text:
Mobile Car Detailing Melbourne
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text:
transgender teen faces challenge
There are 117 comments on the www.lohud.com story from Aug 10, 2008, titled transgender teen faces challenge. In it, www.lohud.com reports that:
Michael Arone has been called every pejorative someone could direct at a transgender teen.
Arone, a North Rockland school district 10th-grader, is a male transgender teen who publicly goes by Melissa Andrews and prefers to be referred to as a female.
Arone said classmates have routinely called her "faggot," "she-male," "it" and "queer" in response to her wearing eye shadow and lipstick, straightening her shoulder-length brown hair and carrying a purse to school.
"She's dealing with a hate crime," said her mother, Patricia Arone, 37. "That's the only way to say it, it's hate."
Join the discussion below, or Read more at www.lohud.com.
#1 Aug 10, 2008
Well that's his fault for being who he isn't and that's what he gets for pushing his lifestyle and fetish upon people.
"dyssonance hotmail"
Since: Mar 07
#2 Aug 10, 2008
What fetish, and where was she pushing?
Since: Oct 07
Appleton WI
#3 Aug 10, 2008
Wrong. Your's and society's ignorance and prejudice is NOT "her" fault. And she is being who she IS, not who she isn't. Just because people don't understand transgenderism does not give anyone the right to harrass them.
"Just call me Das. "
Since: Jul 07
United States
#4 Aug 10, 2008
I'm curious to know just how someone manages to be what they aren't.
#5 Aug 10, 2008
Well blame him for acting the way he is and blame him for all the problems that he is causing to the people in the school and putting burden on the school board and the school system. It's his fault for being open and for being open, you make yourself a target and partly to blame.
"Bullish on Equal Rights"
Since: Dec 06
Rocky Mountains
#6 Aug 10, 2008
That's pretty simple to do. Just look at how Sean continues to morph from one screen name to another! He is constant, however, in that he continues to be an uneducated jerk!
I just don't get it with why folks have a problem with someone like Melissa. Just exactly how does this person effect anyone else? Is it because folks like Sean are so insecure in their own sexuality that they fear transgenderism just might rub off on them or that they just might be attracted to them?
"Just call me Das. "
Since: Jul 07
United States
#7 Aug 10, 2008
I don't get it either. But some people just start acting in a way that looks suspiciously like fear when they see that notions they take for granted aren't universal. Like the whole heteronormativity thing. They certainly don't seem to understand that this is our world too.
Since: Oct 07
Appleton WI
#8 Aug 10, 2008
Wrong again. No one should have to hide who they are just to make the ignorant and prejudiced comfortable. They see someone they don't undestand and they lash out, and that is NOT her fault. You cannot justify harrassment this way and you cannot blame the victim.
#9 Aug 10, 2008
Then stop blaming someone else for your own actions. Stop scapegoating someone else because they don't like you and they don't want nothing with you. The fact that this IT knew that people at his school don't like him and don't want to deal with him. You can't blame the school because that's taking the easy way out and the only one responsible was IT for It's actions and what IT caused.
#10 Aug 10, 2008
That's basically what the trannies like to do, Blame someone for something they did and caused. They keep blaming someone else for who they are and what they are. They blame others all because what they do, how they act and what they are.
They would rather blame someone else then admit that they are the reason why they cause so many people to hate them and don't want to deal with them. The way they act, society doesn't want to doesn't want to deal with them. The way they demand so much, society wants to throw them out or throw them to the wolf's.
They are basically scapegoating others for their own deeds and actions. They lied and mislead people so much, that they are blaming others because they are not sympathetic to their lying and delusional lifestyle.
This is why society does not want to deal with you trannies. They would rather make you disappear and never to be seen in society.
Also, Stop scapegoating others and stop blaming others because they don't like you and are not tolerant of you. Stop blaming others because they don't like you. No one likes you and no one wants to deal with you nut cases. Stop shaming others because the more people you shame them, the more their gona hate your @ss and not want to deal with you delusional people.
Oh and BTW, I can see through your shame tactic and I have already exposed your tactic of shaming people of their bigotry. Your shaming of me don't work and it's useless and pointless because people will see it for what it is, a pointless way to make people feel more hatred towards you trannie nuts.
#11 Aug 10, 2008
Don't blame people for their hatred, blame yourself for who you are.
Since: Aug 08
Location hidden
#12 Aug 10, 2008
You obviously know nothing of transgendered people and your snarky use of the word "IT" shows nothing more than your own ignorance and bigotry. And as to your claims... If you don't like someone, then stay away from them. Simple as that. Why inject yourself into the person's life, by following them around and throwing insults at them? It seems to me that kids bully because they are afraid of what they don't understand. When a kid can't be herself AND feel safe in school, then something is obviously wrong with this society. Melissa Andrews should be able to be who she is without fear of ridicule and abuse. Just because someone doesn'y mesh with the majorities ideas of "normal" does not give the majority the right to persecute them.
Since: Aug 08
Location hidden
#13 Aug 10, 2008
YOU seem to have a lot of hatred for a lifestyle that you have nothing to do with. What are you so afraid of? Let people live thier life in peace, and you live the way you want to. No one is trying to give you a sex change, so why get so angry?
Since: Aug 08
Location hidden
#14 Aug 10, 2008
That statement makes no sense. People can hate whoever they want to hate, but when they are slinging insults at someone, it's THIER fault. So, do you also think that when a man hits his wife, it's HER fault?
"Trolls, the canker sores of"
Since: Jul 07
the internet.
#15 Aug 10, 2008
Actually I blame people like you for this child's problems in school. People like you teach their children to hate anyone or anything that is different from your limited view of "normal and moral". This is why so many GLBT kids commit suicide, get into drugs/alcohol etc...
This child is not an "IT", but you sure are...A Big IT.
#16 Aug 10, 2008
I blame the trannies for bring it on themselves and I blame the trannies for blaming people like me for not like them and me and Society don't like you people and don't want to do anything with you people.
Since: Aug 08
Location hidden
#17 Aug 10, 2008
Wow, guy, a lot of BLAMING going on in that post. Again, you think people deserve abuse, that they somehow bring it on themselves? Do you think an abused child also deserves what he or she gets?
And, since when do you speak for Society? You speak only for yourself. I personally have no problem with transgendered people, and it is arrogant of you to assume that everyone shares your narrow and bigoted view.
You seem to think that disliking someone is grounds for ridicule and abuse. If you don't like someone, stay out of thier lives, and get on with your own.
And instead of beating your dead horse, why not come up with something new to say?
"Equality for all!"
Since: Jul 08
Bedford, Texas
#18 Aug 10, 2008
Yes, a person lies when they are open to others about the fact that they feel like a different gender than the one they are physically. It is lying to be truthful, yes?
Nobody is scapegoating here. The only blame that exists is on the perpetrators of the name calling. I don't care if she was a trans-dimensional alien, she, nor any other child, deserves to be teased for any reason.
"Bullish on Equal Rights"
Since: Dec 06
Rocky Mountains
#19 Aug 10, 2008
And just how does a transgendered person bring it on themselves? What have they done to deserve your brand of hatred? Are you that insecure in your own sexuality?
Since: Aug 08
Location hidden
#20 Aug 10, 2008
It's obvious, isn't it? He feels the world should conform to HIS narrow view... I guess no one told him you can't force your ideals on others.
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text:
If you're of a certain age, you will most certainly remember going on a date or taking the family to Union Station. You might even have been fortunate enough to experience this local landmark the way it was meant to be: departing or arriving by train from one of America's grandest terminals. In its 1940s heyday, Union Station welcomed more than 100,000 passengers a day.
"It was the center of the United States. Everyone who went from the East Coast to the West Coast passed through St. Louis—the history is just incredible," Bob O'Loughlin of Lodging Hospitality Management tells me. His team is finalizing renovations to the National Historic Landmark with a plan to once again bring Union Station to life. "It's such an iconic place that it's something I really wanted to do for the people of St. Louis."
And you can bet trains will be part of the picture: O'Loughlin's vision comes complete with a planned attraction in the Grand Hall that catapults Union Station into the 21st century, making new memories for today's families. Our feature begins on p. 71.


text:
Rumor: Apple Contemplating USB 3.0 Support After All
How quickly times change. USB 3.0, the high-speed connection protocol that ex-Apple CEO Steve Jobs famously spurned in an email last year, might get a second chance to dip its toe into the water of Apple's systems.
According to unverified reports, Apple might be considering adding USB 3.0 support to its product linesperhaps even beating Intel's integration of USB 3.0 into its own chipsets.
Why the turnaround? One word: Price. According to an undisclosed source speaking to VR-Zone, the cost of USB 3.0 controllers has dropped to around $2 to $3 for large-quantity orders, or roughly one-fifth the cost of a Thunderbolt chip.
Thunderbolt might be the speedier connection standard of the two, delivering up to 10 Gbps versus USB 3.0's maximum throughput of 5 Gbps, but the jury's still out as to whether consumers actually need that much power for their connected products. And then there's the issue of Thunderbolt's newness: The emerging connection standard still needs to establish a market foothold before it can be seen as truly competitive to USB.
"USB has the advantage of an established customer base familiar with the product and a sizable number of compatible devices," wrote IHS iSuppli principal analyst Randy Lawson. "As such, IHS iSuppli expects that USB 3.0 will continue to see rapid adoption in the market while Thunderbolt moves into premium applications where the common barriers to market entry for new interface technologies are not as prevalent."
By moving back toward USB 3.0, Apple would be able to tip its hat toward consumers that aren't as interested in the "premium" connection presented by Thunderbolt, but still want to tap into the benefits of USB 2.0's big upgrade. And don't forget about the cabling, either: Users wouldn't have to pony up anywhere near $50 to use USB devices with their USB 3.0 ports, unlike the more expensive Thunderbolt cables that one can pick up from the Apple Store.
Intel plans to throw support for USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt onto its Ivy Bridge platform, scheduled for release in the first half of next year.
For more from David, follow him on Google Plus: David Murphy.


text: 0 Running: Lewy Boulet 28th at Boston Marathon Posted on April 21, 2014 by Jeff Faraudo Cal grad and Olympian Magdalena Lewy Boulet finished 28th among women in the Boston Marathon on Monday. Boulet covered the 26.1-mile course in 2 hours, 33 minutes, 13 seconds. At age 40, she was third in her age group.


text:
Ofentse Mercy Hajane
Possessed And Puppeted [religion] - Poem by Ofentse Mercy Hajane
Grey Rain
Sorrow falling into an ocean of
Skins lying on the floor
Fangs broken from their mouths
The darkness wearing a long robe.
Talking tales to our malleable souls.
Tricking our backward minds into drinking our own blood.
A sounding voice.
Singing softly.
A song that hypnotized our mind.
After taking control
It would bang hard the skull into doing horrific deeds.
At the beginning,
Excitement would fill the eyes of the possessed.
In later winter days,
It became addictive.
A need it strucked upon the enslaved ones.
A chain upon their necks, it puts
It grew colder and darker.
The grey matter of their brains turned into black ash.
Wakening the evil of men.
And destroying his saintly possessions.
It tossed him around.
Wondering off into his death
Hell's mouth opened like never before
Glowing of red hot lava of saliva
Burning away the morals and hopes left at the bottom of their intestines.
Barrowing away into their hearts.
Until they are but a case of flesh.
Their eyes glittering of tears.
Yet black they were.
Help was a useless word to pass about.
For they the children of religion,
Remained possessed and Puppeted.
Comments about Possessed And Puppeted [religion] by Ofentse Mercy Hajane
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text:
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani, whose 2004 album "Love. Angel. Music. Baby." proved to be a breakout solo hit, is pregnant with her second child with husband Gavin Rossdale, according to several news reports on Tuesday.
Celebrity Web site People.com quoted Douglas Rossdale, Gavin's father, as saying, "the whole family are delighted."
"We are very much looking forward to another grandchild," he said.
A Los Angeles-based spokesman for Stefani was not immediately available to comment.
Stefani, 38, and Rossdale, 40, who gained fame in British rock band Bush, have one other child, a son named Kingston who was born in 2006. Stefani and Rossdale were married in 2002.
California native Stefani rose to record stardom singing for the band No Doubt in the 1980s and 1990s. "Love. Angel. Music. Baby" was her first solo album. In 2006, she released another solo effort, "Sweet Escape."
Reporting by Bob Tourtellotte; Editing by Cynthia Osterman


text:
Real stepsister banged by her stepbro
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Komentarze (39)
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Just like , Not all white boys are good people.. some are tiny dicked racist...
ALWAYS REMEMBER,, Racism is for the weak minded...
Odpowiedzw odpowiedzi na southatxdth (Pokaż komentarz)
Nothing more disgusting than a turd-colored dong.
Brown skin is definitely a disease.
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Shes hot Please pm her name too
hot movie
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Your avatar lmao!!
Odpowiedzw odpowiedzi na LordHorn (Pokaż komentarz)
So THAT'S why?? Always wondered why...
So... PM her name to me too!!! :P
Odpowiedzw odpowiedzi na JTex2 (Pokaż komentarz)
ya her name pls. she s a hot godess
She's so cute


text:
2012 McLaren livery
This topic contains 42 replies, has 29 voices, and was last updated by Mike 5 years, 6 months ago.
24th January 2012, 15:18 at 3:18 pmParticipant
Another winter without F1, so it's time for me to Photoshop some F1 cars, to keep me sane.
As it's coming up to the Mclaren launch and Jenson is a LEGEND, I thought I'd create a McLaren livery. I saw a picture last year, from Abu Dhabi and it looked like a kind of anthracite colour. I thought it looked pretty good and tried to recreate it in virtual form. What's the betting it'll stay silver… or even go white?
Anyway, your thoughts would be welcome and anyone else who has any F1 Photoshops, whack em' up!
24th January 2012, 17:17 at 5:17 pmParticipant
I have to commend you with that, it looks amazing, I've never really been a fan of the chrome-ish Mclarens, but I do think that it will more than likely remain for at least this season. Might get a change when Vodafone's sponsorship comes to an end?
24th January 2012, 17:32 at 5:32 pmParticipant
Love what you did there, @jezson. Really love that livery. If McLaren suddendly changed to that livery, then I would have to search for photos of the car every second as I love it!
24th January 2012, 17:51 at 5:51 pmParticipant
Looks a whole lot better than the current livery does! Brings back a bit of the evil look that the West-McLarens had in my opinion. I loved those and never was too keen about their switch to the bright chrome…
24th January 2012, 17:59 at 5:59 pmParticipant
McLaren's partnership with Mercedes is ending and their sponsorship by Vodafone is likely to end one day – with a new engine supplier and primary sponsor, I expect they'd change their livery somewhat. I think @jezson's colour scheme looks great, though they'd want to make sure it's not too similar to Lotus's black livery.
24th January 2012, 21:56 at 9:56 pmParticipant
Brilliant job with the livery, does remind me slightly of the good old West livery they had. Would much prefer if they raced in Jezson's effort rather than the chrome effect they have now and I actually quite like the chrome.
24th January 2012, 22:00 at 10:00 pmParticipant
It looks amazing..much better than 2011..
24th January 2012, 22:55 at 10:55 pmParticipant
Oh my, that is pretty damn tasty, @jezson. I've never really liked the chrome livery – it's supposed to make the sponsors stand out, but I'd say it obscures them more!
White would be really good I think, I wish they returned to that look. You think you could mock up a white one? :P
24th January 2012, 23:12 at 11:12 pmMember
Great Livery, BTW Button Is NOT a legend.
25th January 2012, 0:07 at 12:07 amParticipant
25th January 2012, 0:11 at 12:11 amParticipant
Button Is NOT a legend.
That's a matter of opinion.
25th January 2012, 0:46 at 12:46 amParticipant
Dark grey looks pretty good to be honest.
Although I'm happy enough to see Mclaren keep the same livery for long periods of time. 23 years of Marlboro Red/White, 9 years of West Black/Grey/White and with 5 years of Vodafone Chrome/Red already passed, and only another 2 or 3 years of sponsorship remaining, I can't see them changing it at all for the remainder of the deal. It's a strong brand image in F1 just now, you can pick out the Mclaren a mile away!
25th January 2012, 1:42 at 1:42 amParticipant
I don't think the livery is going to change too much this year. There was a rumour that the livery was going to change last year, and it went viral, but McLaren shot it down. I see no reason why they would change it this year.
25th January 2012, 1:52 at 1:52 amParticipant
Nice look.
Do You think you could do an "away" Catterham livery, swapping the yellow and green and black in place of the white?
25th January 2012, 15:49 at 3:49 pm
I would love to see the black design that was posted by @jezson (btw excellent job) but it's unlikely. The chrome design looks nice and goes with Mclarens space age type decor they have at the factory but just a little shake up now and again would be nice. Regardless unless it has go faster stripes (which are scientifically proven to make cars go faster) then it doesn't make a difference to me as long as there winning with whatever colour.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.


text:
Kitzbuehel is offering a range of three-night accommodation and activity packages this summer.
The three-night E-Bike package is available May 15 to Oct. 30 with prices ranges from €60 to €365: the four-star Sport & Wellnesshotel Bichlhof offers a buffet breakfast, packed lunch, free use of the spa area, one sports massage, and use of E-Bikes for €365 per person; the TirolApart am lift offers apartment accommodation, packed lunch, and bikecard for €60 per person.
The three-night Golf Alpine package is available May 1 to Oct. 31 with prices ranging from €250 to €790: the five-star Relais & Chateaux Hotel Tennerhof offers a gourmet breakfast, five-course dinner, three green fees with the Golf Alpin Card, a welcome glass of champagne, and one 25-minute massage for €790 per person; the Haus Johanna offers apartment accommodation and three green fees with the Golf Alpin Card for €250 per person.
The three-night pampering Beauty Kick package is available from March 28 to Dec. 31 with prices ranging from €295 to €449: the five-star Hotel Schloss Lebenberg offers a gourmet breakfast, four-course dinner, a half-body massage, and St. Barth Homme body treatment for him and her for €449 per person; the four-star Hotel Schweizerhof offers a buffet breakfast and four-course dinner, a welcome drink, one wellness and beauty voucher valid for €30 per person, one jeton for the solarium per person, one Maria Galland facial treatment for her, and one salt peeling with a half-body massage for him for €295 per person.


text:
Two members of the Galt Police Department were honored Tuesday for the number of DUI arrests they racked up last year. Officers Keith Russell and Kevin Tonn were two of many officers recognized at a luncheon in Rancho Cordova, sponsored by the California Office of Traffic Safety and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Russell and Tonn had 52 combined DUI arrests in 2010. Retiring Galt Police Chief Loren Cattolico also attended the luncheon in support of his officers.


text:
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In the lower part of the Settings page, click the Show advanced settings button.
In the Privacy section, click Content settings
In the window that opens, find the Plug-ins section and click Manage individual plug-ins.
The Plug-ins page opens, where all installed plug-ins are listed. To disable a plug-in, click the Disable link under its name.
You cannot delete an installed plug-in from the browser interface. You must use the standard features of your operating system for deleting an application.
Plug-ins are not updated automatically and can become outdated. The browser detects outdated plug-ins: if the plug-in is outdated, you will see a message about it in the address bar.


text:
4 Recommendations
AGD's recommendation
Song items are made by Vietnamese artisans using organic materials. Besides all that, this ruffle-trim tunic dress is very light and airy for summer.
My Collections:
hapa_lee's recommendation
Pair this with some cute tights and boots in the wintertime, or some terrific strappy sandals in the summer and have a terrific looking outfit no matter what.
My Collections:
LovelyKiwi's recommendation
it looks elegant.
er1n's recommendation
This is a great versatile dress that can be worked in any season. Soooo cute!


text:
Pirates notebook: McCutchen scratched with soreness in right knee
Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen was scratched from the lineup Sunday because of right knee soreness, but he expects to return for the Pirates' next game Tuesday against the Cubs.
McCutchen said the knee irritation was likely the result of his slide into home Thursday against the Brewers.
"I just wanted to make sure everything is OK," McCutchen said. "I didn't want to jeopardize the rest of the season by playing through something I wasn't comfortable about. … Everything is good. I should be able to go next game."
McCutchen was evaluated by medical staff Sunday.
"There was no need for (an MRI)," McCutchen said. "They checked all the ligaments and everything, and made sure everything is good to go. I felt comfortable with everything."
McCutchen's bat has warmed up recently after a slow start, producing three straight multi hit games to raise his average to .281.
Pirates manager Clint Hurdle had planned to give outfielder Starling Marte a day off, but he was forced into the lineup — playing center — after McCutchen was a late scratch.
"You need to use your eyes in this game," Hurdle said before McCutchen's late scratch. "What I've seen the last 48 hours convinced me to give (Marte) 48 hours to recharge his batteries."
Those plans were scrapped, but what exactly did Hurdle see?
"There's some things you just don't share because it's going to get written," Hurdle said. "This is not reality TV. I can't give (the media) everything."
The toughest place to hit East of the Mississippi? PNC Park
PNC Park never has been an offensive paradise, but since the beginning of the 2012 season it has played as one of the best pitcher's parks in baseball.
According to ESPN's Park Factors, which compares the rate of stats at a particular park to other league venues, PNC Park has been the toughest park to homer in this season, and the third- toughest park to score in, ahead of only San Francisco's AT&T Park and Citi Field in New York.
In 2012, PNC Park ranked as the third-most favorable pitcher's park, in regard to scoring, after being more a neutral park for much of the last decade.
The Pirates' home ranked ahead of AT&T Park and Seattle's Safeco Field, where the heavy Pacific air typically dampens offense.
"The park seems to be playing bigger," Hurdle said. "The night (games) we have played the ball has not traveled, the ball has not carried."
Who's up first?
Before Marte returned to the lineup Sunday, Hurdle planned on going away from convention in batting 235-pound outfielder Travis Snider in the leadoff spot.
The decision should please the sabermetric crowd as Hurdle showed a willingness to favor on-base skills over speed at the top of the lineup.
"Snider is (interesting), and if you look at the other seven names, they are not so interesting," Hurdle said of his original leadoff plans. "I do believe he's a guy who can go up there and give you a shot in the arm.
"I've had guys of similar ilk to him back in Colorado. Mark Sweeney was one. ... Speed is not going to play as much, but you have a guy who can get on base and drive the ball."
Rehab updates
Jeff Karstens (shoulder) will make an 80-pitch rehab start Thursday, but where he will pitch is to be determined … James McDonald (shoulder) will throw side sessions Tuesday and Thursday and is scheduled to throw 65-pitch rehab outing May 27 with Double-A Altoona.
Travis Sawchik is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at email@example.com or via Twitter @Sawchik_Trib.


text:
-- Harold R. Kershner, 57, 6299 Holmes County Road 230, died Friday evening, May 7, 1999, at the home of his son in Ontario, after an extended illness.
Services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Byerly-Lindsey Funeral Home in Loudonville with the Rev. Virgil Sheriff officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Perrysville.
Friends may call Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1605 County Road 1095, Ashland 44805.
Surviving are sons and daughters-in-law, Daryl and Dawn Kershner of Ontario; Roger Kershner, Michael and Tiffany Kershner and Steven Kershner, all of Mansfield; four grandchildren; five brothers, Charles and Tom Kershner, both of Perrysville, Fred and David Kershner, both of Mansfield and Robert Kershner of Butler; two sisters, Roxie Owens of Loudonville and Nancy Kershner of Perrysville and his fiancee, Donna Petty of Perrysville.


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Centrally located on beautiful Lake Chippewa, Deerfoot Lodge and Resort features excellent opportunities for fishing and recreation. The sun-kissed beach offers swimming, sun-bathing, water sports, and a playground. The cabins are available year-round and range in size from one to four bedrooms. For some aquatic adventures, head out to the lake and reel in a boatload of wall-hangers. Then, return to the lodge and have a few cold ones at the onsite bar.
- Wifi
- Restaurant Onsite
- Pets Allowed
- Property Size 10 units
- Conference Facility
- Kids Allowed
- Nearby City Hayward
- Nearby Water Lake Chippewa
- Open Dates All Year
The family will love the sandy beach, which features a playground for the kids and a relaxing lounge area for the adults. After soaking in the sun, shoot some pool in the lodge's game room.
There are approximately 140 islands and a number of large floating bogs that make up the Chippewa Flowage, allowing for numerous nooks to hook muskie, walleye, bass, and northern pike.
- Game Room/Arcade
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Deck
- Full Kitchen
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Photography
- Sightseeing
- Swimming
- Beach
- Boating & Watercraft
- Boat Docks
- Play Ground
- Beach
- Bird Watching
- Freshwater Fishing
- Hiking
- Wildlife & Nature
- Fishing Guides
Nearest Airports
- Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) / 76.3 miles
- Duluth International Airport (DLH) / 79.5 miles
- Amery Municipal Airport (AHH) / 74.9 miles
* Not all airports listed here may be open to public use, or service commercial flights
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text:
Meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2014, 6:30pm to 9:00pm, at the Squam Lakes Association
In 1991, the NH Office of State Planning completed a Squam Lakes Watershed Plan. In the twenty-three years since the plan was adopted, a lot has changed in the region, but yet this plan has not been updated.
This winter, several graduate students at Plymouth State University are enrolled in a land use planning class that focuses on teaching local planning concepts through an applied project. The class is working with the Squam Lakes Association (SLA) to learn about local town planning, identify current land use issues and priorities in area towns and the watershed, and determine how a new watershed plan might be cooperatively developed.
There will be a public meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2014 from 6:30-9:00 pm at the SLA Resource Center at 534 US Route 3 in Holderness to learn more about this project and discuss past, present, and future land use issues in the Squam Lakes Watershed. We are inviting Boards of Selectmen, Planning Boards, and Conservation Commissions from Ashland, Center Harbor, Holderness, Moultonborough, and Sandwich as well as the Lakes Region Planning Commission to this meeting, but anyone is welcome to attend.
The meeting agenda will include an overview of watershed planning and the 1991 Squam Lakes Watershed Plan; preliminary work by the students in reviewing town Master Plans and land use regulations; a summary of the SLA's conservation, education, and recreation programs; and discussion and input from all of you to gather your thoughts and ideas for future watershed planning efforts in the Squam Lakes Watershed.
For more information, please contact June Hammond Rowan (603-535-3218).


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Published on Apr 14, 2014
Asia-Pacific Study Fund (APSF) Short-Term Reciprocal Research Fellowship
Asia-Pacific Studies Fund (APSF, formerly American Studies Fund) was established in 1999 as an ad-hoc private group to promote collaborative research in Asia-Pacific studies between Japanese and non-Japanese scholars.Those who are interested in collaborative and interdisciplinary research with Japanese scholars about some aspects of Asia-Pacific Studies, especially Japanese studies (humanities and social sciences) are welcome to apply for this fellowship. The Asia-Pacific region encompasses countries and areas in Asia and the Pacific Ocean, including North America (Canada and the United States).Since this is a reciprocal research fellowship, APSF requests the institution to which the successful candidate belongs to prepare a matching fund to invite APSF faculty member as a visiting researcher in return for this fellowship. Sufficient funding is provided to cover round trip airfare and accommodations on campus for 1-2 weeks. There is no deadline. APSF examines each application as soon as we receive it. It normally takes 2-8 weeks to make our decision after we receive all the necessary documents. To apply, please email Yone Sugita at firstname.lastname@example.com with a copy of your CV, three possible topics and synopses for a lecture, statement of your research project in Japan, and a statement that your institution provides a matching fund to invite APSF faculty member as a visiting researcher.
The Taiwan Fellowship
The major purpose of this program is to encourage social sciences and humanities experts/scholars worldwide to conduct research in Taiwan's Universities or research institutions to promote international partnerships and mutual understanding. The fellowship awards include air ticket subsidy, monthly stipends (NT$60,000 for associate professors or above; NT$50, 000 for assistant professors and others), and group accident insurance during the term of research in Taiwan. The duration for the research is from three months to one year. The application should be submitted between May 1 to June 30, 2014, and should print out and mail the application form, resume & publication list, research proposal, two recommendation letters (or one recommendation and one consent letter from the chief administrator of their institute) before July 1, 2014. For more information, please visit http://taiwanfellowship.ncl.edu.tw
The University of Nottingham School of Contemporary Chinese Studies
The School of Contemporary Chinese Studies (SCCS) at the University of Nottingham is the UK's second largest teaching and research center focused on contemporary China. The Doctorate program allows students to conduct in-depth research on a broad range of social sciences and business-related subjects as well as topics covering china policy through the School's China Policy Institute, and offers many scholarships to PhDs including the following opportunities: School Scholarship for doctoral research. This award would cover full tuition fees and a maintenance grant of approximately £13,863 each year for a maximum of three years of full-time doctoral study (subject to evidence of satisfactory progress). The stipend for International students will be lower (£6,500 approx.) due to the higher tuition fee. Excellent applications in any area of Chinese Studies that can be supervised by the School's academic staff are welcomed. The closing date is 16th May 2014 and further information on this scholarship is available on the School's webpages.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for Research Excellence (European Union)
30 x full EU tuition fee and £8,400 per year bursaries towards living expenses for EU students across all faculties. You can apply for this scholarship if you: are classed as a European Union (non UK) student for fee purposes and already hold an offer to start a full-time research degree program, PhD or MPhil, at Nottingham in September or October 2014 in any subject area. Therefore, application for admission to study at Nottingham must be received at least six weeks before the scholarship closing date to allow time for our admissions office to process the application and confirm your offer, before you can apply for the scholarship. Any application for admission to study submitted later than six weeks before the scholarship closing date is not guaranteed to be processed in time. Further information is available from the International Office website. The closing date for applications is May, 2014.
Sir Francis Hill Scholarship
One Sir Francis Hill Scholarship is available for the academic year 2014/15. This award is open to nominations from the Faculties of Social Sciences and Arts and offers a remission of full time HEU, research postgraduate fees and maintenance grant at Research Council rates. Further information is available from the Graduate School website. The deadline for applications is 11th April. For further details about the School of Contemporary Chinese Studies please visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/chinese or email email@example.com
The China Times Cultural Foundation Scholarship
The China Times Cultural Foundation is offering scholarships of $6,000 in support of doctoral dissertation-writing and research in Chinese studies for the academic year 2014-2015, with one award of $10,000 given to the strongest applicant. Eligibility is restricted to doctoral candidates with approved proposals in the humanities and social sciences. Applicants must send a completed application form, a CV, an official transcript of their graduate work, reprints of their publications, and a project description in both English and Chinese. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2014. The Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting Chinese culture and related studies. Since its founding in 1986, it has given out hundred of awards to Ph. D. candidates. It has also sponsored numerous academic seminars, symposia and scholarly publications. For more information, please contact, email@example.com.


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Vie Moderne Gloria Red Flower and Feather Headband
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- ACTIVE STOCK TRADERS: Get full access to Jim Cramer's thoughts for less than $3/week - sometimes before he says them on TV! Start with a 14-Day Free Trial.
- Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 5.4%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 5.0%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
- HBIO's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.16 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. Along with this, the company maintains a quick ratio of 3.40, which clearly demonstrates the ability to cover short-term cash needs.
- Net operating cash flow has significantly increased by 54.33% to $2.55 million when compared to the same quarter last year. The firm also exceeded the industry average cash flow growth rate of 20.87%.
- 48.90% is the gross profit margin for HARVARD BIOSCIENCE INC which we consider to be strong. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Regardless of the strong results of the gross profit margin, the net profit margin of 2.70% trails the industry average.
- HARVARD BIOSCIENCE INC's earnings per share declined by 40.0% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has suffered a declining pattern of earnings per share over the past two years. However, we anticipate this trend to reverse over the coming year. During the past fiscal year, HARVARD BIOSCIENCE INC reported lower earnings of $0.13 versus $0.65 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($0.25 versus $0.13).
-- Written by a member of TheStreet Ratings Staff
Editor's Note: TheStreet ratings do not represent the views of TheStreet's staff or its contributors. Ratings are established by computer based on metrics for performance (which includes growth, stock performance, efficiency and valuation) and risk (volatility and solvency). Companies with poor cash flow or high debt levels tend to earn lower ratings in our model. FREE from Real Money's Jim Cramer: Winners and Losers Election 2012 - Steps to take NOW so you can profit no matter who is in charge! Free download now.


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Aamir Khan's son Junaid was seen in Delhi with his hair tied, looking casual in an army style shirt and trousers with a stylish pair of glasses. Junaid and Aamir shot for Rajkumar Hirani's Peekay at Dilli Haat. He looked quite busy and threw no tantrums while posing with his supporters for photographers.
"It is good to be here in Delhi. I couldn't attend World Tourism Day event as I was busy with the shoot," he told us. For the uninitiated, Junaid is assisting director Rajkumar Hirani for his upcoming political satire 'Peekay'.
He didn't reveal much details about the shoot and his experience being a part of the film. But Junaid did tel us his plans the next time he visits Delhi.
"We came to Dilli Haat earlier for a recce. Since I haven't bought anything this time, I will come back soon only to shop for my family. We don't have anything like Dilli Haat back in Mumbai," he chuckled. Just like any foodie, who can't stay away from the lip-smacking fare, Junaid too couldn't resist from gorging on the food items available at Dilli Haat. "Well, I loved the momos here. They were so amazing," he added.


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The CDL Publishing team provides open access digital publication services to the University of California academic community, supports widespread distribution of UC research materials, and fosters new models of scholarly publishing through the development and application of advanced technologies. The CDL's suite of publication services includes a system-wide digital publications platform as well as tools to support the UC Open Access Policy. All of these services are a part of UC's broader effort to ensure a sustainable scholarly publishing system in the service of the University's research and teaching enterprise.
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UC Press E-Books Collection, 1982-2004: Digital scholarly monographs, comprising nearly 2,000 books originally published by UC Press on a range of topics, including art, science, history, music, religion, and fiction. Access to the electronic books is free for all UC faculty, staff, and students; a subset of the books is also freely available to the general public.


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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/8/2013 (1461 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Go small or go home.
That job-hunting advice appears to be the message from two employment reports released this week.
The first shows the number of job vacancies in Canada dropped slightly during the second quarter, an indication of a weaker labour market.
The second shows the odds of finding work increase substantially for those knocking on doors at smaller companies.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), which publishes such data in a quarterly Help Wanted report, points out the job-vacancy rate for small businesses is almost twice as high as for large businesses.
Smaller companies do not often experience the same success at filling positions as larger companies, the CFIB indicated.
'There are lots of opportunities -- many of them in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that go begging'-- CFIB president Dan Kelly
The CFIB, which represents small and medium-sized businesses, says there were 289,800 unfilled jobs in the private sector during the April to July period, a drop of about 5,000 from the previous quarter.
The estimate is higher than the 225,000 job vacancies reported by Statistics Canada in May, although the two surveys both show vacancies are dropping.
CFIB president Dan Kelly said vacancy rates are higher in service sectors, including hospitality and personal services.
"There are lots of opportunities -- many of them in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that go begging," Kelly said from Toronto. "These are important jobs that add to the flavour of the country and we need to be attentive to them."
In the March budget, the federal government pledged to create a jobs-grant program whereby Ottawa, the provinces and businesses share equally -- up to a total of $15,000 -- in the cost of training a worker for an unfilled job.
The Canada Job Grant (CJG) was opposed by the provinces at last month's Council of the Federation meetings in Niagara-on-the-Lake as poorly conceived and an intrusion on their jurisdiction.
Kelly said the CFIB supports the jobs-grant concept that would provide funding more directly to an employer looking to fill specific positions. Expenses would be equally shared by the employer and the federal and provincial governments.
"What we liked is that it is looking to change the way we have been doing training in Canada and getting the employer more directly involved in determining the type of training that would go on," Kelly said.
"That has been missing. The training is now decided by the trainer or by provincial or federal bureaucrats and not determined by employers who are the ones creating the jobs that they are struggling to fill."
The provinces -- including Manitoba -- are concerned it would disrupt provincial training infrastructure already in place and perhaps divert federal funds provinces rely on.
Kelly said for many CFIB members there are no training programs available for the kind of skills they sometimes need to be filled.
Doug Redekop, a manager at Penner Farm Services in Blumenort, said his industrial-, agricultural- and electronic-supply business has positions that sometimes remain vacant because it's tough to find the right candidate.
He said he would love to have the chance to receive more direct support for in-house training.
"Absolutely we would be interested in that if it was an option," he said.
But Redekop also understands for some, such as immigrant tradespeople who come to Manitoba with journeyman papers, there are specific certification requirements that have to be met.
"We do a lot of in-house training now, but it is not recognized by certification agencies," he said.
Kelly said there are plenty of details to be determined with the Canada Job Grant program.
He said his organization is pushing for a specific stream of money to be set aside to support in-house training.
The CFIB notes that historically, vacancies when the unemployment rate rises.
At 2.4 per cent of the market, the job-vacancy rate in the CFIB survey remains higher than levels seen just following the recession, but lower than the 2.8 per cent pre-recession peak in late 2007 and early 2008, when the unemployment rate stood near six per cent.
The rate is at 2.5 per cent in Manitoba.
July saw the national jobless rate rise one-tenth of a point to 7.2 per cent as the economy shed 39,000 workers. In Manitoba, the unemployment rate rose one half a percentage point to 5.5 per cent.
-- with files from The Canadian Press


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WINCHESTER students staged a one-off event this bank holiday to raise money for charity.
The 'Street Arts' programme from the University of Winchester held the Kick Arts event yesterday from 11am until 3.30pm in a bid to raise cash for Sutton Scotney based children's hospice, Naomi House.
It brought together a range of societies from across the University, and included yoga workshops, the Winchester Spirits (cheerleading society), break-dancers, performances by Fuzzy Logic, circus workshops and face painting.
The free event aimed to connect students with the local community, and stemmed from the Rotaract Club and the Street Arts programme.
Neil Gliddon, a Street Arts student and performer, said: "The main idea behind the festival is a celebration of the arts. However, we also want to bring together a community. All the money raised will be going to a good cause."
The Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Ernie Jeffs and Barbara Jeffs, also attended.


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Waltz Networks is evolving the way networks operate. Founded by Cornell University researchers and funded by New Enterprise Associates, Waltz is building an intelligent autonomous control system that can be integrated seamlessly into any network. By solving the 40-year-old8/6/2017 San Francisco, CA Save This Job
Sproutâs data team uses code, statistics, and machine learning to inform our products and organization. Weâre looking for an experienced Data Engineer to join our team of data scientists and engineers.7/8/2017 Chicago, IL Save This Job
In this role youâll design, code, and grow our backend services, the lifeblood of our product.8/8/2017 Chicago, IL Save This Job
Are you excited about shaping the self-driving car revolution and beyond? Our goal is to revolutionize transportation to bring safety, convenience and mobility to our roads and communities. We currently are one of the few companies that have autonomous vehicles on city streets.7/14/2017 Mountain View, CA Save This Job
Tracking Code 347-093 Job Description Developing new and innovative diagnostic products requires an exceptionally skilled team with a creative and unstoppable approach to overcoming challenges and a commitment to improving healthcare for the benefit of patients, practitioners and7/12/2017 Lexington, MA Save This Job
Zilliant is currently searching for a Senior Software Engineer to join our Austin team. This individual should be confident in their coding ability to deliver scalable and maintainable features in a timely manner. The candidate will be heavily involved in the development life6/25/2017 Austin, TX Save This Job
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Senior Sales Engineer - Mid West (Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit) Sales Engineering Chicago, IL, United States About Apigee Digital businesses create value by delivering a connected digital experience to customers, partners, and6/21/2017 Chicago, IL Save This Job
Senior Sales Engineer - Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange County) Sales Engineering Los Angeles, CA, United States About Apigee Digital businesses create value by delivering a connected digital experience to customers, partners, and employees. APIs (application6/21/2017 Los Angeles, CA Save This Job
Senior Sales Engineer - Mid-Atlantic (Raleigh, Washington D.C.) Sales Engineering Raleigh, NC, United States About Apigee Digital businesses create value by delivering a connected digital experience to customers, partners, and employees. APIs (application programming6/21/2017 Raleigh, NC Save This Job
Sales Engineering San Jose, CA, United States About Apigee Digital businesses create value by delivering a connected digital experience to customers, partners, and employees. APIs (application programming interfaces) deliver these connected experiences; they're how apps and6/21/2017 San Jose, CA Save This Job
POSITION SUMMARY A Senior Build Engineer is an engineer who has extensive experience in all aspects of software product builds and creating and maintaining world class product installations for our customers. A successful candidate will quickly understand, take ownership and7/18/2017 Minneapolis, MN Save This Job
Job description Senior Software engineer/Staff engineer Nominum has been building the backbone of the internet for more than a decade. Nominum software is used by dozens of Internet service providers around the world, reaching more than 500 million subscribers each day, and7/21/2017 San Fransico, CA Save This Job
Senior Sales EngineerSearchSend this job to a friendApply Now Minerva enables telco?s and cable operators to transform their legacy pay TV systems into a next generation video delivery solution faster and more cost effectively. The Minerva platform, supported by a ?best of7/6/2017 San Jose, CA Save This Job
Engineering - San Diego, CA - Full Time Senior Software Engineer ? Server A Senior Software Engineer at Verimatrix participates in the creation of a large product suite that enables content protection and security for video delivered via satellite, cable, or the Internet. The7/1/2017 San Diego, CA Save This Job
Location: Santa Clara, CA Department: Engineering Type: Full Time Min. Experience: Experienced Senior GUI Engineer Want to be part of the next big thing? Join Big Switch Networks! We?re seeking a smart, talented, and fun person who is passionate about user interface design and6/24/2017 Santa Clara, CA Save This Job
Senior DevOps Engineer AlienVault Austin,TX We are seeking a Senior DevOps Engineer for our USM Anywhere AlienApps Team. The ideal candidate will become a core part of a team of talented engineers building innovative security software applications. We need a DevOps engineer7/24/2017 Austin, TX Save This Job
at AdRoll San Francisco About the Role: AdRoll?s Attribution Team at is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to develop a data pipeline designed to clearly exhibit the value of AdRoll?s marketing platform, and all it provides for the client?s bottom line. You will join a ground7/23/2017 San Francisco, CA Save This Job
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Around the Oval is Eleven Warriors' weekly love letter to Ohio State sports that don't get the coverage they should.
It's finals week here at Ohio State, which means there wasn't a whole lot going on in terms of athletics (or in much of anything for that matter).
That being said, the 8th-ranked Buckeye wrestling team hit the mats this past weekend in Las Vegas for the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational.
Johnni DiJulious and Logan Stieber led the way for Ohio State, winning the 133 pound and 141 pound weight classes respectively. Stieber was also named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler.
Meanwhile, six other Buckeyes finished in the top 8 of their weight classes. Kenny Courts (184 pounds) finished third, Ian Paddock (149) finished fifth, Nick Heflin (149) finished sixth, Nick Roberts (125) finished seventh, and Randy Languis (157) and Nick Tavanello (heavyweight) finished eighth.
As a team, the Buckeyes finished third out of 10 teams in the tournament, behind Oklahoma and Nebraska, but ahead of Michigan. Ohio State returns to action on December 15th, when they travel to Penn State to take on the No. 1 Nittany Lions.
Join us after the jump for more on Ohio State's smaller sports.
Women's Basketball
It was a tough week for the Lady Buckeyes, losing a pair of hard-fought games to ranked opponents and falling to 6-5 overall on the season.
Last Wednesday, Ohio State lost at No. 8 Maryland 67-55 despite only trailing by three with three minutes left. Maryland closed the game on an 11-2 run to make the game appear a bit more lopsided than it was.
The Lady Bucks were led by Ameryst Alston, who scored 18 points, while Cait Craft and Martina Ellerbe added 11 points each.
On Sunday, Ohio State rallied from an 18 point deficit to take a one point lead over No. 24 Gonzaga with 7 seconds left, before the Zags' Shaniqua Niles hit a game-winning jumper as time expired. Alston led the Buckeyes again with 18 points, Ellerbe had 11 and Darryce Moore and Raven Ferguson both added nine.
Ohio State returns to action on Friday, when they host Army before taking on Cincinnati on Sunday.
UPCOMING Home EVENTS
Friday: Women's Basketball vs. Army, 7 pm, Value City Arena
Tuesday: Women's Basketball vs. UT Martin, 7 pm, Value City Arena


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Sarah Palin Isn't Running For President? GTFO.
I don't want to tarnish Steve Jobs by saying here's another thing absolutely everyone saw coming this morning, but Sarah Palin has finally announced she's not going to run for president because God told her not to. So just assume it involved the words, "Bitch, I will shoot lightning bolts at you from a helicopter." Via ABC News:
After much prayer and serious consideration, I have decided that I will not be seeking the 2012 GOP nomination for President of the United States. As always, my family comes first and obviously Todd and I put great consideration into family life before making this decision. When we serve, we devote ourselves to God, family and country. My decision maintains this order.
My decision is based upon a review of what common sense Conservatives and Independents have accomplished, especially over the last year. I believe that at this time I can be more effective in a decisive role to help elect other true public servants to office – from the nation's governors to Congressional seats and the Presidency. We need to continue to actively and aggressively help those who will stop the "fundamental transformation" of our nation and instead seek the restoration of our greatness, our goodness and our constitutional republic based on the rule of law.
And here's the best part of this story. Just two weeks ago, Sarah Palin sent out a campaign letter asking for money to help her decide whether or not to run. No, really:
Alaska Republican Sarah Palin is "on the verge of making her decision of whether or not to run for office" – and her backers should write a check right away, a letter from her political action committee says.
The Sept. 20 letter from SarahPAC treasurer Tim Crawford says: "It's one of the most difficult and important decisions of her life. And I want her to know that she has our support."
I was just about to insult anyone stupid enough to send this dipshit grifter money, but then I realized you people probably saved America by lining her pockets with one last job. Seriously, if she couldn't buy a solid gold hunting rifle – or an Alaska mountain cottage filled with free-donging chocolate mandangaloes – we might have had to hear her pretend to run right up until the Oct. 31 deadline. On that note, ring the bells! It's safe to come out for Halloween, children! Huzzah!
Photos: Getty, Splash News


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Author's Note: I'm adding this on Aug 26, 2015. Today in Virginia, a pretty blonde reporter named Alison Parker was shot while on-air by, apparently, a disgruntled co-worker and possible ex-boyfriend. She died along with her cameraman and the lady she was interviewing was injured. This chapter was written and posted a couple years ago, long before this incident occurred. The resemblance between the real Alison Parker and the character Allison Parker below is a complete coincidence and is completely unintended. My condolences to the families of everyone involved.
Allison Parker sits behind a dark glass-topped desk with the logo for KMCP Channel 8 News emblazoned on the front. The camera cuts in to a shot of the pretty reporter who's perfect blonde hair and fashionable dark grey suit speak of professionalism and integrity. She smiles at the viewers and welcomes them back from the commercial break. "And we're back with the interview I know you've all been waiting for. Tonight I'm here with Megamind, Metro City's very own Overlord." The camera view switches to show the infamous blue alien seated in a chair opposite her on the other side of the massive desk. A caption flares across the bottom of the screen in an exciting animation, then settles down to label the blue man as Lord Megamind - Overlord of Metro City for viewers who may tune in late and not recognize him. He is dressed in his customary black and blue super suit, complete with spiked collar and accessories. One leg is crossed over the other, his ankle resting on his opposite knee. He slouches back casually in a high-backed black leather swivel chair, watching the reporter impassively as she introduces him. "Welcome, Lord Megamind. I'm honored to have the opportunity to speak with you today."
The screen switches to a dual view, with a head-shot of the reporter on the left and the Megamind on the right. A label under the reporter's image identifies her to the viewers as well. "Thank you, Miss Parker. I've been looking forward to it," he answers politely.
"First off," she begins, "Is that the proper form of address I should be using? This is all very new and we aren't really sure what the proper protocol is."
"If you would like to address me as Lord Megamind I certainly won't object, but it really isn't necessary. As of yesterday, I've been legally appointed by the state of Michigan to serve as Metro City's Emergency Manager. So, since I am merely a civil servant, you may address me simply as Megamind if you like." He smiles mildly at the reporter, an unconvincing picture of a harmless civil servant.
The reporter nods, her smile professional, "Then let me congratulations on your new position, Megamind. I know it came as a surprise to most of us." As the reporter speaks, a quick thinking technician behind the scenes changes the former Overlord's caption to read Megamind - Metro City Emergency Manager. "Perhaps you can answer a question that's been puzzling me. Why did the state chose to grant you, our conqueror, legal authority over us?" Allison asks.
"Isn't it obvious, Miss Parker?" His face earnest, he suggests, "I believe the state merely recognized my superior abilities and agreed that I'm the best man for the job of restoring law and order to Metrocity."
The view switches back to the show both speakers in profile seated across the desk from each other. Allison holds his gaze for a beat as she considers her response. "Forgive me if I have a hard time swallowing the idea of you working for law and order. You seemed to have battled against that very notion your entire life."
He raises one finger in clarification, "I have never actually had anything against the idea of law and order, per se." His pronunciation of per se is exaggeratedly French. He turns his hand over, palm up to offer her his explanation. "So long as it is my law and order."
"That seems like a very common tenant in the creed of evil. This idea that the villain knows better how to rule the world than those already in power," she challenges.
Megamind is given the entire frame for his response. "Can you honestly look around this world, this city," he gestures expansively around himself, "and argue against that? Metrocity was a cesspool of corruption, greed, and incompetence. It was just begging-" He clenches his right hand into a fist, "-to be taken over. It has been for years." He crosses his arms over his chest.
Back to Miss Parker. "What Metro City were you living in?" she asks, her expression incredulous, "Before you killed Metro Man, this city was a beacon of hope and prosperity. We had only 4% unemployment and, aside from your activities, the lowest crime rate in the region. We had great schools, beautiful parks, and a thriving arts community. All of which you destroyed! "
A tighter shot of the Overlord's face this time. Those viewer watching in HD can now see clearly the eyeliner rimming his eyes. "Well, it's hardly surprising that you saw Metrocity that way looking down from that Metro Towers apartment of yours, Miss Parker." He leans forward, forcing the camera to pan out, "But it isn't true from any objective analysis." He opens his left hand and begins ticking off points with his fingers. "The fact is the unemployment rate was only low because so many dro-" He falters, but recovers quickly. "-citizens left Metrocity for better opportunities elsewhere. Just consider the number of abandoned and foreclosed homes, if you don't believe me. The crime rate was low because few other supervillains dared to poach my territory and you ran your hero ragged 24/7 taking care of everything else. Which, I might add, really should have been left to the cops and emergency workers, for the most part. The schools aren't great. They're adequate. And that's more due to the state than the city. The parks are pretty, but the recreational activities they provide have dwindled to almost nothing due to lack of funding and the facilities, like much of the city's infrastructure, have not been maintained adequately for years. You're right about the arts, however. The elite of the city have been exceedingly generous in their funding of the city's theaters and museums. Personally, I think that has more to do with tax benefits than altruism. But perhaps I'm being cynical. The point is, Metrocity only looked prosperous and strong on the surface, Miss Parker. Without Metro Mahn, I took it over in one day with just a hundred brainbots and Minion. Do you think that's something that could happen in a healthy city? I mean, I am fantastic," He smirks cockily at the camera, "But I'm only one man. I should have had to pull out my entire robot horde and engaged the police in glorious battle before securing my rule. Instead, they rolled over without firing a shot. It was very disappointing."
The camera's back to a wide view of both of them, catching the reporter's scowl as she responds. "If it was such a pitiful, broken city, why would you bother taking it over?"
"Metrocity is mine, Miss Parker," the villain explains matter-of-factly, "I've dedicated my life to the city's conquest. Now that I've finally done it, I'm not going to just throw away my prize. Besides, I believe Metrocity has great potential. All you need is someone who can properly harness it and make it profitable again."
"I'm not sure I like the idea of being harnessed, Megamind. Is this where we get to your rumored slave army?"
"My rumored slave army is just that: a rumor. Why would I need one? I have a robot horde. They're far more effective and loyal than any human slaves would be."
"So, you'll use your robot horde to keep us all in line, then?"
"No, no, no." He shakes his head and sighs, "You don't understand. Miss Parker, we're on the same side now. I've given up the pursuit of evil-"
"Why?" she interrupts. "Why, all of a sudden, have you decided to be the good guy? What changed?"
"Everything changed. I own this city. I can do whatever I like. Take what I like. Destroy what I like. Terrify the population at will. But what's the point? It's all too easy now." He pauses, sounding a bit sad. "There's no challenge when I know no one will stop me. So why bother? There's really nothing in it for me to be evil anymore." He brushes at his knee, perhaps dusting off a speck of lint. "What's the point in stealing something or destroying something that I already own? Why terrify people when they'll do whatever I say without the theatrics and threats? It just isn't necessary anymore."
"Then why didn't you just retire? Steal the city blind and go into seclusion living off your spoils for the rest of your life?"
He rolls his eyes to the ceiling and pulls a face, "Because I would die of boredom!" He leans forward and points to his giant blue head with both hands. "This head is big for a reason." He props his elbows on the table, leaning forward towards the reporter who instinctively moves back a bit. "I'm not happy if I'm not thinking, planning, designing, plotting." He traces geometric shapes and on the black glass tabletop with his left index finger. "I need something to do. Lucky for me I've got a whole city that needs rebuilding and restructuring." He looks up from his invisible doodles to catch the reporter's gaze. "I think that should keep me busy for awhile."
"What, exactly are you planning on restructuring in Metro City?
"Whatever needs it. Right now, the most important things are to create jobs and insure public safety. To that end, I'm repairing the city, starting with mostly brainbot labor but transitioning to primarily human workers by the end of the month. I've reopened all the city offices and schools and hired approximately 600 new employees to replace recently vacated positions. Having Metro Mahn on the job for so long allowed the city to dangerously understaff its police and fire department for years. I've authorized the hiring of fifty new police officers and 20 firefighters. I've also assigned a portion of my robot horde to assisting with routine public safety and rescue tasks. Those departments are going through training next week to learn the capabilities of my brainbots and how to use them most effectively. I want to be clear that the brainbots will not replace police or emergency workers, but will merely augment those departments where appropriate. I'm also authorizing additional training for current officers to help with some of the problems that enabled me to so easily take over Metrocity in the first place. In particular, every officer will receive basic anti-supervillain tactical training."
"Wait, let me stop you there. Do you mean to say that you want the police to know how to defeat a supervillain? Aren't you afraid that'll backfire and they'll overthrow you?"
"Of course not. Weren't you listening earlier? I'm not a supervillain now. I'm the legally appointed Emergency Manager for Metrocity for at least the next year. I'm part of the system. As such, It's my responsibility to make certain that the police are trained to deal with supervillain attacks because sooner or later someone's going to show up thinking he can take this city." He points to his own chest to emphasize his upcoming point. "I don't want to be the only thing standing between Metrocity and Doctor Horrible or Eclipso or some other supervillain."
"You don't think you can defend Metro City from a supervillain attack?"
"Miss Parker, I have my own orbital death ray, an extensive robot horde, and I'm literally the smartest man on the planet." The blue man smirks at the reporter. "I can defeat most of Earth's supers, villain or hero, without help from the police. But a defender has to win every time. A villain only needs to win once. I'd feel more comfortable with the city's safety, and my own as well, if I wasn't the only one capable of putting up a fight."
"Speaking of defending the city, what happened with Strongman and SilverPsychic Monday night? The whole city heard them call you out, and there were reports of a battle through the streets, but then nothing. What happened?" On screen, head-shot portraits of both Hero's Consortium supers appear on one side of the screen along with captions labeling which is which.
He shrugs, "I defeated them."
"Are they... dead?"
His eyes widen in alarm. "Oh, evil gods, no! I just dehydrated them. They should be back at the Consortium headquarters by now. Why does everyone always expect me to kill people?" His right hand gestures off to the side to emphasize the rhetorical question.
Allison answers him with sarcasm dripping off her tongue, "Maybe because you killed Metro Man?"
"I didn't ki-" He stops abruptly, his expressive face suddenly blank. The faintest smile twitches at the corner of his mouth before disappearing. "You know what, it doesn't matter. Those heroes were operating as unlawful vigilantes-"
"Hold on. Back up a second. It sounded like you started to say you didn't kill Metro Man." The reporter's eyes narrow and she smirks, confident she's tripped him up, "I really can't let you get away with a statement like that. Regardless of your current legal status with the city, we're all aware of the elephant in the room. You murdered our hero and broadcast it for the entire city to see."
A smile slides across his face and his voice is perfectly reasonable and calm as he answers. "Miss Parker, as a condition of this interview, you agreed that the subject of Metro Mahn's alleged murder and any role I may or may not have had to play in it would not be discussed." His smile turns slightly mischievous. "No fair using your nosy reporter skills trying to trip me into saying something my lawyers might object to."
"You can't possibly deny that you murdered Metro Man! We all saw it live on TV."
"No Comment," he answers cheerfully.
"Oh, come on!"
His eyebrows lower, obscuring the upper half of his eyes. "Go to a commercial, now, Miss Parker. Or else this interview is over," he growls.
Two long seconds pass in awkward silence as the reporter and city manager sit unmoving while they attempt to stare each other down. The cameras stop rolling and the producer speaks up, "And we're off! Two minutes, people!" The crew visibly relax. Cameramen stand back from their equipment and stretch their legs. One takes a soft cloth to his lens. A makeup woman approaches Megamind with a powder puff, intent on minimizing the glare of the studio lights on the blue man's giant bald head. A brainbot intercepts her and takes the puff from her hand and does the job itself. Bot 1234 has been entrusted with the application Daddy's make-up for the last 8 years and will not allow this interloper to do its job. Megamind barely notices as his creature attends to his appearance, his attention on the reporter across from him.
He grins like a madman, all sign of his displeasure vanished in an instant. "Ha-hahaha-ha! That was wonderful!" he cackles, "You sounded so outraged. Just the reaction I needed. No one will suspect that that was anything but a slip of the tongue. Ha-ha! Perfect!"
"Just the-" The reporter begins to repeat, "You manipulative bastard! What game are you playing?"
"Oh, no need to resort to name-calling, Miss Parker." He pulls his face into mock-seriousness, but his eyes still sparkle. "Don't blame me when you broke the rules. I'm not going to say anything about Metro Mahn's," finger quotes, "death on live television. I promised the moron that I wouldn't be the one to out him in public."
"To out him? You expect me to believe he's still alive?"
"I expect you to be a reporter, Miss Parker. Investigate, ask questions, report. It shouldn't be that hard. But if you don't feel like doing it, that's fine too. After my little flub on live TV, I'm sure your competition over at channel 6 will be happy to look into it."
"Are you threatening me?"
"Of course not." He purses his lips, his fingers steepled just under his chin. "Motivating you, perhaps. I don't really care who exposes the scandal. It just can't be me or Roxanne. We gave our word."
She shrewdly points out, "Didn't that little slip already break your promise?"
"Not technically. All I said was 'I didn't ki-'. I didn't even say 'kill' and I refused to comment on it one way or the other." He points one gloved finger in her direction, "You inferred."
"A pretty obvious inference."
"And Roxanne's in on it?" she asks incredulously.
"Oh, yes," he confirms, leaning forward to confide, "You should have seen her confront the big coward. If she'd had her way, she'd have dragged him out by the superpowered ear for everyone to see. Sadly, he's still just as invulnerable as he ever was. No one can make him do anything he's determined not to do."
"And she's managed to keep the story to herself? That's not like her." It's really not like her. There is a reason Roxanne Ritchi is the top reporter at KMCP, and it has nothing to do with superhero scoops. Well, it doesn't entirely have to do with superhero scoops, anyway. Roxanne is ruthless and tenacious and willing to do whatever it takes to get the story. It's something Allison both admires and hates about the brunette. So, how is it that Roxanne had managed to keep something like this to herself?
"Well, who's going to believe my girlfriend when she defends me against a Metro Mahn?"
"The two of you are dating, then?" She asks with a faint sneer. Why would anyone want to date him when they had Metro Man for the asking?
"Oh, don't look so disgusted. I'm funny, brilliant, and incredibly handsome. What woman wouldn't want me?" he asks.
"But you're not human," she objects.
"That never bothered anyone when they thought she was dating Metro Mahn." He points out.
"But he's-"
"From the exact same star system I came from. Every bit as much of an extraterrestrial as I am. We landed here on the same day."
"That's not-"
"Ten seconds, people," the producer calls. Crewmembers hurry back into position.
Allison closes her mouth and turns her attention to her appearance. She smoothes her already impeccable clothing and sits up straight, a professional smile masking her true expression. Megamind sits back with a confident smile on his blue face, waiting as the final numbers count down and the on-air sign lights up again.
"Welcome back, Metro City. Tonight I'm speaking live with Megamind, former Supervillain and now Metro City's new Emergency Manager. Before the break we were discussing his plans for the city. Now I'd like to turn to more personal topics. Megamind, you have never before granted the media an interview. Your past has been a matter of rampant speculation all the way back to your supervillain debut. I'm sure you're aware there have been several books on the topic, but all the information is from second- and third-hand sources. Since you're here, I thought we could take this opportunity to learn a little more about your background."
Megamind nods. "Of course, ask me whatever you like."
"Well, let's begin at the beginning. It is widely believed that you were not born on Earth, is that correct?" Of course, she knows the answer, but the question is for the benefit of the audience, not her.
"One of the few facts that my many unofficial biographers generally get right. I was born on a blue planet orbiting a yellow sun similar to Earth's. To this day, I'm not certain of the exact circumstances leading to its demise, but something happened to cause our star to unexpectedly collapse into a black hole, taking the entire system with it. Minion and I were evacuated in a trans-light space pod at the last minute. Your viewers might be surprised to learn that Metro Mahn was also born in the same star system, though on a different planet. He escaped the same way we did. Our pods traveled together on most of the interstellar journey. As far as I know, the three of us were the only survivors."
"That's..." Allison begins, but then changes directions, "I'm sorry for your loss. How old were you?"
"I was eight days old. I'm not sure exactly how old Minion or Metro Mahn were."
"Wow, you were only babies. How do you know what happened? Was there a... I don't know..." she waves her hand uncertainly in the air, "some sort of note in your pod explaining what happened?"
Megamind shakes his head, "Not that I ever found. I know because I remember it." He shrugs and points to his head. "It's big for a reason. I can remember clear back to the morning of my birth. Though, I must admit," he smiles ruefully, "that first day is a bit fuzzy. I think I slept through a lot of it. The day I left, however, is imprinted indelibly on my mind. Perhaps you might be able to imagine the panic of an entire population learning that they were to die in a matter of hours and they could do nothing to prevent it? We were a culture far more advanced than yours is now, but we were completely and utterly helpless."
"That must have been horrible."
"It was. My family, my entire species, everything I'd ever known just... gone." He breathes in a shuddery little breath. That and the seriousness of his tone the only indications on how the memory of his past affected him. "Your human mind cannot comprehend the scale of the destruction. It taxes even my considerable intellect."
Allison lets the condescension pass, since he is relating something so obviously painful for him. Instead she changes the subject slightly to ask what she knows will spring to some viewers' minds next. They will worry about themselves. "How far away was your planet? Does the black hole pose a threat to Earth?"
"No, the distances are vast," he answers. He's relieved to veer away somewhat from the tragic last days of his homeworld. "I lost track of my system on the journey, so I don't know which star it was when seen from Earth. But I'm certain it's somewhere between 40 and 80 light years from here. Plenty of space between us and danger. I don't think we'd have been sent here only to face the same disaster a second time."
"Why were you sent here specifically?"
"I don't know. My father said something about destiny... But I don't know. I assume it was because the Earth's environment was compatible with our physical needs. Our people may have known that the human population had a similar form to mine and Metro Mahn's. That did prove a benefit when it came to assimilation. Metro Mahn more-so than me, of course. But at least I was humanoid enough not to be mistaken for some sort of animal, as Minion was for many years."
"Since you brought up your childhood, could you tell us a little about that? Who raised you? There is a record of you landing in the Metro City Prison for the Criminally Gifted on Christmas Day. But no further reference for six years and then nothing until you were a teenager. Care to fill in the gaps?"
"Certainly. My pod landed in the prison yard and, for the most part, that's where I stayed. It was decided that prison was the most secure place for a child of my... unique characteristics. I proved my knack for mayhem early on and was an eager pupil for all that my fellow inmates had to teach me."
"You were raised in the prison? By the prisoners?" she asks, stunned.
"Of course. Them and the warden," he answers matter-of-factly.
"You did attend school, however?" she clarifies. "I know there was an article about an altercation at a private school near the prison..."
"Yes, my first foray into the world of academics at the tender age of six." He smiles fondly for a beat, then looks up with a more serious expression, "It was less successful than I might hope. Due to my lack of proper documentation, the public school system did not want to take me and my amazing intellect made me a challenge for most private schools. Fortunately, an opportunity presented itself in the Lil' Gifted School which catered to children with unique gifts. I was expelled after two weeks."
"How awful. Did you go back to school?"
"Not exactly. I was homeschooled through the prison education program. I earned my GED at ten. At 13, I had a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering with a double minor in Robotics and Applied Physics from Metrocity University through their satellite campus at the prison. I earned my Masters of Biomedical Engineering shortly before petitioning the court for legal emancipation at 16. I could have gone further, but I'd lost interest in formal education by that time. It's not like I needed the credentials for my resume in order to be a Supervillain."
"No, I suppose not. So, at that age you already knew you'd be a Supervillain?"
"Yes, well, it was the obvious choice."
"I'm surprised you don't have a Degree in Social Engineering, the Philosophy of Evil, or Criminology."
"I prefer the hard sciences. They're much more directly applicable to my work." He explains.
"So, you were emancipated at 16. Did you remain at the prison?"
"No, I spent most of the next 2 years on my own. Just me and Minion against the world. With occasional enforced detainments at Metrocity's Juvenile Detention Facility, of course."
"Where did you live? When you weren't in Juvenile Detention, that is."
"A few of the men most closely involved in my upbringing were out on parole. We stayed with them at first, but that made it too easy for the authorities to find me. Before long, I established a series of Evil Lairs around the city and those were where we lived and worked."
"How did you get the money to support yourself?"
"Robberies, Burglaries, Bank Fraud, Extortion." In response to her horrified gasp, he admonishes, "Oh, don't look so shocked. Although, for legal reasons, I'd rather not discuss the details of my nefarious activities, I don't deny that I have been a criminal most of my life. It took years to establish myself as Metrocity's Supervillain. In the meantime, I had to work my way up. Establishing the connections and honing the skills. It really wasn't such a bad life for a young malcontent."
"You could have done all those things without challenging Metro Man. Why did you choose to pick fights with him?"
"I couldn't very well call myself a supervillain without a superhero to fight. We were destined to be rivals. Besides, he was the ultimate challenge in Metrocity. How to defeat an invincible foe? Pitting my incredible intellect against his limitless brawn? That's the sort of contest worthy of my skills. And he played the game well. Right up until the end."
"When you killed him."
"No comment."
"I see. You called it a game. Did he see your conflict the same way?"
"Of course."
"Your game killed people."
"Is human life of no value to you, then? Since you're not human? Or did you see so much death when you were eight days old that a few more don't make any difference?" she challenges bitterly.
He looks down at his hands, considering his answer before continuing, "That is a hard question to answer, Miss Parker. When I decided to become a supervillain, there were certain risks inherent to the job that I had to live with. We did our best to minimize them, both Metro Mahn and I, but a battle of supers is inherently risky. He couldn't protect everyone and it wasn't my job to save people."
"People are dead."
"More people would be dead if I did not pose enough danger to the city to keep him in residence. If he had gone off to Milwaulkee or Chicago, how many people would not have been saved from life-threatening danger over the years. You know as well as I do that Metrocity is NOT a big enough city to warrant a full-time super of his caliper. If I hadn't been here to create a constant threat, the city would never have shelled out the cash for his salary. The Consortium would have assigned him to a different territory."
"So, you want us to believe that your years of terrorizing the citizens of this fair city were actually good for us?"
"In some ways, yes it was."
The producer waves for attention and points to his watch. He holds up his two open hands, fingers splayed, and mouths, ten seconds! Then he begins silently folding fingers down as the seconds tick by.
Allison smoothly informs the viewers, "We have to take a break, more after a word from our sponsors." The camera pans back and the lights lower as the crew transition to a commercial break.
"And we're off! Three minutes this time," the producer informs everyone on set. Alison rolls her neck and allows the make-up artist who'd attempted to touch up Megamind's powder on the last break to freshen her make-up. They spend the break in awkward silence. The reporter doing her best to ignore her guest while he watches her with vague amusement.
Returning to the air, Miss Parker smiles and jumps right in, "Welcome back, Metro City! In the studio here with me is Megamind. Thank you for staying with us. Megamind, I understand you've recently been seen out on the town with KMPC's own Roxanne Ritchi. Tell me, how did she end up dating her former abductor?"
"Extraordinary luck, on my part, I suspect," he answers. "I'm not entirely sure myself."
"Oh, come now. Don't be modest. I'm sure there's a story there, if you're willing to tell it. How about we back up a bit? Why did you choose Miss Ritchi as your victim all those years ago? Was there some sort of arrangement?"
"Certainly not!" he objects forcefully. "She had no say in the matter what-so-ever. I merely needed a damsel to draw Metro Mahn into my traps and she fit the part."
"So, the two of you were not working together?"
"Not at all. I found Roxanne every bit as much of a challenging opponent in her own way as Metro Man was in his. She never intentionally helped me with any of my schemes, though I was often able to trick her into doing something to aid me anyway. Half of the time she was the one who'd ultimately unravel my plans and tell Metro Man the solution. They were a good team to pit my evil against."
"So, you claim Roxanne was never on your side against Metro Man."
"For the third time, of course not. Roxanne is a paragon of virtue. Anything less and there would have been questions as to her loyalty from the beginning, and she'd never have worked as effective superhero bait. I was very careful when I chose her. I ran an extensive background check to be sure."
"You chose Roxanne Ritchi as your victim? I thought you merely kidnapped the woman Metro Man was dating."
"Exactly as you were meant to believe. They truly were close friends, but I'm afraid their romantic relationship was greatly exaggerated."
"All this time Metro Man was never dating Roxanne?"
"I understand that they did go on a couple of dates early on, which is what initially drew me to her. But, according to her, he wasn't really her type."
"If she wasn't dating Metro Man, was she dating you?"
"No. Our romantic relationship is a recent development. We've only been together for a few weeks."
"Before or after you murdered Metro Man?"
"I've already told you that I won't comment on the details surrounding that alleged event. But I will say that we did not begin seeing each other until a couple days after I blew up the Metro Mahn museum. Well after Metro Mahn day."
"You have no problem admitting to the destruction of the museum, but you balk at saying anything about the murder."
"No comment. I suggest you move on to another topic, or else this interview is at an end."
"Alright," she agrees reluctantly. This interview is scheduled to run at least another ten minutes and cutting it short would force her co-workers to scramble to find something to fill the time. So, she continues. "What do you plan to do once your position as city manager ends?"
"Good. I'm glad you asked that! Once the city is on the right track, I thought I'd try my hand at legal private enterprise." The emphasis on legal seems important to him, "I have a number of amazing inventions I'm patenting. Once those are complete, I'll be licensing the manufacturing of these to private entrepreneurs. I expect to refit and reopen the old Metrocity GM plant, and more than a dozen smaller factories, to produce my machines. If all goes well, I estimate an addition of around two thousand well-paying manufacturing jobs by this time next year. Jobs I have no intention of ever shipping overseas."
"I gather these promised jobs are what garnered you the support of the local Unions?"
"Yes, they were quite pleased with my plans."
"I imagine so. What sorts of amazing inventions are you planning on selling?"
"Hoverbikes, rocket packs, cloaking devices, neural-linked robotic prosthetics, holotechnology, hard light projectors, dehydration technology, some rather specific water filtration systems... different things. Most of them with the potential to be quite lucrative in the right-" His watch chirps and he glances down. "One moment, Miss Parker." He pulls the little clip-on microphone off his cape and tosses it to the floor. Standing, he walks to the back of the stage, facing away from the camera. He murmurs into his watch and a faint voice can be heard, but not understood. Allison aims a questioning glance at her boss. Should they break for commercial again? Before a decision can be made, Megamind turns and addresses the reporter while walking towards the door marked 'Exit'. Without his microphone, his voice for the audience is tinny and quiet, but can be understood. "I must go. Someone decided that if I'm here, I'm not protecting the city. I have to go correct that misconception. Ciao ciao, Metrocity!" he calls as he exits into the alley beyond, his cape sweeping behind him and several brainbots following behind.
Allison Parker recovers quickly from the abrupt exit, "Well, there you have it. Megamind, Emergency Manager of Metro City and, at least at the moment, our Protector as well. Keep tuned here for the latest developments on this breaking story. More after the break." The camera pans back from her and the viewers soon find themselves watching a commercial for a revolutionary lemon-scented cleaning product.