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Tax Preparation: Should you do-it-yourself or hire a professional?
Tax preparation requires keeping up with the latest tax laws. This article explains different avenues of preparing your tax return, as well as why you might want to seek a tax expert to prepare your upcoming tax filing. It briefly distinguishes tax firms and why you should not always shop for price but rather value.
DIY: Tax Return by Hand
While many people prefer to prepare their own annual tax returns, it may be best to change this old-fashioned habit and seek professional assistance. By using tax software, you will reduce mistakes, have the ability to e-file, and quickly send your return to the IRS with immediate electronic confirmation.
DIY: Tax Return by Tax Software
There is an oft-quoted saying in computer programming: "Garbage in, garbage out". Assuming you are fluent in a particular brand of tax software, you may potentially become more productive in better understanding the language of taxation. In the case of a very simple tax return, it might make sense to use tax software. For a more complicated tax return, however, there are significant variables to consider. In 2012, the IRS estimated that the average taxpayer spent about 22 hours preparing their simple 2011 tax return. This time went up to at
least 32 hours for more complicated tax returns, such as those requiring either a Schedule C,
1. What is the "true cost" of doing it yourself? E or both. Moreover, tax laws constantly change. Case in point, over the past 49 years, the majority of U.S. tax laws have been repeatedly amended over 90% of the time. From year 2000 to 2011, there were 3,500 tax law changes. Given the, you should ask yourself the following questions.
Answer: 22 hours x your wage per hour + software cost + potential mistakes; assuming you make
only $20 per hour and the software cost of $59 including e-filing privilege, then your total cost is about $499, not factoring cost of correcting any mistakes. Correcting mistakes can prove far more costly. There is professional fee and potentially IRS assessment. If you have been preparing your own taxes, it might benefit you to get a FREE tax audit. Our tax company offers this service for FREE.
2. Are you knowledgable with tax law so as to ensure that you are answering the tax software questions correctly?
Hiring the Tax Professional—Who?
ITS Financial Groups is located on 1516 W. Redondo Beach Blvd in Gardena. Within a 1 mile radius of this location there exists at least a dozen tax companies. The credential and relevant tax experience of staffs among tax firms range from having none to having highly qualified associates. In general, the taxpayers ultimately are responsible for mistakes. So instead of just hiring anyone to prepare your tax, do your homework. Treat it as if you are getting a major medical procedure done. Would you want just anyone to operate on you? Good tax accountants go beyond inputting figures. First, they will ask tons of questions to understand your specific situation. Second, such top tax accountant seeks to cover lawful tax credit and deductions. Third, they will give you some advice and future tax planning. Lastly, a great tax accountant who has a coordinated financial team is hard to find. Tax and financial mistakes can cost you hundreds, even thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Opinions are abundant and cheap, so it is best to shop for value instead of price when it comes to professional services. Look for a tax company that will give you at least 20 minutes complimentary meeting, because value takes time to judge. Ask lots of questions and ensure you are completely comfortable with their resources. Should you need further guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us at 424-999-8829. To learn more detail about "How to Pick the Right Accountant", read our article on the home page.


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The 12-tracked album comprises of songs like "Ready To Praiz", "Pray For Me", "No Other Name" & his hit single "Morire" featuring female gospel singer, Monique amongst others. Other features on the album include; Pv Idemudia, Flo, A'dam & others.
Christian and Inspirational News, Events, Happenings in Nigeria and about Nigerians

subset: commoncrawl


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Life –Work Harmony Mentoring
"Have you ever noticed that when everything is perfect at work, home falls apart
and then when home is going great, work falls apart; therein lies the balance."
With the technique she developed called
Sherapy, Dr. Berry works with individuals and small groups either in person, by phone or by video-conference, helping them to develop the skills necessary to find optimum life-work harmony.
Author and Ghost Writer
"I love to write, but sometimes, I feel like I'm just holding the pen allowing the words to flow through me."
Bertice Bertice, PhD. has published 11 best-seller and critically acclaimed books both fiction and non-fiction. She has also shared her writing talents with those who have great ideas and techniques but little time or skill for delivering them. She works with would-be authors helping them deliver the story or idea that needs to be told.
Speaker Development
"The greatest area of diversity is in how we process information; the second greatest is in how that information is delivered."
Bertice Berry helps great thinkers develop and match their ideas with great presentations. With over 25 years of experience with presenting complex ideas to those who need to share their thoughts and information in the most effective and yet authentic way, she works with individuals and small teams of people who are dedicated to presenting their best self.
Wellness Mentor
"Wellness is the re-integration of the spirit, mind and body."
Bertice Berry, PhD., mentors to groups and one-on one for total balance after major life changes.
Conference MC
Because of Dr. Berry's popularity as a keynote speaker, she is often asked back as the Master of Ceremonies for the entire conference. Her humor and ability to be quick on her feet has made her a conference favorite. "Dr. Berry went above and beyond and made our conference the best ever."
© 2013 | Dr. Bertice Berry, Ph. D


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Turn your global event sponsorships into extraordinary experiences
As a sponsor, the success of your global event sponsorships demands nimble management of frenetically changing pieces. Blendery works with you to simplify event management by creating a customized sponsorship software platform. From receipt of ticket and room inventory to the departure of your last guest, Blendery's intelligent sponsorship event software streamlines the details of your ticketing, rooms, travel and logistics into a single system. This enables you to focus on your VIPs and guests, as well as make fast decisions based on the most current and shared information.
No more tracking down and managing potentially outdated information. Your staff is free to focus on creating personalized and extraordinary VIPs experiences – resulting in higher return on investment from your sponsorship.
Intelligent insight. Extraordinary experiences.
What we Do
Simplify your global event sponsorship experience and free your team to deliver extraordinary experiences.
How we work
Streamline registration, ticketing, housing and logistics into a single sponsorship management platform customized for you.


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Summer days have faded and autumn nights are drawing in fast. Green turns to orange and whilst sharp, fresh mornings are a wonderful wake up call, dark, grey mornings are most certainly not.
Our summer holidays are a fading memory and Christmas is surely still too far away to get excited about. So how are we going to fill the void until the December holidays come around? Well there's always Halloween and Bonfire Night to look forward to….there again, this could be the perfect time to think seriously about taking a City Break.
Low cost airlines have made most of the major cities across Europe easily accessible, and you really can be spoilt for choice as to where to go.
From Amsterdam to Warsaw and so many places in between, the hardest part is deciding which City Break to take first.
If you are looking for a sunshine break then the sooner the better and cities like Marrakech in Morocco can offer temperatures well above 22° right through into early November. Combine the perfect break of shopping and relaxing in the sun, with a maze full of beautiful traditional Riads to choose from for your accommodation.
Paris can be both passionate and fun, with a visit to the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysee and romantic river Seine, combined with a night at the Moulin Rouge and a trip to Disneyland. That's all before you even hit those designer shops and affluent boutiques.
Venice can look just as beautiful in the winter time as it does during the summer months. The crisp, fresh air creates the perfect setting for wrapping up and wandering through the fascinating architecture that this city has to offer. It might be too cold to sit on some for the café terraces; however the interiors are just as chic and the perfect place to relax with a good book and steaming hot chocolate.
A winter trip to Rome is the ideal time to visit this fascinating city, temperatures are definitely starting to drop, but it rarely ever snows, and compared to our cold winter days here in the UK, you are likely to find Roman ones much milder. It is usually warm enough to wrap up and still enjoy your glass of wine and pizza al fresco. Christmastime in Rome is also very special as the entire city becomes a winter wonderland with Christmas trees and traditional stalls lining the streets. If you are lucky enough to be there over the Christmas holiday the highlight of the season is the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, and the Christmas Message delivered at noon on Christmas Day, both presided over by the Pope himself.
It's not just Rome that has Christmas markets to offer, there are over 150 to choose from in France and Germany alone. The sights and smells of the festive season are a treat for your senses as seller offer herbs, spices, hot chestnuts and scented candles. Fairy lights adorn every visible surface and at some of them you might even be lucky enough to meet the great man himself as he checks his lists and instructs his elves on who had been naughty and who has been nice.
It's time to choose your destination, get your flight and accommodation booked and treat yourself to a wonderful City Break; it can be as energetic or as relaxing as you want to make it. It can be with a bunch of friends, a special partner of even a treat for some 'me' time giving the chance to discover new places, new people and perhaps even a new you, all before New Year.


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Hi all. Looking for some input on charm sq. use and methods. Now I know I don't have to wash them before using, made that mistake once already. What I need to know is do I need to starch or size them before I cut and sew them. I always size my yardage before cutting, but that has been washed. I am starting a half hex quilt made out of the charm sqs. I want to do it full or queen size, so there will be hundreds of charms and half charms. Do you think the sizing or pretreating or what ever they call it that they do to fabric when it is manufactured is enough?
Thanks for the help!


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Here's a few from a recent family session I did at Cabin John Park in Bethesda, MD. I've photographed this family once before and I love seeing their family grow over the past year. Lots of bubbles and fun times during this session.
These photos were shot with Kodak Portra 400.


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Catering for business and private clients for up to 50 persons
From fingerfood up to dessert, our home-made specialties will be delivered completely ready to eat, won't leave any desire unfulfilled and will offer you the greatest possible variability suitable to the character and time table of your event.
We are pleased to send you our new catalogue. Please enter your contact details.


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I knew I would meet and make friends when I went to school. I'm a social kind of girl.
Once in 6th grade band when asked if I would rather talk or play my instrument, I boldly looked at my teacher, cocked my head, and with a little sass in my voice replied, "I'd rather talk." I was promptly told to go into the hallway and 'talk to myself'.
Anyway, back to the subject at hand, making friends in college. I made the typical kinds of friends, class friends, friends for the moment, partying friends, friends I lost touch with because life happened, close friends, and life long friends.
One of my life long friends I met was my room mate, Rachel. To this day I still refer to her as my room mate and rarely, as simply my friend. To me room mate means so much more. You see Rachel and I lived together for 4 years. In those 4 years we created a friendship, a bond, that will never be broken. It's not often that you meet a complete stranger and find that you are able to relate to and understand that person so completely.
We both started out with different room mates. My 1st room mate moved out of the dorms and into an apartment shortly after the school year began.
She was too cool for me. She was a sophomore and I was only a freshman . . . 'Like oh my gosh!' Oh by the way she was also a cheerleader if you couldn't guess. I was so glad to get rid of her. I wasn't sure I was going to make it in college living with her.
I asked Rachel if she would be willing to move up to my floor and room with me. I am so thankful that she said yes. We were meant to meet each other and become friends. While we don't see or speak with one another as frequently as we both would like we both know that no matter what we are there for one another.
I always look forward to and love the times that Rach and I get to spend together, I fear that the next time I see her it won't be a happy time. Her dad isn't doing well. He's sick. Cancer has invaded and is taking over his body. With every fiber of my being I want to just fix this for her. This is my personality. When something is wrong I fix it and things are better. No matter how hard I try I can't fix this one and it tear me apart. So in an effort to 'fix' things for her I'm going to try a little comic relief and reminisce about some of our favorite memories.
*Before reading about my college stories I need you to know a few things. First, all while I did like to have fun with my friends I didn't drink as much as it appears. It was just what we took pictures of most frequently. Also, I did go to school to get an education which I was able to accomplish.
*Please excuse the rather crappy pictures. I had to resort to taking a picture of a picture :(
|Me, Rach, and Cat
|Courtney, Rachel, Me, and Cat


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I like to stick babies in buckets. When doing photography, that is. See below photographs for evidence.
I am really happy that so many of you are participating in the giveaway of a session down in the next post. It's been really fun to see all the entries and suggestions for Halloween Costumes. I think I actually may dress up this year! If only I had a party to go to. HINT. jk. I really have appreciated all the links coming in from some of your blogs. You shall be rewarded for your efforts! Go eat chocolate.
I've been gearing up for what is bound to be the craziest, most insane, most busy, most fun Holiday Season ever. This weekend I head out to DC to meet 9 families for sessions, followed by a long trip out to Utah for sessions, followed by a trip out to Arizona for sessions, followed by a trip to Seattle for sessions! I am SO excited. If I have not speedily replied to your email or phone call- hang in and I will get to it tomorrow! Tomorrow is catch up day. :) Remember, the deadline for the giveaway is Thursday the 2nd at midnight!
BLUE LILY | Lifestyle Photographer | Salt Lake City, Utah


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Exploring Different Types of Pianos
Pianos are one of the loveliest forms of musical instrument today, though they vary greatly since their creation in the early 1700's by Bartolomeo Cristofori, widely held to be the inventor of the pianoforte, which gradually evolved into the piano. Pianos themselves have gone through a gradual evolution, and the development of the modern piano truly began during the industrial revolution, with access to technology and material that offered pianists a more sustained, powerful piano sound.
About the Author: Marcela De Vivo writes for the Davidandersenpianos.com


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Sasha Set (Top & Skirt) - African Ankara
Vavoom! Just in time for your special occasion. Our Sasha African Ankara Crop Top and red skirt set is so flattering; cute, yet sexy. Ankara style Top and skirt are lined with red satin for an extra touch.
*Comes in a crystal/jeweled top option. Select this option if preferred.
- Set includes Crop top and Mini skirt
- Skirt layered with tulle and satin
- 2 concealed pockets
- Model wears Medium


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To make your practice successful, you have to market it with the dedication and consistency it deserves. That includes staying on top of major marketing trends, which have undoubtedly shifted over recent years. Word of mouth remains the most effective form of advertisement, but what about the non-referral advertisement? How are you generating leads for your practice? Are your marketing efforts changing and evolving with trends, or are you sticking to the antiquated and nearly obsolete advertising methods physicians used decades ago? If you are ready to revolutionize your practice image and start standing out from the crowd, perhaps it is time to bring your marketing into 2016. Here, we break down some of the top advertising trends for doctors this year.
Social Media Interaction
Like it or not, current and potential patients are active on social media. As of this year, there are a record 1.5 billion people on Facebook alone, and the numbers are constantly growing. What other platforms can give you instant visibility to crowds of any size, type and interest? Facebook auto-populates your practice Facebook page, allowing others to check-in, like it, and review it – all without your input. Wouldn't you prefer to be part of the conversation?
"Social media and the Internet haven't changed our capacity for social interaction any more than the Internet has changed our ability to be in love or our basic propensity to violence, because those are such fundamental human attributes." Nicholas A. Christakis
By actively engaging on social media, you can moderate the dialogue on your page, respond to comments and questions, and engage an audience that is interested in your practice and its services. Not to mention, an active Facebook page might help you convey a sense of approachability and authority in your field.
Online Reputation Management
Your reputation precedes you – even in the privacy of your own office. Today's medical consumer is more involved in his personal care than ever before and also more likely to research the reviews of other patients before scheduling an appointment. Just a few negative reviews can inflict significant damage to your practice reputation, potentially steering would-be patients toward competitors. It is up to you to uphold the name of your practice by responding to the comments of patients and providing them with a platform with which to share their thoughts. Not only does this show existing patients that you appreciate their comments, but it also shows potential patients that you care about their business.
"Whether true or false, what is said about men often has as much influence on their lives, and particularly on their destinies, as what they do." – Victor Hugo
PPC Local Marketing
When it comes to paid digital advertising, pay-per-click (PPC) is the king of instantaneous results. Unlike traditional marketing techniques, which carry high costs and are distributed to a broad audience, PPC is more personalized to the needs of your practice. Specifically, PPC allows you to create customized ad campaigns that are highly targeted to certain people groups, whether based on age and interests, or a particular type of search history. It allows for rapid expansion of your brand and a way for you to learn more about your demographic.
"Search, a marketing method that didn't exist a decade ago, provides the most efficient and inexpensive way for businesses to find leads." John Battelle
Imagine being listed far above your competitors when someone in your city searches for a doctor of your specialty. If you are a cosmetic surgeon, for example, you might wish to target people researching rhinoplasty in your region. Ultimately, physicians pay only for the ads that are clicked, maximizing your marketing funds and eliminating waste. Furthermore, PPC can provide a measurable return on investment and give you insights into the types of ads that are working and those that are not. If you are not utilizing PPC in your practice, you could be missing out on a tremendous amount of exposure and traffic to your website.
Content Marketing
Website content has long been the foundation of natural web traffic generation. However, the quality and authority of your website's contents are more important than ever before. Customized content helps your site stand out to visitors, as well as search engines.
"Marketing is telling the world you're a rock star. Content Marketing is showing the world you are one."Robert Rose
Video Marketing
One of the fastest growing trends in physician content marketing is video-based advertising. From YouTube to Facebook, video ads are everywhere; they are virtually inescapable! In fact, online video ads are one of the most effective ways of getting patients to watch an ad. Over the past decade, DVRs and streaming video services have led to a drop in commercial viewership. With so many people consuming media online, video ads are a smart way to target new patients in your area.
As a physician, your blog serves as a platform to share your thoughts, recommendations, and endorsements in an informal way. Carefully crafted blog articles not only provide helpful information to your patients, but also give you beneficial exposure when your blog is shared with others. It is a way to indirectly advertise to potential patients without the reader feeling as though she is being pitched a sales presentation. Not to mention, a highly optimized blog post goes a long way in naturally and organically boosting your search engine rankings.
Branding, Design, and Development
Branding should be at the root of your advertising, regardless of which medium you choose. Your practice brand should follow patients from your digital space to print, and eventually into your office. In 2016, doctors are discovering that a custom website is not only helpful, but it is essential for building a long-lasting brand. Unlike templates that are duplicated by your competitors, a custom-designed website can convey the unique message of your practice whether you which to be seen as a family-friendly pediatric office or one of the most revered neurologists in your state.
"A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer's decision to choose one product or service over another. " Seth Godin
When you create your website from the ground-up, you are creating more than a few pages about your practice; you are producing an interactive user experience that visitors will enjoy and remember. You have the power to define your practice through a website that is beautiful, functional, and well-optimized. A custom site can engage new patients and encourage them to schedule an appointment on-the-spot.
For more information about 2016 marketing trends for doctors, contact the team at Optimized360.


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Thanks to our friends at Facebook and Instagram, a lot of us instinctly eat with our eyes before we even get a taste with our mouth. When I saw a picture of Food And Wine's Sharlokta (a traditional Russian apple cake), I knew it was something I'd have to try. First of all, I LOVE fruit desserts. Second of all, I had been dreaming of a very similar french dessert (Clafoutis) that Jon prepared from one of our Raw Spice Club packets earlier this year. Once this strangely constructed Sharlotka caught my eye on Pinterest, everything just felt right!
Although I had a few concerns the recipe would be out of scope for my afternoon, to my surprise, the only ingredients I needed to purchase were 4 apples, powdered sugar, and almond extract (in which case I'm still convinced there's another vile of extract sitting in the back of my pantry). What's more– the only prep required was a little chopping, and basic cake making tasks: mix wet stuff into a bowl, mix dry stuff into bowl, pour bowl contents into a baking dish.
In terms of a formal description for the Sharlotka, it's basically a cross between a biscotti and an apple coffee cake… the top is kind of hard but the inside is soft. That may sound little bizarre, but it's absolutely fabulous served warm. Now, when it comes to flavor the taste of almond extract may be a polarizing. For me, I find that almond paste or extract truly adds a wow factor. For jon, the presence of almond was more of a distraction.
So that's it. I loved it, the coworkers who gobbled it up from the work break room loved it, and hopefully you will too! See below for an adapted version of Food and Wine's Apple Sharlotka.
4 Granny Smith apples
1 Tablespoon lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
1 Cup white granulated sugar
3/4 Cup and 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/4 Teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 Teaspoon cloves
3 Eggs
1/4 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Teaspoon almond extract
2 Tablespoons confectioners sugar (for dusting)
- Wash, peel and chop apples into thin slices.
- In a large bowl, mix apple slices, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cover or place in a zip loc bag, setting the contents aside for atleast one hour.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a different large bowl, whisk eggs, 3/4 cups sugar, and almond extract together thoroughly. When egg and sugar mixture is smooth, slowly pour flour and 1/8 teaspoon salt into the bowl and mix.
- Place apples into baking ware (I used a 9″ pie pan), and pouring the contents of the other bowl on top. Let this sit for 5 minutes before placing into the oven.
- Allow the sharlotka to cook for 1 hour and cool for atleast 15 minutes.
- Dust the dish with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Note: If you're preparing this dish for family and friends make sure you warn them of the possible nut allergy :).


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my dyslexia
Hello! My name is Izzy and I'am 20 years old, and I have dyslexia, for those of you who aren't familiar with dyslexia its basically a learning difficulty that affects your writing, reading and sometimes speech, however it does not affect your intelligence. So now we are all on the same page and understanding of what dyslexia is, I want to share with you my experience with it and how its been my best and worst quality, and if you also have dyslexia then I hope you can find some common ground with that I have to say.
As most stories do, its start with where it all began! Dyslexia is something your born with, but some people don't realise they have it until they are much older, growing up the main thing I struggled with was speech, my parents would just find it funny how I couldn't pronounce certain words and didn't pay to much attention to it. When I started primary school, it became apparent that other children where learning much quicker than me, my earliest memory was in year 2 learning the 5 times table, we would all stand up and say the 5 times table together, however instead of knowing the 5 times table I remember just looking at everyone else and trying to copy the way their mouth moved. Again I was so young that no one ever saw it as a problem I was just a little slower, nothing wrong with that. About the age of 8 I was always pulled out of my classes to have one on one tutoring with other teachers, to help me with my spelling and reading, I thought every other student was getting the same treatment, until I realised the my reading books where just filled with images and no words, when all my friends reading books would have words. It was when I was finishing primary school at age 10 that my teacher called in my mum to talk about my spelling and reading, my teacher realised I had a love for English but still couldn't spell simple words, use a full stop properly or read a paragraph without stumbling on my words. It was at that moment my teacher brought up dyslexia and thought it would be a good idea for me to get tested for it. The test took about half an hour, and when the results confirmed that I was dyslexic, so with this information I remember feeling kind of revealed that I wasn't just 'dumb' or 'stupid' but I was also scared to see how it would affect me in the future. Fast forward to secondary school and getting ready for my GCSE's, I loved English and really enjoyed the class, but I was still struggling with my grammar and puncuation MASSIVELY! Like easy simple words that a 6 year old could spell, I should also add that none of my friends at school or teachers knew I was dyslexic, I decided to keep it to myself because I was low key embarrassed and didn't want the 'special' treatment or extra help that I use to get at primary school, being a teenager at school can be difficult enough sometimes, I didn't want anything to draw anymore attention to myself or stick out as different in any way! So silently I struggled with the work, my homework wouldn't get handed in on time, my assignments wouldn't be completed and I couldn't keep up with the reading, from the outside it looked like I was just a lazy student who didn't care, but the reality was I would stay up some nights crying because I just couldn't do the work. It sucked. I had all the answers and ideas in my head but I just couldn't put it into words, I didn't know how to write it all on paper without it making no sense. I remember the day of my English mock exam, it was the worst exam for English I had ever done. I got the result back and I got a D, at the bottom of the paper it said 'please see me after class' I've never been so upset and frustrated with myself. The truth is I was actually in the top group of my English class because I of my genuine interest in the class, but I had to try 10 times harder than everyone else to remain in that group, but when it came to the mock exam I just couldn't keep it up and cracked under the pressure. Me and my English teacher spoke for a good hour after the class and I told her about my dyslexia and how I didn't want my class mates to know about it, she understood and said that if I won't let her help me then I need to take care of this myself and over the holidays get my head down and study like crazy. So I did. I studied like the mad women, I have never worked harder on anything in my life. I needed to get at least a C to go to the college I wanted to go to, I had 2 weeks to turn a low D grade to a C grade. Anyways long story short I ended up getting a B, a flipping B! I was sooooo happy and my parents and teacher couldn't believe it! This was the first moment I realised that being dyslexic didn't have to hold me back from succeeding, that if I didn't make it problem then it didn't have to be a problem. The next hurdle I had to get over with dyslexia was when I started to learn to drive, it took me 3 TIMES to pass my theory test, I remember failing the first time thinking it was okay, most people fail at first, but feeling so confident the 2nd time thinking I nailed it and put all my hard work into it, when I found out I failed the 2nd time I wanted to give up so much, I was getting dumb questions wrong and getting the words form the test all mixed up in my brain, basically when I try reading something quite quickly certain words jump out and I misread some words so the question means something else, its hard to explain but makes it nearly impossible to read paragraphs and actually process the words. I gave my everything into that 2nd theory test, I remember getting in the car with my mum and bursting into tears of frustration. Being dyslexic never upset me it mainly just made me mad, its like you can't control parts of your brain. I remember saying to my mum that all my friends passed there 2nd time and I was already studying more than them, my mum turned to me and said 'I know its hard for you to hear but you just have to try that little bit harder than everyone else'. The majority of my life I have heard that sentence over and over again 'you just have to try a little harder than everyone else' and its true, I do and I hate that I do, as I've gotten older I had to try harder than my friends to complete college, get my drivers license and to get a job. I have always had to try harder and honestly its been one my biggest struggles in my life, but as I have gotten older I have leant how to cope with it and realised when I really focus and concentrate I can overcome it, so if you also struggle with dyslexia or any other learning disability then please know it gets better and you can still achieve anything that everyone else is, and when you do it is the most amazing feeling.
So yeah! Thats my story and hopefully it gave you a little bit more information and myself and why in my blog posts my spelling and grammar can be completely off! Starting this blog was something I always wanted to do, but because of my dyslexia I was to scared to start, so I do apologise if my spelling and grammar are wrong, its something I'm still working on. And I hope you can take something from this blog weather you have dyslexia or not, I hope it gave you an inside to what it can be like, obviously I am aware that there are many other learning disabilities that are way worse than this, but doesn't mean that its not horrible and hard to live with. Thank you for reading! If you would like more personal posts like this then do leave a comment saying so and comment what you think about this post. Bye for now :)
11/5/2017 02:52:45 am
Wow, I read this and straight away felt a sense of proudness and admiration towards you. Well done lovely for holding tight and getting through this despite the setbacks. Hopefully you will go on to achieve some incredible things! All the best!
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Break through ceilings and rescue princesses as you get yourself to the top of the Knightmare Tower!Action sword and fantasy game, similar to Burrito Bison with upgrades and such. Stay tuned for other new games.
Click here play!
NewStuff >
NewStuff >
Knightmare Towerposted Feb 8, 2014, 7:28 PM by Uriel Barbosa [ updated Feb 8, 2014, 8:07 PM ]


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When we set out to begin dreaming and writing for the Kingdom Rise project, there was something very special about the phrase that emerged as the title.
The ideas of service, engagement, worship, action and justice as followers of Jesus were at the center - but, there was some much needed confession and repentance that needed to be dealt with in the areas of unity in the Kingdom, and it's fleshly arch-rival…competition.
You see, I don't know if it is like this were you live, but often found deep in the underbelly of churches in the Bible-belt of America there is a spiritually deforming and non-Gospel centered issue (competition) that gets justified in an effort to reach more and more people for Jesus. To the average churchgoer, this typically lies unseen... But the deeper you get into leadership of a small group, congregation, denomination, or network of churches - and the larger that gets numerically- the more temptation arises to lead from a position of pride and ego… both of which have no place in the Kingdom of God.
I know because this was me.
"Those poor guys leading those small churches - they just don't get it." "If he was just a better preacher, more people would show up." "Have you heard their worship?" "That church is not relevant at all… they are so old school."
I'm definitely not saying every large (or small church) leader in the Bible-belt deals with this, but what I am saying is that I personally feel this was an issue that many of the "successful" people in ministry I had the opportunity to get to know and work alongside struggled with. No judgment, just fact.
Our Awaken team has been feeling ever more convicted that if we want to see revival and transformation in our cities in the name and power of Jesus, then confession and repentance of competition amongst brothers and sisters must occur. We have to surrender and get past this arguing, judging, prideful, competitive spirit before we can ever live in love and unity within our own family.
What if we were truly and genuinely happy for the impact another believer is being used to make for Jesus? What if we prayed for them? What if impact for Jesus and His Kingdom was the evaluative measure for success in our communities and cities, not just our individual Christian Empires?
"The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind -
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me." John 17:21-23
Father, may your Kingdom Rise and our Empires fall.


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- Upset the Rhythm
Listen to the track below
"R.I.P. Static"
Gentle Friendly run the sonic gamut from expansive noise-pop to harsh tape-loop experiments to saxophone-augmented indie-rock. Upping the eccentricity quota, the London lo-fi duo take unexpected thematic cues from American hip-hop as well. In 2008, they released a single called "Ride Around Shining", in a clear hat-tip to the Clipse banger of the same name; on "R.I.P. Static", a highlight from their album Ride Slow, vocalist David Morris lays a high-pitched, precisely metered stream of observations atop a heavily distorted, buzzing organ drone in the manner of Anticon honcho/Subtle mouthpiece Doseone.
Initially, Morris' lyrics are about as discernible as Lil' Wayne's syrup-addled digressions, riffing on "the outside world" and being "in a restaurant watching television," before coming to the somewhat anti-climactic conclusion that "some secrets everybody knows." But drummer Daniel Boyle provides metronomic snare hits to supplement the sheets of not-dead-yet (despite the song's title) static-melodic waves that swathe "R.I.P. Static", providing a focused energy of blank-wave propulsion and a sense of purpose that juxtaposes the obscured lyrical content. Elsewhere, childlike vocal noisemaking leads to Morris cracking an egg of knowledge with rare clarity: "Sing songs/ That's what we all want."
[from Ride Slow, out now on Upset the Rhythm]


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3 Gift Ideas: Made in the USA Toys
Made in the USA toys are something near and dear to my heart. We worked really hard to primarily buy US and European made toys for Spencer and we succeeded until he got so obsessed with character stuff and popular toys. I'm not going to deny and obsessed little kid his Buzz Lightyear or Legos just because they are Made in China. That said, I would LOVE to see Disney explore some domestic manufacturing options. It's not like the quality couldn't be improved a bit either. Moving on.
Here are three options for toys that are in fact made in the United States.
Patriot Big Wheel Racer ($60) I always wanted one of these when I was a kid, but we never had a big wheel. Luckily some of my friends did. So much fun! We're seriously considering this for Spencer's gift this year but he already has a tricycle and a plasma car.
Green Toy's Airplane ($15) Spencer has a bunch of the Green Toys and he loves them, especially the recycle truck, tool set and kitchen set. Any of those would be great gift ideas. The airplane, seaplane and submarine are new this year. The one thing on my Green Toy wish list is that they would make a slightly more gender neutral tea set. The cookware is blue, green and orange. Why not have a non-pink teapot.
Liberty Puzzles The wooden jigsaw puzzles from Liberty look amazing, especially the Little Liberty line for children. There are animals, classic mother goose photos and a fabulous peter pan series. The puzzles are expensive, but are wooden puzzles and said to be high quality. I adore the vintage feel of the designs. I'm thinking about the Jolly Roger for Spencer. Manufactured in Boulder, CO.
No affiliate links are included in this post. I just think these toys look cool. I've only seen Green Toys in person and we own several that I payed for myself (or FULL DISCLOSURE: I think some might have been gifts. From my sister.)
Tags: gift guide, made in the usa, toys


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Serious Game Offenses and Hack Policy
Important: Players are advised to safe-guard their own accounts as they are responsible for any actions done using it. Accounts that are caught for illegal activities will face penalties as stated, regardless of whether the illegal activities were done by the rightful owner or otherwise.
Game Hacking
Usage of third party software, memory editors, trainers or debuggers (Hack tools) in altering the Game which may/may not lead to an unfair advantage in game play over other players. (E.g. Speed hacks, god mode hacks, Duping, Damage Hack, no skill cool down hacks.)
Penalty for Hacking
• Game Account Permanent ban
Penalty for Requesting of Game Hacks or Hacking websites
• Game Account Permanent ban
• IP range ban
Penalty for Selling/Trading, Advertising of Hack or Website/Hacking
If we caught you selling account, equipements, items in real money you'll get account ban or even trading account to official cabal is prohibited. We will also confiscate the items that came from illegal trade or corrupt GM Staffs w/o any warning.
• Game Account Permanent ban
• Position Demote
Exploitation of Bugs/Glitches
It is inevitable to encounter bugs or glitches in all games. Players who discover any bugs or glitches in game should report the situation to the Community Moderators immediately. Players will be penalized if they are found to be making use of the bug/glitch for their own interest, regardless if the course of action may or may not lead to an unfair advantage in game play over other players.
• Penalty for BUG/Glitches abuse(All sorts): 10 days suspension
• Penalty for dungeon hacks: Game Account Permanent ban
• Guild War abusing "Attacking inside": 5 days suspension
• Mission War "Battle Mode 2" w/ Legacy Weapon abuser: 5 days suspension
Promoting of Private Servers
Any attempt to advertise private servers for CABAL Online is strictly prohibited as it will greatly affect the community, and may possibly lead to scamming of players' login information.
Penalty for Promoting Private Servers
• Game Account Permanent ban
Account Phishing
Account Scamming
Account Hack
Any attempt to induce another player in revealing his/her user ID and/or password through any means.
Penalty for Account Scamming(If Proven):
• Game Account Permanent ban
Note: No LOST/SCAMMED/HACKED items will be given back!
Use of Prohibited IGNs/Impersonation
For simple reference, avoid:
- Impersonation of GMs, CMs, Moderators, AGN Staff, GAs, NPCs that will mislead or cause confusion to other players.
- Sexual context.
- Obscene body organs.
- Vulgarity or otherwise offensive, or may cause confusion.
- Names that is or may be illegal or is or may be protected by trademark or other proprietary rights laws.
Penalty for Use of Prohibited IGNs/Impersonation
• Game Account Suspension
• Copying Tags(Staff): Game Account Permanent ban
Policy for all Players, Staffs and even Game Advisers
1. Please respect all the staffs, including Game Advisers especially the GMs/Admins, obey to their requests.
2. Game Advisers or the Staffs are allowed to ignore anyone who disrespect them, in game or outside the community.
3. Don't say badwords/profanity/insult or annoying words to anyone else playing here in AsCABAL.
4. Do not ask to be a member of the AsCABAL staff. Asking to be a GM might result into account suspension!
5. Do not beg or ask for free items, alz, or anything else.
6. DO NOT give your password to anyone not even GMs! A real Game Master will never ask for your password!
7. Do not say "NOOB" or else you'll get PKed by anyone even staffs or GA.
No Compensation Rule and DisclaimerEffective immediately, we shall no longer compensate hacked/scammed items or gold/In-game currency. A player is responsible for the security and confidentiality of his/her account password, including the various uses of the password, whether authorized or unauthorized. AGN does not guarantee that its portal and corresponding game websites are free of any harmful software, and that the same is hack-proof. Account Security is therefore the sole responsibility of the account holder. As such, you are earnestly enjoined to take all security measures reasonably available to safeguard the operating system and accounts when accessing the Games and the websites.
AGN reserves the right to deny any request for item return, compensation, character restoration and account reset. The NETWORK shall not be responsible in any way for loss or damage to any player's account including but not limited to, character statistics and skills, account particulars and items lost. In NO event shall the AGN be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, exemplary or consequential damages.
We advise all gamers to be vigilant in protecting their own game accounts.
Changing your account passwords on a regular basis is a good start. Also, please be vigilant in checking the details of the in-game items you will be trading with other gamers before accepting a trade. Lost items due to negligence in trading transactions will not be compensated.
To check out additional Account Security Tips, please visit the Account Security Section of our Community Forums.


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PК-42 Collimator Sight
PК-42 collimator sight – is a modern sight with automatic brightness control of the aiming mark and switching of the type of the aiming mark. It is intended for fast and accurate targeting at various types of weapon at shooting at day time and in the twilight, under conditions of bad visibility and quickly changing illumination level.
The sight represents the optoelectronic device with magnification 1x which ensures the possibility of observation of the target with both eyes. At targeting the shooter simultaneously observes the target with the aiming mark applied on it with both eyes. For accurate hit at shooting it is necessary to match the aiming mark with the target.
The sight represents the optical device with a light-emitting diode.
It is intended for mounting on a hunting rifle which has the seat - a guide strip of the type «Picatinny rail MIL-STD 1913», a guide strip of the type «Dovetail».
Order product


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Electric Grass and Lianas
Our range of electrograss is an ingenious solution to protect plants and enclosure perimeters.
The grasses are designed as clusters of wire tentacles that are connected to an energizer, thereby functioning like an electric fence.
These grasses can be placed discretely around or in between plants to offer protection against consumption by the enclosed animals.
The electroliana is virtually indistinguishable from natural lianas, yet offers electric fencing tentacles, and can be used to protect against escape from the enclosure, by covering trees, or by running the liana along the edge or walls of the enclosure.
With the help of Electrograss, electric fences can be designed invisible for the visitor's eyes. Depending on individual requirements, we can offer protective fences in heights from 0,3 to 3 metres.
For the protection of planted areas, trees and security glass. Boundary for dry and wet trenches.
With the help of Electrolianas it is easy to protect tree-trunks, tree tops or single branches unobtrusively.
The electrograss is made of stainless steel and plastic material, and has a long service life.
Technical Description
Item name:
Electro Grass & Lianas
Electric grass for keeping animals out of areas or off of fencing
Short Grass Rock,
Short Grass M,
Short Grass D,
Long Grass S,
Long Grass M,
Long Grass L,
ElectroBamboo S, ElectroBamboo M, ElectorLiana A/Normal Base, ElectorLiana A/Thick Base, ElectorLiana B/Normal Base, ElectorLiana B/Thick Base, ElectorLiana C/Normal Base, ElectorLiana C/Thick Base, Climbing Liana doubly, Climbing Liana triple, Climbing Liana triple Sprial, End Cap for Electro Liana, Mounting piece for liana


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According to The Daily Puppy, the gestation period for Labrador Retrievers is 63 days. Canines typically give birth between 58 and 68 days after conception.
During the gestational period, dogs go through both physical and psychological changes. According to the Claws and Paws Veterinary Hospital, dogs start gaining weight around the fifth week of pregnancy. Development of mammary glands can start as early as 35 days but may not be significant until around 45 days. During the last month of pregnancy, female Labradors start preparing for birth and often undergo behavioral changes right before the birth process begins. Many female dogs become restless and irritable right before labor.


text: Edit My Account | View Shopping Cart Main Shop > Agriculture American Fruit Culturist, Theby: Thomas, John J.Hardcover. NY, William Wood, 8th, 1875, Book: Good, Dust Jacket: None, Revised Ed., 508 Illustrations including color frontis, 576 pgs, gilt & black decorated front cover of ladder, other garden tools outside a greenhouse - but top 1 1/2" of cloth spine missing. Record # 28672: Price: $38.00 Quantity:


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A full stack, peer-to-peer OCaml chat server.
Project overview.
What do people want most? A highly efficient chat server made entirely in a functional programming language of course! In that case, look no further, this is a pure OCaml chat server for peer-to-peer messaging. I primarily used Jane Street's OCaml Async module and a B+ Tree data structure for highly efficient message retrieval.
The interface.
Let's start with the user interface, Client.ml. This file is run by itself in its own terminal and does not need to have access to any other code through the module system. The client architecture revolves around two main functions: 'repl' and 'do''. Essentially, 'repl' prompts the user for commands, and 'do'' executes those commands.
Client, implemented as a finite-state machine, iterates 'repl'. Each time 'repl' indexes, the internal state of the execution marches forward until it reaches 'Repl'. Because the Client file uses the Async library, most of the functionality is monadic in nature. Therefore, any time Client.ml wants to communicate with the server, it must wait to receive a response.
After Client receives a user's message it pushes it to the pipe, Chat.ml.
The pipe.
Chat.ml, the data stream pipe, uses the interface of Client.ml to communicate with the B+ Tree, for message storage and lookup, through the use of asynchronous pipes.
It accomplishes this by creating a TCP Server which then calls a repl-esque handler function to deal with connections to the server. This handler uses pushback to read input and write output to the clients making request through the pipes. The pushback guarantees that the pipe does not overflow, and it also ensures seamless coordination in the communication between the server and its clients. After this is handled, Chat pushes the data to the B+ Tree.
The memory.
A B+ tree was used as the primary data structure to store messages within unique conversations. For those that aren't familiar with the B+ Tree data structure, here is a great explanation. Additionally, given the relative ratio of inserting new data into the database compared to the need to remove data, it was found more useful to implement a Persistent B+ (unable to delete data) tree after researching the different styles in modern databases.
When the B+ Tree receives the user's message from the pipe, it stores that message in the unique conversation pointer created during conversation inception. It may seem bloated to be unable to delete conversation histories, but the B+ Plus can store n*(n + 1)^(L−1)** pointers at a depth of L, for example our tree can hold a 3,500 unique conversations at a depth of only 4. Thus, the longest path to each node is guaranteed to be log10(n). This is a highly efficient data retrieval structure that can store large amounts of data such as frequent chats, with unique keys, between numerous users of the chat system.
**n = order of tree (pointers possible in each node, in this case it is 7)


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Some of the most popular games at FOG are taking pictures, puzzle, physics, journey, sports activities, conflict, animal, and racing video games. The one area which the everyday PC consumer will see probably the most enchancment when upgrading is just not the processor, nor the onerous drive a lot as it's the RAM. Lucky me I found your website online accidentally, and I'm shocked why this accident did not took place in advance! Putlockers is one other greatest website to observe free motion pictures on-line with out registration. A VPN will anonymize your online activity, protect you from spying ISPs, and allow you entry to geo-blocked add-ons and content.
You may watch humorous videos, TV Shows and animes on-line for free on this web site.Moreover, there is no such thing as a need of registration on this website to watch your favorite movies online for free. On Miniclip you may play games to compile games statistics such as excessive scores, and rankings on your own player web page and may receive awards for enjoying games. Numerous models that create differing kinds and sizes of ice are available within the native and online market.
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Day 14: Get Ahead When You Can
Do you constantly feel behind? As a mom, it's easy to live in that constant state…I do many days. I don't let some of the little things get to me, but I typically have some "big" deadlines looming…some hard dates imposed by others, some goals that I've set for myself. I am the most carefree and relaxed when there aren't big hairy things up ahead that I dread.
One thing that I'm learning more and more is to get ahead when and where I can. It may be as simple as cooking a double batch of grilled chicken at one time, or mixing up a double batch of pancakes & waffles and cooking the 2 simultaneously instead of just standing at the stove flipping pancakes…those make-aheads can pay off big time if you use them wisely. I made a huge batch of pancakes and waffles a few weeks ago, stuck the majority in the freezer and have portioned them out slowly for the last weeks. When 2 of our nieces spent the night last week and I had 5 children to tend to, super easy breakfast = no stress…and that's a win.
My mother-in-law graciously keeps 2 or 3 of our children most every Sunday afternoon – Monday night – I wish it could be a "play" day where I could do anything I wanted without a care in the world…instead we use it as a "work like crazy while the kids aren't home" day and try to knock out as much work as possible. One of my primary Back40Life responsibilities is doing proof work – I try my hardest to do the majority of that when the kiddos are away from home on Mondays. Not only is it easier to concentrate, but I also don't feel like I'm robbing them of my time when they're home. It's a win-win. This week the 2 oldest kiddos are on vacation with my in-laws…so it will be a heavy work week, but then I'll have lots {hopefully} crossed off my list when they get home, and we can be ready to school and play together.
Walker turned 7 in September, and I did the best job I've ever done at breaking the work down to get ready for his party the entire week before, instead of stressing myself out the day before and day of {what typically happens} – such a better way to go, and one I hope I can keep up in the future!
It's not always possible, so don't stress yourself out when it isn't, but it definitely pays off to get ahead when you can. I am trying to continually orient my life away from procrastination {my natural bent} towards planning ahead and getting ahead whenever possible. I am still a work in progress, but when I succeed, the payoff is great and encourages me to keep working at it!
Where in your life is it easy to get ahead? What's a more challenging area for you?


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Capitol Alert
AM Alert: Analyst's office experts explain fall propositions
With 41 days until the election, it's time to crack open the whopping 224-page official state voter guide and start reading up on all 17 ballot measures before you hit the polls.
If required reading isn't your thing, there's an easier way.
The experts at the Legislative Analyst's Office, who wrote ballot measure descriptions in the voter guide, will be on hand to explain what you need to know about death penalty repeal, marijuana legalization, drug pricing and a host of other measures on the November ballot during a forum hosted by the Project for an Informed Electorate at Sacramento State. Led by Mac Taylor, the analyst's office is the non-partisan fiscal adviser of the California Legislature and a font of facts about policy and budget issues.
In an election year, the LAO assigns at least one analyst to each ballot measure. From their offices at 10th and L streets, analysts research the fiscal effects, explain the benefits and costs for taxpayers and translate the legalese language of the measures' text into something a normal person has a chance of understanding. Pick their brains tonight at the Central Library on I Street, where the forum kicks off at 6 p.m.
WORTH REPEATING: "This is the greatest election I've ever been through." - Republican consultant and Trump supporter Chad Towe, at a Monday debate-watching event.
NEW PARTNERSHIP: The University of California came under fire earlier this year after a state audit determined that the college system's enrollment strategy favored out-of-state applicants. UC officials quickly condemned the report and spent $158,000 on a publicity campaign to counter the findings. As the university seeks to offset criticism and enroll more residents, it plans to announce a partnership today with the Boys & Girls Club to "increase the diversity of students enrolling at and graduating from UC campuses." The project will include pilot programs with Boys & Girls Clubs in Pasadena, San Francisco and Merced, and align with Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De León's push to better prepare California students for college, UC said. The briefing begins at noon at the Slavik Branch of Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena.
VIDEO OF THE DAY: Sacramento Democrats root for Hillary Clinton during the debate against Donald Trump.
LOOKING BACK: Changing the criminal justice system is a hot topic at the Capitol this year as Gov. Jerry Brown pushes voters to approve his prison sentencing overhaul in November. Today Magnus Lofstrom, a researcher at the Public Policy Institute of California, will introduce the findings of a new report looking back at the effects of past criminal justice reforms, including efforts to prioritize "correctional resources toward more serious offenders." The briefing begins at noon at the Capitol Event Center on 11th Street.
WELLS FARGO: State Treasurer John Chiang is holding a noon press conference at San Francisco City Hall to make an announcement related to Wells Fargo Bank, which recently agreed to a $185 million settlement after bank employees opened more than two million fake accounts to fulfill aggressive sales goals. Chiang's office was mum Tuesday about the details of today's announcement. The bank is part of the treasurer office's 2015-17 underwriter pool of firms eligible to participate in state-issued bonds. In July, Chiang warned pool members that they would be kicked out of the pool if they donated to local school bond campaigns.
Taryn Luna: 916-326-5545, @TarynLuna


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About half of ground-feeding songbirds collected from a historic lead mining district in southeast Missouri contained toxic levels of lead in their blood and internal organs, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey study. Elevated lead levels were also found in soils and earthworms in the lead district sites examined, which included the "Missouri Mines" in the Old Lead Belt; "Washington State Park," on the Big River floodplain; and the "Viburnum Trend," within Mark Twain National Forest.
Tested birds had lead concentrations exceeding those of reference birds by factors of 8 in blood, 13 in liver, and 23 in kidney samples. Soils in the study exceeded background levels for lead nearly 40 fold, for zinc 8 fold, and for cadmium 25 fold.
Southeast Missouri contains the world's largest deposit of the lead mineral galena. The area has a long history of lead mining and smelting. Lead has been mined in the region since 1721. Previous studies have measured elevated lead in floodplain soils, stream sediments, fish, invertebrates, amphibians, other birds and wildlife in the area. Lead has been released from the erosion of tailings, mine waste, smelting, and dust. Periodic flooding has also transported lead in the environment.
Cadmium levels in birds from the mining study sites were several times those in reference birds, but concentrations of zinc were not elevated more than those in the reference birds.
Ground-feeding songbirds were selected for the study because they were more likely to be exposed to lead than songbirds feeding in shrubs or in the forest canopy. Cardinals, robins, blue jays, and eastern towhees were among the birds tested.
USGS completed this study at the request of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of a natural resource damage assessment by the U.S. Department of the Interior to investigate whether wildlife might be adversely affected by exposure to lead contaminated soil.
Lead poisoning in birds can cause abnormal muscular function, kidney and liver failure, decreased fertility, and anemia. Songbirds poisoned by lead, however, generally do not show lesions. The exposure to lead is detected by chemically testing tissues or by measuring suppressed enzyme levels.
The study, "Toxic exposure of songbirds to lead in the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District," is available in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.
Source: USGS


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Lifestyle consultant.
Martel Francois is a native New Yorker who believes in creating the ultimate lifestyle experience for his clientele. He has been a lifestyle consultant for over 10 years and is extremely active in his community.
Thank you Credit Suisse for giving me the opportunity to speak to your new class hires.
To give you an inside look at how A-listers prep for red carpet season, what they do to get in the zone for shooting scenes and everything that goes into succeeding in show business, we teamed up with Dunkin' Donuts to chat with some of our favorite stars.
If you think first impressions matter, Martel Francois can help you out. Proper Cloth is a fairly new men's custom shirt company on the cutting edge of tech and fashion. A number of new companies are trending this way by allowing customers to get cus


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Authorities from European Union member states should never use force to obtain migrant children's fingerprints and other biometric data, a new report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) said today.
The report, 'Under watchful eyes: Biometrics, EU IT systems and fundamental rights', also issues a stark warning against detaining children who refuse to participate in procedures to register their data on the EURODAC database. EURODAC is a database containing the fingerprints of everyone who has applied for asylum within the EU.
Rather than resorting to force, officers working to record this information should work to build a relationship of trust with the children they work with. The process of taking fingerprints and face scans needs to be carried out in a child-friendly fashion, with children informed about why their fingerprints need to be taken and how the process will work, in a language they understand.
Currently, research on how children are fingerprinted in the field has shown only minimal effort to inform them in a child-friendly manner about why it's a good idea for them to provide fingerprints, face scans and other biometric information.
Taking fingerprints by force
Worryingly, FRA has instead encountered allegations of force being used to obtain children's fingerprints by EU state authorities. One unaccompanied child in Spain told FRA that a police officer had shouted at him, while another had forcibly held his chin and wrist when biometric data was being taken.
In Berlin, instances where police have detained migrant children for six hours for fingerprinting and strip searches have been reported, with police officers telling children they would be detained for longer if they did not give their fingerprints. Children have reported instances of coercion in Italy, whereas in Belgium legal representatives have stated that authorities have refused to treat 15-17 year olds as children.
If true, these actions carry a serious risk of retraumatising children, many of whom have already experienced brutal conflict, violence and persecution, and must cease immediately.
Databases help find missing children
This is not to say that IT systems cannot be a force for good. According to a FRA survey, almost one in three border guards in EU countries have used a database to identify children who had gone missing in the last year, with some identifying more than fifty in that time.
But the use of force or coercion to obtain data for such databases can never be justified. It only serves to traumatise children, who in some cases resort to mutilating their fingers after being forced to give prints.
The threat of detention must also never be used to intimidate children into giving their biometric data.
Detention is never in the child's best interests and can scare children into running away in an attempt to flee the system.
Databases have the potential to provide an extra layer of protection to migrant children who arrive in Europe. But the belief that coercing children to give up their biometric data is necessary to protect them from going missing or being exploited is misguided.
The most successful way to register children on databases such as EURODAC is by employing people trained in how to protect and care for children to explain their rights to them, and how storing their biometric data can help them. Evidence shows that children who understand the processes are extremely likely to take part without coercion being needed, removing any risk of them being subjected to additional trauma.You might be interested in other: Blog Publications
Read more from: Europe


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Type: Accessories
Jotul TerrazzaBringing Norwegian design outdoors, the Terrazza outdoor chimera will help take your indoor fire outdoors and extend your evenings in the garden by adding warmth. The modern looking Terrazza is made from strong corten steel which finish over time ages and evolves. Offering more than just warmth the Terrazza will create an outdoor focal point for your garden.View Details
Harrie Leenders – Lumos BarbequeView DetailsInterchangeable fire from outdoor fire to BBQ
WoodstockerA strong and sturdy woodstore which can be disassembled and moved if you move. A natural rusting process occurs within the first two years and protects the corten steel.View Details


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Raya Halter Top
Raya Halter Top
Sexy and sporty all at once: Our string halter offers just the right amount of coverage, so you can actually cannonball, clear out your brain with some yoga, or just have something cute to wear with your cutoffs. The wide fabric band back gives you support and stays securely in place.
Hand wash cold separately. Do not wring or twist. Only non-chlorine bleach. Lay flat to dry
Made with super soft 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex fabric and lining
The printing process is unique. No two printed garments are exactly alike.
Halter string tie top
Color: Black/White
Made in the USA
Halter Top Size Recommendations
Tips from our Designer:
This top does not lie--it runs true to size. Our halter bikini top is great for small and large chests because of the high neckline. It fills out small busts and provides great coverage for large cup sizes. If you are small waisted and a size D, DD, or DDD, you can still fit nicely in a size small or medium. The fabric is soft, supple, stretchy, and supportive. For the best bet, choose the same size you would when shopping for a tee.
Still not sure what size to go for? Email us at firstname.lastname@example.com, and we'll help you out!


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In an interview in the September 2011 edition of Metro You magazine, Rhonda Walker talked about the pain she felt during her divorce. There is no news of a subsequent marriage, so as far as anyone outside of her family knows, Ms. Walker is still a divorcée as of 2015.
A PDF copy of the article is available through the website of the Rhoda Walker Foundation. Few other reliable sources of information about Ms. Walker's divorce exist online, as she prefers interviews and similar matters to focus on her work and achievements rather than her marital status. Her ex-husband's Wikipedia entry also mentions the divorce, but it does not contain any details or dates.


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Get your muskets ready for 2015
We just had our officer election this past Saturday in Windham. These elected representatives will serve from 2015-2017. Congratulations to our new officers:
Adjutant – Jim Hayden elected
Treasurer – Karen Hayden reelected
Quartermaster – Craig Fogg reelected
Line Infantry Sergeant – Kris King reelected
Artillery Sergeant – Joe Stokes reelected
Craig is also now in his third year in his 3 year term as president.
We also voted on many of the events for 2015, with just a few more to consider once we know more. Members will receive the meeting minutes and event schedule by email soon.
Finally, members and recruits, don't forget to RSVP for our annual First NH Regiment Washington's Birthday Dinner. It is Saturday, February 21st at the Folsom Tavern in Exeter, NH. Details were already sent out by email from your new adjutant. Please respond by Feb. 14th.


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[Note to self: bedroom inspiration]
1. Clean and white | Behr paints, Magnolia Blossom
2. Raw edge headboard, super simple frame that hides away the box spring/mattress - we have seen a few bed frames built like this. My great-uncle is a woodsman (built his own cabin, mills wood on his property, supplies great quality lumber) and we are thinking of asking him to help us build our own bed frame | Live Edge Wood Bed from Anthropologie
3. Cork floors | Construction Junction (we got this flooring for a great price!)
4. We need a fig tree | photo by Jennifer Chong for Broadcast Coffee


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Lisa has turned the corner and is on her way. The new tracker on her website (tracker is amazing) is indicating some stronger weather heading her way however she seems happy and is moving along quite nicely.
So the URGENT HELP
Lisa has put together such a great project and achieved what many people said she could not do. She has got to the start. Many people say that this is the hardest part. She has had lots of support from sponsors, friends, family and strangers.
She always expected to secure a Major Sponsor (not trying to devalue the amazing sponsorship she has received already. People in the know are surprised that she has not yet got a major sponsor. Although her project had been presented to many large companies, who did show intense interest, I think that they just did not think she would be able to pull it off. Particularly within the time frame she had.
Well she did...........She has gone............She has set sail for her record attempt ...................and she has left a very greying mother in her wake.
The project has been huge. The last month was chaos. As daughters do, she was eventually able to sail off into the sunset.......only the weather to worry about ................leaving mum to sort out her life............along with her shore based team of volunteers.
She was very aware of not letting anyone down and was intent on making sure she kept a good relationship with everyone in the trade of sailing. In the last 2 weeks however she received an unexpected large bill (arrived on the 17th Jan) plus there was a bit of a blow out due to the delay in departure and in all honesty it was absolute chaos.
I don't want to be negative about what she has achieved so far.........what she had achieved is amazing.
I have gone through everything and she urgently needs $11,637 to finalise the remaining accounts. This only represents less that 3% of the total budget however it is the 3% that she has not got.
So if you are inspired by her efforts, if you are passionate about adventure, if you are concerned about climate action, then she needs your help.
If 100 people contributed $100 each or, if 1000 contributed $10 each that would give her $10,000 and that would be pretty close to done. Donating is easy to do online. Just click the DONATE button located on the main menu bar.
Please share and spread the word...........


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So many of you have asked me, "Pat, what's on your bookshelf? What books should I be reading right now?" In today's episode, I'm sharing my summer reading list: five books I'm reading (or can't wait to start reading) that cover everything from entrepreneurship and work/life balance to psychology and mental hacks.
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From Matt Archer: Monster Hunter
Chapter One
When I was fourteen years old, I was forced to make my first kill. Now I'm fifteen and I bagged two more just last week.
My name is Matt Archer. And I hunt monsters.
* * *
Four Months Ago
"Matt! Uncle Mike's here. Get a move on!"
Mom was always in a hurry. Her job as a lawyer kept food on the table, as she liked to remind us. But it also kept her in motion, saying stuff like "time is money." My question was, if time was money, then why weren't we all rich? Smartass comments like that got me grounded though, so I kept my mouth shut and ran down the stairs.
After dumping my backpack and sleeping bag by the front door, I rounded the corner to the living room to greet Uncle Mike.
He rose from the sofa, towering over me, and stretched. The muscles on his arms, neck and shoulders flexed like a pro-wrestler's. Uncle Mike was a Green Beret, and it showed. "Hey, soldier, what's up?"
"Nothing, Major."
"Like I've never heard that one before," Mike said when I laughed at my own joke. "Ready to deploy?"
"Yeah. I decided to wear my camo this time, go in stealth mode."
Uncle Mike looked down at his own clothes. He was wearing old jeans, a bright red flannel shirt, and a Colorado Rockies cap crammed down over his light-brown hair. "Nice idea," he said, "but I'm not sure the bears and deer will care much about your camo. Let's move out."
The evening sky was streaked with gold and pink, but still light enough for us to make it to the campgrounds before nightfall. One of the advantages of living in Montana—good camping was only thirty minutes from anywhere. I piled my gear into the back of Mike's Jeep. The car smelled awesome: cigars and gasoline. Mom nagged him to quit with the cigars, but I thought it was cool. Just like Wolverine.
"Hey, can we have the top down?" I asked.
Mike shrugged. "If you don't mind that the wind chill will be forty degrees, doesn't bother me."
We pulled the soft cover off the Jeep and packed it over the camping equipment in the back. The air was scented with pine; our trees were getting their "fall coats," as Mom put it, and the needles smelled like Christmas. This was my favorite time of year, before winter set in like an unwanted houseguest.
"Hard to believe it's October. We'll have to brace for a big snow soon." Mike put the Jeep in gear and backed out. "Means this is the last jaunt of the year, Chief."
I nodded, hoping the ache I felt in my chest didn't show on my face. Camping with Mike was the only special thing I had that my older sibs didn't. My sister, Mamie-the-brain, was too much of a bookworm to go with us and my brother, Brent-the-football-hero, had his "social engagements." What it really meant was that I was neither a brainiac, nor popular enough to have other plans on the weekends, so Mike took me camping. Honestly, I loved it, even if it branded me a dweeb with no social life.
Mike glanced at me, a sad smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. "Heard from your Dad?"
He tried to keep the anger out of his voice, but I still heard it, like sandpaper rubbing an old scab. "Brent got a birthday card when he turned seventeen."
"That was April, man."
"Yeah, well, that was our summer greeting, I guess," I said. "You know what he sent Brent for his birthday? A Hooters calendar. Mom had a total fit."
Maybe he'd send me one, too. Not likely I'd get anything though. Since Dad ditched us while Mom was pregnant with me, I was an afterthought. It seemed like Dad would rather spend what little time he had to give on my popular-athletic-jerk of a brother. Not that I was bitter or anything. Well, not entirely bitter.
"At least he knows what Brent likes," Mike said, a soft thread of laughter floating through his voice. "Although, I can see how Dan-Dan would be pissed about it."
"Don't let Mom hear you calling her 'Dan-Dan,'" I said, grinning.
"Not my fault I couldn't say Danielle when I was two."
Mike was the only person who could get away with calling my mom anything other than Danielle or Counselor Archer. Mom had a real weak spot for her baby brother—and she still called him that, even though he was thirty-eight. He'd stepped in for Dad after he switched from active duty to the reserves. Mike made sure I did Boy Scouts and taught Brent how to throw and catch a perfect spiral. He had even helped Mamie practice dancing with a partner for the sophomore homecoming dance, even though she nearly broke his toes.
He was more family to us than Dad would ever be.
Not that I was bitter or anything.
"So, Uncle Mike, any girlfriends we need to know about?" I asked. "That last one was, um, interesting."
"Candy was a trip, wasn't she? Looked great in a bikini, but she was so boring. I should've known not to hook up with a woman whose idea of fun is museum hopping," he said. "Nope, I'm single again, Chief. Good thing."
Mike paused and shifted in his seat. He had some bad news—I could tell. A hard rock of fear lodged itself in my stomach. I tried to swallow, but the rock in my gut kept the spit in my mouth. Because I knew what was coming. This wouldn't be the first time we'd had this sucky conversation, and I was really tired of it.
"I've been called up."
I hated it when I was right. "Where? When?"
"Going to Afghanistan for a year. I leave for training in six weeks and deploy in January." Mike managed another small smile. "So much for 'reservist' status, huh?"
I took a shaky breath. No Uncle Mike for a year? "You've been on three assignments in the last three years. You should be done by now. Can't you tell them no or something?"
Mike glanced at me, looking serious. "The military isn't a 'pick and choose' kind of operation. Orders are, well, orders. I have to go, Matt. I'm sorry."
I stared out my window, trying not to cry like a little kid, but my chin was already shaking. That pissed me off; I was too old to have a little-girl-hissy-fit. "What'll we do without you here?" I turned back to glare at him, wondering why I was angry with Mike rather than the Army. "We need you more than they do."
Mike sighed. "We'll be fine, okay? I'll be able to email you and call sometimes, and we can even do video conferences. It's not like we'll be out of touch for a whole year." He squeezed my shoulder. "You'll see. It'll be fine."
His voice trailed off at the end. Neither of us said what we were thinking—that maybe it wouldn't.
We got to the campgrounds at six and Mike put me to work unloading the Jeep before my feet hit the dirt. We only had thirty minutes to set up the tent and start a fire before the sun set, so he was in a rush, ordering me around like we were deploying a military installation. I worked fast, but Mike's news pressed down on my chest worse than when Brent sat on me.
The wind whispered through the pines and aspen trees lining the back of our campsite. The leaves kept saying, "shush, shush, shush," like they knew how messed up I felt. It didn't make me hurt any less, but I did feel calmer about things. Maybe I could get through the weekend without a meltdown.
After the fire was blazing, Uncle Mike tried to pretend nothing had changed in the last hour. "All right! Hot dogs…whoever can catch his on fire first wins!"
I played along and got flameage faster than he did; I was good at burning hot dogs. It tasted like crap that way, though. When I chucked the half-eaten frank into the bushes, Mike's sly smile told me I'd been punked. Yet again. "You just like to see me try to eat ashes, is that it?"
He raised his eyebrows before going back to his perfectly roasted dinner. Just to spite him, I made two more hotdogs and scarfed down all the chips, too.
Before I had a chance to dig out some marshmallows for s'mores, the air turned sharp and the wind gusted cold into the campfire, sending up sparks. Uncle Mike rose to his feet, with an intense, alert expression I'd never seen before—like he could eat a brick and enjoy the crunch.
Without looking at me, he said, "Weather's changing; best to get inside the tent, where it's warmer."
With nothing else to do, we packed it in for the night. Mike didn't allow me to bring a cell phone or anything else electronic on our trips. I could've played cards or something, but being outside always made me tired and I went to sleep early because, yes, I'm just that exciting. On the plus side, I had the craziest dream: Ella Mitchell ditched her boyfriend for me. That wasn't weird—that was plain, old wishful thinking. The weird part was that she hopped up on stage during assembly and stole the microphone from Principal Stevens to do it. Then I ran down the aisle to thunderous applause, swept her in my arms and….
"Get back!" Mike yelled.
I sat up in surprise to see shadows moving across the tent's walls. One shadow was Mike's, distorted in the bright moonlight. The other…heck if I knew what it was. Bulky, taller than Mike by a long shot, it grunted and snorted like an angry pig. Was it a bear? I rubbed my eyes and squinted. No, definitely not a bear. The thing was much too big and shuffled along on two legs.
When it roared, it didn't sound like any animal I'd ever heard, but more like a bulldozer's engine. Every hair on my scalp stood up. Whatever this thing was, it wasn't natural.
The two shadows circled one another, then the beast swiped at Mike's head and he went down hard. The creature dropped on all fours, snuffling at my uncle. Even in shadowed outline, I could see claws to rival a velociraptor's as it raised a paw over Mike's chest.
I clambered to my knees, yanking open the zipper to my sleeping bag. "No!"
It paused and lowered its paw, turning its body toward the tent. Oh crap—now it knew I was here.
I watched the creature's shadow get bigger and bigger as it headed my way. It didn't creep. It didn't barrel toward me. It strolled, like it wasn't the least bit worried about what it would find inside the tent. Terrified or not, something about its arrogance filled me with cold fury. My muscles burned and my heart beat double-time; I probably didn't have a prayer, but I wasn't going down without a fight. I sure as hell wasn't going to sit by and let this thing kill my uncle.
Uncle Mike usually brought a rifle with him, just in case we met a bear, and he'd made sure I could use it. I dug around in our bags, throwing clothes everywhere, but the rifle wasn't in the tent. The only thing I came up with was a wicked-looking knife with a smooth bone handle. I pulled it out of the leather sheath, shocked by its weight. It was much heavier than it looked and my fingers buzzed, like the knife was vibrating in my hand. I must've been shaking really hard.
I gripped the handle of the knife, hoping I didn't end up stabbing myself by accident. The blade was longer than most hunting-knives I'd ever used—maybe eight or nine inches—and honed to a sharp edge. I had no idea where Mike would buy something like this, but one thing was for sure: no one would want to be on the receiving end of this weapon. It looked like it could gut a buffalo.
The creature walked the perimeter of the tent, brushing up against the nylon, and a rancid scent wafted through the walls. I gagged and threw up a little in my mouth. The stench reminded me of how the vent in my room smelled after my guinea pig got loose and bought the farm in the air duct. Seriously freaked out, I held still, clutching the knife so hard my knuckles ached. I was planning to let the beast stalk around outside as long as it wanted. One thing Mike taught me during paintball was to make your target do the work. If you could be patient, you'd get the better strike, and I'd only have one shot.
The beast paused and I took a gulp of cold air, knowing I wouldn't have to wait much longer. With a blur of claws, dark fur and sharp teeth, the thing crashed into the tent, ripping the nylon with one slash. I didn't have time to think or even get a good look at it. When it pounced on top of me, I thrust the blade into its stomach and twisted. The handle burned in my hand, glowing a faint green.
The beast howled and struggled against me, until I thought I'd drown in the reek of its fur. Somehow, I squirmed out from underneath it just before it collapsed on the floor of the tent. Once it was down, I stabbed it in the back, over and over, swearing at the top of my lungs. Some kind of red-rage took control, and I didn't stop until the thing shuddered and was still.
In the quiet, I fell to my knees, shaking all over.
When I could finally breathe without wheezing, I gathered up the last shreds of my courage and found our lantern in the wreckage. Scared pissless or not, I wanted to see what attacked me. Squaring my shoulders, I turned on the light.
Then bit my own tongue trying to hold back a scream.
The creature was misshapen, with a huge head, pointy ears and narrow snout, and it had to be at least eight feet tall. Teeth like tusks protruded from its lower jaw. It had brown fur like a grizzly's and its paws looked like a bear's too, except bigger, with those brutal, velociraptor claws. If that wasn't weird enough, the thing's arms and legs were long, like a man's. It was like some mad scientist threw a bunch of DNA into a blender and this is what came out.
What the heck could it be? Was it some kind of alien? A scientific experiment gone horribly wrong? Did we have a Dr. Frankenstein living in Billings? Seriously, the creature looked like a resurrected Wookiee made from spare parts.
Utterly creeped out, I pulled the knife out of the beast's back and dropped it on the ground. My hands had blood on them, dark stains glistening in the moonlight, and now that I wasn't fighting for my life, I shivered, half-freezing and clueless about what to do next.
Someone groaned outside.
I scrambled out of the tent, fighting my way free of the shredded nylon to find Mike. He lay crumpled in a heap just past the fire ring. Shallow claw marks had ripped through his flannel shirt, but not his undershirt or skin, and his forehead had only a small gash at the hairline. We'd been lucky.
"Uncle Mike, wake up!" I shook him. Fear thudded in my chest at a random thought. What if there were more creatures out here? "Come on, wake up!"
Mike groaned again and rolled onto his side. "I'll take a quad Venti Latte."
I shook him again, hoping his brains hadn't been scrambled by that punch to the head. He blinked, looked around, then sat up and grabbed my arm in a vice grip. "Where is it, Matt? Did it hurt you? How'd you get away?"
"It's dead, in what's left of the tent." I swallowed hard, realizing what I'd just said. "I killed it."
Mike didn't freak out; he didn't even act surprised. "How?"
"I found a knife in your bag," I said. "I-I stabbed it."
And with that, I jumped up and ran to the bushes to throw up. Oh, my God…I killed something. I'd never killed anything, except flies, and those don't count. Holy crap, what was happening out here? What were those things? I heaved again, unable to stop my mind from replaying the scene over and over and over.
When I was done puking, Mike put his hands on my shoulders and steered me toward the Jeep. "Get in; we're leaving. Be right back."
I climbed into my seat, staring straight ahead, seeing nothing but the underside of the beast and my hand thrusting the knife into its gut. Flashes of light danced in front of my eyes and I broke out in a cold sweat. Having never fainted, I wasn't sure if I was about to or not. Either way, better safe than sorry, so I put my head between my knees. I caught a whiff of the creature—its smell was all over my clothes—and I had to pop the door and barf again.
Mike ran to the Jeep and got in. All he had was our backpacks, his GPS and the white-handled knife.
"What about the tent and our gear?" I croaked while wiping puke off my chin with a trembling hand.
"We don't need anything else, and we've got to get out of here. I rolled the carcass down a ravine and threw some dead brush on top of it." He slammed the Jeep in reverse and laid tread, peeling out from the parking slot. "Hopefully no one will find it before…"
"Before what?" I asked.
Mike shook his head. He drove a few miles, not saying anything, then pulled over at a rest stop. By then, black spots were dancing in front of my eyes again and my skull felt too heavy for my neck. When he parked, Mike reached over and slapped me pretty hard. My head hit the headrest and I brought my hand up to my cheek in a daze.
"Matt! Stay with me. We've got a lot to cover and I need you to focus," he said. He blew out a harsh breath. "I can't believe the knife let you wield it."
I blinked fast to clear my vision, not understanding a word he said. "What?"
"You remember when I went on that short mission last year?"
Mike's voice had a steeliness to it. Freaked out or not, I was pretty sure I wouldn't like where this was headed. I gulped and cleared my throat; my mouth tasted all skanky. It was all I could do to keep from throwing up again, so I just nodded in answer.
"I got sent to South America—to Peru—on a highly classified mission," he said. "People started disappearing and the local government asked the U.S. to send some specialists down there to check it out. What we found was pretty surprising."
How this had anything to do with giant beasts in the woods of Montana was beyond me. "What did you find?"
Uncle Mike clamped his hands to the steering wheel. "Turns out monsters are real."