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Filta Group of Orlando, Fl announces its partnership to offer green services to Mile High Stadium through franchisee and Denver Bronco's player Kenny Peterson. The service will help Mile High Stadium along with thousands of other location save hundreds of thousands of gallons of cooking when 1 billion wings are consumed during superbowl weekend.
Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) February 3, 2010 -- Filta Group of Orlando, Fl announces its partnership to offer green services to Mile High Stadium through franchisee and Denver Bronco's player Kenny Peterson. Filta Group offers a cooking oil filtration process called FiltaFry. The system not only helps the Denver Broncos reduce their waste cooking oil footprint, it will help thousands of restaurants and kitchens across the country save hundreds of thousands of gallons of cooking oil come February 7th and Super Bowl 45. During the Super Bowl, an estimated 1 billion chicken wings will be fried, on what is unquestionably the single largest consumption of fried food each year.
So many chicken wings are consumed during the playoffs leading up to the big game and the Super Bowl itself, that the cooking oil used to fry them could have a potentially enormous negative impact on the ecosystem if disposed of improperly. Anything that can be done to reduce that footprint, besides eating less chicken wings, is a good thing says Broncos Player and Filta franchisee Kenny Peterson. "We at Filta are very proud of the recycling we do. Each and every pound of cooking oil we filter is one less that has to be produced. The environment is important to us all."
Reduced waste is not the only FiltaFry will bring to Mile High Stadium. Fresh cooking oil and proper frying techniques can also have a noticeable effect on the taste of the fried foods, something FiltaFry is proud of. When it comes time for hungry fans to bite into their favorite fried foods across the country on game day, the thousands of restaurants and facilities which utilize FiltaFry micro-oil filtration system will have a notable advantage when hungry football fans demand only the best tasting food.
The Denver Broncos are not the only NFL team to go green and offer better tasting food with FiltaFry. The Washington Redskins and The Cleveland Browns also employ the service to make sure fans keep coming back to the concession stand. The roster of high profile teams doesn't stop in the pro's either. The University of Virginia, University of Alabama, and the University of Arkansas can all be found enjoying the benefit of 50% less oil consumption when compared to similar venues due to the FiltaFry service. When will the rest of the NFL follow suit? With the push for green initiatives happening across the nation, Kenny Peterson and the 130 or so other Filta franchisees in the vicinity of sports stadiums, and complex's will find themselves very busy.
About Filta Group
Filta Group has been helping the environment before being environmentally friendly was called being Green. Filta believes it is our personal responsibility to contribute to the environment. We're constantly in search of ways to be green internally and externally and strive every day to continue to do our part to preserve the environment. Every product and service that we offer goes through rigorous testing to ensure that we are increasing sustainability while saving our customers money. We believe it's our responsibility to keep you aware of what you can do to contribute.
FiltaFry, the undisputed market leader in mobile filtration & fryer management, is a mobile on-site service for the micro-filtration of cooking oil and the vacuum based cleaning of deep fryers. More info


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Costa Rica is defined by its location: tucked between the shorelines of the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. An enormous portion of Dorado is beautifully calm and good for snorkeling or paddle boarding, due to the rock barrier that acts as a wave breaker put in place years in the past by the Rockefellers when the household turned a plantation into the Caribbean's first luxury eco-resort, now called Dorado Seaside, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve One other unique facet is the Rockefeller Nature Path that goes by forests and alongside the seashore to show off the island's diverse natural world.
North Yorkshire has numerous massive, breezy seashores – Robin Hood's Bay, Scarborough and Bridlington to call probably the most well-known – however Hunmanby Hole near the little resort city of Filey is likely one of the least recognized. Baldwin Seaside is one of the most frequented beaches in Maui's North Shore space.
Mediterranean-type oceanfront villas line the coast of this seashore city, offering views unlike another. Roughly 4 miles South of the Grand Wailea Resort, you will see a dirt access street before Makena's Massive Beach parking lot. With Mayan ruins within the background, this white sand paradise is accented by clear water and colourful fishing boats; meanwhile, festive locals salsa dance on close by Playa Esperanza.
And Turquoise Bay near Exmouth, WA, was ranked No. 29, thanks to the purest and most vivid turquoise colored waters a traveller will ever experience". Whereas the coastal part of Olympic National Park is rockier than it is sandy, it is nonetheless value visiting Ruby Seaside for the views alone.
Many take into account the lengthy stretch of Playa de Llenaire to be the most effective beaches on Mallorca, located inside an exquisite bay. Enormous clay cliffs loom down over a flat, sandy seaside that simply soaks up the bucket-and-spade crowds. With its jet-black shore, lapis lazuli waters, and thick, jungle-like foliage, Honokalani Seaside is a photographer's dream.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Defensive Driving Page ContentDefensive Driving for Lee County EmployeesInstructionsStep 1: Read the Lee County Risk Management Standard Operating Procedure (below) for Motor Vehicle Record Procedure & Vehicle Operations.APPROVED: 11/30/06REVISION: 6/8/10LEE COUNTY RISK MANAGEMENT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURESubject: Motor Vehicle Record Procedure & Vehicle OperationsAUTHORITYLee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC); County Manager/Risk ManagementPURPOSEIs intended to minimize the frequency and severity of County-related vehicle accidents and their associated liabilitiesAPPLICABILITYAll BOCC Employees and VolunteersPOLICYIt is the policy of the County to carefully screen new applicants and continuously monitor current employees who operate motor vehicles for County-related business. The intention is to ensure that they have demonstrated safe driving practices in accordance with the motor vehicle laws of the State of Florida and Lee County Policies and Procedures, both on and off the job. This task will be performed by County Risk Management.Defensive driver's training will be provided to all County employees. Employees should attend such course at minimum every three years from the last date attended. PROCEDUREDrivers of vehicles that are owned, rented, or leased by the County, and/or any personal vehicles which are operated by a County employee during or in the course of their duties shall follow defensive driving practices by planning ahead and doing everything that one could reasonably do to prevent a crash or accident. WHO MAY OPERATE A COUNTY VEHICLE Only County employees and volunteers, who are 18-years of age and older, shall operate a County motor vehicle, and only if, such travel is under the approval or direction of that employee's respective Supervisor and such travel is within the employee's scope of duties.GENERAL PROVISIONSIn the interest of safety and solely for the purpose of this Policy, Lee County volunteers are subject to all the rules and regulations found in this procedures.Intentional abuse, reckless, unsafe acts and/or negligent operation(s) of any County vehicle may result in departmental disciplinary action as described in Section 600 of the Lee County Policies & Procedures Manual.OPERATOR'S LICENSEA current Florida motor vehicle operator license must be in an employee's possession at all times while operating any vehicle.Exception may be made for any person who is enrolled as a student in a college or university and who is a nonresident but is in this state for a period of up to 6 months engaged in a work-study program for which academic credits are earned from a college whose credits or degrees are accepted for credit by at least three accredited institutions of higher learning, as defined in s. 1005.02, as it may be revised or amended from time to time, shall not be required to obtain a Florida driver's license for the duration of the work-study program if such person has a valid driver's license issued by another state.In the case of commercially rated vehicles, the proper license class for weight and type of vehicle must be valid and in the possession of the driver. If an employee's driving license is suspended or revoked for any reason, it is the employee's duty to report this fact to their supervisor immediately. Employees or volunteers cannot be assigned to a driving position until his/her suspension or revocations has been cleared by the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. The employee or volunteer may be dismissed in keeping with the County Policies & Procedures Manual.If an employee receives a violation, while operating a County owned or leased vehicle, that employee shall report that fact to their supervisor immediately.Furthermore, if an employee's driving record falls outside of the minimum standards as described in this policy, the employee shall notify their supervisor immediately. QUALIFICATION STANDARDSAny new applicant and or employee whose Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) exceeds the established, minimum standards may have their County driving privileges revoked until such time as that employee's MVR meets the County's minimum standards. These standards are based on Part A an Part B below.MINIMUM MVR STANDARDSPART ALee County's minimum MVR standards (departmental standards for operating a commercial vehicle and/or bus may be stricter) for all applicants, current employees, and volunteers are as follows:Cannot within the past three (3) years immediately prior to the date of evaluation have been convicted of, and/or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any of the following traffic violations:Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and/or a controlled substance; and/or;Operating a motor vehicle while in possession of a controlled substance; and/or; Refusing to submit to a test to determine his/her alcohol concentration; and/or; Willful or wanton, reckless driving; and/or; Leaving the scene of an accident; and/or; Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer; and or, Any other violation of the Florida Uniform Traffic Control Law which is a felony.MINIMUM MVR STANDARDSPART BCannot within the past three (3) years prior to the date of evaluation have accumulated ten (10) or more points (departmental standards for operating a commercial vehicle and/or bus may be stricter) for convictions as defined by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles of any other traffic violations.CORRECTIVE ACTION PART CAny employee or volunteer whose MVR falls outside of the minimum standards as described above or commits an unsafe act while operating a County vehicle or their own while on County related business; or who has had an at-fault vehicle and or preventable crash, which as a result of the employee's negligence, damages County property or cause injuries, may result in departmental disciplinary action as described in Lee County Policies & Procedures Manual.VEHICLE CRASHES AND UNSAFE ACTSVehicle crashes involving County owned/leased vehicle will be reviewed by Risk Management and the respective department. If the root cause(s) of the crash is considered at-fault and/or preventable; and/or the employee commits an unsafe act, corrective action may be taken by the employee's respective department.EMPLOYEE'S MVR WILL BE EVALUATED:Upon receiving a job offer, transfer, promotion;After the employee has completed County sponsored Defensive Drivers Course or upon registering for a County sponsored Defensive Drivers Course.Upon request of the Department/Division Director, Risk Management, or Human Resources.DEFINITIONS OF UNSAFE ACT ARE:Unsafe acts are considered, but are not limited to the following:Failing to follow department Standard Operating Procedures Changing lanes abruptlyDriving inattentivelyFollowing too closely Failure to stop for a stop sign or light Unsafe turning or passing Unsafe speed in response to environmental conditions Driving left of centerHorseplay while operating vehicle Improper use of equipment Driving error Using unsafe equipment Disregard of instructionsVEHICLE DEFINITION:For the purpose of this policy a vehicle includes those vehicles licensed for highway under the Laws of Florida. Step 2: Verify that you have read and understand the information above.By clicking on the green circle, I hereby certify that I have read and understand the procedures outlined for the Lee County Motor Vehicle Record Procedure & Vehicle Operations. Quick Links More ››


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Working in our Kwai Fong warehouse, the incumbent will be responsible for clerical support to the daily operations in the Distribution section. He/she required to liaise with our delivery contractor and coordinate with various departments to ensure the delivery service in the most efficient and effective level.
Working time for this position is between 1200 to 2200 (Mon – Fri, with one hour lunch break (total 9 working hours a day) and 1200 to 2000 (Alternative Sat).
Attractive salary package will be offered to the right candidate. Please send in your application by email to [our mailbox through CTgoodjobs Apply Now ] or by mail to Human Resources Department, bigboXX.com Limited, No. 7-13 Kwai Tak Street, Kwai Chung, N.T.
To know more about us, please visit our website at http://www.bigboxx.com.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. The information provided will be treated in strict confidence and used only for consideration of application for relevant/similar post(s) within the Hutchison Group of Companies.
Applicants not having heard from us within four weeks from the date of this advertisement may consider their application unsuccessful. All personal data of unsuccessful applicants will be destroyed after the recruitment exercise when no longer required.
|Job ref no.
|Job Function
|Employment Term
|Career Level
bigboXX.com is the Hong Kong's leading B2B operator supplying a comprehensive range of office products and services including office supplies, commercial printing, corporate premium sourcing, records management and office lighting solutions. By leveraging the state-of-the-art technology with an integrated distribution system, bigboXX.com offers its customers a value-added online procurement solution that consists of convenient features to reduce administrative workloads and enhance operational efficiency.
We are now looking for a suitable candidate to fill the following position:


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About History Department
The opening of the Department of History synchronises with the establishment of the college in May 1901. Babu Paresh Nath Lahiri was the first Professor who taught History in the college and was later joined by Babu Padmanath Bhattacharya Vidya Vinode from June 1905. In 1909-10 the college was raised to the First Grade college status. Professor Bijoy Chandra Sen Gupta was appointed as Professor of History in June 1909. In July 1911 Babu Bhuban Mohan Sen joined the college as Lecturer in History. From the beginning of the session 1913-14, Honours affiliation in History had started under Calcutta University. 'The Assam Bilasini' published from Jorhat in its issue of 29th October 1914 pleaded for M.A Classes in History and Economics as well. In July 1916, Mr. Barua Principal Earle Law College wrote to the Chief Commissioner requesting the opening of M.A classes in other subjects specially in History because he found that the majority of the students had a leaning towards History but due to paucity of funds it could not be taken up. With the setting up of Gauhati University in 1948 post graduate classes in the college with affiliation to Gauhati University had started in a number of subjects.


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Last night when I came home.. one thought popped into my head. Who said dogs were easier to take of then kids. My kitchen looked like a mad baker had stopped by for a visit. In the middle of my kitchen is a bag of flour that has been torn open and spreak/tracked throughout the room. Poor Daisy has a flour encrusted beard that had to be cleaned off. Jake cowered in the corner because he knows this was a huge NO-NO.
On another note I took Daisy to another groomer.. and I must not speak dog groom language because they never cut her the way I ask. She got scalped again and since it's snowing outside she'll be in sweaters until her fluff grows back.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Dogs vs Kids
Posted by Jenn at 6:10 PM 0 comments
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The Payoffs of Investing in the Best UPCAT/College Entrance Exams Review Center
- Details
- Category: Blog
- Created on Monday, 07 March 2011 09:36
- Written by Randy
by Dewmaine Sales-Ladaga It is a fact that good college education is a good investment. When job hunting in the future, a graduate of any of the top three universities definitely has an edge from his competitors who graduated from other universities/colleges (note: the author is not saying that only an applicant's education background is considered by prospective employees; several factors are also considered). Add to that the sheer pride and prestige of being an alumnus or alumna of any of the most esteemed universities. But securing the best college education also requires you to invest in quality secondary education. While a good high school background is important, secondary education is multi-faceted and does not solely target a student's passing college entrance exams (some high schools that have their own colleges do not even encourage their students to take the entrance exams of other universities for want of keeping them). Thus the need for a quality review center (see the article Choosing an UPCAT Review Center Checklist). A review center that offers quality services specifically exhausts its efforts in helping students hurdle standardized exams such as the UPCAT, ACET, DLSUCET, etc. Contrary to some cheapskate's rationale that review centers are a waste of money, a good review center is actually a good investment; below are just a few perks that a good review center actually delivers:


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On this episode of the Freedom Radio Hour, co-hosts Adam Cruz and Eddie Nicholas discuss the latest news in the Paul McCartney case as he tries to reclaim ownership of hundreds of the Beatles' songs from Sony/ATV. What does this case have to do with Duran Duran? Eddie and Adam also discuss Drake's take on Black Coffee's 'Superman' and more, live on Capital Radio 91.6FM The Heartbeat of Sudan and on the web at: freedomradiohour.com and at: dwildmusicradio.com
Click here to visit our YouTube channel!


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Dr. Lynn Carli and Dr. John Knuth have been helping patients for a combined 35 years at the same location and are still on the cutting edge of vision.
Dr. Lynn Carli
Dr. Lynn Carli is originally from Iron River, Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Norbert College, graduating with Honors.
After receiving her Degree in Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, she returned to the Green Bay area to practice. In 1985 she became the owner of Eye Care Professionals, Inc. Dr. Carli resides in Green Bay with her husband Paul, and their three daughters.
Dr. Carli is a member of the Wisconsin Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.
Dr. John Knuth
Dr. John Knuth is originally from Denmark, Wisconsin. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Minnesota, graduating with Honors.
While attending the Illinois College of Optometry he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Optometric Fraternity. Upon graduation he completed a one year residency at the Illinois Eye Institute. After returning to the Green Bay area to practice, he became a partner in Eye Care Professionals, Inc. Dr. Knuth resides in Denmark with his wife Cheryl and their two daughters.
Dr. Knuth is a member of the Wisconsin Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.


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Short selling is the act of selling stocks that you don't actually own. As a general rule, an investor would only short sell their stocks if they anticipate that the price of the stock is going to (temporarily) plummet. By selling it before the price drops, they can buy it back later when it's even less expensive and pocket the difference as profit. Short selling can be a very lucrative practice if you have a time machine. For anyone without a time machine, it's a risky strategy because it could bring about infinite loss, since any stock could theoretically continue to gain value indefinitely. But when you buy a stock, the most you can lose is the price you paid for it.
Don't get it? Here's an example. Your best friend is hosting a house-warming party. Around 1am the party is still swinging, but unfortunately the alcohol has run out. Worse yet, your best friend is asleep and all of the liquor stores are closed. You could go home, but you have a better idea… Since you know where your friend hides his beer stash, you decide to sell bottles of beer for $5 each. It's a perfect plan because you know the actual cost of the beer is only $2 at the store. So you make $3 profit for every beer you sell. You manage to sell 15 bottles, putting an easy $75 in your pocket. But don't forget – you still owe your sleeping friend 15 beers. At the crack of dawn, you buy the 15 beers at $2 apiece and replenish your hoodwinked friends stash. By short selling your friends beers, you earned $45 on something you never owned in the first place.Go back to the encyclopedia index


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About ONYX Mentor
At ONYX Health Club 24/7 our members are a part of something much more than a gym. We are a club. Everyone is treated like family and we have a direct one on one personal relationship with almost every single member. We founded ONYX on an open and friendly environment, one that creates a mutual and beneficial workout experience that will take you to whole new levels. As opposed to standard big box gym's, we take pride in being unique and heartfelt in the relationships that we've formed and the atmosphere that we have. Rest assured that when you workout at ONYX of Mentor you will feel comfortable, like you're right at home and part of the "club"!
We work hand-in-hand with our clients to reach their fitness goals and improve their quality of life by providing the highest caliber of personal training. Mentor features state of the art equipment with plenty of space – making sure your workout is one that goes smooth without having you "rub any shoulders" with other workout enthusiasts. ONYX's primary operating aspects are based both on research and vast industry experience.
If you have any questions or comments regarding ONYX please feel free to contact us at anytime.
The Gym
4,000 sq.ft of space, new equipment, cardio, weight lifting & aerobics area.
The Features
World class personal training, 1 on 1, athletic and recovery!
Non-Stop Access
ONYX is open 24/7 and your membership can be used at any ONYX gym in the area (currently: Mentor, Northfield, North Olmsted, Parma & Brunswick).
Not Your Average Gym
We take pride in being more than just a gym or a business. ONYX was created by fitness lovers for fitness lovers and together we work towards achieving common goals and leading happy and healthy lifestyles.


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Feature-rich color LCD screen doubles as digital photo frame. Fantastic streaming capabilities for online photos. Turns SATA drives into instant NAS.
LCD and touch buttons don't always respond fast.
Bottom Line
Though pricey, the D-Link DIR-685 offers far more for consumers than most other Wi-Fi routers on the market in the form of unique multimedia extras.
If you don't think routers can be sexy, take a look at the D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router (model DIR-685). Making a Wi-Fi router look like a digital photo frame is awesome. Add a hard drive to it to turn it into a NAS, that's brilliant. This is digital convergence at its finest, mixing three disparate technologies extremely well. It's not cheap, however; the price will set you back to $299.99. It's a bit pricey but this isn't just your average wireless router.
Appearance and Setup
The DIR-685 is stylishit looks more like a digital photo frame (albeit a small one) than a router. Though not as sexy as the real digital photo frames we reviewed in the How to Buy a Digital Photo Frame, D-Link chose a conservative matt black for the front of the DIR-685 with a glossy black trim around the LCD. Touch buttons on the side help you navigate the LCD's menus. The (non)sensitivity of the buttons, however, takes a little getting used to. The icons on the LCD sometime take a long time to come up, as well. A multi touch display would be preferable since the icons slide like a ribbon, but that would have added to the cost.
At 4.4 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches, the DIR-685 is surprisingly compact. Even the LCD, which measures 3.2 inches, is rather small. I found it adequate for showing photos of close ups. At the back, a standard five port Gigabit Ethernet network switch (one port for the broadband WAN connection) fits nicely at the bottom, with enough room to spare for two USB ports (to add more storage or a printer) and a power port. For wireless, it supports single-band (2.4GHz) 802.11n.
Higher up on one side there's a slot for a 2.5 inch SATA hard drive. Our review unit came with a hard drive packaged separate from the router, but that doesn't come with the router at retail. All you need to do is insert a hard drive on the side slot and the DIR-685 does the rest. In the Web interface, there are options to format the drive, create folders and manage connections to the drive.
Don't forget to connect the base stand. Overall it runs cool, but without the stand the vents get blocked and it will get hot quickly. Proper air flow in such as small device is critical.
D-Link provides a highly intuitive and graphical installation wizard on a CD that configures the router in three basic steps. I was surprised to see that there's information to do a complex setup by double NAT-ing the DIR-685 router with an existing router. Eventually you will have to go into the DIR-685's Web-based interface to change more advanced features. But if you are used to D-Link's products, there will be no surprises. The navigation and the wizards are still the same.
You can also go into these pages to format a new hard drive inserted in the DIR-685. Although it is optional, the User/Groups and Storage Access in the Storage section can strengthen security on the drive. Adding users and groups to the router lets you control who can access the data and from where they can access it. Next: Features


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With interest rates low, many renters are starting to think about purchasing a home of their own. While simple rental cost vs. mortgage cost comparisons can be very attractive, buying a home is a serious commitment, and there are many factors to consider:
1. How long you plan to live in the home.
Selling a home costs money. If you potentially may have to move in the short term, the value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs of buying and selling.
The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors. Average appreciation tends to sit at around 5% per year. In this case, you should plan to stay in your home at least 3-4 years to cover buying and selling costs. The real estate market can be particularly volatile, however, and dramatic swings up and down are not uncommon.
2. How long the home will meet your needs.
What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? People tend to remain in homes longer than they initially intend, primarily due to the work and expense associated with moving. Therefore it is worth considering a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you'll need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.
3. Your financial health - your credit and home affordability.
Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good? While you can always find a lender to lend you money, people with poor credit tend to pay far more to borrow.
Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. It is, however, important to stay within your comfort zone. Purchasing a house involves many up-front and ongoing costs, and the stress of worrying about those costs often outweighs the satisfaction that may come from owning a slightly nicer home.
Click here for a FREE copy of the First Time Home Buyers Guide.
To determine how much home you can afford, I would be happy to refer you to a lender. Contact me


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Suicide bomber strikes US Embassy in Ankara, two killed
The blast occurred at the entrance used by the embassy personnel and their visitors, CNNTurk reported. A security guard operating at the x-ray machine at the entrance was reportedly killed while the suicide bomber was passing through the scanner.
"There were two dead in the suicide bombing, a Turkish security guard and the bomber himself," Ankara governor Alaattin Yuksel told reporters, AFP reports.
The US ambassador to Turkey, Francis Ricciardone, confirmed the death.
"We are very sad of course, we lost one of our Turkish guards at the gate… The compound is secure, we all feel very safe thanks to your response," he told reporters.
White House spokesman Jay Carney called the bombing "an act of terror."
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan told HaberTurk television on Friday that an outlawed Marxist group was responsible for the suicide bombing.
"It is my principle to speak only after receiving the final result, but I can say clearly that it is DHKP-C [Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front]," he said.
Turkish media reports have identified the attacker as Ecevit Sanlı, 40, a known member of the group. Sanli has reportedly spent time in prison, though the nature of his crimes is currently unknown.
Television footage showed a door blown and shattered tiles littering the ground by the buildings side entrance, though no damage has been reported within the embassy.
Witnesses told CNN's Turkish service that a bomber was seen approaching the building, and later entered a gate at the fortified compound. Daily Vatan reporter Kıvanc El said in a televised interview that police also suspected that a suicide bomber had carried out the attack, Hurriyet Daily News reported. Body parts were also reportedly strewn around the scene.
Police and forensic experts work on February 1, 2013 at the site of a blast outside the US Embassy in Ankara (AFP Photo / Adem Altan)
However, one source at the nearby British Embassy who spoke with the Daily Telegraph contradicted Turkish media reports that the blast was caused by a suicide bomber.
"It was not a suicide bomber or car bomb. Someone left a package or threw a package," the source said.
Initial reports said the blast occurred near the gates of the visa section of the embassy compound. Security has been tightened in the area, as there are fears that a second bomb could be detonated. All US embassy staffers have been taken to safe rooms inside the compound, a Daily Star reporter told NTV.
Dozens of ambulances and firefighters were dispatched to the scene. Two more people have reportedly been injured in the attack.
A female victim has been identified as former Turkish reporter, Didem Tuncay. Tuncay, 38, was reportedly at the US Embassy to file a visa application and suffered a head wound in the bombing, Hurriyet reports. She remains in critical condition and is currently receiving treatment at Ankara's Numune Hospital.
The embassy building is located in an area near several other embassies, including those of Germany and France. Police have cordoned off the area, and journalists are being kept away from the scene.
Several armed groups, ranging from Kurdish separatists, radical leftists and Islamist militants have carried out attacks in Turkey in recent years.
In 2007, a member of a radical splinter group of the Kurdistan Workers' Party carried out a suicide attack in Ankara that killed nine and injured 121.
It is the foreign policy of the Turkish government that is partly responsible for political terrorism, Lawrence Freeman from the Executive Intelligence Review Magazine told RT.
"Turkey is very concerned about the situation in Iraq," he explained. "They are very concerned about the rising level of activity with the Kurds and the desire for a Kurdistan that would take off a part of Turkey. So I think this is very bad news as there is great opposition to it inside Turkey."
Freeman believes the Turkish prime minister is "behaving foolishly to have this close working relationship with the West" as this will actually" undermine his whole country and its whole security.
People stand outside the entrance of the US embassy in Ankara on February 1, 2013 after a blast killed two security guards and wounded several other people. It was not immediately known what caused the explosion but some media speculated it could have been a suicide bombing (AFP Photo / Turkey Out)
Rescuers take on February 1, 2013 a victim of a blast outside the US Embassy in Ankara to a waiting ambulance (AFP Photo / Adem Altan)
Rescuers take on February 1, 2013 a victim of a blast outside the US Embassy in Ankara to a waiting ambulance (AFP Photo / Adem Altan)
Police experts work on February 1, 2013 at the site of a blast outside the US Embassy in Ankara (AFP Photo / Adem Altan)
Police and forensic experts work on February 1, 2013 at the site of a blast outside the US Embassy in Ankara (AFP Photo / Adem Altan)


text: Vegas Killers Covered Dead Cops With Cloth Couple appear to have links to the white supremacist movement By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff Posted Jun 9, 2014 4:14 AM CDT Updated Jun 9, 2014 7:46 AM CDT 296 comments This undated photo provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows Officer Alyn Beck. (AP Photo/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department) View 2 more images (Newser) – The man and woman who killed two Las Vegas police officers and a civilian before taking their own lives yesterday appear to have links to the white supremacist movement, police sources say. The shooters were a married couple in their 20s and the initial investigation has turned up swastikas and white supremacist paraphernalia, sources tell the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The sources say that after shooting the two police officers dead inside a pizza restaurant, the couple stripped them of their weapons and covered them with a cloth showing the Revolutionary War-era Gadsden flag, which features the words "Don't Tread on Me." At an apartment building being searched by police, neighbors described the couple as "weird." They say the man—who sometimes dressed as Peter Pan to work as a street performer—rambled about conspiracy theories and spoke of wanting to kill police officers. One neighbor says the man claimed he "had been kicked off Cliven Bundy's ranch" while people gathered to protest a federal roundup of Bundy's cattle, although the rancher's wife says there is no connection between the standoff and the Vegas shooting. The two slain officers have been identified as Alyn Beck, 42, and Igor Soldo, 32. A police spokesman says the two officers, who both had young families, were "simply having lunch" when they were ambushed by the couple, reports the Las Vegas Sun. (Read more Las Vegas stories.) View 2 more images My Take on This Story Report a story error Show results | 6% Hilarious 3% Intriguing 63% Depressing 3% Brilliant 20% Scary 5% Ridiculous


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Kelli - posted on 12/21/2009 ( 37 moms have responded )
I am getting ready to try to potty train my 18 month old boy. His grandma suggested that I use the old fashoned training pants because she thinks pull ups defeat the purpose since they get the same feeling of a diaper. So I was wondering what is the best thing to do... pull ups or training pants. I dont know if she said this because it truly is easier to potty train or if its the only thing they had when her kids were younger. Please help and let me know what you think
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Saturday, November 28, 2009
Bagatelle the Second
Download pattern from Ravelry
Photographing Prophylaxis was more work than design and knitting combined, but it made for a well-received dinner party. From left to right: goat cheese, leek, and prosciutto frittata; pan-roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes with toasted garlic; and sour cherry cobbler (all recipes adapted from the inimitable Cooks Illustrated franchise).
After designing the pattern for Prophylaxis, it occurred to me to make sure I wasn't just "unventing" it, as Elizabeth Zimmerman would say. My researches uncovered this charming number, which I will have to make some time for the sake of the clever stitch design. However, it wraps around the pot handle in a way that doesn't seem very foolproof.
Although the function of Prophylaxis is as wholesome as it gets, the presentation in the written pattern is just a little risque. (I challenge anyone to have resisted the temptation.) Since this would otherwise be a great design for kids to churn out presents for all the family, I will cheerfully Bowdlerize the pattern at the first request.
Friday, November 27, 2009
I'll lead off with Balalaika, my homage to Tetris on that game's 25th anniversary. This cell phone case was great fun to design. It's an interesting mental challenge to arrange the blocks without gaps (and so restful, without the blocks falling on your head as you puzzle it out). I enjoy working with mosaic patterns, and I love how this pattern looks like any old mosaic until you pay attention.
Download pattern from Ravelry
Balalaika was almost as fun to photograph as to design. The bright sunlight on the day of the shoot was a challenge, but I'm so tickled that we figured out how to make it look like the knitting was in free fall, that I'm not too fussed about the lighting.
Now that I'm done working on this project, perhaps I will finally get shed of my "Back in the USSR" earworm. Could be worse though -- I could actually remember how the Balalaika tune goes.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Red Cabbage Dyeing Lab Report #1
EnvironmentPacific Northwest, close to sea level, city tap water known to be of fairly high quality
Yarn100g KnitPicks Bare superwash fingering weight yarn (75% wool, 25%nylon) divided into three hanks (I wasn't impressed with how well the yarn itself emerged from the rigors of dyeing - seems a bit loosely spun)
Scouring and MordantWashed yarn in grapefruit-scented Ajax dishwashing liquid and rinsed. Simmered yarn one hour in 8% alum and 7% cooking cream of tartar. Rinsed, allowed to dry, and stored for a couple of weeks.
Dyebath PreparationChopped 250g red cabbage and simmered one hour (keeping temperature below 212 F). Let dyebath steep overnight - a lovely purple/magenta color, and strained out cabbage.
- simmered yarn in dyebath one hour (keeping temperature below 212 - mostly gently bubbling) and achieved a pale, purplish gray
- added 1/2 cup salt - no improvement
- added 1/4 cup vinegar - no improvement
- simmered another hour - no improvement
- let sit in dye bath overnight - by now a bit more redness to it, but marginally so
- during all this, the color of the dyebath remained essentially unchanged
- rinsed yarn
- swished one hank in ammonia water (4 glugs of ammonia from the half gallon bottle, as small as I could make them) until a nice pale green - a couple of minutes
- swished another hank in ammonia water for a shorter period of time, so didn't turn quite as green (also not quite as even around the cotton ties)
- swished the third hank in water with 3/8 cup vinegar - no discernible difference
DryingAllowed yarn to air dry overnight, during which time all pretense at purple faded from the acid skein, leaving it gray with a few small bluish spots (like old mimeo). The greens also lost some of their joie de vivre.
All three colors look better in incandescent light than in natural light. In fact, oddly enough, the yellower light gives them a bit more redness.
DiagnosisThere are so many places I could have gone wrong - I don't have the experience to judge.
- not enough alum
- wrong cream of tartar
- something in the water
- dyebath too hot
- not enough acid
- wrong species of red cabbage
- wrong season for red cabbage
- process not as described due to unspecified user error
PrognosisIf one wanted to knit a weathered 1930's gingham dishtowel, this yarn would be just the article. The colors are pleasant enough, but not really my style. Overdyeing is probably in the future. Maybe with blue, and something to sadden it a touch.
Given other people's experience of red cabbage finickity and its reputation for eventually greying in the best of circumstances, I doubt there will be a lab report #2.
BibliographyWild Color by Jenny Dean (sadly, out of print)
Natural Dyeing by Jackie Crook
Friday, March 13, 2009
Homemade Yogurt
I hauled the yogurt maker out of Narnia,* and gave it a try. It worked reasonably well, but reminded me why it was consigned to Narnia in the first place -- it makes eight 4-ounce cups, which is way too much fuss and bother.
So I turned to middle Joy to learn how to make yogurt without a special machine. Middle Joy (1975) is the go-to version of The Joy of Cookingfor do-it-yourself back-to-the-land recipes. Middle Joy suggests using the oven, but ours doesn't have a low enough temperature setting. It also suggests just putting the yogurt in a cooler to work its magic. Bingo! We have a beverage cooler that is just the right size to hold a quart canning jar.
Making Yogurt in a Cooler
This recipe is very simple. The only time consuming bit is waiting for the milk to cool.
I have tried using nonfat milk and supplementing with a bit of dry milk powder as a thickening agent, but haven't had very good results, so now I use fresh milk with 1% fat. I don't generally drink milk but, since milk is much cheaper by the gallon, I buy a gallon and freeze the rest for later yogurt making.
I find that yogurt made with yogurt as a starter tastes a bit better than yogurt made with powdered starter. Also, a box of 6 packets of powdered starter costs about as much as 6 yogurt cups. so you might as well get the extra yogurt for your money. If you make yogurt frequently enough, you can use your last batch of yogurt as a starter for the next batch, and not have to buy starter at all.
- 1 quart milk
- yogurt starter (per package instructions) or 2 tablespoons of reasonably fresh yogurt (less than 5 days old) with live cultures
- Heat the milk to 185-190 degrees F (a digital thermometer with an alarm makes this easy). This takes about 8 minutes.
- Cool the milk to 110-115 degrees F (this takes roughly half an hour at room temperature).
- Put starter in a separate cup, mix in a little of the warm milk, add it back to the rest, and mix thoroughly.
- Pour mixture into a quart canning jar and put in cooler. Add towels on top of the jar to fill up any extra air space inside the cooler.
- Let cooler sit undisturbed for about 10 hours. (Jostling interferes with yogh-ing).
- Refrigerate yogurt.
Bread Machine as Yogurt Maker?Despite the manifold virtues of the cooler system, I wasn't satisfied at first, because it's not particularly easy to get the yogurt out of the tall quart jar. Two wide-mouth pint jars are better for serving but, stacked on top of each other, they're too tall for my cooler. Of course, I didn't discover this until I had them loaded and ready to go.
As I stood in uffish thought, I noticed my bread machine (another fantastic money saver - over time). The jars fit perfectly into the machine's loaf pan. I made a custom program that didn't do any kneading and spent as long as possible on each of the pre-heat and warm cycles. Unfortunately, my particular machine forces you to include a bake cycle in the custom program, and maxes out at 6 hours for the other cycles. So I set my kitchen timer for 6 hours, came back before the bake cycle, restarted the custom program and took the yogurt out after another 4 hours.
I was pleased I could make it work, but the process was too much fuss for me - I'll live with yogurt in a quart jar from now on.
*Narnia is our random term for deep storage of unneeded kitchen wares -- couldn't say why. Neither can we explain why the food processor is called the Gorbachev -- it just is.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Plastic Pipe (CPVC) Swift
I used the swift to skein the yarn directly off the sweater, which was a fabulous boon. While this swift was inspired by the need to make yarn into skeins, it also works well for winding yarn off of skeins.
After Matt made this swift, I thought to search online for other PVC swift projects, and found this one. It's very nice, and superior to Matt's in some ways: it is easier to load with a skein of yarn and it may not require a clamp to hold it in place. But Matt's swift folds up smaller for storage, has a handle, and adjusts easily to different skein sizes, all of which are important features to me.
Here are Matt's write-up and project pictures. They're not a step-by-step tutorial (I certainly couldn't build a swift from them), but if you know your way around a workbench, they should get you headed in the right direction.
Matt's notesI built this in about half a day. I had most of the parts on hand, though I did have to make one run to the store.
Dimensions and skein size rangeWhen opened out so that the verticals form a square, the sides of the square are about 12" long and the diagonal of the square is about 17". The smallest skein it will accommodate (with the arms all the way closed) is about 3' in circumference. The largest skein it will accommodate (with the arms opened out all the way) is about 6' in circumference.
This is about as big as you'd want to make the swift out of 1/2" CPVC. Under tension the arms twist a little, allowing the verticals to lean inward slightly. This is inelegant but has not proved to be a problem yet.
- 1/2" nominal CPVC pipe (5/8" O.D.), fittings, and pipe cement
- 2x4 and scrap wood
- self-adhesive felt (found at the hardware store alongside the furniture casters and glides)
- all-thread rod, machine screws, washers, and wing nuts (see below for specifics)
Central pivotI drilled a 5/8" diameter hole through the 3 1/2" dimension of a 2x4 and inserted a CPVC pipe axle through the hole to make the pivot. I did not oversize the hole because I didn't want the finished swift to wobble. The fittings on either end of the axle are cemented in place to prevent it falling out. I lubricated the axle with a little petroleum jelly. It turns smoothly and easily without wobbling.
Adjustable armsI used a drill and a file to make corresponding slots in the fittings at the hinge locations, through which I inserted #6 machine screws with wing nuts. Once the arms are adjusted to the desired angle, the wing nuts are used to compress the fittings and hold the arms in place. To use, loosen the wing nuts, set the arms where you want them, then tighten the wing nuts enough to resist the yarn tension. Re-tighten the wing nuts if the arms start to fold inward as you wind yarn onto the swift.
VerticalsOne of the four verticals is longer than the others and serves as a handle. The other three verticals have tee fittings on top which are not glued on. The tees keep yarn from riding up past the ends of the verticals. They are removable to make it easier to put a skein on or take it off the swift.
ClampThe goal was to use the materials I had on hand to make a clamp that would work on the 2" edge of a typical counter or on any tabletop less than 2" thick . All I can say is, it works. It's big and ugly, but it's strong and stable. If I make another swift I'll probably try adapting a commercial clamp of some kind (here's an interesting example).
The lower jaw has a slot in it rather than a hole, so that its angle can change as the clamp is adjusted. The chunk of dowel keeps the wing nut and washer from lodging in the rough-edged slot. If I'd had something smaller than 1/4" diameter threaded rod or if I'd made a neater slot, the chunk of dowel wouldn't have been necessary. The self-adhesive felt prevents the jaws from marring the table or counter.
Possible improvementsSkein Loading
To put a skein on this swift you fold the arms in enough to pass the skein over the vertical pipes, then open the arms out enough to put some tension on the skein, all while managing the skein itself -- a somewhat fussy proposition, because if there isn't enough tension the skein falls down. One solution would be to extend the horizontal pipe members out past the verticals by 2-3" to give the skein somewhere to rest while you're fiddling with the adjustable arms. You might want to make the extensions removable so they don't get in the way while you're turning the swift.
Handle Placement
With the handle as currently configured, short persons winding miles of laceweight will get tired of reaching for the handle at the far end of its circuit. With the swift opened out to its maximum circumference, reaching the handle while standing clear of the arms is awkward for anyone. Rather than having one of the verticals that carry the yarn do double duty as a handle, you could mount a separate handle closer to the pivot point (you could even allow it to slide along one of the horizontal members so that its distance from the pivot was adjustable). This would reduce the distance between the user and the far end of the handle's circuit. Just don't place the handle too close to the pivot point, or it will be difficult to turn the swift smoothly.


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This dapper chap is holding his pipe on his knee, a detail that can be passed over at first glance.
From a social and medical history point of view I find the predominance of smoking on the cover of these patterns really interesting. Cigarette smoking became more popular in the UK after the death of Queen Victoria and in the 1920's and 1930's it was seen as a very sociable and glamorous activity. Throughout that time it was men who smoked and it gradually became more acceptable for women to smoke, from the flappers of the 1920's to the Hollywood stars of the 1930's.
In the 1940's the prevalence of cigarette smoking increased again, especially during the war years. Tobacco companies donated cigarettes for Service men and women, families sent them to loved ones who were serving and school children saved up and collected them to send from individual schools. Obviously, the donations from tobacco companies were not entirely altruistic, sending cigarettes to people in miserable, frightening and stressful situations increased the likelihood of people becoming addicted, therefore gaining the companies more customers.
In the 1950's the first murmurings about health issues relating to tobacco were arising and the tobacco companies went on an advertising offencive to deny this. This is the period where the adverts featured film stars, Santa Claus, opera singers, sportsmen and women and of course, doctors, talking about how good for you smoking was. This seems unbelievable given what we now know. Later on in the 1950's and into the 1960's the tobacco companies began to acknowledge some health issues, like coughing and an irritated throat. This lead to the development of filter tips and menthol cigarettes.
As a child I remember tobacco advertising on the television, in magazines and on billboards and then of course, it was banned. So I find it really interesting to see how it was perceived in prior decades. I think this is one reason why men smoking on pattern covers really leap out at me, as it is something that just would not happen now.
If you want to see examples of the tobacco advertising that I have mentioned do check out my vintage cigarette adverts board on Pinterest.
Now back to the patterns. Let's start with a fine selection of tank tops, a men's classic:
Such a jolly chap in his cable tank top. Looks like he is just ready to put his feet up after work and smoke his pipe.
Another lovely cable tank top and a much more serious chap, pondering the meaning of life over his pipe.
You almost can't see his sneaky cigarette. I love the diamond/trellis pattern on his tank top.
Quite the business man in his pinstripe trousers and cuff links. Not only is he holding his pipe, he also has his tobacco pouch in his hand.
A couple of Oxbridge students, in their hand knitted tank tops, lounging around the quad whilst smoking their pipes.
Here are a few waistcoats:
Lots of Brylcreem here! Lovely shaping on the waistcoat. You can just spot his pipe at the bottom of the picture.
Now for a spot of Fair Isle:
Modelling a mighty fine Fair Isle tank top. I love the pattern and colourway.
Look at that smart haircut. This is a pretty motif.
Another fine pair of pinstriped trousers but a more casual look than before. There is more leaning on the mantelpiece going on with the owl watching it all wisely.
Now what is this? A very freaky and unflattering tank top. No wonder the poor man won't make eye contact and is hiding in his greenhouse, he is far too ashamed to be seen in public.
Fancy a spot of map reading? A true manly pursuit as we have seen before.
A super sized map to make it easier to find your way. I like the cables on the tank top and matching cardigan, so cosy.
Nice contrast stripe on this V neck cardigan. He looks a little worried, maybe he can't find his way on the map.
Of course, if you are out and about walking after your map reading you may need a specific piece of knitwear - a windcheater.
Spot the pipe in his hand? It is blending in with the railings. Keeping snug whilst looking out onto the Thames and the Houses of Parliament. I like the cravat, a nice bit of accessorising.
This is interesting because it is a different pattern company and a different style windcheater but possibly the same model and same cravat?!
Of course, it is not just for walking that you need a windcheater, it is most useful for keeping warm whilst driving your tractor.
Now for some cardigans:
He is posing rather awkwardly but I think he is riding a bike, whilst smoking a pipe, in a natty ribbed cardigan.
So, he is not actually smoking but his expression lets us know that he knows he has been caught out with that cigarette packet in his hand. Lovely pattern on the front of his cardi.
Some poor person is on the receiving end of a death glare.
Now for some jumpers:
I like the contrasting cuffs and neck ribbing. He looks very happy to say that he has just found out that they can't afford to do an outdoor photo shoot and he will just have to imagine that he is strolling about the forest smoking his pipe.
A serious pose. It looks like he is by a river and he too is wearing a cravat.
Take your pick from the crew neck or the V neck. They are enjoying sitting around in the study smoking and drinking sherry.
I do like a good his 'n' hers knitting patter. Looks to be by a river again, I think she looks overjoyed as a boat is on its way to rescue her as he is a terrible bore.
No wonder he needs to take a pipe break, working out how to unpack that big fragile crate, can he lean his ladder against it?
I like this ribbed jumper.
He is a bit smug for my liking. I bet no one wants to play golf with him.
Just a few Aran knits to finish off:
I do like a nice, traditional Aran.
Messing about on the river!
Learning the tourist hot spots so that he can impress the ladies with his knowledge later on.
So there we have it, some of the best of my men smoking pattern collection.


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Gadgets and old school stuff
This year though she knocked the ball out the park with something that means nothing to others, but means the world to me.
Back in the late 90s we all still played CDs, and whilst at 5FM released 3 compilations through EMI. Two of them were 80s's albums (the first one went just short of Gold) and also a rock album. Production of them was discontinued years ago, but Nicole has now preserved the great memories for me...
I absolutely love it!
From old school to new technology. Alyssa had a fever last night and I was able to try a new product that might be coming to South Africa. The importer has asked me to give it a test and I must say, it works really well. It's called the iThermometer and it provides a real-time temperature updates of my daughter. There is a small flat sensor (that she doesn't even realise is there) which I placed under her armpit, that transmits to an Apple device like an iPad. From there it streams into the cloud so my wife can be at work and still get a "live" temperature reading whenever she wants. It also sends warnings if the fever exceeds defined levels.
I'll keep you posted as to if and when it gets released in South Africa. It's a cool gadget with very practical functionality.
Staying with gadgets, I went to the launch of NODE last night. It's a new device from Altech in SA that controls your media entertainment, security cameras, appliances, a telephone system, and even allows you to pay your speeding fines! Well done Altech on putting so much into one box.
If you're into home automation as well as media streaming, then you can read more about it here:


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We are soon to launch our couture collection in the mean time we are giving our customers the opportunity to pre order from our collection prior to the launch.
This collection fuses Bridal Satin with Real Woven Kente or 100% Cotton Wax. We can also make any of these designs in a solid colour with no fabric combination. We have a range of colours to choose from you just tell your colour theme and we will make it for you.
Here is the full collection:
To place an order or send through an enquiry simply complete the form below:


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Emergency Call Outs
When something goes wrong with your roof, it is important that you get it fixed as soon as possible, as there is a chance that a lot of damage can be caused to your property in the meantime. With this being true, our emergency call outs service is exactly what you need. We can attend your property quickly to deal with any damage that has been done, so you don't need to worry about your property being at risk. We really can save the day in an emergency situation, so contact us if you would like to get more details.
Warm-Cold Roofs
If you struggle with your room being too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, then solving your problems could be as simple as changing the roof that is on your property. A warm-cold roof uses a layer of insulation that can help to keep your room at a comfortable temperature all year round – meaning that you can get the most out of your room and use it whenever you wish to. Our team are highly trained in installing these roofs to the highest standard, meaning that getting in touch is the first step to an exciting new change for your property.
Inverted Roofs
Protecting our property against the elements can sometimes be quite a challenge, however one of the best ways in which you are able to do this is to take the time to consider the type of roof you have installed. An inverted roof is a great method of insulation, and choosing this type of roof can help to protect your home against extreme weather all year round. Our team are highly experienced in installing this type of roof, meaning that they will be able to provide the best possible service for your needs – so get in touch today to find out more.
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When you look at the outside of your house, you will want to see something that is both attractive and durable in equal measure. If this is what you are looking for for your property at present, then our wall coating service could be just what you need. The coating is applied thickly to your wall, and provides a high quality finish that can really transform the look of your property. Not only this, but it helps to make your wall much more durable, therefore saving you money on repairs in the future. For a great investment into your home, contact us and ask about our wall coating service today.
Modern Buildings & Restoration Work
If you have found an issue with your brand new home that you need checking out, or if indeed you live in a building of historical significance that needs a little TLC - we can handle the job. If it's lead or slate work that needs needed, or you own a highly prestigious home where you feel only the highest quality building work will do, you can put your trust in us to get the job done for you.
Pitched Roofing
Having the perfect roof on a property can add a great deal to it, so if you need work done to your pitched roof then you should address it as soon as possible. The good news is that we are experts in this respect, and will be able to help you get exactly the roof that you need. No matter whether you are looking for a whole new roof, or whether you need your current roof repaired, we have the skills to do it perfectly, so get in touch with us to have work done to your roof that you will be thrilled with.
Making an investment into your property is always a good thing to do, and if you know that you have money spare to do this with at the moment then there is no doubt that re-roofing should be something that is on your list. This can help to stop water from damaging your home, so you should give it some serious thought. Our team are on hand to help with this, and can ensure that your new roof is fitted to the highest possible standards, so give us a call and we can start making a plan of how to change your roof for the better.
Rubber Roofing
If you are looking for the perfect roof for your property, then there is no doubt that rubber roofing could be a good choice. Not only is it durable, but it is also much less expensive than other options, meaning that you wouldn't have to pay out a huge amount of money in one go. Our team can fit rubber roofing for you to the highest standards, so you will know that it will stand strong. This could be a great investment into your home when you think about all of the benefits of the material, so if you would like to see what we can do, get in touch.
Fibreglass Roofing
It's always important that your roof is made from strong material, as this means that it can be kept safe from the elements as far as possible. With this in mind, you may wish to consider fibreglass roofing, as this is not only really strong but also watertight, too, giving you that extra peace of mind. Our team are skilled in fitting these roofs to the highest of standards, so you can be certain that it will hold strong for many years. For a roof you will be thrilled with, get in touch with a member of our team for a consultation.
Flat & Felt Roofing
It is always very important that you have the best possible quality roof on your building, as this is what can keep your property safe from weather damage. If you have a flat roof then this can be difficult to get right, but our team have the skills to do this for you. We can create a water tight finish, so you can be certain that you won't have any leaks. This means that the inside of your building will be kept safe at all times, which is the ideal investment to make to secure the future of your property.
Slate & Tile
Slate and tile roofs can look stunning, however it is important that you make sure they're looked after property, as this gives you the best possible chance of keeping your home protected from damage in the future. With this in mind, our team are in an excellent position to help, as we can use all of our skills to repair and fit slate and tile roofs as needed. We have a lot of experience with previous customers who have been thrilled with our work, so if you would like to make the most of our skills, get in touch to book a consultation.
Roofline & Gutters
During bad weather, generally the first issue you will find with your roof is guttering breakage or leakage. Like with all aspects of roofing, if your guttering hasn't received regular maintenance, this is when you are more likely to face problems. Problems ranging from debris accumulation or strong winds causing the guttering to break will result in immediate attention before the problem worsens. Your roofline needs exactly the same care and attention as your guttering, although most of us will not know as much about roofline as we do guttering, but it is just as essential. Get in touch with us today so we can take a look at your issues - or if you would just like us to perform a health-check of your roofline and guttering - no problem.
Roofing Repairs
If you have tiles on your roof that are broken or missing, it could be letting water into your property, which can go on to cause a whole host of issues in the future. Because of this, it is always worth sorting out the issue as soon as you can, and our team are on hand to help. We have plenty of training and experience of dealing with roofing issues, meaning that you know your roof is in good hands, so if you know you have problems that need to be solved, get in touch with us and we would be happy to help.
Timber Work
It is important that the timber on your roof is fit for purpose and in a good state of repair at all times, because it can help to keep your property safe from any damage that might occur. With this being true, if you know that there are repairs that need to be done, you should think about them sooner rather than later, and our team are ideal for this. We can work on your timber and restore it back to the way it should be, so you can be sure that it will carry on taking care of your roof for you.
Gutter Cleaning
There are lots of things to consider when you are a property owner, and one of the things that you will need to do is to keep your gutters clean. If you fail to do this, there is a chance that water could run down your building and this is something that could cause a lot of damage if it isn't dealt with quickly. However, if you don't feel confident doing this yourself, you may like the service that we have to offer, as we can deal with everything related to your gutter cleaning. This is a good way to maintain your property, so get in touch with us.


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DevOps Dimensions
Over the past few years, my team and I have pondered and discussed deeply the question, what is DevOps. We continually come back to the consistent components—people, process, and tools—but what stands out to us is that the journey is different for everyone. And while that is a bit daunting, the community is incredibly open… Read more
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Thousands of books are published every month, so in an era when it is impossible to hear about all the recently published books, let alone read them, how does an author make theirs rise to the top? If you're lucky enough to have a name already, or a publisher who's willing to float a huge marketing budget, you may be able to rock out with an author tour, well-planted reviews and some blog traffic; but if you're a no name - i.e. a first time author - you've got to be creative.
I heard a few months ago of an author leaving copies of his (self)published novel at various coffee shops around the country. Anyone was invited to read the book and the only payment requested was that the reader pass the book along or share their thoughts about it with others. I don't know much more about this than that - the person who told me the story couldn't remember the man's name or the title of the book - but I was intrigued by the strategy nonetheless. I love a good grassroots literary iniative when I hear about one.
Mark Fitten, author of recently published Valeria's Last Stand from Bloomsbury, has come up with the keen idea of traveling to 100 independent bookshops around the country and chatting the booksellers up about his new book. He's even created a blog for folks to follow his travels, and he's gotten press from the likes of the New York Times. Follow his progress here.


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July 12, 2018
Over 11,000 FinTech startups are operating around the world across 15+ segments, with payments and lending startups consistently being among the most funded and represented. In the past decade, average deal sizes have grown significantly for startups in late-stage rounds, while seed-stage companies possibly lost their former appeal to an increasingly risk-averse VC community (and institutional investors).
It's never been easier to set up a business – all software necessary to set up essential functions is on the market today (Stripe Atlas, Holvi, Quickbooks, etc.). Given the team has critical human functions covered, mere financial survival is the persistently problematic part, whether a startup has a great proposition, or not.
In 2010, the average sums offered were $6.84 million for seed-stage companies, $20.31 million for early-stage VC rounds, and $26.64 million for VC rounds. In 2017, the average figures plummeted to $3 million for seed-stage companies but grew to $41 million for early-stage VC rounds and $1.566 billion for large-stage VC rounds.
Between 2010 and 2017, the average funding for seed-stage companies dropped by more than half (57%), as investors became wary of high-risk financial bets. Meanwhile, in the same period, the average funding for late-stage VC rounds went from $26.64 million to $1.566 billion.
As for the total funding for various stages, in 2010, the total funding for seed-stage FinTech companies was at $205.3 million, for early-stage companies at $316.33 million, and at $156 million for late-stage companies. In 2017, only one of those still counts in millions, and you can guess which one. The total funding for seed-stage companies in 2017 reached $851 million, while the total funding of early-stage and late-stage companies hit $7.137 billion and $6.9 billion respectively.
With 9 out of 10 startups failing, the one that becomes a hit has to be not just incrementally better than the competition but offer a 10X better experience. To become that one startup out of ten, a startup requires significant resource investments – time, talent (all of which comes down to money) – to dive deep into understanding the market, performing research, building the product, testing, etc. None of that is possible without funding.
Eric Kryski, the Co-founder of Bidali and Founder & CEO of Bullish Ventures, explains it quite well:
Startups should not be looked at as some get-rich-quick scheme! Most fail miserably. Furthermore, nearly all of the successful ones that you have heard of were grinding for 2–3 years before you even knew about them. Even if you happen to be part of the minority that succeeds, you will most likely be running your business for 7 years before you see a large return. There is a lot more to the startup dream when you actually crunch the numbers.
Meanwhile, today, venture funding is concentrated at the later stages of financing, while the angel/seed deal value share has plummeted. The productivity of aggressive funds allocation is yet to be fully understood for all stages, but for entrepreneurs who are just starting out their challenging and turbulent journey, the outlook is not optimistic.
Startups operate in a highly imbalanced environment in terms of access to funds. For the longest time, VC funding (along with institutional investors) has been the most important source of fuel for an adequate runway. Founders step from round to round, changing the ownership structure, and not much is heard about those not being able to secure funding past the bootstrapped, FFF (fools, friends, family) stage. By Series A, the survival rate of US startups generally gets to about 40%, to ~25% by Series B, and by Series D it drops to about 5%.
With around 60% of companies that raise pre-Series A funding failing to make it to Series A or beyond, the approach to securing a financial lifeline was bound to change. And even though consumer markets are not stretched enough to give the opportunity for sustainable adoption for the ever-growing number of startups, financing opportunities are increasingly democratizing to allow for a broader audience to participate in startup funding.
Two significant changes are happening in the world of startup financing today:
Diminishing barriers to entry into the world of high-risk, high-reward investing for different types of investors (unaccredited).
Expansion of financing types/options and new financing models for startups to remain operational on early stages.
Both contribute to a general trend – the democratization of financing in the startup world.
In a step towards balancing the environment for startups to have more options, in May 2016, Regulation Crowdfunding: A Small Entity Compliance Guide for Issuers came into effect in the US, outlining the financial conditions under which individual investors can participate in Regulation Crowdfunding offerings. The act was introduced in 2012 by Obama but was approved and implemented in 2016 by the SEC.
The previous capital raising options had limited private companies to raising money only from accredited investors – historically the wealthiest ~2% of Americans. As a result of the JOBS Act, companies can now raise from anyone up to $50 million under Regulation A+ and up to $1 million under Regulation CF. These new exemptions open up investing to 240+ million Americans who previously could not invest.
Title IV Reg A+ (allows startups and later-stage, pre-IPO companies to use equity crowdfunding platforms like Crowdfunder, SeedInvest, and others to raise up to $50 million from both accredited and non-accredited investors) is broken up into two tiers: Tier 1 & Tier 2. Tier 1 allows companies to raise up to $20 million while Tier 2 allows up to $50 million.
Source: Regulation Crowdfunding: A Small Entity Compliance Guide for Issuers, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
In 2017, 12% of equity crowdfunding platforms already drove 72% of Reg CF offerings in the US.
In the US financial services market, regulations such as Reg A+ and Reg CF have opened up new avenues for startups to raise financing from a large number of unaccredited investors along with accredited investors. Among the 636 companies that filed forms to conduct new offerings under Reg A+ or Reg CF, 80% of them (514) filed for Reg CF. In addition, the number of unique offerings for Reg CF increased by 267% in 2017 compared to 2016.
Source: In the US, 12% of Equity Crowdfunding Platforms Drove 72% of Regulation CF Offerings in 2017, MEDICI Research
Reg CF is not the only example of the democratization of financing. There has been a gradual expansion in how companies obtain funds to remain operational:
Bootstrapping, or personal investment
Fools, friends, and family (FFF)
Government small-business grants/equity-free grant programs
Small-business loans and lines of credit
Angel investors
Venture capital
Commitment to a major customer
P2P lending
Rewards-based crowdfunding
B2B lending
Equity-based crowdfunding
Community shares and microfinance
Donation-based crowdfunding
Invoice trading
Debt-based securities
Equipment finance
Merchant cash advance (MCA)
Working capital lending
Each comes with drawbacks (for many, the interest rate is the most significant one).
If not mediated by industry experts, the types of funding sources involving a large number of unaccredited investors, for example, lead to startups missing out on valuable guidance and mentorship. Unaccredited investors, which today can participate in funding rounds, are not necessarily the best judges of a potential the business has. Money raised from unaccredited investors through equity crowdfunding platforms do not come with an educated assessment of the viability of the business model, or the plan, or the product by the crowd. Effectively, those choices bring nothing to the table except for the initial capital investment.
While angel investors and venture capital firms will ask founders to give up some portion of their control in some form, those options have been advantageous for at least the opportunity to expand valuable connections and buy-in some experts. When notable VCs come on board, they come with their network and the chance to jump through mistakes that others in that network can help with.
As Mitchell Lee, Co-founder of Penny, said about the choice of raising the first milling with a VC, In short, by raising venture capital, you're strapping yourself to a rocket, whether or not it goes up.
On the other hand, venture capital can be potent. We offer a consumer mobile app in an inherently un-viral vertical: personal finance. Venture capital would give us the resources we need to grow Penny in a hyper-competitive space. – Mitchell Lee, Penny
Andreessen Horowitz has a more general rule to a choice made by so many founders:
The most important thing to focus on here is finding investors that are appropriate for the stage of the company: e.g., an early-stage company should focus on early-stage investors. And if the startup is still in company building mode, then focus on targeting investors that are company builders. You can always move onto later-stage investors as the company matures, but it's hard to go back to an early-stage investor after bringing in a later-stage investor.
With any loan from an institution, the drawbacks have been stable over the years – a lot of documentation, the necessity to invest time & resources in finding the best deal, and a risk to lose all assets to the institution in case of failure. Strict qualifying guidelines and high interest can also be prohibitive for bootstrapped entrepreneurs. While obtaining an online loan could be easier, the interest rates and/or fees remain high (some options reaching 40-80% APR).
Given the indisputable advantages having accredited investors on board brings, startups seem to have found a creative way to slow down the dilution (YC evaluates giving up as little as 10% of the company in a seed round as being an excellent deal, but most rounds will require up to 20% dilution, and founders should try to avoid more than 25%) before hitting the big game of later-rounds financing.
According to Fortune, seed rounds used to be a discrete event, but several forces changed that. On the early-stage side, innovations such as convertible debt, SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity), AngelList, crowdfunding, and lean startup methodology enabled founders to diversify and stagger their funding sources. On the late-stage side, VCs have become increasingly risk-averse, preferring to pile massive amounts of money into safe bets. Most startups can't become safe bets after one seed round.
The new norm is a rolling seed process with three phases: pre-seed, seed, and post-seed. In pre-seed, startups raise up to $500,000, usually from friends & family, the founders, and crowdfunding sources. Seed encompasses the next $1 million to $2 million of money raised and includes an institutional investor such as a First Round Capital, Floodgate, or True Ventures. Now that startups essentially need to hit growth-stage milestones to raise a Series A, many founders need post-seed financing. These rounds tend to be around $3 million and bring the cumulative money in the company to around $5 million. – Here's How the Smartest Startup Founders Raise Funds, Paul Martino, Fortune
The expansion of options for startups to get monetary infusion for growth and development does not necessarily translate into the quality of startups that survive longer. In fact, the creativity in obtaining funds and continuing operations through options not involving institutions, investors, VCs, or even angel investors – all have a significant drawback for all parties (entrepreneurial community, investors, and the consumer market). The ease of raising funds without having to onboard accredited investors and without having to loosen the founder's grip may translate into longer stages of misguidedness over the overall viability of the business. Unaccredited investors may end up enabling a slow failure, instead of a fast one where the team can move on, pivot, and evolve.
On the other hand, it's not uncommon for startups to be mistakenly passed over, only to prove to be an outstanding success in the future. The democratization of financing, while will undoubtedly fuel a lot more failures for longer times, is also a chance for truly innovative ideas to survive, benefiting both consumers and the industry.
For a deeper dive into the way equity crowdfunding enables individual investors to invest in a previously inaccessible asset class, democratizing financial access for more entrepreneurs (founders, as well as those looking to support local business ecosystems), read the latest insider brief called Water Water Everywhere, Not a Drop to Drink: Crowdfunding by Amit Goel in MEDICI Inner Circle.


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Our Physician Associate programme has been developed in partnership with the Royal Berkshire Hospital and Berkshire Healthcare Trust. It is taught by practising healthcare professionals alongside academics, offering you an insight into current practice.
Your training will consist of intensive evidence-based academic work and hands-on workplace experience. You will have considerable interaction with patients from early on in your studies.
The degree is designed to meet the requirements of the Department of Health's Competence and Curriculum Framework for the Physician Associate. This has been designed to maximise the sustainability and transferability of the role across the NHS.
Our first cohort of students graduated in 2017, we've had 100% pass rate on the national exams for two years running and all of our graduates have found jobs within the NHS.*
Please note that you can opt for either our two-year MSc Physician Associate programme or our PGDip Physician Associate programme.
*These figures apply to our first two cohorts of students, who all undertook the Postgraduate Diploma Physician Associate programme.
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A man's body was discovered nailed to a wooden cross in an empty South Korea stone pit, supposedly next to a mirror so he could see himself suffer, according to a New York Daily News report.
Donning a loin cloth and crown of thorns, the man had a stab wound on his side and his feet and hands nailed to the cross, resembling the image of Jesus Christ in the bible's description of his death. There were two smaller crosses on either side of the man.
Police found a hammer, nails, mirror, an electric drill, more pieces of wood, and a "how-to" guide for constructing crosses. The man's SUV was also discovered near the stone quarry. Cops are unsure if this was a suicide or homicide, but neighbors claimed the man had intense religious beliefs.


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By Davide Scigliuzzo
NEW YORK: Altice-owned telecoms company Numericable-SFR is looking to raise US$2.25bn in the US junk bond market with a new 10-year issue, according to an underwriter's note seen Tuesday by IFR.
The company, which plans to use proceeds to repay outstanding debt, set up an investor call at 4:15pm on Tuesday and is looking to price the new bond on Wednesday.
JP Morgan is the lead underwriter on the transaction, which is callable after five years and rated B1/B+. (Reporting by Davide Scigliuzzo; Editing by Marc Carnegie)


text:
A judge has ruled that tagging someone in a Facebook post — and the subsequent notification that it generates — is enough to constitute a violation of a restraining order.
The New York Law Journal describes a case in which Maria Gonzalez was not allowed to contact her sister-in-law Maribel Calderon under a protection order. That didn't stop Gonzalez taking to Facebook to tag Calderon in a post which called her "stupid", adding that "you and your family are sad...You guys have to come stronger than that!! I'm way over you guys but I guess not in ya agenda."
Acting Westchester County Supreme Court Justice Susan Capeci ruled that the notification generated by Facebook as a result of the tag represented an infringement of the protection order, which has seen Gonzalez charged with second-degree criminal contempt. That could lead to as much as a year in jail. [New York Law Journal via CNET]
Image by dolphfyn / Shutterstock.com
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Friday, December 28, 2007
Temple Square
Posted by Darrik, Kami & Brock at 10:23 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
New Bloggers!
So after hanging out with some old friends last night, I have succumbed to peer pressure and started a blog. This is our first one so don't expect too much.
Posted by Darrik, Kami & Brock at 3:48 PM 1 comments
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Mala of the Long Road Finale
Waking before sunrise, Mala had her camp broken down and her horse prepped by the first rays of light. She felt a sense of urgency that she hadn't experienced in years and rode like the gates of hell had opened up behind her. Though she had now ridden into places she'd only heard whisperings about, she knew where she was headed.
The sun was directly overhead when she found the ruins. Once a mighty palace carved from marble and jade, much of its riches had been plundered over the centuries. Still, its ruins rose up majestically, a skeleton of ancient splendor. Mala felt small as she stepped up to the entrance, the air growing colder the closer she got. It felt as old as it looked, but somehow the air did not feel lifeless.
The gate had worn away, until only fragments jutted out like broken teeth in a gaping maw. She could just make out the sun engraved into the stone at the top of the gate's ruined arch. And past the gate lay darkness. Her axe crackled as she drew it from her back. It gave her light, but it would also alert anything dwelling within. She wasn't sure if that was a fair trade-off, just yet.
Mala moved cautiously, until the gate had disappeared into the dark and her sense of direction threatened to get her turned around. "Leilatha?" She kept her voice low, hoping for something to show her the way. There was no response, save the sound of something scraping in the distance. Perhaps not the sign she was looking for, but one she was willing to take. Mala followed the sound, finding a hallway decorated with spiraling arches long overgrown with vines. She traveled down the hallway, her weapon illuminating faded paintings of gilded lords and ladies, and proud queens.
The hallway opened up into a grand chamber. Light filtered down from somewhere high above, speckles of dust dancing in the beams. Looking up, she couldn't even see the ceiling. Statues littered the chamber. Some stood on pedestals, others lay on the ground. Many were shattered and broken and even without counting Mala thought that there were more statues than there were pedestals for them.
Though this palace had been in ruin for centuries, the black marble floor still shone when she lowered her axe closer to it. She could see her reflection. Grim-faced, bronze skin dirty from travel, tousled brown hair sticking out of her helm in a mess from the ride. Straightening, Mala walked further in. At the far end stood a throne, and on the throne sat a statue of an elf maiden. She appeared to have been carved from obsidian, her features so lifelike that Mala half expected her to stand when she approached. Her heart pounded in her ears. "Leilatha!"
Mala pulled off her gauntlet and lifted her hand, cupping the statue's cheek. She expected the stone to be cold, but it was warm to the touch and so smooth that she could almost fool herself into thinking her thumb stroked across flesh. "Is this what you meant? Are you frozen in stone? How can I free you?" She glanced around. More importantly, was it some demon that turned her to stone, or a curse? There were hundreds of stories to choose from and Mala wondered if the cause might still be around. Suddenly, all those broken statues seemed more ominous. There had to be a clue somewhere in this ruin. She wasn't sure how much time she even had. No more than six hours, she thought, before Leilatha would be gone forever. It was a small consolation that the others who were frozen were likely less powerful, and had faded away long before being broken.
Turning back to Leilatha, she planted a kiss on her brow. "We still have time, your majesty. I suppose I should call you that now, shouldn't I? You did seem rather Queenly." She stepped down from the throne, and moved towards a group of statues. They were clustered around a fallen cistern. Though the water had long ago evaporated, there was something curious about the grass that had cracked though the marble. Kneeling, she poked a blade, and it snapped off. Stone.
"There was something in the water." She inspected the piece of broken stone. It looked like it was solid all the way through. So how was Leilatha still alive? Magic wasn't something she knew very well. That had been the domain of a close friend of her sister's, one who was much too far away to be any help now.
But she knew weapons could hold power, and that curses existed. That the world was filled with strange creatures. She'd once fought a monster with the torso of a woman and a snake's body. But she didn't understand how any of it worked, or how to mold magic into something she could use. Her hand tightened around the haft of the axe, and she stared at it as if it held the secret to freeing Leilatha. Just maybe, it did.
Conscious that the shuffling sound she'd heard earlier had ceased, Mala set out from the throne room through the door opposite the one she'd come through. She followed an endless maze of hallways and tunnels for an indeterminable time. It was frustrating and fruitless, until she reached wine cellars deep beneath the palace. The wine had long ago spoiled, caskets and bottles shattered and broken. And she heard that sound again, something moving in the darkness.
Eyes glinted in the light of her axe and she brandished it in two hands as the creature shambled towards her. Electricity crackled, and she recognized it as a walking corpse. Taller and more gaunt than others she'd seen, she wondered if it was related to the one she'd slain before she'd met Leilatha. That thought quickly faded as she parried a strike. The corpse moved jerkily, but struck at her quick as a snake. Whoever he'd been in life had been a tremendous warrior, and probably Elvish.
She locked her axe with his weapon, catching the sword between haft and blade, then used the leverage to push back against her enemy. He stumbled back, and she lunged forward, her blade cutting the top of his head off. He crumbled to the ground at her feet. Straightening, Mala lifted her axe, illuminating where the corpse had come from. A crack in the wall, and through it she could hear water. It was just wide enough for her to squeeze through, though she had to stoop. There was a tunnel that weaved around in a half circle before opening into a cavern. Moss glowed on rocks, and at the center of the cavern was a pool, reflecting green and blue light.
The pool was mostly still, though she could hear the gentle flow of water somewhere nearby. She knelt. It was reflective like a mirror, and as with the marble she could see herself staring back. Her reflection frowned, then arms reached out. A hand clasped around her throat and another wrapped around her back, yanking her into the water. The pool was very deep, and Mala struggled against the figure that held onto her. Its grip was vice-like and if she didn't drown, its hand would surely choke her.
Lungs burning, Mala kicked once, and then a second time, and beat her axe at its body. One blow connected, and she was released. Kicking off of the lakebed, she shot upward only to slam head first into surface of the pool. It had iced over, or turned to glass and her vision briefly blurred. Gasping, she swung her axe. A spiderweb of cracks spread out from the impact, and on her second swing she broke through. Coughing, Mala dragged herself out of the water. She barely had time to regain her senses when something grabbed her leg. Twisting out of the way and rolling to her feet, Mala hefted her axe as she stared her new opponent down.
A woman stood in front of her, water dripping from auburn hair. She wore armor that was heavier than Mala's and wielded a sword and shield. Her eyes were light, like Mala's, her face the same round shape and her nose with that same indent that had embarrassed her when she was younger. It was the scar over her doppelganger's left eye that caused Mala's stomach to drop. Adjusting her grip on the axe, Mala readied herself and growled. "Whatever you are, you are not my sister. You are not Anu!"
Grinning, Anu lifted her shield and smacked the flat of her sword against it in challenge. Mala didn't rise to the bait. She'd laid her twin to rest years ago, and buried her grief and guilt in the same grave.
"Will you hesitate again?"
"What are you?"
"A reflection of you." She darted forward, sliding below the arc of Mala's axe. The sword cut across Mala's hip as she spun away. It stung, but Mala only spared it a short glance.
Her reflection grinned. "Just a little faster, sister. All you needed to be was one second faster."
"Is this a test? Do you think you can rattle me with something I've argued with myself over and over?"
Not saying anything else, Anu surged forward again. Mala dodged the attack, her axe redirected by the shield. She twisted back, knocking the next attack to the side and ramming her shoulder into Anu's chest. Using the momentum to her advantage, she brought them both to the ground and pressed the blade of her axe against her enemy's throat.
"All of this," Anu rasped, her skin drawing taut against her skull and her eyes turning a sickly color. Her sister replaced by a ghoulish face. "For what?"
"I gave my word to help someone." Mala pushed with the haft of the axe, until she'd removed the ghoul's head. Her body ached as she got to her feet. The water in the pool had drained. In the center lay a stone circle, demonic writing carved into it. It looked heavy, too sturdy to be easily broken. Despite how daunting the prospect was, Mala carefully slid down to the bed of the pool, and approached the circle. She looked at her axe and the elegant engravings on the blade, then lifted it over her head and brought it down onto the circle with all her strength. Lightning crackled and thunder boomed.
Night was falling by the time she found the throne room again. Blood soaked her trousers and a burn ran from her chin, up her right cheek to her ear. Long-decayed corpses and bones had replaced many of the fallen statues, and her heart started to sink. Breaking the curse may have freed Leilatha, if only to the embrace of death. The throne was still occupied, and Mala bent to one knee, as much out of respect as a lack of energy. She couldn't bear to look, and only when a finger touched her chin did she realize that Leilatha was still alive. She lifted her eyes. The Queen was so much more real than any time she had seen her. Her dark skin was warm and her eyes glowed with that same blue light she'd come to associate with her.
"No, no. Stand." She gently helped Mala to her feet. "I am a Queen of a kingdom long gone."
Mala regarded her curiously. "What happened?"
"In my own hubris I crossed the wrong person. The reflection you faced was an old echo of her." Leilatha looked as exhausted as Mala felt. Her hands deftly removed Mala's gauntlets. "It is a long story. I am the last of my kind."
Mala rubbed her thumb alongside Leilatha's as their fingers intertwined. "I'd like to hear it. But you are not the first elf I've ever met," she said, boldly brushing her free hand through Leilatha's hair. "And even then, you would not be alone. As long as you'd have me at your side."
Leilatha tilted her head, her smile knowing. She leaned in, pressing her lips briefly to Mala's. "I believe you promised me a ride, Mala of the Long Road."
"Whenever you're ready, Lady," Mala breathed, lips buzzing and heart pounding as a new rush of energy filled her.
"Let's leave now. And call me Leilatha."
"Only if you just call me Mala."
Laughing, Leilatha squeezed Mala's fingers. "So be it."