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Life is really a bunch of scrambled words—love, loss, joy, zest, quest (note to self: I possess the high-scoring j, z, and q tiles) and figuring out how they fit into our journey. In her page-turning love story Triple Love Score, Brandi Megan Granett introduces us to the smart and sexy Miranda, a complicated protagonist who is equally Old School and modern woman. In her late 20s, she teaches poetry by day, and by night she is secretly the social media sensation known as the "Blocked Poet"—whose visual poems about life, love, and special occasions are comprised of Scrabble tiles. And yes, Hallmark is jealous. In her heart, Miranda holds a burning candle for Scott, 'The Boy Next Door,' her childhood soulmate; while in her bed, she engages in a meaningless physical relationship with the hot-to-trot Ronan in what she terms "a thing". The "thing" happens to be with her "old enough" grad student hailing from Ireland, who seems to have fallen in love with her rather quickly. In a fairy tale twist, Ronan, unlike Miranda, is looking to be saved.
Miranda, at first glance, is emotionally distant, blocked from the loss of her mother when she was only twelve. And yet, it is clear that she feels deeply for those she loves, particularly Scott, her forever crush, who disappeared after a fleeting kiss, and has returned six years later with secrets of his own. Miranda believes that their relationship is one-sided, but as the novel progresses, the reader learns that there are three sides to her story: hers/his/the truth. Brandi is extremely skilled at exploring the complexities of friendship, motherhood, and commitment. Not to mention that her sex scenes are deliciously written and the Scrabble poems, while not Emily Dickinson, are modern-day brilliant.
Triple Love Score is a fabulous romantic read—great for the holidays—a novel that is genuine and hopeful with a twist of whimsy. Without giving away the plot—let's just say that LOVE, (a seven-point word) wins.
Brandi Megan Granett is an author, online English professor, and writing coach. She earned her Ph.D. in Creative Writing at Aberystwyth University and her MFA in Fiction from Sarah Lawrence College. Her next novel, as yet untitled, will be published by Blue Crow in March 2018. Triple Love Score was published by Wyatt-Mackenzie in Fall 2016. Morrow published her first novel, My Intended, in 2000. Her short fiction appeared in Pebble Lake Review, Folio, Pleiades, and other literary magazines and is collected in the volume, Cars and Other Things That Get Around. She writes an author interview series for the Huffington Post and Tall Poppy Writers. When she is not writing or teaching or mothering, you will find her on the archery range.


text: At Yark we've seen no shortage of pet photography. When we find something truly great, we just have to share. We dare you not to smile when looking at the work of photographer Ron Schmidt. His unique perspective is nothing short of brilliant. The Loose Leashes portrait collection is endearingly humanizing - just what you'd expect from a true dog lover. Enjoy a glimpse of his work below.

subset: commoncrawl


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Winter 2018 Newsletter/
Message from the CEO
Welcome to 4RS' 5th year! It's an exciting time to be a part of our organization – we have a new board, a continuing partnership with the Pittsburgh Life Science Greenhouse, and many exciting professional development opportunities. As our membership and resources continue to grow, the board is committed to making participation in 4RS a highlight of your graduate or postdoctoral studies. We have ambitious targets for growth and investment in the upcoming year that we hope will bring more high-impact projects, exciting professional development events with noteworthy speakers, and expansion of both members' and the organization's professional network.
A specific goal of mine is to unify our wonderfully diverse and talented membership behind the 4RS brand. We are comprised of accomplished scientists from numerous disciplines who share the common goal of increasing our skills and experiences outside the lab. But because of our array of backgrounds and busy schedules, membership can fail to offer an integrated sense of community. With initiatives to increase member engagement, events (both professional and social), and marketing, we hope to translate our vision of 4RS' culture into reality. Please see more of our key upcoming changes and new resources at the end of this newsletter.
The board will be hosting a Town Hall gathering November 29th in Scaife 1101 from 5:30 to 7pm. Please come to share your thoughts on 4RS' future directions and ask the board any questions you have. For extra incentive, we have hired a photographer to take headshots for all interested members.
I am incredibly grateful for your continued dedication to 4RS' mission. Your time and participation makes 4RS truly unique. I am honored to serve you all in this position and hope that 4RS membership enables you achieve your professional and entrepreneurial goals.
Christopher Chuckran, C.E.O
Incoming board
We are thrilled to update our readers on everything that's happened at Fourth River Solutions since the last newsletter in December 2017. First and foremost, we have a brand new executive board led by CEO, Chris Chuckran, who previously served as VP of Business Development. Ethan Bassin and Dylan Royston worked with Chris as Business Development Associates and are now Co-VPs of Business Development. Song-My Hoang is continuing on in her position as CHRO. Emily Russell, Jillian Weeks, Rebecca Gerth and Sherin David served as consultants at 4RS and currently hold the positions of COO, CPDO, CFO and CMO, respectively. We take this opportunity to formally thank the previous members of the board for providing an enormous amount of support to the current members and ensuring a smooth transition.
Thank you 2018 PMs and Teams
4RS completed 12 engagements in total since December 2017. We've continued to work closely with the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse through the partnership established in 2017, having completed 7 projects with them since the start of 2017. We appreciate the time put in by the teams staffing engagements over the past year and project managers for providing the time, insight and leadership to those projects.
We completed two recruitment cycles over Fall 2017 and Summer 2018 through which we recruited 33 graduate students and post-doctoral trainees to our organization. This past summer recruitment cycle saw marked changes to the design of Bootcamp 2.0. Addition of a 2-week team-based business case allowed new recruits to exercise effective teamwork and leadership skills while developing consulting methodologies. As a result, new members experienced the team-oriented work culture that is typical of consulting engagements at 4RS and other organizations. We appreciate the efforts put in by previous and current board members for the planning and execution of the training modules during the training process.
Member achievements
Members of 4RS participated in the Randall Family Big Idea competition and represented 4 teams that advanced to the final round. Former 4RS CHRO, Yolandi van der Merwe's team proposed an ocular injectable therapeutic to treat blindness and won 2nd Prize for the idea. Yolandi graduated earlier this year and is now Senior Consultant at Navigant. Jingyao Wu, previously a 4RS Business Development Associate, graduated this past year and now works as a consultant at McKinsey. Former CFO, Ali Nagle, joined Tempus Labs as Clinical and Research Liason after completing her PhD training.
Client Spotlight
Former client, Heart I/O, has had a number of key successes since 4RS completed a project for them in summer 2017 including - starting phase 1 clinical trials, winning the PDMA Pitch competition, and reaching the finals in numerous additional competitions. Join us in congratulating Heart I/O (and their CEO, Utkars Jain, and CSO, Adam Butchy, who are both currently 4RS members) on these impressive achievements!
Professional Development
We continue to strive to provide high-value career development and networking opportunities to our members through professional development events. We have organized several events this year including workshops ranging from how to deliver an effective elevator pitch to designing an effective business resume. Additional industry-focused informational sessions from successful entrepreneurs, such as PLSG's Alan West, also provided unique perspective to our membership. We also have recurring fireside chats and happy hours where members of 4RS meet up to discuss topics revolving around 4RS' business operations. Upcoming sessions will focus on how to serve as an effective PM. In addition, we organize case practice sessions every week for members that are interested or in the process of applying for jobs at consulting firms.


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Every Saturday from May through mid-October. The market offers a variety of locally grown vegetables, bedding plants, vegetable starts, cut flowers, homemade baked goods, handcrafted jewelry, woodcraft and pottery. Crozet United Methodist parking lot. 8am-12pm.
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: May 2Blake Hunter at Grace Estate Winery
Later Event: May 3Montpelier Spring Wine Festival


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Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU) Annual and Semester examination Results will be declared soon. Candidates Keep Update & Touch with us For more Latest Updates. Candidates Check Their University Exam Result With the help of official Site.
Table of The Page Contents
About Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garwal University (HNBGU)
The University was established in 1973 under the provisions of Uttar Pardesh State Universities act. The name of the university was rechristened to Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in 1989 and subsequently established as Central University under the provision of the Central Universities Ordinance in 2009. University is among the ten largest Universities of the country with 3 campuses and more than 180 affiliated colleges and institutes (both state run/aided and self financed) with its Headquarters at Srinagar. University is providing the both graduate and post graduate courses. Srinagar has strongly emerged as a centre of higher learning and research with the establishment of the University.
Name of University- HNB Garhwal University
Name of Exam- UG & PG
Year of Exam- 1st , 2nd & Final Year
Exam Date- February/ March 2019
Result Date- July 2019 (Expected)
Official website- www.hnbgu.ac.in
Click here to Check Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garwal University result 2019
How to check Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garwal University Result 2019
- Visit the official website of university www.hnbgu.ac.in
- At the bottom you will see a box with title Results
- There is a link Main exam result.
- Click on that link
- On the next page there is a link Click here to view result
- Click on that link
- Fill the required field
- Click on Search
- Check and download your result.
All Other Universities in Uttarakhand
Other university results also you can check it out on our website, Here we have mentioned all Uttarakhand state university results & announcement for your references. Even more, if you want to check any other state university updates, you can send a message on Whatsapp, We will inform you throw that, Whatsapp number detail you can find in on the right side of this website page.
State Universities in Uttarakhand
- Doon University is a state public university located in the city of Dehradun in north Indian state of Uttarakhand. The university was established by Government of Uttarakhand through an Act of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in October 2005.
- B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) also known as GBPUA&T, Pantnagar University or Pantvarsity is the first agricultural university of India.
- Kumaun University is a state university headquartered in Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. Kumaun University consists of three campuses at Almora, Nainital and Bhimtal; 35 affiliated government colleges.
- Uttaranchal Sanskrit University (USVV) is an Indian State university located in the city of Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Established in 2005, the university offers certificate courses, diplomas, undergraduate education, postgraduate education, doctoral programmes and master of philosophy courses in various disciplines.
- Uttrakhand Technical University (UKTECH) is a public university in the Indian state of Uttarakhand set up by the Government of Uttarakhand on January 27, 2005, through the Uttarakhand Technical University Act 2005.
- University Of Roorkee (IITR) formerly the University of Roorkee and the Thomason College of Civil Engineering, is a public engineering university located in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India.
Central Universities in Uttarakhand
Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU) is a public university in Srinagar town in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state in northern India.
Deemed Universities in Uttarakhand
- Forest Research Institute (FRI) of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and is a premier institution in the field of forestry research in India.
- Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya (GKV) or Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya is a Deemed to be University in the city of Haridwar in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
- The Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust is a society registered under the Society Registration Act 1860. The Society was founded by the great yogi, H.H. Dr. Swami Rama, in the year 1989. Today, the Society (HIHT) is engaged in multifarious activities in the field of research, education, health care, social and outreach.
- Graphic Era University, formerly Graphic Era Institute of Technology, is a deemed university located in Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
Private Universities in Uttarakhand
- Dev Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya (DSVV) is an Indian university located at Shantikunj near Haridwar city in state of Uttarakhand. Established in 2002 by the act of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly is a fully residential university.
- Himgiri Zee University is a Private university located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
- ICFAI University Dehradun, is a Non-Profit University in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. ICFAI University, Dehradun is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, London.
- The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) is an Indian University located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand known traditionally for its education and research in fields of energy & power.
- University of Patanjali is located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. It was established in 2006. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has stated that he would build the world's largest university in the NCR, which will have a special focus on sports.


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Find us on:
The Johns Hopkins University
Department of Pathology, Ross 558
720 Rutland Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21205
410-502-5164 (Voice)410-955-9777 (FAX)
The Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) is a program of research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Supported by a major grant from the National Institute on Aging, the ADRC seeks to discover the causes of Alzheimer's disease (AD), effective treatments, and ways to help those afflicted with the disease and their families.
Monday, Mar 28, 2011
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No snowshoes are needed to go to Grand Prospect about (4. miles) and offers great views.
|View from Grand Prospect towards Cascades
|View about 1 mile in of fog over the Valley and into the Cascades
|At about 2000' hardpack snow no snowshoes needed
|Lunch of course
|Dogs also need lunch from Mark
|Yak trak might be handy coming down
Driving Directions::Take I-90 east to Exit 27 then go right and follow the road to the end. Need Discover Pass. This is the Snoqualmie Point trailhead
Trail Statistics: Roundtrip 8 miles (Our GPS said 8 , guidebook 9.8), Elevation Gain 2000 ft High Point 3000 ft to Grand Prospect, if you go beyond you will need snowshoes to go to top , that is another .6 miles
Bring map and compass and GPS
Check out meeting this Thursday (2-7) at REI at 7 PM "Winter Ecology at the Pass Click here for information on the meeting .


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...a busy bee!
Travelling home from Dublin - you can see all the posts from our trip here.
Visiting Southend-on-Sea. We had a couple nights to ourself and enjoyed the time together. Didn't enjoy the hangover the next day so much though...
Watching Ash's band, Montrose. Big things coming up for them this year.
Trying a new diet with Slimming World! Does anyone else do it?
Enjoying cocktails, as always. That doesn't work so much with the previous one does it..?
Loving the sunshine. It's going to hit 26 degrees on Sunday. In England. #cray
Seeing Robbie Williams in Wembley Stadium! Not exactly my sort of concert, but I went with Mum and we had a really good time. The day after we spent a bit of time in London and wandered down The Mall to see Buckingham Palace.
Loving the ABM photo app, and I've preordered their book. There's nothing those girls can't do.


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This was originally published on PAOO on September 6th, 2010.
When I titled this blog Passive Activities and Other Oxymorons, it was by no means, because I intended to write only on the passive activity loss rules. If I was going to totally devote myself to one tax topic it would be the capital account maintenance rules of 704(b) (That blog would be titled "Minimum Gain - Maximum Pain"). Fortunately, I once saw the slides of a presentation of someone else who is passionate about those rules. I think they also had a thing for 704(c). One of the slides practically screamed "There is no such thing as negative basis". I feel a certain bond with that person, but I'm really not anxious to meet with them.
At any rate the passive activity loss rules do seem to be cropping up quite a bit. In a recent case which I'm thinking doesn't merit its own post (Gregory J. Bahas, et ux. v. Commissioner, TC Summary Opinion 2010-115) Linda Bahas tried to use the real estate professional exception. She hadn't made the aggregation election and the services she provided were as an employee not as a business owner. Other than that Mrs. Lincoln how did your enjoy the play ? At least she didn't have to put up with the court telling her she was ballpark guestimating her time.
There is some good news, though. A quick review of the context might be in order first. The passive activity loss rules were created more or less out of whole cloth by the Tax Reform Act of 1986. They require us to sort trade or business activities into those in which we materially participate and those in which we don't. One of the concepts in the rules is that rental activities are per se passive. This may have been an example of someone getting their notions about reality from watching TV infomercials about making a fortune in real estate with no capital and very little work. Regardless, my philosophy about tax rules is that they are what they are. In the early 1990's relief from the per se passive rule was granted to real estate professionals.
In order for this relief to be effective, though, it is frequently necessary for them to elect to aggregate all their real estate activities. Without the election they would have to establish material participation in each property. Donald Trask (TCM 2010-78) was able to establish that he spent enough time to be considered a real estate professional, but he had not made the election and his time was spread over 33 properties.
PLR 201033015 was addressed to taxpayers who were qualified, but had failed to make the election. Since they had relied on a tax preparer who had failed to advise them of the necessity of making the election, the service granted them an extension of time to make it.
If you have been posting negative numbers from real estate investments to your return on the theory that you or your spouse is a real estate professional, you should make sure that you have made the election. If not you may want to consider requesting relief. Furthermore, I generally believe in keeping tax returns indeefinitely, but if you must dispose of some of them, be sure to keep the return for the year that you made the election. It is relevant for all future returns in which you are claiming its effect and I know from experience that you cannot rely on the IRS to preserve it for you.


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In many homes, the music no longer comes from your stereo, but almost invisible boxes or cubes elegant color: despite its small size, Wireless speakers have an amazing sound quality. But installation can be a torture for the novice.
Today, many who do not have a disk shelf, preferring to keep their music on a hard drive. This not only saves the shelf, but also bulky stereo. But music is not played directly on the laptop or smartphone, due to its poor quality. This is where they place the wireless speakers, which provide music wirelessly from the network and the stereo quality reproduced. Wireless is abbreviation for "wireless local area network" or "wireless local area".
These systems consist of a box which does not necessarily have the appearance of a classic loudspeaker. There ADSL speakers are cone-shaped, while others seem smallish columns. The music comes from a smartphone, MP3 player, laptop or hard drive on your home network. In any case, all that matters is that the laptop and the music source connected to the same Wireless.
"The WLAN transmission is very stable and uninterrupted flow while the speaker is within the range of the router," says Roland Stehle, of the German association of the electronics industry of entertainment and communications (GFU).
WLAN transmission is also, in terms of quality, far superior to other wireless transmission standards. "The usual procedures audio transmission via WLAN no loss, ie, can play CD-quality music," explained Bernhard Rietschel, director of the German magazine "Audio". "Bluetooth, and especially the traditional rule A2DP, work with a remarkable data reduction, which inevitably results in a marked deterioration of sound quality."
Currently, wireless speakers allow music streaming through two ways. One of them, Airplay, is a method for iTunes and Apple devices, custom designed for streaming music over a local network or a wireless network WLAN. Installation is very simple, "In principle sufficient that the device transmitter and receiver are connected to the same network," said Rietschel. But not every speaker brings Airplay support. In contrast, the other track, the DLNA standard, reaches nearly all speakers, smartphones and network hard drives. In this case, the music is played through free applications provided by the manufacturer of the speaker.
But the installation using the DLNA standard is not as easy as with Airplay. Here we reveal the disadvantages of this beautiful speaker devoid of other added: "Since the speakers lack a screen itself, the installation can only be done by a third way," said Rietschel. Users who are not working with computer networks will meet difficulties here.
But who already have a home network can install audio speakers in every room. "Both the solution as the standard Airplay DLNA offer the ability to connect speakers in any room you want," says Stehle. Thus music can sound at the same time in the bathroom, in the kitchen and bedroom. The sound quality more wins when all devices from the same manufacturer and are managed by the same application.
But a speaker with good sound quality WLAN need not be expensive: in a test conducted last February by the German magazine "Computerbild", three of seven speakers up to 350 euros reached the note "good". In models from two 400 euros, the sound quality is almost guaranteed. In the test, the seven candidates achieved a rating of "good" sound quality in the business.
In the test, among the most expensive models were victors Raumfeld systems M and L Raumfeld manufacturer Teufel, with prices between 600 and 1,300 euros. The adjective "good" it was also the model of Zipp Libratone, for 400 euros. In the lower price segment, won the model Pioneer XW-SMA3 (300 euros), while the second and third places were occupied by the A5 Fidelio Philips and LG ND8520, both for 350 euros.
WLAN and Bluetooth Besides, almost all devices tested for USB connection also have alternative. However, almost none was provided a built-in battery so that the speaker would work well on a laptop.
In any case, although the sound sounds fine, none of these speakers WLAN quality reaches a normal speaker. "The limiting factor compared to a stereo, this is the short distance between the speakers left and right," said Rietschel, director of the magazine "Audio".
Some manufacturers try to overcome this deficiency by electronic tricks, but for a trained ear, full stereo sound is heard differently. In this, except WLAN systems were high price level, as the two winners of the manufacturer Teufel: consist of two boxes that can be installed separately from each other.
May you like:
Cheap Computer Speakers: Logitech Speakers Z130 review
Audioengine A2 Premium Powered Speakers Review


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Friday the 13th Launch of Witches
March 18th, 2009
March 18th, 2009
LA Fashion Week used to be considered the silly half twit kid sister of elegant and glamorous NY Fashion Week, but in today's economy truths are bound to change. LA Fashion Week included the fantastical and gothic Friday the 13th launch of Witches, a collection by Lauren Alexander and Gabby Applegate. Having notoriety from past Los Angeles based design projects, the duo brought [ Continue Reading ]


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Elly Griffiths and James Devita are featured in this week's giveaway
This week, CrimeSpree Magazine, in conjunction with Friday Reads Facebook page, is offering you a chance to win copies of THE ZIG ZAG GIRL by Elly Griffiths and A WINSOME MURDER by James Devita
THE ZIG ZAG GIRL by Elly Griffiths
In the first installment of a compelling new series by Elly Griffiths, a band of magicians who served together in World War II track a killer who's performing their deadly tricks.
Brighton, 1950. The body of a girl is found cut into three pieces. Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens is convinced the killer is mimicking a famous magic trick—the Zig Zag Girl. The inventor of the trick, Max Mephisto, is an old war friend of Edgar's. They served together in a shadowy unit called the Magic Men, a special ops troop that used stage tricks to confound the enemy.
Max is on the traveling show circuit, touring seaside towns with ventriloquists, sword-swallowers and dancing girls. He's reluctant to leave this world to help Edgar investigate, but advises him to identify the victim quickly — it takes a special sidekick to do the Zig Zag Girl. Those words come back to haunt Max when the dead girl turns out to be Ethel, one of his best assistants to date. He's soon at Edgar's side, hunting for Ethel's killer.
About the Author:
Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway novels take for their inspiration Elly's husband, who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist, and her aunt who lives on the Norfolk coast and who filled her niece's head with the myths and legends of that area. Elly has two children and lives near Brighton. The House at Sea's End is her third crime novel.
A WINSOME MURDER by James Devita
A grisly murder in a pastoral Wisconsin town, Winsome Bay, proves to be only the opening act in a twisting, darkening series of gruesome deaths. Acclaimed already for his young adult fiction, actor/director/playwright James DeVita now debuts an addictive, adult thriller that takes us from Chicago's underbelly to the Wisconsin woods.
In this fast-paced novel we meet a gorgeous waitress with a haunted past, an author juggling a failing career and motherhood, and a hard-bitten detective with unexpected inspiration from William Shakespeare's bloodiest plays—and nobody escapes the nightmare created by a psychotic killer of women.
Another death, another magic trick: Edgar and Max are sure the answer to the murders lies in their army days. And when Edgar receives a letter warning of another "trick" on the way — the Wolf Trap — he knows they're all in the killer's sights.
About the Author:
James DeVita, a native of Long Island, NY, is an author and playwright, and an actor. His new novel, A WINSOME MURDER, an adult mystery, was recently published by UW-Press. His YA novel, THE SILENCED, is being re-printed in paperback this year by Milkweed Editions. Along with his third novel, BLUE, James has also written more than twenty plays and adaptations of classics for young audiences and adults.
His plays include: A Midnight Cry (The story of the Underground Railroad); Rose of Treason (The true story of Sophie Scholl and The White Rose); Trials: the story of Joan of Arc, and Beth; A Little House Christmas; The Prince and the Pauper; Zero Tolerance (Youth violence); Wonderland! (Musical based on Lewis Carroll's work); The Christmas Angel; Treasure Island; Dinosaur!; Looking Glass Land; Bambi, A Life in the Woods; Arthur: The Boy Who Would Be King; Looking Glass Land; Swiss Family Robinson; Tom Sawyer; Huckleberry Finn.
Adult works for the stage: A Gift of the Magi (a musical); Dickens In America; The Desert Queen (The Life of Getrude Bell); In Acting Shakespeare (with the permission of Sir Ian McKellen); Lakeview; The Three Musketeers; Artis Generis; Waiting for Vern.
Jim was the resident playwright for First Stage Children's Theater for nearly fifteen years. His adaptation of Felix Salten's novel, Bambi, a Life in the Woods, won The Distinguished Play Award from The American Alliance of Theater and Education; Rose of Treason was awarded The Intellectual Freedom Award by the Kentucky Council of Teachers of English/Language Arts; and Looking Glass Land won the Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwrighting Contest. Jim is also a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship for Fiction, and The American Alliance of Theater and Education has just honored his body of work with the 2007 Charlotte B. Chorpenning Award.
Jim lives in WI where he is a core company member of American Players Theater, a classical repertory theater. He has been a member of the company there for twenty-one years as an actor, as well as a director for past five. His first feature film, Madison, was released in 2008 by Mirror Cinema Productions. Jim is a member of The Dramatists Guild, ASSITEJ, SCBWI, and Actor's Equity Association.
To be entered in the drawing shoot an email over to email@example.com (remove the question mark) And put CONTEST in the subject line. Also please put your address in the body of the email.
We will pick the winners on November 6th


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Some people have contacted the recycling team asking where WEEE Man has been just lately as they haven't heard about any of his exploits? Well, when he's not helping Lewisham Council with their Clean and Green programme in schools, teaching children about the importance of recycling electronic equipment or going off to the Lords Mayor's Show like he did last year http://goo.gl/Qh7G0v he's helping other local authorities.
Only this week for example, Tandridge District Council were in need of his services as they were promoting the recycling of electronic waste and textiles. This is more of a mini secondment for our electronic Superhero and we're more than happy to see the good work he's doing for Lewisham being spread to borough's elsewhere to promote the positive recycling message.
Christmas isn't too far away at the moment and is a time when people buy new gadgets, electronic toys, kitchen appliances, radios, TV's etc. to replace old or faulty items in the house. All we ask is that rather than throw away those old items, why not recycle them using one of our small appliance banks http://goo.gl/s51s15 or take them to our Reuse and Recycling Centre http://goo.gl/c3FO6b along with any other items that shouldn't be placed in the refuse and recycling bins.
If the item that you no longer want is still in good working order, why not contact organisations like the British Heart Foundation http://goo.gl/EqB0xf who might take it off your hands and find a new home for it through one of their shops? We're just pleased to see WEEE Man keeping up the good work and going to wherever his services are required.


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Want to see the entire collection? click here.
Product Description
This Bento celebrates Shouman 小満, the season of grains at their peak, when nature is giving the most and best produce, starting from May 21. This box therefore delivers a vibrant scene of fishes enjoying the magic of spring - don't you want to feed them too?
To create the beautiful lid, a textile with the pattern printed on it is forced on to the lid using a special technique, resulting in a beautiful art like depiction. The box itself features two layers, one upper with a larger capacity and a smaller lower. Each compartment comes with its own lid to keep foods fresh. A matching elastic bento band is also included. Simply a great Bento box to enjoy both meals and experience the Japanese seasons.
Product Details
Beautiful Handcrafted Bento
Capacity: Total 600 ml, Upper 360 ml, 240ml.
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 11cm
Dishwasher & Microwave safe with the lids removed
Please keep away from flames
Made from ABS-Free plastic
Made in Japan


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tornado warnings...
What weather I'm thinking, it's been beautiful - hotter then I like, but I've been hanging out all day, writing, reading, talking with folks, catching up on blogging some.
Now I hear there are tornado warnings out through Oklahoma.
Lucky for me, I can head south & hope like hell I don't run into any.


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Today is a special day!
Kevin Cooper at KC Books & Music invited me over to his site as a guest on "Book Talk," and I happily accepted.
I've decided to take this opportunity for something a bit different. You know all those photographs that appear on the various covers of The Best Advice So…
by Erik
Due to a lack of sound sleep over the past couple of days, my brain is in a strange, swishy sort of place. Rather than fight it, I figure I'll just ride the wave of weirdness and see where we land.
By and large, the word "fake" has a negative connotation:
Lucio's new girlfriend is so fake.
Many of you know that I just returned from the longest vacation of my life — a full five weeks on Florida's West Coast.
Prior to the trip, I began concocting plans for all I wanted to do, see and accomplish while away:
Get the audiobook up and available online.
Visit Captiva and Sanibel Islands.…
I'm writing mid-flight, on my way back from the longest vacation of my life — five weeks in Southwest Florida. After so long away, it feels more like a move than merely returning from someplace I'd been visiting.
Late last night, I drove to the beach for one last walk.
The main street downtown was…


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California at the great Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
USA Womens Soccer and NFL LA Rams. Check back soon for info.
California at the great Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
USA Womens Soccer and NFL LA Rams. Check back soon for info.
I wanted to do something special for Martin Luther King Day. So I got a few Olympic athlete and Paralympic athletes to shoot a small video for MLK DAY.
Great time filming behind the scenes for 3rd and 1 inc on the AT&T/ESPN commercial.
College Football is here.
I had a great time shooting on the set of NBC's American Ninja Warrior.
Shadowing the co-host Akbar Gbaja-Biamila who is a good friend was fun like always.
On this shoot, I was able to team up with an old friend from high school owner of Live 4 Legacy foundation Lamar Lacangan. Live 4 Legacy is a great foundation located in Southern California dedicated to helping today's youth. Check back soon to see the promo spot and find out more about the Live 4 Legacy foundation. To learn a bit more about the Live 4 Legacy foundation check out the website. www.live4legacy.com
Incredible time photographing two-time Olympian and U.S. national track and field javelin champion Cyrus Hostetler. Cyrus is one awesome athlete and a great person. This former University Oregon Duck's arm threw big to help him win the 2016 Olympic trials and earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic track and field team.
Had the opportunity to film Seattle Seahawks linebacker Eric Pinkins and Indianapolis Colts offense tackle Mitchell van Dyck at Activ8 in Carlsbad CA. Video will be coming soon!!! Photos provided by Adam J Reiter www.therainbowbeard.com follow Adam on instagram @therainbowbeard Twitter @THERainbowBeard
Great time filming 2016 US Olympic track to field long jump champion Jeff Henderson. Look for Jeff to bring home the Olympic gold in the 2016 Rio Olympic Summer Games. Follow Jeff's Journey for Olympic Gold on Instagram and twitter @jeffery_henderson .


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The default word processor on Mac is Pages. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful word-processor with features that are competent enough to stand as a replacement for MS Word.
Word documents created on Pages can be opened, by default, on other Macs only (or in iWork in the cloud). If you want your document (created in Pages) to be accessible to anyone (especially, MS-Word users), you have to save Pages files in the ".doc" or ".docx" format.
Since Microsoft's Word is one of the most popular word processors in the world, and since the ".doc" format is far more universally compatible, it makes more sense to convert or export your documents in the same format. Pages, fortunately, lets you export to these formats easily.
How to Save Pages Files as Word Document Format from a Mac
Step #1. In the Pages app, open the file you want to convert into an MS-Word document.
Step #2. From the menubar, click on File → Export To.
Step #3. Then, click on Word.
Step #4. Next, click on Advanced Options. You should see a drop-down labeled Format.
Step #5. Now, choose the appropriate extension – ".docx" or "doc."
Step #6. Click on Next.
Step #7. Type a name for the word document, pick a destination, and click Export.
Tip: ".docx" version is used for the newer versions of word document. The ".doc" format is compatible with almost all versions including support for older ones.
Incidentally, you can do the same with iCloud Pages too. The only difference is that instead of export, you will be "downloading" the document. When you download, you have the option to pick a format (Pages, PDF or Word). Selecting "word" will export/download your document in ".doc" format.
That's all, mate!
Make sure to download our app and stay tuned with us via Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus to never miss our latest stories.


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My Tech Story
We run Central MA's largest Property Management firm. Keeping track of work orders from over 2700 units is no easy task. That's why we turned to AVATAR to help develop an application which our Property Managers could use out in the field to make sure that work orders get taken care of in an effective and timely manner. They created a database and mobile-friendly interface that allows for our Property Managers, Maintenance Managers, and Field Technicians to communicate with one another and have access to information that is integral in providing our tenants with the best possible experience.
"Thanks for Your help AVATAR." Robert Haddon, President and Owner
My Tech Story
As the property manager of a staple building in Lowell, MA, my day is filled with surprises. With 1.2M square feet, made up of 26 tenants consisting of nearly 5,000 employees, there's never a dull moment.That's why we asked AVATAR Computing to take a proactive approach to our technology. Rather then reacting to computer related issues, their team monitors our server and desktops for any type of threats, unusual activity, and possible hardware issues we may have to address. Not to mention, if something does happen, they can usually remote into my machine and get it fixed asap. It's a great knowing they have my back.
"Thanks for Your Help AVATAR." Nicole Townsend, Property Manager
Upgrades to Uptime
We run a very unique business at Pratt Trucking. As a family owned rubbish removal company, we're coordinating with countless trucks, countless people, and numerous communities across Worcester County. Technology is the backbone of our operation which is why we hired AVATAR to do a complete overhaul of our technology infrastructure, from our server to our wifi network, AVATAR provided us with the technology tools right for our business.
"Thanks for a job well done."Erin Pratt, Owner
Laptops, calendar, and phones synced
Our family run law firm has always taken pride in running a small yet prestigious practice. To keep it that way – we need to be efficient. We asked AVATAR computing to put on their consulting hats and homogenize the many systems in our office. Now, from our cell phones to email to our calendar, my staff is synced in ways I never imagined. We also take comfort in knowing their staff is keeping an eye on any suspicious cyber threats that may pose a risk.
"It was great working with you" John J. Spillane, Esq
A Website For A City
The City of Worcester was in desperate need of a new website. But with 35 unique departments, thousands of pages, and a wonderfully diverse city, finding the right wed development partner was critical. We were fortunate to have found that partner in AVATAR Computing. Having won the bid, they met with each department, created a transparent process, and delivered a fantastic CityCentric site the captures what it means to be from Worcester.
Thanks for Your Help AVATARJake, Asst. City Manager


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Stanley Victoria Community Newsletter, April 2017 Donate to this most important of causes at StanleyWater.org.au In this issue: SRCI Community Update Cue Springs Update and notification of fundraising activites. Notice of Art Exhibition to be held from 12th – 21st May as part of fund raising efforts. Stanley Landcare Group Great article with good […]Read the whole story!
QUICK CLUES. ACROSS:Read the whole story!


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Monday, March 30, 2009
What became of George? - I may never know!
George Leeming, a son of Walter Leeming and Martha Ann Rayner.... patient at the Northampton State Mental Hospital for most of his life. George was born December 18, 1892 in Quebec Canada. He came to the US with his family in 1899. I find him in the household with his parents in the 1900 census - after that, nothing. I was curious about this boy so I asked Grandma what happened to him. She told me that he "needed help all the time" as she put it, and she has no recollection of ever hearing of his death. They admitted him to the hospital in Northampton and he never came home from there. For me of course this means "Another hunt is on!"
Looking into the hospital, I found that it actually had many names -The Northampton Insane Asylum, the Northampton Lunatic Hospital, The State Hospital (for wards of the state) - you get the picture. I found an interesting site 1856.org which is all about the Massachusetts State Hospitals.
This particular hospital is referred to as the "State Lunatic Asylum". According to this site, the hospital opened in 1858, when overcrowding of other state institutions had gotten so bad that they needed two additional locations. In 1858 they had about 230 patients and the hospital was known for it's moral care of them. By 1965 the much overcrowded location had over 2600 patients and by this time the place had become just a housing unit for the unwanted in society - the insane, homeless and helpless of us. The place finally closed in 1993 and after a short inclusion to the Register of Historical Places in the state, the main building was actually torn down in 2006, much to the dismay of many people who lived in the area who wanted the buildings saved. I also learned on another site that the grounds contained as many as 1000 burials of patients.
Still, I didn't know exactly why George was there so, entering uncharted waters (for me) I began looking into how I might obtain medical records for him. Because the place had been closed down for many years I contacted the Massachusetts State Archives and received a response from them today. Turns out, the state of Massachusetts has very strict rules when it comes to a person's medical records - as do most states I would assume, but because I'd never really looked into this before I had no idea what to expect. The Archives reply was this:
"Records containing medical or mental health information in the state of Massachusetts are very tightly restricted by law. You would need a judicial order authorizing the release of any such records. These restrictions do not end with the death of the subject or the age of the records. For more information, you could try contacting the Department of Mental Health directly"
I didn't realize the rules would be this strict for medical records for the dead and I do not believe that I will attempt to get a "judicial order" to find out what ever became of Uncle George, but I might contact the Department of Mental Health just to see if I can get anywhere - although I'm not hopeful. Some mysteries we just weren't meant to solve.
In the meantime, I learned quite a bit about this hospital, it's history, and a great group of people who fought to save the buildings. Check out the Opacity site to see more really great photos of this place. I hate to see old buildings come down!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - What's the occasion?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Not in a slump - just searching for a piece of glitter on a beach
I posted previously that I wasn't sure what to do next. Since then I've realized that part of the problem - and I think we've all been there - is trying to do too many things at once, getting sidetracked with some relative that we just can't find, and spending too much time trying to find them when the outcome really isn't going to have an impact on truly anything - but for the life of me I cannot let it go!! Sometimes I feel like I'm searching for a small piece of glitter on a beach, a nearly impossible task and yet when you're not finding anything that you expect to find, you cannot stop looking.
I'm still researching, finding much on family that came from England that I never even knew about. My newly found cousin there has been researching also - it's wonderful to have another researcher's set of eyes and another brain to think things through. Just when I've thought "That's it! I cannot find him and I never will!" she comes back to me through email with another glimmering piece of information! It's great to have someone to bounce things off of and a take a second look!
English Cousin and I have been communicating pretty regularly and we're trying to solve some of the little mysteries of some of our shared relatives. Many we're now learning came to the US and we weren't aware of it. I probably have many more cousins here that I don't know - add another item on the list - go track those people down!
So, I have an idea what should take priority and yet I don't want to or just don't have the heart to do it right now. I have been updating my tree with the certs that she's shared and bits of new information so I guess I'm doing something but somehow I'm just not feeling it.
So, it may be a few days before I post again, hopefully next time I'll have something blog-worthy to write about. In the meatime I'll be out searching for another piece of glitter!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Search Continues
After much contemplation, I decided to publish this photo. I had wondered how others would feel about it, when I told the story of Alfred Bellew in a previous post here, at that time I wasn't comfortable putting it out there. His story is a sad one, as noted in the caption below this photo.
I'm still searching for Hugh, or at least information on what became of him. I know he was born about 1916 in Preston, England, his parents were John Bellew and Margaret McCann Bellew. I know that he came to the US with his mother in 1926. I also know that he graduated from the School of the Holy Trinity in Central Falls RI, and went on to live in North Adams Massachusetts in the 1940's. The family last heard from him in the 1950s, at which time it is believed he may have been in the area of Chicago. What we don't know is what ever became of him after that - there was no further contact.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Military Monday - Unclaimed West Virginia Civil War Medals
I have over the past year learned how hard it is to get something, anything, from the military. There is much paperwork, waiting, more paperwork, more waiting - you get the picture. I have yet to "nail down" an ancestor who was in the civil war but as research into their lives continues you never know! I managed to track down my Grandfather's WWII medals and think that all families should be reunited with their loved ones' military history.
As I wrote about back in December, I came across some interesting information on a WV site that I visit often. I found that they actually have a list of Union Soldiers from the state of West Virginia who never claimed their medals. The state made an effort at the end of the war to distribute them but still the archives is holding about 5200 (at last count) of the original 26,000+. I understand from reading up on this that these medals are still in their original packaging AND can be claimed by someone proving their relationship to the person. Note: According to the information below, it does not have to be a Direct relationship. I have seen comments from others stating that they claimed a Great-Great Uncle's medal.
Here's some info directly from the site:
If you know of a Civil War Union Soldier from West Virginia in your family's past, it's worth visiting the site just to check the list. I find it heartbreaking that these medals were never retrieved by the soldiers or their family to pass down to us...."Many heirs of West Virginia Union veterans of the Civil War may be eligible to claim medals struck to honor their ancestors years ago. Most of the medals were claimed by the veterans themselves, their immediate families, or their descendants, but several thousand medals remain unclaimed. A list of the unclaimed medals is available in the Archives and History Library and on its website.
To claim an ancestor's medal, a claimant must submit his or her line of descent from the veteran along with documentation to support this line of descent. To establish line of descent, claimants must include copies of primary sources, including birth, death, marriage, will, deed, military,census, Bible records, etc. Old letters, diaries, marriage announcements, or obituaries may also prove helpful in supporting a descendant's claim. Please note that a family chart submitted without primary source documentation is not sufficient.
The claimant who establishes the most direct relationship to the veteran will be awarded the ancestor's medal six months from the date the fully documented claim is received by Archives and History. The purpose of the six-month waiting period is to allow for sufficient verification of the descendant's claim and for submission of counterclaim(s) by other potential descendant(s). In the case of equal claims, the descendant whose claim was received first will be awarded the medal."
Heres the website link: http://www.wvculture.org/history/medals.html
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Thank you Randy! and Maryland Land Records on Line
I came across this link a couple weeks ago on the Genealogy on a Budget Blog. The state of Maryland is giving free access to this data to anyone who wishes to try out their new system. Currently, you cannot view the actual plats but it appears that it's because it's in a different area of their system and cannot be accessed with the username and password they gave me for the home page. I sent an email to them yesterday requesting access to this area if they are permitting it and I will update when they reply. They want feedback on the system should we run into problems looking up documents etc.
So, if you've got ancestors in Maryland it's worth taking a look at the site. I didn't read the user guide till yesterday - I'm more of a "figure it out while I'm trying it" kind of person, but the user guide is worth taking a look at.
Here's the link MDLandRec.Net. First you have to fill out a form to request access to the site and they will email you with a password. This only took one day for me and let me tell you, with all the deeds I've found it's been well worth it.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
At a loss...
So, in an attempt to clear my head and get all this under control I thought I'd put into words what all this stuff is around me, and then maybe I can see clearly what to do next and go for it. Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees... right now I feel like I'm researching lots of stuff and don't have any idea where it's supposed to take me. Anyone else ever feel that way, or am I headed for a Genealogy burn out?
Maryland recently gave access to their property deeds on line for testing and I've been busily researching my Kidwell and Thomas families' records from the late 1600s to mid 1800s in Prince George's and Charles Counties. This research brought up a few questions about the information I received from another researcher years ago - research "facts" that I was always meaning to go back and source myself... We're talking about my 8th, 9th, 10 and even 11th Great-Grandfathers. I've found many deeds for the Kidwell family and have been copying, printing and attempting to make sense of them all with regards to the location of the properties, who sold what to whom and how the original 300+ acre plantation was split up - "gifted" to sons and sons-in-laws, etc. Not to mention that all important burial plot that is there somewhere and is actually mentioned in one of the deeds as part of it changed hands from the Kidwells back to the Thomas'. I don't get how on earth these people knew what they actually owned, with the measurements from a black oak to that river rock, 13 perches to this other tree... I suppose it worked, but I can't imagine trying to find this exact spot today. There are some interesting things I've come across, property changing hands between the Kidwells and the Sarrat/Surrat family AND deals between the Kidwells and the Mudd family... more on that later - if anything cool comes of it - ah more research to do!
I've got 30+ BMD records to get through, transcribe and enter into my software and neatly attach my England ancestors together. This would be my McCann, Smith, and Morris, lines, plus a new surname - Makepeace. Because I have the documents here in hand, I've been taking this project in small pieces just to take a break from doing research (and blogging).
I've also been trying to chase down an Aunt from the England McCann family who seems to have vanished after 1924, but before last week I didn't even know that she ever came to the US. Catherine McCann Aspin who came to the US in 1919 with her husband, James William Aspin, appears in a city directory in 1924 and then is no where to be found in the records - but, I know that she lived at least into the 1950s because my Mother went to her home when she was a child. I've reached out to another living Aunt of mine and also a 2nd cousin here in the US in an attempt to find out if someone knows anything about this lady and what ever became of her.
Finally, I've also been doing research work for one of my neighbors, who both happen to be from a very long line of local families so the information is fairly easy to get my hands on, but then I can't just hand them the documents, I need to get reports together for them, clearly source all the facts I've found and get this off my desk. This has taken a back seat to all other projects sitting here.
In the midst of this, there is the house to clean (not), meals to cook, 6 other people and a dog to take care of, laundry to do, errands to run, yadda yadda yadda... suddenly I feel really guilty sitting here right now... LOL
Looking back at this post, I guess I wasn't "at a loss" for words, maybe just at a loss of what to do next.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Final Post - Margaret's Envelope Post 9
Margaret and her husband John Bellew lived in Central Falls Rhode Island until at least August of 1934, where they're listed in the city directory. Their son Alfred was born on October 27th 1928 in Central Falls, and was baptized on November 11th at the Holy Spirit Parish. In the 1930 census both John and Margaret are listed as Weavers at a local silk mill. Two of their boys graduated from the School of the Holy Trinity, a Catholic school in Central Falls. Hugh graduated in 1931 and William in 1932. Their youngest son Al attended school in Adams Massachusetts. John registered for the WWII draft in 1942, at that time they were living in Adams, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
John Bellew died on December 15th, 1958 in Chevy Chase, Montgomery County, Maryland. Margaret remained in Maryland until November of 1968 when she entered a nursing home in Massachusetts and she died on December 5th, 1968. The last items I have to post from her envelope of memories are she and John's obituaries.
As I wrap up my posts of items from Margaret's Envelope, I want to thank my newly found Cousin in England - you know who you are! This dear lady has sent me a treasure of information on our family - 30+ BMD certificates on various members from our various lines in England and photos that sometime I hope to share here. It will take me days to get through all the info and get it all entered into my database.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Keener Brothers
Since I've not yet written much on my Keener family line, which is my Father's side of the family, I'd like to highlight them for this edition of Smile For The Camera.
This photo was taken in 1949
Vernon Keener, Donald Keener and Jerry Keener
My Father and his brothers
Her Family and Her Faith - Margaret's Envelope Post 8
There are only a few items left to post in this series of items from Margaret's Envelope. Of note, is the theme of most of the items that I've uncovered - all were of her family or her faith, and some both. One item is missing from this envelope - Margaret's Rosary. I am told that it was in a small pouch and was among these items for many years, but now it is missing - something that I would love to find. Obviously a devout Catholic, Margaret had a prayer book that I'm told she read from often. This book, The Treasury of the Sacred Heart, is pictured here along with a very small bookmark that was inside.
Inside this book is a Preface, dated 1860, stating that this smaller work is acceptable by the Cardinal Archbishop of Dublin. Yet the book was printed in London. I can't help but wonder if it previously belonged to one of Margaret's parents.
As I thumb through the pages of this very small book (it's only 3x5") I find Margaret's memories tucked between the pages, some of which have already been posted here. With her son John's First Communion card, I find a small tattered piece of ribbon - could he have worn that with a flower that day? In the page with the Mass for the Dead I find the memorial cards for her father and father-in-law. There are a couple of folded small newspaper clippings about her son William, a rosary prayer card, things that have been laminated, and years of wear to the book which is in very good condition for its age, yet worn from hands that held it and read from it. Margaret obviously had a great love for her family and her Catholic faith. Although I am told that she was a stoic, almost stern woman, who didn't talk about things - she kept much tucked away where she could revisit it and could remember, while praying and keeping her faith.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Cemetery Saturday - Abraham Smith Keener
Abraham married Elizabeth G. Hume in Taylor County in about 1853.
The couple had 11 children*:
Thomas Jefferson Keener born 1853
George W. Keener born 1855
John Addison Keener born 1858
Mary Margaret Keener born 1860
Susanna J. Keener born 1862
Emily J. Keener born 1866
Alice L. Keener born 1868
Hannah Keener born 1869
Agnes D. Keener born 1873
Eva Keener born 1876
Martha E. Keener born 1871
The top of the stone shows the details for Abraham, the lowest area on the front of the stone has the details of Elizabeth, she died May 21, 1916.
This stones and many others of this line of the Keener family can be found on private property in the Keener Cemetery, in Taylor County WV. A great big thanks to Melissa Wisen - a distant Keener cousin of mine, who photographed the stones in that cemetery and made them available on the Find A Grave website and gave permission for me to use them here on my blog.
See all of Melissa's memorials here, or visit Find-a-Grave to search for your own ancestors.
*some information in this post was obtained from another researcher's work and has not been confirmed or denied.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
More Memories of Home - Margaret's Envelope Post 7
Another item from Margaret's Prayer Book today - the memorial card from the funeral of her father, Hugh McCann, here's what I know about him:
Hugh McCann was born in about 1866 in Preston Lancashire England, and died Jan 24 1914 in Preston as well. He was the son of Patrick McCann and Cahterine Byrne (both from Ireland).
Hugh married Alice Ann Smith (b. abt 1867, d.1904) also of Preston. The couple had the following children, all were born in Preston.
Elizabeth McCann b. 1888
Catherine McCann b. 1890
Alice Ann McCann b. 1894
Margaret McCann b. 1896, d. 1968 in Adams, Massachusetts.
Ellen McCann b. 1897
Mary Agnes McCann b. 1899
James Francis McCann b. 1903 and d. 1903
I do not have much more information on Hugh. I do know that by the 1911 census his wife had died and he was still living in his household with his daughters. He died in 1914 and his grandson Hugh Bellew was born in 1916 - named for his Grandfather.
I also do not have many details at this time about all of Margaret's sisters. My newly found cousin is busily sharing her research informaation with me. Elizabeth married John Mee in 1911, Catherine married John Aspin and came to the U.S. and Alice Ann never married. I do not have details on the lives of Ellen and Mary Agnes at this point.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Memories of Home - Margaret's Envelope Post 6
The next few items I find in Margaret's Envelope were actually tucked away in her prayer book. These items remind she and John of their separate families and no doubt, of "home".
This card is a memorial card for Patrick Bellew. Patrick was the father of John Bellew.
Patrick Bellew was born in about 1864 in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland. His wife was Elizabeth Hall. She was born in about 1864 in Preston, Lancashire, England.
Together this couple had the following children:
James Bellew b. Jan-Mar 1888, d. Jan-Mar 1888 Preston
John William Bellew b. 1889 Preston, d. 1968 Maryland USA
William Bellew b. 1891, d. 1910 Preston
James Bellew b. Jan-Mar 1893 d. Apr-Jun 1893 Preston
Frances Bellew b. 1894, d. 1951 Preston
Mary Bellew b. Jan-Mar 1897, d. Jul-Sep 1898 Preston
Isabella Bellew b. 15 Nov. 1900 Preston, d. 14 Nov 1993 Rockville Maryland USA
Patrick was a weaver at one of the mills in Preston and later a powerloom overlooker (supervisor?) at the mills (according to the 1911 census). The family lived at 180 St. George's Street in Preston. Patrick died Jun 8, 1923, only two months prior to John's arrival in the US.
When he left England only his Mother and sisters were still living. Isabella later came to the US with her husband John Turner, Frances never married.
The question I always ask when making these posts - "Do you think they knew that they'd never see their family members again?
Margaret's Journey and Her Heartbreak - Margaret's Envelope Post 5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Margaret McCann Bellew remained in England until 1926. In May of that year she finally joined her husband and her son William who had been in the US already for almost 3 years. How I wish that there was a diary in Margaret's Envelope telling me how she felt during that time and most importantly, all she felt during her journey to the US.
Margaret and John had three children at the time, Hugh Bellew born in 1916, William Bellew, born in 1917 and John Jr (or Jacky) born in 1919. From what I understand she never really spoke of it, or him, and the heartache of her decision must've haunted her for her entire life. Margaret came to the US without one of her sons, the youngest, John was left in England.
I've written at length about John in several previous posts, but the story about him being left in England is truly a sad one. You can read about it here and here. Today I post another item from Margaret's Envelope, the one item that probably reminded her of him - a card from his First Communion which occurred only months before she left the country. You can see the reverse of it in one of the above previous posts.
Not having a diary of her thoughts and the pain that she must've had during this time, my mind is filled with images of a Mother boarding the ship with one of her children, leaving her young son crying on shore with an Aunt. Or her hastily dropping him off at her home so she could make this journey to join her husband in the US. He was only 7 years old when she left England.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
What Brought Them Here? Margaret's Envelope Post 4
We left of with John and Margaret seperated by the Atlantic Ocean. Her in England and he in the US. But what brought him here? The passenger list needed studying further, which I've done and in the process I found another member of the McCann family had come to the US.
Page two of the passenger list has an area where the traveling person lists if they're going to be joining a relative or friend upon arrival here. In this box was some typed text, some crossed out text and some of what I will call "scribbling". Upon very close inspection of this area I see that he originally listed the following:
Mrs. Aspin, Friend
Victoria Rd. Pawtucket R.I.
The "s" in Mrs is crossed out making it a Mr. Aspin. The word Friend is somewhat crossed out and what appeared to be f i l is listed next to this word... Friend in Law? After zooming in to 400% I could see that the cursive lower case f was probably likely a b.. Brother in Law!!!
I then went back to the BMD database for Lancashire and found a McCann and Aspin marriage, being Catherine McCann, my great great grandmother's sister, who had married James William Aspin in 1919. The two traveled to the US in Dec of 1919 and were apparently welcoming other family to join them.
But the question remained - why Pawtucket or Central Falls Rhode Island? Work of course! This area was booming with textile mills at the time, (like many other New England cities) bringing thousands of immigrant workers to the area. John is listed as a weaver in the census records from England, not unlike many of his family members and neighbors. Those who were interested in relocating to the US were drawn to the work that they already knew, and of course the promise of a better life.
Margaret's sister was in the states only a short time before she died. I find her on the 1920 census - only a month after their arrival - living as a border in Central Falls. Then again in 1924 in the city directory for Central Falls, but in 1930 her husband James is living with a woman named Margaret as his wife. Catherine vanished from the records between 1924 & 1930. Having found this information just last evening, more research needs to be done to determine exactly when she died.
Today from Margaret's Envelope, I'm posting another postcard - this one from Margaret to John.


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Born and raised in Breckenridge, Texas, Mr. Brumfield was active in athletics, student council, and academic competitions. After graduating high school, Mr. Brumfield attended Texas Tech University, earning Bachelors of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Marketing and Management in 2012. Additionally, Mr. Brumfield earned a certificate in leadership from the Rawls College of Business.
After graduating with his bachelors in 2012, Mr. Brumfield attended Texas Tech University School of Law. Mr. Brumfield concentrated in health law while taking a wide variety of classes to broadan his knowledge of the law. During his second year in law school, Mr. Brumfield was elected by the student body to serve as the Student Bar Association president, the presiding officer of the student government for the law school. The position also called on Mr. Brumfield to represent Texas Tech School of Law student body in the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association at the annual meeting in 2014.
Additionally, Mr. Brumfield served as a staff editor for the Business and Bankruptcy Law Journal, where his article was selected for publication. In his third year, Mr. Brumfield was asked to serve as the executive comment editor for volume II of the Business and Bankruptcy Law Journal. Mr. Brumfield graduated with his Juris Doctor from Texas Tech School of Law in 2015, cum laude.
Organizations & Memberships:


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Welcome to Poly Tamper Bags!!
We are one of the leading Supplier & Exporter of various kinds of Plastic & Packaging Materials. We supply our products to almost every conceivable application areas like Pharmaceutical, Food & Confectionery, Cosmetics, Tools, Mattress, Garment, Toy and Coir Foam Mattresses & Automobile Ancillaries. We are continually accessing internal and external development facilities to constantly search for innovative solution, improved products and processes.


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This week on the Cinematic Immunity Podcast, Kimberley Browning gives us great insight into the world of independent film making. As a film festival director herself for Hollywood Shorts, she has screened, programmed and been an active participant in the complex world of independent film where crtically acclaimed and financially viable films go to live or die. We dig deep into how new forms of technology are good for people that dont have other outlets of expressing themselves and how race plays into the politics of the entertainment business.
Ep. 34: David Mendez - Special Effects Makeup
Sometimes you find yourself with some fake blood in your mouth and a couple of drinking straws - because that's how you get things done in this business. At least, it is when you're a special effects makeup artist, like this week's Cinematic Immunity guest, David Mendez.
Listen as the multi-talented Mendez brakes down the makeup department for us, with a special focus on special-effects. We talk about the tools of his trade (fake blood and drinking straws are only two of them), the challenges and fun of creating makeup looks for film, his influences, and how Captain Kirk taught him to fight. He also explains how being a U.S. Army Infantryman compares to working on a movie set, and how it has helped his stunt coordinator work.
Ep. 30: Dan McMellen - Post-Production Supervisor - Part 2
For the Pros out there, this time we get into the technical side of the post-production process, talking in depth about editing technique and theory. Plus, Dan and Louis share a few valuable lessons learned from renowned editor and author, Walter Murch.
Ep. 28: Karyn Wagner - Costume Designer
This week on Cinematic Immunity, stylish and talented costume designer Karyn Wagner joins us to talk about how she went from being "the best-dressed camera assistant ever" to designing the costumes forThe Green Mile, Friday Night Lights and The Notebook, where she finds the inspiration for her designs, and how a she can make you hate a character without him ever saying a word.
Ep. 26: Ken Hastings - Writer
Did Ken ruin Dennis Miller's movie career? Was Bryan a happiness oasis on 'Olive Juice'? Do Backstreet Boys cause security problems? Did Louis get us that coffee? Is Liz Hurley calling Ken in the W.C. right now? Is structured writing like creative waterboarding? Did we sneak the tag 'boobs' in this post? Who will Ken book next on 'The Tom Green Show'? Will we now do the podcast with 6-packs in hand? Cinematic Immunity!
Ep. 22: Thomas Ethan Harris - Film Festival Consultant
Thomas Ethan Harris and certain members of the Cinematic Immunity team may not see eye to eye on what constitutes a "good" epic space-opera of the late 1970s... but all was eventually forgiven thanks to Harris' incredible insights into the exciting world of film festivals and how independent filmmakers can achieve success in it.
In our interview with film consultant and co-founder of the Los Angeles Film Festival (L.A.F.F.), Thomas Ethan Harris, we learn what happens during the festival selection process, what you can do to help your film before and after it's accepted, and the important but often-overlooked details that make the great films stand out from all the rest. We also discuss some of the movies Harris had a larger involvement in - such as the groundbreaking 1999 indie hit, "The Blair Witch Project" - and what he's learned from sitting through tens of thousands of short and feature-film submissions over the years. And, yes, we get his expert opinion on that classic movie about a galaxy far, far away...
Ep. 3: Indie Film Directing - Donavon Warren and Timothy Gagliardo
The art and craft of movie making; The stories that define it. This is the story of "Wheels" as we are joined by producers and co-directors, Donavon Thomas and Tim Gagliardo. They turned a great script into a finished feature film with little resources and a lot of determination. Congrats fellas for your premier at Newport Beach Film Festival! You deserve it!


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How To Adjust Your Baby's Sleep Schedule For When Daylight Saving Time Ends
There are few phrases that strike fear into the heart of a parent like daylight saving time. In the spring, everyone panics because they're losing an hour of sleep, so fall should be a breeze right? You're "falling back" with time and gaining an extra hour of sleep. Everything should be roses. . . until you realize this means your child will be falling asleep earlier than their usual bed time and waking up an hour earlier. (My kid wakes up at 5:30 a.m., so you can imagine what this does to me.) Knowing how to adjust your baby's sleep schedule for when daylight saving time ends, however, can make the entire household breathe a little easier. You'll still need coffee though.
I know — this sleep thing doesn't seem to get any easier, does it? Your baby is sleeping through the night and then they aren't. A cough one night throws off their whole sleep schedule for the week and a milestone like crawling or walking can turn your sweet little cherub into an energetic monster at 3 a.m. But daylight saving time can affect your baby's whole circadian rhythm, according to Today's Parent. It may only be an hour, but think of it like jet lag. An hour can throw even an adult's schedule off; a little baby doesn't stand a chance. They will be cranky, overtired, and so will you.
To help ward off those issues, here are a few things you can try to adjust your baby's sleep schedule depending on their current sleep patterns and behavior. I make no guarantees, but I can promise you this — it won't last forever.
1. If Your Baby Has A Strict Routine, Start Shifting Bedtime A Few Days Beforehand
If your baby can't handle being up ten minutes after her bedtime, start doing the work beforehand and adding in a gradual shift of bed and nap times. The Baby Sleep Site noted that a few days before daylight saving time ends, you can start gradually shifting your baby's bedtime to be later. So if your baby always goes to bed at 7 p.m. and you want that time to stay despite the change, use three or four days beforehand to start sliding the bedtime back. Put your little one to bed at 7:15, then 7:30, then 7:45, and so on until you reach 8:00, an hour before your baby's usual bedtime. Once the time change happens, your baby will be adjusted and will go to bed at their normal time, 7:00, without passing out too early.
2. If Your Baby Is An Easy Sleeper, Just Power Through
Some babies are great sleepers and can adapt easily. If this sounds like your little one, not only are you the envy of every mom out there, but your baby may just be able to power through according to Today's Parent. Although your baby won't get right in sync, you may be able to put them to bed at their usual time without an issue or only have to fight the nap time routine to make it all work.
3. If Your Baby Is Prone To Waking Up Early, Get Some Room Darkening Curtains
The trouble with daylight saving time ending is not only that it gets dark earlier, but the sun also rises earlier. If your child often wakes up with the sun (or slightly before it like my own early bird), then you might want to invest in some room darkening curtains to help keep them sleeping a little later according to The Bump. The website also noted that if you're comfortable leaving your baby in their crib for about 10 minutes after they wake up, this can keep them from getting up too early the rest of the week.
4. If Your Baby's Whole Schedule Is Off, Start Noticing Their Sleepy Cues
Sometimes no matter what you do, your baby's entire schedule is off. This idea also applies, however, if your baby didn't really have a schedule before day light saving time ended. Parents suggested creating a bedtime routine, despite the crankiness your child might experience, and watch your little one's sleepy cues to make sure you're getting them into bed when they need it.


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Having a marketing plan is important, and can seem quite a daunting task to do in a busy organisation. It can even be such big a task that we sidestep it altogether, saying with best intentions "I'll come back to that later". Only later never happens and we end up flying by the seat of our pants. But you need this strategic document to identify your target market & beter serve their needs.
It is the process by which companies create value for customers and build strong customer relationships in order to capture value from customers in return.
(Kotler & Armstrong, 2010)
What is a marketing plan?
"It serves to document how the organisations strategic objectives will be achieved through specific marketing strategies and tactics, with the consumer as the starting point."
(Kotler & Armstrong, 2010)
Having a plan also gives you some guidance over your time frame (6/12/18 months) giving you something to refer back to and to track your success (or failure) showing what needs improvement for next time. In our "always one" technology driven world we need a marketing plan to keep us focused. In the past, we may have been able to get by without a plan or only refer to it sporadically. But now we need the structure to know what is or isn't working.
From the man who placed the first half-page newspaper ad in 1874 & the first full page ad in 1879:
"Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is I don't know which half." – John Wanamaker
With so many places to now spend your marketing budget we need to be very diligent in our approach and know our target market, and this only comes from market research. Once we know our target audience it becomes easier to know where to find them e.g their interests & what websites they visit and therefore market to them effectively.
Market research is:
The systematic design, collection, analysis and reporting of data relevant to a specific marketing situation facing an organisation.
(Armstrong et al, 2010)
There are many frameworks out there but the one I have found the most useful and one that has stood the test of time is PR Smith's SOSTAC® Plan This 6 step framework will help give you the structure & strategy you need to create your marketing plan(this is also my interpretation of SOSTAC ®).
PR Smith's SOSTAC ® Plan
Reproduced with kind permission from PR Smith's SOSTAC® Plan.
STEP 1 | Situation analysis | Where are we now?
This step is all about assessing where you are right now and essentially doing an audit using:
- Goal performance
- Customer insight
- E-marketplace SWOT
- Brand perception
- Internal capabilities & resources
STEP 2 | Objectives | Where do we want to get to?
This can be neatly grouped in the 5S objectives:
- Sell: customer acquisition & retention targets
- Serve: customer satisfaction targets
- Sizzle: site stickiness, visit duration
- Speak: number of engaged customers
- Save: quantified efficiency gains
STEP 3 | Strategy | How do we get there?
Strategy is so important and if we get this wrong we could end up wasting resources.
[tweet_dis2]"All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved." – Sun Tzu, The Art of War[/tweet_dis2]
- Segmentation, targeting and positioning
- OVP (online value proposition)
- Sequence (credibility before visibility)
- Integration (consistent OVP & database)
- Tools (web functionality, e-mail etc.)
STEP 4| Tactics | Details of the strategy
Tactics are the tools to implement the strategy with:
- E-marketing mix, including: the communications mix, social networking, what happens when?
- Details of contact strategy
- E-campaign initiative schedule
STEP 5 | Actions | Details of the tactics (e.g systems, processes, guidelines/checklists & who does what when)
- Responsibilities and structures
- Internal resources & skills
- External agencies
STEP 6 | Control | Measurement & metrics (if we are on target or not)
- 5S + web analytics – KPIs
- Usability testing(A/B)/mystery shopper
- Customer satisfaction surveys
- Site visitor profiling
- Frequency of reporting
- Process of reporting and actions
Thanks for reading let me know if this helps you with your planning or if you have any favorite planning models!
Please note: SOSTAC ® is a registered trade mark of PR Smith.
More information from: www.PRSmith.org/SOSTAC
SOSTAC(r) Guide To Your Perfect Digital Marketing Plan: save time save money with a crystal clear plan (Volume 2)


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MUSIC: Francama @Francama2 - SWAG MI Ft. M'prof
Famous Records' fast rising song writer/singer and rapper Francama is back with a very exciting Hip-Hop Joint - SWAG MI. This is a Song filled with contemporary Punchlines we all can relate to. While his previous Single OJORO is still breaking the airwaves, he teams up with eastern lyrical Wizard M'prof to make this even more interesting. Take note of how professionally they murdered this dope beat by Jamzeal. This is yet another lyrical wahala to deal with. Enjoy this number and hit Francama up on your favorite social media;
Twitter https://twitter.com/Francama2 [@Francama2]
Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/Francama1 [@Francama1]


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Scotland win Gold in Women's 50m Rifle Prone
Sheena Sharp has won the Gold medal for Scotland in the Women's 50m Rifle Prone. New Zealand's Juliet Etherington has gone one better than her Bronze in Manchester to take silver and Johanne Brekke from Wales has won the bronze medal.
Recent Entries
- Thursday, 23 March Schedule
- Scotland Win Gold in Men's Lawn Bowls Pairs
- Australia wins Gold in Men's 400m
- Ghana win Gold in Men's Long Jump
- Canada win's Gold in Men's High Jump
- Australia take Gold, Silver in Women's Synchronised 10m Platform Diving
- New Zealand Win Gold in Women's Shot Put
- Canada win Gold in Men's 105kg Weightlifting
- England win Gold in the Women's Heptathlon
- Canada win Gold in Men's 1m Springboard


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Welcome to FlyTyingForum.com
FlyTyingForum.com is the largest fly tying community in the world and we hope you take a moment to register for a free account and join this amazingly friendly and helpful group of anglers. FTF has over 12,000 registered members that have made over 300,000 posts and have uploaded over 6,000 patterns to our exclusive fly pattern database!
If you are an experienced fly tier or just starting out FTF is the perfect place to call home. Click Here To Register for a Free Account
|Fly Pattern Database / Browse by Topics / Browse by Material / Fly Tying Bench Database / Fly Fishing & Tying Videos / FTFCurrent(NEW!)
|Featured Products: Fly Tying Hooks / Fly Tying Scissors / Waterproof Fly Boxes
raffia material
Posted 05 June 2007 - 01:08 PM
Posted 05 June 2007 - 01:38 PM
Posted 05 June 2007 - 07:42 PM
She's the wacky island of the island's eye.
Sweet Hawaian sunshine....
You can hear the beach boys sigh as she goes by.
'Cause they all know she's a sweet little measure.
Who will keep on hugging until you die from pleasure.
I'm proud to say she's coming to me on the beach at Waikiki"
Jorma Kaukonen/Tom Hobson
Posted 05 June 2007 - 10:14 PM
Posted 08 September 2007 - 06:39 PM
Posted 13 September 2007 - 12:15 PM


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This spectacular project is being built on an excellent plot, close to the south entrance, with beautiful sea and mountain views.
But the house itself is no less spectacular!
Architectural concept
A gently sloping driveway leads to a circular guest parking area around a water+fire feature;
with special parking space for super-cars and
access to further underground parking
Ground Floor
A grand double door – two stories high! – and flanked by double height windows ánd waterfalls provides a prestigious access to the villa.
On the side, a majestic, sculptural and glass-encased staircase – in front, an indoor pond leading on to an outdoor pond with the reflections of the sun in the water creating a magical lighting effect inside.
In the east wing – generous entertain areas with:
– a piano bar
– a large lounge with double height ceiling
– if required, a "showcase" window, showing off collection cars in a museum setting
– a two sided linear fireplace
– a dining area with indoor garden
– a glass wine display
– kitchen with oversized island and separate breakfast corner
In the west wing:
– a guest apartment with large walk-in-dressing
– luxurious powder room
– in-house spa with jacuzzi, rain showers, his&hers bathrooms
– external showers for pool use
In front:
– a water-feature with glass bottom that actually is the roof of the indoor pool below
– 4 different outdoors seating areas, mixing covered, uncovered and semi-covered areas
– a large infinity waterfall pool
– large custom-built jacuzzi area
Upper Floor
In the east wing:
The master "suite" – if that is the appropriate word for a private living area of around 150m2:
– generous master bedroom
– spa style bathroom with indoor garden
– separate his & hers toilets
– indoor and outdoor showers
– jacuzzi
– large, double sided walk in wardrobe
– two-sided fireplace between bedroom and jacuzzi
– terraces both covered and uncovered, including one area with fireplace
In the west wing:
– elevators
– two guest suites with private bathrooms and terraces.
Lower floor
Thanks to the steep plot and the terrain-hugging architecture, this third level comes with extensive sliding doors,
offering natural light and ventilation and even views.
The initial wow-effect is assured by the long indoors pool, illuminated by the sun through the glass roof which is actually the bottom
of the water feature found in the garden…
The magical light effects of the sun playing through the water creates a wonderful relaxing atmosphere for this pool area, and the massage room just behind it.
In the east wing…
Sauna, Hammam and relax area next to the indoor pool
Large entertainment area with space for several pool tables
Large wine cellar
Lounge area
Large dining table in front of an outside terrace
Full home theater
Independent apartment around an indoor patio
Laundry, ironing room, technical room
3 more "showcase" garage spaces with windows overlooking the views
In the west wing…
A well-sized gym with views over the pool and its own bath/shower room
Two more generous suites (5th and 6th) with large walk-in closets and private bathrooms
Covered porches, access to the outdoors pool, and pool shower
Please contact us for detailed plans!


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It has been two months since Hurricane Ike made landfall with a direct hit to Galveston, roaring up through Houston and wreaking havoc and damages estimated to go up to as high as $21 billion. That figure would make Hurricane Ike the third most expensive storm in U.S history, behind Hurricanes Katrina and Andrew.
But monetary damage is not the only measure of the storm's destruction. Whole communities were wiped from the map. Galveston Island, which had been experiencing somewhat of a renaissance with fabulous new restaurants and wine bars, will take years to recover. Up to this point we had avoided seeing the worst of the catastrophic devastation visited upon our Gulf Coast community. There are still merely frames where signs used to be. And blue tarps still cover many a roof. These are small reminders of that harrowing night our family spent huddled, or as they say in Texas, "hunkered down" in the closet of my friend Meryl, who had loaned her house for our evacuation. Joe mentioned her in his post Coming Home to Hurricane Ike.
But last weekend brought with it a return to Meryl's as well as to Galveston, all in the name of wine, food and celebration.
The Return to Meryl's
There are four of us at work who share a "quad." We like to think of ourselves as the "Ladies Who Lunch." We planned a wine tasting before Hurricane Ike. In fact, the Friday Ike hit was our original date. But as the storm grew in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Meryl rescheduled her Saturday flight to Orlando to Thursday and our family put the kids and pets in the car and headed up to Houston to Meryl's. Donna and Joycelyn were safe and "hunkered down" in West Houston. Luckily, all of us suffered only landscape damage. We fared much better than many in our community.
Working around kids and husbands and birthdays and deadlines, we finally had our "Ladies Night" with wine tasting followed by a screening of the Sex and the City movie. And let me just say a chick flick is definitely much more fun when watching it with "the girls" after tasting champagne, two chardonnays, a Spanish white, Zinfandel, two Cabernet Sauvignons, and a Texas port. Each of us brought wine, with no rules except that Joycelyn requested Messina Hof port, and she can't drink Chardonnay. Since I wanted the other ladies to note the difference between an oaked and unoaked Chard, I took a couple, and picked up the Messina Hof as well. Donna brought an Armida from her Wine Club selection, Meryl included a Kosher wine from Israel; and I also included one of the Wine Club selections from Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant; the 2006 Viña Godeval.
Interestingly enough the Messina Hof "Ebony Ports of Call" was available for sale at our local grocer, Central Market. I was surprised to find anything labeled port at CM, because when I asked about ports on a previous trip, the wine person told me they couldn't sell anything above 17%. Sure enough the Messina Hof is 16% alcohol by volume, which just goes to show, you need to know your market when creating a product with the maximum potential for retail space.
However, a rather laborious read of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission code indicates that the holder of a Wine and Beer Retailer's Permit can sell for consumption ON premises "traditional port or sherry containing alcohol in excess of one-half of one percent by volume and not more than 24 percent by volume."
So, I suppose if I was going to consume it AT the store, I could drink port, but if I was going to take it home, I was limited to the less fortified "Ports of Call."
Note to readers: Do not put champagne in the freezer to chill and forget about it while watching a 2-hour movie – which is what happened at Meryl's. We came back downstairs and discovered the remaining half of the Moët et Chandon was now a "wine-sicle." It was no doubt a blessing in disguise, since Donna, Joycelyn and I had a 30-minute drive home at nearly midnight. It was a great night with "the girls." We ladies are already planning another tasting, perhaps we'll make it a monthly thing.
Return to Galveston
Also postponed and rescheduled was the NASA 50th Anniversary Gala. My husband works on the International Space Station—not literally, he runs a team charged with standardizing all of the websites connected with ISS—so we had purchased tickets for the event. The Galveston Convention Center was hosting the event, originally scheduled for September 27th. On that day most of Galveston still had no electricity and the Center was temporary home and shelter to a number of Galveston residents. So it was rescheduled for November 22. We'd thought about not going after the hurricane – but figured that we wouldn't be living in Houston, or on the planet, for the next one.
We hadn't been to Galveston since the storm. In 2005, we'd driven to the GMAC Bowl in Alabama three months after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita when devastation from those storms flanked I-10 all the way from Houston to Mobile, and that wasn't even a direct hit. I'd seen pictures of Galveston. I read stories in the Galveston Daily News long after the rest of the nation was focusing on the election, the mortgage crisis, and the economic meltdown the media covers with such tabloid fervor. But I could not bring myself to drive down and see what was no longer there. So it was with much trepidation that we drove 30 minutes south for the event.
All along I-45 south there were battered and missing signs. Blue tarps covered roofs. But I felt a little hopeful as we neared the bridge to the island. A familiar landmark was fully lit, packed with cars and looking no worse for wear. Let me tell you, that's the first time I've felt a sense of relief driving by a topless bar. But as we crossed the bridge, we saw some of what we had been avoiding. Young oleanders that had graced the median as I-45 becomes Broadway were gone. We passed a large boat, turned on it's side. "Is that supposed to be there?" I asked. Since it was dark, we couldn't quite tell. But I'd never seen a boat dry-docked in that position.
As we turned onto 61st and drove toward the Seawall we saw more boats. Turned on their sides. On the wrong side of the road. Flung like the toys of an angry toddler who had tired of playing with them. One of our favorite restaurants, the Cajun Greek, was boarded up. The sign was gone. Replaced by spray paint on plywood covering the windows. All I could keep thinking was, at least it's dark. We can't see it all. Traveling east on Seawall Blvd., I was paying more attention to finding the Convention Center, and less to the surroundings. Along the surf side of the road things looked different. Missing.
We arrived at our destination and I could spot couples in their finery walking toward the door. It felt a little wrong to be going to a fancy party when people had lost their homes, their businesses, and some their lives. But people were carrying bags of unwrapped toys to donate to the "Annual Children's Holiday Event at the San Luis," and we were helping the local economy.
We headed upstairs to the "Constellation Foyer" and the coffee bar to get away from the quickly crowding entrance. We stopped to look out the windows at the surf, and I could see what was missing. Attached to a utility poll on the seawall was the familiar sign for the 61st Street pier, beckoning visitors to enjoy RENTALS, BAIT, BEER, SNACKS, GIFTS. But behind the sign was water. The pier was gone. I found a photo essay with a picture of the sign and non-pier.
As the crowd in the hall grew larger, and we moved from the 80s themed "Shuttle" room to the Apollo and International Space Station rooms. We went up to the Lunar Lounge and back, carrying our glasses of Cabernet and looking at displays of NASA history. And as we did Hurricane Ike and his aftermath faded. We feasted on cheese and hummus, pork tenderloin with chimichurri sauce, sushi and fajitas. We took pictures. Said hello to friends. Danced in the 80s room to tunes from our 20s performed by a band in polyester track suits. I compared marriage proposals with one of Joe's coworkers who had just become engaged the previous evening. We toasted NASA and its 50 years with "champagne" (actually it tasted more like Cristalino Cava Brut). And then we danced some more. It really was a fabulous event, and I'm glad we decided to attend.
This Thanksgiving, when I look back on the past year, especially the past 6 months, I'm thankful for friends like Meryl who let us stay at her house during the storm. I'm thankful that our neighborhood in Clear Lake was spared. I'm thankful to be able to taste wine with my friends, and toast NASA's 50th Anniversary. And I'm especially thankful for my husband, who indulges my passion for politics, has taught me to relax and enjoy the moment, and shares my passion for food, travel, celebrations and wine.
~ Amy Corron Power
aka WineWonkette


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Further to my latest pre-order for an Advantage GT-R Concept scale model (earlier post), I have placed three new ones today. Note that the photos of the Civic Type R model are from moke-up, so the real thing will much more detailed. Hopefully, I should get all of them by the end of March.
- Honda Civic Type R 1999 EK9 (Championship White) by Interallied (インターアライド)
- Lexus IS-F 2008 (Black) by Kyosho
- Toyota Crown Athlete 2008 (White) by Kyosho