'War room' type effort places firefighting assets

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) ? From sites on the fringes of wildfires burning around the West, incident commanders spend nearly every waking hour huddled around maps, looking at computer screens or glued to the radio, trying to plot their next move.

Their decisions come after pouring over intelligence that's flooding in from crew leaders, weather forecasters and fuels analysts.

Elsewhere, teams of specialists smooth out the logistics of shuffling firefighters and equipment around the country.

Tom Harbour is the director of fire and aviation management for the U.S. Forest Service.

He says that the characterization that fire is war is probably a fitting one.

But he expresses cautious confidence that the Forest Service has adequate resources to do the job.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-06-29-Western%20Wildfires-Resources/id-88af42e970fc487f82423ea18fe11870

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Black Barbie's Nigerian Wedding

For your pleasure, a Barbie-themed Yoruba wedding by.London-based wedding photographer Obi Nwokedi:

The bride is hidden under a veil at the beginning of the ceremony. The groom's family ceremonially checks to see that she is the right girl.

The groom and his male relatives lie prostrate before the bride's family as a sign of respect.

Wedding guests shower the couple with money in celebration of their union

Source: http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/06/29/black-barbies-yoruba-wedding

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?Drive a Tank? Lets Thrill Seekers Crunch Cars With Ex-Military Armored Vehicles

Some people enjoy swimming with dolphins or?snorkeling?on their vacations. Others go skiing or strap into amusement park rides. Some, though, may consider these activities too tame, ordinary. These are the types of people who might instead be interesting in, say, driving a tank over old sedans, for example.

(Photo: Drive a Tank)

?Drive a Tank,? a company in Kasota, Minn., lets these types of thrill seekers try their hand at the military version of monster-truck driving.

With only a quick briefing on tank controls and operations ? no previous tank driving experience necessary ? newbie tank drivers can take the treads for a spin. According to the company?s website, the tanks are unarmed ? so no target practice. (Note: If you are interested in target practice, they have a historic machine gun that, depending on the package you sign up for.)

(Photo: Drive a Tank)

Watch this AP report with footage and tank-driver commentary of the experience:

?To have that much weight on just two brake handles, it?s awesome,? said Jacob Ostling, 19, after the tank rolled over a car and rained glass around his head. The car ?was like a tin can,? he said.

You may also notice that the tanks are from Europe. The company states that unlike America, which didn?t release its ?armor? to the public, some European countries have done so and ?Drive a Tank? is putting them to good use.

?Wars and skirmishes took place in Europe, and out of need for farm equipment and transport vehicles [...] Due to availability, the fact that England has been an ally through the years, and price of their vehicles; our armor is British,? the company website states.

(Photo: Drive a Tank)

Owner Tony Borglum, a construction and heavy equipment contractor, opened the tank park three years ago after seeing similar attractions during a visit to England. He said he knew it would fit nicely into American culture ? a more visceral version of what millions of guys are doing in video games anyway.

He began buying up old Cold War-era surplus and now has 11 armored vehicles available for use on a 20-acre site near this town 50 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Customers spend hours churning up and down a hilly, wooded course, getting a firsthand sense of what armored warfare might be like.

?It?s not as glorious as it looks like on TV,? said Borglum, a short-haired 25-year-old who wore camouflage pants, a tan polo shirt and boots at the session.

But it satisfies the curiosity of those who have watched tanks in war movies.

?It was very realistic,? agreed Brad Walker, of Amboy, Ind., who brought his 21-year-old son, Nick, for an outing before the young man got married. ?It kind of gives you an idea exactly how hard that job is.? Nick Walker, who squeezed his 5-foot-11, 230-pound frame into the cramped compartment, added, ?It?s not a big person?s job.?

(Photo: Drive a Tank)

There are various packages at differing price points, but to give you an idea, crunching cars could cost you up to $750 whereas a more simple drive through a wooded area will cost about $400. If you?re really a high roller, $3,500 will let you drive a tank through a trailer home. Even if you?re not interested in driving though, of if you?re bringing your friends along, you can also just take a ride in the tank for $45.

Borglum said his tank park wasn?t the first in the United States but he knows of no others still operating. Event coordinator Kessa Baedke said more than 600 packages have been sold this year.

Check out the Drive a Tank website here. See more tanking experience photos here.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.?

Source: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/drive-a-tank-lets-thrill-seekers-crunch-cars-with-ex-military-armored-vehicles/

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USAID cuts funding for Elmo on Pakistan TV

The US cut $20 million for Pakistani version of Sesame Street. USAID alleges fraud against the show's producers, but the cutbacks come as the US is pulling back foreign aid.

By Scott Baldauf,?Staff writer / June 6, 2012

Pakistan?s version of Sesame Street ? complete with an Elmo who squeals in Urdu ? is facing a cutback in support from USAID, America?s Agency for International Development.

Youtube

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Pakistan?s version of Sesame Street ? complete with an Elmo who squeals in Urdu ? is facing a cutback in support from USAID, America?s Agency for International Development.

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The cutbacks come amid allegations of fraud by the Lahore-based theater group that produces the children?s show, the Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop, but it also comes at a time when the US-Pakistani relationship is strained, and when the US government is cutting back dramatically on foreign aid worldwide.

USAID allocated $20 million for the production of Sim Sim Hamara (which means ?Our Street? in Urdu), and $6.7 million of that was used to produce the first season, which premiered in 2011. The remainder of the contract has been terminated, pending the results of an investigation into the fraud charges.

"We did launch an investigation into the allegations. We also sent the theater workshop a letter that terminates the project agreement," US State Department spokesman Mark Toner told a news briefing in Washington on June 5. "No one is questioning, obviously, the value and positive impact of this kind of programming for children. But this is about allegations of corruption."

Faizaan Peerzada, Rafi Peer?s chief operating officer, denied the fraud charges, saying in a statement, ?Rafi Peer is proud of its association with the project and the quality of children?s educational television programming created within Pakistan as a result.?

Whatever the ultimate result of the investigation, the shutdown of funds into children?s broadcasting in Pakistan come at an unfortunate time in the US-Pakistani relationship.

NATO airstrikes and US special forces raids on Pakistani territory have strained Pakistani patience with the US-led war on terror, and Pakistan has shut off NATO?s use of Pakistani roads and ports to resupply its troops in Afghanistan. The US, meanwhile, has grown increasingly frustrated with what it sees as signs of either Pakistani collusion with militant groups such as the Taliban, or incompetence in bringing them under control.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/csmonitor/globalnews/~3/o755tl_gjjs/USAID-cuts-funding-for-Elmo-on-Pakistan-TV

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A look at EU summit decisions and Merkel's stances

BERLIN (AP) ? Victor or vanquished: Merkel's stances ahead of the EU summit and what was decided.

Idea: Allowing a central authority or Europe's bailout fund to rescue banks directly rather than provide loans to governments to then help banks.

Merkel's position: Open to the idea of a banking union ? creating a centralized European oversight for banks coupled with a deposit insurance ? but insisted an independent authority must be in place to provide tough oversight before Europe can consider bailing out banks directly.

Decided: Allowing the bailout fund to directly give banks money, but only once a single bank supervisory mechanism has been set up, with first proposals by the end of the year.

Verdict: Largely in line with Merkel's thinking.

Idea: Giving bailouts to countries without imposing strict new austerity terms as long as the country is meeting EU debt targets.

Merkel's position: Against this idea. She insisted upon tying strict conditions such as austerity programs and structural reforms to money from bailout funds.

Decided: To allow bailout funds to be paid to nations with fewer austerity conditions as long as they are meeting EU fiscal rules. Merkel defends agreement, saying it is still within Germany's overall philosophy, emphasizing the bailed out countries would still need to meet EU fiscal rules.

Verdict: Merkel conceded ground to Italy and Spain.

Idea: Sharing debt burdens among countries by jointly issuing so-called eurobonds.

Merkel's position: Against eurobonds in the foreseeable future.

Decided: Agreed on "building blocks" of a tighter union ? including, eventually, eurobonds ? but postponed specifics until a study due in October. Merkel says before leaving Brussels that her stance against eurobonds hasn't changed.

Verdict: To be determined when issue is debated again in October.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-06-29-Germany-Financial%20Crisis-Glance/id-0ed56f354d664af2b629af1e4bd0bd59

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Aid workers kidnapped, driver killed in Kenya

[ [ [['Connery is an experienced stuntman', 2]], 'http://yhoo.it/KeQd0p', '[Slideshow: See photos taken on the way down]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['Connery is an experienced stuntman', 7]], ' http://yhoo.it/KpUoHO', '[Slideshow: Death-defying daredevils]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['know that we have confidence in', 3]], 'http://yhoo.it/LqYjAX ', '[Related: The Secret Service guide to Cartagena]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['We picked up this other dog and', 5]], 'http://yhoo.it/JUSxvi', '[Related: 8 common dog fears, how to calm them]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['accused of running a fake hepatitis B', 5]], 'http://bit.ly/JnoJYN', '[Related: Did WH share raid details with filmmakers?]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['accused of running a fake hepatitis B', 3]], 'http://bit.ly/KoKiqJ', '[Factbox: AQAP, al-Qaeda in Yemen]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have my contacts on or glasses', 3]], 'http://abcn.ws/KTE5AZ', '[Related: Should the murder charge be dropped?]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have made this nation great as Sarah Palin', 5]], 'http://yhoo.it/JD7nlD', '[Related: Bristol Palin reality show debuts June 19]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have made this nation great as Sarah Palin', 1]], 'http://bit.ly/JRPFRO', '[Related: McCain adviser who vetted Palin weighs in on VP race]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['A JetBlue flight from New York to Las Vegas', 3]], 'http://yhoo.it/GV9zpj', '[Related: View photos of the JetBlue plane in Amarillo]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['the 28-year-old neighborhood watchman who shot and killed', 15]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/white-house-stays-out-of-teen-s-killing-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/cv/ip/ap/default/120411/martinzimmermen.jpg', '630', ' ', 'AP', ], [ [['He was in shock and still strapped to his seat', 6]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/navy-jet-crashes-in-virginia-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/cv/ip/ap/default/120406/jet_ap.jpg', '630', ' ', 'AP', ], [ [['xxxxxxxxxxxx', 11]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/russian-grannies-win-bid-to-sing-at-eurovision-1331223625-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/a/p/us/news/editorial/1/56/156d92f2760dcd3e75bcd649a8b85fcf.jpeg', '500', ' ', 'AP', ] ]

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/aid-worker-kidnapped-driver-killed-kenya-105225402.html

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Aubree Eliza Weaver: The Problem With Re-Elections

For awhile now, I've had some qualms about political incumbents, re-elections, and multiple terms. The whole concept just doesn't sit well with me.

For all intents and purposes, I'm going to focus on the problems concerning presidents who are embarking on their second term in office, as that's where the problems are most evident.

Unlike other political offices, a president's second term (with the exclusion of the one and only Franklin Delano Roosevelt) will always be their last.

With that in mind, here are some interesting facts on our past executives. A total of 22 presidents have only served one term.

Five presidents died during their first terms, and therefore didn't have the opportunity to run for re-election (Harrison, Taylor, Garfield, Harding, and Kennedy). Five succeeded from the vice-presidency, but did not get re-elected following their own campaign for office (Tyler, Fillmore, Johnson, Arthur, and Ford). Last, but not least, 12 presidents have served just a single elected term, no ifs, ands, or buts (Adams, Van Buren, Polk, Pierce, Buchanan, Hayes, Harrison, Taft, Hoover, Carter, and Bush Sr).

Now, assassinations and resignations aside, the following are reasons as to why second term presidencies make me uneasy.

When candidates begin their initial campaigns for the presidency, they are full of idealistic platforms and spirited ammunition for change. Although these individuals may be making statements and portraying certain standards with the intention of pleasing voters across the country, the public/individuals ultimately voice their own opinion when entering the voting booth on election day.

Then, throughout the elected candidate's first term, his/her efforts are a culmination of their attempts at "making good" on their ambitious campaign promises while further attempting to keep things steady so as to secure their chances of re-election.

In other words, a lot of candidates seem to be on their "best behavior" from the day they announce their plans to run to the day their fate is decided for a second time by the population of the United States.

After they've finished celebrating their re-election to another term in office, the veil disappears and the true motives are displayed. They no longer have anything to lose. There will not be a next term or new national campaign -- they've peaked, in a sense.

Herein lies my question -- upon being re-elected, who is left for the president to impress? Sure, there's the threat of low approval ratings and impeachment (which realistically isn't a threat at all since only three presidents have faced impeachment -- one resigning and the other two having the impeachment overturned by the Senate), but does the country's dissatisfaction really even matter?

There is a concise divide between a president's first term and their last term. As I've previously stated, initially the elected president is busy trying to "please" everyone and not making enemies who will ruin their future. Towards the end, they set out to accomplish all of the slightly less-reasonable goals that they mentioned in that one debate in a small-town six years ago that everyone in attendance gaffed at. I mean, why not? Again, the worst that can happen is impeachment, but that has only happened during the terms of Jackson, Nixon, and Clinton.

Next to that, what role does a low approval rating even play? So what, a few people are unhappy... but that has little impact when viewing the greater picture.

I doubt I'm the only person in America who has had these thoughts. Seriously, a president's second elected term in office is just asking for radicalism or inaction.

Alright, I've finished my rant -- I swear.

?

Follow Aubree Eliza Weaver on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@AubreeEliza

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The Role of Martial Art and Martial Arts Instructor in Our Life

People have been crazy for sports and exercises since the ancient times. Every exercising method and sport went through revolutionary changes as the time passed. Some of them have become obscured. However, a few of them have found their way back in today?s modern civilization.

One of these sports is martial art. The ancient technique of war ensures that the person performing it possesses a good health. Watching it can help us to understand how tricky it is to master. These techniques are a series of medically proven and anatomically correct gestures and movements that can ascend one to the peak of health. Learning martial art is complex and that?s why it is very essential to consider guidance from a martial arts instructor.

Current Position of Martial Arts

Martial art has already become a rage among the health enthusiasts.

Therefore, it is apparent that martial art has its own benefits. People, who are involved in the training session of martial arts, have always shown a certain degree of sharpness in every aspect of life. It is needless to say that martial art is ready to establish itself as the new face of competent exercising method.

Why Do We Need An Instructor?

Martial art is a popular form of exercise. Thus, there are many books and videos available in the market. So, a person may think that he or she can learn the intricacies of this art form from those available videos and books. However, in reality this is not possible. This is the reason why people look for martial arts instructors so that they can learn this art form properly.

Learning it precisely requires professionalism and experience. Well, experts agree to this fact that martial arts are very ancient and complex. Therefore, it is better to ask help from a professional than practicing on your own and then calling the doctor afterwards.

What Features An Instructor Should Have?

Fortunately, there are hundreds of instructors around us, waiting for us to call. However, choosing the right one needs skill. Here, are few points that would help you to understand the traits that should be looked in an instructor.

• Your martial arts instructor should possess an impressive rank in the style he/she has learned.
• Check if your trainer has any certification that stands as the proof of his/her authority to teach.
• Your coach must be an adult and should have mental as well as physical maturity.
• Join a club on your own accord. Do not let anything pressurise you to make a decision that you do not want to.
• A good instructor should provide protection to all his/her students. He/she must keep a watch full eye over the kids to avoid any mistreatment, whatsoever.
• The practice studio, where you are going to be trained, must look like a health club and not like a cult arena.
• Cleanliness matters. Check whether the training platform is perfectly clean. Please also check whether other measures are there to maintain hygiene of the students.

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Analysis: Bankruptcy no quick fix for weak local ... - The Finance Room

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New method reveals atmosphere on 'Hot Jupiter' (+video)

Using a ground-based telescope to probe exoplanet atmospheres, which were visible only?when illuminated by stars, scientists say they hope to study much cooler planets.

By Charles Q. Choi,?SPACE.com / June 27, 2012

Artist's impression of the alien planet Tau Bootis b, whose atmosphere was probed using a new method.

L. Cal?ada/ESO/

Enlarge

The atmospheres of alien planets can now be probed even if they are not illuminated by stars directly behind them, astronomers say.

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' + google_ads[0].line2 + '
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'; } else if (google_ads.length > 1) { ad_unit += ''; } } document.getElementById("ad_unit").innerHTML += ad_unit; google_adnum += google_ads.length; return; } var google_adnum = 0; google_ad_client = "pub-6743622525202572"; google_ad_output = 'js'; google_max_num_ads = '1'; google_feedback = "on"; google_ad_type = "text"; google_adtest = "off"; google_image_size = '230x105'; google_skip = '0'; // --> One of the first exoplanets to be discovered, Tau Bo?tis b, has revealed a chilly shell 'hot Jupiter' type atmosphere. Europe's Very Large Telescope (VLT) caught the scene, here also embellished as an artist's impression.
Credit: ESO/L. Cal?ada / Mash Mix: SPACE.com
Original Music by Mark C. Petersen, Loch Ness Productions

A new method used to scan the atmosphere of a distant "hot Jupiter" world could eventually reveal insights about many distant alien planets ? including, perhaps, whether or not they support life, the researchers added.

"If we could detect gases like oxygen, these could point to biological activity," study co-author Ignas Snellen, an astronomer at Leiden University in the Netherlands, told SPACE.com.

RELATED: Are you scientifically literate? Take our quiz!

A new look at exoplanet atmospheres

Scientists have analyzed the atmospheres of exoplanets before, but only when those worlds passed in front of their parent stars, much like Venus did during its recent transit of the sun.

The change in the light of a star as it streams through an exoplanet's atmosphere can reveal details about the air's composition. Different molecules absorb light in distinct ways, resulting in patterns known as spectra that allow scientists to identify what they are. [Gallery: The Strangest Alien Planets]

Now scientists have for the first time analyzed the atmosphere of an exoplanet that, like most such alien worlds, does not pass between its star and Earth.

The planet in question is Tau Bo?tis b, one of the first exoplanets to be discovered back in 1996 and one of the nearest exoplanets to Earth known, at about 51 light-years away. The world is a "hot Jupiter" ? a gas giant orbiting very close to its parent star.

The exoplanet's parent star, Tau Bo?tis, is easily visible with the naked eye, but the planet is not. Up to now, Tau Bo?tis b was only detectable through its gravitational pull on the star.

An international team caught the faint infrared glow from Tau Bo?tis b using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT).

"We were able to study the spectrum of the system in much more detail than has been possible before," study lead author Matteo Brogi, of Leiden Observatory in the Netherlands, said in a statement. "Only about 0.01 percent of the light we see comes from the planet, and the rest from the star, so this was not easy."

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Best Family Holiday Accommodation in the Scottish Highlands ...

Are you worried about where to spend your family vacation then welcome to Inverness and have a superb holiday!

The Scottish highlands are an ideal place to spend your holidays. Especially the Inverness, it is a place that provides easy access to the Loch Ness,Isle of Skye, Castles, Distilleries and many other nearby places. The Inverness airport provides easy links to Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick, Manchester, Orkney, apart from being easy to connect Inverness plays host to loads of holiday accommodation in the Scottish Highlands.

Most of these holiday accommodation are peaceful cottage near Loch Ness. These Inverness self catering holiday cottages though situated in the heart of a bustling tourist city offers you the privacy, relaxation and peace you look forward to when on vacation. You can find modern cottages or even cottages situated in old mews.

The holiday cottages in Scottish highlands are very well-known for their hospitality and comfort. Statistics show that many people prefer the self catering accommodation Inverness rather than the bed and breakfast. This is so as here one gets the choice of either making their own food or eating outside. Such self catering accommodation Inverness is specially preferred by people who choose to vacation with children.

These self catering accommodation Inverness offers a fully furnished kitchen with all modern amenities like fridge, microwave and washer/dryer . A welcome pack with beverage of your choice and some of the essentials is provided at this holiday accommodation in Inverness to help you settle in. This holiday accommodation in Scottish highlands welcomes children. Most holiday cottage in the Scottish highlands have special attractions for kids like games, DVDs and books, and a play area to make them feel at home. These cottages near Loch Ness have a separate lounge area with comfortable sofas, flat screen TV,

The bedrooms are freshly decorated. All the linen is provided and these are washed and maintained hygienically. The holiday cottage in Scottish highland y provides toiletries in the bathrooms..
Almost all the holiday accommodation in Scottish highlands has the facility of independent parking. The Inverness self catering cottages gives you the freedom to spend your time as per your choice as the Inverness has a huge scope for outdoor activities. There are loads of museums, art galleries, retail therapy centres and so on. Many of these cottages in Inverness themselves are close to golf courses and a swimming pool.

To conclude we can say that the holiday cottages in Scottish highlands are the perfect spot for enjoying your holidays with your family as you get a homely atmosphere with peaceful surroundings in a very beautiful tourist attraction.

Hedgefield Cottage provides ideal Self-Catering Accommodation in Inverness, Inverness Self-Catering Holiday, Holiday Accommodation in Inverness, Holiday Cottage in Scottish Highlands. The cottage provides an excellent base for exploring the Highland capital, however you want to spend your time.

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Dracula's Bloodline

There are still many places left so if you are interested check it out http://www.roleplaygateway.com/roleplay/draculas-bloodline/

The Knights who serve as retainers of the main bloodline must keep safe Dracula's descendant from The Organisation, who seek to unleash the powers of the bloodline's last descendant and lay claim to it, using it for their own ends.

Mina was attending a ball with her friend Lucy, when she first met Count Dracula. He was a very handsome and charming man, so even thought Mina was engaged to Jonathan Harker, she felt attraction towards the Count. The Count fell in love with Mina too, and they started meeting in secret.
Mina's friend, Lucy got sick at that time and there was no cure so she requested a favor from him. So the Count to save Lucy's life, turned her into a Vampire. When the hunt for the Count began Lucy went to hide. Few hours before the Count was killed he came to find Lucy and asked her to look after Mina if he doesn't survive? She couldn?t believe it when she heard that he died, because mare humans can?t just kill a Vampire. Then she realized, Countess Dolingen. She hated the Count so she helped them kill him. When Lucy met Mina again she was already married to Jonathan Harker and pregnant. Pregnant with the Count's child. Soon Quincey was born? and Dracula' bloodline came to life.

Many years later the last descendant, Ellena Brice had no idea that her life is about to take a huge turn. Faced with danger to get killed by The Organisation she has no options but to seek help from people who claim to be The Knights of the bloodline.

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Cheltenham City guide, including hotels ~ TRAVEL LEISURE E ...

Located in the heart of the scenic Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a city famous for many things ? its horseracing and award-winning gardens being just two of them. Then, of course, you have the Regency architecture of the city centre and the lively shopping district, elements that come together to bring vivacity and life to this Gloucestershire city. Further, the city also proves to be a fine base from which to explore the surrounding Cotswolds, home of gently rolling hills and quaint, charming villages.

Places of interest

When you come to Cheltenham, you will soon discover that the draw of the city lies in its appearance, for it has long been considered to be one of Britain?s prettiest towns. Accordingly, many of Cheltenham?s places to visit are ones that focus on scenic displays and historic buildings. Some of the most popular tourist destinations are:

The Holst Birthplace Museum. Originally the home of the famous composer Gustav Holst (of ?The Planets? fame), this Regency home shows life as it was in the Victorian period ? and incorporates a working Victorian kitchen.
Pittville Park & Pump Room. The beautiful Park contains two lakes, a golf course and spacious, well-tended lawns, whilst the historic Pump Room contains the drinkable spa waters that originally made Cheltenham famous.
The Imperial Gardens. For almost two hundred years, the gardens have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year ? not least due to the 25,000 bedding plants used annually to create the extensive floral displays.
Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Located just eight miles outside of Cheltenham, the castle is open during the summer and visitors have the chance to see some of the beautiful paintings and artefacts inside.

The Promenade. Cheltenham?s most famous street boasts pavement cafes, smart shops and an attractive history. Lined with trees and boasting Regency architecture throughout, it is considered to be the most picturesque part of the city.

Things to do

During your stay in Cheltenham, you?ll discover a pleasing variety of attractions to visit and things to do, whether you?re a family or couple, or just visiting alone. Throughout the year, the city is buzzing with activity, playing host to many festivals and events, such as the Literature Festival. Just a few things to see and do include:

Cheltenham Town Hall. The elegant hall plays host to festivals in the city throughout the year, and at the same time stays a concert programme in which the music ranges from the classical to the contemporary.
The Everyman Theatre. This hotspot features a massive variety of live entertainment, where you can watch musicals, comedy, drama and even West End productions on tour.

Cheltenham Racecourse. This world-famous venue is home to plenty of racing during the October to April season. Why not time your visit to coincide with the popular National Hunt Festival in March, or visit the Hall of Fame that relays the history of steeple chasing?

Cotswolds Coach Tours. Take the opportunity and join a scenic coach tour in which you?ll join a guide and take in some of the most beautiful views of the English Cotswolds.

Cotswold Farm Park. See history brought to life with numerous animal demonstrations and displays, an ideal place to visit for all the family. There are many rare breeds of farmyard animal from sheep to cattle, waterfowl to horses.

Food & Drink

Cheltenham is home to many different types of restaurant, with the focus on quality. Of course, if you?re after something fast and easy, you?ll find plenty of different caf?s and takeaways serving up what you?re looking for, but Cheltenham particularly prides itself on being the home of many stylish eateries. Here are some of the best you can sample:
The Scena Bistro. Enjoy one of the finest dining experiences in Cheltenham at this French restaurant, which has a relaxed and welcoming style.
Off the Square Restaurant. Located in Cheltenham?s fashionable Montpellier district, this friendly eatery serves a variety of dishes on the menu, including plenty of old favourites. Eat in style.
Monty?s Seafood Restaurant. Visit and enjoy a flexible menu that offers a range of different seafood. Alternatively, keep it simple and enjoy the stylish accompaniment of oysters with champagne.
The Storyteller Restaurant. Located in the heart of Cheltenham, this Californian restaurant is both welcoming and atmospheric, boasting the famous Mississippi Seafood Platter and the taste bud-teasing Duck from Heaven.
Epicurian. This is one of Cheltenham?s top restaurants, featuring a bistro and wine bar.

Hotels Accommodations

There are literally hundreds of places to stay during your visit to Cheltenham, whether you?re looking for a hotel, guesthouse, bed and breakfast or self-catering establishment. Alternatively, other types of accommodation include camping and caravan sites and hostels. Many of the hotels offer special offers and it?s always advisable to search around to find the best deals. Elizabethan manors and country mansions serve as the setting for some of the top hotels in the district. Kings Arms Hotel Cheltenham Park Hotel George Cheltenham Ltd Beaumont House Macdonald Queen's Hotel Cotswold Grange Hotel Hotel On The Park North Hall Hotel The Prestbury House Hotel Oaks Restaurant Clarence Court Hotel The Quality Hotel Cheltenham Cleeve Hill Hotel Thistle Cheltenham The CheltenhamTownhouse Hotel Lords of the Manor Rising Sun Hotel White Hart Inn De La Bere Hotel Oaklands Bed and Breakfast Entertainment
The night life in Cheltenham is completely entertaining with a host of nightclubs and exciting pubs and bars. You?ll find Cheltenham to be a welcoming and friendly city where you?ll always feel safe. If you?re looking for a nightclub, Subtone and Enigma are two of the most popular, with attractive line-ups of events going on all the time; alternatively, if you?re a fan of Hollywood then you?ll discover that the Odeon cinema shows all the latest blockbusters as well as popular British films.

Cheltenham is sometimes called a city within a park, and when you visit, you?ll see why. The architecture of the city itself is beautiful enough, with Regency-period buildings (over two thousand of them listed!) and attractive designs, but the picturesque parks are what make Cheltenham really special. There are lots of tree-lined avenues, plenty of floral displays and many more examples of nature in bloom that give Cheltenham a truly attractive appearance. Combine this with the wealth of activities and places to see, and it?s hard to deny that Cheltenham is one city you really must visit.

This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.

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Human insulin suppresses mosquito immune system: increasing cases of type II diabetes could abet malaria?s spread

ScienceDaily (June 26, 2012) ? Human insulin suppresses the mosquito immune system, according to a paper in the June Infection and Immunity. And while mosquitoes and malaria might seem to go together like baseball and hotdogs, mosquitoes' immunological resistance to the malaria parasite actually slows its spread among H. sapiens.

"A fair portion actually fight off the infection," says first author Nazzy Pakpour of the University of California, Davis.

But now the rate of type 2 diabetes is climbing in Africa as in most of the rest of the world, to the point where by 2030, one in five adults there are predicted to be so-afflicted. More diabetes means more hyperinsulinemia -- more human insulin to inhibit mosquitoes' immune response to Plasmodium falciparum, thus aiding and abetting transmission of this dread disease.

As horrific as the medical consequences of all this might be, the science is intriguing. "It's crazy to think something in our blood could change how mosquitoes respond to parasites," says Pakpour.

In earlier work, Pakpour and collaborators showed that ingested human insulin activates the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, making them more vulnerable to invasion by P. falciparum. The new study showed that insulin signaling reduced expression of certain mosquito immunity genes that are under the same regulatory control, and that human insulin suppressed mosquito immunity by activating the so-called PI3K signaling pathway, and that artificially inhibiting that pathway could reverse the immunosuppressive effects of human insulin.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by American Society for Microbiology.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

---

Journal Reference:

1. N. Pakpour, V. Corby-Harris, G. P. Green, H. M. Smithers, K. W. Cheung, M. A. Riehle, S. Luckhart. Ingested Human Insulin Inhibits the Mosquito NF-?B-Dependent Immune Response to Plasmodium falciparum. Infection and Immunity, 2012; 80 (6): 2141 DOI: 10.1128/IAI.00024-12

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Can you handle long distance love? - Saltwater GIRL

Sometimes it happens that you and your boy end up in different places ? literally ? because of your careers. But that doesn?t mean things have to end. Here?s how to tell if your love can last. Image Courtesy: Tammy Jackson @www.art.swg.co.za

1. When your boyfriend?s out with his mates, how often do you call to check in during the night?

a) A few times.

b) Once, just to see if you can hear any chick voices in the background?

c) You don?t. You trust him.

2. When your guy hasn?t heard from you all day, he:

a) Might text you if he?s not busy.

b) Calls you up to say hi.

c) Usually waits another day or so before making contact.

?

3. When chatting about your day, your boyfriend usually:

a) Is very interested in what happened in your world.

b) Enjoys chatting about what happened at work.

c) Doesn?t say much.

?

4. What do you think of long distance relationships?

a) They can work if you and your guy are committed to the relationship.

b) They?re difficult.

c) They usually crash and burn.

?

5. When you don?t see your boyfriend for the entire weekend, you:

a) You feel resentful that he isn?t with you.

b) Try to focus on other activities, like seeing friends or doing fun hobbies.

c) Miss him like crazy!

?

Your score:

1. a3 b2 c1

2. a2 b1 c3

3. a1 b2 c3

4. a1 b2 c3

5. a2 b1 c3

Results:
5-7
Going the distance
You might fear the prospect of a LDR, but it seems you and your guy have some good foundations in place for making such a relationship work. You trust him, you both make the effort to keep in contact and you make time to chat/have quality time. These are important because when you?re in a long distance setup you?re going to have to rely on communication to bridge the gap. It?s also good that you have a full life outside of your relationship so that you won?t be left wondering what to do with your life when he?s gone. Remember that your relationship should never become your entire world!

8-11
Distance dilemma
Although you might have some good stuff going in your relationship, your relationship needs a bit of work if you?re going to survive a long distance setup. Sometimes you can?t help but feel that your trust issues could do with some work and you feel resentful when your partner can?t be with you. You want the relationship to be a priority but you?ve got to make sure that it is right up there on your boyfriend?s list of what he values most in his life. Get on the same page before you get on different continents.

12-15

Long distance lagger?
Your relationship needs help before you can try to make it work across continents or cities. Some things you need to have down if you want your relationship to work include solid trust, good communication and the desire to be committed to each other. Bear in mind that when you?re in different places, you?re going to have to rely on things such as technology (think Skype and social networks) in order to feel that you?re bridging the physical landscape. Set some rules for how the relationship is going to work when you?re apart from each other so that you won?t feel insecure or that you?re slipping into splitsville. It can only work if you?re both committed to it.

More posts you'll love

• Is he a fad or here to stay?

• Should you take him back?

• Are you in love with your life?

• Is he only dating you for your looks?

• Can you be dates and mates?

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AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II To Get Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Update On June 26

After a moment of brief availability on Samsung's Kies desktop software, AT&T recently pulled the Android 4.0 update for the Samsung Galaxy S II. But it would appear that the dark days are over, as AT&T has just announced on its consumer blog that Ice Cream Sandwich will indeed come to AT&T-powered Galaxy S IIs tomorrow. Android 4.0 brings with it some pretty major improvements, including Face Unlock, easier multitasking, flexible widgets (which Samsung offers anyways, but whatevs), customizable notifications, a data usage app, and Android Beam.

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iOS 6 Maps to support Yelp check-ins

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HBT: Red Sox's Middlebrooks historically productive

Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks was batting .333/.380/.677 with nine home runs and 27 RBI in 100 plate appearances for Triple-A Pawtucket at the time of his promotion to the major leagues. And he?s barely slowed down at the next level.

Middlebrooks went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run and two RBI in Saturday?s 8-4 defeat of the Braves.

The 23-year-old native of Greenville, Texas now boasts a .960 OPS, nine homers and 33 RBI through the first 40 games of his major league career. That RBI total through 40 games is the most for any American League rookie since?Wally Joyner drove in 38 for the Angels back in 1986. And the most in baseball since Albert Pujols tallied 44 RBI in his first 40 games with the Cardinals to open the 2001 season.

Middlebrooks is here to stay. And Kevin Youkilis is on the move ? possibly to the White Sox.

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CapeCodToday: June 24 - 1675: King Philip's War begins; 1979: Cape Cod lesson in the oil crises: http://t.co/SJR8NnRW

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India breeze past Lebanon

Manandeep Singh led from the front to guide India to a 5-2 win over Lebanon in the AFC U-22 Championship in Muscat on Saturday.

Tears! They don?t always wet your eyes. Often they wet your heart. Your heart cries but your eyes stay dry. It?s a pain which you one can share with none, the pain of losing someone dear. After losing his grandfather three days back, striker Manandeep Singh, whenever in solitude, has howled. In public, his pain made him stronger as an individual.

He refused to go back to his hometown Hissar for the rituals. Instead, he chose Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, to be precise.

India opened their campaign by defeating Lebanon 5-2 in the opening match of the AFC U-22 Championship at the picturesque stadium. Manandeep paid the perfect tribute to his grandfather heading in a scorching header off a Lalrindika cross in the 16th minute to put India in the lead while Alwyn George slotted it past an advancing rival goalkeeper, Nazih Hassan, in the 39th minute.

He added one more in the 55th minute while Jeje Lalpekhlua scored his first goal in the 71st minute and completyed the rout in the 90th minute.

For Lebanon, substitute Omar Kurdi pulled one back in the 48th minute while Abdul Fattah scored another in the 69th minute.?

If that was all about the sacrifice, here?s something about the history. It was on this day that All India Football Federation was founded in Shimla in 1937. Even as former India Captain and legendary footballer, Chuni Goswami, unfurled the flag at Delhi?s Football House, which marked the start of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of AIFF, a new chapter unfolded on the green turf, that too against a team as technically equipped and physically strong as Lebanon.

The style was too possessive. The boys stayed as protective of the ball as if it was their girlfriend. They roamed around it all over, sometimes at a leisurely place, the next moment with a sudden run. Lebanon chased.

In the first half, India were more prepared; more organised. The practice sessions in Delhi and Dubai helped the team to acclimatise fast. Muscat, despite being more hot, was more homely for them than Lebanon.

Changing over, Lebanon reduced the margin almost immediately ? Omar Kurdi sneaking in between the two stoppers ? Souvik Ghosh and Deepak Devrani to slot it home. Suddenly it seemed, India were losing the plot and Arthur Papas, not much pleased in the momentum being lost, wanted to draft in Jeje Lalpeklua.

But even before Jeje replaced Manandeep, Alwyn George made it 3-1. Receiving it midway into the rival half, Alwyn snaked past three and placed it in the corner for his second goal of the match.

Abdul Fattah did tap in off a melee in the 70th minute for Lebanon but the very next minute Jeje announced his rival scoring the right corner of the inner box.

With no option left, Lebanon went all out. India stayed content in slowing down the pace for the rest of the match. Lebanon did try to press hard but it came too late. On the contrary, Dika hit the post which should have been India?s fifth goal.

Instead, Jeje made it 5-2 off a counter in the 90th minute.

It was a new resurgent India coached by 32-year Arthur Papas who played with more intent for a deserving victory.

In the dressing room, Manandeep couldn?t hold himself back. His heart was too wet by then and tears overflowed into his eyes. His teammates consoled him. Tears of pain? Or Tears of Joy?

?I wanted to pay my respect to my Grandfather. He loved me like anything,? Manandeep said. Alwyn came over put his arm around his shoulder and the duo walked towards the team bus. The rest followed.

Sacrifice; History; Future! All in one match!

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New York Times slams Apple Retail. Kinda.

Apple enjoys tremendous marketing benefits from the attention they attract as one of the most popular brands, and successful companies in the world. So it's only fair they also enjoy the equal and opposite results of that attention -- a burning spotlight on their every flaw, real and imagined. Once again, The New York Times turns that burning spotlight on Apple, this time examining Apple Retail.

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Video: Roadmap for Friday's Markets

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What Is an App Launcher? [What Is]

You wouldn't initially think it, but your phone's home screen is itself an app. It's an app that launches other apps—an app launcher, if you will. But if the app launcher native to your mobile isn't up to snuff, you can always replace it. More »

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Concept sneakers track your dancing moves with smartphone app

4 hrs.

Devin Coldewey

Does your Lindy Hop need a little polishing before you break it out in public??These concept shoes are equipped with accelerometers that detect every step, spin, and tap, relaying your moves to a smartphone app for instant feedback.

The designer, UK-based?Tom Sykes, feels that dance was a great way for young people to exercise and learn, but existing dance products aimed at their demographic (games on the Wii and Xbox, for instance) aren't quite instructive enough. So he set out to make something new.

The result is the GroundWave Shadow, which combines a smart shoes with a smartphone. Each sneaker has an accelerometer built in, and they both connect wirelessly to an special app loaded with dance moves. As you stomp, slide, and turn, the moves are compared in real time?with what you should be doing.

How you are to keep your phone in view while popping and locking isn't addressed, but other than that, the project (still little more than a concept and prototype) seems realistic enough. Many pairs of shoes already come with sensors, like the Nike+ series, which also syncs with an app.

The futuristic shoes may never actually make it to market, but the idea is sound. You can learn more about them at the designer's site.

Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for msnbc.com. His personal website is coldewey.cc.

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Taliban siege at Kabul hotel kills at least 23

Elite Afghan police backed by NATO forces ended a 12-hour siege on Friday at a popular lakeside hotel outside Kabul. Msnbc.com's Alex Witt reports.

By Cheryll Simpson, NBC News in Kabul, and Reuters

Updated at 7:38 a.m. ET Friday: KABUL ? Guests swam for their lives after five Taliban gunmen attacked a lakeside hotel in Afghanistan, killing at least 18 people and taking 50 others hostage in a siege lasting several hours, according to reports.

The militants -- armed with rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns -- attacked the exclusive Spozhmai hotel in the Qargha Lake recreation area late Thursday, bursting into a private party and shooting dead hotel workers.?

The local police chief told NBC News that all five insurgents were killed. The Associated Press quoted local police as saying the civilian death toll was 18 - including hotel guards and a policeman - and likely to climb.?

---

Many terrified guests jumped into the lake in darkness to escape the carnage, according to Afghan officials and local residents.

More photos: Afghan, NATO forces fight back?after Taliban gunmen take hostages at lakeside hotel

Ahmad Jamshid / AP

A soldier from NATO-led forces, center, outside the Spozhmai hotel after the attack came to an end on Friday.

Reuters journalist Hamid Shalizi reported?that the guests were a party of wealthy Afghans.

NBC News producer Cheryll Simpson said on Twitter that heavy gunfire could be heard from the hotel, which is about six miles from the center of Kabul.

The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the hotel was used for "prostitution, alcohol and immorality,"?she reported.

For the deeply conservative Taliban, men and women who simply mingle, perhaps flirt, are condemned as pimps and prostitutes who deserve punishment sanctioned by God.

8-year-old cleaner tells of attack
Rasoul Khan, 8, who works as a cleaner at the hotel, told Reuters that Taliban gunmen ?were asking everyone where the pimps were. They shot anyone who would not co-operate with them."

The young boy had a facial injury.

With a quavering voice, Ebadullah, 14, another cleaner at the hotel, described how one of his friends wet himself when an insurgent demanded information on the whereabouts of other guests.

Musadeq Sadeq / AP

People hide from militants outside the Spozhmai hotel on Lake Qurgha during an attack on the hotel on Friday.

"He cried and said that he was an orphan and was the only bread winner for his family," he told Reuters.?

At a military hospital in Kabul where the wounded were treated, engineer Salder Rahi recalled how he had gone to the hotel to meet his brother and three friends. By the end of the ordeal, his sibling was among the dead.

"They opened fire on everybody. Everybody just ran. There was a party outside and I saw the father shot dead and his wife wounded," Rahi told Reuters.

Massoud Hossaini / AFP - Getty Images

NATO UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters fly near the Spozhmai Hotel in Qargha lake in the outskirts of Kabul in the early hours of Friday.

Abdullah Samadi, 24, was just settling in at the hotel when he heard a huge blast from an RPG, followed by gunfire.?"We tried to escape, but we were surrounded by suicide bombers. We hid ourselves beneath a tree until morning. God protected us," he said.

The gunmen, Samadi said, had been closely watching their prisoners and searching for illegal stocks of wine.

"Around dawn they came closer to us and we had to jump in the water," he said. "We were there until 9 a.m. and then the situation got better and we slowly, slowly swam toward security forces."

Elite Afghan quick-response police backed by NATO troops freed the remaining hostages and killed the gunmen in an operation that only began in earnest after sunrise to help security forces avoid unnecessary civilian deaths in night-time confusion.

Two NATO attack helicopters could be seen over the single-story hotel building and a balcony popular with guests for its sunset views.

'Crime against humanity'
The incident again highlighted the ability of the Afghan Taliban to stage high-profile attacks even as NATO nations prepare to withdraw most combat troops by the end of 2014, leaving Afghan forces to take the lead against the insurgency.

Authorities are about midway through a transition process during which security responsibility is being handed from NATO-led foreign troops to Afghan forces.

"This is a crime against humanity because they targeted children, women and civilians picnicking at the lake. There wasn't even a single soldier around there," said General Mohammad Zahir, head of the Kabul police investigation unit.

Qargha Lake is one of Kabul's few options for weekend getaways. Restaurants and hotels that dot the shore are popular with Afghan government officials and businessmen, particularly on Thursday nights.

Ahmad Jamshid / AP

More than ten years after the beginning of the war, Afghanistan faces external pressure to reform as well as ongoing internal conflicts.

Guests at the Spozhmai must pass through hotel security before entering the hotel, where tables with umbrellas overlook the water, but security is relatively light for a city vulnerable to militant attacks.

Violence across Afghanistan has surged in recent days, with three U.S. soldiers and more than a dozen civilians killed in successive attacks, mostly in the country's east where NATO-led forces have focused their efforts during the summer fighting months.

Several well-planned assaults in Kabul in the past year have raised questions about whether the Taliban and their al Qaeda-linked Haqqani network allies have shifted tactics to embrace high-profile attacks targeting landmarks, foreigners and Afghanistan's elite, extending a guerrilla war once primarily waged in the countryside.

Afghan insurgents attacked Kabul's heavily protected diplomatic and government district on April 15 in an assault, eventually quelled by Afghan special forces guided by Western mentors, similar to one in September 2011.

President Hamid Karzai told a special session of parliament on Thursday that attacks by insurgents against Afghan police and soldiers were increasing as most foreign combat troops prepare to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014.?

Reuters contributed to this report.

More world news from msnbc.com and NBC News:

Follow us on Twitter: @msnbc_world

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.

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Top Romney donors gather for posh retreat in UT

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'Brave,' 'Hunger Games' And The History Of Lady Archers

As Princess Merida joins the big-screen leagues of Katniss Everdeen, we look at the sport's storied past, in Hobnobbing.
By Amy Wilkinson

Jennifer Lawrence in "The Hunger Games"
Photo:

A fiery bow-and-arrow-wielding heroine not named Katniss Everdeen? Color us intrigued!

This weekend, Pixar will take aim at the box-office bull's-eye with its first foray into the fairy-tale princess pic. "Brave" follows a young Scottish royal named Merida, who bucks her parents' wishes, insisting on paving her own path — with bow firmly in hand.

Of course, the animated flick is only the latest this year to feature an adept bow-woman (or bowman). There was Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) in "The Avengers," William (Sam Claflin) in "Snow White and the Huntsman" and, our obvious favorite, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) in "The Hunger Games." Unsurprisingly, this slew of big-screen portrayals has helped revive interest in the ancient sport, with more and more amateur archers sizing up their targets.

But let's be clear about one thing: Bow-besotted babes are nothing new. Lady archers have been around practically since the dawn of time. Follow me down their storied path:

Like most grand ideas, the concept of a woman and her bow has roots in Greek mythology. "Amazon" may be a compliment for a leggy lady nowadays, but maybe it shouldn't be, considering the ancient archers were often depicted with their left breast cut off to make wielding their weaponry simpler. The Greek goddess of the hunt, Artemis, was also frequently pictured holding a bow and arrow (sans missing mammary glands).

Throughout the Middle Ages, archery served dual purposes: fending off enemies and hunting prey for sustenance. But by the Elizabethan era, it had become a posh pastime, with proper ladies learning the sport — along with dancing and riding — as part of their studies. (P.E. was soooo much cooler back then.) In fact, Queen Elizabeth I herself (daughter of Henry VIII) is said to have been a skilled archer.

A few hundred years later, the sport made its Olympics debut in 1900, with women taking up arms at the 1904 games. The event took a hiatus from the Games between 1920 and 1972, reappearing at the Munich Olympics. And while plenty of Hollywood heavyweights have learned the skill for a movie, one took it upon herself to learn for the sport of it. Actress Geena Davis made it all the way to the semifinal rounds of the Olympic trials in 1999, hoping to compete in the 2000 games in Sydney. The games and a gold medal were not in Davis' future, but she already has one gilded goody (namely, an Oscar) to console herself.

And speaking of actresses and archery, the last few decades have offered up a bumper crop of bow roles, from Gwyneth Paltrow in "Emma" to Saoirse Ronan in "Hannah." And, of course, Lawrence in "The Hunger Games."

All we have so say is, may the odds be ever in your favor, lady archers!

Is Katniss your favorite fictional archer? Do you plan to see "Brave" this weekend? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns!

Earlier "Hunger Games" columns:
» "Catching Fire" In IMAX: Time To Embrace The Big, Big Screen?
» "Hunger Games": Five Things We Learned At Movie Awards
» How "Catching Fire" Could Set Taylor Kitsch's Career Ablaze
» "Hunger Games" At The Movie Awards: Dos And Don'ts
» "Catching Fire" Countdown: What to Watch While You Wait

Check out everything we've got on "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire."

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