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Tag: chinese
Latest Posts
Muah Chee / Mochi / 麻糍 (Steamed or Fried)
Muah Chee or 麻糍 can be easily made at home. I love this pillowy soft, chewy and bouncy snack coated with peanuts and black sesame powder, especially when it's freshly made.
Egg Tart 蛋挞 (Refined Sugar-Free)
Creamy custardy and mildly sweet egg custard in a buttery flaky melt-in-your-mouth pastry tart, handmade from scratch and baked fresh from the oven. I love to enjoy these warm egg tarts with a cup of teh-c-kosong, Singapore's version of milk tea with no sugar. This is the perfect afternoon tea break for me.
Low GI Mooncake with White Bean Paste
These gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free Low GI Mooncakes not only taste yummilicious, it's also a much healthier version than the traditional mooncake. It's filled with low GI white bean paste which I made very quickly within 30 minutes. This is the healthiest and fastest mooncake I've ever made!
Classic Cantonese Mooncake with Double Yolk Lotus Seed Paste 双黄莲蓉广式月饼
The traditional classic Cantonese Mooncake is one of the most commonly known mooncake, characterised by its glossy golden crust, and imprinted with beautiful delicate patterns. In this recipe, I used white lotus seed paste with double yolk, giving it an aromatic contrasting flavour of sweet and savoury in one pastry.
Orange Chicken 鲜橙鸡柳 (Air Fryer)
This Air Fryer 🍊 Orange Chicken 🐔is my ultimate go-to dish for meal prep. It's tangy and savoury and a little bit spicy. The zesty 🍊orange sauce is made with fresh orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and chilli flakes. The 🐔chicken breast is tenderised, then air fried to a beautiful golden crispiness. It's perfect with fragrant 🍚rice!
Hokkien Bak Chang (Chinese Rice Dumplings) 福建咸肉粽
Here's a detailed guide to making delicious Hokkien Bak Chang aka Chinese Rice Dumplings that's chock-full of savoury goodness and infused with the signature five-spice powder. Happy Dragon Boat Festival, y'all!
Turnip Cake / Lo Bak Go / 萝卜糕 (Steamed or Pan Fried)
Chinese Turnip Cake or Lo Bak Go in Cantonese is a well-loved dim sum dish that is served steamed or pan fried. Either way, both are super delicious. While it can be laborious to make, it's really worth the effort as homemade turnip cake is loaded with lots of radish, lap cheong and all the yummy goodness.
15-minute Tomato Tofu Egg Drop Soup 番茄豆腐蛋花汤
Full of nutrition and so so homely, you can make this delicious tomato tofu egg drop soup in just 15 minutes.


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The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Range
17 results
Produced naturally in the skin, hyaluronic acid has become a staple ingredient in the beauty and skincare industry, lending products its intensely hydrating benefits. The acid seeks to plump the skin with moisture, working to soften the appearance of dehydration lines and helping to prevent dryness. The humectant acts as a moisture magnet, attracting up to 1000x its weight in water to leave the skin feeling supple and hydrated.
Vegan and cruelty-free, the collection offers a selection of moisturising products to choose from, such as the best-selling Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Support Formula, or the ultra-lightweight Marine Hyaluronics. Explore the benefits of this universal skincare ingredient, with a range of textures to suit all skin typesHow do you use The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid?
Apply a few drops onto cleansed skin in the morning and evening before cream. Generally, water formulations should be applied before oil formulations. It is recommend to use a maximum of three serum formulations in a single regimen.
Can you use The Ordinary hyaluronic acid around the eyes?
Hyaluronic acid is suitable for use all over the face, including around the eyes. The acid seeks to plump and firm the skin, ideal for anyone looking to address the appearance of fine lines, while creating a smooth canvas for concealer application.
What other ingredients can you pair The Ordinary hyaluronic acid with?
Gentle and non-reactive, Hyaluronic Acid can easily be incorporated into your morning and evening skincare routines, working harmoniously alongside many other ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide. The Ordinary's serums combine complimentary ingredients to maximise their benefits; the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Concentrated Serum, for instance, mixes both hyaluronic acid and alpha arbutin, working to hydrate, brighten and protect the skin against environmental aggressors. The Matrixyl 10% + HA High Strength Peptide Formulation, which combines hyaluronic acid with two generations of Matrixyl, seeks to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Morton-White Pass boys basketball team earned its first win of the season on Friday with an 83-56 win over Willapa Valley.
Judah Kelly was unstoppable, as he tied the MWP single-game record with 41 points. Tony Belgiorno also had an outstanding game offensively, as he added 30.
Kelly and Belgiorno also played well in the T-Wolves loss on Tuesday, as Belgiorno scored 38 and hauled in 10 rebounds while Kelly added 28.
MWP coach Kevin Dunlap said that in Friday's win, the T-Wolves played better defensively, and he feels things are starting to come together well on that side of the floor.
The Wolves are only in action once this week, as they'll head to Eatonville on Tuesday.


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Creating duplicate content is like trying to win a race while running in circles. You're not going to get very far and will only waste a lot of energy in the process. Search engines are no different; they penalize websites with duplicate content by pushing them down in search rankings. Below are some of the main reasons why duplicate content is bad for SEO.
It Reduces Crawl Efficiency
Search engine crawlers can become overwhelmed by duplicate content, making it difficult to crawl the website efficiently. This can lead to indexing issues and decrease the time it takes for changes to be reflected in search results. It can also cause the search engine to ignore some content.
In cases where duplicate content is on other websites, it can lead to a decrease in backlinks, affecting ranking.
It Hurts User Experience
Having duplicate content makes it difficult for users to find the information they want. It also gives them a negative impression of the website, as they may think it is not properly updated or maintained. This can cause them to click away and look for information elsewhere, negatively impacting website traffic.
It can also lead to content cannibalization, where two or more pages compete for the same keywords, resulting in lower rankings.
It Wastes Resources
Duplicate content can be time-consuming and resource-intensive to create and manage, as it requires extra effort to ensure the content is properly updated and that duplicate versions are removed. This can also add to website hosting costs, as duplicate files take up extra space.
This also applies to paid search campaigns, as duplicate content can cause ads to compete against each other, resulting in higher costs and lower returns.
It Causes Confusion
Duplicate content can confuse search engines and users alike, confusing which version of the page is the original or most up-to-date. This can create a negative impression of the website and lead to lower rankings and search traffic.
For website owners, duplicate content can lead to copyright infringement and even legal action if the original content is not properly attributed. You should consider professional SEO services to help you create and manage content, avoiding any duplicate content issues.
It Leads to Lower Rankings
Duplicate content can lead to lower rankings in search results, as it's difficult for the search engine to determine which version of the page is the original. This can lead to a decrease in organic search traffic and lower visibility for the website.
It's important to remember that search engine algorithms are constantly changing, and duplicate content can be seen as an attempt to manipulate the results. This could result in heavier penalties or your website being removed from the search engine index.
In conclusion, duplicate content can be a huge headache for website owners and lead to decreased rankings, lower website traffic, and wasted resources. Creating unique content is the best way to ensure your website stays ahead of the competition and reaches its full potential. You can also work with professionals like 1 Source Media Group to ensure your content is SEO optimized and up-to-date. We are a full-service digital agency specializing in search engine optimization services, web design and development, social media marketing, and more! Contact 1 Source Media Group today to learn more about how we can help take your website to the next level.
Jack Sylvester is a freelance writer, He is extremely fond of anything that is related to ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. He works closely with B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention. His aim to reach his goals one step at a time and He believes in doing everything with a smile.


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TERS on Functionalized Gold Nanostructures for Nano-scale BiosensingSurface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful plasmonics-based analytical technique for biosensing. SERS effect relies on nanostructures that need to be designed to maximize enhancement factors and molecular specificity. In addition to numerical modeling, an analytical tool capable of imaging localized enhancement would be an added value.
Zeta Potential of ProteinsThis application note presents data from the SZ-100 using cells with unique, patented carbon coated electrodes that facilitate zeta potential measurements of proteins.
Insulin Structure and Stability AssessmentStability and aggregation of insulin are studied using simultaneous fluorescence excitation emission matrices (EEMs) and UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy [1]. Insulin is a protein-hormone, produced by the pancreas and is necessary for basic metabolic processes. The different types of commercial insulin therapeutics generally fall into two categories: short-acting and long-acting insulin. The difference between some short-acting and long-acting insulin is, in some cases, only one to three residues in the protein sequence.
Analysis of Particle Size Distribution of Rod Shaped Gold NanoparticleGold nanorods are rod-shaped gold nanoparticles. Fig. 1 shows that gold nanorods have two surface plasmon bands in the directions of the short and long axes derived from their anisotropic shapes.


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What Happened To Kylie Jenner's Former BFF, Pia Mia?
Surfing about famous personalities' backgrounds is programmed in every commoner's mind. So people from various countries and beyond the world are very interested to know the personal and public details of the singer Mia Pia. In 2017, before officially vanishing from each other's social media histories, Kylie and Pia reportedly feuded after the latter's 2015 hit music, Do It Again, featuring Chris Brown and the makeup mogul's then-boyfriend Tyga, headed up the graphs. After that, nevertheless, the two were reencountered, likely for the last time. During Pia's early rise to stardom as a vocalist, there were whispers that she was Kanye West's "other woman." Then, in September 2020, Pia hooked OnlyFans. Now an influencer in her privilege, she's the eighth most elevated earner in the pleased subscription app, making $2.22 million a month for publishing lingerie selfies and other "inciting images." There are no further details about her current status.
(Image Source: Pinterest)
Pia Mia Biography
Details | Particulars |
Full name | Pia Mia Perez |
Born | September 19, 1996 |
Birthplace | Guam |
Years active | 2009-present |
Occupation | Actress, Singer-Songwriter, Model |
Siblings | Kandis, Paloma, Peter |
Gender | Female |
Nationality | American |
Age | 26 |
Pia Mia's Age
Age is definitely a factor that mentions one's youth and maturity, and you might wonder what is Pia Mia's age as well. We might have witnessed a few younger versions of Pia Mia, but age passes as time passes. So you might wonder what Pia Mia's age is, or you might have predicted the age of Pia Mia. But let's see if your prediction goes well with Pia Mia's age as of 2022. According to the report from Wikipedia, it has been reported that Pia Mia is currently 26 as of 2022. We will update more factful insights about Pia Mia when we are informed.
Pia Mia's Boyfriend
People nowadays are very eager to know about the relationship status of their favourite celebrities. On the list, we can see Pia Mia's Boyfriend is one of the searches, and her fans wanted to know who she is dating or living together. According to the report from The Things, it has been reported that Pia was seen getting comfortable with a 26-year-old baseball player for the New York Yankees, Tyler Wade, in December 2020. So, for those searching for Pia Mia's Boyfriend's Name, this article would have helped them know about Pia Mia's Boyfriend and much more about Pia Mia.
(Image Source: Pinterest)
Pia Mia's Family
Fans nowadays are very eager to know about the family of their favourite celebrities. We can see Pia Mia's family is one of the searches on the list, and his fans wanted to know who his parents and family are. According to a report from Wikipedia, it has been reported that Pia Mia's parents are Angela Terlaje Perez and Peter Perez. For those searching for Pia Mia's family members' names, this article would have helped them know about Pia Mia's family and much more about Pia Mia.
Pia Mia's Net Worth
According to the report from Celebrity Networth, it has been reported that Pia Mia is worth $8 million as of 2022, per the research we seconded from a few notable websites. The result that we provided is based on 2022. The estimated amount also comprises her salary for her activities based on his primitive career and a few more talents. Her net worth may increase or decline as time passes; once we face a decline or surplus in the estimated amounts, we'll surely update it here. Pia Mia may have chosen options for investments to double her returns to add more worth to her Networth.
Pia Mia's Instagram
People nowadays are very eager to know about the factual details of their favourite celebrities as most of them change their real names to fame. We can see Pia Mia's Instagram is one of the searches on the list, and his fans wanted to know his Instagram details. As mentioned above, Pia Mia's Instagram Account is @piamia, with 8.8m Followers, 661 Following, and 467 Posts. For those searching for Pia Mia's Instagram Details, it might be a piece of bad news. This article would have helped them know about Pia Mia's social media updates and much more about Pia Mia.
Pia Mia's Nationality
No matter how much fame a celebrity gains, there are a few things that never change, and we can add Nationality to that list. Though Pia Mia's fame has reached several stages globally, there are little few guesses about Pia Mia's Nationality. Well, chances are you might also be confused about Pia Mia's Nationality. Pia Mia has an American nationality and ancestry. Pia Mia's ethnicity is White. Continue to read to explore more about Pia Mia.
Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.


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Collection of social network icons featuring the logos of the best known sites and apps such as Facebook Skype Pinterest Instagram and more! All designed with a long drop shadow. Facebook Twitter Skype Pinterest Behance Yahoo! Instagram YouTube Telegram Deviantart Google+ Snapchap LinkedIn Line Dropbox Quora Soundcloud Spotify Tumblr Vimeo Dribbble Myspace Flickr Vine Foursquare and every other logo are a trademark and can only be used for editorial purposes or with the proper authorization. Copyrights may apply.
This content feature well-known brands, trademarks, logos, public personalities, and/or celebrities. It can be used only for editorial purposes (such as news, magazines, etc) or if you are an authorized reseller. Learn more on our Terms & Conditions.


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How's this for an end-of-the-year surprise? For a limited time, the Foo Fighters have shared a full stream of their June 2021 show at Madison Square Garden. The multi-camera recording captured the first arena show in New York City since before the pandemic hit and was the first full-capacity show as well.
The band teased the stream of the show in the days prior to its release.
"June 20th, 2021: Rock and Roll returns to @TheGarden streaming for a limited time," the Foo Fighters wrote in a tweet on Thursday. "Can't wait to see you all again soon!!!"
As for the show itself, it featured many of the Foos' biggest hits and a surprise appearance by Dave Chappelle. The comedian joined the band for a version of Radiohead's "Creep," where he featured on vocals. The show also featured the band covering the Bee Gees' You Should Be Dancing" (a precursor for the Dee Gees that would be released the following month) and Queen's "Somebody to Love."
The Foo Fighters dedicated the show to Andy Pollard, their stage manager of 12 years, who died on June 18. You can read our review of the show here.
As for the rest of 2021, to say Dave Grohl and company were busy would be an understatement. They released their 10th studio album, Medicine at Midnight. The Foo Fighters are releasing a film, a horror-comedy titled Studio 666, in February that "chronicled" those sessions. They'll be hitting the road in 2022. Oh yeah, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October.
Watch the full stream below.
Foo Fighters Madison Square Garden Setlist, 6/20/21
Times Like These
The Pretender
Learn to Fly
No Son of Mine
The Sky Is a Neighborhood
Shame Shame
My Hero
These Days
Medicine at Midnight
Somebody to Love (Queen cover) (Taylor on lead vocals, Dave on drums)
Monkey Wrench
Creep (Radiohead cover) (with Dave Chappelle)
All My Life
This Is a Call
Best of You
Making a Fire
You Should Be Dancing (Bee Gees cover) (Band live debut)


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An adrenaline-pumping collection of games worth over $100 can be yours for much less than that! Read More
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Propnight (Steam) free starting March 21st at Lenovo Gaming


text: Uraine Crisis: Foreign Ministry has claimed that officials are in regular touch with students in Sumy.New Delhi: India's foreign ministry today said that it has "strongly pressed" the Russian and Ukrainian governments through multiple channels for an immediate ceasefire to create a safe corridor for its students stranded amidst the raging war in Ukraine. It also claimed that the ministry and Indian embassies are in regular touch with the students, who have been posting desperate and emotional pleas to be evacuated from the conflict-stricken region."Have advised our students to take safety precautions, stay inside shelters and avoid unnecessary risks," said Arindam Bagchi, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.We are deeply concerned about Indian students in Sumy, Ukraine. Have strongly pressed Russian and Ukrainian governments through multiple channels for an immediate ceasefire to create a safe corridor for our students.— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) March 5, 2022This comes soon after Indian students stranded in northeast Ukraine's Sumy city shared videos saying they have decided to take a risky journey to the Russian border that's 50 kilometres away. In what they claimed would be their "last video" from Sumy, they said the Indian government and its embassy in Ukraine would be responsible if anything happened to them.The students have, however, decided not to leave after they were contacted by the embassy. In the video from the Sumy State University campus, a large group of students could be seen standing in the snow, packed and ready to leave. They were holding several Indian flags. "Since morning, we have been constantly listening to boarding, shelling and streetfights. We are afraid, we have waited a lot and we can't wait anymore. We are risking our lives and moving towards the border. If anything happens to us, all the responsibility will be of the government and the Indian embassy. If anything happens to anyone, Mission Ganga will be the biggest failure," one of the students says in the video."Please pray for us...This is our last video," another student adds.Students from the University have been constantly posting videos highlighting the dire situations they have been forced to brave. In a video from one of the hostels, students were seen collecting snow to melt for water.They say about 800-900 Indian students have been confined in the hostels of the Medical Institute of Sumy State University for over a week and have nearly run out of food and water.They have no leads for an evacuation and have already issued an appeal to the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "We'll all be killed"."Nothing has been done for us. We have seen some foreign students leave Sumy on their own, but they were shot. We have videos to show it," an Indian student said in one of the messages. Behind him, about a hundred students are standing, all looking worried.The Indian embassy last week warned of intense fighting in Kharkiv, Sumy and Kyiv. Reports say trains and buses have stopped running in Sumy, roads and bridges out of the city have been destroyed, and there is heavy street fighting.Russia today informed the UN Security Council that Russian buses are ready at crossing points to go to the eastern Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Sumy to evacuate Indian students and other foreign nationals who are stranded there."In the Belgorod region of Russia, 130 comfortable buses have been waiting (and standing ready) since 6:00 am today at the crossing points 'Nekhoteevka' and 'Sudja' ready to go to Kharkiv and Sumy to evacuate the Indian students and other foreign nationals," Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said.The Russian envoy said that the checkpoints are equipped to provide temporary accommodation, space for rest, and hot food. There are also mobile medical stations with a stock of medications."Everyone evacuated will then be taken to Belgorod, and from there transported to their homeland by air," he said.The Indian embassy in Ukraine today said it's exploring "all possible mechanisms" to evacuate them safely and securely. In a Tweet early morning, it said it has discussed evacuation and identification of exit routes with all interlocutors including the international humanitarian organisation Red Cross. PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com"Exploring all possible mechanisms to evacuate Indian citizens in Sumy, safely & securely. Discussed evacuation & identification of exit routes with all interlocuters including Red Cross. Control room will continue to be active until all our citizens are evacuated. Be Safe Be Strong," it said. At least 1,000 Indians - 700 in Sumy and 300 in Kharkiv - are still stranded in conflict zones in eastern Ukraine, the government said on Friday, adding that arranging buses to evacuate them was proving to be the biggest challenge right now.Also ReadUkraine: Counting The Human Cost Of The WarMilitarisation Of Russian Schools Intensified Since Ukraine Invasion: Report"Russia Not Above Law, Must Be Held Accountable": Ukraine At Top UN Court


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Customer Enablement Specialist
About MarketStar:
In everything we do, we believe in creating growth, for our clients, our employees, and our community. For the past 35+ years, we have been generating revenue for the most innovative tech companies across the globe through our outsourced B2B demand, sales, customer success, and revenue operations solutions. We are passionate about cultivating career advancements for our people, and support them through mentorship, leadership, and career-development programs. We provide service and support to our communities through the MarketStar Foundation.
Our exceptional team is the cornerstone of MarketStar's accomplishments. We are proud of our award-winning workplace culture and to be named a top employer in our industry. These achievements are a testament to our six core values, embraced by our 3,000+ employees worldwide. From our headquarters in Utah, USA, to our global offices in India, Ireland, Bulgaria, Mexico, the Philippines, and Australia, we all work together to drive innovation and success.
We are excited to have you apply to join our MarketStar team and can't wait to discuss how we can help you find growth!
Location: Bulgaria, Remote
What will you do?
- Build relationships of influence with customers and work collaboratively with the Sales team to maintain and grow relationships
- Lead virtual engagements across various customer segments
- Identify upsell opportunities and effectively communicate these to customers and the sales team
- Troubleshoot and optimize strategic product usage to improve the customer experience
- Serve as the voice of the customer by proactively uncovering and communicating trends and insights to management.
- Manage customer profile information and update all activities in CRM system
What will you need to succeed?
- English language - C1 or higher
- 1 year of account management/customer success, B2B sales experience, or equivalent preferred. Ideal candidate has a strong customer focus and will be an advocate for their success.
- Project and task management experience preferred
- Effective and proactive verbal and written communication skills with all levels of stakeholders.
- Ability to present to audiences of all sizes with confidence, expertise, and persuasion.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills; ability to effectively prioritize workload and meet deadlines
- Tech savvy with an affinity for innovative and emerging technology. Familiarity with CRM
What We Offer:
In our commitment to our "We Care" value, we believe in providing employees with valuable mental and physical well-being benefits including:
- Competitive base salary;
- Quarterly bonuses based on reached KPIs;
- Remote or Hybrid work;
- Access to our knowledge base and training;
- Access to our company library of sales video training 50+ hours;
- MultiSport card;
- Additional Health Insurance;
- Work computer (Apple Macbook)


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It's not deliberate that I haven't been writing about the farm lately, well, not really. ?It is just that it has been so so wet that it is somewhat depressing and the last thing I wanted to do was write a blog post that complained especially when I keep seeing blog posts and pictures about the drought in the States which is worse I think.
It's frustrating too as it makes it so hard to make decisions. It's hard to decide where to go on a day out with the kids let alone make farming choices 😉 . We went to Lullymore in Kildare on Thursday for a day out and for the half an hour that there was heavy rain, the children were able to play in the indoor play area and then we went out into the sunshine again.
We have one lot of bulls inside, brought them in earlier than planned but they are the biggest lot and we had planned to start fattening them earlier to get them to the factory earlier – partly for cashflow reasons, partly to ease the workload at calving time and partly cos it is possible to do.
It is turning out to be an expensive summer as cattle are in and out, depending on the weather, it is hard to plan as sunny days are a bonus as the weather forecasters seem to predict rain on a daily basis so it seems like luck if we don't get a heavy shower.
We have 2 more batches of bulls out on what is fairly heavy land and one lot was getting particularly raucous with as Brian described as 'rowdy hoors' in it! ?Having a good dog is invaluable when dealing with rowdy cattle. Sam has got to the stage that he gets bored bringing in the cows as they are safe and predictable. He LOVES working with the bulls, they are so much more of a challenge and he knows he has to be on his guard with them. Brian and Sam brought them into the yard and I stood there to point them in the direction of the small shed there temporarily. ?Brian told me to open the door of the tractor in case I had to jump for it which worried me slightly but they were fairly well behaved – they really bellow though.
We then had to bring them down the lane to the home farm and into the large shed. At ?300 per ton of meal – it is going to be an expensive summer and autumn as we fatten them.
We all thought 2009 was a tough summer with plenty of rain and low prices for milk but this year is much worse in terms of weather. Milk volume is down and we're having to buy extra meal for the cows as well as buffer feed them with silage on wet days. Milk price is down too which means we're getting ?3.5K per month less each month which is making cashflow a bit of a challenge.
However, there are farmers that are worse off, apparently 10% of dairy farmers still have to cut their first silage. ?There's lots of slugs in the long grass now too and apparently this can kill cattle if they are fed silage with slugs. Sounds disgusting as well as disheartening doesn't it?
We bought straw from a farmer that had it in storage from last year and paid ?10 a bale from it. Brian wanted to get it in while the weather was wet and he wasn't able to get to do much else on the farm. ?With fodder being short for many farmers this year, many will be buying straw to feed with meal, so straw will probably be more expensive this year too so we're glad we've got that job off the list!
Here's hoping for some sun over the bank holiday weekend 🙂
More from my site
6 thoughts on "It's Raining Men!"
I agree with Colette. This sheds so much light on why prices fluctuate all the way up and down the food chain. Hope you get the Indian summer you need xx
I really like reading your blog, Lorna, on how life really is for farmers at the moment. People don't realise how difficult it is constantly moving and feeding animals when the weather is bad. Then consumers complain about price, vicious circle. Really hope the weather get better in the coming months. Great post 🙂
Thanks Colette – it is tough out there for a lot of farmers at the mo. We have high loan repayments on land we bought so that puts pressure on us but for those with high loans and no silage in, I just cringe!
→It is the same here! We're having to constantly move pigs from paddock to paddock…. they are all so waterlogged! And barley has jumped by 33% this month! Will we get an Indian summer????


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Image #00150
"Millennium Dawn"
Point Arkwright, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
This photo nearly didn't happen. I had been wandering around after taking another photo and, as was my custom, left the camera on the tripod with the lot slung over my shoulder.
When I saw this image I set everything up then went to open the shutter to compose the image on the ground glass...no cable release (my super-angulon has an old shutter that requires the shutter to be set to B and held open with the cable release).
I retraced my steps for what must have been about 15 minutes but to no avail. The cable release was nowhere to be seen. Needless to say I was upset but chalked it up to experience and resolved to carry a spare in future.
I packed up the equipment, folded the tripod, shouldered my backpack, bent over to pick up my jacket, and there it was. The release was in a small crack quite literally under my feet.
Naturally by now the sun was higher than when I first saw the shot but with the cloud it didn't really matter although the brightness range is quite extreme with 1200% extra exposure required in some parts of the sky.
Camera :: Tachihara 5x4 field camera
Lens :: 90mm f5.6 Schnieder Super Angulon
Exposure :: 10sec
Aperture :: f64
That's a terrific photograph.


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An Epic Turning Point
in Colonial America's History
welcome to
The Battle of the Monongahela
July 9, 1755
The BBHC, in North Braddock, Pa., stands on the very ground where the Battle of the Monongahela — better known as "Braddock's Defeat" — took place. It is the most widely recognized battle of the French and Indian War (1754-1763) which developed into the first world-wide great powers conflict, the Seven Years' War (1756-63). This battle was crucial to the military education of a young George Washington and helped inform his destiny as commander of the Continental Army in the American Revolution.
Monday - Thursday CLOSED
Friday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Open
April - October Thursday through Sunday November - March Friday through Sunday The History Center will be closed December 24, 29, 30, & 31, 2023. Guided Tours available upon request ($7/pp)
Parking available on-site Building is handicap accessible Education Programs & Guided School Visits STEM-behind-the-History Workshops available
Special Events throughout the year
Phone: 412-271-0800
Adults $5.00
Military, Veterans, & Youths (6-17) $3.00 Children under 6 Free Residents of 15104 Free 609 SIXTH STREET
The events that took place on this hill overlooking the Monongahela and their impact on world history deserve a modern innovative storytelling experience for visitors. BBHC's Board of Directors seeks to make the History Center into a world-class museum and the focal point of a multi-use community space in the heart of North Braddock. The current site — and the rich history it represents — already provides an exciting platform for an expanded artifact collection that would be enhanced by state-of-the-art immersive exhibits and interactive educational technology. As the expansion campaign gets underway the Board welcomes the support and participation of all individuals and organizations interested in preserving this vital piece of Pennsylvania and America's history.
Produced by our sister-site: Fort Ligonier
35-mins guided companion to your visit of the museum and the battlefield. Access now and listen before you arrive! Play at your own pace. Access on your smartphone: |
Donate to BBHCBBHC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit mission-based museum. Tax-deductible donations help support storytelling and education regarding this vital piece of colonial American history.
Your donations will enable the museum to expand its services and programs, develop impactful content, and hire staff to make the exhibitions available to a wider audience.


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Introducing our exquisite Wooden Caned Set of 2 Coffee Table, a perfect combination of style and functionality. Crafted with high-quality wood and complemented with beautiful caned details, these coffee tables add a touch of elegance and texture to your living room decor. The set includes one large and one small table, allowing for various configurations to complement your seating arrangement or for use as individual accent pieces. Painted in beautiful maple wood color these triangular-shaped tables add a charming addition to any décor style. Our Wooden Caned Set of 2 Coffee Table is a must-have for those seeking a practical and stylish option to elevate their home decor.
- Coffee dimensions (in inches): 27 x 17 x 22 , 27 x 17 x 19
- Coffee table color: Maple wood color
- Pattern: This coffee table features a unique caned pattern that adds a touch of earthy elegance to any space.
- Shape: Constructed with sturdy wooden legs and a triangular-shaped tabletop
- Note: Colour may vary because of camera flash & different mobile screens


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They would look fantastic lined up for display in an old cabinet! The largest has a bird and measures 12 1/2" by about 10 3/4". It has a couple of minor chips that are on the edges. They are not very noticeable.
The middle one measures 10 3/8" by about 9 1/2". It has a flower on it. It has a light surface chip on one corner.
The smallest measures just under 9", by 7 7/8". It has only a couple of teensy flea bites on the edge.
Overall these are in very good condition for their age! What you see is what you will receive. Any questions please feel free to ask! International Buyers - Please Note. This item is in the category "Antiques\Primitives".
The seller is "chloe_aka_curly" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.


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Botox, short for Botulinum Toxin, has gained significant popularity in the world of cosmetic procedures. Its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines has made it a go-to treatment for those seeking a more youthful look. Let's delve into what Botox treatment is all about, especially in the context of places like New Jersey, where it's known for its efficacy.
Understanding Botox Treatment
Botox Basics: Botox is a neurotoxin that is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When used in small, controlled amounts, it can temporarily paralyze muscles. In the world of cosmetic treatments, this property is harnessed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines.
How Botox Works: Wrinkles and fine lines often form due to the repetitive contraction of facial muscles, like when you smile or frown. Botox is injected into these muscles, causing a temporary relaxation. This prevents the muscles from contracting fully, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles in the treated areas.
Popular Treatment Areas: Botox is commonly used to address wrinkles and lines in areas like the forehead, crow's feet (around the eyes), and frown lines (between the eyebrows). It's also utilized for other purposes, including treating migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and even certain medical conditions.
The Procedure: Botox treatment is a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure. A qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist will inject the Botox solution into the targeted muscles using a fine needle. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort, often describing it as a brief, stinging sensation.
Results and Durability: Botox doesn't provide instant results. It typically takes a few days to start seeing the effects, with full results appearing in about two weeks. The results are temporary, usually lasting around three to four months. As the effects wear off, muscle contractions return, and wrinkles may gradually reappear.
Safety and Side Effects: When administered by a trained and experienced professional, Botox is generally safe. However, there can be side effects, including mild pain at the injection site, temporary drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow, or headache. Serious complications are rare.
Why Choose Botox in New Jersey, Specifically Moorestown, NJ?
New Jersey, and Moorestown in particular, has become a hub for high-quality Botox treatments. There are several reasons why Botox in Moorestown, NJ, is sought after:
Experienced Providers: Moorestown boasts a cadre of experienced healthcare providers who specialize in cosmetic procedures, including Botox. These professionals are skilled at delivering natural-looking results.
Customized Treatments: Whether you're looking for a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic change, providers in Moorestown, NJ, tailor Botox treatments to your specific goals and preferences.
Cutting-Edge Facilities: Many clinics in Moorestown are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that you receive the latest and safest Botox treatments available.
Client-Centered Approach: The healthcare providers in Moorestown prioritize patient satisfaction and safety. They take the time to understand your needs and ensure you are comfortable throughout the process.
In conclusion, Botox treatment in NJ has become a popular and effective solution for addressing wrinkles and lines. When seeking Botox, especially in places like Moorestown, NJ, it's crucial to choose experienced professionals who prioritize your safety and satisfaction. With the right provider, you can enjoy the benefits of a more youthful appearance without sacrificing your well-being.


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fort sam houston full zip code
About Us
Contact Us
1804 Stanley Road, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234. Only hotels in 78234 zip code are listed below. Pre-order, buy and sell video games and electronics at Fort Sam Houston - GameStop Military (Ft Sam). 1150 5th Street East JBSA-Randolph, Texas 78150 Phone: (210) 652-4410 firstname.lastname@example.com . Full view. Bank of America Fort Sam Houston branch operates as a full service brick and mortar office. Official website of Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). Only hotels in 78234 zip code are listed below. Jbsa Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234 - Peer Comparisons by Rank and Percentile. STS-134 was his final mission and the final mission of Space Shuttle Endeavour. 9 in the latest AP Top 25 poll. Jackson State stunned the college football world in September when it hired NFL Hall of Fame defensive back Deion Sanders to lead its football program. Fort Sam Houston, TX is officially utilizing two area codes which are area codes 210 and 726. We list the best 78234 hotels and motels so you can review the JBSA Ft Sam Houston hotel list below to find the perfect lodging. In addition to Fort Sam Houston, TX area code information read more details about area code 210, area code 726 and Texas area codes. Lebron James is an American professional basketball player. Ben Roethlisberger is an American football quarterback, signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Contact Warrior Care begins here at the METC. JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States 78234-0000. 1210 Stanley Rd, San Antonio, TX 78234-7501 +1 210-221-1886. We spent two tours at Ft Sam in the 70's and loved it. ZIP+4 Codes are the last 4 digits of a nine-digit full ZIP Code. Current local time in USA – Texas – Fort Sam Houston. The table below compares 78234 to the other 1,856 ZIP Codes in Texas by rank and percentile using July 1, 2020 data. (KMAland) -- Omaha, Kansas and Kansas State all won in regional women's college basketball action on Sunday. Britney Jean Spears (born December 2, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. No. With "3" in 2009 and "Hold It Against Me" in 2011, she became the second artist after Mariah Carey in the Hot 100's history to debut at number one with two or more songs. Contact Numbers: Phone: 210-226-0089 TTY: 877-889-2457 Toll-Free: 1-800-Ask-USPS® (275-8777) PO Box Delivery Time. A 9-digit ZIP Code is made of two parts. Rihanna also puts her fame to good use and is actively involved with several charitable causes. Fort Sam served as the headquarters, garrison, medical support, training, logistics and mobilisation base. ... Fort Sam Houston is a super place to visit or be assigned. Military.com Network. 2 Baylor Bears (2-0) is set to... Illini fans have waited for more than a decade to watch big-time college basketball. Banks in Zip Code 78234 (Fort Sam Houston, TX) List of all 3 bank locations in Zip Code 78234 of Fort Sam Houston in Texas. Fort Sam Houston Base Operator; Fort Sam Houston Base Operator. The first garrison got there in the same year, with its headquarters hosted in rented buildings. In 2017, he was traded to Minnesota Timberwolves, whom he helped in reaching the playoffs as well. Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5pm Saturday: 9 a.m. to noon Sunday: Closed Today Fort Sam Houston is located on 3,000 acres and is a growing and dynamic installation, home of military medicine and part of Joint Base San Antonio. Help. Action Auto Recycling. 1210 Stanley Rd, San Antonio, TX 78234-7501 +1 210-221-1886. Mac McClung led Texas Tech with 18 points. Fort Sam Houston is located in San Antonio, Texas and is part of Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) along with Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases. In the ensuing years, she appeared in numerous other popular films like 'Whip It', 'Touchy Feely', 'X-Men: Days of Future Past', and 'My Days of Mercy'. However, he was not heavily recruited and hence decided to pursue a college education. The fort outgrew this national cemetery and, in 1924, the War Department set aside a portion of Fort Sam Houston for a supplementary post cemetery; the first interment occurred here in 1926. Once the Civil War ended, the fort was "moved" away from the city limits. Popularity rankings are based on positive reviews, search queries, and other user data. She acted as a private citizen "tired of giving in". Belonging to a family of musicians, she was destined to make a career in performing arts. Stats and Demographics for the 77099 ZIP Code. Below is detail information. Her elder brother, Finneas O'Connell, was the biggest influence in her life while she was grew up. Fort Sam Houston, TX Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. Air Force Maj. Kim Bender, a spokeswoman for the joint base, said the soldier, who was not identified pending notification of family members, was found dead in a barracks. Parks was not the first person to resist bus segregation, but the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) believed that she was the best candidate for seeing through a court challenge after her arrest for civil disobedience in violating Alabama segregation laws.
2020 fort sam houston full zip code


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Financial Abuse Is A Common Type Of Domestic Violence In Fort Lauderdale: How To Get Help
Domestic violence in Florida is generally associated with physical acts, such as hitting, punching, pushing, and sexual assault. However, there are other types of abuse that are just as harmful. Financial abuse is common and designed to keep you under the abuser's control. Our Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer explains more about this type of abuse and how to get help.
Financial Abuse: A Common Form Of Domestic Violence In Florida
According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, more than 100,000 cases of domestic violence are reported throughout the state each year. While these reports often concern acts of physical violence and threats, one of the ways abusive partners get and maintain control is through financial abuse.
Financial abuse has the same types of impacts as other forms of domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale. It leaves victims feeling lonely, isolated, and vulnerable, alienating them from family or friends and keeping them in the abusive relationship. Common signs of financial abuse include:
- Your partner prohibits you from working or attending school;
- They control all bank accounts and limit your access to funds;
- They exclude you from decisions about how money is spent;
- The withhold funds required for your children's basic needs;
- They run up large debts or refuse to work or contribute to family finances;
- They ruin your credit rating;
- They coerce you into writing bad checks or committing other acts of fraud.
How To Get Help For Financial Abuse In Fort Lauderdale
The National Network To End Domestic Violence reports that financial abuse is an issue in roughly 90 percent of all domestic violence cases. It provides a means of control for the abuser and can prevent you from getting the help you need to leave the relationship.
If you are facing financial abuse in Fort Lauderdale, it is important to know that help is available.
You may be entitled to obtain an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence through the Broward County Family Court. This prevents the abuser from contacting you while allowing you to remain in the family home, have access to cars and other belongings you need, and grants you sole rights regarding children.
Our Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer can assist you in putting a protective order in place. Other steps that can help in this situation:
- Document abuse in the relationship, both financial and otherwise;
- Confide in a trusted friend or family member about what is going on;
- Enlist their help in opening your own bank account or saving money;
- Contact a local domestic violence center, which may be able to provide financial help and counseling.
Request A Confidential Consultation With Our Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence Lawyer
At the law office of Vanessa L. Prieto, we help people in abusive situations make the difficult transition from victim to survivor. To get our Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer on your side, call or contact our office and request a confidential consultation today.


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That's what new North Carolina field hockey head coach Erin Matson and her players are keeping in mind as they gear up for the upcoming season.
With a new head coach at the helm, the Tar Heels are having to adjust to an updated playing style; however, the standards are still the same.
After former head coach Karen Shelton's tenure at North Carolina, the expectations remain high. Despite being Matson's former teammates, the players treat their new leader with the same amount of respect as they did Shelton.
"We still have the same standards," sophomore midfielder Ryleigh Heck said. "[Matson] makes the team better by having played with us."
In addition to a new head coach, the Tar Heels filled the vacancy of former associate head coach Grant Fulton with new assistant coach Tim Broenink. Broenink, a native of the Netherlands, was formerly an assistant coach at Syracuse for two years.
Coaching realignment is not the only housekeeping that the Tar Heels have had to worry about though. With Matson moving from the field to the sidelines, a big question still remains as to who will step up as the primary goal-scorer.
"Ryleigh Heck is the first one that comes to mind," Matson said. "She's so creative on the ball, she's patient, she's super smart, so she makes things happen."


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Ecuador national park provides sanctuary for endangered Amazon river dolphin
By Fernando Gimeno
Yasuni National Park, Ecuador, Jul 21 (EFE).- A sanctuary in the heart of Ecuador's remote and jungle-covered Yasuni National Park provides much-needed protection for the Amazon river dolphin, a species coveted as bait and as a supposed aphrodisiac that is listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Located at the confluence of the Cocaya and Aguarico rivers, near Ecuador's border with Peru, the idyllic refuge offers a rare opportunity to observe that iconic species (Inia geoffrensis) swim gracefully, frolic and even feed out of the hand of visitors to the Yaku Warmi community tourism center.
Those pink-colored river dolphins enjoy royalty status inside the sanctuary, which is located in the northeastern Ecuadorian province of Orellana and overseen by 40 families of the indigenous Martinica community.
They also are safe from being hunted for their meat or pungent blubber, which has an unsubstantiated reputation as an aphrodisiac.
Those cetaceans' pink color is the main trait that distinguishes them from their saltwater cousins, although Amazon river dolphins also have smaller eyes, a hump instead of a dorsal fin and a much longer and pointier snout that allows them to obtain food in turbid waters and muddy riverbeds.
The unfused vertebrae in those dolphins' necks also enable them to adeptly maneuver their 2.8-meter-long (9.1-foot-long), 180-kilo (400-pound) bodies among aquatic roots and vegetation.
A mysterious aura surrounds that freshwater species, which is alternatively known as the boto, bufeo or pink river dolphin and occupies a place in the cosmology of a far-flung Amazon culture that encompasses parts of Brazil, Colombian, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia.
Its mythical attributes include the ability to assume human form, particularly to transform itself into a "gringo" with pale-rosy skin, a robust physique and exceedingly handsome looks.
With his dashing appearance, irresistible personality and dancing prowess, as the myth goes, this supernatural figure is able to conquer the river communities' most beautiful women, wooing them amid revelry and music and taking them away into the river.
But the Amazon river dolphin's purported powers of seduction are really a curse for that species, whose blubber is coveted by fishermen to make "pusanga," a product cynically sold as a fail-proof ointment that gives users irresistible powers of sexual attraction.
The pungent smell of that blubber also makes the Amazon river dolphin valuable to fishermen as bait for catching different species of fish.
And even when they are not being hunted, the botos are at constant risk from pollution caused by oil spills and the release of mercury and other toxic materials by artisanal and small-scale gold miners.
"Human beings are the most latent threat," said the Orellana provincial government's general coordinator of tourism, Vinicio Gomez, who recalled that since 2019 the Amazon river dolphin has been classified as endangered by the Switzerland-based IUCN.
In that regard, Gomez hailed the work being done at the Yaku Warmi community tourism center to provide a refuge for the dolphins.
"This space has become one of the main tourist attractions in Orellana province," the official said, noting that it forms part of a route that stretches from Francisco De Orellana (a city also known as El Coca) to the border with Peru and provides visitors a tour of different Yasuni communities along the Napo River.
Visitors to that tourist center also can observe the boto harmoniously coexisting with the tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis), another species of Amazon freshwater dolphin that faces similar threats.
South American river turtles, snakes and various species of monkeys are among the other wildlife that inhabits that remote, pristine and captivating area of Amazonian Ecuador. EFE


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Turnbull, A (2010) 2009 W R Whitney award lecture: Local hydrogen generation and its impact on environment assisted cracking and on crevice corrosion. Corrosion, 66 (5). 055001
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
An overview is given of the key role for reduction of hydrogen ions and water in determining the local chemistry and electrochemistry in crevices and cracks. Thus, the ability to cathodically protect long, tight, crevices and cracks is explained on the basis of depletion of oxygen but also on the decreased kinetics for hydrogen generation consequent upon the locally elevated pH. The conditions for developing locally acid conditions in cracks are described and used to rationalise the "chemical short crack effect" in corrosion fatigue. It is then shown how the relative magnitude of the kinetics of hydrogen generation at the crack tip and on the surface external to the crack need to be considered in testing for resistance to hydrogen assisted cracking. The importance of internal reactions in the context of boiling water reactor crack chemistry is highlighted and, finally, ideas about constraining crevice attack by increasing the local hydrogen evolution kinetics are explored.
Item Type: | Article |
Keywords: | hydrogen evolution, crevice corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, corrosion fatigue |
Subjects: | Advanced Materials Advanced Materials > Corrosion |
Last Modified: | 02 Feb 2018 13:15 |
URI: | http://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/4632 |
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Top Quality Epa Approved Engine LONKING Wheel Loader CDM816D
FOB Reference Price:
$14,500.00 - $17,500.00 / Unit | 1 Unit/Units (Min. Order)
1 Year for machinery warranty|1 Year for Core Components
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Quantity(Sets) 1 - 10 11 - 30 >30
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Graphic customization (Min. Order: 3 Units)
Construction Machinery CDM816D features:
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Pilot Control & AC as Optional
Variety with Attachment
Convenient Maintenance
Equipped with YTO 55kw diesel engine, Powerful, Energy saving and environment friendly.
Hydraulic transmission and torque converter making power transmission more reliable, Operation more flexible.
Full hydraulic steering making operation more flexible, Convenient and reliable.
Equipped with pilot control and A/C as optional.
Implement with computer optimization design, High strength and well reliability.
Bucket with the special function of automatic leveling, Shorten working hours, Increase working efficiency and reduce fault rate.
Easy and convenient to replace quick change device, Various optional attachments.
New appearance, Beautiful and elegant.
Hood with the design of aerodynamics making the radiating condition of engine at its best, Open it from the side, Convenient to maintain and repair.
Standard/Optional Equipment


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Savannah United Church presented their annual Christmas Cantata on Saturday evening (13th) and on Sunday morning (14th)
A Christmas Mosaic, as described by Mr. Noel Wallace, Music Minister, is "a musical portrait that expresses the broad spectrum of moods, sounds and colours of Christmas. It's a holy hush, moments of quiet introspection, jubilant praise and full voiced celebration. The songs presented span generations, from the classics to the contemporary, and celebrate this timeless message in various genres that have marked the Christmas celebration over the years".
After the lighting of "The Candle of Joy", the 3rd Candle of Advent, prayers, and the welcome and family news, the choir took over the service with their spectacular Cantata.
The choir was pleased to welcome guests Rudy Myles and Stephanie Rattan for the performances. The male voices also joined the choir.
(double click on each photo to enlarge)
Part I featured traditional selections from Bach and Handel. The beautiful voices and music filled the church. The singing was interspersed with narration from various choir members. The leads for Part I were Marisa Crawford, Grenda Solomon and Coulson Daniels.
During the intermission (offering) on Saturday, young Nayil Arana played the violin and, on Sunday, we were treated to the unique musical presentation by Mr. Kenneth Melvine on the saw.
Part II highlighted Contemporary/Folk music. Everyone particularly enjoyed "Christmas Breeze" led by Renee Barnes to a Caribbean beat and the "Young Voices" (Jodiann Jackson, Abigail Ebanks and Ornella Leahong) led the choir for the wonderful "African Noel". Other lead singers in Part II were Robert Cox, Suzzette Stewart, and Kimia Hemmings.
It really was impossible to select a favourite as each selection was memorable. The numerous hours of preparation that went into this performance by the choir and by Mr. Noel Wallace was apparent from the first note. What added to the performance was the obvious enthusiasm and commitment from each choir member and how they enjoyed performing for everyone.
About 300 people attended the Sunday performance which was followed by a Christmas brunch complete with turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry jelly, ham, fish, chicken, macaroni, rice and beans, cornbread, potato salad, coleslaw, green salads plus dessert and fruit punch.
We can hardly wait until next year! In the meantime, we look forward to the Easter Cantata.


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Team Orange/Court Purple-White
Flat Purple Laces
Nike Basketball and Undefeated have come together to celebrate Kobe Bryant's birthday with the Nike Kobe 4 Protro Undefeated "Suns", now available on StockX. Nike and the LA-based streetwear and sneaker one-stop shop Undefeated have been long time collaborators, so it only made sense for one LA legend to honor another with a special edition Kobe 4 for this years Mamba Day. These shoes are a part of a pack of four Kobe 4 Protros that represent members of Team Kobe. This orange and purple colorway pays homage to NBA rising star and Team Kobe player Devin Booker. As part of the Protro Series, this Kobe 4 is delivered with improved tech, a modernized upper, and revamped materials. This shoe features an orange iridescent patent leather upper with its signature Flywire technology on the sides contrasted with purple accents. Signature Kobe logo and the Undefeated 5 strike logo appear on each of the tongues. A Zoom Air cushioned midsole and iridescent Undefeated logo with the numbers "8" and "24" heel details honoring Kobe Bryant
Nike Mamba Instinct Anthracite Black Fatal error: Call to undefined function zen_get_products_sample_price() in /home/kobe001/public_html/kobe-shoes.us.com/includes/templates/classic/templates/tpl_product_info_similar.php on line 63


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Submissions sought. Get fresh eyes on your opening page. Submission directions below.
The Flogometer challenge: can you craft a first page that compels me to turn to the next page? Caveat: Please keep in mind that this is entirely subjective.
Note: all the Flogometer posts are here.
What's a first page in publishingland? In a properly formatted novel manuscript (double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-point type, etc.) there should be about 16 or 17 lines on the first page. Directions for submissions are below—they include a request to post the rest of the chapter, but that's optional.
Before you rip into today's submission, consider this checklist of first-page ingredients from my book, Mastering the Craft of Compelling Storytelling.
Donald Maass,, literary agent and author of many books on writing, says, "Independent editor Ray Rhamey's first-page checklist is an excellent yardstick for measuring what makes openings interesting."
A First-page Checklist (PDF here)
- It begins to engage the reader with the character
- Something is wrong/goes wrong or challenges the character
- The character desires something.
- The character takes action. Can be internal or external action: thoughts, deeds, emotions. This does NOT include musing about whatever.
- There's enough of a setting to orient the reader as to where things are happening.
- It happens in the NOW of the story.
- Backstory? What backstory? We're in the NOW of the story.
- Set-up? What set-up? We're in the NOW of the story.
- The one thing it must do: raise a story question.
A reminder of what you're after here. This blog is about crafting compelling openings. Not interesting, compelling. Why does it have to meet that hurdle? First, if your work is going to an agent, you're competing with hundreds of submissions. You have to cut through that clutter and competition with powerful storytelling and strong writing. If it's a reader browsing in a bookstore or online, the same goes—there are scores of published books competing with yours. Yeah, you need compelling.
Jeannie sends the first chapter of an untitled novel. There's a second poll, and the rest of the chapter is after the break.
Darien Greco was in trouble, again. This time, an "I" on his history paper. Two "I"s in fact. "Intriguing but incomplete," Ms. Wright had written in green pen on the bottom of the page. "See me about rewrite." It was a weird assignment, like a lot of hers were. "Discuss how the world might be different, if [historical figure] had never existed." He thought his point was kind of genius. "If [historical figure] had never existed, then someone else would probably have done it, and the world would be about the same."
So it was only one sentence, but he had raised his hand in class – something he rarely did – and asked about length, and all she said was "as long as necessary." And then, "be creative. There are no wrong answers." Yeah, right. Except in his case, apparently.
Her classroom was the last stop at the end of a long hall. Most rooms were dark – classes were out for the day – but a few cheerleaders had pushed back the desks in one room and were practicing with massive red and gold pom-poms. He watched until one of them saw him and yelled, "Perv." He thought about yelling back, "Don't flatter yourself. You're not that good-looking."
At the end of the hall, the "E" in the red EXIT sign over the door flickered off and on. Everyone called it the "zit" door. He crouched and walked quickly past Ms. Wright's classroom door, taking a quick peek in the window. She was standing by her desk, doing something with (snip)
Buried lede. As they say in journalism, this opening buries the lede. Yes, there is "jeopardy," but how much trouble could the note/grade on his paper be? This does not raise a story question significant enough—with high-enough stakes—to rouse a page-turn in this reader.
There are two much stronger openings in the following narrative. Here's the first (slight modifications made so it makes sense as an opening):
Behind the janitor's shed, Darien Greco kicked cigarette butts to the side, put his ear buds in, and got out his vape pen. The meeting with Ms. Wright would go a lot better if he was a little high.
He checked the time on his phone. Crap, now he was late. He buried back into school and pushed open the door to Ms. Wright's classroom and called out, "Sorry I'm . . . ."
The word "late" didn't make it out of his mouth. Ms. Wright was standing by her desk, and Darien could swear she had a gun in her hands. A rough-looking man stood in the back of the room. Not a kid. The man's arm came out of nowhere, it seemed. Darien felt his whole body jerk. There was a gun, sticking out from the baggy sleeve of the man's jacket, pointing right at him.
He heard a pop, like a shot, but nothing like the echoing blast of his dad's duck hunting rifle. The man slid, surprisingly slowly, down the wall, until he was crumpled on the floor. He could have been resting, his head slumped to one side. The gun was still in his hand. Down the wall was a narrow red streak. Darien kept staring, wondering why there wasn't more blood.
Or there's this, which I like even better (needs a little editing):
Sadie Wright was standing at her desk when she heard the distinct ear-piercing shrieks of high school girls. Screams of terror, not the usual giddiness, and then the word "gun." Adrenaline jolted her into action. She took the keys from her wrist band and unlocked the filing cabinet next to her desk. It took less than 15 seconds to open the biometric lockbox and push a magazine, 10 rounds, California's limit, into the well of her handgun. With her left hand, she hit 911 on the phone, hanging from a lanyard around her neck.
In the lowest voice possible, she recited the necessary information to the 911 dispatcher: her exact location in the school, an intruder possibly armed with a gun. And, she was armed, wearing a rust-colored jacket and should not be mistaken for the bad guy. Had there been a panic button in the hall – which was one of her recommendations to the principal -- the student who first saw a gun would have hit it and alerted the police instantly, shaving minutes off their response time.
Footsteps in the hall stopped abruptly. Keep moving, she thought, take your gun and leave. "The person is by the outside door," she told the 911 dispatcher. She took a long slow breath and waited, listening for the metallic clatter of the outside door. But it was her classroom door that opened and shut, then raspy, ragged breathing. She slowly rose from behind the desk, holding her gun in both hands. She did not shake. The man, 30 something, was wearing dirty (snip)
Either of these two openings raised strong story questions for me. Which do you think would be the best?
Submitting to the Flogometer:
Email the following in an attachment (.doc, .docx, or .rtf preferred, no PDFs):
- your title
- your complete 1st chapter or prologue plus 1st chapter
- Please include in your email permission to post it on FtQ. Note: I'm adding a copyright notice for the writer at the end of the post. I'll use just the first name unless I'm told I can use the full name.
- Also, please tell me if it's okay to post the rest of the chapter so people can turn the page.
- And, optionally, include your permission to use it as an example in a book on writing craft if that's okay.
- If you're in a hurry, I've done "private floggings," $50 for a first chapter.
- If you rewrite while you wait for your turn, it's okay with me to update the submission.
Were I you, I'd examine my first page in the light of the first-page checklist before submitting to the Flogometer.
Flogging the Quill © 2022 Ray Rhamey, excerpt © 2022 by Jeanie.
My books. You can read sample chapters and learn more about the books here.
Writing Craft Mastering the Craft of Compelling Storytelling
Mystery (coming of age) The Summer Boy
Science Fiction Gundown Free ebooks.
. . . her phone. She dressed like a P.E. teacher, khaki pants, fleece top, gym shoes hher hair always tied back. The school's website made a big deal about her being an "Olympic hopeful in biathlon." He'd had to Google biathlon. Skiing and shooting. He could picture it -- her long legs churning across snow, that determined look she could get, a big-ass rifle strapped to her back.
He eased out the zit door and wedged it open with the rubber floor mat. Behind the janitor's shed, he kicked cigarette butts to the side, put his ear buds in, and got out his vape pen. The meeting with Ms. Wright would go a lot better if he was a little high.
He checked the time on his phone. Crap, now he was late. He put the mat back in place and let the door close. He pushed open the door to Ms. Wright's room and called out, "Sorry I'm . . . ." The word "late" didn't make it out of his mouth. Ms. Wright was still standing by her desk, but now, instead of her phone, Darien could swear she had a gun in her hands. A rough-looking man was standing in the back of the room. Not a kid. The man's arm came out of nowhere, it seemed. Darien felt his whole body jerk. There was a gun, sticking out from the baggy sleeve of the man's jacket, pointing right at him.
He heard a pop, like a shot, but nothing like the echoing blast of his dad's duck hunting rifle. The man slid, surprisingly slowly, down the wall, until he was crumpled on the floor. He could have been resting, his head slumped to one side. The gun was still in his hand. Down the wall was a narrow red streak. He kept staring, wondering why there wasn't more blood.
Sadie Wright was standing at her desk when she heard the distinct ear-piercing shrieks of high school girls. Screams of terror, not the usual giddiness, and then the word "gun." Adrenaline jolted her into action. She took the keys from her wrist band and unlocked the filing cabinet next to her desk. It took less than 15 seconds to open the biometric lockbox and push a magazine, 10 rounds, California's limit, into the well of her [handgun, need type]. With her left hand, she hit 911 on the phone, hanging from a lanyard around her neck.
In the lowest voice possible, she recited the necessary information to the 911 dispatcher: her exact location in the school, an intruder possibly armed with a gun. And, she was armed, wearing a rust-colored jacket and should not be mistaken for the bad guy. Had there been a panic button in the hall – which was one of her recommendations to the principal -- the student who first saw a gun would have hit it and alerted the police instantly, shaving minutes off their response time.
Footsteps in the hall stopped abruptly. Keep moving, she thought, take your gun and leave. "The person is by the outside door," she told the 911 dispatcher. She took a long slow breath and waited, listening for the metallic clatter of the outside door. But it was her classroom door that opened and shut, then raspy, ragged breathing. She slowly rose from behind the desk, holding her gun in both hands. She did not shake. The man, 30 something, was wearing dirty jeans and workboots, and an ill-fitting navy blazer, an odd combination. The gun in his right hand was matte black, big, semi-automatic. He was holding it loosely. She couldn't see if the safety was on. He made a whimpering sound when he saw her but kept moving along the wall toward the corner of the room.
"Sir, put the gun on the ground." The gun stayed at his side, but his other hand gripped the eraser tray of the white board, as if he needed support to stay upright.
"Please," she said again. "Put the gun down." His knees started to give way, and she thought he might be lowering his hand. He didn't take hit eyes off her.
The classroom door opened and slammed against the back wall. "Sorry I'm . . ." and there was Darien. He skidded to a halt, his tennis shoes squeaking. He looked startled, almost excited, then terrified when the man turned toward Darien and swung his arm so the gun pointing straight at Darien.
Sadie imagined a round black target on his chest, just one, not five in a row like a biathlon course, and fired. He had left her no choice.
It was the throbbing wail of the sirens, coming both over the phone and from outside the building, that made her look away from the man.
"I'm hanging up the phone now," she said to the 911 dispatcher. "The man with the gun is down. I'm leaving my gun, unloaded, on the desk."
Darien's eyes seemed stuck on the man. He started to shake. She pulled off her jacket and wrapped it around his shoulders. "Look out there," she said, jostling him, pointing out the window. The kids on the soccer field were staring at the back of the school, the police cars or ambulances, she realized, that were screaming across the crabgrass.
They stayed facing the window until the paramedics had left, one of them straddling the man, trying to resuscitate him. Two police officers came in. One took Sadie's gun off the desk, and then picked up the man's gun from the floor and carried them out. A paramedic wrapped Darien in a tin foil blanket, and he and Sadie helped him outside. The paramedic tried to pull Darien away, but he wouldn't let go. He was crying now, snot and tears smearing his face. He choked out the words, "You saved me."
The principal, Dr. Jensen, pushed through the crowd. He told the paramedics that Darien's parents would meet them at the hospital, and then Darien was gone, the ambulance bumping and swaying across the crabgrass.
Her arms felt cold and empty. Oh, right, she thought, she had given Darien her jacket. She looked down at her hands, not sure what to do with them. She asked the cop beside her and said, "Don't you want to bag my hands?" The cop seemed confused. Her head was starting to hurt. The colors -- spiraling red and blue lights, orange cones, and yellow crime scene tape the police were using to close off the area – and the sirens were making her head split apart.
One of the officers started to lead her to the back of a patrol car. Dr. Jensen was there again, yelling, "Don't you dare handcuff her, do you hear me? Don't you dare."
That was nice, she thought. He was looking out for her, even after all the times they'd butted heads. He got right up in the officer's face, shaking his finger, and another officer was trying to pull him back. "I will not have one of my teachers leaving this building in handcuffs, do you hear me?" Oh, that was it, she thought. It wouldn't look good for his teacher to be carted away in handcuffs.
The chill she had felt became a hot sweaty flush. She couldn't catch her breath. Her head hit something solid and then a mask came down over her nose and mouth. She felt a strange elation, a weightlessness, and her head stopped hurting so badly. Car doors slammed and she felt like she was being gently rocked. A kind voice said, "Breathe, just breathe."
Sadie woke and a man in a navy blue shirt was hovering over her. She could see his biceps and dark armpit hair through the short sleeves of his shirt. "BP still high," he yelled. She wished he'd keep his voice down so she doze off again. She felt a jolt, her whole body jerked up and then down with a bounce, and she thought she might be sick to her stomach. Served navy biceps right if she puked on him.
The sun was at a bad angle but she could make out Andrew, his usual dark suit but with his tie loosened. Of course he would be called. He was her brother, her next of kin. His husband Matteo was there too. It was Matt who pushed his way up to the gurney and grabbed her hand.
"Sissy, are you hurt?" he asked, holding on as they passed through automatic glass doors. Calling her Sissy, it was so funny and dear, she thought she might cry. He still had traces of Mexico in his voice and it made him seem motherly.
Another voice, bossy. "If you don't mind, it's my job to ask her whether she's hurt." She saw just enough of the embroidery on the man's jacket to see the letters M.D.
"So is she?" Matteo spat back. He let go of her hand and took the doctor's arm. She heard him say, "Her brother is a lawyer and no one talks to her without us, do you understand?"
"Whatever," the doctor muttered, then, more loudly than necessary, said, "If she's the shooter, why isn't she handcuffed?" Sadie shook her head no. She wanted to say, the principal said no handcuffs, but she couldn't get the words out through the mask. He thought she was the shooter?
"No, down here, last bay, doctor. We're cracking his chest. Cardiac tamponade." Now people were running and the rude doctor was gone. She tried to hoist herself get up on one elbow to look down the hall. There were too many people, too many voices, too much movement.
Another face hovering over her, pushing her back down. "Do you have a headache? Feeling shortness of breath? Do you know why you're here?" One at a time, she wanted to yell.
She couldn't breathe with people so close to her. Her heart was pounding so hard it hurt her chest. She felt a cold rush in her arm and then nothing.
Sometime later, she had lost all sense of time, she was alone in a hospital room and wearing a cotton gown that was too tight around her neck. She pulled the ties loose and felt like she could breathe again.
There was talking outside her door. Andrew had one of those voices that carried. "She can't be left alone." Then she heard Matt's calm, low voice. "I should stay with her."
Then Andrew again. "Do we need security outside her door? What if that crazy brother or whoever he was tries to get to her again?"
A woman's voice that Sadie couldn't immediately place. "He's in custody. Probably charged with assault. He got one of the residents pretty good. And a security guard."
What the hell were they talking about. It was true what she had heard about hospitals. Too loud, too much commotion, hardly the best place to rest and heal. But the bed was so comfortable. She nestled her head back into the pillows.
The door opened and fluorescent light poured in. It took er a minute to recognize Matt. He pulled a chair up next to the bed. "I'm going to stay with you, at least till you're asleep."
She wanted to tell him it wasn't necessary, she was fine, but the thought of someone near her till she fell asleep was so comforting.
"Is Darien okay?" Her words were thick and slurred. She barely understood herself and wondered if Matt possibly could.
"I'm sure he is. His parents took him home."
"Oh good," she said. She swallowed. "The man?" she asked.
"He died," Matt said. "Probably dead instantly but they worked on him, I guess."
"What was all the yelling for?" she asked. She wasn't sure she was making sense.
Matt reached over and turned off the lamp by the bed. He pulled the covers up over her arms and shoulders. "Just sleep. I'll be right here." She tried to say thank you but didn't know if the words actually came out.
She woke during the night, startled, not sure where she was. Her throat was dry and her lips cracked. She reached for the water she always kept beside her at night and her hand hit the railing on the bed. Oh, the hospital. She remembered, like a kick in the gut, knocking all the wind out of her. The man was dead.
Her heart was thudding, pulsing in her ears. Breathe, breathe, just breathe. She hadn't had a spell in so long. She couldn't remember the last one, but still, she knew what to do. Long slow breaths. She imagined herself on the biathlon course nearest her house, where they had lived before her father died. It was perfectly silent, the air was cold, clean, and the sky was a dense white gray. It was freezing cold, and she was breathing so hard she could taste blood in her throat but she was skiing so fast she couldn't see the condensation. She leaned left with her whole body and rounded the corner by a stand of fir trees, and there just ahead was the shooting range. She reached back and in an instant the rifle was in her arms, pressed against her check, digging into her armpit. The movement was seamless, flawless, amazingly fast. She willed her heart rate down, then filled her lungs, aimed, let her breath go, and at the bottom of the exhale, she fired. Once, and the round black target, 50 meters away, the size of an egg, turned white. Then four more times, five black targets now white. In a flash, the rifle was back in the sling and she pushed off, hard, looking for her father. There he was, in the red ski vest he wore so she could find him in the crowd. His arms were folded across his chest, and his smile seemed as broad as his shoulders.
She was being shaken and she yelped. "Hey, hey, it's just me." It was Matt, his hair sticking up on one side. He held a plastic cup in front of her and lifted her head. Oh, a bendy straw. She sucked in the cold water till she heard the straw rattle against the ice.
The door opened. At least the lights had been turned down a bit. "Do you need something?" the nurse asked. She didn't sound unfriendly just busy.
"Maybe some help going back to sleep?" Matt asked. The nurse came in and adjusted the IV bag hanging on the pole next to the bed.
In the morning, she woke to find Matt sitting in the armchair in the corner of the hospital room. She was so grateful it was him and not Andrew. Andrew had seemed so angry yesterday. Cold. "Fury-ice" was her word for it.
"How did you sleep, Sissy?" Matteo said. Sissy. He was such a nice man. His face was slightly scarred from acne but that only made him seem all the more loveable and genuine.
"What time is it," she asked. Wasn't today a school day?
"Almost 9 a.m.," he said. She couldn't remember the last time she had slept so late. "Andrew dropped off clothes for you, shampoo, and thank god, a thermos of café lattes from home. Sit up, and I'll pour you some. And here. I got the papers from the gift shop." He positioned the pulled the bed tray in front of her. She sipped the coffee. Not quite hot enough but rich ang strong
The headline was, "Armed Teacher Saves Student's Life." Dateline, Tehama Bay, CA. followed by Sadie Wright, teacher at Tehama Bay High School, shot and killed an armed intruder who was holding a student at gunpoint in her classroom. The 15-year-old student, Darien Greco, and his parents, were not available for comment. The gunman has been identified as . . ." She pushed the paper aside. The photo of her was at least two years old, taken after some competition. Her teammates were mostly cropped out, leaving her, a huge smile on her face, arms raised, holding an American flag. Thank God they didn't print a photo showing her biathlon rifle strapped to her back. She barely recognized herself in the photo.
"What happens now?" she asked.
The question seemed to startle Matteo. "Now?"
"I mean like this morning," she clarified. She wasn't ready to think further ahead than the next couple house.
He looked relieved. "You have to be cleared by the doctor, then we can get out of here. Go meet Andrew and Laurel at the office."
There was a rapping on the door, and Sadie and Matteo both said "Come in" at the same time. A uniformed cop stuck his head the room. He had a metal clipboard in one hand.
"Oh no," Matteo said. "Not now. She's been drugged to the gills, so you can't take her statement now, if that's what you've come to do."
Sadie expected the cop to insist, but he just nodded, a concerned look on his face.
"That's fine. No rush." He took a couple steps into the room. "We have the whole thing on the 911 call. That was good thinking on your part, Miss Wright, to call and leave the line open."
It was something she had recalled from all the school safety information she had reviewed. She almost smiled. And she had remembered to tell the 911 dispatcher that she was wearing a rust-colored jacket, and the cops should not mistake her for the shooter. Except of course, she had been a shooter. The paper called the man "the gunman." Did that make her a gun woman? She drank more of the coffee and looked straight ahead at the wall. Her brain was moving slowly.
Matteo stood up and blocked the officer's path to the hospital bed. said, "Why don't we call you later today, let you know when Sadie is feeling better."
"That should be okay," the cop said. He stood there for a minute, just looking at her. She must look frightful.
"I just want to say, miss, that I've been on the force for 12 years, and I've never once had to use my service weapon. Never even had to draw it, if I'm being totally honest."
He was looking at her with respect, or awe, even. She didn't know what to think.
"You've taken out one more bad guy than I -- or most cops in this town -- ever have." She turned to look at him, not sure he was serious. Apparently he was. "Taken out," she thought. It sounded so much more palatable than killed. Lots of things needed to be "taken out." Garbage, fast food. But killed?
So obviously the man had died. She had killed him. "I've never ever pointed a gun at a living thing before in my life," she said, her voice breaking. "So lucky you," she said to the police officer.
"Well, sorry it had to happen, but you're a hero. You saved that boy's life. I don't need to tell you that. So lucky him. And you. You're alive."
She was fighting tears. She never cried. Both Matteo and the cop started to look uncomfortable.
The officer took a few steps back and put his hand on the doorknob. "Not something for you to think on too much. That man, the gunman, let's face it, he gave up his rights when he decided to take a gun into a school full of kids. Some parents are extremely grateful to you right now. So we'll talk later." He nodded to Matteo and slipped out the door.
She finished reading through the papers Matt had bought, but there wasn't much about the man. The principal was quoted as saying, "We are very grateful there were not more fatalities. Sadie Wright is a valued member of our school community."
Typical. What a dick. Jerk, she corrected herself. Now that she was around high school students and not her teammates she had to watch her language. She wasn't surprised her was noncommittal but she didn't have the energy or focus to be annoyed. Maybe now he would take her recommendations seriously. He was the one who had assigned her the project, saying that the school was required to have a safety plan in writing. But then, then he was the one who put her off for months, saying they'd get to it. But then again, she was the one who had decided to keep a gun in her filing cabinet, knowing it was against the law.
By the time the hospitalist came though on rounds, Sadie was showered and dressed and felt closer to normal. But she needed to get moving, shake off the groggy feeling from whatever they'd given her last night. The hospitalist said she had been in shock and probably had a panic attack. The doctor reeled off the usual characteristics of panic attacks, and Sadie nodded, hoping she would hurry it up. She knew most of them from her online research. It wouldn't be unusual to have more, the doctor said, given the traumatic event, and she should be on the lookout for signs of PTSD. She recommended she have a complete physical exam, find herself a qualified therapist for her situation, and in the meantime, she would prescribe anti-anxiety medication.
She nodded, although she wasn't entirely sure she would take his advice. She'd consider getting a physical, she was overdue, but she'd take a pass on the shrink and the drugs. The anxiety was temporary. Anyone who'd gone through what she had would be anxious with all the noise and light.
"Do you have any history of migraines, panic attacks, breathing issues?" The doctor looked up from her laptop and directly at Sadie. Sadie wondered if she should tell the doctor about the breathing issues she'd had after her dad died and then from time to time. Spells, as she thought of them. There was nothing in her medical records. Because she had taught herself how to cope. Visualize the race, the five round black circles, willing her heart to slow down, then the deep, deep breathe. It hit her, she had woken during the night with a spell. But she had coped. It wasn't a problem she needed help fixing.
The doctor was still looking at her, her hands poised over the laptop. Had the doctor asked a question she hadn't answered?
Matteo broke in. "We're concerned about her sleeping. Can you give her something for sleep, too?" The doctor nodded and began typing. Sadie was about to tell the doctor that sleeping had never been a problem, but then she saw Matteo standing behind the doctor, pointing to himself and mouthing the words "For me!"