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On August 31, 2016, a group of creators led by Philip DeFranco sparked an Internet firestorm when they shared that several of their videos were deemed "not ad-friendly" by YouTube and had been "demonetized" as a result. In truth, those videos were not newly demonetized, and the reason creators noticed the change now was due to a policy change made by YouTube in an effort to be more transparent.
Even though the demonetization controversy didn't end up in exactly the same place it started, it has drawn a flurry of responses from the YouTube community. Everyone seems to have an opinion, from the people who are crying censorship to those who don't think an "ad-friendly" policy is such a bad idea. While we have already written a basic overview of the recent events, there is plenty more than can be learned from the collected reactions to the controversy.
Let's begin with a point that several people have made in recent days:
What YouTube Is Doing Is Not Censorship
Many prominent creators, DeFranco and Jenna Marbles among them, have pulled out the c-word in their reactions to YouTube's previously-unnoticed policy. "Taking away monetization is a form of censorship," DeFranco claimed in one of his recent videos.
In truth, censorship is too strong of a word, because YouTube is not prohibiting ad-unfriendly content from being uploaded in the first place. "[In] what bizarre world is the act of not paying somebody for content they are freely allowed to create, upload, and share on your platform considered censorship?" asked YouTube star Freddie Wong in an editorial. "This is not censorship. This is not some 'form' of censorship. Ask yourself: Do you believe that creators deserve advertising on anything they create, regardless of content? Do you believe advertisers should be required to monetarily support any kind of content? If depriving a content creator of money for their work amounts to censorship, then does anybody who uses an ad blocker while watching somebody's videos engage in de facto 'censorship' of that creator?"
Variety reporter Todd Spangler, who covers the digital media beat, echoed Wong's sentiments. In a sharp op-ed piece, he cited Bob Garfield of public radio's On The Media. "If makers wish to participate in a commercial marketplace, they must live with its sensitivities," Garfield said. "As long as the government isn't trying to stifle speech, move along. There's nothing to see here, folks."
YouTube isn't engaging in censorship here. It does, however, have some other issues it needs to sort out.
YouTube Needs To Be More Transparent
Another common complaint, beyond the cries of censorship, concerns the YouTube algorithm that determines which videos are ad-friendly and which ones are not. Boogie2988, a gamer and commentator who always makes his voice heard during YouTube-related controversies, criticized the video site for flagging his suicide prevention videos as ad-unfriendly. Several other creators, including the hosts of the Machinima ETC channel, have asked why upstanding news videos about sensitive-yet-important subjects like North Korea have been flagged.
#YoutubePartyIsOver Don't try to save lives on youtube if you plan for it to be part of your business model, kids. pic.twitter.com/Nf2NRWDdcn
— boogie2988 (@Boogie2988) September 1, 2016
Ethan Klein, the host of h3h3productions, did some digging and came up with a partial answer. As he saw on his own channel, videos tagged with salacious terms like "ISIS" and "rape" were more likely to get hit. While he shared this information with his viewers, he also questions why he had to find out this information himself, rather than learning about it from YouTube. "The crazy thing is, I actually don't think anything has changed. Now they're just telling you…before they just wouldn't pay you at all and you wouldn't understand why all of a sudden you're making 10% of what you're supposed to be."
If it's true that YouTube has been enforcing this policy for years and has only now made it clear enough for creators to see the damage — and all signs point to that being the case — it's a bad look. YouTube is a place of work for thousands of people, and it's not fair for those people to be affected by behind-the-scenes changes hidden in the deepest corners of the video site's user interface.
In YouTube's defense, the decision to improve notifications for demonetized videos is a step in the right direction. The video site made creator relations a big theme of its presentation at this past year's VidCon, which leads us to believe more positive changes are coming. At the same time, it's hard not to wonder what other little-known policies are hiding in within YouTube's massive infrastructure, yet to be properly revealed.
In the meantime, there are some steps creators can take.
Pre-roll Advertising Remains An Imperfect Model
We've devoted a ton of space on this blog to the drawbacks of pre-roll advertising as a moneymaking model. In short, it's intrusive, its value tends to fluctuate greatly, and it is at odds with the widespread adoption of ad blockers.
This latest kerfuffle shows another drawback of the pre-roll model It is beholden to the whims of advertisers. If brands don't like violent or explicit content, they can opt not to support it — and that's exactly what they do. "This is standard fare for advertisers," said Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks in a recent video. "They eliminate the violence, the sex, the bad language." "If we YouTubers want to keep YouTube as our jobs," added GradeAUnderA in his latest take, "we have to keep the advertisers happy."
In the wake of the demonetization controversy, no one has hit this point harder than Vimeo, the online video platform known for serving the artsy set. Vimeo does not have any pre-roll ads, and that comes with certain advantages. "YouTube's revenue model continues to place narrative guard rails on creators," reads an email from a Vimeo representative. "In contrast, Vimeo—with no interruptive advertising anywhere on the platform — empowers creators will full creative control."
Love it or not, pre-roll advertising is the primary avenue through which YouTube creators are able to make money. But it's not the only way…
Creators Need To Diversify Their Revenue Streams
In his initial response to the demonetization of his videos, DeFranco noted that he wouldn't be hurt too badly by YouTube's actions because he had already, in essence, YouTube-proofed his digital presence. His revenue streams include, for example, merchandise sales, where advertisers have no control over the items he sells.
If we accept that advertisers have the ultimate say on what is deemed "ad-friendly" on YouTube, then that only provides more incentive for creators to expand their business to multiple platforms. As Wong explains, there are many ways to accomplish that goal. "The way to have a say is to concretely support the creators and channels you watch directly by giving them money," he writes. "There are options here: merchandise, crowdfunding platforms like Patreon, direct donations. This will actually allow them to cover any topic in any manner of their choosing."
Even in terms of advertising itself, there are multiple options, and not all brand deals need to be routed through YouTube. As GradeAUnderA notes, if viewers become more amenable to sponsored content, it will allow creators to work with brands that align with their content.
A greater diversity of revenue streams may also help resolve the bigget-picture issue raised by this controversy.
The YouTube Culture War Is Heating Up
Once again, the demonetization of ad-unfriendly videos is not a new YouTube policy, but one reason it's getting so much attention is because it speaks to very real and very big issues facing the online video community today. Specifically, the bootstrapping, do-it-yourself creators who turned YouTube into an entertainment paradigm separate from TV are now at odds with media companies that want to make online video more like TV, and by extension, safer for brands. This is a conflict that has been going on for a long time, but it gets hotter with each passing controversy.
DeFranco and Jenna Marbles are two members of that first wave of YouTube stars, so it's not surprising that they're upset about recent events. After all, them and their ilk came to the Internet because they felt they might be free from the restrictions TV producers place on content. When they talk about censorship, they seem to be fretting about the loss of the original YouTube voice as much as they are complaining about the depreciation of certain topics.
A recent article from Defy Media President Keith Richman underscores this shift. Here's the most relevant passage:
"YouTube is in the business of selling advertising, and in particular is in the business of trying to get advertising dollars that are allocated to television to shift over to their platform. That is very similar to the business we have been in for years. Having sat down with many agencies and brands, I can assure you that one of their biggest fears is that their advertisements will show up against content that does not adhere to the standards listed above. The easiest way for someone to defend buying ads on television versus digitally is to point to the lack of those standards online."
For executives like Richman who are trying to poach TV ad spend, the shift of YouTube to a more TV-like feel is an important step forward. Nonetheless, we shouldn't expect the creators who have no interest in that evolution to accept it without protest. This is the culture war I speak of, and it might get messy in the near future. In the present, however, open communication between YouTube and its constituents can make the transition into the video site's future as smooth as possible.


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Grumsling is a band from Oakland, California. More than a band, they're an art project. Their music is a narrative for a creature called The Grumsling, and their music also serves as a soundtrack of sorts for the upcoming graphic novels by David Lafuente. This unique art adventure goes far beyond what any other indie band is doing today, and so far, we're a huge fan of it at Music Unlabeled.
Full Coverage was an EP released back in March of 2014. It's a 7 track record with amazing, out of these world sounds with an even more out of this world story to tell. It's a story that you won't regret listening to.
"The Grumsling is a force of mischief. A trickster. He is a force of darkness, but not evil. In fact, the Grumsling denies any division of the world into good and evil and only sees the world in degrees of chaos and fun. The Grumsling lives in a shadow dimension and only emerges to disrupt anything or anyone who is too serious, and to give itself a chuckle."
– Info off of the Grumsling's BandCamp
In addition to the incredibly unique project that Grumsling has up their sleeves, their music is really imaginative. The vocals and lyrics convey the story of the Grumsling well, and paired with the captivating instrumentals, they stir up a feeling in the listener. The instrumentals are creative, unique, and captivating. The fact that the musicians in Grusmling are able to use the instruments to create such out of this world, never heard before sounds just goes to show you how much talent that they have. Even with the lyrics and the creativity of the project, the instrumentals are still my favorite part.
Production wise, Full Coverage exceeds expectations. You're not straining to hear all of the little, finite details from each of the songs. Any effects or clips added to the songs are easily heard, and they don't distort the overall sound too much. If I were to change one thing, it would be how the vocalist comes across on some of the songs. On a few of the songs, the vocalist isn't easily heard. It's almost like the vocalist and the instruments are competing for your attention at parts. There are times that it becomes distracting from the song, but it doesn't distract from the enjoyment of Full Coverage.
Full Coverage has a really great flow to it. There's not a single note that seems out of place. The narrative that Full Coverage tries to tell manages to flow really well too. Instead of telling a straight forward story though, the songs on Full Coverage seem to generate more of a feeling. You get a good feel to the kind of creature that the Grumsling is, as well as their effect on other people (and you the listener.) The songs and Full Coverage as a whole will make more sense once the comic books are out, I'm sure. But Full Coverage makes you excited to see what future music and art from the Grumsling project will be like.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ms. Patricia Hitchcock's Reviews Of North-West Vietnam Motorcycle Tour
(Patricia Hitchcock reviews of 10 days Honda XL Degree 250cc ride, ~1,300 km)
Even though I'm only a not very experienced off road rider I had no trouble, and enjoyed the trip.
Tempo of the tour and the stop-over
Tempo was great – suited me very well. Stop-overs – great mix of hotels + home stays.
Bikes and equipment
Motorcycle => got to see more by travelling this way.
Interesting range of hotels. Homestays absolutely great.
A range of Vietnamese to Western food – all good.
Guide and organisation
Guide very responsive to suggestions listened to what we liked + wanted to see + do.
How did you know about us?
Full name: Patricia Hitchcock
Address: AUSTRALIA.
For more customers' reviews of Offroad Vietnam motorbike tours riding the rocky North-West loop, please follow this link


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News__ Pet Bicycle Basket
| By Hana May
This is better than sliced bread--a wicker basket with a cage to keep your little doggy safe (and put) when you ride. The Nantucket Cisco Pet Bicycle Basket, comes with a removable cover and a padded interior to keep the little girl or guy comfortable. Now all we need to do is get that dog we've been wanting.
Via: AnOther


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Green Power Guy is a leader in greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement and carbon accounting. We have helped many of the world's largest brands measure and account for their corporate emissions. Using custom technology, we conduct accurate, thorough GHG inventories that stand up to 3rd party verification.
Globally, thousands of companies annually disclose their GHG emissions by participating in the CDP Investor or CDP Supply Chain programs. Green Power Guy partners with companies to help them complete the CDP questionnaire and improve their scores by 25% on average.
Green Power Systems guides organizations through the CSR reporting process by leveraging our experience with the most commonly used reporting frameworks, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the B Impact Assessment, and many others.
Green Power Systems provides comprehensive support to companies that need to respond to environmental scorecards, including the Sustainability Index, the SAC Higg Index, and others.


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As recent studies have shown that marijuana use is extremely popular with adolescents, more so than alcohol and tobacco, further research, just released in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, finds that habitually smoking marijuana before age 18 showed an eight-point drop in IQ between the ages of 13 and 38, a considerable decline. The average IQ is 100 points. A drop of eight points represents a fall from the 50th percentile to the 29th percentile in terms of intelligence.
Researchers tested the IQs of all of the study subjects at age 13 before any habitual marijuana use. Researchers then split the study into five "waves" during which time they assessed cannabis use — ages 18, 21, 26, 32, and 38. They again tested IQ at age 38. The authors also controlled for alcohol use, other drug use and education level.
The eight-point drop in IQ was found in subjects who started smoking in adolescence and persisted in "habitual smoking" — that is, using cannabis at least four days per week — in three or more of the five study waves.
People who started smoking in adolescence but used marijuana less persistently still had a hit to their IQ's, but it was less pronounced than the group that used it early and persistently.
In contrast, those who never used marijuana at all gained nearly one IQ point on average.
"Collectively, these findings are consistent with speculation that cannabis use in adolescence, when the brain is undergoing critical development, may have neurotoxic effects," Meier writes in the study.
Of particular worry is the permanence of these effects among people who began smoking marijuana in adolescence. Even after these subjects stopped using marijuana for a year, its adverse effects persisted and some neurological deficits remained. People who did not engage in marijuana smoking until after adolescence showed no adverse effects on intelligence.
"Frontal lobe myelination is not fully completed until age 25 years or so, and the pre-myelinated brain is more susceptible to damage from neurotoxins," says Dr. Richard Wahl, director of adolescent Medicine at the University of Arizona. "Cannabis, most likely, is a neurotoxin in high and continuous doses."
The study appears to lend credence to "stoner" stereotypes in popular media. However, no previous studies can provide data for this phenomenon, since establishing whether a drop in IQ has actually occurred requires that a baseline IQ be obtained before a person ever started using marijuana. This study did just that.
"[The findings] provide evidence for the actual — rather than ideological and legal — basis for concerns regarding cannabis use," said Dessa Bergen-Cico, an assistant professor of public health, food studies and nutrition at Syracuse University. "These findings reinforce recommendations on the importance of primary prevention, evidence based drug education and policy efforts targeting not only adolescents, but elementary age children before they start."
(Source:ABCnews.go) Full article here.
Comment from Director of Outpatient Counseling Services on this article:
As the director of ACS' Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program, marijuana is the number one substance our teens are habitually smoking on a daily, chronic basis. We see a continual decline in our teens lives – their social skills, family relationships, academic successes and overall feeling off health and well-being.
The adolescent brain is growing and changing – this study has reported evidence that teens 13-18 who are using marijuana on a regular basis suffer long-lasting IRREVERISBLE negative brain effects. Our teens, community and at times parents, are bombarded with information about the harmless effects of the "herbal" drug that 'everybody' is doing. Our goal at ACS is to educate, prevent and treat teens who are using all drugs, especially marijuana, to learn how to live healthy adult lives.
To learn more about marijuana and its effects on the brain, we provide monthly substance abuse prevention workshops, named Esther's Pledge Substance Abuse Prevention Workshops, for parents and teens through our Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program.
We also provide SAIL (Substance Abuse Info Line) a "free" substance abuse information, resource and referral line for teens and parents, operated by professional treatment counselors. The line is available Monday-Friday 5 pm to 7pm. Just dial 650.384.3094.
To attend a workshop or if you have questions about substance abuse please contact Connie Mayer at 650.424.0852 ext 104 or firstname.lastname@example.com


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KT 2017 Encounters was a masterclass by Kathmandu Triennale 2017 curator Philippe van Cauteren and Bjorn Heyzak, Production Manager, S.M.A.K.
The workshop explored the production approach of KT 2017 and its many international artists. Follow-up workshops will be held by Srijanalaya (Education Partner of KT 2017) to train 'Encounter Leaders' who will be hired by KT 2018 to lead production of international artworks (14 - 24 March 2017) and subsequent in-venue engagement programs (24 March - 9 April) such as guided tours and workshops for children/community.
The workshops are targeted towards students and professionals interested in art, architecture and social work.
#artthriveshere #artcity #merocity #kt2017 #kathmandutriennale


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We have received concerning news, that 29 year old British National, Dapinder Singh (in the photo wearing a blue dastaar) was one of the 30 or so Sikhs to be arrested today by Panjab Police. Thousands of ordinary devout Sikhs had gathered at the very place where the attack took place, to honour those who gave their lives for their faith.
Understandably, Dapinder's family are very concerned about his well being. Sikh Relief are in contact with the family and providing our full support at this worrying time. Via: Sikh Relief
Breaking news Via Sangat TV
It has come to light, that of the many Sikhs who were arrested at the 6th of June memorial services at Sri Harmander Sahib yesterday, one is Dapinder Singh of Derby in the UK.
It is understood the 29 year old was detained for being present at Sri Harmander Sahib, rather than for any reason, according to witnesses, relating to his behaviour, he was described as calm and peaceful throughout the day and during his arrest as well.
As a UK citizen, his treatment may raise concerns around the Sikh community here in Britain, leaving many worried about the notorious Panjab Police and their 3rd degree methods during interrogations, as cited in decades of UN and Amnesty International reports, which does not bode well for Dapinder Singhs personal health and wellbeing.


text: Human Resource Management – Compensation and Benefits 5 page case study in APA with a title page Please cite and include references I've attached two documents that explain the assignment (below) and the required case study format instructions Assignment: Your organization has two business units: one is a mature or established unit which manufactures products which are competitive on price. The product and manufacturing processes have few technological changes. The other business unit is a brand-new start-up which uses high levels of technology in its products which are heavily regulated by the federal government. You are the senior HR professional of the organization and you are making recommendations to other members of the senior team on pay, benefits and forms of recognition. • Which pay structure would you use for each business unit? Explain the decision process(es) used. • What benefits would you recommend to the leadership of the organization for use in each business unit? • What forms of recognition would you recommend for each unit? • What additional considerations should be made for each business unit (for example, recruitment and retention considerations, generational differences between workforces?) Explain your rationale using supportive documentation. In this 5-8 page paper, reply to each of the questions using references to the course material and other professional publications and cite your sources. (Do not sacrifice thoroughness for mere brevity.) Please proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors. Develop a title page, an abstract or introduction, and include a bibliography of references. See the written assignment rubric for evaluation criteria.


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I was born the third of eight children to a modest family in Nonoava, Chihuahua in 1974. My father was a farmer and my mother was a stay-at-home mom. She took care of my siblings and I. It is thanks to her, my father, and my siblings that I have several beautiful recollections of Nonoava while growing up. I will never forget those wonderful experiences.
Vida en el Pueblo
Life in the Town
Life in Nonoava was extremely beautiful. Since it is a small town, everybody knows each other, making our community very closely knit. I recall how the children would go outside and play together as their parents chatted about the latest news.
At end of the week, everyone would go to mass. We would all gather as was the custom. In Nonoava, I received my baptism, first communion, and confirmation. For teenagers, there would be extra talks at Church, and I would always go. I was essentially always in catechism.
Nonoava a través de las Temporadas
Nonoava through the Seasons
Every year had its own phases and so did every season. For instance, in winter, I would go to school in the morning, come back home in the afternoon and look for something fun to do at home since it was very cold outside. We had a firewood stove, and my siblings and I would gather around it because it was very warm.
In order to not waste the heat, my mom would sometimes bake bread, tortillas, biscochos, empanadas, and small pastries. Whenever I could, I would go and sell them to make some extra money. But, that's what we mainly did during winter to stay warm since at that time, heaters did not exist. All the warmth we got came from our clothes and the fire stove. Things greatly changed during the spring.
As the temperature got warmer, my siblings and I did not spend as much time at home. After school, we would go home, finish our homework, and go outside to play with the neighbors' kids. We played so many games that are essentially rare nowadays. Games from back then were much funner: children would play with el trompo, la llanta, las canicas, and simple things like that. We would also play las comadritas, la roña, and los encantados. We even played baseball and soccer, but we couldn't play soccer often because it was hard to get soccer balls. We would sometimes find some kind of ball and try to play soccer with it, but it usually did not work out. Regardless, we preferred playing baseball since it required a lot of running, which was always very fun. That's how we would spend our spring, summer, and fall.
When el tiempo de las aguas (rainy season) came during June and July, I would go help my dad in the fields and cultivate frijol y maíz (beans and corn). Every now and then, we would cultivate watermelon or pumpkins to have some kind of fruit. I would do this in the morning since there was no school, and I would play with the kids in my neighborhood until the evening.
We would go to the river and bathe, jump on the rocks or over puddles– those were always my favorite activities.
Then, with fall came harvesting season. We would go reap the frijol y maíz that had grown. With October came dairy season. We would go milk the cows since in that general season the cows had their little calves. I really enjoyed this season because I got the chance to make cheese and butter.
La Separación
The Separation
My family was always together until 1985 when we were all separated. My dad thought that it would be better to take us somewhere we could have better schooling. My mom, several of my siblings and I went to Aldama while my dad stayed in Nonoava to take care of the crops. From that point onwards, we have never been fully united again.


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Select a box that works for you. We have 3 sizes of farm boxes filled with a diverse mix of veggies. We also have a number of greens only shares for those who just have a craving for delicious, organic lettuce, kale or swiss chard. Pay all at once or weekly. Our shares run from June 15- October 15.
What is in the Box?
We strive to offer you a variety of vegetables. For this reason, to supplement our own organic vegetables, we source produce from our friends at nearby farms, depending upon what is most delicious, beautiful, and in season.
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We offer delivery in Greater Portland and to any location within 10 minutes of Route 1, I95 and I295 from Caribou to Kennebunkport! In addition to convenient pick-up locations in northern & southern Maine, and Massachusetts. We even offer free shipping on our Medium & Large Farm Boxes anywhere in the northeast!
Farm Shares are a Perfect Match for You and Local Maine Farms
You get to enjoy outstanding, healthy organic produce all the while knowing you are supporting fun, hardworking Maine farming families with your local food dollars.
When you enroll early, it helps us plan our season and gives us a better understanding of what we will need in way of supplies. Enrolling early also gives you the opportunity to watch your veggies grow from seed to plate.
When we know you are buying early, it helps us spend more time in the field and less time trying to find potential customers.
Live Outside Our Delivery Range? We Will Send Your Box in the Mail!
Free Shipping on our Medium & Large Farm Boxes
We love companies like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh who send fresh ingredients in the mail. We thought why not go one step further, grow the fresh veggies ourselves, and send them direct to you in the mail. We've spoken with industry leaders in packaging to work out the kinks. In the rare event your produce arrives damaged we will send another box free of charge or offer a refund. If you would like our Small Farm Box shipped, we are happy to send it for a small, postage fee. Boxes will generally arrive at your home on Fridays.
More details regarding our farm share can be found in our Farm Share Member Agreement.
Want to learn more about Community Supported Agriculture?


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Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Chapter of Fairfield County celebrates Founders Day
The Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Chapter of Fairfield County will be hosting an afternoon tea to celebrate Founders Day on Saturday, April 23, from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Roger Sherman Inn in New Canaan.
Cost is $38 per person.
To RSVP, visit fairfieldco.kappaalphatheta.org/page/payments via Paypal, or mail check to Kristin Selvala, 90 Country Club Road, New Canaan, 06840.
Fabulous hats encouraged.


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Never visit North Korea, even with a school or church group. You will be lucky to get out alive.
Atlanta is the city of disposable stadiums.
Liberals say they're going to "save" Social Security. What they're trying to do is save it for the illegal invaders, the pre-Democrats.
The devastated Demoleft Party thought they were going to eradicate the Republicans in 2016. Pollsters seemed to agree, but voters did not.
"That's the Obama lesson. He came from nowhere and became president. Hillary came from somewhere and went nowhere."
Peter Lee on Unz.com 4-27-17
A Canadian sniper took down an ISIS combatant from 11,316 feet away, a record distance of about 2.2 miles. Obama now lives 2.1 miles from the White House. He lives behind a wall, of course!
David Brooks, the New York Times' token "conservative" writer isn't conservative and not good at predictions, either.
"Those who walked with Trump will be tainted forever after for the degradation of standards and the general election slaughter."
David Brooks, 4-29-16, and he's still writing
nonsense today – amazing, isn't it, noted in the
P.J. Gladnick column on Newsbusters.org 4-29-16
Joe Sobran explains the conventional wisdom: "what everybody thinks everybody thinks."
President Obama wanted a taller fence around the White House and got one in April 2016 as the Secret Service raised the height of the fence by five feet while adding a new concrete foundation. The old fence was 6 feet tall when Obama derided it as too short and the new one is 11 feet tall. It's walls for Obama, open borders for the rest of us. He nearly doubles the national debt while nearly doubling the height of the White House fence.
Florida black voters voted 96 percent for Obama in 2008.
John Morgan, of the Morgan and Morgan law firm, is said to be considering running for governor of Florida as a Democrat. He is a wealthy liberal Obama supporter. Morgan and Morgan: for the liberals.
It's walls for Obama
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text:
The bicycle is the true vehicle
of poets. Think
of all it allows you to do:
As you ride it you can rise
and dip your head into the bell of the wind,
brake in a Trojan army of wet leaves,
balance on tilted wheels
under the strict eyes
of walk-don't-walk
like tightrope-walking spectacles
above the abyss of an empty circus ring.
The bicycle brings with it knowledge of headwind
and a horizon hunted in vain
on the way to your lover
in front of whose house you chain it,
as guardian, aluminum virgin, handcuff,
where it can safely let wild vines
grow over it, should you
for the duration of the night,
a lifetime,
not come out anymore.


text:
Researchers from King's College London have developed a mobile tool to help doctors better predict preterm birth dangers. The QUiPP app relies on gathering personal data, such as the state of a previous pregnancy, to anticipate a woman's chances of delivering a child before 37 weeks. Its algorithm also takes into account information about the cervix and fetal fibronectin, a vaginal fluid that doctors start testing in the first half of the typical 9-month term.
A new app could help doctors predict risks of preterm birth
Sponsored Links
According to King's College London, QUiPP performed well as a predictive tool during two studies, one of which collected info from 1,250 women who were at high risk of giving birth before their due date. "The authors conclude," said the university in a news release, "that the app can be used by clinicians to improve the estimation of the probability of premature delivery (before 34 weeks' gestation or within two weeks of the fetal fibronectin test) and to potentially tailor clinical management decisions."
Still, researchers believe that the application, which is currently only available for iOS, needs to be further evaluated before it can become a trusted solution for detecting risks of preterm birth. "It can be difficult to accurately assess a woman's risk, given that many women who show symptoms of preterm labor do not go on to deliver early," says professor Andrew Sherman, who's leading the development of QUiPP.
"The more accurately we can predict her risk, the better we can manage a woman's pregnancy to ensure the safest possible birth for her and her baby, only intervening when necessary to admit these 'higher risk' women to hospital, prescribe steroids or offer other treatments to try to prevent an early birth," he added.


text: The Titan is a high-intensity industrial grade rechargeable handlight that is specifically designed for the most demanding Emergency Service personnel. The Titan is powered by a state of the art 6 volt sealed lead battery and a 120 lumen LED light source. The removable strap has all steel hardware, and has a seatbelt buckle release.


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How to handle emotional outbursts on your team
How to handle emotional outbursts on your team
An emotional outburst is just another form of communication
Look at outbursts as giving you three sets of information: emotional data; factual or intellectual data; and motives, values and beliefs
Do you have a crier on your team? Or maybe you have a screamer who is aggressively invested in every decision? These kinds of emotional outbursts can hijack your team, stalling productivity and limiting innovation. Here's how to work through them.
An emotional outburst is just another form of communication.
Emotions are clues that the issue you are discussing is touching on something the person values or believes in strongly. So look at outbursts as giving you three sets of information: emotional data; factual or intellectual data; and motives, values and beliefs. To get to the heart of the matter, follow these steps:
1 Spot the emotion If you wait until the emotion is in full bloom, it will be difficult to manage. Watch for the telltale signs that something is causing concern. The most important signals will come from incongruence between what someone is saying and what their body language is telling you.
2 Listen Listen carefully to the response, both to what is said and what you can infer about facts, feelings and values. You will pick up emotions in language, particularly in extreme words or words that are repeated.
Body language will again provide clues. Angry (leaning in, clenched jaw or fists) looks very different from discouraged (dropping eye contact, slumping) or dismissive (rolling eyes, turning away).
3 Ask questions When you see or hear the emotional layer, stay calm, keep your tone level and ask a question to draw them out and get them talking about the cause of their frustration.
4 Resolve it Once everyone involved in the discussion is working with the same three data sets – facts, emotions and values – you will be clear about the problem you need to solve.
Although taking the time to draw out the values might seem slow at first, you'll see that issues actually get resolved faster. And, ironically, as you validate emotions, over time people will tend to be less emotional as it's often the suppressing the emotions or trying to cobble together facts to justify them that was causing irrational behaviour. – Copyright Harvard Business Review 2015
Previously published in The Irish Times.
Check out Ireland's leading jobs here


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Aljazeera Channel announces with a heavy heart the death of Rashid Hamid Wali, a member of its team covering events in the Iraqi southern city of Karbala.
Rashid passed away during the early hours of the morning (approximately 00:45 Baghdad time, 08:45 GMT) as a result of a bullet that hit him in the left eye, exiting the back of the head, shattering it in the process.
The fateful incident took place while an Aljazeera team, positioned on the rooftop of the Khaddam Al Hussain Hotel, was covering fierce fighting between US forces and elements of al-Mahdi army.
Rashid was hit by a single bullet when he stuck his head looking down onto the street after hearing the sound of US armoured vehicles moving.
No verifiable information was immediately available as to the source of the bullet that led to Rashid's untimely death, however, eyewitnesses showed members of the media corps samples of the bullets that hit the vicinity of the hotel rooftop.
Aljazeera extends its heartfelt
The late Rashid was 44 years of age, and leaves behind a widow and six children, the eldest of which is 16 years of age. Rashid joined Aljazeera in March of last year and soon became one of the most active and daring members of Aljazeera's field teams, commanding respect, appreciation and love from his colleagues.
This unfortunate episode is the second that Aljazeera has suffered in Iraq in just over one year. It comes on heels of the death of Tariq Ayoub who died in the course of pursuing his professional duty on 8 April 2003 when the Aljazeera Baghdad bureau was hit by a US air to surface missile one day before the fall of Baghdad.
Aljazeera urgently calls on the US occupation forces and the CPA to immediatley conduct a full investigation into the death of Rashid Hamid Wali, and to make the result public.
Aljazeera extends to Rashid's family and his colleagues its heartfelt condolences.
The Channel further reiterates its commitment to its professional integrity and adherence to its editorial policy stipulating covering events in a comprehensive and balanced fashion.
This is borne out of Aljazeera's belief in the right of people all over the world for accurate information and freedom of expression.


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What Sweepstakes Prize Winners Need to Know about 1099 Forms
Handy Information for Winners About 1099-MISC Forms
What do boring tax forms have to do with the thrill of winning sweepstakes prizes? It turns out that every successful sweeper needs to know a little bit about 1099 forms, how they work, and when you can expect to get them.
Why U.S. Sweepstakes Winners Get 1099 Forms
If you enter sweepstakes regularly, sooner or later you're going to win a prize. If you live in the United States, you will be paying taxes on your prizes, and that usually means dealing with a 1099-MISC form.
If you win any prize worth more than $600, you should receive a 1099 form for it. You may also receive 1099s for smaller prizes, especially if the sponsor asked you to fill out an affidavit before they sent the prize to you.
As a sweeper, you'll receive these forms from some of the companies that you win from, and you'll keep them for your records and to help you properly claim your own taxes.
The 1099-MISC form is used to report miscellaneous payments to non-employees. Sweepstakes prizes are treated as regular income by the IRS, and are therefore considered to be miscellaneous payments. And of course, winning a prize doesn't make you an employee of the sponsor, so you are a non-employee for tax purposes.
As the IRS puts it, companies "include amounts paid to a winner of a sweepstakes not involving a wager" on their 1099 forms. (Gambling and lottery winnings are treated differently than sweepstakes prizes, and those winners do not receive 1099 forms.)
You do not have to have a 1099-MISC form from each of your prize wins to file your taxes, but they are helpful. Here's what you need to know about them:
What Information Can You Find on a 1099-MISC Form?
Your 1099-MISC forms will include information that helps you keep track of the income you received by entering sweepstakes so that you can report it accurately to the IRS at tax time. Remember that the fair market value of any prize is considered income for tax purposes.
Your 1099-MISC forms will include:
- The sponsor's, name, address, and tax ID number.
- The reported value of the prize.
- Your name, address, and social security number.
- The tax year that the 1099 form applies to.
- Other relevant information.
You can view a sample 1099-MISC form, as well as instructions for using them, by visiting the IRS website.
When Will Sweepstakes 1099 Forms Arrive?
Companies must mail a copy of the 1099-MISC form to its sweepstakes winners in a letter postmarked by January 31st of the year following the year in which they received a prize.
For example, if you received a prize in May of this year, your 1099 should be mailed by January 31st of next year.
The 1099-MISC form will be sent for the year in which you received a prize, not the year in which you were notified that you are a winner.
For example, if you are notified that you have won a car this year, but the sponsor doesn't actually deliver the prize until next year, you can expect to get the 1099-MISC form by early February of the year after that. If the sponsor sends the 1099 form for the wrong year, you can dispute it with them and ask them to send a corrected version.
Note that sponsors do not have to wait until January of the following year to send out their 1099-MISC forms. Some companies choose to send them shortly after awarding the prize, for example, or on a schedule like once per quarter.
What to Do If You Don't Receive a 1099 Form for Your Prize Win
The IRS tells you what to do if you do not receive an expected 1099 form:
"If you have not received an expected Form 1099 by a few days after (January 31st), contact the payer. If you still do not receive the form by February 15th, call the IRS for assistance at 800-829-1040."
In other words, if a 1099-MISC doesn't arrive when you expect it, you can contact the sweepstakes' sponsor to ask them to send it. But that can be tricky since, unlike asking an employer to resend a 1099 form, you might not have contact information available for a sweepstakes sponsor. Luckily, it isn't necessary to do so if you don't want to.
As helpful as they are, you don't need a 1099-MISC form to report your sweepstakes prizes. You should be tracking your prize wins so that you know how much you won during your tax year. That's the amount that you should report at tax time.
Remember that not receiving a 1099 form doesn't let you off the hook for reporting your prizes on your taxes. In the United States, you are legally required to report any prize win, no matter how large or small, even if the sponsor doesn't ask for your social security number to report the prize to the IRS.
What to Do If Your 1099 Form Shows the Wrong Prize Value
Remember that you only have to pay sweepstakes taxes on the fair market value (FMV) of your prize, which can be different from the value that the sponsor estimated in the sweepstakes rules.
There are a number of reasons why a FMV can vary from the sponsor's estimations. For example, if it takes a while for a prize to arrive, the item might be selling for less than it was when the sweepstakes' rules were drafted. If you feel that the prize value on your 1099 form is too high, you should dispute the ARV on your taxes.
If you made a mistake on your tax forms and need to correct the amount you reported, the IRS website offers instructions on how to do so.
Do You Need to Send Your 1099 to the IRS?
The IRS will receive the 1099-MISC form from the sweepstakes sponsor, you do not need to send them a copy yourself. You only need to enter the prize value as miscellaneous income on your tax returns and keep the 1099-MISC form for your records as proof of your sweepstakes income.
This is intended to be a general overview of how sweepstakes taxes work in the United States. Tax laws change frequently, and the most recent information can be found on the IRS website. The author is not a tax professional, and this article is not intended to be legal advice. Your tax situation may be different from what is outlined here, and you should always consult with a knowledgeable tax professional if you are unsure about anything to do with your sweepstakes taxes.
Article Sources
IRS.gov, "About Form 1099-MISC". Accessed 10/30/19.
IRS.gov, "Instructions for Filling Out a 1099-M Form." Accessed 10/30/19.
Marden Kane, "Sweepstakes Winners: W-9s and 1099s". Accessed 10/30/19.


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LABOUR leadership front-runner Jim Murphy has pledged to scrap controversial laws aimed at sectarianism in football "right away" if he becomes first minister.
This is nothing more than opportunistic populist posturing from Murphy. Lacking even the bare bones of a policy that he can call his own – mainly because he knows absolutely nothing about Scottish politics – all he can do as carp about existing legislation. If anybody was looking for fresh thinking and new ideas from this British Labour place-man then they were always going to be disappointed.
It's all pretty meaningless anyway. Look at the stack of assumptions on which this vacuous promise depends. It assumes that Murphy will be elected Leaderkin of British Labour – North Britain. OK! That may be the one reasonably safe assumption given that he is London's man and London decides these things. But, in order to be Leaderkin of British Labour – North Britain Murphy has to be a member of the Scottish, British or European parliaments. And there is absolutely no guarantee that he could win an election in today's political climate. It is conceivable that Murphy could lose his cushy Westminster job next year.
Murphy's empty promise also assumes that Labour will win sufficient seats to hold power at Holyrood in 2016. Something that seems to go well beyond mere wishful thinking and into the realms of deranged fantasy. Nothing is ever certain in politics. But, barring some earth-shaking unforeseen occurrence, another SNP victory in 2016 seems as close to a sure thing as we're likely to get.
But let's go along with Jim Murphy's delusional notions for a moment. Even if he did become First Minister – a prospect which makes me shudder no less than the thought of Johann Lamont in that role – then the soonest he might implement a repeal of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act is late 2016 or early 2017. By which time the other aspects of the present government's anti-sectarianism programme will have been up and running for a year or more and the legislation will be up for review anyway.
So we find that, even on a most cursory examination, Murphy's "vow" is utterly meaningless. Remind you of anything?
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In the last week we saw some further new use of the Strip And Wash (SAW) Room. The mirror team was able to install the wash pan into the mirror bracket allowing them to install a mirror either face up or face down. This allows them to use a hot brine bath for the mirrors to further clean the mirror. The current procedures now involve installing a mirror face down; a soak in the brine bath; remove the mirror and bath; install the mirror face up; a rinse; a ZrO scrub; a final rinse; sheet dry; hot air drying of all other parts. We are well on our way to doing acid stripping of the coating once we have the acid vapor removal in place.
At the end of the last week the tracker team was able to get the system to track and slew upon request. The problem seems to have been an intermittently bad connection to the encoder.
With the encoder problem solved the team will now use the laser tracker to map out the position of the tracker through all positions, X and Y. Once that is done they will install the hexapod assembly and begin testing those, first independently and then as part of a trajectories.


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Welcome to Estate Organizers. We are a Denver-based company dedicated to assisting with the complexities of the estate settlement process. We work to organize financial and personal information to make the future transition smooth for the personal representative and heirs. We work with your family and their representatives to help with the details and tasks necessary to settling your estate, with the goal of easing their burden during a very challenging time.
Many of us believe if we have done proper estate planning, creating the necessary wills and other legal documents, the estate settlement process will be a simple one. Though the legal documents created are essential and should assure the estate eventually passes as we intended, it is only one step in the process. The reality is every single asset or liability, income or expense item that has our name on it will have to be handled in some way and much of this must be dealt with prior to the assets of the estate being distributed.
At Estate Organizers, our services are designed to help clients deal with the complexities of the estate settlement process, with the goal of assisting in one of the most difficult times in any person's life.


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Are You Using The Wrong Moisturizer?
Most products on the market have basic formulas with basic ingredients for generalized skin issues, without considering the uniqueness of each person's skin.
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We figure out your unique skin type, and take into account your habits, concerns, and environment to formulate the perfect moisturizer for you.
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There's nothing worse than getting the perfect moisturizer, but hating how it smells. We love your nose as much as we love your skin!
3. Get your Moisturizer
We mail you your customized moisturizer. We can adjust the formula to adapt to your needs as they evolve and you can cancel any time.
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We strive to create a product that matches your skin care needs all year around. So, if you prefer a lighter moisturizer in the summer and a richer formula in the winter, we can alter your formula, just how you like it – every time!
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How to Get to Where You Want to Be - Curves Welcome
November 8, 2018
How to Get to Where You Want to Be
Curves Welcome with Suzie Carr
Most of us spend our time looking ahead. We get excited when we think about an upcoming trip, the beginning of a new television series, summer when it's winter, a new job, or a holiday. There's always something to look ahead at. Something that calls us to pay attention to it and be there in our minds instead of where we are. This can be dangerous.
We discuss:
- Why living in the future is dangerous to your life today
- How you can better set yourself up for success right now
- How to connect with yourself on an intimate honest level
- How to confront that which challenges and scares you
Patreon Links:
- Join my journey on Patreon and get sweet rewards: https://www.patreon.com/suziecarr
- Lesbian Talk Show Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheLesbianTalkShow
Special Links:
- Grab a free gift from me: http://curveswelcome.com/
- Join The Lesbian Talk Show Chat Group on Facebook
- Email me questions and comments: firstname.lastname@example.com
Connect with me:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/girl_novelist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzie.carr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SuzieCarrNovelist
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girl_novelist/


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Tagged in
unified system of record
Data Explosion and Fragmentation: Why We Built Polaris
At Rubrik, we're obsessed with innovation. We thrive on solving the biggest data management challenges in an unconventional and radically simple manner. Today, we're continuing this mission by launching Rubrik Polaris, the industry's first SaaS platform for a new class of data management applications. As we spoke with many customers across industries, it became clear that everyone was struggling with the same massive challenge – the fragmentation of data and applications across data center and cloud. As they implement cloud-first and multi-cloud approaches, their applications and data are increasingly decentralized across disparate locations. Coupled with explosive data growth, retaining control of all their data is nearly impossible. They need an organizing principle that centralizes data access, governance, analysis, and intelligence across data centers and clouds. We created Polaris to address this challenge through a SaaS platform that allows customers to organize, orchestrate, and secure applications and data across their entire environment. Polaris delivers a unified system of record that organizes all their business applications and data. Simplicity is in our DNA, so the platform includes native search, security, and workflow orchestration — all on a global content catalogue — to make data easily discoverable and usable. Staying true to the…


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Magna cum laude is a Latin phrase meaning "with great honor," and is a title awarded to students when they graduate to recognize sustained academic achievement. Latin honors are typically only used for undergraduate university degrees, although they sometimes appear in high schools and at the graduate level. There is no universal standard for assessing who should receive honors and who should not, which means that a magna cum laude award can mean slightly different things depending on the institution. The distinction is most common in the United States, but occasionally appears in other countries as well.
Levels of Honor
There are typically three levels of Latin honors. The first and most basic is cum laude, which means "with honor." The "magna" distinction comes next, followed by the prestigious summa cum laude — "with highest honor." Students who graduate at the top of their class typically receive one of these three distinctions.
Announcement and Distinction
The magna cum laude honor is usually announced at graduation alongside other honors and awards. Students who receive this distinction often wear a special rope or cord on their graduation gown to signal their achievement to others. The honor isn't just about an opportunity to bask in praise, however; being able to say that one has graduated magna cum laude is a lifetime distinction that can attract attention on resumes and graduate school applications, especially if the award comes from a prominent university.
Calculation Methods
Latin honors are typically awarded based on cumulative grade point average, though different schools are usually free to set their own standards. Students who graduate "summa cum laude" typically have near perfect grades during all of their years of study. A magna graduate may have a few imperfect marks, but is generally regarded as being among the school's strongest academic performers.
Though most Latin honors are awarded to students based on how they stack up against others in their graduating class, some departments will offer separate honors within a degree program. A chemistry student who had excellent grades in required science classes might be awarded a chemistry degree "magnum cum laude" by her department even if her grades on the whole were not high enough to qualify her for that honor at the larger university level. Much of this depends on individual university policy.
There may also be certain requirements in terms of course load or difficulty in order to earn a magna cum laude distinction. For example, many schools require students to take an honors class or write an honors thesis in order to graduate with a Latin distinction. In some cases, students must also be nominated by professors or fellow students. Extracurricular activities may also be taken into account when considering awards so as to recognize well-rounded students rather than pure academic talents. Strong grades are almost always a prerequisite — they just may not be the final means of calculation.
Problems With Grade Inflation
Due to grade inflation, a high grade point average alone is not always a great indicator of academic success. Grade inflation happens when professors award high grades to students who may not necessarily have earned them, or when classes are easier than average, which can lead to a disproportionate number of high marks.
Academic honors help to distinguish especially high performing students from the rest of the school, ensuring that the top performers in each graduating class get special recognition for their work. The number of honors to be awarded in any given year is often capped so that the system will not be cheapened by an excess of recognized students.
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Discussion Comments
No, Snoopy was making a point that went over your head. He/she was saying that her school used the semester before she graduated to provide her/his GPA for distinction, that while he/she ended with summa status, the announcement at commencement was based off of the fall semester's gpa. This is sometimes the case when graduation ceremonies and printed material must be set before a registrar's office can recalculate grades. Snoopy's diploma will say summa on it, but she will be assigned magna based on her gpa before she buckled down.
The University of Central Florida takes a stronger approach by calculating off the last three semesters, tus preventing someone from achieving this honor through a single final semester of cracking down. It requires sustained superior performance.
@Snoopy: If latin honors were awarded based on the last semester the whole purpose of distinction would be lost. Everybody would study hard their final semester.
Seems you are lucky to have magna honors if that is your logic.
I was completely unaware the GPA used to determine your cum laude recognition is not the current, or very last, semester of college. I was under the impression it was your last semester and worked harder my last semester to raise my GPA. I wanted a summa cum laude recognition, especially because I was the first female in my family to graduate from a University. When I received a magna cum laude rope in the mail I called the registrar's office to verify. That's how I learned they actually use the previous semester's scores to determine your credits and Latin honor status. Although I was proud to wear the magna cum laude rope at graduation, I was a little disappointed because I achieved a 3.9 GPA. That would have qualified me to graduate summa cum laude in my class.


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----- Part 2 ------
Minister: It looks like you're all here. Very well. The king of Hyrule has
words for you.
King: You all know of the power the Picori gave to mankind, do you not? The
golden light force of limitless magical power... I want it!!! It is somewhere
here in Hyrule! Go now, and bring me this power!
(Everyone appears questioned.)
King: Waste no time! Go forth at once, and bring me the light force! Fling
anyone who refuses into the dungeon. Him and his family, too! I will tolerate
no disobedience! Now, search high and low throughout the lands of Hyrule!
(The screen fades back on Link.)
Ezlo: Hmm... Maybe it's just the wind... But I hope nothing bad has happened.
Anyway, we need to look for the next element. The map says it should be around
here somewhere...
(Once you enter Castor Wilds)
Ezlo: So, this must be Castor Wilds... It's a nasty, dank place, filled with
swampland and mire... But we know there's an element waiting for us somewhere
in here, so... In we go! Come on, Link! Into the muck with us!
(If Link walks in the muck without the Pegasus Boots)
Ezlo: Hey! Link! Watch your feet! You're sinking! You're sinking! If you sink
all the way in, I'm going to get muddy! I don't think we can just walk across
this swamp. We're going to have to find some way to get across safely. But we
can discuss it later! Get me out of here! NOW!
(Once you enter the Shoe Maker's Shop, he will fall asleep and the shoes will
knock down. Once you talk to the minish in on the table...)
Minish 1: Hey, hey! You're Link, right? You're the one who brought the sword
to Master Melari! You're on a quest to help the princess, aren't you? I wish
I could go on a quest, but then who'd make Rem's shoes for him?
Minish 2: Ho, ho! You need Pegasus Boots? Why, you're in time! We made a pair
just while Red was sleeping. But only Rem can put the finishing touches
on them...
Minish 3: Ha, ha! That sleepyhead Rem is nearly impossible to wake up... If
you want to wake him, you'll need to get an item from Syrup's hut. It's a
little bit of a trek, but we'll mark it on your map for you.
(After getting the key from the house in Lon Lon Ranch and showing it to
Talon: Oh! Our one and only spare key! I don't know how you got this, but I
can't thank you enough! Tell me your name, kid. Link? Thats a great name. If
you ever need to go to Lake Hylia, your free to cut through our house.
(Talon enters the house.)
Malon: Thank you very much, Link. Come visit us again!
Granny: (After you pick up wake-up-mushroom) Ah, yes! A fine choice, my dear!
That's a limited-time article! One whiff, and you're wide-awake! That is why
it's called a wake-up-mushroom! Would you like to buy it for 60 rupees?
(After you buy it.)
You got a wake-up-mushroom!
Its nasty stench chases away the sleepies!
(After you go back to the Shoe Maker's Shop and wake him up.)
Rem: Whaa--! What is that terrifyingly bad smell!? A wake-up mushroom?! I
should have guessed! So you woke me up? Thanks, I just remembered I have
something urgent to do!
(After a few seconds...)
Rem: ?! Huh? What now?! There are more new shoes! You probably won't believe
this, but... I have a strange habit of making shoes in my sleep! So you must
have come here because you want some of my shoes, right? Tell you what:
because you were nice enough to wake me, you can have 'em! Hold on a sec,
though. I just want to finish one last bit...
(Rem cleans the shoes and, what it looks like, uses a hammer to do
Rem: And there we go... Here, take these. Those are my special Pegasus Boots!
They're so light, you'll feel like you're practically walking on air!
You got the Pegasus Boots!
Hold down the button to run faster than the wind!
Rem: Ooh, I need to hurry up and get working on that special order... The king
asked me to make some shoes for Princess Zelda, you see. Thanks for waking
me up. Come back if I can ever help you with shoe problems.
(Once you reach the cave in Castor Wilds and enter the room where a Darknut
Ezlo: Hmph! So, a guardian is protecting the treasure? Take care while
fighting it.
(Once you open the treasure chest.)
You got a Kinstone piece!
These mystic stones are said to bring happiness.
(After going west and shrinking into the hole.)
You got a bow!
Now you can take out enemies from afar!
(Once you walk up to a one-eyed statue)
Ezlo: Now, that is one nasty-looking statue! That one eye has suck an evil
(In Fortress of Winds when you enter the left door.)
Ezlo: Hm. To think the ruins were hidden within a cliff the whole time!
Watch your step, Link. There may be traps in here.
(After you pull the level to make the Small Key drop.)
Ezlo: Hmm?! Did something just fall down, or way it just my imagination?
(Once you open chest for Mole Mitts.)
You got the Mole Mitts!
Dig, dig, dig to your heart's content!
(Once you pull the level and roll across the bridge before it breaks.)
Ezlo: Phew...! We barely made it! I was certain we'd run out of time!
(Once you kill Mazaal and go up to the stone.)
Stone: We are the Trible of the Winds. Long have we lived with the winds. We
have mastered them. Now, we join them. Together, with the great winds at our
backs, we hard for the skies. Those who come seeking out power must play the
notes Zeffa teaches. May they lead onward to the power that you seek.
(A bird flies by and drops a flute.)
You got the Ocarina of Wind!
North, south, east, and west are all just a breath away!
Ezlo: I do belive this is where the Tribe of Winds once lived. Hm... So
they've left for the heavens and taken their element with them. It looks like
the Wind Element is beyond our reach for the time being. We have no choice but
to press on. Let's get out of here.
(Link is teleported to the outside of the Fortress of Winds.)
Ezlo: The element was not here, but at least we now have a clue to its
whereabouts. You must use the Ocarina of Wind to open a new path. Well,
there's no point in standing around! Go get that element!
(After warping to Lake Hylia.)
Ezlo: Aha!! So that mysterious make we've been seeing is a Wind Crest. If you
play the Ocarina of Wind, Zeffa comes to pick you up and fly you away. That
means we can have Zeffa carry us to any other Wind Crest we've seen. Are you
following me, Link? Don't hurt your brain thinking about it. Just give it a
try, and you'll see what I'm talking about.
(When you enter the Minish's house.)
Minish: Oh, ho! A visitor! How rare! But you have found me, the wisest of the
wisest of the wise! You what? You want to enter the Temple of Droplets? I have
heard rumors that one Minish actually did find a way in, long ago... That
Minish is Elder Librari, and he is in semi-retirement in the town library. The
library should be opening soon. Perhaps you can go find him.
(Once you shrink into the bookcase.)
Minish: Hey, hey, hey! This is no good! No good at all! A human borrowed a
book, and now none of us can get back to Elder Labrari! How will he get along?
I'm so worried... I'm sure the librarian knows something about where those
books went... But there's nothing we wee Minish can do about it!
(Once you talk to the librarian.)
Librarian: Welcome to the library! Say, aren't you the Smith's grandson, Link?
Hm? The books missing from the bookshelf on the second floor? Yes, they've
been checked out for quite a while. They're VERY overdue! Take A Hyrulean
Bestiary, for example. Been gone for ages. Checked out by a girl with a cat.
She said she had a new cat at her house. Wanted to learn more about it, she
(When you enter the girls house you find a note.)
Note: Dear Mom, I'll be next door if you need me.
(You enter the house on the left.)
Girl: Huh? A book from the library? A Hyrulean Bestiary, is that the one?
Yeah, I checked it out a while ago. You came all this way to get it? Wow!
You're one dedicated librarian! But... I don't know how to tell you this, but
it's back at my house. Would you mind going there to get it? I just can't
leave right now, see...
(Once you shrink and get into the right house via the chimmeys.)
Ezlo: Whoa! Did you see that cat looking at me?! I know it wants a piece of
(Once you get near the ladder.)
Ezlo: Waaah! That really startled me! Everything's scary when you're small!
(Once you push the book down and get it.)
You got a library book called A Hyrulean Bestiary!
(Once you enter the library and talk to the librarian.)
Librarian: Hey! Look at that! Out long-lost copy of A Hyrulean Bestiary! Link,
are you returning this book?! Thank you so much! I can't describe how much
I'm looking forward to putting this back!
(Once you talk to her again.)
Librarian: The next overdue book is... Let's see... Ah, yes! Of course...
Legend of the Picori! It's been out forever! It was checked out by a somewhat
absentminded scholar, I belive...
(When you try to enter Dr. Left's house.)
Dr. Left: What, huh? A book? From the library? Ah, yes...of course. I knew this
day would come. Please, come in.
(Once you talk to him.)
Dr. Left: I am a researcher of Picori legend and lore. My name is Dr. Left.
You're here about that book, Legend of the Pciori, aren't you? Well, I hate
to say this, but I haven't seen it in several days. Perhaps a mischievous
little mouse has taken it? Well, I'm sure it's in this house somewhere. I
just don't know where. But, I'm very busy right now, so why don't you just
look for it yourself?
(After you turn Minish and enter the Minish's cave.)
Minish: Hey, do you know the clues that reveal the location of the treasure?
Cross the bridge that spans the rapid flow... Through the land of the
fearsome beast... Until you reach the misty falls... The treasure sleeps on
the other side of the secret entrance there... They say it's a magical tool
that allows even little people to push big things! According to the legend,
you're suppose to satrt from this house!
(Once you turn Minish, run through all the houses, and make it in the water
Ezlo: Who knew that there was a place like this behind the town water pump?!
Well, maybe we should get moving and find that Minish treasure!
(Once you find the Power Bracelets.)
You got the Power Bracelets!
You're filled with strengh, even while tiny!
(Once you get above Dr. Left's house.)
Minish: Ho! Ha! Hey!! Phew... I want to return this book by dropping it down
below. It's impossible without some help pushing... But my brother is so busy
with a book of his own that he won't help me out! Maybe I can do it with one
more push!
(After you knock it down and get it.)
You got a library book called Legend of the Picori!
(Once you return the book back to the librarian.)
Librarian: Oh my goodness, will you look at that! It's our copy of Legend of
the Picori! It's been checked out for so long! Link, you deserve a medal for
all of this! I am moved... Deeply, deeply moved by this thoughtful gesture!
(Once you talk to her again.)
Librarian: And the last book we still need is A History of Masks. I think it
was checked out by Hagen, the mayor. How could he keep a library book so long!
He's a public official!
(Once you enter Mayor Hagens home and talk to him.)
Hagen: Aherrm! Yes, That's me, Hagen. I am mayor of this town. What's that?
You want a book? A History of Masks? And you say I checked it out, do you?
Yes, indeed I did... Or wait, Did I?
(Once you knock the masks off the shelf and talk to the well-hidden Minish.)
Minish: The mayor took off for his cabin by the lake clutching a book. We saw
him go... But when he came back, he didn't have the book anymore. I'm sure he
just forgot it at the lake cabin. Yes, he is forgetful like that. You want
to go to the cabin by the lake? Well, let me just mark it here on your map.
Err... Yes! There. It's right here. You should be able to find it now.
(Once you knock the book off the mayors bookshelf.)
You got a library book called A History of Masks!
(Once you return back to the librarian....again.)
Librarian: Would you look at that! I can't belive it! It's our copy of A
History of Masks! The mayor of ours is a real piece of work, isn't he? I must
have been quite a challenge to get this back from him. You are my new favroite
person, Link! Thank you so much! You know, Link, you've now returned all of
our overdue books! Now I can finally get that bookshelf on the second floor in
order! Hey, Sturgeon! Books to shelve!!
Sturgeon: Yo, yo! Here I am! Leave it to me!!
(Sturgeon takes all of the books and decends the stairs below.)
Librarian: The bookshelves are back in order! I feel so...refreshed! Renewed!
Enjoy your browsing!
(Once you enter Labrari's house, er, book.)
Labrari: Wohohoho! Oh? A visitor after many long weeks! Even Jotari has been
away so long, I've grown almost...lonley. ...But what is it? What do you need?
Hm? You want to visit the Temple of Droplets? Very well... You are the first
such brave person is a long while! Stand on the clover in front of me!
(Link stands on it.)
Labrari: All right, all right. You kids today... You have no patience for an
old man. Well, go stand over there, just like I told you! Wohoho! Now... OPEN,
secret mystery panel!!
(Link falls through the ground.)
Labrari: Wohoho! Wasn't that fantastic? Now then... It's up to you to pass
this trial safely and recover the tool you need. Oh, what fun! I do so love
the real nitty-gritty of adventuring!
(It fades in on Link, whoes fallen in a box of blocks.)
Ezlo: Urk... Owowow!! I just smacked my hip on something! Well, not my hip...
My...whatever it is I have now... My Brim? Whatever! That old fool must just
love sending people on dangerous missions! And how did that Labrari get into
the Temple of Droplets, anyway? I guess the answer lies up ahead. Keep moving,
(After you go further into the dungeon and get the Flippers.)
You got the Flippers!
Press A to glide through the water and B to dive!
(After Link reaches the Royal Valley)
Ezlo: Hehehe! So, what do you think, Link? Pretty dark and spooky, isn't it?
Makes you wanna cry, doesn't it? What? You're...not scared? Well, good!
Neither am I! So, um... Come on, let's go...
(Link reaches a lone house in the northern part of the valley and enters)
Dampe: My name's Dampe. I'm the gravedigger here. What's that? You were called
here by the ghost of a king? That'd be the ancient king of Hyrule who rests
here. I've seen him myself. Well, if the king has called you, I can't see any
reason not to let you in... Here, take this graveyard key.
You got the graveyard key!
Now, you can open the graveyard gate!
(Link steps outside and a crow steals the key)
Ezlo: What's with that crow? He up and flew off with the graveyard key! Charge
after him and get that key!
You got the graveyard key back!
Now, you can open the graveyard gate!
Ezlo: So, you managed to get the key back? Keep a tighter grip on it this
time! At least now, you can get into the graveyard...
Dampe: I'll open the gate for you. Be careful in there.
(Link enters the Royal Crypt)
Ezlo: It may be the Royal Crypt, but graves are creepy, no matter whose they
are! Where are we supposed to go to meet this King Gustaf anyway? I'm not so
sure I even want to anymore! Can we just go somewhere less creepy?
(Link reaches the end of the crypt and the ghost of King Gustaf appears)
Gustaf: ... ... O young one... Child who seeks to rescue my descendant,
Zelda... Welcome... My name is Gustaf. I was king of Hyrule countless ages
ago... I grant to you this Kinstone... Seek the source of the flow in
Hyrule... Only then will your path open... Save Zelda... All of Hyrule is
counting on you...
You got a Kinstone piece!
These mystic stones are said to bring happiness.
Ezlo: Hmm... Fascinating! An ancient king of Hyrule? How strange... And the
source of the flow? What do you suppose that could mean?
(Link reaches Veil Falls; the source of the river that runs through Hyrule)
Ezlo: Wow! Look at the size of that waterfall! Beautiful! Simply beautiful,
my boy!
(Link places the Kinstone Gustaf gave him in a huge door next to the
Ezlo: A stone door! So! This was what they meant by all of that "source of the
flow" business! Well, this waterfall certainly is the source of all Hyrule's
water. According to King Gustaf, the final element lies somewhere behind the
falls. We've dawdled long enough, Link! Let's go find that element!
(Link reaches the top of the mountain)
Ezlo: What have we here? Some kind of vortex? Well, we seem to have hit a dead
end... What shall we do from here?
(Link jumps in the vortex)
Ezlo: ... ... Am I still alive? ... ... ... ... Link!! What were you thinking,
child! You just reaped the whirlwind, as they say! We could be dead right now!
... ... ... ... ...But I must admit, it did the trick! Are we...in the land
above the clouds? Then there must be something here that can lead us to the
final element! Let's go find it!
(Link speaks with the girl next to him)
Hailey: Wahh! You surprised me! Normally, surface dwellers can't walk on the
clouds like we do! My sister and I went to the Picori Festival in Hyrule Town,
and when we came back, there were monsters everywhere! I bet if I could just
fuse a Kinstone, I could call a good homeward wind... But there are monsters
about, so I can't search for Kinstones. And even if I could, I still can't
find anyone to fuse them with! But you look pretty strong! Do you think you
could maybe search for Kinstones for me? If you do, I'll tell you about a good
spot for fusing!
(Link meets another girl)
Gale: Oh, this is bad. This is really bad... Oh, hey! Wow... Look at that!
I've never seen a surface dweller walk on clouds before! You must be quite
pure of heart! Maybe one such as you would listen to my tale of woe. You see,
I went down to the surface with my sister for the Picori Festival... But on
our way home, we lost the wind entirely! Now, we can't get home!
(On the Cloud Tops, Link finds 5 gold Kinstones and fuses them with Mysterious
Clouds. A vortex appears and Hailey and Gale jump in side. Link follows. A
huge building stands in fron of him.)
Ezlo: Now how do you build something like this on top of a cloud? Maybe
someone lives inside. If so, perhaps we could ask for the element? It's worth
a shot, Link!
(Link goes inside)
Gale: Oh, it's you! I thought I'd never make it back here, but thanks to your
Kinstone, I did! If you're looking for something, go talk to the elderly
woman on the 4th floor. The winds carry all sort of valuable information to
(Link reaches the 4th floor)
Siroc: Welcome, welcome. Long, long ago, and then an age before that... Our
tribe abandoned the place you call the Wind Ruins... With our magic, we moved
our palace up into the skies. We are the Wind Tribe. We have been watching,
and we know all that happens on your surface world. We know a small boy
collects elements to lift the curse from a princess. We know of Vaati and his
evil acts... The winds tell us these things. The Wind Element that you seek
lies deep in the Palace of the Winds above me. "When the blade has been
infused with the four elements, the way to the light force shall open." So it
is told in the legends of the Wind Tribe. Vaati himself may already know this.
Surface dwellers are not permitted to enter our palace, but you are special.
You may continue to the roof.
Hailey: There is a device in the palace that allows one to fly in the sky.
When I get bigger, I want to explore the palace and find it... But I'm too
scared right now!
(Hailey moves away from the stairs which lead to the palace. Link goes up and
jumps in a vortex that takes him to the Palace of Winds.)
Ezlo: What an irritation! We find our way to the tops of the clouds... And now
we have to go even higher to find a floating palace? I can't believe what a
long way we've come. And look how high we are! Don't look down, Link! And
watch your step! It's a long fall from here!
(Link comes across a floating cloud.)
Ezlo: There's a fluffy cloud floating here. It looks awfully comfortable.
(After defeating some Wizzrobes)
You got the Roc's Cape!
Jump with the greatest of ease! Hold the button to jump farther.
Ezlo: There's a strong gale blowing here! Try not to get swept away! And hold
on to your hat!
Ezlo: That panel... I think if we stomped on it hard enough, it might flip
(After opening the Big Door)
Ezlo: Oooooog, I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but I'm no good with
heights. Wait, hold on... I think I see something down there! Sigh... I guess
that means we have to go down after all, hm?
Ezlo: How much farther do we have to go!? This place goes on forever! Ah,
there's no point in complaining about it. We must press onward! We're almost
there, Link! Let's go!
(After Link defeats the boss)
You got the Wind Element!
The wind carries the seeds of flowers, scattering life across the land.
The Wind Element is the embodiment of that power.
Ezlo: At last, we've got all four elements! Let's go revive the sacred
(Inside temple)
The power of the Wind Element has infused your blade!
With the power of the four elements, your blade has become the Four Sword.
Focus power in your blade and release to fire a beam.
Use it to break Vaati's curse and restore the people of Hyrule.
(Link does a spin attack, and the stone tablet drops)
Elzo: Hmm-hmm... It seems that forging the sacred blade somehow opened the
doorway! It must lead to the room that holds the secret to the light force!
Link, we must go inside!
(When Link approachs the stained glass windows)
Elzo: Hmmm... I'd bet this stained glass shows the location of the light
A long, long time ago...
when the world was on the verge of being swallowed by shadow...
The tiny Picori appeared from the sky, brining the hero of men a sword and a
golden light.
With wisdom and courage, the hero drove out the darkness.
When peace had been restored, the people enshrined that blade with care.
And the force of the golden light, embodied in Hyrule's princess, shone forth
upon the lands.
Elzo: Heh heh heh... So that's what it means...
(King appears)
Vaati: Ah ha ha haaaa... Ezlo, you really are to kind. First, give me my cap,
and then you guide me here! You've been far too generous, but now, I no longer
have any use for you.
(King turns into Vaati. He shoots blue orb at Link. Link falls down)
Vaati: He ha ha ha ha... At last, I've found the location of the light force!
(Vaati dissapears. Then, the screen fades black.)
Elzo: Link! Wake up! Can't you wake up, Link?
(Sceen recovers in same room)
Elzo: Vaati disguised himself as the king to search for the light force. When
he learned of this place, he waited for us to reforge the blade. If that
stained glass is accurate, Princess Zelda holds the light force! Vaati will do
whatever it takes to steal the power from her! If he succeeds, we may never be
able to return the princess to normal! We've wasted too much time, Link! We
must stop Vaati!
(When you exit out of temple)
Elzo: What? ...What is this? What's happened here!? They've been turned to
stone! All of them! The minister...And the guards! Just like Princess Zelda!
This can only be the work of that evil Vaati! What cruelty, Link! We must use
the power of the sacred Four Sword to undo this!
(Once you free the guard)
Guard: Oh! Oh, thank you! You're the one who returned me to normal, aren't
you? I don't know how you did it, but I can't thank you enough. Listen...Have
you noticed how strange the king has been lately? That's because that's not
the king at all! It's Vaati ! He's taken over the castle! One by one, he
turned us all to stone. Everyone, cursed by his evil magic... Then, the
monsters arrived. Even paralyzed, I saw it all... I only pray it's not too
late to undo his evil...
(Once you free the Minister)
Minister: Link! We need your help! Vaati took out petrified princess to the
roof of the castle... He must be planning something fiendish. You must stop
(Once you enter the castle's base)
Elzo: Whoa...! Is this really Hyrule Castle? I can't believe it! What's
happened here? Vaati's magic has grown more powerful then I'd imagined... But
the king and Zelda are in danger, Link! Let's go!
(Once you find the king and free him)
King: Oh, Link! Are you the one who broke the curse and returned me to normal?
You've grown quite brave since I last saw you, I must say. But, oh, how this
castle has suffered while I was under Vaati's curse... Is this all the work of
one man? As King of Hyrule, I must do something about this villain... But...
Ah, I'm old and I would only hold you back. Link, you have the sacred blade
now. We must rely on you. Please! You must find a way to rescue my Zelda. Take
this key. You can use it to get out of the castle from the basement.
You got a small key!
Use it to open locked doors and blocks. You can use it only in this dungeon.
(Later in the dungeon)
Elzo: Perphaps your sword could reflect the blasts coming from those statues.
(When you enter bosses lair)
Vaati: Ha ha ha! You ARE oersistentm aren't you? Heh heh heh heh heh heh...
So, you've come to stop my little ceremony. Well, you're too late. A mere
three more chimes to the bell will bring the ceremony to its end! And with the
third toll of the bell, I will become like a god! And your precious Princess
Zelda will be nothing more than cold, dead stone.
Elzo: There's no time! Quickly, Link, to the roof.
(Apon entering next room)
Elzo: Did you hear that, Link? Hurry! There are only two chimes left!
(Apon entering next room)
Elzo: Another bell has tolled... Just one more chime, and all out work will
have been for naught!
(Apon entering last room)
Vaati: Hmph! Just a few more moments, and the ceremony would have been
complete. You really are obsessed with stopping me, aren't you? Ah, very well.
I have not yet drained all of the light force housed in Princess Zelda. But
what I have should suffice... I shall be transformed! Unstoppable! But let me
first attend to the pesky worms who would trifle with me... Hmph!
(Link teleports into room below. Vaati appears)
Vaati: I will have no more of you interfering with my plans! Let me show you
true power!!
(Vaati transforms into an eye-like creature. After defeated, Link is
transported somewhere else.)
Vaati: Well, you seem to have some fight in you. I commend your bravery. But
you will not survive...THIS!!
(Vaati appears)
Vaati: Grrrrr..... I am filled with a power that you cannot begin to
understand! Do you think that puny sword will save you from ME?!
(Transforms into a bigger eye. Once he is defeated.)
Vaati: What... What is this madness? I have the power of a god! I have
unstoppable might!!! How could I lose to a child?!?
(Vaati vanishes. Link teleports somewhere.)
Elzo: You did it! Impressive! Now, quickly! We must break the curse on Zelda!
(Link enters next room.)
Elzo: So, Link! Now that you have the power of the Four Sword... You must
return Princess Zelda back to normal!
(Link free's Princess from stone)
Zelda: Link, thank you so much for saving me. When I was turned to stone, I
saw visions of you, as if in a dream. It looks like the curse has been broken.
I'm glad we made it in time.
(Building starts to shake)
Elzo: No! The castle's collapsing! It's too dangerous here. Quickly! We must
escape from the castle!
(Screen fades and recovers as Link and Zelda are escaping)
Elzo: Hrmm... The door is blocked! We have no choice... Head back to the
(Before Link enters the santuray, a bolt strikes infront of him)
Vaati: Heh heh heh heh... You will not escape, boy! Now, you will see the true
power of the Light Force... For I have become Vaati, the master of this world!
(Link, by himself, teleports somewhere just as Vaati falls from the sky. Then,
Vaati transforms into a two-handed eye. Once he is defeated yet AGAIN...)
Vaati: Fool! I... But the Light Force... My power... I had such power...
(Vaati explodes. His hat falls down. Link is transported back to entrance
of santuray.)
Zelda: Link, thank goodness you're safe... You defeated Vaati... You were so
brave! But we've lost so much... The castle... All those people...
(Elzo starts flashing, and flies off Link's head. Then, he falls onto the
floor and transforms into his normal self.)
Elzo: What's this? The curse... Defeating Vaati seems to have broken the curse
he cast upon me! Allow me to introduce myself to you, Princess Zelda. My name
is Elzo, master of Minish lore and sorcery. The mage's cap was my creation.
But its limitless power has caused nothing but trouble for your kind. Is there
any way you can forgive me? I know many have fallen, and much of the castle
has been destroyed... But it is too soon to give in to despair. The curse on
me is broken, and Zelda still possesses some of the light force. Perhaps,
together, we can do something to make things right.
(Vaati's hat floats above Princess Zelda, and then onto her head.)
Elzo: If one with a just heart wears this cap, things can be made right again.
Princess Zelda! Let your wishes be made real!
(Elzo gives Princess Zelda powers. Then, Hyrule Castle begins to go back to
normal. Also, all people in stone turn back to normal. Finally, all of the
monsters disappear. Then, the screen focuses back on Link and the others.)
Elzo: Look! The castle! All the people who had been turned to stone! They're
all back to normal! Hmm-hmm! The hat is falling apart. It's overflowing with
the power of life! The hat has the power to turn the thoughts of its wearer
into reality. Vaati's heart was filled with evil, and that was reflected in
what he became. But it seems that Zelda's pure heart, coupled with the hat's
power... ...has created a miracle!
(Screen shakes)
Elzo: Hmm... It looks like the time for us to part has come. The Minish Door
opens but once every century, and soon, it must close. I must leave you both
now and return to my homeland. I know I've caused you much suffering, but the
evil one's power has wittered. The power of Princess Zelda herself has
restored the light to Hyrule.
(Link walks up to Elzo)
Elzo: Well, Link, my journey with you has been exciting, to say the least. In
fact, I'm...more than just a little sad that we must part ways now. Please,
accept this...
(Hat goes on Link)
Elzo: Heh... You know, I've never actually seen you wearing a cap until now!
It suits you, little hero. Take care...
(Elzo disappears)
Elzo: (his voice) Farewell, my friend...
(Seal to santuray closes. Screen fades


text:
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Shahine was born and spent her early years in Madagascar where her parents were working, but they quickly returned to France for their children's education. She studied in a business school in Paris where her creative instinct led her to carry out all of her internships in creative fields (textiles, design). She returned regularly to Madagascar where she was irresistibly drawn to the ambiance of the markets: colours, prints, pigments… Her friends and family encouraged her to devote herself to her art and so she decided to make it her living. Sh…
All artworks presented by Carré d'artistes are unique, signed by the artist and come with a certificate of authenticity.


text:
Joey Deez Blog "Favorite Pies"
I'm hoping todays blog with inspire me, and maybe you, with some great ideas on what to bring to your next potluck. With the Big Game just around the corner, we could all use a couple of great recipes to cook up for our family and friends. I've been tasked with bringing a dessert so today I decided to ask the crew what pie they would like to see at a potluck; because let's be honest, if I'm going to be bringing a dessert for everyone to share, It's got to be pie!
BJ – Key Lime Pie
Steve – Pudding Pie
Rev – Pecan Pie
Vicky – Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Danny – Pizza Pie
Sara – Oreo Pie
Chris – Kahlua Crème Pie
This is one diverse list. We've even got the rare "pizza pie" answer from Danny and I've got to say now I'm real hungry. Oddly enough, no one seems to be a huge fan of apple pie. I thought that was everyone's go to and traditionally a favorite, guess not! If I had to pick one of these to bring I think I would choose Chris's Kahlua pie because 1. I've never had it. 2. I would want to see if anyone can guess what kind of pie it is. I hope this has inspires you in your pot-lucking adventures!
Do you have a go to recipe that you bring to a potluck? What's your favorite kind of pie?


text:
Transera, a provider of cloud-based customer engagement analytics, has received a patent from the U.S. Patent Office for technology that enables multisource, multiregion deployments of cloud-based contact center software.
The patented Transera technology separates media (voice, email, chat, etc.) infrastructure from cloud-based contact center management software, making it possible for contact centers to serve their customers in each region with their preferred service providers, local or across the globe, without having to deploy separate instances of the contact center software. This, the company says, dramatically reduces the time and cost of bringing new contact centers online while providing companies with a global view and centralized management of their contact center operations.
"This is seminal technology for large contact center operators, particularly as more organizations look to reduce costs and improve scalability by moving their contact center software into the cloud," said Mukesh Sundaram, Transera's co-founder, senior vice president of service management, and chief technology officer, in a statement. "Winning the patent is further confirmation of what we set out to do when we started the company: help businesses turn their contact centers into strategic business assets by giving them a global view, massive scalability, and the ability to pair customers with the best agent to serve their particular need."
Transera invented a way to separate media infrastructure from application functionality, leveraging open Internet standards, such as the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), Media Server Control Markup Language (MSCML) and Voice XML. With this technology, customers can choose commercial off-the-shelf media gateways and media servers and work with their preferred voice network operator in each region. A single instance of the contact center management software deployed in the cloud can then route voice traffic globally.
The benefits of Transera's now patented technology for contact centers include the following:
This technology is part of Transera's cloud software offering that has been providing benefits to Transera customers for years. For example, Guthy Renker, a direct marketing company, brought service up in a new contact center in Japan in weeks rather than months. The technology has also enabled Office Depot to centralize its entire contact center operations across Europe and North America, all from the cloud.
Transera earlier this year released its Statistical Performance Analytics for Contact Centers.