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Blood Prophecyby Stefan Petrucha
- Publishers Weekly (starred review) Man and monster are in his blood. . .
His name is Jeremiah Fall. A soldier of fortune, he has been fighting his own war for 150 years--ever since the beast in him was/b>/strong>/i>
"A unique, page-turning adventure...that will thrill fans of biblical horror and historical detail."
- Publishers Weekly (starred review) Man and monster are in his blood. . .
His name is Jeremiah Fall. A soldier of fortune, he has been fighting his own war for 150 years--ever since the beast in him was born.
Desperate to restore his lost humanity, Fall crosses the sands of Egypt, discovers a lost city off the coast of France, and finally arrives at the birthplace of all mankind. Shunning daylight and feeding only when he must, he battles the monster who transformed him forever. He can share his deepest secret with no one . . . not even the beautiful woman he starts to love, the only human who grasps the mysteries of an ebony stone as old as creation itself.
Across the world, across time, Fall seeks the stone's secret. But has he found a cure for himself or unleashed a final curse on all mankind?
Editorial Reviews
9 our of 10! [A] distinctive read that stands out from many other fantasy novels I have read."Flamingnet.com
Product Details
- 9780446584449
- Publisher:
- Grand Central Publishing
- Publication date:
- 11/01/2010
- Sold by:
- Hachette Digital, Inc.
- Format:
- NOOK Book
- File size:
Read an Excerpt
Blood Prophecy
By Petrucha, Stefan
Grand Central PublishingCopyright © 2010 Petrucha, Stefan
All right reserved.
There was light.
Barely, in the dark.
Just enough to illuminate the dust floating in the prison cell air, just enough to make each speck shine against the stagnant black, just enough so that when Jeremiah Fall weakly waved his hand by its shackled wrist, innumerable motes of pale fire swirled between his fingers, as if they were all Creation.
Where was it coming from? The filthy straw covering the dirt floor held no surprises, nor did the dry rat corpses he'd kicked into a pile. The sandstone walls remained the same, and the ceiling was still twenty feet up, the same round stone sealing the exit. But the light had to be coming from somewhere.
He trained his eyes on the twirling motes. Each pinpoint shone with the same dull yellow. They pulsed, too, throbbing into and out of existence, unsteady as torchlight.
Torchlight. Of course. There must be some slight gap between the stone and the ceiling, someone holding a torch in the room above. Who was up there? His guards? No. That motley trio was loud and drunk, always banging into walls as they cursed in French. The better soldiers were saved for more important tasks than watching a prisoner who couldn't possibly escape.
Who then? Someone who might actually listen to him? If it was, what would he say? Pardon me, monsieur, but if I don't find a way to stop it, the world will end six days after New Year's? Despite all he'd seen, Fall barely believed it himself. And he certainly didn't know what to do about it.
He didn't know. Not knowing had always bothered him, deep in his bones. Here, with nothing to feed his mind or senses, where every thought fell back on itself, not knowing nearly made him wish for madness.
His grandfather used to say that Jeremiah's insatiable thirst for knowledge would be his salvation. But here the constant grasping of his intellect was an agony that at times rivaled the black fire that roiled his belly. Aside from his churning mind, he'd been trapped here with a darker thing, a hunger that whispered to him so often and so well; Jeremiah Fall had long ago dubbed it the beast.
Beast and brain, with Jeremiah trapped between the two. And the lizard-thing didn't care about knowledge or salvation, only about itself. Even now, it told him that whoever was up there, despite whatever help they might offer, should be killed and fed upon. After all, it cooed, even if you could explain, what would it matter to the coming darkness?
It was not an entirely stupid beast and often quite convincing. Fortunately, the chains made its pleas moot. It was crucial Jeremiah stay in control. His visitors might at least tell him the date. Then, at last, he'd know how much time was left.
Ever since he had been captured, the possibility he could prevent the end of all things was the only reason he had to hold on to sanity, to existence. That was why he hadn't died with Amala, why his mind hadn't been reduced to nothing, why the beast had yet to conquer him completely. He told himself that, but he knew he was lying. He didn't know why he had survived.
It had been sometime in early October 1799 when the French soldiers found Jeremiah by the stone, deep in the territory of their enemy, the Ottoman Empire. He wished he'd put up a fight. But then, his soul crushed, he let himself be chained.
When they saw how sunlight burned him, they stuffed Jeremiah in the largest sack they could find and kept him there the entire journey. Somehow they'd made it past borderlands where eighty thousand Turkish troops had massed, preparing to reclaim what the French had taken from them. He couldn't see in the sack, but he could hear. Long before their words did, the relief in the soldiers' voices told him when they were back in Egypt. He figured the journey at roughly two weeks, but, unfed and drifting in and out of consciousness, he couldn't be sure. That would put him at the end of October.
Relief was brief for his captors. They soon learned that their beloved general, Napoleon, had returned to Paris, his Middle Eastern occupation cracking at the seams. Meanwhile, the native insurrectionists, their numbers bloated by Arab jihadists from across the Middle East, grew more daring every day.
As they brought Jeremiah into Cairo, a haphazard encounter with a narrow doorway tore the sack. The hole let him glimpse the moonlight bathing the orbed minarets, square fortresses, and princely palaces. Before the sack was patched, he had his wits about him enough to plead for the date, to ask how much time the world had left. He was refused.
His inner beast wanted to fight them, but he didn't. It was only after they dragged him down stone staircase after staircase and he saw the pit they planned to put him in that he finally struggled. But the chains were thick, and he had not fed in so long, that it was too late.
Whenever his guards lifted the stone cover to lower a bucket of food, he begged for the date again, but they remained mute. The only courtesy offered was the occasional bottle of wine, which he didn't drink.
At first, he pretended to eat what food they gave him, thinking he might count the days based on the number of times the bucket appeared, but he lost count. After that, he gave up, letting them marvel at how he stayed alive, hoping his survival, at least, might elicit a conversation.
It didn't, but once enough untouched buckets were recovered, a black-bearded guard held a torch down into the cell, illuminating the pile of desiccated rat carcasses. The three guards puzzled over it, debating the meaning as if they were part of the group of intellectuals Napoleon had taken with him on his invasion of this country. When the pile was bigger each time they checked, they reasoned, correctly, that Fall was somehow sucking the vermin dry, using their blood to stay alive. Then they talked, not to him, but among themselves.
"Chat noir avec des yeux rouges," they called him. Black cat with red eyes. Mouser.
After that, the bucket no longer appeared, leaving Jeremiah so alone he longed for the moments he could hear them stumble and curse in the room above.
Since then, how long had it been? Weeks? Months before this bit of light struck the dust? Could it be December already?
A clanking chain pulled against a groaning wooden wheel. The great circle lifted. Sand rained from its circumference. The invisible crack of torchlight swelled into a cone. He heard the rustling of clothes and the cautious river-murmur of whispered speech.
Freed of its mooring, the cover swayed slightly, affording a view of his visitors' legs. Instead of frayed, dirty cloths and worn sandals, the newcomers wore polished leather boots and clean blue pants. There were four soldiers, stiff, silent, and not alone.
A fifth set of legs held a belly so rounded that it strained against its fine frock coat, the typical dress of a French intellectual. It was an odd sight against the aged sandstone, but Jeremiah was well aware that Bonaparte had enlisted 150 scientists and artisans for his latest adventure. In Paris, they'd fallen over one another for the chance to be near their beloved general, not even knowing their destination until days before the massive fleet's arrival. If this was one of those intellectuals, a savant, that was a hopeful sign. At least he'd be sure to know the date.
A sixth and final figure, even more out of place, wore the dark robes of the Church. A priest? Fall almost laughed to think the proud, atheistic French needed a priest to deal with him. Good, then. If the savant proved difficult to convince, the priest might be more open to believing in the end of the world.
A rope ladder unfurled. The small log tied to its end for weight thudded into the straw. One by one, the soldiers climbed down. Their faces were masks, but their bodies provided some information. The dry heat rising from their uniforms told Jeremiah it must be daylight. He could smell it on them. That, and a bit of fear. Fear of him.
Two of the soldiers aimed their smoothbore muskets at his chest. The remaining pair set up a brazier, laying several iron tongs of different shapes and sizes at its side. Smoke soon curled from a small fire, adding a dimmer glow to the torchlight and a burnt odor to the rank dungeon air.
So they meant to torture him.
As the irons heated, the scholar climbed down, taking pains to make his descent look easy. He was young, midtwenties, roughly the same age as Napoleon, but of more average height. Extreme discomfort emanated from his body. The copious sweat on his brow further indicated his poor physical condition. He surveyed the soldiers and the brazier and then sighed with theatrical exasperation. When his gaze reached Fall, his full lips turned downward in a frown. Despite his airs, the doleful eyes peering from behind his thick spectacles shone with intelligence.
Still above, the priest croaked, "Geoffroy, will you steady the ladder?" The aged voice was so high-pitched it recalled one of the crones from Shakespeare's Macbeth. A witch in priest's clothing.
Reluctantly, the young man turned from Fall and held the thick ropes. The priest inched down, shaking. Cotton hair and white, wrinkled skin jutted from the top of shadow-black robes. Even on the ground it appeared as if the tall man's legs would buckle. Geoffroy, seeing no option, steadied him.
"Merci. My muscles are stiff from the journey and do not recover as quickly as they once did."
"May I suggest a tincture prepared from the ground bones of a mummy, Father Sicard? It's quite a palliative. I can have one of our surgeons prepare a vial."
"No, please," Sicard said, fixing his mottled brown eyes on Jeremiah. Despite his frailty, he was the only one who didn't smell of fear. "I'll keep my faith in prayer and trust all bones to the Lord."
Jeremiah lowered his head in a bow. "Messieurs, I beg you, tell me, what is the date?"
Geoffroy turned toward Fall with an expression that made Jeremiah hope he would actually answer. Instead, he gestured as if presenting a rare animal. "Remarkable, no? So long in total darkness, no food, no water, no worse for wear. He even retains his manners."
"No one speaks more sweetly than Satan," Sicard said. "See how his eyes glow with hellfire."
Geoffroy shook his head. "I think not. They glow from the torchlight."
Sicard tsked. "How sad that in these otherwise enlightened times, the presence of the Devil is so often ignored. Try to remember I'm here because of my experience with the otherworldly."
Geoffroy clucked his tongue. "You're here because France holds Rome and your knowledge of Bible history is useful. That supposedly diabolical glow occurs only because the fellow's pupils are dilated to an abnormal extreme, the way a cat's eyes reflect in the night." He faced Fall. "Step forward."
Having no reason to refuse, Jeremiah obliged. As he entered the cone of brighter light cast from the ceiling's opening, the red sheen faded from his eyes, making them a more earthly blue. He walked as close to the two men as his chains permitted, then straightened in his torn desert robes, to better present himself.
"More human, now?" the savant asked. Sicard did not respond.
Geoffroy moved in a semicircle around Jeremiah. "The face is gaunt, but handsome, perhaps even friendly. Auburn hair is straggly. His body is lithe but not without muscle. Shocking health, given the lack of food."
"The Devil changes form at will."
Jeremiah spoke again. "If you won't tell me the day, at least tell me whose acquaintance I have the pleasure of making?"
The scholar raised an eyebrow. "Very well. I am Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, representing the Institut de l'Égypte. My studies involve… unusual animals, so it was felt my skills might apply here. Father Sicard is, well, as is obvious, a member of the Church."
"Honored," Fall said. "I am…"
Saint-Hilaire waved his hand. "Jeremiah Fall, American. You fought against our troops as a mercenary alongside Murad Bey during the Battle of the Pyramids. You were captured and put in our work camps. In Rosetta, you discovered a stone of historic significance and were rewarded. Rather than show gratitude, you escaped and ambushed the caravan that was taking the stone here to Cairo. Had not our valiant soldiers tracked you into enemy territory, you would possess it still."
"The caravan was attacked," Jeremiah said. "I tried to protect it."
The savant ignored him. "Your earlier history is more difficult to ascertain with certainty. Likely you are the same Jeremiah Fall who battled alongside the colonists during the American Revolution. It is less likely, despite the father's beliefs, that you are the same Jeremiah Fall who fought against the colonists a hundred years earlier during King Phillip's War."
"Perhaps I just take good care of myself?"
Saint-Hilaire looked as if he were about to smile.
"He doesn't deny it," Sicard interjected. "He extends his existence by feeding on the blood of infants and virgins." He pointed a bony finger at the carcasses. "Rats, when he has no choice."
"Only animals," Fall said. "I only feed on animals. The same as the rest of us."
Saint-Hilaire peered over his glasses, first at Fall, then at Sicard. "There is a scientific explanation for his unique capacities, even perhaps for his long life."
"What?" Jeremiah and Sicard asked simultaneously. They exchanged an awkward glance.
Saint-Hilaire removed his spectacles and cleaned them with a handkerchief as he spoke. "Where the waters of the Nile meet the sea, I discovered an astounding fish, one with lungs that can breathe air. Now why would such a thing exist? Likewise, why are there creatures like the ostrich, which have the vestiges of wings when clearly they cannot fly? Instead of folktales, I resort to reason. I propose these are all indications of a unifying structure present in all species, an ur-form. Such a form would be capable of sometimes producing combined aspects, such as the lungs of an air-breather in a fish, the eyes of a predatory cat in a man, and so on. Why not also increased longevity?"
"Blasphemy," Sicard said. "You focus your mind on the Creation, but are blind to the Creator."
Saint-Hilaire sniffed. "The Church still says that the earth is the center of the universe despite the evidence. Why? So that God may reward the faithful for disbelieving the minds and eyes He supposedly gave them?"
"Please listen. The stone is extremely dangerous," Jeremiah said. "More than you can imagine."
Saint-Hilaire put his glasses back on and focused on Fall. "As I hope I've just shown, monsieur, the French can imagine a great deal. Our immediate interest is indeed the stone. Were you hoping to sell it to the British?"
"You have to keep it guarded…"
"The Mamluks? That would explain why you brought it into Ottoman territory."
Jeremiah sighed. "We had to take it to a holy place to try to destroy what was inside it. So we brought it to Al-Qurnah, where the Tigris and Euphrates meet. Eden. Where mankind was born."
Sicard sneered. "The garden was destroyed in the deluge that only Noah and his family survived. You went to that place to serve Lucifer. Admit it."
"No. Not serve. And not Lucifer, exactly." Fall lowered his head. He wished he could somehow simply show them what he knew about the world's fate, let them see what he'd seen. But all he had were the words he knew sounded absurd: "We were there to try to stop the end of the world."
The scholar threw his head back. "Mon Dieu!"
Using the savant's arm to steady himself, Sicard came forward. "His lies are intended to agitate you. See how it's working?"
Saint-Hilaire pulled away so quickly, the old man nearly fell. "I am surrounded by jihadists, insurrectionists, and plague! Our soldiers, my own countrymen, think my sample cases contain stolen treasure from the tombs and try to steal them! Must I deal with this superstitious stupidity as well?"
"Superstition? I think not." The old priest waddled over to the brazier and lifted one of the hot irons. Its tip, in the shape of a cross, was so heavy that he couldn't keep his wrist straight. "Tell me how your theory of… an ur-form was it? Tell me how it explains his reaction to sunlight or the need to keep him in not one, but four chains?"
Saint-Hilaire's eyes fluttered. "I don't have all the answers right now. Certain diseases make the skin sensitive to light. I've seen hysteria induce feats of strength."
Sicard turned toward Fall, holding the glowing red iron. Saint-Hilaire looked sideways at it and said, "What do you hope to prove with that?"
As the priest came forward, Jeremiah backed into the shadows. His unearthly state enabled him to vanish into the darkness, but he would still be chained. Best to keep that trick secret for now. It was hard, though, with the beast inside him growling. It didn't like pain.
"Watch," Sicard said.
The old man, suddenly possessed of both energy and strength, stabbed forward, pressing the cross into Fall's shoulder. The metal hissed as it seared through his skin and into the muscle. Jeremiah screamed and went to his knees.
To distract himself from the pain, Jeremiah struggled to stay focued on what was around him. He saw Saint-Hilaire wince and noticed that the soldiers were watching this show of weakness with contempt. The rough-and-tumble, battle-weary men barely tolerated the intellectuals. Now, trapped in Egypt, it seemed, they hated them.
Saint-Hilaire straightened. "You think that proves he fears your cross?"
Glancing at the soldiers, the scholar grabbed a second heated poker, flat-pointed. With forced detachment, he pressed it into Fall's leg.
Jeremiah screamed again, rolled to his side, and moaned.
"You see? Same reaction."
The priest shook his head. "You misunderstand. I wasn't trying to prove the power of the cross." He bent over, careful not to get too close, and pointed his gnarled finger at the pulpy shoulder wound. "I was attempting to show you… this."
The boiling flesh of the wound subsided, and the frayed skin began to knit back together. Saint-Hilaire's eyes went wide.
"Do you explain that by virtue of science or does the unholy magic of one of Satan's minions now seem more reasonable?"
"As I said… the fact that I've no natural explanation… at this moment does not mean one does not exist."
Fall struggled back to his knees. "Just tell me the day, and I'll tell you whatever you want to know."
"Give him nothing," Sicard said, "but another taste of the fire."
Saint-Hilaire narrowed his eyes. "Why is the date so important?"
"I want to know how much time is left."
"Before the end of the world?" Saint-Hilaire said. "Is it some sort of metaphor? Are the British planning a land invasion? The Ottoman?"
"No. Something worse."
The fire from the brazier glinted in the intellectual's eyes. It was clear he felt he was on to something. He took a step closer to Jeremiah.
Take him, the beast said.
"Careful, Geoffroy," the priest croaked.
Put your teeth to his throat. He's pale, but plump.
Saint-Hilaire held his ground. A desire to show manliness in front of the soldiers trumped his fear. "Tell me, what's worse than an invasion from the British?"
Fall answered slowly. "Seventy French soldiers were sent into Ottoman territory to find us."
"Twenty," Saint-Hillaire said.
"There were seventy. Men who had wives, children…"
"The constant darkness has brought on dementia, Monsieur Fall. I've seen the reports. Twenty men."
"That's all that's left now," Fall said. "The other fifty weren't just murdered; they were eradicated, wiped from creation, from history, even from memory. The thing in the stone did that. And what it did to them, it will do to everything."
"Geoffroy," Sicard said softly. "Step back."
But Saint-Hilaire stared a while longer, as if trying to evaluate Fall's honesty from the look in his eyes. Finally, a slight smile played on his lips. Would he believe? No.
"What non—" he began.
Before he could complete the word, Fall grabbed the Frenchman and brought his neck to his open mouth. Sicard and the soldiers saw the fangs and gasped. Though Saint-Hilaire could not, he felt their tips poised against his flesh.
Free the talking fool from his delusions. You need the strength.
Fall's voice, lower now, echoed in the small room. "Tell me the date… please."
He heard Sicard's quick breath, heard the soldiers shift, uncertain, heard Saint-Hilaire swallow, heard the life-giving liquid pumping through the savant's veins. The sound was so sweet, Jeremiah was so weak, and the beast knew it.
You know he's not going to tell you. Why not…
"It… it's Décade II, Quintidi de Brumaire de l'Année VIII de la Révolution," Saint-Hilaire blurted.
Fall closed his eyes and moved his lips, mumbling.
"He casts a spell! Shoot him!" Sicard cried.
Before the infantrymen could decide whether to obey, Fall hurled Saint-Hilaire at them. They were barely able to move their bayonets out of the way in time to keep from stabbing the scholar as he tumbled to their feet.
"It's no spell!" Jeremiah said. "I'm only trying to figure out…" He became aware of the results of his calculation just as he began the sentence. Since their bloody revolution, the French started their own calendar, with its own months and years. "November 5, 1799. It's November 5."
He fell back on his haunches and exhaled, leaving his captors utterly confused.
Without help, Saint-Hilaire rose. By the time he had adjusted his long coat, he managed to appear more insulted than terrified. He blinked, looked down, wiped his forehead with his handkerchief, and then met Fall's gaze. "You have your date. Will you tell us what we wish to know?"
"Everything," Fall said, "from the beginning. But trust me, it isn't the sort of thing anyone would ever wish to know. I'd have sooner died than live to tell it… if I hadn't died already."
April 14, 1644
Dedham, a township of the Massachusetts Bay Colony
Even with the sun tempered by the tall pines lining the field, Jeremiah Fall sweltered in the simple clothes of the godly. His broad-brimmed hat was stifling. His shirt clung to the sweat on his back. His legs baked inside the black pants. If only the plow weren't stuck again. Straining against it, he feared passing out, until a final, forceful push sent his hand skidding along the handle, where a wooden shard stabbed the meat below his thumb.
"Ah!" he said, clenching his teeth. He should've checked to see what blocked the plow. His impatience could've cost them the blade. Hurt, angry with himself, his father's favorite aphorism came to mind: Arrogance is folly.
His shame would be double if Nathan had seen. Fortunately, his father was too busy struggling with a second, ox-pulled, plow to notice.
The ox, though, turned its wide eyes toward Jeremiah in seeming judgment. Mary Vincent, his mother, had named it Patience. If merriment were not forbidden, he'd swear she'd done it as a joke.
Arrogance is folly. An important lesson. Pulling the sliver free from his hand recalled another; splinters hurt more coming out than going in.
As a thread of blood inched along his thumb, Jeremiah sighed and inspected the plow head. A rough sphere nested in the dirt. Another rock to be dug out by hand.
Meanwhile, Nathan and the ox began their fifth line for the day. They'd hoped for fifteen, but after the first hour, Grandfather Atticus was too tired to help. This next line would be the first to cross the mound that marred the terrain's flatness. What would his father do, Jeremiah wondered, when he reached this thing that looked like the dome of a buried giant's head? Suspicion of anything unknown might make him till around it. The Faithful, named Puritans by those who scorned them, were forever uncertain which parts of the New World offered Eden, which hell. But the Falls were also stubborn.
Atticus, Dedham's unofficial ambassador to the natives, said the mound was a mystery even to Kanti, the female leader, or sachem, of the small Algonquin village a few miles north. Hard to tell, though, how much his addled grandfather heard and how much he'd imagined hearing. One thing was certain: The Algonquin were convinced it was too early to break new soil. There'd likely be another snow.
Nathan, loath to heed native advice, refused to wait. Like the townsfolk, he felt the only purpose of contact was to draw the Algonquin closer to the Lord, not to be drawn into their savage ways. But wouldn't some advice be welcome? In Essex, the Falls had been carpenters, and in all their years here they had gained little expertise with the land. Could it still snow? To Jeremiah, the air smelled of spring. Even the forest didn't offer its usual foreboding sounds and shadows, only the playful breeze.
No, not only.
At the tree line, some low, wavering shadows coalesced into human form. Jeremiah tensed, wary of an Indian attack, until he recognized the figure. It was Chogan, the young Algonquin who enjoyed watching their labors. Speaking of arrogance, the boy's grin made it clear he'd been seen only because he'd allowed it. The Algonquin didn't consider pride a sin.
Still, the question behind the smile seemed reasonable to Jeremiah: "Why don't you take our advice? Snow is coming. Why work so hard for nothing?"
How often had Jeremiah explained that labor brought them closer to God? How all men were sinners since Adam was made from the dust, only the chosen fated to find heaven? A man made from dirt was the only part Chogan understood, and that only because it matched some heathen belief. If Jeremiah did return to school, maybe he'd find a better way to explain. Not today. The boy was already gone.
"Jeremiah, come quench your thirst!" Atticus called. The familial connection between the three men was written on them as clearly as the begats in the Bible. The only difference was the blue eyes Jeremiah shared with his mother. "It's a harmless hunger. Chogan would tell you the same."
Nathan halted Patience. "We do not follow the example of the godless."
Atticus cackled. "How can they be godless if God created them?"
Nathan gritted his teeth. Atticus's loose speech had caused them trouble for years. The voyage to the New World had turned to months. As they starved, a storm had hit. Jeremiah's infant brother was swept overboard. Ever since, the old man had given voice to the most questionable thoughts. More recently, the fever, which weakened him and brought Jeremiah back from school, left his tongue even less willing to censor them.
Nathan tried to be patient. "I beg you remember the second article of the covenant I put my name to so we might join this township: 'We shall by all means labor to keep off from us all such as are contrary minded…' "
Atticus's eyes lit up as if he were possessed by an impish squirrel. "Then all Dedham should be empty! I've yet to meet a man whose mind wasn't contrary to itself."
As Nathan's brow furrowed, the sweat that had accumulated in his thick eyebrows ran down the side of his face. "Don't play with the words as if this were a game, father!"
"Why not? The Lord plays with words!" He held aloft his prized Geneva Bible. "Thou shalt not eat of the tree of knowledge, for on that day, thou shalt die! Yet Adam lived 930 years! Matthew tells us the Lord said, 'He that is not with me is against me,' yet Luke tells us He said, 'he that is not against us is with us!' What is this if not play?"
For years, Dedham had tolerated Atticus. His exchanges with the Algonquin kept the community abreast of their plans. But since his fever, the old man went too far.
"Each time you speak, talk of our expulsion grows. Never mind how you destroy the chance of Jeremiah's return to the Harvard School. What becomes of us when homeless?"
"What do they say in town?" Jeremiah asked.
Nathan shook his head. "They recall we are the family who arrived on that cursed ship long ago, that we were shunned at Watertown even though they sorely needed carpenters." His hand shook as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "Make certain the work is its own reward. Do not think too much on school." He added, "But, take that drink. We've yet some time before darkness."
Obeying, Jeremiah walked to his grandfather and took the ladle.
"Dying doesn't frighten me, only the thought I might keep you from school," the old man said.
"Don't worry, grandfather. The extra yield from these acres will surely let father hire John Fisher to make up for…" His voice trailed off.
The old man nudged him. "For my becoming half a man. Half mad. I know. But I'm helpless against it. Though it's over a decade past, the tempest that struck our ship remains inside me like the whirlwind that appeared to Job."
"Go back to the house for a nap. You're tired."
Atticus crinkled the skin around his brown eyes. "I'm too awake."
Jeremiah patted his grandfather's shoulder, surprised how bony it was.
"Jeremiah, Jeremiah," Atticus went on. "The prophet Jeremiah went down to the potter's house and saw the potter break the vessel he was working on. So the potter abandoned it and made another. Then the Lord said to Jeremiah, 'Cannot I do with you as this potter does? As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in mine.' "
The sun sank lower, the air shifting from cool to cold, as if something thick and powerful had rolled into the field alongside them. A chill moved up along his back. Atticus's dismal tone haunted him, certainly, but was this sudden dread just despair or were his senses trying to warn him of something real?
There was something different. He turned, planning to tell his father, only to see that Nathan had led his ox to the edge of the rounded earth. He was at the moment of deciding, go around or through?
The word Kanti used to describe not the mound but its essence was chepi. Atticus likened it to the stories of the fairy folk he'd heard in Essex, demoted angels thrown from heaven. Not evil enough for hell, they roamed the earth kidnapping babes from their cradles. Kanti assured him it had more to do with a long-ago plague that nearly wiped out the Abenaki tribe. An Abenaki might know more, but their new settlements were far north, among the French.
Was it Abenaki ghosts Jeremiah felt watching from the woods?
Nathan ordered Patience forward. The ox dutifully put its cloven feet upon the rising earth, pulling the plow behind. As the metal blade edged forward, concern flickered across Nathan's face. Did he feel the dread, too? No, it was mere annoyance, the expectation of hitting another rock. As the plow slid deep into the mound, quickly and easily, Nathan Fall smiled.
Jeremiah hadn't seen his father smile since before the loss of baby Jim at sea. His mother claimed he had smiled the day Jeremiah left home for Boston to exchange his skills as a carpenter for academic lessons. While he believed her, he'd not seen it with his own eyes. As the dirt yielded further, the satisfaction on his father's face was clear.
Perhaps he was thinking that now the field might be sown in time and Jeremiah could return to school. What he said was, "It's all right, Jeremiah. It's soft, like clay."
But arrogance is folly.
The plow suddenly rolled sideways. Patience lowed in distress and seemed to be sinking. Jeremiah thought the plow's weight must be dragging the ox down, but strangely, the creature's thin bovine legs, though scrambling, moved downward in the opposite direction.
Had they hit a deep hollow, a sinkhole?
With their sole ox in danger, Nathan didn't hesitate. He leaped atop the mound, drew the small scythe from his side and freed the animal from the harnass with two quick swipes. But Patience continued to sink, as if something beneath the dirt were drawing the creature down. Nathan grabbed the ox by the horns, stared into its panicked eyes, and shouted, "Harr!"
Patience obediently stiffened and attempted to stand.
It seemed the danger was over until the ox's large form jutted back toward the hole as if yanked. From what Jeremiah could see, the animal's back leg was caught on a thick root. Patience kicked free of it and stumbled down the mound, nearly knocking Nathan over in the process.
The thing that had held the ox, however, continued to rise. Jeremiah thought he was seeing some brown and muddy tree part until it bent at the elbow and splayed the bony fingers of its hand. Shapes like shoulder and chest followed, both covered by skin the texture of cured leather. A second arm wrenched itself into the air, a thick rope dangling from the wrist. There followed a horribly oblong head.
Jeremiah fought to convince himself it was a sickly bear they'd woken, but it looked more as if Satan himself had dug his way up from hell.
Patience limped across the field, blood flowing down its back leg, leaving the thing to turn toward Nathan. The shifting of its body revealed a visage that at first brought to mind a tangled mass of dried grass and peat. Then it opened its mouth. Even from this distance, Jeremiah saw the yellow-white teeth glisten against the dark earth of its form, like the fangs of a wolf bursting into moonlight while night rendered its body invisible.
Jeremiah ran toward his father, but the Devil was faster. Free of the mound, it snapped the remaining rope that bound its legs and pushed aside the fallen plow. The earthen-brown layer covering it, which Jeremiah had taken for its skin, fell off in wet clumps with each muscle it moved. What lay beneath, its true skin, was the same, but lighter in hue. With speed and grace as wolflike as its fangs, it leaped. In midair, it craned its neck forward, as if those bared teeth could pull it forward faster. As it flew, what looked like a long head fell away. The oblong thing slapped to the ground, stems of aged feathers rising. A headdress?
As Jeremiah prayed for more speed, the figure grabbed Nathan's neck and drew him to its teeth, sharp and distinct, and bit into his neck. Jeremiah shivered, a queasy nausea erupting in his stomach.
Nathan tried to hit the creature, to injure it or push it away, but the efforts of his strong arms looked like the thrashing of grass against boulder. His father's neck was split open like the spring lamb they'd killed last year, and the creature drank the spurting fluids. As it sucked in Nathan's blood, the skin around its neck thickened, its shoulders reddened, and its chest swelled.
Jeremiah knew it was too late. His father's body no longer fought, but twitched. Refusing to trust his intuition, he jumped onto the length of the sideways plow and hurled himself into the thing. He hit with his full weight, but the thing didn't fall, and instead moved only an inch along the mound's soft earth. Jeremiah's gaze met two lidless eyes. They looked more like stolen eggs embedded in a rat nest, their whites marred by the tiny branches of dead veins, the pupils sparking with an old, angry hunger.
Trying to grab hold, Jeremiah's hands scrambled against its rough form. Some of the ash-brown hide was vaguely supple, like half-dried beef, the rest hard as stone. When he pulled at it, his fingers slipped as they had on the plow, earning not splinters but drier clumps of dirt, revealing the pallid skin of a corpse beneath.
What was it? What was this world that it could have made such a thing?
The creature's back, no longer protected by dirt, was now struck by sunlight. The thing went rigid. Smoke snaked from its body. There was a loud hissing like water on hot coals. The light burned it.
Though Jeremiah's instinct wanted him only to join Patience and flee, the mind Atticus had praised mere moments ago forced him into attacking again. This time, he didn't try to move it or hurt it. Instead he focused on pulling away as much of the earth covering as he could, bringing to light more and more of its gray skin. As he did, he thought he saw the remains of a breechcloth and leggings on its unearthly body.
Recognizing Jeremiah as the cause of its increasing pain, the creature paused from feeding long enough to swat him away. Years ago, Jeremiah had been knocked down in a fistfight when an older youth called his grandfather insane, but this was different, more like swinging by rope into the face of a tree. Jeremiah's neck felt twisted. As he tried to stand, his legs did not wish to cooperate. He forced himself to his feet, but he was swaying, uncertain how long he'd stay conscious.
He thought he'd lost this fight and likely his life, until the grotesque odor of burning flesh assailed his nostrils. His mind had found the right thing—perhaps the only thing—to do.
Its skin reddened and curled in large round wounds, as if eaten like bark in a fire. Air rushed from its mouth as if it were trying to scream. At first, it didn't stop assaulting Nathan, but its agony soon surpassed its urge to feed. It picked its head up, chin and cheek glistening with blood. It hesitated as if weighing whether to drag Nathan off with it, then dropped him and raced for the shade.
Jeremiah staggered to his fallen father and cradled his bleeding form.
Eyes no longer focused, Nathan muttered, "Patience. Save Patience or Mary Vincent will be upset."
"The ox is safe," Jeremiah whispered, though he had no idea if that was true.
It had all happened so fast. Atticus neared them only now, croaking as his lungs gasped for breath, "Nathan… Nathan…"
Jeremiah didn't look at his grandfather. His gaze was torn, head snapping back and forth, between his dying father and the thing racing for the woods, thicker and thicker tendrils of smoke curling from its form. As it disappeared among the trees, it found its voice, screaming long and loud, not just in anguish but in unmistakable fury.
As the screeching drenched him with fear, the words came to Jeremiah again: Arrogance is folly.
He wondered, did the aphorism apply to the Devil's world as well as God's?
Excerpted from Blood Prophecy by Petrucha, Stefan Copyright © 2010 by Petrucha, Stefan. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Meet the Author
Born in the Bronx, Stefan Petrucha spent his formative years moving between the big city and the suburbs, both of which made him prefer escapism.
A fan of comic books, science fiction and horror since learning to read, in high school and college he added a love for all sorts of literary work, eventually learning that the very best fiction always brings you back to reality, so, really, there's no way out.
He first came to prominence as the author of the best-selling X-Files comic book series, based on the TV show and has since written eighteen novels including Timetripper, The Shadow of Frankenstein, and The Rule of Won. His recent work includes, Paranormal State: My Journey Into the Unknown (co-authored with A&E star Ryan Buell), Split, Diary of a Stinky Dead Kid, and the upcoming Dead Mann Walking. He currently lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife and fellow writer Sarah Kinney and their two daughters.
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BLOOD PROPHECY by Stefan Petrucha is a paranormal/fantasy historical adventure set in 1644 America and spans across the globe. It is well written,has depth,details,fast paced and a page turner. It has vampires,magic,history,secrets, legends,myths,adventure,redemption,finding a cure for the beast within,curiosity, a guest to save humanity,vampire-like monster,romance, and darkness.Jeremiah Fall is attacked by a monster,bitten and turned into a vampire-like monster,his family killed all except his grandfather,he is determined to beat the monster within,find a cure if there is one, and save humanity. He is a soldier of fortune,traveled the globe, fighting to control the beast within for over 150 years,He is not only battling the beast within but also trying to learn the truth of the ebony stone,save all of humanity,and he is starting to fall in love with the beautiful,Amala. If you enjoyed the Dark Shadows series you will definite enjoy this one. It is a fast paced,high Octane adventure that ties historical facts with paranormal fantasy. This book was received from the publisher for review and details can be found at Grand Central Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Book Groups and My Book Addiction and More.
Our story begins in October of 1799. A man named Jeremiah is secluded in a prison cell; chained to the wall, with carcasses of rats lying in heaps on the cold, wet floor. The man doesn't know how long he's been stuck in this horrific place - that's the point. It's imperative that he know exactly what the date is in order to stop a seriously frightening event from taking place. As a ladder is thrown into the pit, a priest, a scholar, and French soldiers climb into the cell with Jeremiah and begin to study him; they are wondering how on earth a man could be without food and water for so long, and still look as healthy as the day he was first imprisoned. Through a variety of interesting scenes, Jeremiah makes a deal with the men. If they tell him what the date is, he will tell them his story and also advise them on what, exactly, is coming to destroy their world. In 1644, in Massachusetts, Jeremiah and his father are plowing the fields with their trusty oxen. They are originally from the decks of the Mayflower that brought them to this New World, and they're trying their best as colonists to work hard and get along with the rest of the townspeople. The Indians are also a part of this colorful world; living in the forests surrounding the town. When Jeremiah hits a strange mound in the middle of the field his calm, peaceful world turns upside down. A being that has never been seen by human eyes - a creature with what looks like huge, sharp fangs - leaps from the mound and kills Jeremiah's father. After a hard-fought struggle later that very same evening, Jeremiah's mother is also taken from him, and he ends up with a demon that he can literally hear breathing inside of him. The historical and religious research that this author did is A-one; not to mention some of his characters are so interesting that they should definitely be in a Dark Shadows episode of their very own. Perhaps Johnny Depp and Tim Burton - the current amazing duo that's re-creating that show into a movie - could use Mr. Petrucha on their team. One of my favorite characters in this story, oddly enough, is a horse. Like Silver, this horse offers Jeremiah its undying devotion throughout the book, and has within him a truly.magical quality. Quill says: From the Native American legends to the fantastic King Arthur-like tales, this author has not only given readers an exciting adventure, but he's also created a true learning experience. His imagination is certainly not surprising, considering this author was a writer of X-files comic books. There are many genres that have long been the fiction favorites among readers, like romance and mysteries, but when a writer takes the time to really delve into history and combine that research with the paranormal - that's a recipe that makes a truly unforgettable story. Here's one reader who hopes that the publishers out there recognize that this type of storytelling is most definitely what readers want to see on the bookshelves!
I am smitten with Stefan's writing! A refreshing fantasy story with interesting characters and a plot that doesn't let up. I'm a huge vampire fan and Blood Prophecy is being added to my favorite books of all time list. Five stars!
This high readable and thought provoking new twist in the vampire book scene goes to the top of my list as one of my favorite books I've read this year. Even if you are not a big vamp fan, Mr. Petrucha's handling of this book shows a depth and great characterization lacking in a lot of today's humdrum fantasy. I highly recommend you pick this one up, but be careful. Once you start it, your not going to want to put it down till the last page is turned.


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Athens First Bank & Trust Company has hired Joe Crosland and Neil Glezen to work in the bank's commercial lending department.
Crosland joined the bank as first vice president. With seven years experience in the banking industry, he has worked in all areas of commercial lending while specializing in residential construction lending. Crosland graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in political science.
Glezen joined the bank as an assistant vice president specializing in business banking. Most recently, he was with SunTrust Bank in Gainesville. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a B.A. in banking and finance.
Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Sunday, October 20, 2002.
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Running Time: 93 minutes
Released: 11/2015
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References in classic literature ?
You are a dangerous person, I fear," said she; "if you can forge compliments at that rate, Zoraide will positively be afraid of you; but if you are good, I will keep your secret, and not tell her how well you can flatter.
The convic- tion that something strange and terrible had hap- pened, that by some miracle a new and dangerous person had come into the body of the kindly old man, took possession of him.
There is a dangerous person who is everlastingly trying to see Madame alone.
Rawdon Crawley altogether, and warning the public to beware of her as a most artful and dangerous person.
They had no knowledge of any conspiracy against the Minister's life, had no hint of any plot through their usual channels of information, had seen no signs, were aware of no suspicious movements or dangerous persons.
The judge said: "The canister could have come into the possession of a more dangerous person - I take a very serious view of you possessing it.
Why I found it very difficult was because we have a law but, as well, you have the gardai in that case pressing very strongly that that person should not get bail, because that person was a dangerous person, and the judge didn't listen to them.
Aragon civilly committed as a sexually dangerous person upon the completion of his sentence.
Sam's character evolves when he's faced with a dangerous person like Pyke.
We have taken a very dangerous person that is a serial murder suspect off the streets,' he said.
As a result of your efforts, a dangerous person was apprehended and all of the victim's property was recovered.
At Durham Crown Court, Judge Tony Lancaster said he was obliged to take into account his violent past and if he had decided he was a dangerous person would have had to impose an immediate, lengthy custodial sentence.
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Empress, Chiang Mai
Empress Reviews
Add a review
21 February 2011
Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai
Brian Jackson, Wakefield
The hotel is large and impersonal, but very conveniently situated and good value for money. Fairly basic rooms but comfortable enough - no tea and coffee making facilities though. Nice swimming pool. The buffet breakfast is excellent. Pity about the over-charged internet though - it cost a fraction of their prices at the numerous internet cafes just outside the hotel.
The best thing about my stay was ...
The buffet breakfast
16 October 2008
Ideal base
Keith, Thailand
The Empress Hotel is an ideal base in Chiang Mai. It is a grand building with efficient and friendly service, yet is available at internet rates which represent tremendous value for money. Good breakfast, spotless rooms and situated south of the Night Bazaar or a Tuk Tuk ride to the Old Town.


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Code Vein is more than just anime Dark Souls, explains director Hiroshi Yoshimura
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Siddharth and Hansika starrer movie Something Something audio launch took place on Sunday in Hyderabad. The movie is directed by C. Sundar and the film is produced by Actor- Producer Khusboo. Music is composed by C. Sathya.
Many celebrities like Rana Daggubati, Khushboo, her husband and the director of the movie C. Sundar, Dasari Narayana Rao, Siddharth, Sri Hari, Hansika Motwani, Ganesh Venkataraman, Vishal, Sanjana attended the event. The audio was launched by the renowned Director and Producer Dasari Narayana Rao and the first CD was also presented to him.
The story is said to be a romantic comedy. The Tamil version of the movie is Theeya Vela Seiyyanum Kumaru. The cast of the Telugu version are Siddharth, and Hansika in the lead roles and Bramhanandam Ganesh Venkataraman, Vishal and Sanjana playing other important roles.
The movie Something Something has been under extensive shooting for quite some time now. Sidhharth had infact tweeted about his excitement about shooting for this movie in Japan. The movie is set to be released on the 8th of June.


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As anyone involved in the North American commercial roofing industry knows, these are two questions that building owners and managers are asking with increasing regularity. Most commercial roofing buyers still want to know about cost and performance first, but as both "cool" and "sustainable" roofing continue to gain marketplace acceptance, they are driving significant change in market dynamics, roof system design and manufacture, product innovation, industry initiatives, selection priorities, building codes and legislation.
Cool and sustainable roofing are also sparking a considerable degree of discussion, commotion and controversy due to their ongoing impact on the commercial roofing industry. The very definitions of "cost" and "performance" are changing as they incorporate concepts such as life-cycle costs (LCC), life-cycle analysis (LCA), energy efficiency and sustainable performance.
It has been about ten years since cool and sustainable roofing emerged as separate, but closely related, commercial roofing industry trends. Today, both concepts have been embraced by a host of industry associations and government agencies, many of which are striving to define the "roofs of the future." As industry groups continue to develop universal definitions and objectives for cool and sustainable roofing, government agencies at the federal, state and local level are implementing more standards, regulations and incentives to encourage, or mandate, the use of energy-efficient and/or sustainable roofing systems.
The Emerging High-Performance Trend
These actions, combined with simple but powerful economic factors, are creating increased demand for a new class of High-Performance Roofing (HPR) systems that can satisfy traditional performance criteria – such as installed cost, performance and longevity as well as newer criteria – such as life-cycle costs, energy efficiency, and preservation of the environment.
High-Performance Roofing is part of a larger trend toward High-Performance Buildings, which is especially strong among builders and managers involved in the construction and renovation of school systems and government facilities. The Department of Energy (DOE) has established a High-Performance Building initiative that focuses on promoting energy-efficiency nationwide. The DOE defines the benefits and objectives of High-Performance Buildings and "whole-building design" as:
• Energy consumption reductions of 50 percent or more
• Reduced maintenance and capital costs
• Reduced environmental impact
• Increased occupant comfort and health
• Increased employee productivity
High-Performance Roofing systems can contribute significantly toward all of these High-Performance Building objectives. As part of a High-Performance Building, an HPR system acts as a vital, performance-enhancing umbrella that protects the facility from the elements, enhances the performance of other building components, enables uninterrupted operations, and contributes to the health and performance of occupants.
And, contrary to some popular myths, HPR systems that are cool and sustainable do not necessarily involve additional costs. In fact, an essential criterion of High-Performance Roofing systems is that they reduce life-cycle costs (LCC) significantly without substantial tradeoffs in performance or longevity.
The Five E's of High-Performance Roofing
How can facility managers and building owners tell if a roofing system is "high-performance?" While precise definitions are still evolving, HPR protective umbrellas have five important, closely related attributes that make them cost-effective, leak-proof, reliable, long-lasting, energy efficient and environmentally friendly. An easy way to remember these five attributes is to think of them as the "Five E's" for making informed, cost-effective roofing choices:
• Energy: HPR systems help reduce energy consumption and improve the energy efficiency of the building envelope. This is a primary benefit of cool roofing, but reduced energy use also contributes to a better environment.
• Environment: HPR systems help reduce the overall impact on the external environment while also creating and maintaining a healthy, productive indoor environment. This is the primary objective of green, or sustainable roofing, which also places a premium on energy efficiency and endurance.
• Economics: HPR systems must be cost-effective based on both initial cost and, more importantly, the entire life cycle cost. No roofing system will gain wide acceptance if it does not make economic sense to building owners and managers.
• Endurance: HPR systems must meet, or exceed, traditional performance standards in terms of longevity, all-weather reliability, water absorption, wind and fire resistance, low-maintenance and simple repair. No matter how "cool" or "green" a roof is, it still has to protect the building in all types of weather – a reality that is sometimes neglected in sustainability discussions.
• Engineering: Smart engineering and design are the great enablers of High-Performance Roofing systems, and all four of the other E's. Engineering impacts everything from intelligent design and installation to life-cycle costs and long-term performance in all weather conditions.
The HPR Checklist
No doubt all of these high-performance roofing characteristics sound great … in theory! But what about the real world? How can facility managers and building owners tell if a roofing system meets all, or at least some, of the five HPR criteria? There are several key questions to ask your roofing contractor and/or manufacturer's representative that can help determine if a roofing system is "high performance." Here are a few of the key checklist topics for each of the five E's. (For a comprehensive HPR checklist, visit www.duro-last.com/coolzone.)
1. Is a life-cycle cost (LCC) analysis available that includes all installation costs, estimated maintenance/repair and potential energy savings over the life of the roof? In 2004, a 20-year LCC comparison was prepared with the help of independent Midwest roofing contractors (above). This LCC compares the life-cycle costs of a reflective PVC single-ply with black EPDM and BUR systems for a fully-warranted, 50,000-square-foot re-roof in the Midwest. While actual costs will vary depending on each situation, note the differences between installed costs and life cycle costs.
1. Does the roof meet criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® Roofing Products Program? Visit www.energystar.com to see if the roofing system is listed. If it isn't there, the roof material probably does not meet the ENERGY STAR minimum standard that requires low-slope roof products to have an initial reflectance of at least 65 percent, and a reflectance of at least 50 percent after three years of weathering. You can also use their online calculator to determine potential energy savings for your building. Energy efficiency also reduces pollution by mitigating the urban heat island effect (visit http://eandE.LBL.gov/heatisland).
2. Does the roof meet ASHRAE Standard 90.1? The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning established Standard 90.1 as a minimum requirement for energy-efficient building design. Adopted by the federal government in 1994, it sets the roof reflectance minimum for government facilities at 70 percent and the minimum emittance level at 75 percent. Last year President Bush signed legislation offering tax incentives to buildings that exceed Standard 90.1.
3. Does the roofing system exceed local building codes for minimum thermal resistance (R-values)? Insulation is an important component of all roofing systems – reducing heat loss by convection in winter months, and controlling heat gain through conduction in the summer. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory recently determined that increasing the R-value of a roofing system in Los Angeles from R-9 to R-15 would reduce annual energy costs by $2,500, and lower carbon dioxide emissions by thousands of pounds.
1. Does the roof earn points toward USGBC LEED® credits? The U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) voluntary rating system is an increasingly popular means for helping building owners determine environmental performance (www.usgbc.org). Buildings can be credited one point toward LEED® certification if their roofing system meets the standards under Sustainable Sites Credit 7.2: Heat Island Effect: Roof. In many other sub-categories, a combination of design characteristics that may include roofs can earn points, including: Storm Water Management, Minimum Energy Performance, Renewable Energy, and Construction Waste Management.
2. Is a roof tear-off required? Certain lightweight HPR systems can be installed, fully-warranted, directly over the existing roof to reduce installation and disposal costs while slowing the rate of landfill buildup.
3. Is the roofing material recyclable? Oak Ridge National Laboratories recently estimated that nine to ten million tons of non-recyclable roofing waste is sent to U.S. landfills every year. Ask if the roofing manufacturer has a recycling program.
4. Does the roof system help create a comfortable, healthy, productive environment inside buildings, where many people spend most of their days? Indoor air quality is an increasingly important issue in terms of both health and improved productivity of building occupants. Cool, garden and perhaps solar-integrated HPR systems help to moderate indoor temperatures, even in buildings without air conditioning. Vented roofing systems can help reduce moisture and mold while relieving positive air pressure, allowing buildings to "breathe."
1. What is the range of durability for this type of roofing system? The durability of any type of roofing system can vary widely depending on the manufacturer, competence of the roofing contractor, climate and other factors. This is why roofing expert Carl Cash suggests that building owners consider the durability range of various systems, a better indication of how long the best roofing systems in each category can be expected to last. By this measure, five types of roofing systems have a high-end range of service longer than 20 years: PVC thermoplastic single-ply, asphalt-glass fiber BUR, SBS polymer-modified asphalt, EPDM thermoset single-ply, and asphalt-organic felt BUR.
2. In terms of maintenance and repair: How often? How much? How easy? Local references? Every year of useful service free of major maintenance and repair work reduces the life-cycle cost of any roof. Be sure to ask about a roof system's recommended annual maintenance procedures and costs.
3. How long, and how good, is the warranty? Warranties reveal many strengths and weaknesses. Small print and exclusions can highlight potential problem areas, such as ponding water, consequential damages, and repair/replacement procedures in case of failure. Don't be fooled by the length of a warranty – read the fine print for hidden costs and exclusions.
1. Is this a fully integrated roofing system that provides watertight performance while enhancing the performance of other building components? A high-performance building is a complete system that includes electrical, flooring, HVAC, roofing, doors, windows, insulation and many other interactive components. Likewise, a high-performance roof is a fully integrated system that not only protects the building from the elements, but actually enhances the performance of other building components, such as thermal insulation and the heating-ventilating-air conditioning (HVAC) system. Check the warranty to make sure the entire roofing system is covered.
2. Does the manufacturer use premium components and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to enhance energy, environmental, endurance and economic performance? Specification of premium materials enhances a wide range of performance criteria, including reflectivity, emittance, ultraviolet radiation resistance, water resistance, fire and wind resistance, tensile strength, thermal expansion and dynamic puncture resistance. Environmental performance is enhanced by incorporating materials that are recyclable and reduce the total embedded energy index, and by using closed-loop manufacturing processes that minimize waste and toxic emissions.
3. Is this a custom prefabricated roofing system? Prefabricated roofing systems designed to fit each roof reduce installation time and labor costs, virtually eliminate roof membrane scrap, and minimize job-site errors by producing seams and other critical components under quality-controlled conditions in the factory.
The High-Performance Future is Here
Growing demand for cool and sustainable roofing is creating market demand and government regulations for High-Performance Roofing systems that provide optimal functionality with respect to energy, environment, endurance and economics. This trend ties in directly with the growing demand for energy-efficient, environmentally friendly High-Performance Buildings nationwide. The high-performance future is already here. The design/cost challenge is to specify high-performance roofing systems, and to continue improving every aspect of innovative, HPR systems and high-performance buildings.
About the Author: Drew Ballensky is general manager of Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.'s Sigourney, Iowa, plant and spokesman for the Duro-Last Cool-Zone high-performance roofing system.
©2015 Copyright DC&D Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. | DCD
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Commodities house - JP Morgan
Commodity investors have learnt some hard lessons over the past 12 months, which shattered the asset class's image as a benign diversification component in an investment portfolio. The prevailing mood suggests that traditional, broad-based exposure is rapidly becoming an outmoded way for investors to access commodities, and that clients need to adopt a more selective and structured approach to investing in the asset class.
JP Morgan has progressed impressively this year, positioning itself as a
7 days in 60 seconds
Stress testing, cyber risk modelling and machine vision
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|Message view
|« Date » · « Thread »
|« Date » · « Thread »
|Berin Loritsch <blorit...@apache.org>
|Re: [C2] Problem with component pools.
|Fri, 23 Feb 2001 16:47:16 GMT
Davanum Srinivas wrote: > > Berin, > > The "pools" Hashmap in both CocoonComponentSelector and DefaultComponentManager are keyed off the > just the Class and *NOT* the hint/role. The hint/role is ignored completely when we do a pools.get > or a pools.put. (For example in DefaultComponentManager lines 261 and 279) > > The problem is with SVGSerializer which acts both as "svg2jpeg" and "svg2png". We always get the > same pool back as pools Hashmap uses the class SVGSerializer as the key. Hmmm. I see the problem. This is much like the issue with ThreadSafe Components that was solved before. In theory, every hint reflects a distinct Class. In practice, we can have a single class that has differing configuration information. It is more efficient to pool already set up components instead of virgin components--otherwise we loose the benefit of pooling. Ok, We will make the ComponentManager/Selector be keyed off the role/hint every time. This is the classic question of distinction: When is a Component a different Role/Hint and when is it the same Role/Hint? The practical answer is this: Any time a Component has to be made distinct (i.e. serialize to PNG vs. JPG, or the different Selectors we have floating around), it needs to be completely distinct by role or hint down to the instance retrieved from the ComponentManager/Selectors.
|View raw message


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My nasal bones look pretty deviated. I got a septorhinoplasty and for whatever reason, my surgeon didn't center them? (Photo)
Doctor Answers 4
Deviated Nasal Bones
Your nasal bones are indeed a bit deviated toward the left side. This often occurs because of incomplete fractures (osteotomies) at the time of surgery, which don't allow full mobilization of the nasal bones. The solution is to ask your surgeon about the timing of a secondary procedure to revise the osteotomies in order to achieve straightening of the upper third of the nose. Your restricted breathing should be evaluated with a thorough examination. There are many causes of reduced nasal breathing including normal post-operative swelling that can take weeks or months to resolve. Post nasal drip after rhinoplasty also has several causes, including a subset of patients that experience unexplained rhinitis for a period of time following rhinoplasty. You should discuss all of these concerns with your doctor. Best wishes.
Learn more: http://ridenourplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Facial-Cosmetic-Surgical-Procedures/Nasal-Surgery-Rhinoplasty
Deviated nasal bones
Thank you for your question and photograph.You will need a revision rhinoplasty with a nasal osteotomy to realign the bones. Post-nasal drip will usually resolve in about a year. I hope this helps!
Best of luck in your recovery!
James Fernau, MD, FACS
Board Certified ENT
Board Certified Plastic Surgery
Member of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS
Deviated nasal bones post septorhinoplasty
You might also like...
Crooked nasal bones
Learn more: http://www.chicagofacialplastics.com/service/rhinoplasty-external-nasal-surgery/
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.


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Sir Udo Ahaiwe: Why I will run for Abia Governorship Position In 2019
Sir Udo Ahaiwe, Director at Prisat Publishing and currently a lecturer at Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike has revealed the real reason why he will contest for the governorship position in Abia State, come the 2019 general election.
|Sir Udo Ahaiwe
Sir Ahaiwe who took to his social media handle to register his reasons why he is contesting, said; "In 2019 it's not Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu that I will be running against, I'll be confronting a system - a system engineered by Orji Kalu, perpetuated by Theodore Orji and inherited by Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, a system that makes a few people lord and the rest carries chain on their neck.
"I will confront this system, we'll conquer this system. When I said that I want to be elected the Governor of Abia State in 2019, it is not for the fun of being called Your Excellency but for us to have a new and inspiring beginning in Abia State.
"Abia State is God's own State. We'll not lend any more our neck to the chain but we'll rise to be the shining light of this nation.
"My emergence as the Governor of Abia State may mark the turning point in the history of our country Nigeria for until a new generation rises Nigeria will continue to sink.
"If you love where you come from lend me your support now. Your support will make our victory easy.
My name is Udo Ahaiwe, I want to be elected the Governor of Abia State in 2019.
- Sir Udo Ahaiwe: Just One Idea For Abia State Governor
- Sir Udo Ahaiwe: What We Call Problems Are Yesterday's Work Left Undone
- Sir Udo Ahaiwe: Why I will run for Abia Governorship Position In 2019


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The development of a nation is emulated in its real estate potential and Indian real estate is creating waves across the world. Real estate is becoming highly competitive and factors such as quality and customer satisfaction have taken a front seat. We all dream of a home where luxury, comfort and satisfaction are the key ingredients; an address that creates a sense of pleasure and pride to the owner is every individual's fantasy. Developers across the world are creating successful ventures fulfilling all these needs.
Positioned in the heart of New Delhi, DLF presents one of the most iconic properties ever witnessed for a limited few, DLF Kings Court GK2. Some things do not need introduction and this project is a classic example of subtle elegance and class. This is the perfect space that binds you in complete harmony of comfort and lifestyle. Gaining success in a short span of time DLF is a prestigious builder of the nation and is glad to present an unparalleled residential project. DLF is a name that is identical with world class standards. DLF Kings Court residences are a trendsetter of comfort and style and perfect for those who believe in complete privacy. Positioned at an outstanding locality of GK-II, one can feel the pride of owning a property among top-notch society. The beautiful landscape of the scenic Jahanpanah forest on one side and a large park of 8 acres on the other welcome you to a world of complete paradise. Here you can experience an eco-friendly environment away from the dreadful metropolis.
This spectacular project is beatified with exclusive concierge services, DLF Gold Club membership, fully equipped gymnasium and swimming pool, central air conditioning, reading lounge, modular kitchen and wardrobes, multipurpose hall high speed elevators, elaborate and fabulous entrance lobbies and many more. The other additional services are 100% power back up and a gated community with 3-tier security systems to let you sleep those peaceful nights without having to worry about the safety of your family. King's Court is as posh as it gets and it is stuffed with the best in class luxury money can buy. DLF Kings Court, Delhi provides ample and dedicated car parking space for residents and other enchanting facilities that will not let you feel less than a wonderland. It assures you a joyous and euphoric atmosphere for you and your family where you can live a luxurious and happy life.
Author: -
Identified in the society as RD Prajapati, I am proud to be a part of No frills deal team, the Luxury real estate Company. Apart from loving to pen down thoughts I also like traveling and exploring new places. For more details about DLF Kings Court GK2 Delhi Visit: https://www.nofrillsdeal.com/dlf-kings-court.php


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Question about Alpine PowerNav NVE-N852A GPS Receiver
I have a honda crv 2004. Build in sat nav runs Alpine APN2-23103 VER 2.03 disc.
worded fine til now...just started displaying reading disc error. Tried to run a dvd cleaner but it tried to load the sat nav software only so wont run the cleaner disc. Honda want £90 just to try diagnose if disc or system. any ideas?
Posted by abradley on
SOURCE: I have freestanding Series 8 dishwasher. Lately during the filling cycle water hammer is occurring. How can this be resolved
a 6ya expert can help you resolve that issue over the phone in a minute or two.
best thing about this new service is that you are never placed on hold and get to talk to real repairmen in the US.
the service is completely free and covers almost anything you can think of (from cars to computers, handyman, and even drones).
click here to download the app (for users in the US for now) and get all the help you need.
Posted on Jan 02, 2017
SOURCE: Alpine sat nav would not load...
This is not uncommon, before resorting to Alpine, try a DVD cleaning disk. It may be necessary to try it up to 6 or 7 times, but it's a lot cheaper than dealer service!!
Posted on May 22, 2008
SOURCE: nve n852a it keeps trying to load software
I unplugged the gps as well as the power buttob from the back. I waited 5 minuts and the Alpine logo reappeared. I was just about to send it in but decided to try one last thing. I hope this helps!
Simple but effective
Posted on Nov 11, 2008
SOURCE: I have An Alpine Navigation
Alpine Navigation Technical Support (888) 628-4357.
Ship to:
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
2012 Abalony Avenue - Unit D
Torrance, CA 90501
Description of Problem
Return Address
Phone Contact
Include check or money order for $158 made payable to Alpine Electronics.
Posted on Sep 16, 2011
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What no one has told you since Amazon's TOS update:
Finally! Three weeks later and Amazon's graces us with the clear confirmation we have all been waiting for. Listen to the quick one minute video above for TODAY'S update on Amazon!
What Amazon just clarified in a very clear post:
"Although products may be provided to customers for free or at a discount, and those customers may write reviews…." Find all of the details here About Promotional Content. By clicking that link you will also see that Amazon also states that, "A customer (who) writes a review of a product received for free …. where the provider does not monitor whether the customer writes a review or condition any benefits on writing a review or the content of the review…" also complies within the new guidelines
As we all well know, on October 3rd Amazon pulled a fast one and left us trying to sort out the details on their latest change to Community Guidelines.
What everyone was thinking before the research:
The community was circulating with whispers of all reviews on discounted products being prohibited, and that all seller and buyer accounts would be suspended. Sellers were in fear of repercussions from amazon and previous dedicated reviewers were terrified to lose the hundreds of reviews they'd spend so long writing.
What LaunchZon identified during the research:
After Jonathan Norberg, Amazon's Executive Customer Relations, sent out this email to our community stating that as long as there was no attempt to tie a review to the discounted product, it is perfectly safe for the buyer to not only leave the review. He also says that no disclaimer is required. LaunchZon's partnerships with sellers and buyers alike reflect that no one is attempting to manipulate reviews by correlating them with discounted products.
After the research and NOW the confirmation we continue to stress the facts that leaving reviews for free or discounted products is STILL in compliance with Amazon terms of service when using LaunchZon or Promo.LaunchZon.com
LaunchZon.com is still a FREE product promotion tool for Amazon Sellers and Promo.LaunchZon.com is only $2.99/month to get access to deals that are 85% or MORE discounted from retail!!
If you have any questions or comments about how we are moving forward please show some love, like this post and leave a comment below. We love it when you get involved!!


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Vango Trek Self Inflating Mat
Product Description
The Trek SelfInflating Mat from Vango is a midweight mat, ideal for accompanying trekking, backpacking and camping trips. With the longest weighing under 1.2kg it makes a great easy to carry and lightweight trekking mat, recommended by the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #1842 in Sports & Outdoors
Brand: Vango
Repair Kit included
Stuffsac included


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The word 'Dartitis' is now widely used by the darts media and is referred to at most major darts events, but what is it and more to the point where did the phrase come from?
Because Darts501 is a general website about the game of darts I feel I should mention something about 'Dartitis'. I have heard many references to 'Dartitis' from BBC & Sky TV dart commentators and also read many an article about it. But what does it really mean?
I first tried to find the correct definition for 'Dartitis' by referring to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) but to my amazement I couldn't find it. I contacted the OED direct and I was informed the word was not listed in any OED publication and was asked to submit the word for consideration of inclusion
The BBC TV had been a series called 'Balderdash and Piffle'. This series was exploring the origins of words, their usage and the earliest written reference. Evidence of word usage seemed to be the only acceptable evidence, although I do recall on one occasion a dated sound recording was also used as evidence of a word! With this in mind I collected a number of written references to 'Dartitis' and submitted these to the OED. I had a reply from Graeme Diamond, Principle Editor, New Words Group. He stated that the word had been considered several years ago and the earliest reference the OED had at the time was dated 1989! I thought this strange as I was sure the word had been in use well before 1989.
The OED will not accept hearsay; recorded evidence in the written form seems to be the only really acceptable form of evidence. The OED also have criteria before a word is included in to the OED. Graeme Diamond sent this reply regarding the criteria:
If you look at the meaning of the word 'Dartitis' would translate into 'inflammation of the dart'! What! I hear you say, that cannot be so, and darts do not get inflamed. Well, the well-meaning person who first used the word may not have thought though correctly what he or she was trying to convey.
'Dartitis' is a name given to describe the general condition affecting the throwing ability of dart players. In most cases players lose control of the dart they are throwing and in more severe cases they are unable to let go of the dart. The pull back of the throwing arm can lock as can sometimes the hand. It has been described as a form of 'Yips' that a golfer can suffer from.
I consulted a number of professionals regarding 'Dartitis' and they nclude darts historian Patrick Chaplin, Wayne Baker from Darts World and the editor at the time of Darts World Tony Wood. In a conversation with Tony he said he had invented the word back in the seventies but the earliest written reference that can be found was in Darts World January 1981 eight years before the OED's reference. I have sent copies of the article along with several other written reference and a DVD showing Dartitis being used in a TV interview to the OED
Well I don't have one, but having researched this word a fair bit I have come across a few articles and forum references from people explaining how they have managed to overcome this problem.
The most famous darter known to have suffered from 'Dartitis' was Eric Bristow. I believe I read some where that Eric adjusted his throw. He always brought his arm well back before throwing. It then locked and he couldn't throw. I believe he adjusted this by not drawing his arm back so far to prevent locking. I also believe I read that he used a stress ball to help with his dart release.
I have also seen a number of posts on this subject with people saying they either had the problem or had recovered from it. There doesn't really seem to be one solution that fits everyone. Phil Taylor posted his views on the subject and he stated he had suffered the condition in the early days of his darts career. He said he was told by an old darts thrower to throw a brick in his garden i.e. get used to throwing something heavy and the release of the dart will follow!
If you have any thoughts on how to cure 'Dartitis' please add them to the dartitis database section or if you wish just view others comments.
Thank you to all that helped me provide the evidence to the OED


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The Time Traveler game
There is a new time thief we discovered, stealing items from various time periods. Retrieve the items!
The Time Traveler, play free Puzzle games, related games and updates online. Added on
Author: SpinGames 448
Here are some more related games in Puzzle category. Also you can jump to other category using box above.
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Related games
- Village Rampage
- What a Mess
- Picnic Mystery
- Breaking and Entering
- Hunting for Antiques
- Queens Summerhouse
- Daydreamers Diary
- Spooky Tavern
- The Dwarf King
- The Spy Game
- The Survivor Diaries
- Old Shrine Restoration
- Desert Prince
- Strange Dream
- Desert Snake
- Lost Mars Colony
- Easter Emergency
- Mad Artist
- Circus is Back
- Order of the Scorpio
- Rogue City
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- Fairytale Kingdom


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Vogue American Designer Original 1580; ca. mid to late 1970s; Jerry Silverman - Dress and Jumper. Loose-fitting, A-line dress, 3" below mid-knee, with front gathered into one-piece yoke, has notched collar, front-buttoned closing, front and back waistline dart-tucks and side hemline vests. Full-length sleeves are gathered into buttoned cuffs. Narrow self belt. Loose-fitting, front-wrapped jumper, 3½" below mid-knee, has slightly extended shoulders, V-neckline with neckbands extending into buttoned belt, pockets in side seams, front above-waistline tucks and back waistline tucks. Topstitching. NOTE: two type of construction are offered for jumper: 1. designer techniques for synthetic leather and suede fabrics. 2. conventional contruction.
Links to reviews/blog postsEdit
- kinseysue FF


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"I'm happy," said Woods, who finished tied for 22nd at 2-over-par 290 and is winless in his last seven major championships.
Most pro golfers are 0-for-their-career in majors, but when Woods won eight, starting with the 1997 Masters, expectations for him became high, if not unrealistic. Struggles with his game in too many majors led to questions about his swing and his decision to leave his longtime teacher, Butch Harmon, after the 2002 PGA Championship.
He refused to talk about that decision Sunday afternoon, saying he has explained his choice before and there's nothing new to add.
"I'm really close," said Woods, when asked about his golf swing. "I didn't make many putts all week. You can't go around here not putting well and expect to win."
Woods believes he understands his golf swing. He thinks he can tune it without help, and if he decides he needs help he'll seek it. His friend, fellow pro Mark O'Meara, the 1998 Masters champion, serves as an extra set of eyes when he wants advice during practice in Orlando. O'Meara shot 292 and tied for 27th.
Woods had two rounds of 75 this week. His worst round ever at Augusta is 77, shot as an amateur in 1995.
"I'm disappointed I didn't win," Woods said. "That's the ultimate goal. I hit the ball well enough, but I just didn't make any putts."
Woods took 123 putts for the tournament, with a high of 33 and a low of 29. He averaged 1.7 putts per green. The winner, Phil Mickleson, took 116 putts and averaged 1.63.
Charles Howell, who plays practice rounds with Woods in Orlando and at PGA Tour events, thinks the alarms of concern are false. He said even the statistics that are troubling to Woods are misleading.
"Putting statistics are as useful as an ashtray on a motor bike," Howell said. "If you hit greens in regulation, but two-putt from 40 feet your stats won't be as good as if you miss greens, then chip on and make the putt."
Woods takes a break from golf this week for military training at Fort Bragg, N.C. He isn't joining the Army but is testing himself because he likes challenges.
The real challenge for him is the U.S. Open, coming June14-20 at Shinnecock Hills.
"Poor guy," said Howell, tongue in cheek. "He just needs to hang in there."
Next for Woods: a trip to Fort Bragg, N.C., where he'll spend four days of training, then conduct a junior golf clinic for families at the base.
Woods' father, Earl, trained at Fort Bragg in 1963 following a tour in Vietnam. He was assigned to a Special Forces unit there before leaving for another tour in 1970.
"Fort Bragg will probably be more physically difficult, but this is more of a mental test here," Woods said. "Physically, anybody can walk this golf course and play well here."
But, he said, "it's the mental grind" of the golf course that is most challenging.
Contributing: The Associated Press