General - This covers aspects such as our opening times, delivery information, payment option etc.
Products - Here we answer all of your questions with regards to PermaLawn's products including our grass solutions, adhesives and additional accessories.
Contact - Here we cover questions on how you can contact us in relation to your order or pricing etc.
PermaLawn is open from 07:30 until 17:00 Monday till Friday. We are not open weekends, bank holidays or over the Christmas and New Year's period. PermaLawn reopens the first working day after these events.
Yes we do, we offer a next day delivery service if your order is placed before 2pm. If received after 2pm your order will be processed for dispatch the next working day. We do not currently offer weekend delivery's so if your order is received after 2pm on Friday it will be delivered the following Tuesday.
As long as you place your order before 2pm Monday - Thursday you should receive your order the next working day.
Can I collect my order direct from your headquarters?
Yes you can! As long as we receive your order before 2pm you can collect your goods anytime between 4-5pm that same day! Or you can arrange a more convenient pick up time by giving us a call on 01773 608808 and talking to one of the PermaLawn team about your needs!
Do I need ID to place, pay or collect an order?
No you don't, As long as you have paid for your items there is no need for identification. You can pay upon collection of your order, via the phone or online when placing your order, whichever is easiest for you!
Here at PermaLawn we realise that both trade and DIY customers may use us and so we made the decision to display our prices with both ex VAT and inc VAT variables. This way our customers always know exactly what they are paying!
Artificial grass is a surface of synthetic fibres, constructed to look like natural grass. It is most often used in sports arenas / pitches that are normally played on normal grass but in recent times more and more people have started using artificial grass for gardens, patios, terraces and even golf putting greens, due to its low maintenance and ability to withstand heavy use without the need for periodic cutting.
Here at PermaLawn we offer a wide range of artificial grass solutions and so our prices vary depending on the type of grass you chose to have. Currently our prices range from £8.95 per m2 up to £21.91 per m2.
How much artificial grass can I buy?
Here at PermaLawn we haven't set a limit on the amount of artificial grass you can buy, but please bear in mind our rolls finish at 22.5m in length and 4m in width. We can supply cuts up to these sizes but there is nothing stopping you purchasing multiple rolls, so if you need 5, 5 is how many we'll supply!
Do you install the grass?
Why should I chose artificial grass over keeping my natural lawn?
This is a question that the PermaLawn team are often asked and it is a very valid question. Our artificial grass solutions are very high quality and come complete with a 7 year warranty (most natural lawns only have 1 year). On top of this our artificial lawns are very low maintenance and look great, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
How do I find the area of my project?
This is very simple, simply times the length of your project by its width. So if your garden is 10m long and 10m wide you'll need to order 100 m2 of artificial grass. If your garden is an awkward shape or if you wish to have non-square you will need to take the widest measurements. You will then be able to request your installer to cut the artificial grass to the exact size/shape you require.
The pile height is length of the yarns used in your new artificial grass. Depending on the use and style of your artificial grass this length will vary. Here at PermaLawn our pile heights varying from 13mm for our St Andrews all the way to our 45mm Kensington.
What yarn styles do you have?
*Oval -*These offer great memory without sacrificing any of the lawns integral softness.
C-shape - The 'C' shaped design is the closest you can get to the natural make up of real grass, adding to the realism your new artificial lawn will bring you.
Is my artificial grass guaranteed?
Yes! Here at PermaLawn we offer a 7 year colour fast guarantee.
How do I install my new grass myself?
Unless you are fully competent in artificial grass installation we highly recommend having a professional install your new lawn as to make sure it is done correctly and without issue.
Do you sell adhesives for use during the installation process?
Yes we do! We have a range of multi-purpose and Aquabond adhesives that are specifically designed to work in conjunction with artificial grass.
How do I secure my artificial grass into place?
As well as our range of adhesives we also provide a range of hot dipped galvanised securing pegs and joining tape.
Do you offer artificial grass that is suited for golfing?
Yes we do! When you can't get to the gold course, PermaLawn can bring the golf course to you with our 13mm St Andrews artificial grass!
What is your most luxurious artificial grass?
For the ultimate in luxury artificial grass solutions we highly recommend our 45mm Kensington!
What is a good entry level artificial grass?
If you are looking for a high quality and robust entry level artificial grass solution you can't go wrong with our 28mm Chessington!
How long with my artificial grass last before it needs to be replaced?
This is another question the PermaLawn team are often asked and it is again a very good, if not expansive, question.
It is hard to put an exact time scale on how long your new artificial grass will last. We guarantee your new lawn for 7 years but it should last well beyond this but how much depends on a variety of conditions including usage and weather.
Do you have a contact telephone number?
Can I contact you online?
We currently do not use a 'live chat' system but have a serious of specific contact forms you can use to send us a direct message.
What if I want to cancel or amend an order I've placed?
We hope you never have to cancel an order with us but if you do or wish to add more to your current order before it has been processed please use the dedicated contact form for 'Your order'. Alternatively you can always call us if this is urgent on 01773 608808.
Can I register for special offers and discounts?
Yes you can! Using our dedicated contact form you can keep up-to-date with everything PermaLawn including the latest news, offers and discounts!
Do you provide credit accounts for trade customers?
Yes we do! If you're a trade professional and wish to have a trade account with PermaLawn please call us on 01773 608808 and one of the PermaLawn team will be on hand to take you through the process.


Medtronic has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Valiant Captivia thoracic stent graft system to be used in the treatment of type B aortic dissections.
Type B aortic dissection is a serious cardiovascular condition associated with high morbidity and mortality in which the upper segment of the body's main artery has become torn along the innermost layer of the vessel wall.
Supported by the results of the US Medtronic Dissection trial, the new indication expands treatment options for this challenging patient population by providing physicians with a minimally invasive alternative to open surgical repair and medical therapy.
University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia professor of surgery and director of the thoracic aortic surgery program and a national principal investigator for Dissection Dr Joseph Bavaria noted acute type B aortic dissection is a potentially life-threatening condition that historically has been treated with either medical therapy or, when necessary, through invasive surgical techniques.
"The trial we conducted shows that endovascular repair with the Valiant Captivia System provides a safe, effective and potentially life-saving treatment option for acute dissection patients," Bavaria added.
Presented by Dr Bavaria on 27 January 2014 at the 2014 annual meeting of the Society for Thoracic Surgery, 12-month data from the 50 patients evaluated in Dissection demonstrate safety and efficacy of the Valiant captivia system in the treatment of dissections, with excellent technical success.
Conducted at 16 US sites, the trial met its primary safety endpoint by achieving an 8% all-cause mortality rate at 30 days, which represents a three- to four-fold mortality improvement over open surgical repair. Additionally, 100% technical success and 100% coverage of the primary entry tear at implant were achieved in the trial.
Indicated for a variety of thoracic aortic lesions, the Valiant captivia system features a unique proximal tip-capture mechanism, which enables controlled deployment and accurate placement of the stent graft. Based on independent conformability bench testing of multiple thoracic stent grafts, the Valiant stent graft is the only device that maintains complete apposition to the vessel wall regardless of angulation or oversizing.
Since its initial 2005 launch in Europe, the Valiant stent graft has been implanted in about 50,000 patients worldwide — more than any device of its kind.


Create your own custom wall decal quote! Just choose a size and color from the drop down boxes and leave your quote in the "Comments" section at checkout. We'll send you some font options to get started with and will tweak your custom design until it's just how you want it. If you have a particular font or style you would like us to use, just let us know and we'll make it happen.
The sizes listed are common sizes and can be either width or height, but if you need a size not listed or multiple colors, graphics, etc., just drop us an email and we'll get you a price quote. Thanks!


text:
Who determines the kosher status of "new" foods?
Who determines the kosher status for "new" processed foods (e.g. Jell-O)? A few orthodox rabbis' approval? General consensus by the Jewish religious community? Certain kosher standards organizations? Or something else?
The reason I ask is, I've long heard that Jell-O gelatin dessert is not kosher because the gelatin within can be derived from non-kosher animals. However, the gelatin undergoes a chemical separation process that produces a new substance, muddying the waters, such that there seems to be some debate about whether it's truly treif.
Looking into the matter further, the makers of Jell-O gave this official explanation in 1998:
Is it Kosher and Pareve?
"JELL-O Brand gelatin is certified as Kosher by a recognized orthodox Rabbi as per enclosed RESPONSUM. In addition to being Kosher, Jell-O is also Pareve, and can be eaten with either a meat meal or a dairy meal."
The person asking the question then received a copy of the kosher certification given by 2 Orthodox Rabbis:
Included [in this response is a] sheet with a copy of "The Halachic Basis of our Kashruth Certification of Atlantic Gelatin and the General Foods Products containing this Gelatin" by Rabbi Yehuda Gershuni & Rabbi David Telsner. The upshot is that since the collagen has been taken apart by the chemical digestion and a new substance has been produced it meets the specifications of the Orthodox Dietary Laws and is Kosher and Pareve.
So basically, they are saying, "These 2 recognized Orthodox Rabbis, R. Gershuni and R. Telsner, certified our product is kosher and pareve. Therefore, we're putting the 'K' symbol on our product."
Is that enough to make something kosher? Who determines the kosher status of "new" foods like this?
food kashrut-kosher technology hechsher-certification halacha-theory
Judah Gabriel HimangoJudah Gabriel Himango
Consensus or organizations don't "make" a food kosher; they merely research the manufacturing process and decide whether they can vouch for the item's kashrut. It's up to the individual and/or his/her rabbi to decide whose certification to accept. – yitznewton Dec 28 '11 at 17:15
Yep. Poor choice of wording on my part is all, I understand the concept. – Judah Gabriel Himango Dec 28 '11 at 19:27
The question should probabbly be cleared up as to what "new" the questioner is asking about. New foods, like jello and Turkey, or "davar Chadash", which is a new thing created during the process of making the food. Like in Jello and Cheese making. – avi Jan 2 '12 at 10:56
Well, by US law, any manufacturer can put a plain K on its product. That just means "someone says it's kosher." If they put a plain K on a package of bacon, you'd have to sue them for false advertising, unless they could find someone who says bacon is kosher.
As for Jewish law, as new situations come up, rabbis who are regarded as experts on Jewish law address them, going back to prior precedent, as well as a precise conceptual understanding of the laws that can address this case (even if it hadn't been previously addressed). Sometimes there is a dispute among major experts (as has recently been the case with, say, how Jewish law views brain death).
In the case of conventional gelatin, the rulings of major authorities in the Orthodox world was that it's still not kosher. If you start with non-kosher hides (today gelatin can be made from hides; if it's only bones that's a different discussion), and the final product is edible, then the final product isn't kosher. This is the policy of the OU and similar kosher organizations.
ShalomShalom
And OU has a panel of major authorities it consults. – Shalom Dec 28 '11 at 16:12
Follow-up question: what do you do with minority approval, like that of R. Gershuni and R. Telsner in the Jell-O case? – Judah Gabriel Himango Dec 28 '11 at 16:19
@JudahGabriel, well ideally for most people, not much. If the minority approvers are your personal rabbis or the recognized authority of your town, maybe that's good enough for you (in the Talmud, Rabbi Jose the Galilean said chicken cooked in milk was kosher -- and that was the norm in Tiberias for a while, until eventually the majority opinion took over). After the fact ("oops something spilled in") or in emergency cases, well it depends how much the majority opinions think the minority is wrong. On matters of law usually a consensus appears and by, oh, a century later, that becomes final. – Shalom Dec 28 '11 at 16:49
Of course the individual rabbis themselves with the minority opinions are still respected individuals (so long as they don't create a giant public fuss), so long as their reasoning has some halachic basis. There is a rabbi whose kosher policies are below the standards of OU and the like; but he is a respected individual, and when he performs a religious divorce or conversion ritual (on which his procedures follow the mainstream), they're fully accepted. – Shalom Dec 28 '11 at 17:00
Gelatin made by bones and hoofs in Israel, is considered kosher. Israel did not have the politics of Conservative Judaism is cause them to rule differently. And also has a different culinary history. – avi Dec 28 '11 at 19:34
The answers here address the controversy surrounding gelatin. However, the question was: who determines the kosher status of "new" foods?
While the vast majority of shomrei kashrus (those who follow the laws of keeping kosher) consume turkey meat today, the kashrus status of this New World bird was a major debate.
http://www.kashrut.com/articles/turkey/
Less controversial is the North American Bison. All agree that this animal (sometimes referred to as the buffalo) has the simanim of a kosher mammal. The question is, is it a behemah or a chayah? Must we do ksiui hadam? Is the back fat considered cheilev (and therefore forbidden to eat)?
I remember hearing that, in practice, kosher bison producers are machmir both ways - they do kisui hadam, as if it were a chayah (but without a bracha), but they do not eat the back fat (which would be classified as cheilev, if it were a behemah).
http://www.kashrut.com/articles/buffalo/
The most perplexing issues arise from New World starchy vegetables. For Ashkenazim, the question becomes, which of these vegetables should be considered kitnyios on Pesach, and which should not?
Corn (maize) became kitnyios because of a linguistic error. "Corn" in old English (and other European languages) means any type of grain. European explorers found this strange yellow cobs growing, and called the stuff "Indian corn" (i.e. Indian grain). When people asked their Ashkenazi rabbis if they could eat "Indian corn" on Pesach - the answer was "of course not! We don't eat any kind of corn on Pesach!"
So the New World maize became forbidden, but the New World potato survived the same challenge.
A more recent kitynios controversy surrounds quinoa.
http://www.oukosher.org/index.php/learn/article/quinoa/
So to answer the question - why do some newly discovered foods eventually become commonplace (turkey), and others don't?
Ultimately, it comes down to community standards. Different qualified poskim will render different decisions on new foods. Then, the marketplace ultimately rules.
That is why one finds many fewer "kosher for those who eat gelatin" products in Israel today, than a few decades ago. It's not worth the kosher candy store's effort to buy two different types of gummy worms. (one with treif-based gelatin, one with kosher fish or plant-based gelatin).
In some Jewish communities, people serve quinoa salad on Pesach without a second thought. In other communities, you couldn't have any yom tov company eat at your house if you served quinoa.
To summarize, a combination of the plurality of halachic rulings, and the free market in Jewish communities, determine which new foods are acceptable, and which are not.
I think there is a confusion here of what "new foods" means. "new food" has a specific meaning in the gelatin debate that does not apply to the Turkey debate. – avi Jan 2 '12 at 9:03
For the purpose of ruling on the kashrus of any given food, "new" means any food that was not known to a Jewish community in the past. – user1095 Jan 2 '12 at 9:32
"davar chadash" can make a previously unkosher item, now kosher. In gelatin, the fact that the bone is not recognizable as bone is one such example, that adds to the leniency. From the responsa quoted: "The upshot is that since the collagen has been taken apart by the chemical digestion and a new substance has been produced " – avi Jan 2 '12 at 9:52
I wasn't clear if the questioner wanted to know about all foods that have shown up in Jewish communities and needed a psak din, or only on gelatin. On one hand, I now see that he wrote "The reason I ask is" and continued on about gelatin. On the other hand, why not title the question "Is Gelatin kosher?" or "Who decides when the principal of davar chadash applies?" If someone later will click on this question, looking for an answer about all "new" kosher foods, my answer will help them. – user1095 Jan 2 '12 at 9:56
That's true, just saying there seems to be some confusion :) – avi Jan 2 '12 at 10:56
The kosher status of gelatin has been a subject of discussion for many years, and the consensus of Orthodox authorities is that it is non-kosher. See this article for an excellent summary of that issue.
With regard to the general matter of "new foods," there really aren't very many products whose status has not already been dealt with in the past. In the case of a truly new innovation (e.g. genetically modified substances), there would need to be discussion and debate among the halachic experts.
The consensus of recognized Orthodox kosher authorities seems to be the common theme between the answers here. Thanks. – Judah Gabriel Himango Dec 28 '11 at 16:23
"new foods" here, isn't that Jello is new, it's that Gelletin, is "new" from the animal, and not a derivitive. Since the gemorah says that skin and bones are not food to be non-kosher. – avi Dec 28 '11 at 19:21
@JudahGabriel, yes, with the understanding that those authorities are not the organizations certifying the products but rather renowned rabbis who, for the most part, are also sought out for decisions regarding non-food-related questions. – msh210♦ Dec 28 '11 at 19:26
That should read bones and hooves, not bones and skins. – avi Dec 28 '11 at 19:34
I don't think this is a fair representation. The consensus of North American Kashrut organizations is not to use it, but that it is primarily for consistency/chumrah reasons. Rabbis Ovadiah Yosef and Eliezer Waldenberg can more than stand their own outside of Lakewood against Rav Aharon Kotler. And your link doesn't even mention Rav Yosef's argumentation in Yabia Omer YD 8:11 – Double AA♦ Oct 15 '13 at 20:07
Consensus of Orthodox Kosher Authorities in America is that gelatine is not kosher. However in Israel the situation is different.
From http://www.kashrut.com/articles/DryBones/
It should be noted, however, that other authorities, notably Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank zt"l, and yb"l Rav Ovadia Yosef and Rav Eliezer Waldenberg shlit"a permit the use of regular gelatin based upon one or more of the above arguments. On the basis of these opinions, the Rabbanut in Israel does allow the use of certain types of gelatin produced from non-Kosher sources (primarily from dried bones). However, none of the Mehadrin Kosher certifications in Israel allow the use of this product, and the Rabbanut itself requires that products containing such questionable gelatin be clearly labeled as "permitted only for those who allow the use of gelatin".]
The three reasons why Gelatin would be kosher are:
Rav Chaim Ozer zt"l wrote a famous Teshuva, in which he permits gelatin based upon three considerations: (a) The hard bones from which the gelatin is produced are not considered meat, (b) because gelatin is considered a new product totally dissimilar from the original starting material (Ponim Chadashos), and (c) because gelatin is rendered inedible for a period of time during its processing (Nifsal M'Achila).
These explanations were rejected by the Major Poskim of America for many different reasons, and so in America, the consensus of Orthodox Kosher Agencies is that Gelatin is not Kosher.
As far as "new status" goes, the article states that:
Rav Yechezkel Abramsky zt"l argues that gelatin is not even a "new creation", but merely an edible extract that had always been present. As such, the concept of Ponim Chadashos does not apply according to these Poskim
aviavi
Very detailed answer. Informative to me, particularly the bit about "permitted only for those who allow the use of gelatin." Thanks! – Judah Gabriel Himango Dec 28 '11 at 19:56
@Avi, all good points; but what I heard on an mp3 from Rabbi Dovid Miller is that standard gelatin today (at least in America) is made from scraps of flesh as well -- which significantly weakens the argument for it to be kosher (as opposed to if it was just bones and hooves). – Shalom Dec 28 '11 at 20:29
@Shalom Yes, in Israel the bone has to be.. pardon the pun.. bone dry. – avi Dec 28 '11 at 20:47
These quotes give short shrift to R Ovadiah Yosef's arguments, which are significantly more convincing than R Chaim Ozer's. – Double AA♦ Oct 15 '13 at 20:03
@DouebleAA you should post them somewhere. – avi Oct 18 '13 at 13:19
Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged food kashrut-kosher technology hechsher-certification halacha-theory .
Is there a problem with Triangle K? If so, what?
Kashrus status of turkeys
Who certified this yogurt as kosher?
Corn as kitniot
Obligation of a Beis Din to judge and decide on Issurim?
Is there a "5 second rule" for foods becoming non-Kosher?
Maris ayin and kosher certification
Kosher New World Animals
"Non-Kosher" wine vs. Other "non-kosher foods"
Just the word "kosher" on a package
Who certifies the hechsher magen David with a K replacing the right side?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Birmingham officer charged with sex abuse
BIRMINGHAM — A Birmingham police officer is charged with sexual abuse in a case that began with a complaint about misconduct while on duty.
News outlets report that 25-year-old Devin Carlisle was arrested Monday, a little more than three years after he was hired.
Carlisle is charged with sexual abuse by force. Court records aren't available to show whether he has a lawyer to speak on his behalf.
Carlisle was placed on administrative duty after officials received a complaint about allegations of misconduct in January.
He is being held in the Jefferson County Jail with bail set at $15,000.


Have you ever met one of those people who can get anyone's attention very easily? Whom everyone seems to listen to without them even making an effort?
That is mainly because they're good a creating rapport.
Some time ago I attended a negotiation training from a person that I very much admire, and we were discussing ways of keeping people engaged during the process of negotiating. His main advice was to do something so simple, yet so profound that to this day I still think about it every day.
"If you ain't got rapport, you ain't got nothing!", he said quoting Richard Bandler one of the co-creators of NLP.
Think about it. How simple, yet profound that statement is.
There's a common misconception about the word 'rapport', as it is associated to liking or being likeable. Well it's not either one of these.
Rapport is not liking, although liking often follows from it.
Rapport is essential to the success of any communication where there is an outcome. Think about that for a second. Would you care about having someone's attention if that person had absolutely nothing to do with the outcome you were trying to achieve?
Remember these are a few commonly taught methods, and there are others.
But, how does that relate to NLP?
John Grinder has said that the first of three essential elements for creating change in someone's perception (i.e., influencing) is rapport.
Exceptionally effective individuals know this well enough. As Dr. John Grinder, co-creator of NLP says, "attention is the currency of relationships".


text:
Published at Counterpunch
Vince Gray is eyeing a run for his old job as D.C. mayor. Having passed on the Democratic primary, Gray's only option at this point is to run as an independent. Despite what would be an uphill fight in the overwhelmingly Democratic city, don't count him out.
But don't count him in just yet either.
Gray is a proud man, not the type to back down. But he says subconsciously he may be asking himself, "Do you want to go through this again?"
'St. Ron'
In 2010 Gray challenged Post favorite Adrian Fenty, the young incumbent mayor. "How dare me have the nerve… to run against the anointed one," Gray said in his Council office. (Gray won back his old Council seat two years ago.)
As mayor, Fenty adopted an anti-labor, pro-gentrification agenda, which won him the Post's full-throated support but cost him black voters and his reelection.
Gray likely would have beaten Fenty fair and square, but his victory was aided by $650,000 in undisclosed, illegal contributions.
It was Ron Machen, the former U.S. Attorney for D.C. – hailed by the Post as "St. Ron" and "D.C.'s person of the year" – who investigated this "shadow campaign." While Machen's investigation led to seven guilty pleas, Gray, who denied knowledge of the shadow campaign, was never charged. (A new U.S. Attorney quietly brought the five-year investigation to a close in December 2015, once Gray was out of office.)
The Post yearned for a Gray indictment, the surest way to rid themselves of the mayor. "A war of words won't do. A court of law is better," proclaimed Post columnist Colbert King.
Unable to get Gray indicted, the Post turned to its home turf: the court of public opinion. Over the next three years the newspaper relentlessly attacked Gray over his past campaign to ensure he wouldn't win his next one.
"They had an agenda," former Gray campaign manager Chuck Thies said of the Post. "And the agenda was to smear Gray and make him unelectable."
'Charges should be brought now'
As the 2014 primary election neared, Mayor Gray maintained his lead over his new chief challenger, Muriel Bowser. The Post, meanwhile, stepped up its attacks.
Anti-Gray editorials, already commonplace, started running multiple times a week, then daily. In the nine days leading up to the start of early voting the Post ran an incredible seven editorials targeting Gray. (The Post didn't respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.)
It wasn't just the editorial page getting in on the action. "Charges should be brought now — before D.C. voters head to the polls," wrote Colbert King. "Just get on with it."
While Machen didn't bring charges against Gray, he did the next best thing. On the Monday before early voting began, with the FBI and IRS at his back and a bank of TV cameras in front, Machen all but said he would indict Gray over the 2010 shadow campaign.
Rather than condemn this electoral interference – as the Post would do two years later when it hurt their preferred presidential candidate – the newspaper gave its stamp of approval in dramatic fashion.
The morning after what some call "Machen Monday," Gray's 'guilt' was splashed across the Post's front page "in type large enough for declarations of war," noted housing organizer Jim McGrath. Accompanying the Post's banner headline was an explicit call for voters to reject Gray should he fail to do the honorable thing and drop out of the race.
Almost overnight Gray's eight-point lead vanished.
"I don't know if they did it willfully," Gray said. But "it was clear that the Post was on the same page with the U.S. Attorney's Office."
Dog-whistling
"To some in our city, I'm just another corrupt politician from the other side of town," Gray said in his "State of the District" address the day after the "Machen Monday" press conference.
Gray's comments outraged the Post, which accused the mayor of "injecting race into the election" and suggested he was "dog-whistling to black voters."
"That's ludicrous," said Gray, who integrated an all-white fraternity system when he was a student at George Washington University. "If you know anything about me, I've never played the race card."
Ironically the Post may have been the one dog whistling to its white readers.
When Gray received the endorsement of former Mayor Marion Barry, the Post's Dana Milbank dismissed Barry as an "old race warrior" and mocked the ailing man's slurred speech. (Barry would only live another eight months.) The story opened:
"Embattled Washington Mayor Vincent Gray called in a notorious predecessor, Marion Barry, to prop up his reelection campaign Wednesday afternoon. Gray got exactly what he deserved."
The Post appeared to be dog-whistling once again when the newspaper wrote that Gray may have "a secret weapon" in the "growing ex-prisoner vote," implying Gray's efforts to reach a disenfranchised population were purely political.
This Post story, like many others, failed to mention that Gray spent his career working with the disenfranchised, such as adults with disabilities and homeless youth; and only ran for office in his sixties.
The Post's election-eve hounding was so relentless that when Gray stopped at McDonald's, Post reporter Tom Jackman called him "Mayor McSleaze" on Twitter. (Jackman later claimed he meant to say, "Mayor McCheese.")
The Post's attacks were "absolutely horrid," Gray said. "It was a devastating experience from a professional and a personal point of view."
Ultimately the Post's and Machen's efforts proved too much and Gray lost to Bowser by 11 points.
Machen vs. Comey
Interestingly, it wasn't long before the Post changed its view on law enforcement interference in elections. In the waning days of the 2016 presidential election, when FBI Director James Comey reopened the investigation into Hillary Clinton, who the Post supported, the newspaper quickly condemned his action.
Comey, wrote Dana Milbank, "is essentially proposing a political death sentence for Clinton without providing the charges." "[T]his politicization of law enforcement… is sickening," the Post stated in an editorial headlined "Can anyone control the FBI?"
Where was this strong language two years earlier when Machen, just as Comey later would, made accusations absent charges on the eve of an election? "Can anyone control the U.S. Attorney's Office?" was not a question the Post asked. Nor was "political death sentence" or "sickening" used to describe what happened to Gray. Rather than condemn Machen, the Post cheered him on.
So what's the difference between the actions of Machen and Comey? "It's only bad when we don't like the candidate to whom it's done... That's the message" the Post is sending, said Thies. "It's like one didn't happen. We don't think our readers have memories."
In 2016 the Post condemned, in addition to Comey, an "irresponsible" Fox News anchor. Why? Because "[w]ithout any substantiation whatsoever" he "declared an 'avalanche' of evidence is 'coming every day' and… would lead 'to likely an indictment'" of Clinton.
But rewind the clock two years and the Post's coverage of Gray looks similar, if not more "irresponsible." Machen "has enough evidence to indict the mayor," Post columnist Robert McCartney claimed ahead of the election. This was only the latest salvo from McCartney, who previously called Gray "a liar" and incorrectly predicted he would "have to resign in disgrace" and may be headed "to prison." (McCartney has an interesting history when it comes to covering officials with strong black support.)
Neither McCartney or the Post has offered an apology to Gray or an explanation to readers for their irresponsible coverage. For the Post, it's like the whole thing never happened; "We don't think our readers have memories," as Thies put it.
But Gray remembers. "There were days when I said to myself, 'I'm sure this will just fade into the ether at some point.' It hasn't. And it never will."
Whether Gray is up for another run for mayor, and another round with the Post, remains to be seen.
Photo Credit: @MayorVinceGray
Sep 2 The Washington Post's Campaign to Keep a Republican in the Maryland Governor's Office


So that's just what Roy Inch & Sons Service Experts Heating and Air Conditioning did.
Anyone was able to walk up to any Roy Inch & Sons Service Experts van and donate any amount they could and Roy Inch & Sons would fully match the donation.
Hear Peter talking about the fundraiser on his radio show, Inch by Inch.


That means that heart health and wellness are important issues to think about.
You can take steps to help prevent heart disease and heart attacks by adopting healthy behaviors and habits that can lower your risk.
"Moderate exercise" is simply anything that makes your body move and burns calories, so get creative when adding exercise into your routine. Jog with the dog, bike around your neighborhood, have a walking meeting with your coworkers, or even play a game of tag with your kids or grandkids.
It may also be a good idea to join an exercise group. Many health centers and neighborhoods have community groups you can join, making participation and accountability easier. Plus, if you're enrolled in Medicare, your plan may include free or low-cost access to programs as part of your coverage.
It's not surprising that a healthy heart is linked to a healthy diet. The AHA suggests eating a balanced variety from all food groups, and limiting nutrient-poor foods.3 A good marker to see how well you're eating is to look at the color variety of the foods on your plate. Lots of natural foods with bright colors (think peppers and squash and leafy greens) probably means you're doing well. If you see a large portion of your plate covered in baked white or brown foods, or processed foods with dyes, you more than likely have room to improve your eating habits.
Some good items to add to your diet include grilled or baked proteins like fish and chicken, nuts, peas and beans, and whole grains like quinoa and brown rice.
Stay away from foods that have a lot of trans fats, which often include bagged or boxed desserts and pre-packaged breakfast foods.
Worried about missing out on snacks and desserts? You can enjoy fruits and sweets that are freshly prepared, like baked apples and cinnamon or orange slices and dark chocolate. In fact, there are many recipes that you can follow that satisfy cravings and also work as part of a balanced, heart-healthy diet!
Tip 3: Know your health!
Being honest about how healthy you are is an important first-step in knowing how you can improve your heart's health.
Start by working on the things you can control. Stop smoking and stay away from second-hand smoke, eat a healthy diet, and be consistent with exercising to help lower your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight.
Then, be aware of any family history of heart disease and take steps to control the risks. You can monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Make time to talk to you doctor about other ways you can improve your health with medications and healthy behaviors.
You cannot prevent heart disease risks due to your family history. However, awareness about your health history and common heart disease triggers can be a powerful resource to help you manage your symptoms and risks.
Another important part of protecting your heart is to know the signs that something is wrong. Symptoms of a heart attack or heart problem can include chest pain and shortness of breath, especially during activities that are normal for you. And, always check with your doctor for more information about preventing heart disease.
1CDC (2017, August 24). Web page: Heart Disease. Retrieved October 24, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm.
2American Heart Association (2017, July 27). Web page: American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults. Retrieved October 24, 2017, from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/American-Heart-Association-Recommendations-for-Physical-Activity-in-Adults_UCM_307976_Article.jsp#.We-OuFWnGpo.
3American Heart Association (2017, September 1). Web page: Understand Your Risks to Prevent a Heart Attack. Retrieved October 24, 2017, from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/UnderstandYourRiskstoPreventaHeartAttack/Understand-Your-Risks-to-Prevent-a-Heart-Attack_UCM_002040_Article.jsp#.We-THlWnGpo.


text:
Board index » Roleplay » General Roleplay
Page 1 of 4[ 160 posts ]
Go to page 1, 2, 3, 4 Next
Fire Emblem: The Heroes' Legacy
General Luigi
In Justice We Trust
OOC thread link
The streets of Radom were teeming with people, pilgrims from all over Duat who had come to participate in the Heroes' Journey, priests and monastics bearing holy icons and relics, merchants hoping to take advantage of the abundance of potential customers, guards trying to maintain order, mercenaries hired to escort the pilgrims, and onlookers who had simply come to see the annual spectacle. The ringing of church bells could always be heard over the clamor of the crowded streets as processions made their way to monasteries and churches that had agreed to host them while they rested and waited for the Journey to begin.
For some, the joyous atmosphere bore with it a sense of foreboding. King Laomedon of Hicaz was expected to attack Sandomir, Belzen's ally to the south, and some people, particularly the rulers of the seven kingdoms on the Sabaean Peninsula, were worried that the impending war might cause problems for the pilgrims, to say nothing of the regular citizens who were threatened. In the hope of discouraging a war, the rulers of what had come to be called the Sabaean Coalition had arranged a meeting at Radom Castle and had asked Emperor Marduk of Plocs, the de facto leader of the Central Alliance, to join them. Unfortunately, short of protecting the procession once it entered Dulkadir, the Central Alliance was unwilling to aid the Sabaean Coalition against Hicaz.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider," Queen Suzianna of Sandomir begged. "Our coalition is but a diversion. A war between Hicaz and the Central Alliance is not a question of if, but one of when. Our coalition is the only force in this region that stands a chance against Hicaz, and even then, things do not look good. We are significantly outnumbered. Should Hicaz defeat us, their next target will inevitably be Dulkadir, and through them, the Central Alliance as a whole."
"We are sorry, but we cannot afford to aid you at the moment," Emperor Marduk replied. "Have you forgotten that there is another empire that threatens the Central Alliance? Said empire is far closer to regional supremacy. Once Nauplia falls—and let us face it, unlike your coalition, the once-mighty Achaean Empire truly stands no chance against Arwad. Once Nauplia falls, it is very likely that Arwad will attack us. Splitting our forces at such a time would be disastrous. Should Hicaz attack Dulkadir or any other member of the Central Alliance, then—and only then—will we involve ourselves. Arwad is a much more pressing concern for us at the moment. We know you only invited us here in order to ask us to help you, so unless there are other matters to discuss, we will take our leave." Not waiting for a response, the Emperor turned and left the reception hall.
"That's it, then," King Amphion of Gonder commented. "The Sabaean Coalition stands alone. But Gonder is prepared to fight to the end. Hicaz will have to place their banner atop every mountain, atop every castle in our realm, before we will even consider surrender. Should Hicaz force their way into Gonder, they will find that the land itself opposes them."
"Yes," King Ezekiel of Belzen replied. "Even with Nauplia on the verge of falling, Achaea fights on. Should it come to that, so shall we. If nothing else, our effort will be so costly for Laomedon that he would have to be a fool to start any more wars." He looked at the other rulers one by one, then walked to the windows and gazed out at the processions. "You all have my thanks for your devotion to our cause. Though I had never sought to make a secret of it, I do not believe I have mentioned that I originally planned on joining the Journey this year. With war likely, it appears I will only be able to go as far as Sandomir. I doubt Laomedon would allow me into his territory, even for a pilgrimage. Nevertheless, I and my retinue will be going with the procession until we reach the border with Hicaz. Laomedon will not be able to attack me without risking incurring the ire of the entire Church of Ashunera, and through them, the Goddess herself."
Re: Fire Emblem: The Heroes' Legacy
Ardan signed as he gathered his belongings around him waving goodbye to the guards from his village, good folks he'd known many of them since they were children, as they prepared for the journey back to South Duat. Some of the men spared him a little gold to aid his pilgrimage in farewell, the journey to the city of Radom had been relatively uneventful but Ardan had been healing their wounds for years so far. It wasn't long before his friends disappeared into the depths of the bustling city. Ardan silently said a prayer for their safe return before adjusting his gear.
On his own the priest looked horribly cluttered, a suitcase bearing gifts at side from Media, a heavy backpack with travel gear and clothes on his back and behind that attached a heavy banner bearing the crest of his town and church. Groaning Ardan turned and staggered towards the church square when other excited people were gathering to make the Heroes Journey. In truth Ardan was just as eager as them, it was a great honour for him to be allowed this opportunity for Bishop Briggans was poorly at the time and so could not set out on the Journey in time and as such he had nominated Ardan in his place.
Settling down on the steps of the church the aging priest sighed relieved to lighten the load on his back as the weight lifted from him slightly, unfortunately the Media patrol wasn't willing to accompany him the entire way understandably since they had their own duties back in town. As such Ardan was expected to either hire his own mercenaries to guard him or, preferably, be provided with assistance from the Church of Radom. Glancing around the edges of the square Ardan grimaced slightly, sure enough a mixed cloud of unruly, grim and battle-prepared people were waiting eyes eagerly flickering between the various holy banners and priests, mercenaries waiting for an opportunity to make a little coin. Ardan gave a quick glance down at his money purse and jingled it slightly knowing it soon might be a great deal lighter soon should the churches protection be inadequate.
Cold52
It had been a week since Dorran had arrived in Radom, unfortunately having run out of funds, he had to find any job he could to make some income. it had been helpful to have Durandal around at some jobs, others he had cause problems at causing him to lose jobs. Having no place to keep him while he worked he'd lost many job opportunities and had nothing for two days. The day before he'd overheard a conversation about the pilgrimage and had decided that this might be his best bet thus he prepared for the day.
Arriving at the town square he began questioning if he'd have any luck, for one thing he didn't look so good (he hadn't ate anything in the past two days), worse there was many who had come out also looking work which had been made worse that he hadn't put his skills to use much since his days as a wyvern rider which might have been his only saving grace as he was probably one of few around with his own wyvern (or at least with them at the time).
Blak The Great
☆☆☆ Kira ☆☆☆
Location: Nippon-Weeb-Land
Lucius entered the city of Radom atop a horse he had secured when a group of bandits attempted to ambush him. Mercilessly, Lucius killed them with ease and left their bodies on the blood soaked earth. Upon reaching the gates of Radom, he gave his newfound horse to an elderly man and his daughter. The man had trouble walking, so the horse would make the journey on him much easier. The daughter expressed her delight and offered to pay Lucius for the horse, but she was met with an intense glare and backed off. Lucius coldly walked past the two while the old man assured her that Lucius was really a good man, and entered Radom.
Equipped with his custom armor and a bronze lance he found shortly after leaving the Royal Guard of Paphlagonia (he wasn't able to keep his silver lance), Lucius whistled as he looked onward at the city square.
The lone traveler was met with a bustling marketplace filled with mercenaries and pilgrims.
"So this is Radom? Duat's pretty quaint compared to home, but I guess that's expected." Lucius thought to himself while he stroked his beard.
"First thing's first. Where's the bar? It's hot, and I need a drink...badly. And some information wouldn't help either."
Determined to get alcohol into his stomach to escape the heat, Lucius took further steps into the city. As he pushed with frustration past the the crowd of people in the marketplace, Lucius found himself standing in front of the church. He noticed a rather discouraged priest sitting on the steps.
"Tch. All that work, and I end up in front of a church with a vagabond of a priest sitting out in front."
"Oi! Father! I need some directions to the nearest bar, so could you help me out? I'm in a bit of a hurry, so I'm not wholly interested in hearing your sermon for today."
Lucius said as he walked up to the lone priest. He notices that the priest is a traveler such as himself.
"Oh sorry Father, I didn't realize you weren't from around here. That explains why you also look a little dejected. How's about we help each other out. You accompany me to the bar, I buy you a few rounds, and I'll help you with what you need. Sounds good?"
I'm Blak, and I have shit taste.
DoMaya
A growl from the woods, bouncing off the trees and stretching for miles.
"Man you need to get some food in you, your stomach is almost as empty as your head." The swordsman walked with his armor halfway off, the chestplate was pushed forward and the rest of the top half was leaning backwards. the arms were attached to the back part of the armor and they shook as the Swordsman walked.
"No, I'm serious. Nobody's gonna want a suit of armor with a dead guy in it.
At that, the back part of the armor leaned forward, and the arms tapped the shoulder of the swordsman wearing it.
"Don't you hear me buddy? It's me! Baalphonse!"
The swordsman continued to ignore the voice as he walked on.
"All right, I know when I ain't wanted. Just dont expect me to drag your dumba-"
The swordsman took his knife and flung it towards a tree, pinning a snake mid pounce to it.
It's mouth still held the bird it had successfully grabbed, a beautiful red and white bird with small black eyes oblivious to the 30 pound snake bleeding death.
"I'm telling you man, if it wasn't for me you'd be dead. I was all: "Crelarus! look out it's a big a*cough* snake!" And you just sit there and eat it like it was just a gift or something."
Crelarus continued to eat, watching the people flocking towards Radom.
"And why did you let the bird go? It would have tasted better than the snake."
"I like birds."
Ardan looked up from his thoughts snapped out of them by the strange young spearman in front of him. Giving the man a once over lingering slightly on the man's hair and custom armour crest, he forged a slight weary smile as possibilities crossed his mind.
A noble from back home, wonder why he's come to find fame out here? Still I wonder if he truly knows the weight of what he asks he thought as he hefted his bag and suitcase in an attempt to stand up. With a little struggle he forced himself to his feet "Fear not friend, I am not as dejected as I seem" he said dusting himself down and straightening the banner attached to his backpack. "However I certainly can aid you in your task for such a generous offer" he said with a smile as he began to move gesturing for the spearman to follow. When his previous guard had went their own way some of them headed straight for the nearby tavern. Ardan glanced up at the sun making a rough estimation of how long he had. "Time enough," he muttered aloud glancing back at the spearman as he walked "My name is Ardan Nivean, a priest from the far-off town of Duat, what might your name be ser?" he asked while he struggled to frantically place where the man's crest came from. He was disrupted from his thoughts by a slight commotion on the edge of the town square however as a rarity among men, a wyvern rider emerged trailing his beautiful beast behind him. Other mercenaries shifted aside, some in fright from the man and his mount as they found their own place in the ring of mercenaries. "Well that is certainly a rare sight" Ardan said pausing to examine the beast before adjusting his path so he wouldn't have to pass close to it.
As he slowly made his way through he had spotted a priest who like many others had been taking notice of his wyvern Durandal. Full of hope, he was about to go up to the man and introduce himself in hopes for work when he noticed he was adjusting his path moving past him perhaps to avoid him and his wyvern. giving a dejected sigh he was about to move on but before advancing he had seen the looks in durandal's eyes, he could tell he was smelling something which he thought was likely food.
he noticed he began moving in the priests direction. Quickly reacting to his friends desire, he got in front of durandal and began to push him back "I know your hungry just calm down" Durandal had quickly noticed what it was doing and had snapped out of it...of course not before it had pushed him in front of the priest.
"ah sorry if he startled you good priest he wouldn't hurt a fly...well maybe a pig or fish but not a person...unless i ordered him to" he gave a chuckle. "Not that im begging or anything but...would you happen to have any food on you or something? Perhaps recently eaten somthing strong smelling...I only ask as those are the only reasons that i can think of why he would start to act as he did?"
Lucius crossed his arms and chuckled as he walked alongside Ardan.
"That's the spirit Father! Ain't nothing like a good drink to get a man back on his feet! Forgive my manners as I've forgotten to introduce myself. I am Lucius Drake from Paphlagonia. I'm an ex-soldier of the Royal Guard sworn to protect the King. I'm sure after a few drinks I'll be confessing my life story to you."
Lucius followed Ardan's and marveled at the passing wyvern. Having read about them only in books, Lucius was fascinated by this rare spectacle. Much like a child, Lucius walked up to the wyvern ignoring the owner's voice, and placed his hand firmly on the winged beast's leathery snout. Lucius gazed into the black eyes of the creature. The hungry wyvern started to growl, but Lucius stood firm. He continued to stare down the wyvern until it backed down. The wyvern known as Durandal looked away from Lucius' cold gaze and sat down. Lucius smiled happily at what he accomplished.
"Ah ha! Just as I was taught as a kid! I can't believe it worked!" Lucius exclaimed as he enthusiastically patted Durandal's snout.
"Ahh! I believe I didn't catch your name good sir or the name of this gallant beast. I'm Lucius Drake. It's a pleasure to meet a man who's tamed a wyvern. The Father and I were just on our way to the local tavern for some drinks and possibly food. Would you care to join us?" Lucius politely says as he extends his hand out toward the wyvern rider.
Ardan froze for a moment in surprise and a slight panic when the wyvern lunged in his direction. By now a few onlookers were gazing at the spectacle curiously "My my...heh...such a strong sense of smell" Ardan said nervously as he reached into his pocket "He must be smelling some of the dried bacon I had left over from this morning" he said pulling out a small bundle of salted bacon rashers and waving it somewhat frantically at the Wyvern's owner. It was at this point he noticed his companion, now introduced as Lucius, petting the Wyvern's nose and Ardan relaxed somewhat "Well it seems the creature is friendly enough I suppose" he said with a sigh of relief as he regained his composure "Still yes like my friend said we are currently going to procure some food before the great Journey later on, Lucius has kindly pledged his service in exchange for a few beverages" he said deciding it was probably best not to lead Lucius on.
durran gave a light chuckle as he saw the priest wave the bacon "well i suppose its true when they say hunger is the greatest spice" giving one last laugh. unfortunately as you could probably guess by my friend here im short on funds and unless i find work i might not even have a place to sleep tonight though I suppose if I or my large friend here wont be a bother I would be grateful for your kindness".
"Ahh...before I forget I should introduce myself my name is Dorran Baine of calis a traveler and ex-wyvern rider and this guy here is my good friend durandal a wyvern who i've helped raise and grew up with since I was just a young lad" he said with a smile.
Lucius gave Dorran a healthy slap on the back.
"It's settled then! Time to hit the bar! Drinks and food are on me! Oh and I think I've got some food on me somewhere..." Lucius digs in his brown leather rucksack and finds a small piece of preserved raw meat.
"Here ya go Durrandal." Lucius tosses the meat in the hungry wyvern's direction. Durandal snaps it out of the air and quickly gobbles it down. Spurred on by hunger, Durandal starts nudging Lucius repeatedly in search of more food.
"Sorry boy, but that was all I had left. I pilfered that off some poor bandits who thought they could get away with robbing me. Don't worry, we can buy some more food once we get to the bar." Lucius places a reassuring hand on Durandal's lowered head.
Twiddling with the strand of hair in front of him, Lucius addresses Ardan who was still overcoming the shock of meeting Durandal.
"Father Ardan, you seemed to have been here longer than I have. Did you happen to see any establishments where we could rest and drink?"
Ardan sighed and nodded to himself "Well then I suppose you two shall make excellent guards, and it pleases me to hear you are more than a match for a couple of bandits wanderer" he said to Lucius hefting his staff again as some of the mercenaries parted to allow the small retinue past once again beckoning for the men to follow noticing an even wider clearing for the wyvern followed by a few 'ooohs' and 'ahhs' in awe from the crowd "Yes Dorran, unlike our friend Lucius here I trust you know the purpose for us holy men gathering here and are probably looking for some employment," he said pausing to let Dorran catch up and walk abreast of him.
It was slightly awkward moving through the crowds, most of whom were gathering to see the pilgrimage's start. While there was no need for them all to leave at once often many of the priests would leave at once with their banners and retinue in order to ensure greater safety, however it seemed Ardan's guard-to-be were hungry and so he would miss such an opportunity but the trade off seemed worth it to Ardan as he glanced back at the Wyvern.
"That's an impressive steed, no doubt any troublemakers will steer clear of us just on sighting such a majestic creature" he said choosing his words carefully when speaking to Dorran. The thought of such a creature actually still put Ardan on edge a little but he hoped it would serve as a greater deterrent to any opposition and indeed the sight of Durandal seemed to be making passage through town easier as people cleared a path for them. "Well here we are, the Laughing Cat" he said looking up at the small bar his men had recommended upon approach to the town. A rather dilapidated looking sign swung with a caricature of a seemingly drunk cat with a huge grin rolling on it's back. "If you'll come inside gentlemen we can discuss the Journey ahead and your payment" he said giving Durandal an uncertain glance "Though uh....I'm not sure your friend will be welcome inside" he said aware the door was clearly not designed for creatures of his size.
Lucius' demeanor changes. He now wears a stern expression with his smile twisted into a violent grimace. His hand is unconsciously placed on his
"Do not mistake my eagerness to drink for ignorance. I know full well about the Journey and its significance. I'm chasing after the woman who took everything from me, and a long pilgrimage is bound to yield at least SOME information regarding my target." Lucius explains assertively as he quickly walks to the entrance of the Laughing Cat.
Lucius places his hand firmly on the wooden door and pushes. The door creaks open and a flood of noise escapes the bar. Laughing and the clinking of glasses fill the party's ears. Before entering Lucius turns his head to the left, his good eye giving off a tragic air around him, and states, "I'm not interested in your payment. All I want is information. I will accompany you on your pilgrimage only to benefit myself. However, I will remain true to my word and help you with whatever you need after drinks. When the last drop of spirits leaves your mug, my lance is yours."
In an attempt to clear the uncomfortable atmosphere the others may be feeling, Lucius breaks into a smile and shouts while entering the bar, "Barkeep! A round of your finest ale for my compatriots and I and the best dish your cook can make! I'd also like a slab of meat for our hungry wyvern sitting outside!"
"I'll need a moment, sir!" one of the people tending the bar hollered to Lucius over the patrons' chatter. A skinny man, looking to be in his forties, passed some mugs and a single plate of some sort of red meat to a group of mercenaries sitting at a table. He glanced over at a young woman who was near the kegs. "Anissa, could you bring these fellows at the door some Blacktooth?" Anissa nodded and turned to one of the kegs as the man looked back at Lucius and his comrades. "We'll need some time to get your food, but you'll have your ale in a bit. Why don't you find a seat while you wait?"
though he had been greatful of the generous offer, he probably could have lived without the slap on the back from lucius...though he wouldn't admit it...it really stung.
durring there walk to the bar dorran had begun to notice the priests worry written on his face and decided to try and help put his mind at ease. "I can tell your still worried about my friend here...but trust me when I say there are probably few better trained then him...my father was pretty well known back home for his talent in raising them...though I suppose id be wary of him two if I had seen something like him approaching towards me for the first time with the look of hunger in his eyes" he chuckled. As they approached the laughing cat the priest had asked him about durandal unsure where he could be. "ahh hell be fine outside, most keep away and anyone foolish to try and do anything to him soon meet his teeth and claws best part is barkeepers tend to be happy to have um around...most drunks don't tend to stick nearby or at least cause problems for long with him around."
Before they entered lucius had begun talking seriously about a woman one who as he sounded had caused serious problems for him. He begun to think to himself "well looks like we both have issues...he decided to question Lucius about what he said...who knows perhaps he could finally catch a lead on the group of bandits his mother once led...after all she might have been his mother who he still was greatful for...but she still got what came to her in the end and someday the rest of those bandits will as well.
"lucius if i may ask who is the woman your talking about...if i may say so myself ive been traveling for quite some time so theres a possibility i may have heard somthing."
Lucius adheres to the barkeep's words and beckons the party to an empty table in the corner further in the back of the bar.
"Now that we have a seat, I think now's a good time as any to talk a bit more about myself. I grew up in the city of Zantiac in Paphlagonia in which my family held a lot of power. I grew up with my twin sister Estelle, and my two older brothers were enlisted in the Royal Army, My eldest brother's position in the Royal Army forged a close tie between our household and the Royal Family. We had a maid named Cecilia. One night she betrayed us, and allowed a small group of female bandits to infiltrate the city. They opened the gates late at night in order for a much larger force to overwhelm Zantiac.
Nobles were killed while the poor and middle class were left relatively unharmed. The boys from noble families were to be sold as slaves, and the girls were forced to join their ranks against their will. Cecilia led the leader of the bandits to our secure bunker underneath the house. That's where we met Reine the self-proclaimed leader of the all female group of bandits. She killed my parents in front of me, and took my sister. She was about to kill me as well, but Cecilia interfered and spared my life..."
Lucius pauses and rests his chin on his raised folded hands. Then he traced the X-shaped scar on his right eye.
"Her loyalty was questioned and Reine turned her sword on Cecilia. To prove that she would not betray Reine, Cecilia took my right eye and left me on ground. Reine laughed as she held my severed eye while I was helpless on the ground. The bandits left with my sister and Cecilia turned her back on me without even a single glance my way. They burned the house to the ground and I escaped my death by using the escape exit that even Cecilia was aware of."
"I later followed my brothers and became a member of the Royal Army. I then trained as a Guard to protect the King. One day, I stopped an assassin who revealed to me that Reine was last seen somewhere on this continent. I left Paphlagonia and here I am getting ready to drink with you two."
Lucius's facial expression softens, and turns remorseful.
"My goal is not revenge, but rather reuniting with Estelle. If Reine has indeed turned my dear sister into a heartless bandit, then not even the Gods could inflict wrath equal in power to what I will do to that fiend."
"Here you are, gentlemen," Anissa said as she passed out mugs of a very dark ale. "Blacktooth ale. According to the brewer, the hops were fabulous this year. As for our finest dish, I'm not entirely sure what you had in mind, but since the cook's preparing boar pies for some of the other patrons, shall I ask him to make one for you? We also have plenty of pheasants in the storehouse, if you would prefer one of those." She paused, appearing to look at Lucius's eye. She stopped once she realized she was being rude. "Ah. Sorry, sir. I'll also have someone give your wyvern something in a moment. As you can see, we're very busy."
Lucius's resentment towards women gets the better of him. His armored fists tremble with rage and he snaps at her aggressively when he catches Anissa gazing at his eye.
"You've delivered our ale what more do you want? Did you want me to show you what's behind this eyepatch?! Perhaps you're looking for some extra gold from me! Women are all the same. Constantly expecting something from a man just because they bat their eyes in their direction. Bring us our food and leave us. Your presence is bothersome to me, and I don't want it spoiling this occasion."
Lucius closes his eye as a means to meditate and calm down.
"M-my apologies, sir!" Anissa yelped, stumbling back, but quickly regaining her balance. "I-I... I..." She seemed about to explain why she looked at Lucius's eye, but stopped herself, probably thinking it was better not to risk making him angrier. "I'll see what the cook can do about preparing a boar pie for all of you." She turned around and scampered toward the kitchen. Several of the other patrons had overheard Lucius's outburst and were staring for a bit. One by one, however, they returned to their meals. A moment later, a young man came out of the kitchen, carrying a very large slab of meat, and took it out the front door.
He was shocked to see his behavior towards the lady though after his story he could surmise why he might take such actions and decided to just look towards the waitress "sorry you'll have to excuse my friend here...hes just really tense right now and thank you for your service". he gave the waitress a sincere smile. afterwards he sad down and he began to show a more serious look on his face. "it would seem you and I both have similar trait in our background...since you've told me yours...allow me to say mine. Before I was born my mother had been the leader of a group of bandits herself having destroyed and plundered much in her time. In the end though she was later betrayed by her own group and though injured managed to flee and go into hiding...but the thing was she was betrayed on a night she and her group had attacked a town...at least what my sources have told me. "
"anyways it was far later in life that she was assassinated along with my father and as i later found out was due to her raid on said village on that night a survivor had by chance found her and decided to hire an assassin to kill her, me and my dad...and likely would have succeeded if not for my good friend out there...bit the guys arm clean off and got me out of my then burning house...still got the burns to show it" he held up his burn-scar written hand.
"although I hated the assassin its also only thanks to him I was able to find out the reasons for that night...and have been traveling since in order to destroy that particular group of bandits."
Lucius massages his temples in frustration with one hand. He takes a big gulp from his mug and speaks.
"I see where you're going with this story, but I will say this. I know for a fact that your mother and Reine are not the same person. The attempt on my King's life was but a few months ago, and the assassin was sent by Reine herself. The assassin was supposed to have met up with Reine and the group by taking this pilgrimage. The assassin herself didn't even know the exact location of where she was to meet..."
Lucius strokes his beard and continues.
"Another detail about your story proves that Reine cannot have been your mother. Her attack on Zantiac was eight years ago when I was eleven. If she had quit being a bandit that very year, got married, and had you then you'd have to be at least eight years younger than I am..."
He pauses and says with a wry chuckle, "And something tells me that you aren't a child anymore my friend."
Satisfied, the tragic noble finishes his glass and calls for another. He attempts to apologize to the woman he yelled at earlier.
"Lady Anissa I believe your name was. I'd like to have a moment of your time if you would."
Anissa nervously approached Lucius. Worried about setting him off again, she avoided direct eye contact. "I-I'm sorry about before, sir. I... please forgive my bluntness, but the gem on your eyepatch caught my attention. I meant no disrespect. ...Ah... Anyway, is there something I can help you with? The boar pie will not be ready for a while, but my brother should have tended to your wyvern recently. I hope you don't mind that the venison wasn't given the same... attention... we give to our usual customers' meals."
"ow I had already known my mother wouldn't have anything to do with this...and you'd be correct about my age...i am 52 after all" he gave a good laugh. "its it wasn't my mothers involvement I was after it was the group itself i was curious about...you see though my mom has long since been gone the groups activity has risen especially in recent years...what I was hoping for was knowledge of the group you were referring to...it wouldn't be out of the question for groups of bandits to split from one another forming new groups...as such it wouldn't be impossible for members of the group i seek to have formed or became apart of the group you spoke of."
as he was saying such the young waitress from earlier approached and spoke of the food he decided to speak up. "don't worry about it, durandal my wyvern's never been particular with how his food was prepared "he smiled at the waitress and speaking of venison i would love to get some myself if i may.
Lucius mustered mental stability and coughed into his shoulder.
"I must apologize for my savagely behavior. I'm extremely uncomfortable around women, and my eye is a testament to that. My behavior towards women isn't normally as beastly as I displayed to you, but today you just caught me in the middle of me retelling my past to my guests which isn't a particularly happy one at that. And.... I do suppose my eyewear is a little garish and does tend to warrant attention every now and then."
Lucius is clearly sweating now, but he plays it off calm and collected as he continues talking to Anissa.
"I would just like to emphasize that you are not at all at fault for setting me off. This is a weakness that I hope to overcome, and as a gesture of goodwill I will give you a generous tip. Considering the clientele you deal with here, I don't think you are paid well enough here. But keep this between you and I."
Lucius whispers that last statement, and puts a medium sized bag of gold into her apron pocket.
"Now then, if you would be so kind I would like another glass of your Blacktooth ale."
Lucius humbly bows his head to bewildered girl.
Lucius addresses Dorran next with a warm smile, "Ahhh so you are looking into the group itself that your mother led. Our interests may possibly be linked, so I see that we'll be relying on each in the future."
Anissa was speechless for a moment, though it wasn't clear whether it was out of gratitude or confusion. She managed to snap out of it, though. "I'll be back in a moment with the ale." She glanced at Dorran. "The venison will need time. Right now, our cook's working on the boar pies I mentioned earlier." An elderly man tapped Anissa on the shoulder. She whipped her head over to see who it was.
"Is your father here?" the man asked.
"I think he's in the storehouse." Anissa smiled. "I'm glad to see you're okay, Gennady. When you didn't arrive last month, we assumed the worst."
"Well, we came pretty close to it. I'd probably be dead if it wasn't for the Budinites showing up. Anyway, it's a bit less than I promised, but I've got the wine if your father's got the gold."
"I'll see if he can come out. As you can see, we're very busy."
"I'll be waiting out front, then."
Anissa glanced back at Dorran as Gennady left. "Sorry about that. Anyway, if you're willing to wait, I'm sure the cook would be able to prepare some venison for you."
he looked at the waitress once again "its no trouble take as long as you need, Ive waited for quite some time for a meal...so awile longer wont kill me".
he then looked back to lucius "sounds good then...but for now lets put that to rest after all were here to enjoy the night" raising up his mug "to the journey ahead and the fortune it brings." he then began to drink not waiting for a toast. "it looks like it'll be quite a nice and uneventful night after all...I was begging to think id be sleeping hungry in the streets tonight...and let me tell that isn't easy with a starving wyvern by your side" he chuckled.
With snake blood still on his hands the swordsman walked into town.
As he walked the armor started to re-assemble around his chest, but he paid it no mind.
"I bet we can get us something strong to drink in there."
His limp arm allowed the armor to move itself and point towards a bar sign with a picture of a cat that obviously found the aspect of it's own intoxication absolutely hilarious.
He walked towards it, passing by the tame wyvern as it smelled the snake blood on him.
He opened the door to be welcomed by a particularly flustered waitress who didn't get a good look at him.
He nodded to her and he walked to an empty table near a group consisting of an obnoxious spearman, a scatterbrained priest, and a guy who looked out of place without his wyvern.
When the waitress eventually got to him, you could tell she wasn't used to people walking in with blood all over their face.
"Ah!" Anissa yelped when she noticed Crelarus staring at her. She shut her eyes tightly and shuddered as she tried to regain her composure. She breathed in deeply through her nose and let out an audible sigh, seeming to grow a bit calmer. "Would you like something, sir?" she asked. Though she had managed to prevent her voice from shaking, the expression in her eyes betrayed her nervousness. What kind of crime she suspected the young man had recently committed was something she chose to keep to herself.
"Milk, please"
He felt the blood sticking to his face and the inside of his gauntlets.
"and some warm water with a rag."
"and some Sun Slammer if you have any!"
Either ignoring the second voice or unable to hear it, the Waitress walked off.
I bet she was wondering how an ugly chimp like you got armor this fine"
Crelarus looked around, letting the people nearby get a good look at his face.
Ardan sighed snapping back to reality after his brief daydream finding himself with some rather melancholy-looking companions, he glanced down at the mug in front of him. A deep dark ale, hardly a fitting drink for a man of the cloth but it would be rude to turn down something that had been ordered for him already so he took a slight swig of the ale. It smelt rank and burned his throat on the way down but he managed to avoid from making a face having seen how easy it was for Lucius' mood to swing to turn down his hospitality might not be the best of plans at the moment.
Indeed Ardan's doubts about Lucius increased more as time progressed watching with indifference at his furious outburst at the poor waitress who had approached before watching him fumble over to the waitress later on to make a half-hearted apology. Perhaps I would be better off without someone so volatile on the road, man's just as likely to stab me for some minor infraction against him as an enemy he thought to himself watching the alcohol swill in his mug while his two companions twaddled on about some tragic backstory or some such tales. Taking another sip in silence, They'd do best to let go of such vengeful intentions, tales with heroes of that motivation often end up somewhat sad he thought to himself and had he not witnessed Lucius' barely-constrained rage he would have offered counsel but at that point in time he did not think such advice would have been well received.
Eventually a gasp from the door drew his attention as a bloody and tattered man staggered in uttering some words to the waitress in passing before half-collapsing into a chair not far from them. Being somewhat tired of Lucius' company Ardan stood up stretching his legs seeing an opportunity.
"Excuse me gentlemen but I do have my duties after all," he said apologetically to them as he reached for his staff before going to approach the bleeding swordsman.
"Pardon me for interrupting your meal ser but I can't help notice you seem to be wounded, would you like some treatment for your injuries?" he offered standing opposite the bleeding man. Normally for healing he preferred to sit beside the patient, to put them at ease and comfort them somewhat more but this was far from the clergy he was used to with patrons far more inclined to violence than his usual congregation so he felt the distance was suitable.
"This blood isn't mine"
He continued to wait for the waitress to boring him his milk.
"I bet he could fix your head though, some crazy stuff going on in here"
Ardan tilted his head frowning slightly not expecting a rebuttal "I see...well I hope they died justly" he said quietly making a small sign in respect for the fallen before glancing the man over once more. That's a great deal of blood, it must've been an intense battle I'm surprised if he would've made it out entirely without a scratch Ardan mused to himself before bowing slightly "Well please excuse me ser for I must prepare for the pilgrimage if you should need any healing you can find me at the St. Lahar Monastery now I shall take my leave" he said feeling somewhat easy standing in the bloodied man's presence before returning to his own table. "I hope that man is ok, I understand some denizens of the city are certainly rather rough looking but walking around like that is certainly going to attract the attention of the authorities before long" he muttered to his companions.
At that moment, Anissa came out of the kitchen, carrying a large platter with several smaller plates on it, each plate adorned with a steaming pie. The same young man who delivered the venison to Durandal came out a moment later, carrying another platter. As Anissa stopped in front of Lucius, placed the platter on the table, and passed one of the pies to him, a man looking to be in his fifties came out of the kitchen with a cup of milk, stopping to hand it to Crelarus before walking out the door.
"The venison will be ready in about half an hour," Anissa said to Dorran as she picked up the platter. "The cook is carving it right now." She walked off and began passing pies to other patrons, the young man who left the kitchen with her already doing the same.
Lucius gruffly thanked Anissa for the pies just before she left. Just before digging into the succulent pastry, Lucius studied the bloodied man with fascination. Crelarus seemed to be the type of man who reveled in the thrill of battle, but his face and behavior seemed to give off a feeling of childlike innocence.
Ardan had taken his seat once again at the table. Lucius acknowledged his comment and replied, "Father Ardan I can tell that man finds the idea of fighting pleasurable. He's giving me this impression of a child that plays with his toys a little too roughly. While a bit disturbing, and I hope I'm wrong, I can sympathize with him. He must have seen some traumatizing things to make him what he is today."
Lucius took another swill of his frosty mug. This was already his 6th round, and he was still quite sober. As he finished the last drop of his ale, he looked longingly at the empty mug and sighed.
"Ahhh... Such a pity. This ale's so weak compared to the stuff they served us in the Guard. One swig of that would turn your head upside down in an instant. Oh well you can't win every battle."
Lucius finally took a bite out of the steaming meat pie.
"By the Gods! This pie's amazing! The boar just melts when I bite into it, and the crust's flaky but firm texture compliments the juices of the meat."
The dignified man scarfs down the pie, with proper etiquette of course, while also savoring the taste of the delicious meal.
"Food was great, and ignoring my past experience, the ale was good." Lucius says as he dabs the corners of his mouth with a napkin.
"Now then. Now's a good time as any to try to get an idea of bandit activity around here."
He stands up, pushes in his chair, and walks straight to the bartender.
He asks him kindly, "Excuse me sir, have you possibly heard any news of activity of an all female bandit group around these parts? Or anything about a woman named Reine?"
"Got a daughter-in-law named Reine," the bartender replied, "but something tells me that's not the woman you're looking for. As for bandits... can't say I remember hearing anything about an all-female group." He glanced at the six mugs at Lucius's table. "You know, if you're here to get drunk, we've got stronger stuff. Blacktooth is some of the best ale I've ever tasted, but it's not exactly going to... I believe you said 'turn your head upside down?'"
Disappointed, Lucius twiddled his strand of hair.
"That is most unfortunate to hear... I certainly hope your daughter-in-law ISN'T a murderous bandit leader. Still, not all hope is lost I suppose." He met the bartender's gaze and said with a smirk, "I'll take you up on your offer! I would like to try the strongest ale you've got! And are there any fine class inns around here where we could rest after such a long journey?"
"I'll just need a moment." The bartender turned around, went to one of the kegs, and filled a mug with a dark ale. "Dressler," he said as he handed Lucius the mug. "Not exactly tasty, but it's the strongest ale we've got. 'Course, when I said 'stronger stuff,' I meant liquor, not ale. I wouldn't be surprised if that Guard you mentioned did something funny with their drinks. I've never heard of any ale strong enough to get someone drunk on one cup of the stuff, 'specially someone like you. Most of the people I've seen start getting at least a little tipsy after three or so cups of Blacktooth. As for inns, we're one, but I wouldn't call us 'fine class.' I think that fellow in brown you were with said something about St. Lahar Monastery. If you're his escort, you should be going with him."
Ardan smiled wearily "Yes indeed our bartender here is correct, we need to be up early tomorrow if you want to accompany me on the pilgrimage and it wouldn't do to shame the church with drunken behaviour come the morrow" he said hoping to dissuade his companion from overdrinking "Still why do you think this pilgrimage will give you answers to your questions about Reine?" he asked curious sitting down beside him leaving Dorran to eat.
During his time drinking he saw one after another his two companions had got up and started to do there own thing dorran had decided to keep out of it as anything important could come later, besides that he though since he still had a few minutes before the venison was done, he would go outside to check on Durandal.
when he popped outside it had appeared someone had done something to him as Durandal was now sitting on to of someone...he had soon realized it was one of the town's guard. "Durandal move off him for now." moving his head to show he understood he moved off of the guard. giving a serious look at the guard "so...what did you do to make cause you harm, he might be a little playful but he certainly is smart enough to tell when hes hurting something."
The guard climbed to his feet and dusted himself off. He pointed at a merchant's stand further down the street. "A small scuffle broke out when someone tried to extort money from the owner of that stand. When the would-be thieves bolted, I tried to hit one of them with my javelin. Unfortunately, I missed, and the javelin sailed right by your wyvern. I couldn't tell from where I was, but it might have nicked him. When I got near him, he jumped on me and pinned me to the ground. He probably thought I planned on attacking him." He walked over to where his javelin was lying and picked it up. There didn't appear to be any blood on it. "Don't worry about the thieves, though. Some mercenaries saw what happened and were kind enough to catch them. Other than my uniform now smelling like a wyvern's behind, no harm done."
Page 1 of 4 [ 160 posts ]


This handy pocketbook provides an easy-to-use international compilation of basic economic, social and environmental indicators for 216 countries and areas worldwide. It covers key indicators in the areas of population, economic activity, agriculture, industry, energy, international trade, transport, communications, gender, education and environment. The layout provides an easy-to-view comprehensive statistical profile of each country or area and the notes on sources and definition provide a valuable guide for further research by the in-depth user of these statistics.


text:
August 23, 2016 Jana J. Monji
Wind-powered Automatons, Icy Volcano Divers and More NASA Proposals
These kind of NASA proposals don't come with a Star Trek Enterprise-shaped engagement ring, but they do mean to capture the imagination and mind-meld a team of scientists with NASA funds. Intrigued by the mention of volcanos, I thought this song by Damien Rice "Volcano" would be the right soundtrack.
Proposals Include Wind-Powered Automatons and Icy Volcano Divers
Each year, NASA funds a handful of futuristic concepts to push forward the boundaries of space exploration. These early-stage proposals are selected with the hope of developing new ideas into realistic proofs-of-concept. From Aug. 23 to 25, the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) symposium will host presentations on 28 proposals, including five from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California.
The 2016 NIAC Symposium will also be carried live via LiveStream at:
https://livestream.com/viewnow/NIAC2016
Most of JPL's proposals are Phase I concepts, which means they are little more than ideas right now. Their creators will have to deliver reports explaining each project's technical challenges in order to advance them to Phase II of funding. If they advance to Phase II, they would be awarded up to $500,000 for a two-year study to further develop the project.
"The NIAC program is designed to let technologists stretch and create concepts that have never been considered by NASA before," said Jason Derleth, NIAC program executive for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate. "Each proposal is still required to be based on solid scientific and engineering principles and to advance NASA's mission objectives."
These JPL proposals will be at the symposium:
A Solar Oasis in Lunar Craters
The advantage of solar power is its unlimited supply: the sun provides plenty of warmth and energy so long as you can access its rays. But what if a mission is to explore a permanently shaded lunar crater surrounded by tall mountain peaks? Or to venture into a cave, which could contain water ice and be habitable if not for the darkness and low temperatures?
Adrian Stoica of JPL led a concept that has successfully advanced to Phase II: building mirrored "TransFormers," a new class of shape-changing robotic structures that unfold like origami and reflect solar energy wherever you need it. Phase I examined whether such a structure could power a single rover as it explores a crater. Phase II is more ambitious in scope: whether an entire solar infrastructure could create a "solar oasis" hosting fleets of rovers, equipment and even humans.
The Phase II proposal examines how to provide power and warmth for lunar bases, even colonies, which could support humans and robotic workers alike. TransFormers are projected to be more affordable and easier to transport than radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) like the one that powers NASA's Mars Science Laboratory. TransFormers could potentially allow a wider range of robots and equipment to function in crater sites, where they could extract water used to make fuel for affordable travels to Mars and beyond.
Art-inspired automata could reveal the interior of Venus
Venus' forbidding atmosphere has claimed numerous landers over the years. With temperatures of more than 842 degrees Fahrenheit (450 degrees Celsius), sulfuric acid clouds and crushing surface pressures, electronics won't last longer than a few hours in all but the most robust spacecraft.
Jonathan Sauder of JPL thinks the solution may be getting rid of the electronics altogether. Inspired by mechanical automata – including spider-like "Strandbeest" created by artist Theo Jansen — Sauder's NIAC proposal is AREE, or Automaton Rover for Extreme Environments.
AREE's legs and science instruments would be controlled by a fully mechanical computer and powered by a wind turbine. Temperature, wind speed and seismic measurements could be "broadcast" by a rising and falling radar reflector "piston": the piston's up or down position could be read as Morse code by a radar tracker orbiting the planet. The orbiter would then relay the readings to Earth.
Journey to the center of an icy moon
Europa and Enceladus are fascinating subjects for a future planetary mission because of their potential for subsurface, habitable oceans. The question is how to break through each moon's icy crust and pilot a craft down below.
Masahiro Ono of JPL wants to borrow a page from Jules Verne. In "Journey to the Center of the Earth," the characters venture into a volcano to explore the planet's inner world. Ono's proposal, the Icy-moon Cryovolcano Explorer (ICE), would include setting a lander down next to a cryovolcano, a vent that erupts with water vapor and small particles. A robot could then crawl to the edge and be lowered in by cable, like a rappelling alpinist.
The robot could analyze the inside of the vent and send science back to the lander, which would then relay its findings to Earth. The robot could eventually descend all the way to the subsurface ocean. There, it would release an autonomous underwater vehicle for further exploration.
Glide, don't land, to study an asteroid
There's intense interest in studying asteroids, but the challenge is getting near them. There isn't enough gravity or atmosphere to allow a spacecraft to touch down without ricocheting off the surface.
But why land when you can glide? JPLer Marco Quadrelli's Electrostatic Glider (E-Glider) was inspired by the idea of dust fountains visible on our moon's surface: when warmed by the sun, these dust particles gain an electrostatic charge. The same principle turns every asteroid or comet's dust into a weak but usable power supply.
Quadrelli's glider would be a low-cost craft attached to foil-like streamers. These streamers would inflate and lift based on the electrostatic energy around them. The glider could then be steered around an asteroid and perform basic science readings on its composition.
A Battery Recharger in the Skies of Venus
Another challenge of sending a craft to Venus is how to extend its power supply. Batteries will only last a few hours, and the thick Venusian atmosphere weakens the efficiency of solar power.
Ratnakumar Bugga of JPL has proposed a weather balloon powered by chemical batteries. The Venus Interior Probe Using In-Situ Power and Propulsion (VIP-INSPR) would use electrolysis to generate hydrogen from the thick Venus atmosphere. It could then store that power as chemical hydride in its fuel cells.
This battery system could effectively have an unlimited power supply, recharging as it lowered itself into the Venusian atmosphere to perform science readings.
The NIAC program, funded by NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, nurtures visionary ideas that could transform future NASA missions with the creation of breakthroughs — radically better or entirely new aerospace concepts — while engaging America's innovators and entrepreneurs as partners in the journey. Caltech manages JPL for NASA.
For more information about the NIAC symposium, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/content/niac-symposium
For more information about NIAC, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/niac/index.html
JPL-NASA
NIAC symposium
Previous Guillermo del Toro at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Next American Horror Story ?6 Sweeps Challenge


The #1 LIVE Online TEAS VI Test Prep Course serving students in every city in the United States and abroad.
*Turbo Charge Your Test Scores.
Brian J Adkins, MD, MBA is a Test Prep Expert who has taught thousands to SCORE HIGHER on the TEAS-VI, HESI, & NCLEX with his LIVE online preparation courses.
*Adkins Academy Students Score 85% higher on Average.
Dr. Adkins discusses explanations and strategies for 500+ REAL high-yield questions 1-by-1 & answers your questions LIVE online.
*Many students fail the HESI & TEAS 6 without our test prep course.
Want a score like this? Obviously YES, Right? Well, Dr. Adkins can show you how to master the concepts, apply your knowledge, and get your score into the 80' and 90s too. Start with The Adkins Academy FREE TEAS, NCLEX, & HESI Quiz with Questions and Explanations written by Dr. Adkins.
Even More FREE TEAS Questions & Explanations you ask? Sure, visit The Adkins Academy YouTube Channel to see Videos of Dr. Adkins reviewing questions during our TEAS & HESI Review Courses as well as our NCLEX Exam Courses. You can learn strategies on how to tackle real TEAS questions with real explanations.
Our Virtual Classroom provides a LIVE, Engaging Experience for our clients much like a physical classroom with the same features of real-time dialog, visual demonstration of the academic content on the whiteboard, and real professional instructors with Masters and Doctorate degrees teaching the class. You can see and hear your instructor during the entire LIVE class as he or she displays and writes content on the whiteboard and if you have a question you can simply turn on your microphone to ask your question.
With our flexible schedules and small class sizes, our Virtual Classroom platform makes getting the academic enrichment and test preparation you need easy and convenient. You can participate in our course from the convenience of your home, school, local coffee shop, or wherever you chose to take our classes.
Want to try our TEAS Course before you buy?
Join one of our LIVE, Interactive TEAS Classes for FREE, with no obligation to purchase. Your FREE TEAS or HESI LIVE Demo session with Dr. Adkins will take place during one of our scheduled classes for a duration of no more than 30 minutes.
See The Adkins Academy Course Calandar to see our schedule of classes.
Once you'd decided on a class to schedule a Free TEAS Online Class Demo, contact Dr. Adkins to schedule your Free TEAS Class Demo at (301) 960-4950. Space is LIMITED, so DON'T WAIT, schedule your session NOW.
Also, see Dr. Adkins do TEAS questions with explanations on The Adkins Academy YouTube Channel for FREE and Challenge Your Knowledge with The Adkins Academy TEAS & HESI Quiz for FREE.
Only 1 Demo per person and Demos usually start an hour or two after the schedule class has started. So if the class starts at 3pm Eastern Standard Time, your Free TEAS or HESI Demo will begin at 4pm or 5pm.
The Adkins Academy was truly outstanding. When I first started studying for the TEAS I never thought I would be able to pass with a good score, it was very overwhelming. When I… -Charlotte V.


text:
Q: no 12.04 login after locking user account setting on autologin I run 12.04 with gnome-classic. I wanted to get autologin since I am the only user.
I unlocked the user account GUI under settings, switched the slider to ON, then locked
the GIU.  Since then a reboot stops at stopping system V runlevel compatibility.
Pressing Ctrl+Alt+F1 then gives me a command-line login.  Typing startx starts
Unity instead of Gnome. In that, I cannot unlock the User Accounts GUI under
settings to set the autologin slider back to OFF.

A: You can log in on a virtual console (you must be doing that after pressing Ctrl+Alt+F1 but before running startx). So if the problem really is that you set a blank password for yourself (as MeM suggested), you can fix that easily by running:
passwd

Then change it to something that's not blank. You'll know it was changed successfully because the new password will work to log on at a virtual console. (You can type exit or logout to log off, then try logging back on.)
If that doesn't fix the problem, try disabling automatic login by editing /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf with:
sudo nano -w /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf

Remove the text that makes automatic login happen. That text looks like:

[SeatDefaults]
autologin-user=<YOUR USER>
autologin-user-timeout=0
user-session=ubuntu
greeter-session=unity-greeter

Source: htorque's answer to How do I enable auto-login in LightDM?

A: If it happened because you didn't specify a password for the adm account or set it to not asking for a password on log in, I recomend resetting the password, here is how to do it (either one):

*

*How to reset your password in Ubuntu

*How do I reset a lost administrative password?
Then it should work. (Yes this is a lousy bug on Ubuntu, hope they fix it.) If that is not the case, then I don't have a clue either!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange