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Mon, 07/01/2013 - 06:13
2012 was the most active year in terms of "mega deals" in the UK since 2009, fuelled by a 15 per cent upturn in the number of very large transactions, according to Experian.
The number of very large mega deals worth over GBP1bn announced in 2012 increased from 34 in 2011 to 39 - worth a total of GBP128bn.
The majority of these mega deal transactions were cross-border in nature. It included the GBP5bn acquisition of NDS Group, a Middlesex pay TV software firm, by California-based Cisco Systems and the GBP4.6bn investment of Nottingham-based retail chemist group Alliance Boots by US drugstore chain Walgreen.
Across the UK, the overall number of mergers, acquisitions, flotations, rights issues and placements announced fell by 3 per cent, from 4,683 transactions in 2011 to 4,543 in 2012. This was led primarily by a decline in deal-making in the final quarter of the year, which saw volumes down by 11 per cent compared to Q4 2011. Thanks to the number of mega deals however, the total value of deals increased by 4.8 per cent, from GBP231bn in 2011 to GBP242bn in 2012.
Despite the fall in volume overall, the UK is performing well compared to the rest of Europe, which saw a 10.2 per cent downturn in deal volume announced in 2012, accompanied by a 10.5 per cent fall in their total value.
Meanwhile, the volume of transactions funded by bank debt increased by 11.6 per cent year-on-year, from 277 in 2011 to 309 in 2012.
Mezzanine-funded deals were also up, moving from seven in 2011 to 12 in 2012. However, funding through venture capital dropped from 651 in 2011 to 595 in 2012. This is potentially due to slower growth rates which could impact on the level and speed of returns, making some opportunities appear less attractive to investors.
Looking at M&A activity in the UK by size of transactions, the mid-market range (those deals worth between GBP10m and GBP100m) were the worst affected, with deal volume down by 6.2 per cent year on year. The level of small (GBP0.5m to GBP10m) and large deals (GBP100m to GBP1bn) however, remained relatively static.
Despite a slight decline in UK M&A and ECM activity overall, there were bright spots; Northern Ireland enjoyed a boom year, with deal volume up by 36.8 per cent, as did Scotland (10.5 per cent) and the South West of England (7.3 per cent).
The most active sectors in the very large deals segment were food and beverage manufacturing with 15.4 per cent of transactions, including Diageo's GBP1.3bn purchase of a stake in Indian drinks firm United Spirits in Q4 and the completion of Chinese conglomerate Bright Food's acquisition of iconic British brand Weetabix for GBP1.2bn in November. The next most active sectors were chemical manufacturing (12.8 per cent of deals) and professional and business services (10.3 per cent).
The UK market has held up well over the last year in a global context. There was a British element in 47.3 per cent of all European transactions, up from 43.7 per cent in 2011, and in terms of value the UK contributed almost 42 per cent per cent of the European total for 2012.
Elsewhere, deals in the Asia-Pacific region were down by 15.2 per cent in volume and 13.5 per cent in value, while in the US activity was down by just under five per cent, and value by 6.4 per cent.
Wendy Driver, business development manager at Experian UK&I, says: "Despite the challenges faced by the Eurozone crisis, the UK has proven to be one of the most attractive markets in what has been a subdued year for mergers and acquisitions globally.
"The quality of UK businesses and assets, as well as favourable interest rates, has been consistently attractive to overseas investors which is helping to keep mergers and acquisitions activity buoyant and may serve to boost confidence further."
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South Africa entered the final day of the series and the third Test against Australia needing a further 314 runs to pull off an improbable win – but given their heroics in the first Test in Perth, a possible one.
Set an imposing victory target of 376 from a minimum 116 overs, the Proteas were 62 for 1 at stumps on day four. Stand-in captain Neil McKenzie and Hashim Amla resumed the fight for a history-making last-day win – and a series clean sweep – with at least 90 overs to be bowled.
Past run chases at the SCG suggested victory would elude the Proteas on a wearing wicket. Australia's fourth-innings total of 288 for 2 in the 2005-06 season against South Africa is the highest winning total in a Sydney Test.
The tourists' task was made more difficult by the absence of captain Graeme Smith who is nursing a broken finger and was highly unlikely to take any further part in proceedings.
After Australia declared their seconds innings at 257 for 4, Doug Bollinger made the early breakthrough, picking up his first Test wicket after makeshift opener Morne Morkel chipped a catch to Mitchell Johnson at mid-on for a duck. Amla survived a close call on five, edging Peter Siddle past a diving Brad Haddin. Ricky Ponting closed his side's innings after Michael Clarke was caught in the deep going after quick runs. Michael Hussey remained not out on 45.
Australia resumed on day four on 33 without loss with Matthew Hayden and Simon Katich at the crease. Hayden dragged Morkel on to his stumps after working hard in an attempt to build his first substantial score of the summer. He belted seven fours in a 63-ball stay that produced just as much sweat as substance. The 37-year-old was given a rousing send-off by the SCG crowd.
Ponting almost collected a king pair after trying to leave the first ball he faced only for it to catch the inside edge of his bat, narrowly missing the stumps and going to the boundary for four. The Australian skipper's innings then flourished as he raced to a half-century at almost a run a ball. It came as a surprise when he played on to Morkel attempting a cut shot.
There was also plenty of surprise when Katich was given out lbw to Dale Steyn, with only wicketkeeper Mark Boucher seemingly interested in an appeal. Clarke and Hussey then combined for a fourth-wicket partnership of 76 that helped place Australia into the box seat to win for the first time this series and cling on to their world No 1 spot.
South Africa's coach, Mickey Arthur, refused to rule out a victory. "If we can get ourselves to tea then [we will] have a look. If we are unscathed at tea time then we'll be ready to launch a proper assault," he said.
"There's a dressing room full of guys that don't want to give an inch. The guys have given their all and have been absolutely amazing for 14 days and none of us want to end up losing the last Test match. We went through that in England this year where we played fantastically well and went 2-0 up and lost the last Test match in a dead rubber. It took the gloss of our Test victories a little bit so we learnt the hard way there. There will be guys battling really hard to make sure it's either 2-0 or 3-0 and not 2-1."
Arthur admitted that Australia held the upper hand, however, bowling last on a well-worn SCG pitch that is playing the odd trick. "I think all three results are still possible and that's got to be good," he said. Asked if Smith would bat if the game was there to be won or drawn, Arthur admitted: "I doubt Graeme will come out tomorrow but if there is one over or two overs to see out to draw or one or two required to win, I think we're going to need a chain to chain him down in the dressing room."
Hussey had called for Australia to pull together as a team. "It's going to take all of us, like it did in the first innings," Hussey said. "Peter Siddle got the rewards [in the first innings] and got the five wickets but it was a collective effort and all the guys bowled particularly well. It's going to take a good hard grind of all the bowlers bowling well in partnerships, being patient, being disciplined – the things that we always talk about in our meetings – and a few tricks from the pitch would be nice as well to get us a couple of wickets."
If South Africa managed to win they would take over from Australia at the top of the ICC rankings.
Sydney scoreboard
Third Test (Fourth day of five)
Australia won toss
Australia – First Innings 445 (M J Clarke 138, M G Johnson 64)
South Africa – First Innings 327 (M V Boucher 89,
H M Amla 51, P M Siddle 5-59)
Australia – Second Innings (Overnight: 33-0)
M L Hayden b M Morkel 39
S M Katich lbw b Steyn 61
*R T Ponting b M Morkel 53
M E K Hussey not out 45
M J Clarke c Amla b Harris 41
Extras (b8 lb9 nb1) 18
Total (for 4 declared; 67.3 overs) 257
Fall: 1-62 2-134 3-181 4-257
Did not bat: †B J Haddin, A B McDonald, N M Hauritz, M G Johnson, P M Siddle, D E Bollinger.
Bowling: Steyn 13-1-60-1; Ntini 12-1-66-0; M Morkel 12-2-38-2; Kallis 10-5-13-0; Harris 20.3-1-63-1.
South Africa – Second Innings
N D McKenzie not out 25
M Morkel c Johnson b Bollinger 0
H M Amla not out 30
Extras (lb5 w2) 7
Total (for 1; 26 overs) 62
Fall: 1-2
To bat: *G C Smith, J H Kallis, A B de Villiers, J P Duminy, †M V Boucher, D W Steyn, P L Harris, M Ntini.
Bowling: Siddle 6-1-16-0; Bollinger 4-1-11-1; Johnson 5-0-14-0; McDonald 5-3-8-0; Hauritz 5-2-8-0; Clarke 1-1-0-0.
Umpires: B F Bowden (NZ) and E A R de Silva (S Lanka).
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----Support OS: Windows NT,Windows2000,Windows2003,WinXP,Windows Vista---- Tanbee FLV Converter is a perfect solution for you convert popular video files such as MOV, WMV, ASF, 3GP, VOB, MPG/MPEG2 to FLV (Flash Video). Tanbee FLV Converter offers you combo video and audio parameters including video resolution, frame rate, encoder, bit rate, and audio sample rate, and channel, etc. It also supports video trimming, video cropping, video snap capturing, and special video such as old film, grey and emboss. Tanbee FLV Converter has an unparalleled conversion speed with high quality! It is quite easy to use, only needs a few clicks. Owning such a FLV Converter, you can enjoy your perfect and professional FLV files on the internet! Have fun with it! Key Features * Support all common video&audio formats * Support Batch Conversion Convert multiple video files at one time, making your conversion much easier. * Powerful Video editing function This Video Converter has powerful video editing function, supporting movie trimming, cropping and effect adjustment. You can set brightness, contrast, saturation and choose the suitable resolution for your players. * Customize video converting Various video and audio settings for you tweak together. * Support various video aspect ratios such as 16:9, 4:3 and full screen. * Support video capture and save your favorite movie pictures on your computer as jpeg, png or bmp files. * Intuitive guide user-interface. * Fast conversion process with no loss quality. * Free e-mail technical support, provide the best service for you. Screenshot: Download Now Click here to download Tanbee Video to FLV Converter Buy Now Click here to buy now Tanbee Video to FLV Converter
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If you love Magic the Gathering, World of Warcraft, Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, Buffy, Lot5R, or Warhammer CCG then we are the store for you!
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They do come back, as Long Run proved on Boxing Day and as Willie Mullins hopes Hurricane Fly will also manage in March. And indeed the horse who lost his Champion Hurdle crown with a below-par third place 10 months ago looked a shadow of the one who serenely left his rivals in his wake at Leopardstown yesterday to make it two for two for this season. "Of course I respect the English hurdlers," said Mullins, "but if we can get our lad to Cheltenham in the same sort of form he's in now, I'll be happy."
Hurricane Fly, ridden by Ruby Walsh, was opposed by only four in the Istabraq Festival Hurdle at the Co Dublin track. His stable-mate Thousand Stars provided a lead until after the second-last obstacle, after which the eight-year-old, who had shown all his old slick technique in the air, stamped his class on the proceedings as a 1-5 shot should. His effortless change of gear in the straight took him an eased-down seven lengths clear of Unaccompanied, who fended off Thousand Stars and Captain Cee Bee for the minor honours.
The 2011 champion is now as short as 3-1 to regain his title, challenging the young pretender Darlan, trained by Nicky Henderson, at the head of the Champion Hurdle market, ahead of Grandouet, another Henderson inmate, and Paul Nicholls's charge Zarkandar.
"Last season he wasn't himself, seemed a bit weak," Mullins added. "But this time he's strengthened back up and is back to where he was two years ago. He's settling better with age and today he could have done no more. He got a lead and quickened when he had to, and Ruby said he jumped fantastically when he pulled him out to go round the others."
Hurricane Fly will take his usual route to the Festival, with the Irish Champion Hurdle back at Leopardstown in late January his next target. "We'll take it step by step, and that is the obvious next one, and only after that will we start thinking about who has to beat who," Mullins said.
The Istabraq Festival Hurdle was Hurricane Fly's 13th top-level prize, putting him joint third with Moscow Flyer on the all-time Grade One leaderboard, one behind the horse saluted eponymously by yesterday's race. The penultimate Irish meeting of the year, though, brought a statistic far dearer to Mullins's heart. With victory on his Co Carlow stable's Zuzka in the Grade Three mares' hurdle, his jockey son Patrick notched his 73rd winner of 2012, a record for an amateur in a calendar year. The previous mark had been set by Billy Parkinson in 1915.
Mullins Jnr, who made it 74 on Outlander in the concluding bumper, rode his first winner at the age of 16. "Obviously I'm delighted," said his father, "and thanks go to all our owners who have supported Patrick. And also to Father Moloney from Clongowes Wood, who let him out of school to ride."
If Ireland was the scene of the afternoon's most significant elite performance, it was also the source of the day's most intriguing thought. Although Flemenstar, caught close home by Tidal Bay and First Lieutenant in Friday's Lexus Chase, is to have his stamina tested again over three miles in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February, he may drop back to two miles at Cheltenham to face Sprinter Sacre in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
"Our lad is a great jumper," Peter Casey, his trainer, said. "But every time he landed on Friday he was wanting to get going. He has plenty of speed and at Cheltenham, if we went for the Queen Mother, we'd give that other lad something to think about."
The Grade One Challow Hurdle at Newbury has a fine pedigree – recent winners include Fingal Bay and Denman – but whether the form of yesterday's edition, run at a crawl in bottomless ground, can be reprised at the Festival remains to be seen. The nine-length winner, the Jonjo O'Neill-trained 13-8 favourite Taquin Du Seuil, has the Neptune Novices Hurdle as his target in March.


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Adi Dancu - Photo
câteva imagini, câteva gânduri... (some images, some thoughts...)
Monday, April 26, 2010
Facing the facts...
This is how I named my last "Photo of the Day" episode...
Sadly but truly I realized I couldn't do it anymore.
I'll try to keep the blog up-to-date as much as I can and also have at least a new pic on Flickr every week. Wish me luck!
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When I'm considering a new Windows Twitter client, there are a few criteria I look for each time: customizability, support for multiple accounts, lists (preferably in columns), native retweet functionality, and all the standard features from the web interface. Sobees includes all of these features along with great support for Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn.
The Sobees Windows Twitter client is built in .NET so it and works with Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
Customizable Layouts
One of the best features of Sobees is its extremely customizable layout. After you've added your social networks accounts, click the Change Layout button to select from any of 16 different layouts.
You can then assign different portions of the layout to each of your social networks by dragging and dropping them.
View In Columns Or Tabs
Your social networks will be displayed in a tabbed view by default. This is great if you are working on a small screen, but you can easily change it to a separated column view (like TweetDeck) which is much easier to use.
To switch to the column view, click the Settings button for the particular service you are using then click the View in Columns button.
You will now have a column layout just like TweetDeck, and you can add or remove specific columns by clicking the buttons on the left.
Twitter Lists
Sobees has full support for Twitter lists. You can select your lists via the dropdown box at the top of the Twitter section.
After selecting a list, it will appear as a new column.
Updating Multiple Services Simultaneously
You can update your social networks individually, but Sobees also includes a unified update button which you can use to update your social networks all at once. To update your status, click the Update my status on multiple services button then select the networks you would like to post to.
Additional Social Networks
Sobees is more than just a Windows Twitter client; it also supports Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn. Facebook support includes full access to your news feed, inbox, friends list, profile, and events.
Best of all, you can filter items in your news feed by using the buttons on the left side of the Facebook section.
Languages & Themes
Sobees can be customized to use English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian and also includes 5 different visual themes. To access these settings, click the Gear icon in the top right of Sobees.
Sobees is a great Twitter client that includes all of the features applications like TweetDeck and Seesmic offer but in a much more customizable package. Sobees is still in a beta version so don't be surprised if you find a few bugs, but the development team seems to be very active. This is definitely one of the best Twitter applications I have ever used, and I hope it grows in popularity in the future.
If you've enjoyed the Sobees desktop application, you might also want to check out their web-based application, Sobees Web.
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Found Sobees when I was looking for a lightweight alternative to Tweetdeck. Memory usages is around 8 - 60 MB, so there could be some improvements in this. I haven't noticed any unusual CPU usage.
Looks really good, but I love tweetdeck too much now to switch over.
Used last week, it consumed 20% of cpu and almost the same ammount of memory as tweetdeck
There is retweet but it is hard to find - you have to mouse over the avatar and RT and a few other options are there.
So, no retweet like Echofon eh? But I'll still try this out for when I'm not tweeting on my phone, Mac, or using Firefox.


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"IT'S A TRIAL SEPARATION": It's quite sweet that Mark and Marc are doing a joint trail for their new shows on 6 and 2 respectively:
"After all these years of being called Lard, you're going to have use your real name..."
"Oh, yeah. What is it, again?"
[Sound of rustling paper]
"Marc Riley..."
Friday, April 09, 2004
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What's underneath the Masonic Temple? Why does the Hutton Building have a walk-in safe on every floor? And what's behind the door behind the garbage goat? Is it garbage?
This new series by videographer Nathan Brand explores the history of Spokane with questions like those. In Episode 1, we find out: What's with those weird bear murals underneath the former Dutch's music shop at 415 W. Main Ave.?
If you know of weird tunnels or other histories mysteries you'd like cleared up, send an email to [email protected]
Showing 1-11 of 11
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Honey, I Shrunk the Kids/Honey, I'm the Sorcerer's Apprentice
From The TV IV
Honey, I'm the Sorcerer's Apprentice | |
Season 2, Episode 11 | |
Airdate | December 19, 1998 |
Production Number | 211 |
Writer(s) | Sandy Gunter |
Director(s) | Scott McGinnis |
← 2x10 Honey, I've Joined the Big Top |
2x12 → Honey, I'm King of the Rocket Guys |
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids — Season Two |
This article about an episode needs to be expanded with more information. Please help out by editing it. |
Honey, I'm the Sorcerer's Apprentice is the eleventh episode of the second season of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and the thirty-third episode overall.
Guest Stars: George Buza (Chief Jake McKenna), Bruce Jarchow (H. Gordon Jennings), Hilary Alexander (Ms. Elders), Ron Carsen (Prosecutor), Bernard Cuffling (Keeper of the Quintessence Stone), Len Harvey (First Man), Jay Morberg (First Lackey), Patricia Benedict (Judge Alma), Bryan Cranston (Ronald "Cheezy" Meezy), James Kirk Jarrett (Stunt Lawyer), Frank Takacs (Second Bailiff), Robert Manitopyes (Second Lackey), Douglas MacLeod (Second Man)
Contents |
Plot Overview
Arc Advancement
The Show
Behind the Scenes
Allusions and References
Memorable Moments
- Overall Grade: no reviews yet
- Review Breakdown: A+: 0 A: 0 A-: 0 B+: 0 B: 0 B-: 0 C+: 0 C: 0 C-: 0 D: 0 F: 0


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Personnel changes, new programs and technology, and serious consideration of a new jail are a few of the things Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile has on his agenda for 2017. Faile, who won reelection to a third term in November, said he ended 2016 with some personnel changes in the investigations unit to replace Capt. Craig Bailey, who retired after 25 years in law enforcement.
Dr. Richard Townsend remembers arriving in Lancaster in 1986. It was the end of June. His new OB/GYN office had no furniture and no air conditioning. He sat on the floor and ate a sandwich before starting a night shift at Springs Memorial Hospital. Townsend's wife and family were still in Pennsylvania. Their Lancaster home was under construction, so he slept at the hospital for the first month.
Under cold, grey skies with forecasters still calling for significant snowfall, Gov. Nikki Haley declared a state of emergency late Friday to cope with the approaching winter storm, and Lancaster County residents jammed stores buying up ice melt and last-minute groceries. As the day progressed, snow predictions increased slightly, and a fine, cold mist was falling. "The most recent forecast is calling for 3 to 6 inches of snow, with very little ice," said Darren Player, the county's emergency management director.
New Year's Day is traditionally a time of change, but several Indian Land homeowners are facing an immense change this year – as of 12:01 a.m. Jan.1 some or all of their property moved to North Carolina. The changes, which affect four houses in the Bridgehampton neighborhood, are the result of a 20-year effort to reestablish the 334-mile South Carolina/North Carolina border.
The year began on a positive note for Lancaster County, with a new report showing its per-capita income now in the top 10 among the Palmetto State's 46 counties. And the county appeared well-positioned for continued strong economic growth. Jamie Gilbert, director of the county's new Economic Development Department, predicted 1,200 new jobs and $50 million in new investment will likely be announced within the first six months of 2017.
Frigid temperatures are guaranteed and a blanket of snowfall is likely for Lancaster County this weekend as a blustery storm swings up the East Coast. A winter-storm warning is in effect for the county from late tonight through Saturday afternoon. The National Weather Service in Columbia upgraded its watch to a warning Thursday afternoon. The snow forecast has changed several times the past couple of days. The latest estimate puts most of the county in the 2- to 5-inch zone. But everyone agrees about the frigid temperatures ahead.
Linda Blackmon was not sworn in as a Lancaster City Council member Tuesday, and city officials said state law bars her from taking office until a voter-fraud challenge to her election is resolved in court. Municipal Judge Bob Davis swore in council members Tamara Green Garris and Sara Eddins, incumbents reelected Nov. 8, at Tuesday night's meeting. But Blackmon, who sat in the audience, was not allowed to take the District 3 seat.
Andrew Jackson State Park has a lot to celebrate in 2017. It's a milestone year with the 250th birthdate of the seventh president of the United States, 50th anniversary of the "Boy of the Waxhaws" park sculpture and 20th year of the active Friends of Andrew Jackson State Park group. Park officials are working to organize an event each month, with the biggest effort put into Andrew Jackson's 250th birthday celebration March 25. It is dubbed the Golden Sestercentennial.
From release Indian Land American Legion Post 250's charter is now in. The post has been busy the last two months of 2016. It placed 70 flags at cemetery grave sites. It made a pact with the local Boy Scouts to give Eagle Scout awards. It collected food for the needy and donated about 40 toys to Toys for Tots. The post's January project will be to collect school supplies for local schools.
The S.C. Battleground Preservation Trust will hold a public meeting today to discuss the two Revolutionary War sites in Lancaster County – the Battle of the Waxhaws and the Battle of Hanging Rock. The 6 p.m. meeting at Buford Recreation Center, 4073 Hurley Walter Road, will provide information and solicit comments, suggestions and recommendations. The National Park Service awarded the S.C. Battleground Trust a two-year grant to research the 20 significant American Revolution clashes in the Carolinas and develop precise battlefield maps.


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Diesel and drinking water just don't mix, and this is our chance to tell that to the EPA.
Hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," is a dangerous drilling technique done by blasting millions of gallons of a chemical-water-sand mixture deep into the Earth to break up rock formations and harvest oil and gas.
Waterfowl, fish and imperiled species like the California condor are hurt by fracking and the industrial development that comes with it. Fracking also emits methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas, and opens up new areas for fossil fuel development when a rapid transition to clean and renewable energy should be our number one priority.
In 2005 a law known as the "Halliburton loophole" exempted toxic chemicals that are used in fracking -- like arsenic and lead -- from regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act with the exception of diesel fuel. The EPA has just asked for public comment on how it should regulate the use of diesel fuel in fracking.
Diesel is highly toxic because it contains poisonous chemicals like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. Please use the form below to tell the EPA you support an immediate ban on fracking with diesel.


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NOTTINGHAM, England (AFP) - Leicester's League Cup tie at Nottingham Forest was abandoned after the Championship club's defender Clive Clarke collapsed at half-time.
Clarke needed treatment in the Leicester dressing room at the interval of the second round match on Tuesday and was taken by ambulance for hospital examination.
Although Clarke was conscious by the time he left the City Ground, the restart was delayed for 25 minutes before the match was called off.
Forest boss Colin Calderwood and Leicester manager Martin Allen came onto the pitch to announce the decision to the crowd over the public address system.
Calderwood said: "We are afraid that due to the serious illness of a Leicester player both clubs have agreed to postpone the match."
Leicester confirmed that Clarke "was in a stable condition... but would be kept in hospital overnight to monitor his progress".
League One Forest had been beating their local rivals 1-0 through Junior Agogo's 31st-minute strike.


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Go Back! Mother3Possible Hero? - by ozwalled
Other Submissions by ozwalled
Author | Title | Description | Date | Rank |
ozwalled | Handsome Tom: creepy little fella' |
Another experiment in subdued colours, it's Threed's Handsome Tom, out (or being taken out?) on an evening prowl. For the record, I find that Handsome Tom is infinitly more interesting to colour than his counterpart, Smilin' Sam. I mean, who MAKES a purple-skinned dummy?... Now THAT'S creepy.
6/24/05 | 0.00 |
ozwalled | Blue it. |
Another insane cultist of the Happy-Happy, ready to apply a coat of blue.
6/25/05 | 8.00 |
ozwalled | Mr. Saturn (on blue background) |
Another Mr. Saturn that I whipped up. I think it turned out fairly well, probably better than my previous versions.
6/24/05 | 0.00 |
ozwalled | The Windup... |
Another old pic that was taking up space on my harddrive. I'd meant to do more to it, but I liked the energy it has already and was never sure how to go about improving it.
4/12/09 | 0.00 |
ozwalled | French Kiss of Death |
Another one of those enemies I previously just wasn't sure how I could tackle and make interesting. However, I think I may have plagarized the idea from someone around the site for the greenish drool stuff (not sure WHO though, if anyone... maybe it was such a great idea I figure it MUST have been someone else's...). :/ The tastebuds texture was a last minute addition, but I thought it really helped the picture overall in the end.
10/27/05 | 8.00 |


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On whether the Kings looked like a championship team:
"We struggled for the first half of the game. I think Jordan Nolan's fight gave us a little energy, and obviously the power play goal in the third was huge."
On whether the third period penalty kill was as important of a turning point:
"Oh, they've got a good power play. Percentage-wise, it's a really good power play, and personnel-[wise] it's a really good power play, so you have to try and manage your way around it. My biggest concern, obviously, is we didn't have a power play yet going into the third. I think…we had…only nine power plays in five games, so the only time we get to practice it is in practice."
On whether Monday's performance was the best of the season:
"Not tonight it wasn't, no."
On whether this has been the team's best stretch of play this season:
"[We] played well in Edmonton and Calgary, yeah."
On whether he was happy with Davis Drewiske, given the added ice time:
"He didn't get any more minutes than he normally gets."
On the team's third period performance:
"Well, it's a tied game going into the third. Their team played last night, so you're hoping you have a little bit more than they do in the tank. It's simple. The schedule is such – and you hear other teams talking about it – back to back is hard on the guys that played the night before."
On whether there is a rule that you can decline a penalty shot and take a power play:
"I don't know, but I could make it up and say I don't know. No, you can't. I don't think you can, can you? It's funny, I told Brownie this morning – because we were watching shootouts early this morning – I told Brownie if you get a chance, go in there and fake forehand, go backhand on him. As usual, the players don't listen to the coach. He went in, faked his backhand, went to his forehand."
On whether better goaltending and defense was the difference between the two Anaheim games:
"Clearly both. But that game also, we chased the lead. Everybody forgets about it – we didn't give up seven. We gave up six. Seven was an empty net. We came two-nothing down. We tied it two-two. We made it four-four. The difference in the game was that. It wasn't that dramatic of a difference in the two games."
On whether this game was a measuring stick:
"There's no measuring stick in a 48-game schedule when you play as much as there is going on here. There's no measuring stick. It's just every game is park and ride, right? Pay the toll. Get in the fast lane."
On whether he looks at the standings:
"Absolutely. Shorter season, the math tightens up. There are going to be eight teams that make it and seven that don't."
On being in the top eight:
"It's good. We were [in the top eight] the other afternoon. When we walked out we were in it, and by the time I got home and got my jammies on, we were out of it."
On whether he'll enjoy the victory until tomorrow:
"Not really. Before the game was over, I was thinking about Detroit, who was guaranteed sitting up there watching us. I kind of figured that."
On Dustin Penner being in a reflective mood after the game:
"My goodness, what is he, 29?"
On if he's noticed any difference in Penner's play from when he was scratched earlier in the season:
"Yeah, he's playing. He gets to play. I'll make the decision before the next game again."
On any team winning on any given night:
"That's what the salary cap did, right? It made everybody equal. That's why you've had seven different champions. Teams that make it, teams that don't make it. [There's] clear parity in the league. It used to be top guys, bottom guys…Now everybody's the same. Really, when there's no out of conference play, [there are] 15 teams, right? So the three teams that had great starts are teams that are 15 points ahead of everybody."
On when he'll decide who starts on Wednesday:
"Probably Tuesday night."
On whether there's an update on Alec Martinez:
"No. He's on injured reserve…when he comes off injured reserve, you know the update. Active, non-roster, inactive, injured, hurt, sick, not dressed, healthy scratch, on waivers."
On whether he's any closer to coming off IR:
"When he's off, then he's off."


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Invaluable cannot guarantee the accuracy of translations through Google Translate and disclaims any responsibility for inaccurate translations.
Lot 142: PAIR OF FANGHU 方壺 VASES WITH ENAMEL CLOISONNÉ
Fine Asian Art
by Galerie Zacke Vienna
19 November 2016
Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Live Auction
Bronze and enamel. China, Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912)
These vases resemble the archaic Fanghu ( 方壺, quadratic Hu) design, which was particularly popular during the Han dynasty. The foot is tapered and quadratic, the neck and mouth opening on the other hand are circular. The handles are formed as birds. The enamel décor offers stylized taotie masks ( 饕餮 ) on a horizontal frieze flanged at the corners. The leaf shaped reserves below them form flowers. A Chinese inscription on the bottom. Patina, possibly patinated.
From a Viennese private collection, afterwards collection Sohel Ch., New-Delhi - Vienna
A noteworthy share of the antiques offered here – around 130 lots – originate from the Collection Sohel Ch., a successful business man from Delhi who spent many years in Vienna. The part of his collection, which we here offer, was mainly acquired in the art trade of Vienna. The chief reason for his collecting activity, which he perpetuated with considerable specialized knowledge, sense for quality and great committment, was to establish a private Asian museum in his native city of New Delhi. Because of severe illness, it was impossible for him to realize his plan and he thus decided to submit us the entire complex of his "Viennese collection" for sale.
來自 Sohel Ch. 先生的舊藏
這本圖錄所紀錄的藝術品的大部分(約130件)來自 Sohel Ch. 先生的舊藏。這位收藏家是個來自新德里的古董拒買,曾有數年住在維也納。這次所介紹的藝術品主要來自他的維也納分點。他數十年的努力,知識和質量敏感都曾進入他的收藏活動,結果之一為在其城市,新德里,收藏到了一個原來屬於私人亞洲美術館的收藏的全部藏品。很不幸的是這位收藏家最近生病極為嚴重,無法實現自己原來對藝術藏品的願望,結果把全部維也納分店的收藏提供給拍賣公司給以賣出。


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Ace has a kind of "what about my privacy rights" smackdown. I wasn't aware that once I had your IP address I could pay $50 for a simple program to find your exact street location, and then a interent reverse-address look-up to find your name. And then find your employer. You would think that alone would force some to be polite on blogs, wouldn't you?
But as Ace points out, none of us are really that interesting.
So for the weekend open thread tell me who you call. Let's just get this out in the open since the government has practically got cameras in our home now.
Me first.
Now, I HATE the phone. Always have. I never never answer it. Caller ID and the "no call" list was a gift from God just for me. So my list is sorta short. Here is who I call or who call me:
My kids, to tell me why they are late.
My Mom, Mother-in-law, brothers, and various sister-in-laws to talk about our kids and why they are always late and when the next visit is.
My best friends, to talk about our kids and how to keep them from being late all the time and sometimes an occasional chicken recipe.
The schools, to ask if I could volunteer for the 5,987th time.
The Church, to ask if I could volunteer for the 7,645th time.
Now, I KNOW most of you don't have as boring a life as I do. So hit me with some juicy phone calls. If the government is listening in, then the least you can do is share with me as well.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Super Secrets.
Posted by RightwingSparkle at 4:15 PM
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ōHere, you!ö Bender Cotman roused from his bored doze to find the gaoler with a meal. ōBest get that down you right quick--seems as your presence is wanted by the KingÆs Lord Halladan within an hour. IÆm not certain as why the likes of youÆs wanted by the likes of him, but there it is. Now, them other ones--the Southerners as attacked the Hobbit lass--anyone from outside the village who wants to deal with them is welcome to them. But you....ö His attitude made it clear to Cotman, however, that in spite of being one of BreeÆs own, as he had brought shame on the village by attacking the KingÆs representative perhaps it was best Lord Halladan got him, too. The folk of Bree werenÆt completely certain what news of the new King meant to the Breelands and its environs, but any insult to his folk was definitely an affront to themselves as well. The farmer quickly realized that the gaoler, in spite of being one of his gambling companions most evenings at the Silver Fox, was not now any sort of ally.
After the meal a basin of warm water, soap, flannels and towels and a comb were brought to him and he was ordered to prepare himself as fully as he could in the time allowed him. When at last he was released from his cell it was to find that two Rangers were there to take him and the two Southerner ruffians imprisoned some weeks earlier in the marketplace in hand. Outside the gaol stood several more, and with the gaoler in attendance they marched the three of them through the village to the Grange Hall.
Cotman noted that the oldest Blackroot boy was present, his scowling mother at his side and the youth in his best and least comfortable garb, and realized that Rangers must have been questioning several individuals about his movements in the last few weeks. He was beginning to feel more uncomfortable, but still hoped to brazen it out until he saw three of those whoÆd been in the Silver Fox last night enter, followed some minutes later by Delric Safflower and then Jape from the Prancing Pony. Then the youngest of the Rangers, the one with the hound at his side, entered carrying a wooden case and accompanied by that Master Alvric. The one bright note in this was that AlvricÆs left arm was bound to him by means of a scarf, and Cotman was glad heÆd managed to at least leave his mark on the Man.
Each of the prisoners was given a seat in a sturdy chair, and their left legs were bound to the corresponding leg of their chair. Cotman found this rather disconcerting, but reflected that at least it rendered the two ruffians less capable of doing anything threatening. Once that one-handed Lindor Greenwillow entered with that wooden staff of his it appeared that perhaps the situation would be dealt with.
Normally the gaol in Bree held either individuals whoÆd made nuisances of themselves while drunk or had quarreled loudly with spouses or neighbors or both. These spent the night sleeping off what theyÆd had, paid their fines to the gaoler (or promised to pay as soon as they might), signed the book, and were sent on their way. Those taken cutting purses in the marketplace or stealing from other Breefolk were usually brought before the Breelands Council when it met in the Grange Hall on Trewsday mornings, and could expect to spend up to a month further in the gaol and not only be required to make recompense but to pay a hefty fine depending on their history. Those taken in their fourth offense were shown the Bounds and told not to return to the Breelands under any circumstances. The few whoÆd been caught involved in highway robbery or other footpad work were usually ordered beaten with ten stripes and again shown the bounds; or, if the matter was serious enough they might even be hung.
Now and then the Rangers would request the use of a cell for someone they brought in, usually not for long. When those who brought such prisoners into Bree left again the prisoners usually went with them, often with their hands tied behind their backs and a rope about their necks, hurrying to keep up as they trailed behind the Rangers and their horses; and the gaoler always was entrusted with a fee to pay for the meals served them and the care given such prisoners during their stay. One gaoler had thought to pocket these fees without doing aught for his charges, and was himself given ten stripes and shown the bounds on the demand of the Rangers, the Breelands Council itself agreeing for once with the tall strangers from the north.
These two Southerners had remained in the gaol for about a month, and speculation as to what would become of them was rife. Why the Rangers had left them so long was discussed, and now a good deal of the village itself gathered to see them brought before the one identified as Lord Halladan, the Ranger theyÆd always called Slow Talk.
ōAll rise! Lord Halladan son of Halbaleg, Lord Steward of Arnor under the authority of our Lord King Aragorn Elessar Envinyatar Telcontar, King of Arnor and Gondor.ö
That one entered, and all rose to their feet as he crossed to the table set for him, sitting only once he was seated. He wasnÆt in worn green riding leathers this time--he wore new ones of a dark grey with an eight-pointed silver star inlaid into the leather on the upper left breast. He wore a silver circlet today, and his great swordÆs sheath lay against the floor behind him as he accepted a sheaf of paper from the Ranger known in the Breelands as the Scribe. He set these in front of himself and examined them carefully before looking at the two Southerners. Without taking his eyes from the prisoners he said, ōWill you please read the charges, Lord Berevrion?ö
Berevrion was serving as clerk; he took the papers from before Halladan and read, ōHere are brought before Halladan son of Halbaleg, Steward of Arnor in the name of the High King Aragorn, the Lord Elessar Envinyatar Telcontar, two from beyond our southern borders, Ternish, apparently from Isengard, and Bertelion son of Redik of Dunland, taken in the marketplace in Bree, where prisoner Ternish was threatening Petunia Bracegirdle, a minor Perian of the Shire visiting in Bree with her family, her father being Bartolo Bracegirdle of Hardbottle in the Shire where he serves as a lawyer, her mother being Delphinium Baggins Bracegirdle, a goodwife, both being kinsmen to the Ringbearer, Frodo Baggins, the Lord Iorhael to all the Free Peoples of Middle Earth, sojourning here in the Breelands on the business of Lord Frodo and for the good of the Shire. The prisoner Ternish did recognize the minor Perian Petunia Bracegirdle as a Hobbitess of the Shire and sought to lay hands on her, threatening her with vile physical harm and possible death, saying that in harming her he would be avenged on what he felt he lost in being banished from the Shire when the Periannath of the Shire rose up against the private army of ruffians, thieves, brigands, and half-orcs sent into the Shire by the traitor Istar Saruman, known also as CurunĒr, originally given to the service of Lotho Sackville-Baggins who sought to make himself supreme ruler of all who dwell in that land and later serving Saruman on his arrival, that service continuing on after the assassination of Lotho Sackville-Baggins by the Rohir GrĒma Wormtongue on the orders of Saruman, whom these called by the name Sharkey.
ōThis incident was witnessed by Teregion son of Faradir and by Lindor Greenwillow. Lindor used his staff upon the prisoner Ternish to fell him that he do no harm to the Hobbit lass, and with TeregionÆs aid took both of them prisoner. They were searched, and jewelry, some found on their persons and others found left hidden at their camp, was recovered. Most of the jewelry was of silver but a few items were of gold and one had mithril fittings, several with lesser gems and stones, most of Hobbit and Dwarf make. Along with the jewelry found upon their persons were the weapons that lie in evidence.ö Berevrion indicated a table to one side on which lay one long knife, a dagger, a boot knife, one knife in a sheath to hide within a sleeve, a kosh made of lead beads wrapped in leather, a fine wire cable with wooden handles on each end, and a wooden club.
HalladanÆs eyes were drawn to the wire and grew hard. ōWhich carried the strangling wire?ö he asked.
Berevrion consulted a separate sheet, then reported, ōThe prisoner Ternish, hidden within his belt.ö
ōDoes it appear to have been used?ö
ōYes, my lord. There were found hairs and what appears to be dried blood where one of the handles was bored for the wire to be secured, and another hair was caught more toward the center of the wire, caught into the cable. The nature of the hairs indicates the victim or victims were likely Periannath, or perhaps a Man with curly hair similar to that of the Hobbits. There is no way in which we can be certain how recently the strangling wire was used. Shall I continue with the remainder of the charges, my Lord?ö
ōYes, go ahead.ö
Barti listened with a growing horror, the thought of that wire on his mind. This Ternish was the one who had threatened Pet, and heÆd carried such a thing hidden inside his belt? Had he used it within the Shire? HeÆd seen the report sent by Frodo Baggins to the Guild of lawyers, family heads, and village heads of how many Hobbits besides Lotho Sackville-Baggins were still missing. Had that wire been used on one or more of them?
Berevrion continued, ōAfter one item was identified to have been the promise necklace received by the Perian Lobelia Sackville-Baggins from her deceased husband, apparently taken from among her possessions in the Hobbit residence Bag End in the Shire village of Hobbiton and the other items failed to be reported missing from any within the Breelands, correspondence was sent to Lord Frodo, who served as deputy Mayor of the Shire, advising him more jewelry stolen from his people had been located. The jewelry was sent to him by way of the Shire lawyer, Master Bartolo Bracegirdle. A response from Lord Frodo was received five days past. The bulk of the objects found had been in the keeping of Mistress Lobelia and her son Lotho Sackville-Baggins, and had apparently been stolen from Bag End after Mistress Lobelia was incarcerated in the Lockholes in Michel Delving with the complicity of the fallen Istar Saruman, and most likely after the assassination of Lotho Sackville-Baggins. Unfortunately, most of these items had been in their turn stolen from other Hobbits of the Shire by Mistress Lobelia and Master Lotho. Many of these items have been identified and returned to the original owners or their primary heirs. Word is being awaited from other possible victims from among those who live in the Southfarthing and elsewhere that were visited by the Sackville-Bagginses.
ōIt is his report further that Mistress Lobelia repented of her earlier evil as well as that wrought by her son, and has sought to make all right, offering the bulk of her property and that left by Lotho Sackville-Baggins for purposes of reparations to those who lost much as a result of LothoÆs complicity with SarumanÆs Men and schemes. The items in question remain in the hands of Mayor Will Whitfoot, having returned to his customary office since the election held at the Midsummer Free Fair in Michel Delving pending final identification.
ōThe prisoner Bertelion held most of the jewelry carried with them in his possession, and bore the fewer weapons, carrying a dagger, boot knife, and kosh. He also spoke out against the prisoner TernishÆs stated desire to take possession of the Hobbit lass and cause harm to her.ö
ōI see.ö For a time there was silence, and Halladan considered the two of them thoughtfully. He turned to the one who was more obviously a Man. ōYou are Bertelion son of Redik?ö
ōYes, my lord.ö BertÆs voice was tired, and it sounded as if he were resigned to his fate, whatever that might prove to be.
ōYou are from Dunland?ö
ōI am.ö
ōHow did you come into the employ of Isengard?ö
He shrugged. ōWe had little enough on the farm me folks had what I growed up on. Land was wore out, ÆnÆ wouldnÆt support us. There was a Man what come among us from Isengard what said as there was work for them what would have it. I went.ö
ōHow old were you?ö
ōFourteen summers.ö
Barti felt cold at that. He knew that Men became adults earlier than Hobbits, but that was too young even for Men to be out on their own, he was certain. Nor was the rest of the story much better. Some of the older ones who left Dunland with Bertelion disappeared almost as soon as they arrived, being led into the caverns that riddled the stone beneath Isengard, particularly there at the back of it where the ring adjoined the mountains. Some were trained for the guard, while a few that were more skilled at speaking and persuasion were sent out from time to time to recruit more to SarumanÆs service or to foment discontent in this place or that. A certain number were used as messengers and couriers, going between Isengard and a certain place not far north of Cair Andros on the River Anduin where they would meet with agents of the Enemy.
Bert was usually sent as a bodyguard with those sent eastward or back north into Dunland. HeÆd not been found particularly good in the use of weapons of war, but he was excellent with his fists and with intimidation--when he set his mind to it, at least. Now and then heÆd found he didnÆt like the one he was sent to guard, and then there had been trouble for him.
ōFinally got sent north-aways,ö he said. ōSpent most a year in Tharbad, workinÆ at whatever jobs theyÆd give me and spyinÆ fer Sharkey. Saw that prince fellow from Gondor go through, searchinÆ fer Imladris. Sent word south next timeÆs one oÆ our lads come through headinÆ back to Isengard. Sharkey decided the timeÆd come to send us further north ÆnÆ make an impression there, or so he said. Sent a number of us, includinÆ a fair number of his type.ö He indicated Ternish. ōTheseÆd come out from the caverns from time to time--good ones to have by you in a fight, but hot tempered--too quick tÆ take offense. Make good bully-boys, they do.ö
ōDid Saruman also call for girls and women to come to him?ö Halladan asked.
ōFrom time to time. A few worked in the tower; most was taken back further into the vale, but we never saw as where they went. Now ÆnÆ then a woman would--would be given to us, and we could do as we pleased with her. Most oÆ those, however, was women from Rohan or, once, Gondor, and a couple times from Tharbad. Sharkey said as these was useless for--for whatever it was as he was doinÆ witÆ most oÆ them as weÆd not see again.ö
Halladan and Berevrion and a few of the other Rangers present exchanged looks. Berevrion asked, ōHis Uruk-hai breeding program, do you think?ö
Halladan was slowly nodding his head, his expression tired. ōSo it sounds. When the Ents drowned the Circle of Isengard, how many innocent women and children might have died there? I will have to send word to our Lord Cousin, and perhaps he can obtain the help of the Dwarves to check what might now be seen.ö
Suddenly the import of that exchange hit Bartolo, just after a quick glance sideways at Merimac BrandybuckÆs face showed it grey with alarm. Barti shot to his feet. ōYou saying as this--this Sharkey was--was breeding Men like we do pigs???ö
Halladan fixed his eyes on Ternish while giving a slight nod. ōOh, yes. Seeking to breed a variety of orc that could tolerate Sun and Moonlight, and that was larger and more muscular and more prone to blindly follow orders than most orcs.
Barti realized how sickened he must look when Mac set a hand on his shoulder with a quiet word. ōThis is part of what has bothered Frodo so, I think,ö the MasterÆs brother murmured.
Apparently Halladan heard that as he cast his eye at Merimac. ōOh, yes, it is very likely that Master Frodo was made aware of such things. He stated more than once that as the Ring gained in power It showed him scenes of torture, murder, and depravity to his own torment, seeking to convince him that if he would only take and claim It he could stop it all.ö
ōYou mean that he--a Hobbit of the Shire--could claim that thing, claim It and use It?ö asked the lawyer, intrigued in spite of himself.
ōAnyone who held It might make shift to claim It,ö Halladan sighed, sitting back in his chair and massaging at his forehead with thumb and index finger. ōAnd it is likely the Ring would allow him to think he controlled It for a time, until It could betray him. When the Ring was worn It could use that to advertise Its own whereabouts to the servants of the Enemy, particularly the Ringwraiths, if they were within a few leagues of It. And the more powerful the one who held It, the more easily the Ring could catch at that innate power and authority both to use that power to Its own ends and to seek to twist the bearer to destroy his integrity. But Its primary aim was ever to be reunited with Its maker, with Sauron, once more.ö
ōNor,ö Berevrion added, ōdid Its influence touch only those who physically held It. It could sense ambition, and It would ever reach out toward those with ambition, seeking to catch at their imaginations, inflaming them with the idea that they could not only reach those ambitions but could surpass them. So it was that It in the end caught Boromir son of Denethor, whose greatest desire was to be the hero who saw to it his land and city were freed forever from the threat of Mordor and SauronÆs desire for vengeance. He sought to assault Frodo on Amon Hen and take It from him by force, leading Frodo to break with the rest of the Fellowship to spare Boromir and the others Its further immediate influence. But Saruman himself was also caught by It, though he was so very far from It. One who came from the source from which he came, with the potential of taking SauronÆs own place--the Ring would have been a direct threat to him, Gandalf, and Radagast, IÆd think.ö
ōAnd what Aragorn has admitted of the images It raised in his own thoughts and dreams,ö began Halladan, his gaze fixed again on Ternish. ōHe stated that several times he feared one night he would awaken to find himself strangling or smothering Frodo to take It for himself. It would have been delighted to destroy his integrity.ö
ōThen, if It was so strong, whyÆd anyone trust a mere Hobbit with It?ö Bartolo demanded.
Halladan and Berevrion turned to look at him. ōHe offered to take It where It could be destroyed,ö Halladan said simply. ōAnd heÆd held It for seventeen years and managed to keep It from destroying his integrity over that period of time. What It did to him in those years, though, whoÆs to say? However, today with the likes of that--ö he indicated Ternish, ō--before us and the thoughts of how he came to be, I cannot but think on how knowledge of this and the RingÆs baleful influence have worked to damage the beloved Lord Frodo Baggins.ö
Ternish was glowering. ōYou sayinÆ as IÆm not natural?ö he spat out.
ōWho was your father?ö
ōHowÆd I know that?ö
ōEven your companion knows who fathered him,ö Halladan pointed out. ōWhat of your mother?ö
ōI killed her.ö
ōShe tried to say no to me when I was breakinÆ things.ö
Bert, sitting in the next chair, sought to shrink away from Ternish. Berevrion was frowning and HalladanÆs gaze was stern. Barti sank back into his seat.
The rest of the trial of these two went more swiftly. Bert admitted he had taken most of the jewelry from a chest in LothoÆs room, but that once heÆd sneaked into LobeliaÆs bedroom and had taken the promise necklace and two other pieces at that time. On learning of these pieces having disappeared Lotho, whoÆd still at the time been allowed to think of himself as being in charge, had sought to determine the identity of the thief and had threatened horrible vengeance should anyone enter his motherÆs room again. Lobelia had locked her door after that; and the one individual whoÆd later been caught trying to break into it was beaten by the others within an inch of his life.
What appalled Barti next was the freely made admission by Ternish that heÆd gladly taken part in the arrests and beatings of Hobbits whoÆd been accused of speaking out against Lotho and later Sharkey. He even admitted to killing two Hobbits, although he had no knowledge of their identities or curiosity toward the feelings of their families. Bert scraped his chair even further away from his former partner at that admission.
There was no question that Bertelion son of Redik was anything but a decent sort himself. What he admitted of his actions within the Shire was bad enough. HeÆd been promised heÆd be made a governor of part of the Shire, although he admitted the time for this desired end kept being put off, again and again. HeÆd taken part in the ōgathering and sharingö as well as assaults on farms, businesses, and homes of those whoÆd spoken out against Lotho or his closest supporters. Here Mac was allowed to ask questions, confirming that Bert had taken part in the firing of fields in the southern reaches of Buckland and the eastern Tooklands, and that heÆd been one of those whoÆd terrorized and eventually beaten the sister of Marcos Smallburrow after sheÆd publicly upbraided their imperious mother and denounced his actions. Bert had been originally stationed near Waymeet, but had been shifted to Bag End itself when Lotho had become convinced the Hobbits of the Shire sought to assassinate him, at which time heÆd demanded the biggest, most intimidating of the Big Men be brought to protect him--a move that in the end made it easier to isolate him and make him a victim once Sharkey arrived.
It took little consideration for Halladan to determine the fate of each. He examined TernishÆs eyes one last time. ōTomorrow you will be taken south beyond the boundaries of the Breelands, and you will be hung as cleanly as possible. Your admission that you began slaying with your own mother as well as your lack of concern for those you slew within the Shire makes it plain you are a danger to any and all who might come into contact with you.
ōAs for you,ö he said, shifting his attention to Bert, ōyou will be taken to Gondor to the marble quarries that feed the needs of Minas Tirith, Osgiliath, and the other northern cities and towns. You will serve there for ten years in whatever capacity the masters of the quarries consider best. You will be granted a wage for this service to be paid to you at your release from enforced servitude; you will then be escorted to the borders of Dunland and released. Should you be found after that in the lands administered by Gondor or Arnor outside the borders of Dunland, you will be retaken and hung summarily. Word of this judgment will be shared with authorities in Rohan, and it is likely that should you be found in their territories they will seek to do likewise. Do you understand?ö
Pale, Bert nodded. ōYes, my Lord.ö
ōSo let it be noted, and let the report of this trial be forwarded to our Lord King Aragorn in Minas Tirith in Gondor, and records be placed in the archives of Ann·minas and Fornost as well as the local records here in the Breelands,ö Halladan noted. ōTake these two away.ö
A recess was called, and refreshments were offered to those who were witnessing the trials, sufficient to the needs of those Hobbits present. Bartolo found himself standing by Berevrion and Merimac. ōWhat was said of Frodo Baggins,ö he began, ōof how the Ring was--was working to change him--how likely is that?ö
ōThere is no question that the Ring sought to change him, and he admitted It often showed him images of great evil, at least a few of which he described afterward. There in Ithilien where he awoke he remembered a vision It showed him of Men taken by orcs whoÆd managed to escape and hide in a small cleft. The orcs could not retake them, but walled them in with great stones and left them to die. The Rangers of Ithilien recognized the cleft as Lord Frodo described it, and were able to find those two Men yet alive. They have now been restored to their families.
ōThe Ring and the quest have left his health impaired--there is no question of that. Certainly he cannot eat as do the others, and both my Lord Cousin and Lord Elrond of Rivendell watched over him carefully.ö
Barti could see the grief and acceptance in the StewardÆs eyes as Halladan joined them. The Northern Steward added softly, ōIt took a good deal to eke from him during our return northward that he believed the Ring Itself had most likely been to blame also for his failure to marry. Afterwards he slept badly, and for two days following we had to travel more slowly if we were to spare him further distress. My Lord Cousin feared that his beloved friendÆs health might well deteriorate, and I grieve that it appears to have begun doing so indeed. It is a grievous loss to both the Shire and to the realm that he has felt unequal to serving as properly elected Mayor, for he is one of the most responsible of mortals I have ever had the great honor to meet, and his service would only have done well by your land and ours. I ask each of you to bear back to him my sorrow that he felt unequal to continuing as he had begun in the duties of the Mayor, and that his health is not what it should be. And bear him also my respects for his decision, and my love for him as one who has been granted the chance to know him during our time together.ö
Reluctantly Barti agreed to do what was asked of him, while Mac solemnly promised the same.
Mac had other concerns. He began, carefully, ōYou say this Ring would seek to take people. What does that mean?ö
Halladan sighed. ōIt sought to cause people to claim It, for once they took It with the intent to hold It and the power It contained for their own purposes It could take them completely, destroying what remained of their own personality and will in the process. There in Orodruin It was at Its strongest, for there It had been wrought, in that place that Sauron had made completely his own. There It took your kinsman....ö
ōIt took him? Frodo? It took him, and he claimed It?ö
ōYes, It took him. Only the fact another who desired It more was at hand, who attacked him and took It from him by force saved him. And he has never forgiven himself that he could not withstand that final assault by It, and sees himself not as conquered but as weak and flawed, that he could not at the end throw himself and It into the fires of the volcano and both be destroyed to the end of Sauron. The Ring knew that this was what he purposed, of course, and would not allow that. So It took him at the end, seeking to keep him from finishing himself and It at the same time.ö
ōBut the one who took It from him?ö
ōHe did not seek to wield it, merely to possess It as heÆd done before. Once he took It from Frodo, along with his finger, that one danced at the edge of the abyss--and slipped and fell, It in his hand. So It was destroyed, and Samwise Gamgee was able to lift up his fallen Master and take him to the one place from which the two of them might be rescued. However, it was a near thing. Both were at the very Gates of Death when Aragorn finally found their spirits to call them back.ö
ōWhy are you telling this to us now?ö demanded Barti. ōNo one would discuss it with me, saying Frodo didnÆt wish anyone to know!ö
ōThat is true, but had you not found out almost all of it anyway, Master Bracegirdle? Had you not already named Master Frodo a coward to his face?ö
Barti looked at Merimac Brandybuck, who was examining him closely. ōI saw Frodo as you left him that morning, Bracegirdle. I had no idea until today what it was heÆd done while they were gone, but I knew that Merry and Pippin and Sam Gamgee knew well enough what it was that had happened to him, and that they all disagreed with Frodo that he had failed at whatever it was heÆd tried to do. And IÆve never, ever, in the fifty-one and a half years IÆve known him, ever found Frodo to act a coward--anything but. I heard Sam when he took you aside after the signing of your sonÆs apprenticeship indentures, where he quietly upbraided you for calling Frodo a coward. And I admit I told Lord Halladan last night you had called him that.ö
Berevrion added, ōNo one but Frodo Baggins could ever have done what was done, to manage to stand against SauronÆs Ring until heÆd brought It to the very brink of the Cracks of Doom, the only place where It might be destroyed at last, allowing Sauron to be defeated completely.ö
Bartolo looked around them and noted that there were no others close enough to have overheard this, the rest having given the two Men and two Shire Hobbits privacy for their quiet discussion. He took a deep breath, then looked up at the StewardÆs face. ōAnd I canÆt speak of this to anyone else, not even my children or wife?ö
ōTrue. Neither you nor Master Brandybuck here.ö
MacÆs face was serious. ōItÆs not fair that Sara and Esme arenÆt allowed to know what befell the one they think of as their older son,ö he pointed out.
ōItÆs not been fair that Master Bracegirdle here has had to work out each and every fact heÆs learned about where Master Frodo went and why as he has had to do, either. The fact remains that your cousin has requested that the facts be kept private that your people not be oppressed by the evil he and the others faced, and out of the deep respect and love we hold for him we have done so. Only because we have learned this one, out of apparently misunderstanding what was actually done, called Lord Frodo a coward was I moved to say more. I cannot allow such a statement to stand uncorrected.
ōWas he frightened? Oh, most certainly. Only a fool would not be frightened. But courage is not about remaining without fear--it is about going on in spite of the fear and doing what must be done. Lord Frodo and Lord Samwise went on when they had a thousand reasons to stop and give over the quest, when they could easily have laid themselves down and died rather than to have to continue on to face the next threat and fear, and the ones after that. They went on, Lord Frodo ever with the threat the Ring would claim him, perhaps the most terrifying threat of all. They knew capture and torture, want and thirst, heat such as you have never experienced, even were you to throw yourself upon one of your Yule bonfires. And he does not wish the horrors of that reality to be made known to your people, even as he forbade those who fought against those two and their fellows to slay those who laid down their weapons that you not learn to be vengeful. He would not have the folk of the Shire learn the evil of the world weÆve faced all our lives. He does not wish you to become fearful of the world and ever suspicious of the intentions of others. He wishes for your people to grow into the outer world and bring to it your own lightheartedness, not to take its insecurities into your lives.ö
It was more food for thought, and as he finally returned to his seat for the trial of Bender Cotman, Bartolo Bracegirdle was beginning to fear he was suffering from a mental form of indigestion.
During the recess Denra Gorse arrived accompanied by Carnation, and the two of them took their places amongst the onlookers. As Lord Halladan returned to his seat all again rose respectfully, and again Berevrion rose to read the charges. The weapons taken from the Southerners had been removed, and now the sand-filled sock lay upon the table. The fact that Merimac Brandybuck, brother and steward to the Master of Buckland, had witnessed the attack on Master Alvric, the Mannish lawyer from the new KingÆs city, and his small dog impressed them, as did the fact that the Hobbit had managed to knock the Big Farmer senseless. Most didnÆt appear as concerned about the attack on the Man as they were about the attack on the dog. In the past few months Holby, walking at the heels of his Master, had become a common enough sight throughout the village, and the animal had become rather a favorite of many within Bree.
A farmer from near Archet, come into the Grange Hall to find out what the to-do was about, stood up rather diffidently, holding his battered straw hat to himself between his gnarled hands. ōAnd whyÆd such a oneÆs Cotman wish tÆhurt this Man ÆnÆ his wee beasty?ö
ōShall we explore that question, then?ö Lord Halladan asked. ōFirst, let us hear from Master Butterbur of the Prancing Pony.ö
Barliman Butterbur, flushing heavily, explained about the question made to him about who within the village might be willing to let rooms to the stranger from the KingÆs city, and how heÆd come to suggest Mistress Gorse, citing the fact sheÆd come to him as head of the Council for the Breelands complaining that she was beset with suitors who wished to add to their own the holdings sheÆd inherited full rights to on the death of her brother, and how sheÆd told him that Bender Cotman had been the worst of the lot. ōI thought as perhaps the presence of a Man within the house might aid her in sendinÆ the unwanted ones on their way--not that Master AlvricÆs the least frighteninÆ--after all, heÆs not a particularly large Man, nor has he much in the way of muscles, mind you. No, a rather quiet and peaceful soul. But, you understand, sometimes just the presence of a Man within the house can be enough to let those as would....ö
Smiling, Lord Halladan cut him off. ōI see, and think we all understand. Thank you, Mr. Butterbur. Mistress Gorse--if you would please stand?ö
Had she had her peace of mind disturbed by these unwanted suitors? ōDisturbed? Oh, IÆm afraid yes, sir. ThereÆs some as canÆt appear to understand as no matter how successful they might be within the Breelands that I myself donÆt find them the sort as IÆm attracted to. And they seem to think as if thereÆs a woman alone as has some property to her name, she ought to be grateful to think as theyÆre willinÆ to help guard it, somehow. My family worked hard to build the wee house as I live in within Bree itself, and weÆve owned the small farm plot toward Archet for six generations now. Me Da, he worked it, he did, as did Fell until he died. IÆve had little interest in workinÆ it myself since then, but itÆs been but slightly over a year since I lost my brother. This next year, IÆve plans for it, and ones already in hand whoÆll help see to it as what we plant onÆt is proper cared for.
ōNow, Master Alvric, heÆs been quite a nice change to the household, he has. First timeÆs weÆve met a Mannish lawyer, and from so far away! HeÆs right polite and respectful, and donÆt assume as a woman aloneÆs afraid to be alone, donÆt you know. When the suitorsÆve come, heÆs ever come to me tÆask if IÆd wish to see them or if IÆd rather them sent on their way, and heÆs ever done only what I said. Now, Bender Cotman, he come to the door ÆnÆ started insistinÆ as of course IÆd welcome his offer to take me under his protection, and wasnÆt goinÆ to listen to different. So Master Alvric come out and told him the law--as a woman has a right to hold propertyÆn her own name ifÆn she wishes and doesnÆt have to marry to keep it. In fact, a woman doesnÆt have to marry less the idea--and the Man as sheÆd marry--both please her. But Mr. Cotman here--he didnÆt cotton to the idea as heÆs no right to try to convince me by borinÆ me to death with the idea as heÆs the only one as knows whatÆs right for me. Master Alvric had to threaten to call for the KingÆs Men to come escort him away afore he finally give up and left. Although, had he any idea as the Rangers is the KingÆs Men, I suspect as heÆd of stayed till grass grew on him.ö
There was some laughter at this. Missus Blackroot from the next house allowed as that was what had indeed happened--sheÆd been aÆsittinÆ on the stoop shellinÆ peas and listeninÆ, after all. Carnation concurred as well, and all could see that in the eyes of the new Steward of Arnor that was another stroke against Bender Cotman.
Next came testimony from several who regularly saw Cotman at the Silver Fox or the Prancing Pony, and the fact heÆd been furious at having been sent on his way from the Gorse door by the Mannish lawyer was affirmed. One of the last to speak was Jape, who told of Cotman approaching Delric Safflower, who was known to be another of those whoÆd been turned away from the Gorse door by Master Alvric, and speaking in low tones about encouraging Master Alvric to leave the Breelands. A Hobbit whoÆd been sitting at the next table had heard more, admitting his attention had been caught by CotmanÆs stated intention to see to the end of the interference of the Mannish Lawyer. HeÆd not heard quite everything said at the next table, but had certainly heard enough to approach Jape about it. Jape had advised him to keep his own counsel for now, and said heÆd keep an eye out for when Master Alvric should return. The Hobbit had not been in the Pony the previous night, him and his missus having been out to his brotherÆs farm along the Staddle Road. Jape remembered that conversation now it was brought back to him, but hadnÆt thought much on it the previous evening as Cotman wasnÆt present in the PonyÆs common room, after all. HeÆd noted the arrival of Master Alvric in company with the Rangers, had noted Mr. Safflower leaving shortly afterwards, and had kept an eye out in case Cotman might come in and perhaps cause problems, but only in the most casual of manners.
ōDidnÆt think as the likes of Cotman would actually think to do naught with Rangers present, I didnÆt.ö
ōWas Mr. Safflower part of this plan, do you think?ö
ōDonÆt know to say, sirs. Only know as Cotman spoke to him the oncet and then tried to make out as Safflower was angered at Master Alvric, and that Safflower left almost as soonÆs Master Alvric and your folks arrived last night. Odd, that, for he donÆt usually leave so quick.ö
When Delric was asked to stand, that he was somewhat uncomfortable was obvious enough. ōDo you remember when Mr. Cotman approached you in the Prancing Pony before Master Alvric left to go north with the Rangers?ö
After a slight hesitation, the Man nodded. ōYes, I member it well enough.ö
ōWhy did he approach you?ö
ōWas still chuffinÆ about him beinÆ sent packinÆ from Miss DenraÆs door, he was. Said as Master Alvric was too big for his waistcoat, and needed remindinÆ not to interfere. Spoke oÆ meetinÆ witÆ him once he got back to Bree--convincinÆ him not to return to the Gorse house.ö
ōDid you seek to discourage him?ö
ōIt was but words, sir.ö
ōYou didnÆt think heÆd actually do something to Master Alvric?ö
Safflower shrugged. ōI suggested as ifÆn he thought as he should waylay Master Alvric, mayhaps it ought tÆ be done outside Bree somewheres, but he said as that was no good, for heÆd be with Rangers, what wouldnÆt allow it. Asked me ifÆn IÆd keep an eye out here in the Pony, ÆnÆ let him know when he got back. Said as heÆd--heÆd speak toÆm--mayhaps convince him to leave Bree and to leave well enough alone. I said as IÆd think onÆt.ö
ōWhere did you go last night when you left the Prancing Pony?ö
Safflower flushed. At last he said, ōTÆ the Silver Fox--let Cotman know as the Mannish lawyer was back. And thatÆs all I did--went home then, expectinÆ to play a game oÆ draughts with my brother, only he werenÆt tÆhome.ö
ōYou didnÆt conspire with him to seek to waylay Master Alvric as he did?ö
ōHow was I tÆrealize as heÆd try such a thing?ö
ōYet you just stated that youÆd suggested that if he were to do just that, he ought to try it outside the Breelands.ö HalladanÆs tone was reasonable, but his eyes examined Safflower closely. ōHow can you now claim you had no idea that was what he intended to do?ö
Delric Safflower ran a finger about the inside of his collar, and his brow was plainly damp with sweat. ōLook, sir--I didnÆt have no hand in this. Now, IÆm not sayinÆ as IÆve been any too pleased to have Master Alvric here and livinÆ in the house oÆ the one woman whatÆs caught my eye. But I wouldnÆt wish tÆsee him ner any other hurt, sir. Cotman asked me to let him know when them come back, and I did, and thatÆs the end of it.ö
ōYou wished that Master Alvric were gone from the Breelands?ö
ōYessir, that I did. Now, he wasnÆt rude tÆme when I come to call; and he didnÆt threaten me; but if Denra Gorse fancies the likes oÆ him rather than a proper Man oÆ Bree--well!ö He glared at the fancily dressed Ranger, as he thought of him, and folded his arms across his chest.
There were a few more questions, but what had happened was reasonably clear in the eyes of those whoÆd come to observe this trial, and Delric Safflower, if not convicted in the hearts of his fellow Breelanders as was true of Bender Cotman, wasnÆt coming off any too well. It was as he finally was ready to sit down that his eyes fell on the object that sat on the table off to the side where the SouthernersÆ weapons had sat before. It was in looking on that object that his face went from flushed to pale. He stopped and looked up into the eyes of Lord Halladan with accusation. ōMy sock--howÆd you come by my sock? Is this meant to make it look as IÆd done sommat as I never did? ÆCause IÆm here tÆ tell ye as I never did nothinÆ ner intended tÆ do nothinÆ to Master Alvric! WhereÆre ye to tell me as you found that? In his goods er sommat?ö
ōYou recognize it as yours?ö
ōYes--me cousin Annika from Combe knitÆem for me for Yule, she did. They was hung on the hedge tÆdry, and one disappeared. Thought as the wind took it, but couldnÆt find it nowhere.ö
ōHow long ago did this sock go missing?ö
ōDunno--mayhaps five-six weeks agone.ö
ōIs there anyone who will bear witness to this?ö
ōMe brother could--he washed Æem, he did.ö
His brother was sent for, and there was a break while all waited for him to come. Eregiel helped Master Alvric to take Holby outside for a short time, then brought him back in and returned him to the low crate. Halladan came forward to feel the wounded area, noted the swelling and the tenderness, murmured an odd song under his breath as he laid hands over the collarbone. At last he straightened. ōI have slight healing abilities compared to the Peredhil of Imladris or my Lord Cousin,ö he said quietly, ōbut I think you should know some easing from this--not a great deal, perhaps, but some. There does appear to be a crack, or perhaps a bruise to the bone itself. Either way, having your shoulder immobilized for the next two to three weeks should aid the healing greatly. I would suggest, however, that you carry with you a pair of rolled socks with a lace to bind the roll and squeeze upon that with your left hand several times regularly over the space of a day to keep the muscles strengthened.ö
Alvric nodded and resumed his seat as the lad sent out returned with Master SafflowerÆs brother in tow.
ōDo I recognize that? OÆ course I do--itÆs DelricÆs sock. WhyÆs it here, and whatÆs in it?ö
ōDo you know of it having gone missing?ö
ōYes, few weeks back, I think. I washed it with the other laundry and hung in on the hedge to dry. When I went back to fetch the clothes, one sock was gone. Delric was that put out--our Cousin Annika knitÆem for him, and would be right furious were he careless enough to lose one. SheÆs still got hopes as mayhaps heÆll look at her one day and see as sheÆs cared for him for years.ö
Delric was flushing furiously at this, and a good deal of the suspicion the villagers were feeling toward him lessened at that.
The Blackroot boy was called next. Getting him to talk at all was difficult, but finally he allowed as Mr. Cotman had paid him a silver penny to watch Mistress GorseÆs house and to let him know when it appeared that Master Alvric might be gone for a time. He also allowed as his next younger sister had been given several coppers by Mr. Safflower to speak nice about him in Mistress GorseÆs hearing. There were a few laughs at that. Delric Safflower looked as if he wished the floor would swallow him up.
Eregiel was asked to speak to the physical condition of both Master Alvric and his dog, and Merimac Brandybuck described precisely what heÆd seen and done.
Finally Alvric was asked to describe his meetings with both Mr. Cotman and Mr. Safflower, which he did without disparaging either Man.
ōAnd when you were attacked last night, how many Men lay in wait for you?ö
ōI saw only one. Holby growled and I stopped; when I insisted we go on in spite of what was bothering him he ran past me, and suddenly there was a Man emerging from behind the shop I was passing, and he kicked out at Holby, sending him flying back behind me. He lifted his arm, but I fear I didnÆt see much beyond that, for I was worried for Holby and turning toward him when I was struck here.ö He indicated where his neck met his left shoulder. ōIÆve a bad bruise there and on my forehead here where I struck the ground, and the heel particularly of my right hand and this knee. I lay, half stunned, on the ground, my face turned slightly, and heard a voice--that of Master Brandybuck, I believe, challenging the one who attacked me, and then I was surrounded by feet of both Men and Hobbits and I was trying again to make certain that Holby was all right.ö
At last Lord Halladan indicated heÆd heard enough, and sat back thoughtfully in his chair, looking from where Cotman sat, bound by one leg to his own seat, to where Delric Safflower still sat amongst the onlookers. It appeared that in spite of the fact the watchersÆ benches were filled, yet those who sat by Denra GorseÆs erstwhile suitor had still done their best to not sit touching him, crowding away from him. This had the effect of leaving him looking somewhat isolated even there in the midst of the spectators as he was.
He finally gave Berevrion a significant look. ōThen I suppose I must pass judgment.ö He looked at Safflower first. ōYou had reason to suspect this one intended to attack Master Alvric, to the point you suggested if he sought to waylay him he ought to do so north of the Breelands. But at the same time you didnÆt truly wish to be involved, and had no idea that Bender Cotman intended to make it appear you were involved in the physical attack. Yet you yourself advised him his quarry had returned to the city.ö He went quiet while giving Safflower a prolonged examination before straightening with decision. ōI hereby turn you over to the Bree Council for their consideration and final judgment, with the suggestion you be fined heavily for your foolish complicity in an unknown scheme. I do not see your actions as deliberately evil, but most definitely selfish. Nor do I find any reason to believe that you will ever seek to repeat them.ö
He turned to look at Barliman Butterbur. Jape had been quietly granted leave to return to the inn that it not go unmanned as the day grew later; it was obvious Butterbur was anxious to follow him and remained only due to his position as head of the Breelands Council. ōMaster Butterbur, shall I note here that he is to appear before you when the Council meets on Trewsday?ö
The innkeeper, looking relieved to find he wouldnÆt be required to convene the Council immediately, nodded. ōYessir, my Lord, sir. WeÆll see to it.ö
The face of Delric Safflower was vastly relieved when all turned to look at him. Halladan met his eyes one last time. ōYou will not appear before me in such a situation again, will you, Master Safflower?ö he asked.
ōNo, sir--course not, sir!ö
ōThat is good.ö So saying, the Steward of Arnor turned his attention to Bender Cotman. ōAs for you, sir--how much do you believe your farm is worth?ö
ōWhat for ye want to know that?ö demanded the farmer.
ōSimply answer me, sir.ö
Halladan sighed and looked to Butterbur and other members of the Breelands Council who were in attendance. One of the Hobbits, after speaking quietly with another farmer on the Council, stood up uncertainly. ōIf it please your honor,ö he said, ōifÆn one was to offer a fair price for it with the land, house, ÆnÆ outbuildinÆs, barns ÆnÆ such, weÆd expect tÆpay mayhaps two gold pieces for it. ÆTwere it further from Bree isself, Ætwould be worth less, mind. Add in a hundred silver pennies for the current crop as heÆs got growinÆ and another fifty for the beasts as he has, ÆnÆ one has a good idea as to what might be fair.
Halladan looked at the rest of the spectators. ōDo the rest of you agree?ö
One of the Men spoke out. ōSounds more than fair to me.ö Others indicated their agreement.
ōSo be it, then. Then this day I offer you, Master Cotman, two gold pieces and two hundred silver pennies for your farm and the animals and such goods as you canÆt take with you. You will be taken out now and given ten stripes with a whip for your actions against Master Alvric, who is here as the KingÆs lawyer. You will then return to your farm, pack up all that you wish to take with you into a wagon, and be ready to leave in five days.
ōYou will not do physical harm to the well or any building or the crop on your land or the animals you leave or what possessions you leave behind. You may take one large farm wagon and up to four horses or oxen to pull it, your dogs and house cat, and up to three head of cattle and five chickens with you as well as ten daysÆ worth of food and whatever seed you can purchase. In five days you will be escorted south out of the Breelands. You may go as far as you wish, but must drive at least five days away from Bree. You may then take possession of whatever empty land you might find that appears to be apt to farming.
ōYour escort will remain with you for the five days you drive southwards, and before they leave you the head of the escort will give into your hands the two gold pieces and two hundred silver pennies aforementioned. You may not return northwards back into the Breelands, but will be required to do your trading further southwards, toward Tharbad.
ōIf you ever return to the Breelands or within a dayÆs ride of the borders of the Shire you will be retaken and brought before me in Ann·minas, at which time I will order you given enforced servitude for five years and banished even further southwards. Do you understand?ö
His face white with shock, Cotman sputtered, ōBut ye canÆt be aÆtakinÆ me land like that!ö
ōHad your scheme succeeded, would not Master Alvric be a broken Man at best, and probably dead, him and his dog, and would not Master Safflower now face a worse sentence, perhaps the rope, for murder? Nay, you get off perhaps far too lightly, Master Cotman. But certainly the people of Bree will do well to have your self-centered soul removed far from here. That is the sentence I give you, and should you ever be found again attempting to harm another for your own gain you will yourself be hanged.ö
Having said that, he turned again to Butterbur and those members of the Bree Council present. ōIs this seen as fair to you?ö he asked.
Butterbur quickly scanned the faces of his fellows before all turned their attention back to the KingÆs Northern Steward. ōSounds too good for him, you ask me,ö the innkeeper said. ōWeÆll abide by this judgment, sir.ö
ōSo be it, then,ö Halladan said, rising to his feet. ōSo let it be noted....ö


text: The staff was great... the receptionist was friendly, went out of her way to accommodate us, and was able to answer our questions. The shuttle drivers were funny and we always felt safe in the car. We were the only guests on the property and the staff left at 9p... we were completely alone in a strange city, and had no one around. The room was tiny, and hot, with only a floor fan. The receptionist also pointed out the emergency light, in case power goes out! So weird. We ended up cancelling the second part of our stay for a regular hotel.


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Dried pasta and canned beans are pantry partners without peer, ever-ready to pair up in hearty main dishes that satisfy in a hurry. The traditional Italian pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans) sets a fine standard. But when you consider the multitude of pasta shapes and the wide selection of canned beans available, the number of possible combinations is staggering. Both pasta and beans absorb liquid as they stand, so if dinner isn't served as promptly as you'd planned, you may need to add a little more broth to these lean, quick main dishes.
More Recipes: Browse dozens more quick and easy pasta recipes


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Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens,
A minister of the holies, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord hath pitched, and not man.
For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that he also should have some thing to offer.
If then he were on earth, he would not be a priest: seeing that there would be others to offer gifts according to the law,
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things. As it was answered to Moses, when he was to finish the tabernacle: See (saith he) that thou make all things according to the pattern which was shewn thee on the mount.
But now he hath obtained a better ministry, by how much also he is a mediator of a better testament, which is established on better promises.
For if that former had been faultless, there should not indeed a place have been sought for a second.
For finding fault with them, he saith: Behold, the days shall come, saith the Lord: and I will perfect unto the house of Israel, and unto the house of Juda, a new testament:
Not according to the testament which I made to their fathers, on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt: because they continued not in my testament: and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
For this is the testament which I will make to the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will give my laws into their mind, and in their heart will I write them: and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:
And they shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me from the least to the greatest of them:
Because I will be merciful to their iniquities, and their sins I will remember no more.
Now in saying a new, he hath made the former old. And that which decayeth and groweth old, is near its end.
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