind and the simplicity of nature, 'The Oasis At Sunset' is a collection by Anushree Reddy that draws its inspiration from the new age girl; a girl that redefines fashion with all that is modern and minimalist with a classic twist. For Anushree Reddy, this season is all about taking a leap into clashing kaleidoscopes of colour!
The exquisite Amy Jackson and dashing Rana Daggubati walked the ramp for Anushree Reddy.
Actress, Amy Jackon looked stunning in a dramatic champagne gold and pink lehenga, paired with a heavy zardosi and a cut work dupatta. Amy said, "I love the way Anushree has reinterpreted the vintage floral print and put a modern vintage spin on it. The colours are exquisite and the way she has styled me particularly the flowy lehenga makes me feel beautiful, feminine: a modern day princess."
Rana Daggubati was excited to walk for his friend, Anushree Reddy's menswear collection. Looking dapper in well fitted ivory pants and a black kurta teamed with a waist coat made of raw silk, with a trademark floral pocket square and zardosi work, he strode the ramp in signature Bahubali style.
Anushree was supported by her family and friends from Hyderabad.
Reddy is inspired by the Victorian era and shows it off with delicate embroideries, lace and floral prints. Her colour palette dominants pastel and soft tones of nudes, peaches, vintage rose pink and beige moving into brighter tones likes shaded yellow, fuchsia pink and jewel tones, ideal for ethnic Indian ensembles. Traditional hyderabadizardozi embroidery by the most skilled karigars, for them zardozi work is an ancestral job from the Nizam era on fluid fabrics like chiffons, georgettes, and nets. Pure fabrics, fresh colours and elegant silhouettes brewed with subtle prints, surprising embellishments and passionate attention to detail, make her designs supremely wardrobe-worthy.
Designer, Anushree Reddy says, "The idea was to craft clothes that are easy to wear, versatile yet elegant. The collection draws its inspiration from a fusion of Victorian and Indian styles of monarchy, architecture and culture and caters to the free-spirited new age bride."
Needless to say the silhouettes are clean and cutting edge, with a flawless twist of contemporary influences.


text:
Discussion in 'XenForo Questions and Support' started by RAHSTYLES, Jul 18, 2014.
What does it do? And what is it for?
This is the Resource Manager:
So its only for mods? No embedding of video and downlaoding video?
So its basically a downloads addon?
It can have file-less resources, like this: http://xenforo.com/community/resources/make-post-sharing-more-obvious.3405/
And it accepts BB Code so you could embed video if you have configured a BB Code Media Site for the video service you want to embed.
In theory if you upload a video you could download it, but that video wouldn't be automatically embedded.
It's certainly not a media add-on, really, but a lot of people do use it for lots of different things.
So what do they use it for? Is it sort of like a downlosd manager?
Yeah. Sort of like a download manager.
Cool thanks
Definitely have a read through this FAQ: http://xenforo.com/community/threads/resource-manager-faq.46527/
It should give you a good run down of the add on and its capabilities.
Separate names with a comma.


text:
Grab Hook, Alloy Steel, G70, Eye, 4700 lb.
DAYTON| Zoro #: G1430283| Mfr #: 2YNP9
Zoro #: G1430283Mfr. Part #: 2YNP9
$4.92 /ea
Orders over $50.00 ship free. DetailsStandard ground shipping
Technical Specifications
|Zoro #: G1430283 Mfr #: 2YNP9
|Standards: Federal Spec RR-C-271D, ASME B30.10 and ASTM A 952/A 952M
|Item: Grab Hook
|Item: Grab Hook
|Working Load Limit: 4700 lb.
|Trade Size: 7/16"
|Dimension B: 2-1/4"
|Grade: 70
|Material: Alloy steel
|Finish: Painted
|Color: Red
|Diameter: 7/16"
|Attachment Type: Eye
|Country of Origin (subject to change): China
Product Description
Grab Hook, Material Alloy Steel, Grade 70, Attachment Type Eye, Trade Size 7/16 In., Working Load Limit 4700 lb., Dimension B 2-1/4 In., Diameter 7/16 In., Red, Finish Painted, Standards Federal Spec RR-C-271D, ASME B30.10 and ASTM A 952/A 952M


text:
St George Illawarra's off-season recruitment has snared two more names, with experienced rake Heath L'Estrange and halfback Beau Henry joining the club while backrower Bronson Harrison has been shown the door.
One day after announcing the signing of cult hero George Rose on a one-year deal, former Manly and Sydney Rooster L'Estrange and local junior Henry also arrive on contracts that tie them to the club until the end of 2015.
The 29-year-old Harrison, who spent nine seasons at Wests Tigers and Canberra before linking with the Dragons in 2013, was cut loose along with Josh Ailaomai, Willie Mataka and Shane Pumipi.
Henry played for the Dragons in the under-20s competition from 2008 to 2010, winning the player-of-the-year award in 2009, and has played 14 NRL games for Newcastle and Gold Coast in recent years.


text:
The January-February 2016 issue of Audubon Magazine (Figure 1) proclaims "Arctic on the Edge: As global warming opens our most critical bird habitat, the world is closing in." In reality, the magazine's writers and editors have gone over the edge, with wildly misleading "reports" on the Arctic.
Global warming has never been a threat to Earth's inhabitants, even with temperatures several degrees above those of this modern warm era. The real danger to life on Earth is global cooling, and its big brother, Snow-ball Earth.
President Obama had it all wrong in his commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. He warned that climate change "deniers" endanger our national security – denying "undermines the readiness of our forces," he said.
President Obama, Al Gore and other alarmists continue to prophesy manmade global warming crises, brought on by our "unsustainable" reliance on fossil fuels. Modelers like Mike Mann and Gavin Schmidt conjure up illusory crisis "scenarios" based on the assumption that carbon dioxide emissions now drive climate change. A trillion-dollar Climate Crisis industry self-servingly echoes their claims.
Climateers keep trumpeting alarms that glaciers and ice sheets are melting, thus threatening land-based life with rising seas and supporting their dubious claims that Earth faces catastrophic global warming.
Conservative and liberal media alike were all atwitter with Thursday's midday news that the House of Representatives was going on its summer recess without passing a border-related bill because Republicans did not have the votes to pass it. The leftwas particularly pleased in the apparent inability of the new House leadership team to pass a relatively inexpensive bill that contained at least one conservative priority on an extremely visible issue.
You Can't Deny Ezra Klein Knows Next To Nothing About The Global Warming Debate
Washington Post columnist Ezra Klein displayed his embarrassing lack of knowledge about the global warming debate last week.


text: Ok, everyone has needed help with a bid or two at some point. Now I need a little help if some of you don't mind. I did a walk through on a Catholic church property today. It was very large with a ton of turf to be cut. in fact I would estimate close to 6 acres. All of it is flat, there are trees here and there but nothing that should be to much of a hindrance. Looks like approximately 1 hours worth of edging for 1 guy. They do not care if we mulch most of the time. I havnt bid on anything this large before and feel a little out of my pond. If we were to get this property I would go out today and buy a ztr, most likely a scag tiger cub or along those lines. I feel like we are just shy of having what we need equipment wise (larger mower anyway) From what the man said it took a Hispanic guy close to 8 hours time just to mow. I am figuring with a good ztr and the equipment we have now we could do it in roughly 4 to 6 hours. ( I am estimating high) this is a 2 man crew. I was thinking in the $200.00 to $250.00 range to cover cost per week on this property. Anyone have anything similar? and where would you start to be competitive? $350.00 to $500.00 range? (a week) feedback please. thanks, Jeff


text:
Mead Middle School is proud to announce the first year of The 100 Mile Club.
- About
- Academics
- Activities
- Athletics
- Calendar
- Community
- iPads
- News
- Staff
Mead Middle School is an EXCEL (EXtra -Curricular Engagement and Learning) focus school. Through funds made available by the Mill Levy Override, Mead Middle School has added additional clubs to our already extensive after school offerings. We have attempted to spread these clubs out over the year or have them meet on different days so there is reduced overlap with current clubs. That being said, there are only so many days in a year and if students want to join multiple clubs, they may have to make some choices. Encourage your student to get involved!
Mead Middle School is proud to announce the first year of The 100 Mile Club.
Students will work with materials different from regular art class. There will be multiple projects throughout the year.
Vocal jazz is a rich genre with lots to offer young vocalists. To our knowledge, Mead Middle School would be the FIRST in our district to offer such an ensemble.
Ever wonder what it would be like to create your own website? In Coding Club, students will learn basic text-based coding that will allow them to create their own website.
You have the opportunity to compete in races as a team, and against other teams in the district and around the state:
The Dawg Pound is Mead Middle Schools spirit club. It provides support to our student body, athletic teams, and supports many community outreach programs.
In Geography club students will work in teams to study and practice for the district G
Our Green Team students will explore energy alternatives, ways they can make MMS more energy efficient, as well as find ways to incorporate sustainable practices at our school to lessen our impact
Homework club is designed for students who would benefit from a structured time and place to work on homework with support from staff.
Mead Middle School Jazz Band is a club designed to allow 7th and 8th grade students to rehearse and perform music related to the jazz/pop field.
The MATHCOUNTS Competition Program provides the extra incentive and the perfect atmosphere for students to push themselves to achieve more in mathematics.
The musical theater production is a theatrical opportunity in the Fall open to all students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Auditions will be held afterschool on August 22nd and August 23rd.
Students will learn how to use and manipulate the settings of an SLR camera and digital cameras. Students will learn how to create and design a successful photograph.
The Junior Solar Sprint competition is to design and build a vehicle that will complete a race in the shortest possible time using the available power.
STEM Explorers has 2 after school Science opportunities for the month of December!
1. Thurs, December 1st
Play awesome board and card games with your friends and learn about strategy, critical
A year long club that focuses on school and community oriented projects, fundraisers, etc. A good chance to develop and improve communication and leadership skills.
Tennis Club welcomes all ability levels and will meet after school from 2:50-4:20 on the MMS courts south of the school.
Thespian Club will meet every Monday during Quarter 3. We will meet on the stage for acting exercises including creative imagination, pantomime and improvisation.
620 Welker
Mead, CO 80542
Phone: 970-535-4446 | Fax: 720-494-3686


text: Video: This Amazing Real-Life Transformer Bot Is More Than Meets The EyeBy Reggie UgwuMay 08, 2012ShareTweet Subscribe to ComplexHats off to Kenji Ishida and JS Robots for creating this real life transformer, which converts from a working RC car to an upright, dancing, fighting robot without any manual assistance. Hasboro, eat your heart out.[via Gizmodo]WatchNowTags: News, Videos, Robots, Tech, Transformers


text:
Update: this list has been updated, check out SharePoint 2007 links v2
Occasional rantings about Dynamics CRM, Power BI, SharePoint, Office 365, Power BI and the application blocks in Azure. Intrigued about how people collaborate and data driven decision making. Taking the first small steps in machine learning. Putting all of the above in practical use to help companies "embrace" their customers


text:
Tip: Put a + in front of words that must be included. To search for Monster Hunter and only receive results with both words, use +Monster +Hunter
Inventory Blowout! Professional quality cosplay wigs 30-40% off with shipping included - Click Here for details
Homepage: http://flaming-goddess.deviantart.com/
Member Since 10-19-2007
Last Activity: 10-01-2015 - 08:31 PM
United States


text:
According to new research from Javelin Strategy & Research credit card share of online payments is expected to decline from 60% today to 44% in 2012. Debit card usage is expected to remain steady.
In addition to PayPal, Google Checkout, and Bill Me Later literally dozens of companies are competing in the alternative payments space. Each is hoping to deliver the most compelling mix of consumer convenience, real and perceived security, and merchant fees.
(graphic courtesy of American Banker)
Online Payments Forecast: Alternatives Payments to Go Mainstream as Consumers Seek Security and Convenience
Javelin Strategy & Research
September 2007


text:
Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Vertical Everything Peeler (Black)
Peel everything effortlessly. The Kyocera vertical peeler features a classic upright design with an ultra-sharp ceramic blade that does it all: peel vegetables, shave chocolate and cheese, french green beans, even skin a tomato -- no blanching required!
Unlike steel blades, ceramic blades will never rust or change from its natural state. It is totally impervious to acids, juices, oils, salts, or other elements.
Kyocera ceramic cutlery is typically half the weight of an equivalent steak knife. Since the ceramic blade is so light, no artificial weight is added to the handle.


text:
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Description: Despite heightened partisanship in the U.S. Congress and constituencies split along ideological lines, congressional representatives frequently buck their parties and seldom do precisely what voters ask. InPersonal Roots of Representation, Barry Burden challenges standard explanations of legislative preferences to emphasize the important role that personal influences play in representatives' voting behavior. This timely book is the first to examine the extent to which the very same values, experiences, and interests that shape congressional members as individuals and guide their own life choices similarly shape their policymaking decisions. Burden takes a close look at legislative decision making in the areas of tobacco regulation, vouchers and school choice, and religion and bioethics. He finds that personal factors become more significant when legislators are acting proactively rather than reactively, grappling with specific policy issues, and defending rather than challenging the status quo. Marshaling both qualitative and quantitative evidence, Burden reveals that the personal roots of representatives' actions can be as influential as the usual suspects of partisanship and constituency--and that personal factors quite often have the greatest impact when the policymaking stakes are at their highest. Personal Roots of Representationis a provocative book that raises pressing new questions about legislative discretion and the accountability of our elected officials.
Limited time offer:
Get the first one free! (?)
All the information you need in one place! Each Study Brief is a summary of one specific subject; facts, figures, and explanations to help you learn faster.
List price: $38.95Copyright year: 2007Publisher: Princeton University PressPublication date: 8/5/2007Binding: PaperbackPages: 192Size: 5.50" wide x 9.00" long x 0.50" tall Weight: 0.638Language: English
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text:
Here's some kiwi ingenuity for you!!!
"It was around seven or eight years ago that Matt Moriarty stood in the backyard with his dad, taking a break from post-graduate study at Victoria University, having a good yarn. "Ever sat in a wheelbarrow? It's surprisingly comfortable." For Matt, a young, up and coming designer full of quirky ideas, this was more than idle musings over garden tools; the gears were already clicking and an idea was taking shape. "You know Dad, I reckon there's something in this…"
Check out the rest of Matt's idea and profile at clever bastards.


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Though pursued throughout history, the Fountain of Youth lost its appeal when explorers who hopped into its waters were immediately kicked out for adult swim. Turn back just enough time with this Groupon.
Choose Between Two Options
- $29 for one manicure and pedicure (a $63 value)
- $79 for three manicures and pedicures (a $189 value)<p>
Clients should allow about 20 minutes for the manicure and 30 minutes for the pedicure.
Glo Spa
For more than 20 years, the staff at Glo Spa has worked with clients to choose from personalized treatments that aim to relax and beautify bodies from head to toe. Aestheticians analyze the skin and factory maintenance stickers of each visitor before choosing peels or deep-cleansing facials to target issues including wrinkles and acne. Elsewhere in the blue and earth-toned spa, registered massage therapists battle stress with Swedish and deep-tissue massage modalities. Throughout services—which also include nail treatments and hair removal—the experts call upon specialized products such as medical-grade Vivier skin serums, additive-free GloMinerals makeup, and hypoallergenic stardust.


text:
Fred and Pamela Buffett Place, Chicago, IL
by archi-treasures
About the Book
An archi-treasures project by Thresholds members and artist Matthew Hoffman.
"Home" is a wood cut typography-based artwork that combines images created by many Thresholds members during a series of art workshops. Through a participatory design process, members drew, cut out, and painted shapes that explored the meaning of home. Before participants took their artwork home with them, the artist photographed each piece. He then transposed and refined the imagery, overlaying it with the word "home" crafted from reclaimed lumber. This quilt-like piece welcomes all residents and visitors to the Fred and Pamela Buffett Place and embraces the spirit of Thresholds, which is encapsulated in the words home, health, and hope.
Features & Details
- Category Arts & Photography
Small Square, 7×7 in, 18×18 cm
40 Pages
- Publish Date Jun 26, 2014
- Language English
- Tags public art, matthew hoffman, linn mathes, landon bone baker, home, architreasures, archi-treasures, art, artist, architecture, design, typography, thresholds, brinshore
About the Creator
We are an arts-based community development organization working to make all Chicago neighborhoods safe, healthy, and culturally vibrant.
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text:
About Us
A mystical word inscribed on a 2000-year-old charm believed to prevent and cure disease.
When I was a kid, my father was a research and developmental chemist for a big firm in Philadelphia. He would go to tradeshows and bring me back bags of potions to smell and play with. My parents and I always loved the idea of a family business. So back in 1994, I asked my Dad about washing my hands while on the go and he said "gelled alcohol" would be the solution. So we did some research, and began formulating. I started sending him all these essential oils. After about 2 years we hit on a wonderful blend. I found the name Jao in an old pharmacy book my father had. Jao is a mystical word inscribed on a 2,000 year old charm believed to prevent and cure disease. I also liked that the word seemed like it could be from any culture.
We launched the business in 1997.
It was really fun to be in on the beginning of an entirely new product category.
I had the idea for Goē Oil for a long time and it took my father quite a few years to figure it out. We finally launched Goē Oil, which stands for (Garden of Eden) in 2008. I don't like to just add products to fatten the bottom line. I think of each product as a work of art, like a song or painting, and they take time to create.
Jao Brand has expanded to 14 original products with more on the way. The products are now available in over 700 stores and more than 15 countries around the world. We outgrew our origins in Mayron Labs and, in 2013 moved into the Jao Haus.
Jao Brand products are both masculine/feminine and multipurpose. I don't believe in lots of products to take up shelf space and clutter. The less you buy, the less you consume, the less you throw away, is the mantra of our business." - Gale Mayron
Made with love in Pennsylvania.


text:
Item #
Item # 140018.$19.95
These miniature figurines represent the famous Asian New Year symbols. It's the perfect gift to start the year! This set contains twelve figures: Dragon, Rabbit, Horse, Rooster, Tiger, Rat, Snake, Monkey, Goat, Dog, Ox, and Pig. Figures are individually hand painted miniature replicas featuring vibrant colors, fine, professional sculpting, and accurate detail. Lead free and thoroughly safety tested. Figures range from 1.25" to 3.75" and are made from phthalate-free vinyl. Recommended for children over the age of 3.
No additional discount on sale items.


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An ode to torturous commercials this October
If you've been watching baseball non-stop on TV this month, chances are a few commercials have annoyed you.
So it's Oct. 16. That means that die-hard baseball fans have been watching the sport non-stop throughout the month, mostly on TBS with some MLB Network and Fox mixed in to this point. And with a small slate of games each day instead of the 15 we're used to being treated to on a daily basis, we're bound to see the same commercials over and over due to very few flip-over options.
In fact, I have my remote control close at all times and I'm quite certain I could grab it blindfolded and find the mute button just as easily as Adam Wainwright can find his fastball grip.
Meanwhile, I can't stop having dreams about McDonald's wings being stolen by Larry Bird -- because, obviously, he's not rich enough to afford buying them on his own -- mixed with that family reverse aging via family portraits, which somehow relates to Bank of America. Or how about Old McDonald being a bad speller or a tree falling in the woods talking to itself (Dear God, please MAKE IT STOP, GEICO). And, obviously, if you have a certain something for four hours you damn well better call a doctor.
Anyway, I believe advertising executives say that a successful ad is one you remember, even if you hate it. So here are the most "successful" ads from this postseason, um, season in my humble and tortured opinion:
•His name is Jack.
•Thanks to Google Nexus, this fine young lad conquers his fear of public speaking and learns how to ask out a girl. Serious!
•Bill Hader -- "the non-Seth Rogan cop from Superbad" as I know him -- has a broken phone and wants you to switch to T-Mobile. Oh, and his girlfriend hates him because she broke her arm and was sending him texts from the hospital.
•Seriously, to the ad execs who think people hating ads is good, I just want to point out that I will never, ever, ever, ever, ever spend a dime on anything Geico -- due 100 percent to how awful the commercials are. Please stop torturing us.
•Capital One ads featuring Alec Baldwin with actors from The Wire is more than slightly frightening to me. I mean, why is Wee-Bey a cop? This is not OK.
•"Your entire life ... " - Johnnie Walker Black Label.
•Pete Holmes might be a funny guy. His show might end up being awesome. I won't judge until I've seen it, but I have to say: If his commercials are any indication, he's among the least funny people alive. It's like he's trying not to be funny.
•Fatheads are real players!
•Before ... before ... before ... before ... before ...
•Finally, of course, Major League Baseball -- as it does every October -- is killing us with this song:
Honestly, though, Geico, please come up with something new. We're begging.


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Thermo Scientific Samco Transfer Pipettes
Prevent cross-contamination with these general purpose transfer pipettes, which have a built-in bulb that eliminates the need for plugging.
Manufacturer: Thermo Scientific 3361S
Disclaimer to internal research use restriction: Any restrictions on the purchaser to utilize the product(s) for internal research purposes only does not apply to the product(s) on the web pages associated with this statement.
Prevent cross-contamination with Thermo Scientific Samco General Purpose and Blood Bank Transfer Pipettes, which have a built-in bulb that eliminates the need for plugging, packaging and autoclaving. Samco transfer pipettes are made of shatterproof, nontoxic polyethylene. Their low-affinity surface reduces loss of cells and valuable proteins due to binding. They can be frozen in liquid nitrogen, or heat sealed for storage.Recommended for:
Tissue culture and applications, routing sampling of serum and plasma, blood culture, urine analysis
|B/B-PET Transfer Pipets, 6 inch
|500/Pk 4000/Cs (Individually wrapped)
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Smiley Face Earrings
Cute and simple smiley face stud earrings bring a smile to anyone's face! These adorable earrings can easily compliment any outfit.
Materials: Silver plated
Your purchase comes in a beautiful glossy silver foiled box that is ready to give as a gift or to keep for yourself.
Please be sure to read our shop policies before purchasing. Final Sale. No refunds or returns.


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The Outdoor Patio program allows businesses, such as bars and restaurants, to put outdoor seating on the road allowance. An initial review and approval in accordance with the provisions of the Encroachment By-law is required, after which an annual permit may be issued.
Temporary Outdoor Patio Encroachment applications [ PDF - 668 Ko ] may be submitted at any Client Service Centre or the Right-of-Way Permit Counter, 100 Constellation Crescent, 6 Floor East, 613-580-2424 ext. 16000.
The proposal must include the following:
- A description of the proposed encroachment and all of the materials to be used in the construction and operation of the encroachment, including all appurtenances such as canopies, umbrellas, tables, chairs, wrought-iron railings and half walls;
- A plan showing the location and dimensions of the encroachment, the premises to which the encroachment will be appurtenant and the location of all relevant lot lines and existing surface features; and,
- A first time review fee as stipulated in Schedule B of the Encroachment By-law.
The annual permit for a patio starts on the first day the encroachment is used in the current year and expires on April 14 of the following year, with a fee that is calculated for the number of days from the permit start date to September 30.


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Pressure group TaxPayers' Alliance highlighted its concern about the 'continuity' of changing teachers.
Harry Davis, campaign manager of the group, told the Mercury: "Parents will be concerned to see their children are being taught by a series of different supply teachers.
"There is an onus on schools to plug gaps in timetables with staff from within their own ranks where possible and only use expensive supply teachers as a last resort."


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15 years of acting work / Fluent portuguese and english accent / Low tone, smooth, trustworthy voice / A lot of experience with all kinds of material and tough clients / I get the job done.
English (North American), Portuguese (Brazilian)
North American, Portuguese
Middle Aged, Young Adult
Special Skills
Audiobooks, Business, Documentaries, Educational, Internet, Movie Trailers, Podcasting, Radio, Television
Advertising Voice Overs for the Brazilian Market.
Bronze Cannes / Craft Category / Nike "Addiction" (sporting goods)
Grand Prix / Craft / "Kaiser" (Ambev)
Voice Over Clients
Nike - Google Brasil - Levi's - Avon - Melissa - Puket - Carefree - Sadia - Lollapaloosa - Rdio - Carefree - Skol - Kaiser - Multishow
Payment Terms
Hire RENATA as a voice actor. Payment is made through Voices.com SurePay, an escrow service that guarantees your work is done to your satisfaction. Send payment securely by Visa, Mastercard or PayPal through Voices.com then download your files from the website.
Watch a video to see how to make a payment
Next Steps
To contact RENATA LEAO about your project, request a quote today. We'll walk you through the process step-by-step. It's fast and easy.
This talent has not uploaded any demos yet.
Title of Your New Demo 7777 Listens
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5 (2)
Shell 100% Nylon/Frame 100% Plastic
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This is awesome! My team has two that we take with us to competitions for people to change in, we also use them on each wing of the stage at recitals for fast changes , I just wish it wasn't so expensive! But overall worth it:)
Age: 15-18
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I belong to a hula dance group, and several members have your changing pod. I have used their changing pods, and I think that it's the best in convenience when we dance at events that do not have a large enough changing area for all our hula dancers. Fast and easy set up/take down. We all like that the pod folds flat and that it's lightweight for transporting. Only concern for many of us, is that it gets too warm inside the pod when we set up the pods outdoors. Maybe air vents at the top (on all sides) would remedy this
problem. Otherwise, excellent accessory. Thank you.
I give this change room 5 stars because it is easy to move around, and light to carry, great for competitions. I LOVE IT!! :)
A friend of mine owns it and it's great for competitions and stuff. It folds, so it travels well.
im self concious about my body. and at company performances its hard because everyone gets naked in front of each other. i want this for me but also for my friend. we dont really mind each other but with everyone else its awkward. in the rooms where we change theres hardly any room and i dont want to take up a whole bunch of space. and i dont want to buy this and find out theres no where to put it :-/
The dimensions on this changing room are 6'5" H x 3'3"; 34"
It should be large enough for two dancers to change, and it can be folded up for travelling.- DDS Customer Service (10/07/2013)
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St. Kate's Newswire :: St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN :: News and Events
AMP program benefits students and mentors alike
Over the past year Nancy Mack '15, MAOT'16 has combed through 2,200 scientific articles about the relationship between occupational therapy and workplace stress.
"This is a global epidemic," said Mack, a dual degree student in psychology and occupational science/Pre-OT. "In identifying the problem, what we know is that stress leads to sickness, absence, dysfunction in many areas of our lives. The stress level is too high."
It's thanks to the support of St. Kate's Assistantship Mentoring Program (AMP) that Mack is able to pursue her research project. AMP provides paid scholarly opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty or staff on specific research or program development projects. The program offers students a variety of opportunities, ranging anywhere from being a teaching assistant to collaborating with faculty in technical field-related studies.
In her ongoing research project, Mack has been working with Professor Jyothi Gupta, from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, to address the effectiveness of occupational therapy in treating workplace stress. The two are conducting a systematic review of pertinent literature and the possible future role of occupational therapy in this area.
"Usually when industrial organizational psychologists are working with employees, they're looking at them through that lens of workplace performance," said Mack. "In occupational therapy, we're looking at the whole person. I think it's very important for the field to understand that there is a hole in the United States, and it would be a great opportunity for occupational therapists to work in that field."
The project involved extensive assessment of disciplinary literature — the staggering figure of 2,200 articles that Mack and Gupta collected was eventually narrowed to 19. Though the duo's task of critical review is currently still in progress, they plan to write a manuscript and seek publication.
Critical classroom support
Another substantial need fulfilled by AMP is the supply of teaching assistants. Damaris Garcia '16 is an English major with a double minor in Psychology and Teaching English as a Second Language. She works as a teaching assistant in Professor Susan Bosher's English class. Along with facilitating class discussion, a significant portion of Garcia's work with the students consists of giving feedback on their papers.
The two knew each other already, Garcia having been a student in two of Bosher's classes previously.
"Going from there, and actually being someone she could collaborate with, was kind of weird, but now I feel comfortable enough to joke around with her and call her Susan," Garcia says. "She can be a friend."
"It's like I create a colleague every time I have a T.A," says Bosher, who enjoys collaborating, especially with students. "Students will tell Damaris things, or she'll hear things that I won't hear. I think that I can be much more responsive to the needs of the students when Damaris is serving as, in a sense, the eyes and ears."
"I never really imagined how much instructors have on their plate, and this is just a fraction of that," adds Garcia. She appreciates the helpful combination of hands-on learning along with the professor's guidance and feedback. "That's really great — you don't get that anywhere else!"
Garcia has always considered teaching English as a foreign language, but finds herself drawn to psychology as well. As a fluent Spanish and English speaker, she's attracted to the study of language acquisition and development. "I'm not 100% sure yet, but I think definitely I want to do something with language."
Although Garcia's interests are language-oriented, AMP projects frequently offer opportunities for bilingual students of all disciplines to flex their linguistic muscles. For example, Vanessa Salinas '17 is a junior majoring in biology who is fluent in both English and Spanish, and finds herself using her Spanish in her job through AMP.
She is in her second year at St. Mary's Health Clinic, a primary preventative care center that focuses on providing healthcare to those who may not be able to afford it on their own. Salinas works in the central office in the Carondelet Center, adjacent to the St. Paul campus, helping with eligibility intakes, screening potential patients for their income and their current medical status.
Patient interaction is hugely rewarding to Salinas. "Even though I don't interact with the patients physically, I still get to talk to them on the phone," she says. "I hear the joy. You can tell the person is relieved that there's a place they can go and get the healthcare they need."
Through translating for Spanish-speaking clients who don't speak English, Salinas has also picked up Spanish medical terminology, a valuable skill in light of her plans to attend medical school. Through AMP, she hopes to continue working with St. Mary's in the coming semesters, but off-campus at the clinic site so that she can interact with the physicians, which is more closely tied to her goal of becoming either a general physician or general surgeon.
Be it in the medical field or the humanities, AMP provides students with another venue to explore their post-graduation ambitions and develop prospects.
"I receive a lot of feedback about how applicable the work that students are doing is to their majors or future careers," says Maggie Singerhouse '17, the student-AMP coordinator. "Essentially, I like to think of AMP as a mutualistic relationship where both the student and the mentor can benefit from the meaningful work they are doing."
Application details
The Fall 2016 application deadline for AMP is April 19. Both the student and staff or faculty mentor must submit a collaborative application by the deadline. Tip: Successful applications tend to take time to develop, so begin well in advance. Students of all degree levels are encouraged to apply.
See also: Faculty, Healthcare, Leadership, Liberal Arts, Students


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CHATHAM TWP. A wildlife biologist at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge said a deer hunt held on the refuge between Wednesday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Dec. 2, resulted in the deaths of 82 does.
While that number is seven fewer than last year, Craig Bitler said the hunt "went well." Until 1999, he said, the refuge's policy was to allow hunters to bag either bucks or does. He said that policy, however, did little to control the ever-increasing herd.
For the past two years, the procedure is that hunters must bring in an adult doe before the refuge issues a tag to legally kill a buck.
The 7,500-acre refuge has land in Chatham, Harding, Long Hill and Bernards towns hips.
There were no protests on the site, a far cry from past decades when the Humane Society and other groups regularly picketed the swamp during the deer hunt. The Humane Society discontinued its leadership of the Great Swamp protest a year ago, citing a need to concentrate on less intractable policy issues.
Whether the hunt will have any effect on the size of the local deer herd probably won't be known for at least another year, Bitler said, when bucks deprived of females reach three years of age.
Bucks To Remain
Apart from hunters, there are no predators on the 7,500-acre preserve, such as wolves or cougars, to check the population of the deer, Bitler noted.
A four-day deer hunt has been held at the refuge since the 1970s, and Bitler has said the end result has been improved vegetation, including new trees vegetation that probably would not have survived if the deer population had remained unchecked.


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- Description
This charming Rose notelet pack contains 8 notelet cards and 8 brown envelopes in a smart wallet. They are perfect for thank-you notes or general correspondence and will also make a practical gift for stationery lovers and gardening enthusiasts.
A delicate pink English Rose is featured on the front of each note card with some pale grey dots all around the edge.
There are plenty of notelet packs to choose from in the Sophie Allport collection. Take a quick peek!
- Part of our Rose collection
- 8 notelets and 8 envelopes per pack
- Brown envelopes
- Packed in a cellophane wrapper
- Each card is 15cm x 15cm square
- High quality, 280gsm white textured card
- FSC Certified
- Card is whitened using ecological process
- Care
- The cards are printed onto 280gsm high quality white textured card.
- The card is a Feltmarked Board with an enhanced surface that helps to keep the printed colours bright and vibrant.
- The card is FSC Certified
- Elemental Chlorine Free - this means that it is whitened using ecological processes.
- Size
Each notelet is 15cm x 15cm.
The Notelet Wallet is 15.7cm x 15.7cm.
- Delivery
UK Standard Delivery: £2.95 (3-7 working days) FREE if you spend over £50.
UK first class Delivery: £4.95 (1-2 working days).
UK Next Working Day Delivery: £7.95 (Order must be placed before midday).
Saturday delivery available if order placed by 12 noon on Friday: £12.95.
International Delivery: from £8.40 to Europe (allow 14 working days), from £10 to rest of the world (allow 14 working days). Calculated at checkout.
For more details see our Delivery information page.
- Reviews
Feefo Reviews - Average 100% (10 reviews)
Date Score Customer Comment Our Response 07-Feb-2017 Product:
Bought as a gift - really pretty! 04-Feb-2017 Product:
Given as a gift. Loved by the recipient 02-Feb-2017 Product:
I purchased these during the sale period. Will be excellent as presents for friends ( especially if a birthday looms and I had forgotten it!) 17-Jan-2017 Product:
Bought these in the sale, great value 16-Jan-2017 Product:
Excellent 09-Oct-2015 Product:
Lovely design - I love all the 'Rose' items 07-Jun-2015 Product:
Perfect as a gift 11-May-2015 Product:
Beautiful products and quality 30-Jan-2015 Product:
Excellent 14-Oct-2014 Product:
Lovely designs Read more reviews on Feefo
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Rose Oilcloth Purse£8.00
Rose Greeting Card£2.25
Rose Oilcloth Accessory Case£10.00


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Home Listings
Home Listings
We are proud to present these featured Home Listings within the Reno, NV Real Estate market. New property listings are added frequently, so please check back often. To check out all homes for sale in Northern Nevada click here http://renohomesearch.net/.
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5312 Torobie, Sun Valley, NevadaActiveThis home is located in a quiet neighborhood of Sun Valley. Home is at the end of a cul- de- sac and has a large lot. No HOA's! …
3460 Bryan Street, Reno, NevadaActiveNice home in well established Old Northwest neighborhood. Close to schools and not too far from Rancho San Rafael Park. Good size, multi- level backyard perfect for a family or for entertaining from …
8989 Finnsech, Reno, NevadaActiveWonderful 1 story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car starter home or low maintenance property for an empty nester, this home is spacious, comfortable and clean. Close to schools, shopping and freeway access.
739 Crosby Court #3 3, Incline Village, NevadaActiveContractors dream! Incline Village, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom condo needs to be completed. Level 1: parking garage and master bedroom with laundry/entry. Level 2: kitchen/bath/living/dining combo. Level …
15 Desert Peak Court, Sparks, NevadaActiveBridal Path Beauty! Access to the neighborhood Equestrian center, this 1.16 acre, 3 bed, 2 bath, 3 car fully remodeled home boasts an incredible list of upgrades and **NEW** everything! Corner lot …
6770 South McCarran Blvd., Reno, NevadaActiveLIVE AUCTION on October 27th! STARTING BID TO BE $1,000,000! Submit an offer today which could stop the auction!! No Buyer Premium! Agents please read private remarks. Your Office. Your business …
3250 Retail Drive 120, Carson City, NevadaSold1,200 square foot unit at North Carson Crossing Shopping Center. Formerly Verizon Wireless, this unit's possibilities are unilimited! Anchor stores include Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Jack in the Box, …
400 S Saliman Unit 100, Carson City, NevadaSoldOpen floor plan, this spacious and well laid out 2 bedroom unit is light tone colored, clean, and features a very large upstairs balcony. Kitchen cabinets are white, washer and dryer included; this …
2537 Larry, Carson City, NevadaSold


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Home > Special Offers
Model: BK1160Brand: SURE-SHOT
The ideal set to introduce young children to Basketball. Adjustable to a maximum height of 1.73m and with a Water or sand filled base (filling not included). Complete with a 7" foam basketball.
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Chesapeake Energy Corporation says that Frank Patterson will join the company as Executive Vice President - Exploration, Land and Subsurface Technology. Patterson replaces John Kapchinske, who recently retired from the company. He will report to Chesapeake's Chief Executive Officer Doug Lawler.
Lawler commented, 'Frank is a world-class explorer with more than 30 years of experience developing and executing exploration programs. His leadership will propel our exploration resources and capabilities to new levels of performance while helping drive the greatest value from our outstanding portfolio.'
Patterson served in various roles at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation from 2006 to 2015, most recently as Senior Vice President - International Exploration. In that role, he was responsible for leading business development and international new ventures, including developing and executing exploration and appraisal plans for all of Anadarko's international acreage positions. Patterson led the teams responsible for the discovery and appraisal of multiple large discoveries across Ghana, Mozambique, Brazil and Cote d'Ivoire.
Chesapeake Energy Corporation
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If you're being tested for celiac disease, your doctor likely will want to perform an endoscopy and a biopsy to see if your small intestine has been damaged by the gluten protein (found in the grains wheat, barley and rye). She will use a medical instrument called an endoscope with a tiny camera to look directly at your upper digestive system, and she will take very small samples of tissue from the lining of your small intestine.

Following this medical procedure, a pathologist will look at the small tissue samples to see if there's gluten-related damage. That pathologist will rate the condition of these samples based on a rating system called the Marsh Score. Your Marsh Score will determine whether you're diagnosed with celiac disease, and how bad your condition actually is.

More details about each stage, and actual biopsy samples showing varying extents of injury, appear on the pages that follow (use the links below or the arrows above to navigate through the photographs and descriptions). Here are brief descriptions:

Stage 0

The intestinal lining is normal, so celiac disease is unlikely.

Stage 1

Lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that helps to protect you from disease) have started to move into the surface of the intestinal lining.

Stage 2

Even more lymphocytes appear in the intestinal lining, and the lining itself starts to look abnormal, with larger-than-normal depressions between the intestinal villi (the tiny finger-like projections of cells that do the hard work of absorbing nutrients from your food).

Stage 3

Stage 3 includes the Stage 2 changes (large numbers of lymphocytes, plus larger-than-normal depressions between the villi). In addition, in Stage 3 the villi themselves are starting to shrink and flatten. This process is called villous atrophy.

There are three subsets of Stage 3:

partial villous atrophy (Stage 3a)

subtotal villous atrophy (Stage 3b)

total villous atrophy (Stage 3c)

Stage 4

The villi are totally atrophied (completely flattened), and the depressions between them have shrunk, too.

As you'll learn on the following pages, celiac disease is not the only condition that can cause some of these changes. That's why a biopsy is only one of the diagnostic tests recommended for celiac disease — although a biopsy is considered "the gold standard" for celiac diagnosis, the results of celiac disease blood tests and the person's ultimate response to the gluten-free diet also can assist in getting the right diagnosis.

This is a photograph taken during an endoscopy, showing a normal small intestine lined with healthy villi.

When the tissue sample comes from a small intestine that looks like this, celiac disease is very unlikely. In this case, the biopsy sample would be Marsh Stage 0, also known as the "pre-infiltrative stage" (it's called "pre-infiltrative" because lymphocytes have not yet started move into, or "infiltrate," the intestinal lining).

In celiac disease with a Marsh Score of Stage 1, the cells on the surface of the intestinal lining (known as the epithelial cells) have more lymphocytes (white blood cells) among them than normal.

In a normal small intestine, there shouldn't be any more than 30 lymphocytes per 100 epithelial cells, but in Marsh Score Stage 1, there are more than that. In the pathology report you should receive following your endoscopy and biopsy for celiac disease diagnosis, this would be called "increased intraepithelial lymphocytes."

Celiac disease isn't the only condition that can cause this increase in disease-fighting lymphocytes — you may see more lymphocytes than normal in your small intestinal lining in a variety of other conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, Sjogren's syndrome, and other food intolerances. Infections with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (which is linked to ulcers), and use of over-the-counter pain kills such as aspirin and ibuprofen, also can cause this.

People with celiac disease who are following the gluten-free diet, close family members of people with celiac disease, and people with dermatitis herpetiformis, an extremely itchy rash that's considered to be the skin manifestation of celiac disease, may have Marsh Score Stage 1 intestinal linings.

Celiac Disease: Marsh Score Stage 2

In Marsh Score Stage 2, you see more lymphocytes than normal (just as in Marsh Score Stage 1), and you also see bigger depressions than normal between the intestinal villi.

These depressions are called "crypts," and larger-than-normal crypts are called "hyperplastic," so if your pathology report following your biopsy says you have "hyperplastic crypts" or "crypt hyperplasia," it simply means the depressions seen in your biopsy are bigger than they would be in a normal intestinal lining.

Marsh Score Stage 2 is pretty rare — it's mostly seen in people who have dermatitis herpetiformis (which, as I said above, is the skin manifestation of celiac disease).

Acknowledgement:

This photomicrograph is from Figure 1b of Ludvigsson et al. BMC Gastroenterology 2009 9:19. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-9-19. The photomicrographs were obtained from Prof. Åke Öst, earlier chairman of the Swedish National Steering Group for Small Intestinal Pathology).

Most doctors won't diagnose celiac disease until your intestinal lining reaches Marsh Score Stage 3. In this stage, the changes of Stage 2 are present (more lymphocytes than normal and larger-than-normal depressions). In addition, in Marsh Score Stage 3 your intestinal villi are shrinking and getting flatter, a process known in medical terminology as "villous atrophy."

There are three sub-stages in Marsh Score Stage 3:

partial villous atrophy (Stage 3a), which means your intestinal villi are still there, only smaller

subtotal villous atrophy (Stage 3b), which means your intestinal villi have shrunken further, and

total villous atrophy (Stage 3c), which means your intestinal lining is basically flat, with no intestinal villi left.

Most people who are diagnosed with celiac disease are in Marsh Score Stage 3.

Acknowledgement:

This photomicrograph is from Figure 1c of Ludvigsson et al. BMC Gastroenterology 2009 9:19. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-9-19. The photomicrographs were obtained from Prof. Åke Öst, earlier chairman of the Swedish National Steering Group for Small Intestinal Pathology.

Celiac disease Marsh Score Stage 4 is the most advanced stage of the condition, and it fortunately isn't seen all that often. In Stage 4, your villi are totally flattened (atrophied) the depressions between them (the crypts) are shrunken, as well.

Some people who are elderly when they're diagnosed with celiac disease have biopsies that are classified as Marsh Score Stage 4. Those at Stage 4 may be at higher risk for celiac disease complications, including lymphoma.

Learn more: Celiac Disease and Lymphoma: What Is Your Risk?

(Edited by Jane Anderson)

Acknowledgement:

This photomicrograph is from Figure 1d of Ludvigsson et al. BMC Gastroenterology 2009 9:19. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-9-19. The photomicrographs were obtained from Prof. Åke Öst, earlier chairman of the Swedish National Steering Group for Small Intestinal Pathology.

Sources

Ludvigsson JF et al. Validation study of villous atrophy and small intestinal inflammation in Swedish biopsy registers. BMC Gastroenterology. 2009;9:19.

Snyder CL, Young DO, Green PHR, Taylor AK. GeneReviews: Celiac Disease. 2009

Hill ID et al. Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease in children: recommendations of the North American Society fo Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2005;40:1-19.

Stanford Medicine Surgical Pathology Criteria: Celiac Disease. Accessed Jan. 30, 2016.