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Creative ways to cool down with alcohol!
With summer fast approaching, I've come across some amazing and creative ways for you all to cool down on a hot day with alcohol! Check out these little creations, I can't wait to give them a go!
Red Wine Ice Cream Floats
These are shockingly simple to make and look absolutely amazing! You can find the recipe here.
Mojito Ice Lollies
Another easy creation to knock up is the ice lolly mojito! All you need for this one is 15ml rum, 80ml soda water or lemonade and 10ml sugar syrup . Add some mint leaves and slices of lime and pour it into your ice lolly moulds! Pop them in the freezer over night and you're good to go!
Raspberry red wine slushy with chocolate whipped cream
If you really want to go all out and impress this summer, then why not impress your guests with a batch of these sweet treats? Get the recipe here.
Pear and Red Wine Sorbet
How refreshing does this look? Imagine cooling down with an alcoholic sorbet on a hot summers day! I couldn't think of anything better and I'll definitely be trying this one out for myself. You can find the recipe here.
CLICK HERE to read mind blowing ways of staying cool without central heating.


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Actually, Mangalore plan was there in my mind from the very day we returned from coorg cycling trip of 222km.
Event was created in facebook just 5 days prior to departure date. 6 of my enthusiastic students dropped out of the plan when sponsorship was turned down. Myself, Prasanna, Vibhas and Mukhesh (student of DBIT) prepared ourselves to do cycling for a cause i.e to campaign for the event "Save the Artic -Ice Ride" organized by Green Peace India in order to protest against oil rigging in Artic Region by Shell and many more oil companies.
On the day of departure, My Brother caved in despite his work restrictions. We departed from Malleshwaram at 5:30pm on 7th and by the time we reached Nelmangala Cross it was 8:30pm. Hail Bangalore traffic!
On the way, we had arranged for a Head Torch, Reflectors for the cycles and Radium to strap against our backpacks; all three a must required safety measure during night cycling. We could not attach the reflectors to the cycles as there were no mud guards so as to reduce the weight of the cycle. We attached the radium strips to our backpack to serve the purpose of reflectors. We cycled for around 15km on Bangalore-Mangalore highway and decided to rest. We started our exploration of a dainty place to pitch in tents.
We saw a nice ground near an isolated house and knocked the door @11:15pm to get permission to pitch tents to avoid a brawl with locals. And finally we realized that we were knocking the door of a Mosque!!! With no other choice, we camped there. We had pedaled extra 3km after our mind retired from cycling for that day to avoid camping near a Bar in a village. Even after taking this extra care, at 2am on 8th, started a nightmare; few drunkards entered the ground and started quarrelling among themselves and we were worried about bicycles worth 25000/- each. Myself, Prasanna and suneeth witnessed the drama while Vibhas and Mukhesh started snoring soon after lying inside the tents. I was peeping from the tent to look at our beloved bicycles almost every half a minute till they vanished in the dark!
Finally slept at 2:30am and got up at 4:45am in order to pedal much more distance and give a recognizable image to our campaigning.
We sped at our maximum speed till 9:30am on 18th then speed reduced because of disc brake problem on Prasanna's bicycle. Disc brake was jammed and when we rotated the wheel by hand to inspect it, it rotated only 5 rotations and stopped. Don't know how far he had cycled in that condition. I appreciate the effort of prasanna! We repaired it with great ease as I had came across this plight in coorg cycling trip.
Situation got worse when Mukhesh's front wheel got punctured. We removed the wheel and I carried it to nearest puncture shop which was 3km away. I applaud the way Mukhesh pedaled the entire trip. He lagged behind us only during this period of time. I and suneeth being second timers tried to compete with Mukhesh but …… he was always leading us.
I and Suneeth were carrying each tent and we were reluctant to pass over it as we wanted to create another milestone of cycling with 6kg backpack and tent.
Situation got worst when I broke the lock nut of front wheel while fastening the wheel in haste to start the journey again. It was impossible to replace that part in any of the nearby village or town. The lock nut availability was showing us the way back to Bangalore. After a long discussion, finally came to a conclusion of welding the part but got it only after 4.5hrs. We ate little cursing power failure in the village.
Series of such circumstances set back our confidence of reaching mangalore within scheduled duration. Mangalore was out of our thought. Even reaching sakleshpur and cycling Bisle Ghat and camping at the peak were at a light distance away. At this point, all of us started talking different plans.
- Taking extra leave, cycling to mangalore
- Taking extra leave, cycling to Sakleshpur and trek Bisle Ghat
- Cycling to Hassan instead of Mangalore
- Going in truck till Sakleshpura and cycling down the hill to reach mangalore
But all plans came to cliff end when we could not book bus back to Bangalore from any of the debated places. Thanks to Ganesha (Festival).
I was pretty sure that my entire unrealistic plan/dream crumbled to the grounds. So I decided to persist in cycling till the distance is 120km away from Bangalore and return back by cycling so that at least our previous record of 222km is broken!
Newly set goal made a drastic change in the level of enthusiasm. We pedaled faster to reach 120km and return back to Belur cross where we planned to camp-in in one of the under-constructed building. We got struck in rain 3km off the Belur Cross. Lightning and thunderstorm reminded me of KumaraParvatha's unforgettable gift! (Read post on KumaraParvatha trek)
Next morning got up late and reached Belur Cross from where Prasanna went to Bangalore by bus as he was in severe agony. (Prasanna's cycling distance =120km). Vibhas too never gave up till the end and was eager to do cycling as much as possible.
We were so eager to reach Bangalore on 9th by 6pm to give rest to "bums on fire". We pedaled 120km in 8hrs (15km/hr, consistently) keeping the image of our beds in our mind!!
All along the way we did DDT. To know more about DDT and experience the challenges, Join us during next adventure.
Special thanks to those who encouraged us, who appreciated our effort, who gave their mobile number to contact in case of emergency, who got astonished seeing CYCLING MANIACS, innocent kids who demanded an explanation about working of gears, nature and scenery.
Thanks to those who pulled our shorts before we could start our trip, who irritated us by shouting at us as if they are seeing aliens.
All of them are stake holders of our success.
- Use front disc brake only when you are about to crash!
- Avoid pedaling under the sun.
- Use reflectors or radium if you are planning cycling at night.
- Plan cycling events leaving a day to rest.

subset: commoncrawl


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SF Scavenger: Kartell EroS Lucite Chair for $220 OBO
Kartell EroS Clear Lucite Chair is willing to take $220 or best offer for this great piece, and is also open to trade. Anyone out there have something good to offer for this iconic piece?
- Gorgeous Vintage 50's Chandelier for $65
- BEDROOM SET THOMASVILLE DECO for $50
- Nice Setee For Sale for $50
- vintage steel desk, kitchen counter/cabinet, microwave stand and more
- Mid Century Corner Table for $45
- DRESSER for $50
- 1950's VINTAGE Formica Table in Chrome with 2 extension leafs for $100
- Danish modern marble top end tables (pair) for $100
- 6 drawer wood flat file that can hold a ton of posters, art, prints,..
- Custom made antique bathroom vanity and sink! LOOK!! for $400
Thanks, Craig!
Apartment Therapy Furniture Classifieds are open for your business in the Shopping Guide. List a particularly good thing, and we'll post you on the front page…
Published: Apr 8, 2008


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Humans, pets, livestock and wildlife are all potential hosts for the lone star tick. This species is known to transmit canine ehrlichiosis, human monocytic ehrlichiosis, and granulocytic ehrlichiosis; diseases that attack the white blood cells. In most cases, infections are mild or without symptoms, but without proper diagnosis and treatment the resulting disease can be severe and even life threatening. Ehrlichiosis disease resembles the Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Common symptoms include sudden high fever, fatigue, muscle aches, severe headache, and sometimes rashes. Lone star ticks are also reported to transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, tularemia, and Lyme disease.
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The Scratch Map Gold Edition is the perfect gift for any travel enthusiast. A great alternative to a travel diary, the gold foil layer simply scratches away with a coin, allowing you to pinpoint where in the world you've been. As well as being a great decorative piece for any interior, the Scratch Map is a great way of documenting your far flung adventures to your friends and family! - L.M.
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Session 1: June 26 – July 1, 2017
Session 2: July 10 – 15, 2017
Music Video Program will be during Session 2.
Enrollment for Summer Camp, Music Video Program, and Volunteer-in-Training Program opens March 1st!
Volunteer applications will also be available starting March 1st.
Sign up for our mailing list and/or follow us on social media for updates.


text: Hosted by Katie Davis, of Neighborhood Stories, featuring: "School VP"- Richard Paul follows Assistant Principal Irasema Salcido through her hectic multi-lingual morning at Bell Multicultural High School in DC. "Carried You"- Katie Davis tries to help, but Tiffany tells her she "got carried." A lesson in learning lessons. "What Teachers Make"- Slam poet and history teacher Taylor Mali schools us on honesty, ass-kicking and career choices. "Frankie in Mentone, Alabama: Football"- In a small southern Appalachian town, 17-year old Frankie Luwchuk plays running back for the Valley Head Tigers, and keeps an audio journal of his year; a Teenage Diary produced by Joe Richman. Poems & Prose from Meryn Cadell, Jelani, and Taylor Mali. "In a Bubble"- Producer Hillary Frank gets quiet kids to speak up and have their say. "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)"- Commencement speech words from Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich, performed by actor Lee Perry, over music from Baz Luhrman's film, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, sung by Quindon Tarver. "Hike to Rock Creek"- Host Katie Davis takes her DC summer camp into the unexplored regions of woods and water, two blocks away from where the kids live.


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For those trying out this new product from Microsoft , heres an article from the software giants themselves showing how to extend the evaluation period to 240 days for this product.
Evaluating Windows Server 2008 software does not require product activation. Any edition of Windows Server 2008 may be installed without activation, and it may be evaluated for 60 days. Additionally, the 60-day evaluation period may be reset (re-armed) three times. This action extends the original 60-day evaluation period by up to 180 days for a total possible evaluation time of 240 days.
Read More


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Last week i visited a the Royal Elephant hotel in centurion for the first time and i was blown away by the beauty. didn't know such existed in pretoria. Pity i did not take pics.
here's the 2 a friend took of me.
wine celler: for the love of wine. can i take em bottle please!
their cigar lounge: impecable decor.
Lv.. Vee


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Shaintar Legends Awaken: Agents of Flame
Main Page
Kal-a-nar Empire
• Capital: Kal'Zaketh
• Population: Over 4.5 million (mostly human)
• Dominant religion: Worship of Ceynara as the Goddess of War, with other Demon Lords acknowledged as subservient deities.
• Government: Totalitarian empire that controls the northwestern portion of the main continent. Very much a militocratic autocracy, with strong feudal practices.
• Warrior society; Warlords rule over all with a mighty and feared army, and true societal distinction can rarely be achieved outside of military service. A caste system exists; it is somewhat fluid at the higher levels, becoming stricter the lower one goes. Slavery is legal and widely practiced.
• Diverse economy, with a heavy focus on mining and manufacture, especially for materials for war. Numerous houses make excellent money contracting out portions of their forces as mercenaries throughout Shaintar.
• Humans are the primary and dominant race, with the core bloodlines elevated over those that were subjugated in ancient times. Non-humans are exclusively slaves and can have no other role.
In the cold, hard lands of the north, dozens of warlords unified their clans and did battle for the right to rule. Eventually, one rose above all others, and out of that conflict was born the greatest empire Shaintar has ever known. Huge in scope, covering vast territories, the Empire is ruled with an iron fist. The strong are valued, the weak subjugated or cast aside. Only warriors may truly rule at the highest levels, and Ceynara (known by most as the Queen of Hell) is worshiped as the Goddess of War and Patron of the Empire. Other races, as well as human bloodlines that are not favored as truly Kalinesh, are enslaved and put to work in the fields, mines, and mills of the realm. Those who are deemed worthy are sent into the Blood Pits, fighting one another and all manner of terrible creatures for the entertainment of a harsh and decadent society. On the outskirts of society, there remain Kalinesh clans who remember a nobler, more honorable time, and dream of a day of reckoning.
The Empire remains very militaristic in its design. The Tor-Eleran ("Army of the Empire") is the true power of the society, and Warlords rule over all. There are nobles, but only those with rank in the Tor-Eleran have any real standing. There is also a fairly strong, separate caste structure within the Empire's society. At one time, it was observed almost religiously. In recent centuries, it is more a matter of tradition than slavish adherence at the upper levels, though things remain very strict at the bottom rungs of the ladder.
For a culture that worships conflict, it should come as no surprise that the main form of entertainment (for the castes who have the time and resources) is gladiatorial combat. The Andak-cros – "Blood Pits" – are the centerpieces of the decadent culture that sits atop the Kalinesh social order.
In ancient times, it became a common practice to force prisoners of war to fight one another for their freedom, or else to fight some powerful creature like a bear or mountain lion. All of this was done both as a function of warrior custom and because many of the clan chieftains and their cohorts enjoyed the spectacle. Eventually, as a society began to develop and there were laws to enforce, criminals found themselves battling for the right to live. Events began to be planned around these battles, ultimately becoming festivals to which people would come from miles around. Permanent facilities were built near towns and villages, and regular contests were scheduled.
The Andak-cros were born.
Every city and town in the Empire has a Blood Pit, and most of the larger cities strive to make theirs the most majestic and spectacular in the land. Regular events are held at least weekly, with a major festival surrounding huge battles and special contests about once a month. Warlords have stables of warriors that they pit in regular tournaments against each other, competing for opportunities to have their warriors present at the Imperial Grand Tournament held every year in the capital.
In many ways, the Blood Pits have become the center of upper caste culture in the Empire. Along with the events go carnivals, feasts, and all-night orgies. For certain events, the acolytes get involved, conducting mass ritual sacrifices and enacting powerful demonic rituals. Needless to say, this suits both the Emperor and the Queen of Hell just fine.
Not surprisingly, there is a real gladiator culture attached to all of this. The best warriors are treated like heroes, with cults of personality associated with them. Most of them embrace the culture to one degree of another; after all, it"s the best life they can hope for in an otherwise very bleak environment. All they have to do is keep winning and keep surviving to keep enjoying a relatively pleasant existence between events.
Of course, survival is by no means an easy feat. Not only does the typical gladiator have to struggle against fellow warriors, he must also face whatever monsters of Flame and Darkness the Az-Junin and Az-Agkar have decided to put on the field that day. Childer are regularly fielded for bigger events, meaning a minotaur or thratchen may well stride out to face all comers. Every once in a while, a minor demon might take the field, either out of boredom or as a punishment for some transgression committed within the infernal ranks.
Oddly enough, there are those who actually fight in the Blood Pits willingly. As mentioned before, the Az m" Dair (the Lords of War) regularly enter Blood Pits to challenge groups far larger than the unit they field, all in the name of honing their skills and proving themselves worthy to be one of true elite. Additionally, Andak-cros seneschals have taken to paying mercenaries to fight in special events, mostly in order to mix things up a bit and provide more skilled opponents to watch. These mercenary companies have even begun to develop their own followings and rivalries, creating the basis for a whole new level of competition and tournaments.
Women can achieve status in Kalinesh society, but must strive hard to do so. It is a very rare thing to see a female Warlord, and she will likely be the most dangerous human being you've ever met. Strong women are highly desirable, because they lead to strong bloodlines. One of the constant battles within any Kal family revolves around what to do when a woman has achieved distinction on the battlefield: does she do her duty to her clan and remove herself from the field of honor to make babies, or does she continue to achieve glory for the Empire?
Farmers and craftsmen, merchants and bureaucrats are all accepted and even valued to some degree within the Empire. The standing lines of nobility remain primarily to provide a foundation of organization to run the various levels of the government, freeing the military leaders to focus primarily on their strategies and external matters. However, it is common knowledge that even nobles are considered very lowly if they have no military service to refer to in their history, so anyone even remotely capable of wielding a sword or bow (or catapult) puts his or her time in the Army to ensure a higher social standing.
Non-humans are at best slave labor in the Empire. It is possible to achieve a fairly high level of value as a slave, especially if that individual possesses a particular talent or craft skill. Alternately, superior skills in the gladiatorial Blood Pits can purchase a relatively comfortable lifestyle for a survivor. In the end, though, slavery is slavery, and there are more yokes in the Kal-a-Nar Empire than anywhere else in Shaintar.
Traveling Through the Empire
Entering the outer lands of the Empire isn't particularly difficult for an individual or small group, especially if such a group is trying to maintain a low profile; such is the vastness of the land. However, there are plenty of border patrols, many of which employ ratzin (rat-like Childer) to sniff out and track newcomers. Worse, entire bands of Childer, whether left over from some acolyte's summonings or caught between wars, are encouraged to roam the borders and remote areas and deal with "undesirables." So, too, can Kalinesh mercenary companies earn additional pay, turning in heads for bounties, or bringing in live prisoners, if questioning might be useful. Only those traveling under Imperial protection are safe when making their way through the Kalinesh lands, which is just how the Tor Mastak (the Imperial security service) prefers things.
Anyone wishing to travel officially in the Empire must come in through normal means – road or ocean port – and be accompanied by Imperial soldiers (and usually a bureaucrat or three) wherever they go. Such escorts will usually exact certain forms of payment, and practiced merchants willing to do business in the lands know to bring appropriate bribes and gifts.
Those who don't come to do business had best be skilled at stealth and subterfuge; being a non-human will make things nearly impossible in all but the most rural and remote areas. Most Imperial citizens will turn in a suspicious person without hesitation, for if the Tor Mastak ever discovers that someone saw potential invaders and said nothing, they are packed off to one acolyte or another to be used for sacrificial magic.
Assuming you are able to travel the lands without being accosted, you will discover most of the outer farmlands are fairly typical for a feudal system. Many families share living and working spaces. They toil from sun up to sundown, working the lands and other tasks of their farms and fields, all under the watchful eyes of those who serve the ruling lords. The land is hard, as are the people, but left alone to their work and themselves, they tend to form close and comfortable communities. Even the slaves are fairly well cared for and treated as part of the community, so long as the work gets done and the lord is satisfied with the results. This is generally true for the more outlying areas of the Empire.
In areas where the lord is less pleased, the circumstances are far worse. Beatings and even death are part of the daily experience. Slaves are sacrificed in public demonstrations, where a local acolyte exhorts Ceynara to give strength to the community to better serve the Empire. In the worst circumstances, one or more of the family or community leaders is sacrificed, and a successor is named, with the warning to perform better or face the same consequences. The bodies of sacrifices are left out for days to remind others of what may happen.
Villages and towns are less prone to such things, but by no means immune. Strangers are dealt with brusquely, with an emphasis on getting business done and over with. No one wants to fall under the scrutiny of the Tor Mastak, and anyone who speaks too long to strangers is very likely to do just that.
You are far more likely to run across military in urban settings, and they will tend to be raucous, jovial, and brash. Anyone perceived to be an outsider will be treated with suspicion; if such a person is perceived as weak, he may well find himself treated very roughly.
If a stranger to the lands can find his way to one of the larger cities, he"ll likely do a little better for himself. The upper castes actually enjoy showing off for new visitors and, given any novel reason at all, most lesser lords or well-placed fanar will take in travelers from afar and host their stay in the city. Such a visit will be resplendent with decadent dining, perhaps a full-blown orgy (complete with social warfare and backstabbing aplenty), tours of the more extravagant shopping plazas, and at least one visit to the local Andak-cros – the gladiatorial "Blood Pits."
It is there that both the splendor and the horror of the Empire are most clearly shown. Draped in finery and jewels, sloshing expensive wine and wasting gourmet food, those of means revel in the horrific deaths of slaves and captured warriors at the hands of demons and magically altered beasts. Anyone with even a spark of the Light or a thread of Life running through his soul will be repulsed, and in his revulsion he will find terrible danger, as he is surrounded by an entire society that is antithetical to his way of life.
History of Kal-a-Nar
Over 2000 years ago, the barbaric Human tribes far to the north began to coalesce into a more militaristic society ruled by several chieftains and clan elders. Ever stronger warlords gained control over more people and territory, subjugating the weaker peoples in their regions and building larger and more powerful armies. By enslaving the dwarvish populace of the Everwall Mountains, they were able to obtain armor and forged weapons, thus increasing their capabilities for war immensely.
It took more than 700 years for them to finally unite under one banner, that of the Vos-Dair-Az (Grand War Marshall) Jolokas ki Grilnas. His brilliance amongst his peers won him every major battle he ever fought. He parlayed this brilliance into political stratagems that ultimately created the Eleran m' Kal-a-nar, the Kal-a-nar Empire, with himself as its Emperor. It is worth noting here that Kal-a-nar means, literally, "The People of Glory."
After many years of warfare against all who would oppose them, the Empire sprawls across vast distances. It dominates the most of northern part of the main continent, and it spreads out along the western side about halfway down the continent. Entire societies have been engulfed within its control, most of which have been turned into slave cultures. Some of these people include the Everwall Dwarves, the Fae of the Forever Forest, and countless Goblinesh gathers. At one time, the Empire included most of the Youlin Aradi of the Eternal Desert as well.
For good or ill, the Empire is considered the cradle of human civilization. This is where they began, and where those who would go on to create the Kingdoms of Olara and Galea, the Malakar Dominion, the Freelands, and the Prelacy of Camon fled from during the Great Exodus.
The last outpost of the Kal-a-Nar Empire in the
Eternal Desert, Kal 'Montak is fairly atypical as far
as Kalinesh cities go. More cosmopolitan by far than
most Imperial holdings, there are actually sections of
Kal 'Montak where non-humans can travel openly,
without fear of enslavement.
This is more a matter of practicality than offcial
policy; in truth, the law of the Empire still stands in
the city, and if there is a conflict between non-citizens
and Kal citizens, it is certain that that the matter will
be judged in the favor of the Kal. However, the AzRi who rules the city and surrounding area, a nonwarlord named Fenrikas ki Arkor, has a great deal of
support for his tolerant policies within his city.
The main reason Fenrikas has not lost his head
taken and a more traditional ruler installed is the sheer
volume of useful information and trade that comes
through Kal 'Montak. It has become a key center of
trade for anyone who is willing to do business with
the Empire, yet would never dare to enter another
part of its lands.
Everyone who lives in Kal 'Montak understands
the unoffcial rules that allow the culture to remain in
place, and flouters of the system will be dealt with to
ensure business can continue as usual.
Even the Tor Mastak, feared secret police of the
Empire, operates within the accepted culture of the
city. This is, of course, a matter of some convenience
for them; for in Kal Montak they can learn much
they need to know to serve their mandate to protect
the security of the rest of the nation.
Tor Mastak
An empire as large as that of the Kal is difficult to control, and one of the more useful tools to effect that control is fear. No organization causes more daily fear in the lives of the Kalinesh than the Tor Mastak, the "Sword of Truth" that serves as the law and security service for the Emperor. Their agents answer to no one save the Emperor himself, and by their charter, even he is subject to their scrutiny (though for obvious political reasons, they avoid doing this to any degree that he is aware of).
The leader of the organization is considered equal in rank to the Vos-Dair-Az, even though the entire agency is no larger than a kantor. Though they use the same rank structure as the rest of the Imperial military, no one outside of the Tor Mastak dares to assume authority over one of its agents. A typical unit encountered will be the size of a squad, with Andak-Gols as the "rank and file," led by a Dair-Kron. The Tor Mastak does this so that even their lowest operatives can assume command of a regular army unit with little trouble.
Tor Mastak officers are trained to be ruthlessly efficient, and only the most loyal servants of the Empire can hope to be accepted into the ranks. They are the elite of the Empire, trained in all manners of combat, stealth, subterfuge, survival, and counter-insurgency. Equally gifted in urban and wilderness settings, some believe Tor Mastak officers are the most elite and capable soldiers in all of Shaintar.
Not surprisingly, adepts are actively recruited into the ranks of the Tor Mastak. Their abilities to read minds and uncover secrets serve the goals of the organization perfectly. There are many high-ranking officials within the Tor Mastak who are also accomplished in the Way.
Their mandate is at once simple and intensely complex. They are charged with seeking out and destroying all enemies of the Empire. It is their job to minimize the influence of unwanted outside sources; a Tor Mastak officer is expected to slay any druid or priest he encounters in Imperial lands, without hesitation. One of their most infamous tasks is that of tracking down and slaying any escaped slaves or prisoners. The Tor Mastak acknowledges no boundaries where this mandate is concerned, willing to send agents into any nation of Shaintar to execute those who seek to flee the authority of the Emperor.
Tor Sadais
The other elite force of the Empire, the Tor Sadais is the Emperor"s personal kantor. Only the greatest warriors of the Kal are permitted to serve in its ranks; candidates are recruited from each and every unit of the Empire. In this way, the Emperor ensures that the best of the soldiers in his armies serve him directly. Warlords quietly grumble about the practice, fully acknowledging the shrewdness of the move.
Within the Tor Sadais is an even more elite unit, a dren-ultor of Dair-Kron-ranked soldiers who may well be the most skilled and dangerous warriors in the world. They regularly enter the Blood Pits, minimally armed and armored, to fight against 5-to-1 or greater odds as a matter of training. They are the Az m" Dair, the "Lords of War." Though there is no knighthood in the Empire, these warriors are every bit the equivalent. Intensely loyal, driven by honor and glory, and having each sworn a vow to die in battle, every one of these men and women are powerfully dangerous foes. The very rumor of their presence on a battlefield is enough to break lesser units.
The "Lords of Magic" have long held a powerful place in the Empire. Functioning as both priests and arcane masters, the Az-Junin influences every level of Kalinesh society. While the Tor Mastak may wield fear like a shepherd's crook, the Az-Junin instills absolute terror in the citizens. Its members are the granters of Ceynara's strength, but they are also the enforcers of her vengeance. The Goddess of Might demands sacrifices, and the weak are to be culled from the People of Glory to feed her hunger.
The Az-Junin functions more like a guild than anything, and no one practices any form of magic in the Empire without being a member (save those who are part of the hated Az-Agkar). This means there are sorcerers and adepts in the ranks, though the vast majority of the members are acolytes. Non-acolytes rarely attain any major positions of power or influence within the guild, so most are members only to remain legal while practicing their arts. Adepts, in particular, will often seek to join the Tor Mastak, where their gifts are far more appreciated.
With their dual roles, the acolytes of the Az-Junin maintain both temples and chapter halls. The former are where they gather the faithful, remind them of their duties to Goddess and Empire, and conduct the important sacrificial rites of their society. The latter are the places where Az-Junin members meet to share information, form plans, experiment, and otherwise conduct the business of the guild.
The Az-Junin can be found at all levels of the government. They've worked long and hard to establish themselves as ministers, advisors, and counselors to all who lead the Kalinesh people. This gives them an inordinate amount of influence over the entire political spectrum. Naturally, they like it that way, though it means there are more than a few outside of their organization that see them as rivals, especially the Tor Mastak.
At one point in their bloody history, a faction within the guild thought it wise to curry favor with both the Emperor and the upper castes of the Kalinesh. They wanted to accomplish this by entering champions into the Andak-cros – the Blood Pits. Conducting terrible arcane experiments on beasts and sentient beings alike, they were able to field horrors and monstrosities against the warriors of the Pits. This has proven terribly successful, and many a brave warrior-slave has died horribly at the hands of some Az-Junin abomination.
The very existence of this guild is one of the great mysteries to the Kalinesh people. In 2110 AC, Harkor ki Doman (who remains Emperor to this day, more than a thousand years later) accepted a petition from a group of ex-patriot necromancers fleeing their homeland of Shaya'Nor. Apparently in great disfavor with the rulers of the Shadowlands, they offered their services and loyalty to the Emperor in exchange for sanctuary and protection. To the shock of even his closest advisors, Harkor agreed, even going so far as to allow them to form a separate guild from that of the Az-Junin, one headquartered in Kal'Prin.
Rumors have long abounded as to why he did this. Some fear that his greatly extended life may have more to do with his alliance with the Az-Agkar – the "Death Lords" – than with his powerful demon bond. The Tor Mastak went so far as to launch a major investigation. Interestingly, Harkor permitted it to go unchecked for a time. When the investigators could find no evidence of his betraying his fealty to Ceynara, he had the entire upper echelons of the Tor Mastak purged and sacrificed to her.
The matter was dropped after that.
Dropped, that is, by the Tor Mastak, but not by many of his subjects. The most blatant rejection of his actions came in 2562, when the Grand Warlord of the South, Soman ki Akara, declared that the Empire had fallen into ruin and shadow and that he would separate his lands from it. Even with a terrible civil war fought over their presence, still Harkor has not moved an inch in his commitment to let them have a role in his empire.
It is clear, in fact, that the Az-Agkar enjoy considerable favor with the Emperor's Court. Grudgingly, others of the nobility have come to accept and interact with them, and their guild is now a fully integrated fixture within Kalinesh politics. They have contributed quite a bit to the furthering of the Empire's interests, as a matter of fact. They've helped counter no less than six major plots involving Shaya'Nor, as well as ending a trade war with the Malakar Dominion with rather rapid and permanent results.
There is a terrible rivalry between the Az-Agkar and the Az-Junin. Not surprisingly, the larger and elder organization sees an upstart with no legitimate claim on its position, while the newer, much smaller group sees a serious threat to its survival. The conflict between the two groups is constant and bloody, which the Emperor tolerates to a great degree because he feels it makes both groups stronger in his service. So long as they avoid open warfare, he will let them continue to struggle against one another (yet another shrewd move on his part to keep challenges to his rule to a minimum).
One arena the Az-Agkar has been able to directly challenge the Az-Junin in fairly is that of the Blood Pits. They have begun fielding highly altered undead and Darkness-corrupted creatures to match the demonic monstrosities of the elder guild, making for some rather intense contests that the entire upper crust of Kalinesh society has come to anticipate with great and terrible voracity.
The story of the Unchained begins as the story of one man, Jerik Tul. It is told by bards who learned it first from the current age"s most well-traveled and prolific bard, Michael Longteller:
"The Kal-a-Nar Empire exists under a strict caste system that has little opportunity for personal achievement outside of the military. Only through the path of a warrior can one hope to ascend beyond their station, and even then such advancement is often over the fallen bodies of comrades and commanders. The military holds sway over all else in the Empire, and the demon-enhanced Warlords are supreme over everyone save the Emperor himself."
"At the bottom of the social order of the Empire are its slaves – those captured from other lands, as well as anyone who is not human within the Empire's borders. Once born a slave, there is no escape from the hard life of a slave."
"No escape, save the Blood Pits."
"There, in the arenas that are scattered across the whole of the Empire, slave-warriors and vile creatures battle to the death for the amusement of the Empire's citizens. The Az-Junin and Az-Agkar tamper with beasts and beings alike to create ultimate warriors, making it so only the most powerful and skilled combatants can ever hope to survive past their first competition."
"The supreme among these fighters know that they fight for the only prize worth winning in the Empire – freedom. Those that last through the course of an entire season are promised their freedom, as well as a raise in status and the opportunity to advance in Kal society (unless they are non-humans, in which case they are simply freed and banished to the Southern Kingdoms, where they are far more welcome)."
"Only one man has ever defied this process, choosing instead to use his freedom to win the same for all his brethren, as well as all the Kalinesh people. "That man is Jerik Tul…"
"The Dregordian warrior known as Sskolloss, a hero to every member of that reptilian species that had been captured and enslaved by the Kal, lay at the feet of the one man who had ever beaten him in the Blood Pits. Jerik Tul had just won the Imperial Grand Tournament, and it was now his right and his duty to slay his opponent and claim his prize – freedom, and the title of Sadar Nom to elevate him in the caste of the people. Instead, he spared the Dregordian, helping the lizardman to stand. As a gasping hush fell on the crowd, he addressed the Emperor himself."
"This day, I take my prize and I leave this place. Call me what you will – it means nothing to me. This day, I am free, and every free breath I take will be for one goal. One day, I will see all of you free, as well."
"He turned to walk out of the arena, and even as a hundred soldiers moved to stop him, the Emperor waved his hand to stay them. He told his advisors, "He will not last one month. Let the people hear of his failure after he has been given a chance to try. It will be a much greater lesson for them."
"This was one of the Emperor's most painful mistakes, for Jerik Tul did not fail. In fact, his rebellion has grown impressively over the last few years. Now he is the Empire's greatest enemy…"
The Unchained began as a small group of talented and dedicated individuals following the one man to ever reject the gift of the Emperor upon winning the Grand Tourney. Jerik Tul has made good on his promise, and instead of failing, he's managed to start gathering a real following. Some estimates put the numbers at mere hundreds, while some believe there are thousands of followers and supporters of the Unchained.
Jerik's stated goal remains the same – to free all of the Kalinesh people and lands from the chains of the Emperor and the acolytes. Needless to say, he's become Enemy Number One as far as the Tor Mastak is concerned, and much of their efforts are dedicated to finding and destroying him.
Unfortunately for them, his list of friends is growing larger every day, and now includes people coming from the Southern Kingdoms to offer their services in the greater cause.
Mercenary Companies In The Kal-A-Nar Empire
It bears noting that there are more mercenary companies whose origins lie in the Kal-a-Nar Empire than anywhere else in all of Shaintar. This is especially true in recent years, for while the Empire has remained in a relatively peaceful footing (biding its time for when Ceynara rises again), the thirst for conflict and battle has not subsided in the Kalinesh people.
Most of these companies move southwards, eventually setting themselves up in the Malakar Dominion, in the Wild Lands, or along the southwestern coast of Shaintar. Those that remain, however, have plenty to do. Many noble houses in the Empire have cause to conflict with one another, but they do not dare use Imperial soldiers to enact their agendas. As well, many of the non-military lords and high-ranking merchants don't have direct control of any army assets. The mercenary companies, however, do very nicely for the needs of such people.
In addition, the Empire places a rather sizeable monetary compensation on the line for protecting is sovereign borders. There are some mercenary outfits that make the majority of their money on capturing or killing those who enter Kalinesh lands illegally. Elven heads, in particular, gather a very handsome price when turned in at the appropriate offices.
The most infamous mercenary outfit in the Empire is the Maelstrom. It is, in fact, a small army, with headquarters in the Empire (Kal'Rogar), the Malakar Dominion (Trinigar), and the coastal city of Paradise. The leadership of the Maelstrom is comprised of devout acolytes and warriors who are sworn to Ceynara; in fact, they have all enacted a ritual that bonds their soul to her service, which gives them some power in this life and the chance for exalted service (or eternal torture, should they fail) in the next. Ironically, most Kal warlords and military leaders see the Maelstrom as a bunch of religious zealots, barbaric and vicious beyond even their standards. The Maelstrom, in turn, sees the average Kal soldier as weak and uncommitted to the greater glory of Ceynara and the Empire (in that order).
Nonetheless, the Maelstrom is highly respected and prized by the Emperor. It is a not-so-secret fact that he has used them to enact Imperial agendas and tasks when he did not wish to officially involve his regular forces.
Kal-a-nar ranks
Zovos-Dair-Az (Supreme Warlord, Emperor of the Kalinesh) Harkor ki Doman has held this title for over one thousand years. He's considered more demon than man (or, perhaps due to his unusual connection to the Az-Agkar, something far worse). He's almost never seen. Many actually believe he is dead, with a secret cabal ruling in his name. This would be far better for everyone than the actual truth…
Vos-Dair-Az (Grand Warlords) There are three Grand Warlords Farak ki Turosk, commanding the West; Jolokas ki Harkor (Harkor's son, named after the first Emperor), who commands the Heart of the Empire, the north-central region; and Unikon ki Yolot, who commands the East. There was a fourth Grand Warlord who commanded the South, in the Eternal Desert. Since the Tantor-voshnos ("The Dread Betrayal" of 2562 AC), when the Vas-Dair- Az m' Surnas (Grand Warlord of the South) Soman ki Akara declared the Eternal Desert his own, he has not been replaced. It is said that the Emperor has declared the title will go to whoever wins the Desert for the Empire. The Vos-Dair-Az are considered Az-ri (High Lords). They command the vos-daizars, the over-armies of the Empire.
Az-Ri (High Lords) This is the highest caste of nobility. The Az-Ri govern the regions, and almost all are also Warlords. Those that are not gained their title from some political maneuver or financial expediency, and are considered lesser than the Warlord that serves that region by most of the populace and other nobility. Though rare, more exist now than have in the history of the Empire. The increasing influence of the vos-fanar (the elevated merchant class) and the power of trade has steadily improved the lot of many non-military noble houses over the last few centuries. Developing a successful economy has ironically eroded the power of the Warlords over the non-military nobles to a degree, a situation that continues to brew a highly volatile recipe for conflict in the Empire's future.
Dair-Az (Warlords) These are the commanders of the daizars – war clans of the Empire. Many Dair-Az serve also as Az-Fal, and are considered to be of that caste of nobility.
Az-Fal (Lords) The middle rank of nobility. Az-Fal rule over city-states, or oversee larger regions containing more rural areas.
Dair-Kan (War Commanders) These are who command kantors, the largest unit within a daizar (essentially, a division). Dair-Kan are considered Az-Dren for class purposes.
Az-Dren (Demi-lords) This is the lowest rank of nobility in the Empire. They rule towns. Most of the time, they are placed in other bureaucratic positions that are too important or require too much status for non-nobility. Of course, there are many Az-Dren who are in the military or in the Imperial Court.
Dair-Gol (War Leaders) This is the next rank down. Dair-Gol usually command yanar, brigade-level units in the daizars.
Dair-Endar (War Chieftans) The next lower rank, often found commanding ultors, the battalion-level units of the daizars.
Sadar-Nom ("Celebrated Name," a High non-lord) Sadar-Nom is the highest caste attainable by anyone not of noble blood. Celebrated heroes, great artisans, or very successful merchants are often elevated to this caste. The Emperor must approve any such appointment.
Dair-Kron (War Captain) The rank of those found in command of company-level units, called dren-ultors.
Andak-Gol (Battle Leader) The lowest officer rank in the daizars (the equivalent of a lieutenant). The units they normally command are called mantas.
Vos-Fanar (High Merchants/ Bureaucrats) These are truly successful merchants that have attained great wealth. In ages past, this caste could only be achieved by inheritance and blood, though it's always been possible to be awarded it by bringing great wealth to the Emperor. Nowadays, it
is increasingly possible to be awarded this status by an Az-Ri or well-connected nobles, making the Vos-Fanar the fastest-growing social group in the Empire. This caste also represents the highest non-noble functionaries of the government. Those of truly traditional thinking consider that the greatest tragedy of the modern Empire lies in just how many of these people exist.
Vos-Inikar (High Artisans/Craftsmen) Only the greatest and most successful artisans may attain this title, although the caste is hereditary for a line once it is attained. The only crafts considered worthy of the caste are weaponsmiths, armorers, builders, and engineers. As an example of how valued a Vos-Inikar weaponsmith can be, a small but very bloody war recently broke out along the south-central borders as an Az-Ri purchased away the services of the renowned Thulmos Clan from a rival Warlord. One of the sons of the clan finally agreed to return to the Warlord's service in order to bring peace. Though many things have changed in the Empire, these tradesmen and artisans are held in great esteem and are almost zealously defended.
Mas-Gol (Squad Leader) These are the sergeants of the daizars. They lead units called mas.
Dren-Fanar (Low Merchants/ Bureaucrats) When no one was paying much attention, this caste managed to become the largest in the Kal-A-Nar Empire. It's influence over the day-to-day well-being of the Empire is far greater than those in power would ever believe.
How Many Regions? How many Az-Ri? It's pretty fluid and based on a political climate of a chaos-inspired competition. A war-driven society tends to be mercurial at best, and the Emperor not only tolerates this, but also encourages his lords to compete for power and favor, multiplying the problem. At any given time, there may be dozens or a hundred regions, it's a matter of expediency for a GM to Andak-Tor (Soldier, "Battle Sword") These are the rank-and-file troops of the daizars. Any Kalinesh man (and those few women who dare) with dreams of becoming more than what they are will spend time wearing this uniform.
Dren-Inikar (Low Artisans/Craftsmen) As a general rule, anyone in this caste (which includes candle makers, cartwrights, thatcher, and an endless number of related pursuits) prefers to remain unnoticed. They do as they are required, get paid for their efforts, and go about their business, much as they do anywhere else.
Thomarin (Farming Landowner) Precious few outside of the nobility own land in the Empire. Those that do usually fall into one of two categories. Either they earned the privilege through many years of excellent service, or they started farmsteads in very difficult or dangerous areas where the Empire is attempting to spread its influence. Thomarin are all too aware of the tenuousness of their position; at any time, a lord or military official might choose to seize their lands for any reason. They tend to be reclusive and prefer to scrape out what living they can in the far reaches of the Empire, staying out of sight if at all possible. Occasionally, a highly successful Thomarin will find himself assigned a garrison of soldiers and elevated to Az-Dren or even Az-Fal status should his farmland and area become important for some reason.
Dremarin (Retainer/Servant/Worker) At the very bottom of the social order of free folk, the Dremarin usually console themselves with the truth that what they are doing is at least marginally better than dying in a Blood Pit, on the front line of some far-flung war or being a slave.
Vos-Ulin (High Slave) Gladiators, noble servants, and those that work within upper-level positions with some responsibility are of this caste. Vos-Ulin are treated relatively well and are valued by their owners. Not surprisingly, very few Vos-Ulin are non-human, and those that are usually have some extraordinary gift or reputation associated with their status.
Dren-Ulin (Low Slave) The lowest of the low, they have no status or worth. The life of a Dren-Ulin is often short. They clean sewers, work the mines and fields, carry heavy loads, and get fed to demons. Upon their backs, the Empire is built. For the entertainment of the decadent nobility, they die in the Blood Pits. Should anyone figure out a way to raise them against their masters, the Empire would see its end.decide how large or small an Imperial region is and who is currently ruling it.


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A LABOUR Party chairman has declared his support for Scottish independence.
Mike Dyer, constituency chairman of Anniesland, in Glasgow, revealed his backing for a "Yes" vote at the STUC conference in Dundee.
He cited the "relentless negativity" of the No campaign as one of the key motivating factors in his decision.
SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon made a special appeal to Labour voters to back independence in her conference speech on Friday, amid a concerted push to make pro-independence group Yes Scotland more appealing to supporters of the unionist party.
Mr Dyer, a member of Unite, and who is on the union's finance sector committee, said he believes independence will lead to a "fairer Scotland".
He said: "With a Yes vote industrial relations will no longer be shackled by the same anti-strike regulations or restrictions on employees' rights that stem from Westminster.
"In an independent Scotland, workers can expect greater legal protection where we'll all have collective bargaining rights and the right not to be victimised. Trade unionists want a Scotland where workers are looked after and a Yes vote is the best way to achieve that.
"The No campaign has so far been a tide of relentless negativity.
"Take ship yards, for example. If we have the skills and people power to build advanced naval ships, then surely we can build wind turbines and other forms of renewables?
"For me, the No campaign is a group of UK government ministers telling us how bad things will be, whereas the Yes campaign is a grassroots campaign with a strong message highlighting Scotland's potential.
"When you speak to Labour Party members at constituency level they have radical ideas that are more associated with Labour's traditions. So why is the party leadership not as radical as the ordinary members?"
• Labour grandee backs Yes vote
• Labour voters 'key' to independence - Sillars


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The results are in.
Australia has voted YES to same-sex marriage.
The result was announced by the ABS at 10am with 61.6% of Australians voting "yes" to Same-Sex marriage - representing 7,817,247 of Australians.
The "no" vote received 38.4% which equates to 4,873,987 individuals.
Nearly 8 in 10 Australians had their say in the vote.
It will now be up to parliament whether a bill is passed before Christmas.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten told Triple M this morning he believed it was likely Parliament could go to a conscience vote before it finishes sitting on December 7.
What's happened so far:
The journey to this point has been a tumultuous one with almost one million changes made to the electoral roll ahead of the survey and 90,000 names added to the roll.
Celebrities including, Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe joined the 'Yes' campaign on August 12, with the Olympic medalist saying it was important for "the message it sends to a young me. Singer Kylie Minogue and Hollywood stars Chris Hemsworth and Russell Crowe are among others to have backed same-sex marriage on social media, while Wallabies star Israel Folau tweeted he would not support same-sex marriage.
American rapper Macklemore also became immersed in the debate ahead of singing his 2012 chart-topper Same Love at the NRL grand final on October 1 – angering former prime minister Tony Abbott and right-wing independent MP Bob Katter. Attorney-General George Brandis labelled Abbott's comments "bizarre".
Earlier in the campaign, Abbott head-butted by a same-sex marriage supporter who later said the attack had nothing to do with gay marriage – just his personal opinion of Abbott.
A 'Vote NO' message was written in the sky over Sydney on September 17, while a simple 'NO' was written above Melbourne on October 10. The skywriting appeared to be crowdfunded through a Go Fund Me page.
There's also been extreme pressure on the LGBTQI community with Reach Out confirming a 40% increase in young people accessing their services.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, on August 21, blasted a poster spotted in a Melbourne laneway carrying the slogan "stop the fags", which appeared to trace back to the message board of a neo-Nazi website. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told 2Day FM he was offended by such posters while defending the vast majority of people who do not agree with same-sex marriage, as not homophobic.


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Hi everyone! Welcome to another challenge at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!
This week our hostess is Deborah and her challenge is 'All About Boys'!!! I have 3 sons, so I am all over that one!!! We are always in need of little boy cards around here and I love making this theme of card!
I used the set Safari Fun. This is the first time I've inked up the little elephant and Lucas. So fun to colour! I used copics and pastels, added the sentiment up in the corner, brown copper brads, twine and a copper button. Dies are all by MFT. The DP is Carta Bella 'Boy Oh Boy'.
We always enjoy your creations so be sure to submit them so you can WIN a $10 gift card to the Shop!! Show us your stuff!!
Have you joined the Kraftin Kimmie's Krafty Friends fb group?? It's the best place to keep up with all of the goings on as well as sharing YOUR creations and getting inspired by other Krafty Friends' creations!!!
This week's FRUGAL FRIDAY specials are up and available until the end of the WEEKEND!! Also, the JANUARY RELEASE as well as the GIMMIE KIMMIE kits!
Now create a card, scrapbook page or altered item with a Kraftin' Kimmie Stamp or any other stamp and be sure to use our THEME as a starting point for your creation!!! You will have until January 30th at 11:55 pm EST to get your entries in! Check out the KKS BLOG!
Pull out those fabby stamps and play along! Have some krafty fun and join us this week!!


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A photograph taken at a Trump rally has been making the rounds on social media recently. It shows a man wearing a t-shirt that reads: "Rope. Tree. Journalist. Some assembly required." It is a direct reference to lynching, and it should piss you off.
Reporters, of course, should be angry that someone is, quite literally, threatening to kill them. Anyone with an ounce of human decency should be angry that someone is making light of a tactic that claimed thousands of lives and was used to terrify African Americans for much of the 19th and 20th centuries, and even into the present day.
And, given that this t-shirt was worn to a political rally, it's important to note that any attempts to intimidate reporters are also attempts to undermine democracy. It's that simple.
I've written much of this before, but it bears repeating: most of us who are reading this live under a form of representative government. We, the citizens, cast votes for political representatives who, in turn, are responsible for making decisions on our behalf. In order for this system to work, citizens need to be informed about the world we live in and about the decisions our respective governments have made to this point. We also need to know where various political candidates stand on these issues.
Without good journalism, we would be informed about none of these things – and may instead be misinformed about all of them.
Because, here's the thing, journalism is not about simply repeating what political candidates say. A good reporter is checking the facts behind the statements. A good reporter is placing news into context, which helps us understand what we're reading. Is what a candidate saying actually true? Can it be verified? Is it consistent with the candidate's previous positions; with the candidate's voting record; with the candidate's business history? If a candidate has changed his or her position, what was the explanation for that? Were there mitigating circumstances? If a candidate voted against something they said they supported, what was the context – was it part of an enormous piece of legislation that also included lots of language that the candidate opposed?
Reporters should be sifting and analyzing all of this information because it's their job. And it's one of the most important jobs in the world. Why? Because most people – including me – do not have the time, skills or resources to do that work. You have to talk to sources. You have to read long, tedious government reports. You have to pore through reams of data you dug up using Freedom of Information Act requests. You have to bust your ass for hours and hours, determining which sources of information are reliable and which claims can be verified.
A few sample questions that a reporter has to answer on a daily basis: Does the information come from a trustworthy source? Could it be verified by other sources? Why is it important? Who says it is important? Who is it important to? Why are you telling me about this now? How did this happen? What might happen next?
And all of that is just for one story. Good luck trying to do that on your own for every topic that's relevant in an election.
While we're at it, let's make clear that there is no conspiracy of journalists. Reporters compete with each other to break news stories. Many reporters got into the business because they believe in the free exchange of ideas, because they want to speak truth to power, or because they think keeping the public informed is the surest way to prevent tyranny and protect the least powerful. (These are all, arguably, variations of the same thing.)
The job description is, often literally, to find out what powerful people are trying to keep secret and tell the world about it. In short, this is the last group of people on Earth that you could convince to engage in a secretive cabal.
Does this mean that every news story is rock solid? No, of course not. All reporters are humans, and humans are highly variable. Some news stories, or even news outlets, can be flawed. But it does mean that, if you read work from multiple news outlets with a critical eye, you can get a fairly clear idea of what's going on. Without good reporters, you'd have to rely solely on what candidates tell you themselves – which essentially means that the candidate with the deepest pockets would always win.
As I write this, the sun hasn't come up yet on Election Day 2016 in the United States. I don't know who the next president of the United States will be. But I do know that this election has highlighted the importance of good journalism, the value of critical thinkers in the newsroom, and the need for more reporters.
So, if you really want to perform an act of patriotism, go vote – and then subscribe to a newspaper. Subscribe to one online. Subscribe to a magazine (or two). Journalism needs support if it's going to thrive. And we need journalism.


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Name: Marin Felz
Name: Marin Felz
Age: 32
Postion: Financial advisor for Edward Jones Investments
Family: Husband Charles, a local Veterinarian; daughter Avery, 5; son Landon, 3; three dogs and a cat.
What would you do with $1,000 to spend on yourself? In order to have fun with this, I�m going to tell myself that my kids and husband also have $1,000 to spend on themselves. So in that case, with my $1,000, I would love to pick out a super high-quality push-button espresso machine, then select locally roasted decaf coffee beans to go with it. If I had anything left, I�d try to find the perfect pair of jeans.
Your favorite motto: Do the work. So often, we play mind games that get in the way of our confidence, our productivity, and ultimately, our ability to help others. Don�t overthink it, don�t second guess it, just do the work.
What makes you happy: Very simple things, little things, make me happy. I find them all around me every day. Going for a run and catching a beautiful sunrise; pushing my children on swings; sitting with the whole family and all three dogs on the same little sofa; watching cardinals at our bird feeders; really good coffee and really dark chocolate; helping someone. I�ve heard you should fill your �jar� with the big rocks first, and then add all the little ones. I�m blessed to have all the big rocks already in my jar, and that�s made me a truly happy person, and has opened me up to receiving little gifts of happiness in everyday life.
What makes you feel confident? A good, hard workout. I�ve always been a runner, and at various times in my life, also a tri-athlete. Exercise makes me feel strong, empowered, motivated, focused, and determined, and those feelings give me confidence.
What makes you laugh? My husband, with his quiet, yet sarcastic sense of humor, has kept me in laughter for 14 years. And of course, my kids. At ages 3 and 5, they say and do some of the funniest things.
Best tip to look and feel great: Eat fresh and exercise. Try this combo for two weeks, and I wouldn�t be surprised if you felt better all around.
How do you take care of yourself financially? I set a budget for the basics, and then set saving and spending goals. I�ve found the key is to write it all down and continue to monitor the progress.
How do you reward yourself? I love sweets, but am less likely to buy them for myself. Luckily, my husband never hesitates to sneak into my office with a delicious slice of cake, or dark chocolate when he knows I�ve been working hard and deserve a treat.
My simplest pleasure: Being in nature with my family. I love to go for walks in the woods and play in rivers. There is so much to discover, to take in, so many little surprises, and its especially miraculous to take them in with your children.
When I am an old lady: I hope I will be next to my old man surrounded by family, in good health, and even better spirit. I hope we will be content, at peace, and with no regrets.
What financial advice would you give other women? Take responsibility for your involvement in decisions about a budget, a savings goal, and debt (whether that be the plan to repay existing debt, or the decision to take on more debt). I was 12 years old when my father passed, and through that experience, my mother instilled in my sisters and I how important it is that we are able to understand and manage our own finances. I continuously have looked back on my mother�s strength in that moment and asked myself whether I would be able to manage my family�s finances. If your answer would be �no,� then start asking questions.


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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland Terrapins football team under coach Ralph Friedgen is now traveling in uncharted territory.
Since returning to his alma mater in 2001, Friedgen's program has enjoyed a series of highs - an Atlantic Coast Conference title, a BCS bowl bid, three straight 10-win seasons and back-to-back bowl game victories.
But now, Friedgen and the Terrapins are finding out what it's like to see more teams in front of them than behind them.
Repeated efforts to spark Maryland's anemic offense failed Saturday as the Terrapins dropped their second straight ACC game at Byrd Stadium, 13-3 to North Carolina State.


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Calgary, Europe, Motorcycle, Paris, Travel, Triumph Bonneville, Work
Pet peeves anyone? Here are a few of mine I've identified this past week:
1. The phrase FML (as in F#@& my life): Seriously? I'll admit, when I was keeled over retching in front of the Louvre my first day in Paris after eating a bad hot dog, I was feeling sorry for myself. But it was only when, after wiping the pukey slobber from my chin, that I stepped – no…slid! in a huge pile of steaming dog poo, and I started to think FM…But then I thought, I'M IN PARIS! I seriously dislike when people use "FML" for every little insignificant problem (Hairdryer broke – FML, Long line at Costco – FML, Gas prices went up ten cents – FML, Ran out of limes for my cerveza – FML). C'mon people, life ain't that bad!
2. Porsche drivers: I know it's a stereotype – and probably one many people have about motorcycle riders as well (they all drive like idiots and think they're 'da bomb). But seriously, why does every porsche driver ride my bumper like they want my car to mate with theirs? Luckily these bumper humpers are known to tire quickly when it comes to vehicular seduction. The driver changes lanes abruptly in a fit of frustration, and speeds off as if to prove their Porsche is a highly desirable sexual partner by virtue of how fast it reaches the next stop light. I'm so impressed.
3. Blending Words (aka portmanteau): I wrote an article for my company's franchisee magazine last week. In it I used the word "participaction" – as in participate and action – combined. Ugh! Some recent examples that I've come to hate but often use include: bromance, manscaping, infotainment, murse, chillax, frenemy – to name a few. The problem is, they're just so darn useful! If you think about it, so many of the words in our every day language are two words made into one (breathalyzer, smog, motel, cheeseburger). They're a necessary and efficient evil.
4. Children at fine dining restaurants. Scratch that (as the glares of a thousand date-night deprived moms bore into my soul). To rephrase: badly behaved children at nice (read: expensive) restaurants… makes me crazy! I'm about to drop $150 on date night with my husband. I'm paying for the good food, yes. I'm also paying for ambiance – you know, the nice music, low lights, cloth napkins, the soft-spoken server who knows the wine list off by heart and is in the midst of suggesting a pairing with my risotto when he's interrupted mid-sentence by a screeching child determined to bang his plate on the table until it's reduced to dust. The parents murmur an impatient "shhhhhh" and return to conversation, oblivious to the end-of-the world racket occurring at their elbows. Trust me, your kids don't appreciate the panko crusted softshell crab or the organic ginger infused sparkling lemonade – take them to a place where their childlike nature will be embraced.
5. No "Thanks": I can't stand when I spend a lot of money on something and the person I bought it from barely musters a smile and a thank you. I spent 6 months saving hard for a Triumph Bonneville motorcycle. When I handed over the cheque, I barely got a mumbled thanks for what was, probably one of the easiest sales of his season (I pointed at that one and said 'I would like to buy this please'). No smile, no gratitude, a hurried thank you as he handed me over to his paperwork person. I don't expect to get a foot rub when I buy nail polish. I don't want the salesperson at The Gap bowing down with appreciation when I cross the threshold. But when I put hard-earned cash down to make a major purchase, you'd better believe I want a thank you and a smile – maybe even an offer to take a picture with me and my new bike.


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A 12-year-old girl experiences a year of discovery and transformation in Srager's debut YA novel.
In the fall of 1949, Ruthie Treglia is a bright, sensitive tomboy growing up in the Washington Heights section of New York City. A high IQ test score means that at 13, she'll start high school a year earlier than her peers. The coming year brings many changes for Ruthie, and she decides to keep a journal that she calls RR, or Ruthie's Reflections, in which she records her everyday joys and frustrations and the pivotal events that ultimately shape the course of her teenage years. Over the course of the year, Ruthie spends time with her best friend, Karen; overcomes social awkwardness at a New Year's Eve party; and has lunch at the Stork Club with her flamboyant aunt. She also reconnects with her Jewish heritage and learns about the flights of her friends' families from the Nazis during World War II. Ruthie's experiences culminate in a road trip to Florida, where she encounters racial and religious prejudice. Srager's coming-of-age story has a solid, focused structure and a likable protagonist in Ruthie. Presenting the story in the form of a journal gives the narrative a sense of immediacy and shows how Ruthie matures during the year. Friendships are important to Ruthie, and Srager deftly weaves details from the lives of Ruthie's friends into the narrative, presenting a well-developed picture of her social life. Ruthie's concerns about leaving her friends behind when she starts at a new school and her nervousness about beginning her first real romantic relationship may resonate with readers experiencing similar situations. Despite the novel's successes, the narrative suffers at times from a lack of development. Srager's short novel progress with brief, fast-paced chapters—so fast that the development of key characters, such as Ruthie's father, Joe, is frequently impeded.
Addresses serious issues with sensitivity and compassion, but the lightweight narrative lacks substance.


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Stairlift Myth No 4: "Stairlifts won't stop when an unexpected obstruction occurs"
Modern day stairlifts are fitted with many safety features designed to protect the user and non-users within the household.
An obstruction whilst travelling along the stairs is unlikely but possible.
Clearly visible obstructions such as a walking stick which has been left on the stairs would usually be removed before getting on to the stairlift. However, unexpected obstructions such as a pet or small child running in front of the stairlift whilst it's in motion is a major concern to some customers.
For these occasions, modern day stairlifts are fitted with pressure sensitive plates as standard. These pressure sensitive plates are fitted to areas of the stairlift which are most likely to come in to contact with any potential hazard. Once activated, the stairlift will automatically stop enabling the user to safely free the obstruction.


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You may wonder about the garden sprinkles. Sprinkles are those sweet details that you place throughout your garden to make it extra special. These may include art, lighting, paint, furniture, wind chimes, etc.
If you'd like to read more articles like this one, please sign up for my email updates here.


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|image from Wikipedia.org
Viktor Frankl, a concentration camper survivor, once wrote, "Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of human freedoms to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."
That's not a particularly original thought, but it is expressed in a sophisticated way, and it's a valid method of making one's way through the world without being trapped in a constant fog of bitterness.
I often think of it when I think of the assisted suicide movement. In today's Daily Mail, a newspaper in Great Britain, there is a story about the expansion of assisted suicide in the Netherlands.
The Dutch government is considering plans to use mobile medical teams which would administer euthanasia to people in their homes.
The units, dubbed 'grim reapers on wheels' by critics, will be called in to kill patients when their own GPs refuse to administer lethal drugs.
The mobile teams of doctors and nurses would be sent out from a clinic following a referral from the patient's doctor.
The story was balanced enough, even noting that physicians were euthanizing (killing, depending on your point of view) "dementia sufferers, including Alzheimer's victims," hardly a population capable of making an informed consent.
If Frankl is correct, a rational person must agree that suicide is the ultimate means of "choosing one's own way." I have known several people who committed suicide, but I have never known their heart, nor even if they sought help, or even if the method they chose caused them pain. Still I cannot bring myself to support an organized effort by government or by private party (meaning groups like the Hemlock Society) to put in place a formal process wherein other human beings participate in the death.
The Netherlands, and Oregon (the state in the USA where the option has been legalized), require two professionals to acknowledge the person is making a correct decision. But human beings, including medical doctors, are fallible, and more often than not make choices -- even for others -- based upon their own emotional and intellectual outlook. While not so elegantly phrased as Frankl, the aphorism of "If you have a hammer, every problem becomes a nail" applies. Or to focus on one purveyor: if you approach the Hemlock Society for help in committing suicide, you cannot expect their representatives to counsel you about other options to be considered first.
I began thinking about this today again not only because of the proposed changes in the Dutch law but also because of an opinion piece in The Providence, a Canadian newspaper. It has been circulating among disability activists, and it is from a physician who had a patient in common with another physician. The writer was asked to concur in a prescription for an assisted suicide for the patient who had undergone cancer treatment and become depressed because he could no longer hike as he had before treatment.
The writer notes, "I told her that I did not concur and that addressing his depression would be better than simply giving him a lethal prescription. Unfortunately, two weeks later my patient was dead from an overdose prescribed by this doctor."
That's a doctor doing what's called "doctor shopping," which would land me in jail if I undertook such an enterprise to increase the amount of prescription pain relievers I am allowed. Perhaps it isn't criminal, but certainly an example of the I own a hammer, so you've gotta be a nail ideal and why a person might be influenced at a time when most vulnerable.


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A Soggy Plaster On The Floor
27 January 2010, 15:06 | Updated: 27 June 2017, 12:25
I decided to take my 2 youngest children swimming this morning and also invited the M.I.L (that's the mother in law)! So we arrived at the pool where the receptionist tells me that the baby pool is closed. I ring my wife to collect our daughter as she's only 5 months old and the big pool would be too cold.
So the 3 of us proceed to the changing rooms where the M.I.L starts to take over and whisks my son off to get changed getting him all excited about his new armbands which she's letting him believe she brought (she didn't, I did). I'm left with putting all the clothes into a locker which I load up, put the money in and realise there's no key!! So out it all comes. Eventually we all walk through to the pool area only to be greeted by a soggy plaster on the floor…..nice! I'm never that bothered about going swimming, but afterwards you always feel it was worthwhile, and as im always told by one person or another, "swimming uses every muscle in your body".
In the car on the way home I'm moaning about how dirty it was in there, the plaster, the floors etc to which the M.I.L replied "terrible isn't it", anyway hurry up home I think my nicotine patch must of come unstuck in the water"!


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If you are experiencing problems with your Netgear router device, you can update its drivers. Drivers are the small software that ensure proper functionality and performance for a device. It is essential to update drivers of your Netgear device (in fact any device connected to your PC) regularly. Check the steps below and do so.
1. Log on with admin rights to your computer. Without admin rights, you can't update drivers of your Netgear device. If you are using Windows XP, click the Start button> right-click My Computer> select Manage.
2. Click Device Manager to display the list of devices installed on your PC. Expand the Network adapters category. You will see your Netgear adapter there. Right-click on Netgear adapter, select Update Driver.
***Find here how to set up a Netgear wireless router.
3. On the Hardware Update Wizard screen, click Yes, This time only and hit Next. Select the Install the software automatically (Recommended) option and click Next. Make sure that you are connected to the Internet; otherwise the updates will not go through. Wait while the installation goes through. When prompted, restart your PC.
4. For Windows 7, click Start> right-click Computer> select Manage. If prompted, enter you admin password and continue. On the Computer Management window, click Device Manager to display the devices listed here.
***Find here how to update device drivers in Windows 7 using Windows Update.
5. Expand Network adapters, right-click Netgear device and select Update Driver Software. On the next window, click Search automatically for updated driver software and follow rest of the prompts. Restart your PC when done.6. Reconnect to your wired or wireless network on your Netgear device or access the Netgear router setup interface as desired. The device should work fine.
***You can find here Netgear router support for Netgear router problems.


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Knights of Albion
Slams, Stuns and Kills
Big Hits!
In the Marvel system there are three particularity common types of 'big hit' that occurs during combat.
House Rules
These rules have been customised by the GM quite a distance away from those written. Here are our house rules.
In force based combat (which may be a slug-fest, or a kinetic force attack or something approximating being hit with a piano) the two most common are 'Slam' and 'Stun'
In a standard fight if you inflict damage equal to or greater than your opponent Endurance stat, and you have successfully rolled a a special effect like 'stun' then the the following rules apply.
Note that if the target has some sort of protection from physical attacks, but you manage to defeat it by even a single point; so long as your original strength of attack was => than the targets Endurance these rules still apply
If your attack was a yellow roll, the target must make an endurance roll. If they fail that roll they are 'slammed'. The aggressor may choose one or a combination of the following effects
- Smack-Down the target is smashed downwards onto a very solid surface. this effectively means the target takes the same amount of damage again (ignoring armour modifiers). you can think of it as a combined attack with the ground, as typified by the 'pile driver' maneuver
- Knock-Back the target is propelled along more or less parallel to the ground. They will travel 10 feet for every 10 points of damage they were originally hit with. if they intersect with another person or object they will transfer a portion of their damage induced momentum to the thing they are interacting with. So for example – the Evil Mr Punchbag is hit for 63 points of damage. if the fight took place on a football field, he would fly backwards about 60 feet and eventuality come to a stop in a single round. If the fight were taking place in a call centre the GM may rule that every 10 feet or so he impacts a light weight partition wall of Typical material strength.
The effect would be something like this: fly 10', take 6 points damage as you pass through a wall (16 points of the attack momentum used up), fly 10' and take 6 points damage as you pass through a wall (32 points of the attack momentum used up), fly 10' and take 6 points damage as you pass through a wall (48 points of the attack momentum used up), fly ten feet and take 5 point of damage from the final wall (which by the way only has 1 point of material strength now) (all 63 points of damage/momentum have been used up).
- Home-Run The target is knocked up and high! they will fly vertically upwards 10 feet for every 20 points of damage (or part thereof) inflicted… effectively the target loses all actions for the next 'whole' combat round (i.e. you lose your next action). Technically you lose a round of action per 100 points of damage inflicted this way, but if you get hit for 300 points of damage, losing your next three combat rounds of actions of is the least of your worries…
Stuns are easier. if you get a stun result (bearing in mind the endurance rule that applies to force based attacks) you must make an endurance roll. if you make a green roll you are stunned for 1 round. if you fail the roll you are stunned for 1d10 rounds
Martial Arts 'A'
using martial arts A you can slam and stun any opponent, regardless of their endurance stat. Any armour worn still protect against the total damage inflicted.
Energy and edged attacks
Blade weapons, claws, shards of broken mirrors, fireballs and lazer beams projected from the eyes all operate with the possibility of getting either a stun (yellow roll on edged attacks) or a kill (red rolls) result.
Stuns are the same as the stun result described already for force attacks
energy kills If you are hit for a kill result with an energy attack, make an endurance roll. yellow or red result and your fine
- Green – you are stunned for 1d10 rounds, and have lost 1 rank (-1CS) of a FASE-RIP state permanently (unless you have access to regeneration or advanced healing of some sort). You may well have lost an arm or an eye or something.
- White (fail) – you're KOed, and dying if you dont stop bleeding/burning/dissolving in acid or whatever is happening to you. Every combat round you lose -1CS to a FASE-RIP stat unless you succeed in an endurance roll, or are first aided.
edged attacks and shooting attacks
on a green roll they are the same as an energy attack
on a white roll they are slightly different in that you can not decide which FASE-RIP stat to lose; bullets and blades always cost -1CS of endurance per round you fail to resist a kill result (endurance roll each round or first aid to stabilize). if your edurance falls below shift zero, you die.
Zero health and Less
If a hero is on zero health, or minus health points not exceeding their endurance stat, they are unconscious
every time they go to a (negative) multiple of their endurance stat they must roll endurance as if they had been shot or stabbed. If they fail that roll they are dying as per the kill result for blades and bullets
if a character exceeds their total health score as a negative number, they are dead. there is no chance of recovery ever under any circumstances…. unless you have serial immortality, reincarnation or access to very advanced medical equipment of course!
Mr Punchbag gets punched for 63 point s of damage, taking him into negative health.
lets say he has Typical (6) endurance at -5 health, hes ok, just knocked out
at -6 to -11 he has to make a single endurance roll to stabilise, or he is dying and loses a rank off a FASERIP stat (if he had been shot or stabbed, he would be forced to lose the -1CS from his Endurance stat)
at -12 to -17 he has to make another endurance roll to stabilise or he is dying (just as if he had been shot)
and so on and so on for each multiple of his endurance stat. lets suppose Mr Punchbag has 30 hit points total. 63 damage take all the way from full health (30) to -33 in a single blow. He is dead. So sad, lose all your karma for killing him please.


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Reporting disappointing quarterly results during the longest weather-related trading exchange outage since 1888 apparently didn't turn out horrendously for Baidu (NASDAQ:BIDU).
The leading Chinese search engine opened 5% lower Wednesday morning. It could've been far worse.
After all, the report was everything that investors feared when analysts began downgrading the stock after browser giant Qihoo 360 (UNKNOWN:QIHU.DL) rolled out a search engine of its own this summer.
Revenue growth is decelerating at Baidu, and at a pace that even Wall Street's cynical pros hadn't bargained for. Baidu's revenue climbed 50% during the third quarter, just short of the 53% top-line advance that analysts were targeting. Baidu's guidance for the current quarter -- calling for revenue to climb 38% to 42% over the prior year's fourth quarter -- is even more of a miss compared to the 46% growth that Wall Street was expecting.
This is the kind of news that has devastated stocks in the past, but Baidu's holding up surprising well. Its open of $106.82 is actually higher than this month's intraday low. Heck, the stock dipped briefly into the double digits three months ago, and that was before Qihoo 360 replaced Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) as its search provider with an in-house solution that's gaining momentum. That was also, naturally, three months before Baidu would put out disappointing top-line guidance for the balance of 2012.
What could be holding the stock in check? Well, let's just call Baidu out as the value that it is. Baidu opened today at less than 23 times this year's projected earnings and just 17.5 times next year's target. Even if Baidu's growth rate continues to decelerate into 2013, it's forward earnings multiple should remain a juicy discount to that growth rate for some time.
Then we should also address the nature of those bottom-line estimates. Baidu has now beaten Wall Street profit targets for 14 consecutive quarters. Yes, Monday night's top-line miss was also a beat on the bottom line.
As Baidu's customer base expands and advertisers continue to pay more -- and this did happen this past quarter despite Qihoo 360's head-turning entrance -- there's no reason to believe that Baidu will stop growing. Even if Baidu's market share contracts in the near term, the pie itself is growing fast enough to more than offset the decline.
Naturally all bets are off if Qihoo 360 closes the gap at an alarming pace. Baidu had no problem growing when Google was making headway in China. There are quarters where the smaller Sohu.com's (NASDAQ:SOHU) Sogou is growing faster than Baidu, and that, too, has never gotten in the way of overall fiscal improvement at Baidu. However, if a fellow homegrown darling ever has a shot at dethroning Baidu, then investors will need to revisit the risk of owning the fallen dot-com darling.
However, that just seems unlikely at the moment. Qihoo 360's engine is still a novelty that may turn users off as the monetization process takes place.
The market actually got it right on Baidu today. Yes, a drop was warranted given the disappointing report. However, Baidu's too cheap to implode.
Longtime Fool contributor Rick Aristotle Munarriz has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. The Motley Fool owns shares of Baidu and Google. Motley Fool newsletter services recommend Baidu, Google, and Sohu.com. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


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MARSHALLS CREEK — East Stroudsburg South shut out Pocono Mountain West in four matches to capture a 13-5 victory in Mountain Valley Conference golf action at Mountain Manor on Monday.
MARSHALLS CREEK — East Stroudsburg South shut out Pocono Mountain West in four matches to capture a 13-5 victory in Mountain Valley Conference golf action at Mountain Manor on Monday.
PM West's Tyler Franks earned medalist honors with an 82.
ES South 13, PM West 5at Mountain Manor, par 72
Evan Skeldon (ESS) def. Brendan Walsh 3-0.
Mark Brooks (PMW) def. Stephan Boorse 3-0.
Tyler Franks (PMW) def. Mitch Bartholomew 2-1.
Steve Stine (ESS) def. Harry McFadden 3-0.
Andrew Gunnels (ESS) def. Glen Iverson 3-0.
Alan Daher (ESS) def. James Iverson 3-0.
Records — ESS 2-2, PMW 1-2.
BUCK HILL FALLS — Stroudsburg ran its MVC record to 3-0 with a 14-4 victory over Pocono Mountain East on Buck Hill's Red and White course Monday.
The Mounties (4-2, 3-0) fell to Freedom 12-6 in non-conference action.
Stroudsburg's Kyle Wilson and PM East's Mike DeHaven took medalist honors at 77.
Stroudsburg 14, PM East 4Buck Hill Red and White, par 70
Mike DeHaven (PME) def. Kyle Wilson 2.5-.5.
Zach Nikorak (S) def. A.J. Herman 3-0.
C.J. Myra (S) def. Jake Hollweg 3-0.
Rich Eilenberger (S) def. Paul DeAngelo 3-0.
Costa Korovesis (S) tied Kyle Danges 1.5-1.5.
Matt Landro (S) def. Rob Pecci 3-0.
Records — S 4-2, 3-0 MVC, PME 0-4, 0-2.
Freedom 12, Stroudsburg 6
Joe Garrity (F) def. Kyle Wilson 2-1.
Christian Kaulius (F) def. Zach Nikorak 3-0.
C.J. Myra (S) tied Jordan Abel 1.5-1.5.
Skylar Hay (F) def. Rich Eilenberger 3-0.
Steve Kluemper (F) def. Costa Korovesis 2.5-.5.
Matt Landro (S) def. Ryan Tierney 3-0.
Records — F 6-1, S 3-2.
BANGOR — Carolina Dudzinski won in three sets at second singles, but Notre Dame of East Stroudsburg fell 3-2 to Bangor in Colonial League girls tennis Monday.
Daria Koscielniak didn't drop a game to win at first singles for the Spartans (0-1, 0-1 CL).
Bangor 3, Notre Dame ES 2
Daria Koscielniak (NDES) def. Sarah Darling 6-0, 6-0.
Carolina Dudzinski (NDES) def. Stephanie Spina 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-1.
Katherine Salvemini (B) def. Aimee Luzzi 6-0, 6-3.
Claire Bakke/Megan Boyle (B) def. Emily Biffen/Emily Walsh 6-3, 6-1.
Erin D'Amelio/Stephanie Brewer (B) def. Gabrielle LeGendre/Jefi Buenaventura 6-1, 6-3.
Records — NDES 0-1, 0-1 CL; B 1-0, 1-0.
SLIPPERY ROCK — East Stroudsburg University erupted for three goals in a span of 7:12 in the second half and won its PSAC 3-1 over Slippery Rock on Sunday.
For the second straight match, the Warriors were held scoreless for the first 60 minutes before scoring multiple goals within a couple of minutes. Sophomore back Danny Drago scored off a corner kick to break the deadlock at the 61:30 mark, with the assist coming from sophomore midfielder Toric Robinson.
Junior Roshane Ellison scored his first goal of the season just over three minutes later to give ESU a 2-0 lead. Robinson added his second assist of the day on the second goal of the year by Jason Shegda.
Sophomore Larry Pokrywa was rarely tested, making two saves in 78:14 before giving way to Chris Duggan. Pokrywa extended his scoreless minutes streak to 459:31.
ESU hosts Bloomsburg at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the first night game in Eiler-Martin Stadium history. The women's game begins at 5 p.m. with a ceremony to celebrate the installation of lights at the stadium scheduled for between games.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — East Stroudsburg University went all five games in each of its three matches over the weekend to open the 2007 season.
The Warriors fell to UNC Pembroke on Friday night and Lees-McRae on Saturday before finishing up with a victory over Concordia.
ESU won the first and third games against UNC Pembroke and Lees-McRae, but dropped the fifth game 15-11 on Friday night and 15-8 on Saturday. The script was reversed against Concordia, as the Warriors lost Games 1 and 3 to fall behind early, but won the fourth game convincingly (30-15) and closed the match with a 15-10 victory in game 5.
Freshman Kayla Mahaffay turned in outstanding, consistent performances with 19 kills in each of the first two matches, and 17 in the victory over Concordia. Her attack percentage was over .250 in all three matches.
Fellow freshman outside hitter Alyson Stark had 41 kills for the weekend and a hitting percentage well over .300. Junior middle Caitlin Kuhn, ESU's only returning All-PSAC East selection, had 10 kills, a .409 hitting percentage and four aces in the Warriors' victory.
Freshman setter Amy Casteel had 51 assists against UNC Pembroke and 42 assists in the other two matches. Casteel added 17 digs in the victory over Concordia. Freshman Emily Detter also had two aces in the victory.
Junior Kim Dormer led the defensive effort with nearly five digs per game, coming up with 73 for the weekend (24, 24 and 25).
The Warriors are in action next weekend at the Eckerd College Tournament in Florida, where they play Palm Beach Atlantic, Eckerd and Puerto Rico-Bayamon.
SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock scored three first-half goals and went on to beat East Stroudsburg University 4-2 in both teams season opener Sunday.
Junior co-captain Janel Cleffi and freshman midfielder Lindsay Foder scored second-half goals for the Warriors, who were playing their first game for first-year head coach Rob Berkowitz.
The Rock finished second in the PSAC West last season and opened the scoring early with a goal by Melisa Sharek in the 10th minute. Courtney Hoover (33rd minute) and Juliana Howell (36th) also scored for Slippery Rock before halftime.
Foder put ESU on the board with an unassisted goal 21 minutes into the second half, but Slippery Rock pushed its lead to 4-1 just 25 seconds later on a goal by Meghan McGrath.
Cleffi scored off a corner kick with 10 minutes remaining to make the final score 4-2.
Senior Samantha Marina made eight saves in goal for the Warriors, while Slippery Rock's Lauren McManus made six saves. The Rock held an 18-12 advantage in shots for the game.
ESU opens PSAC East action on Wednesday in the first game of a doubleheader at Eiler-Martin Stadium. The women take on Bloomsburg at 5 p.m., with the men playing the Huskies at 7:30. A special ceremony will be held between games to celebrate the first night event at Eiler-Martin Stadium in school history.
Gary Miller of Bangor aced No. 10 at Glen Brook on Sunday.
Miller used a five-iron on the 168-yard par 3. The hole in one was witnessed by Mike Zeigler, Brad Cerino Sr. and Bob Olson.
Pocono Farms Country ClubSummer Sow Scramble III
First place — J. Wallace, K. Eslenberger, K. Kuehn, L. Smith
Second place — D.McCormick, L.Ovechio, A.M. Toloczko.
Third place — C. Barnes, J. Modry, L. Worthington, M. Fernandez.
Long drive — Linda Worthington #6.
Closest to Pin — B.L. Murphy #8; Denise Riggi #11.
Straightest drive — A.J. Oravec #12.
Putting Contest — Pattie Butler.
YAPM Town league JV — Blue Bruisers 18, Orange Hornets 7. Good running Pedro Williams 2 TDs, Steve Pierre-Louis ran 1 TD .. good running Kean Wheatle, TD.
— White Knights 13, Red Raiders 13. Jason Snare good running, Tyrell Mann good running ... Deavon Ellerbee 2 TD.
YAPM Town league Varsity — White Knights 26, Red Raiders 6. Cesar DeLaVera good offensive and defensive game, Edwin Lopez good offense ... Justen Martinez good defense.
Anyone interested in playing in a flag football league should contact Steve Ledwell. Sign up fee is $25 and it includes jersey, end of the year trophy and awards. Games are held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for ages 18 and up. For more information, please call (570) 656-5200, (570) 839-1900 or email email@example.com.