text:
Reunion Blues Continental Trumpet Case - Midnight Series
All RB Continental cases feature a Ballistic Quadraweave exterior, quilted "double helix" velvet interior, high-strength corded edges and seams, and double-stitched with high tensile thread and reinforced at tested stress points. This trumpet case has a thick shock-absorbing Flexoskeleton with reinforced impact panels, a unique bell area suspension system, and additional fitted interior pads. The Zero-G palm-contoured handle and two adjustable shoulder straps makes travelling with this beauty a breeze. Large zippered quick-stash accessory pockets provide plenty of storage.
Each case is reinforced at tested stress points and double stitched with extra-strength high tensile thread. A knurled abrasion grid on the bottom resists scuffing. The case is finished with custom plated hardware, including industrial strength zippers, for unsurpassable longevity.
Ballistic Quadraweave exterior
Shock-absorbing Flexoskeleton
Zero-G palm contoured handle
Large zippered quick-stash accessory pocket
- Print Page
Find a retailer
Look-up the closest retailer in your area. Search by postcode, city or state.
Register for our instrumental based newsletter.
Contact Us
For any enquiry, feedback or question related to our products.


text:
How to apply eyeliner like a boss (plus a stub on drawing a mean cat eye)
Whoever invented eyeliner has bestowed womankind a great gift. From the ancient Egyptians, to its rise in the 1920s flapper era, to today's modern woman, eyeliner has served us remarkably well by opening and enhancing our eyes. A simple black line can do wonders for our face - provided it's applied correctly, of course.
Eyeliner can be difficult to use in the beginning, but trust me, practice is the best way to get your perfect line. Why when I started using it in my teens, I was such a klutz! I couldn't get an even line for all I was worth. I just kept repeating and repeating though until my wobbly line became straight and fine.
Tools: Charm Vegan Pointed Eyeliner Brush and Kanebo Kate Gel Eyeliner
Now, there's no one true way to apply eyeliner. The techniques I'll be sharing here is what I prefer to do with my own eyes, so feel free to experiment and find a method that works best for you. I used a gel eyeliner and a pencil brush for this tutorial but the principle is still the same for pencil, powder, and liquid liners.
Ready? Here goes!
Step 1: Start in the middle of your lash line, then draw outwards. Make sure your brush is loaded with just enough product so you don't smear black all over your lids. It's okay if the line is not immediately perfect, since you can go back later to correct it.
Tip: To keep your hands steady, you can rest two fingers on your cheekbones! Don't blink if you can help it; the quicker you draw the line, the less wobbly it will be.
Step 2: Stop the line at the outer corner of your eyes. Now, you can subtly wing it up from that point.
The shape I like best for my eyes (and my guess is, it looks good for all eye shapes) is the almond shape. It's usually thicker in the middle, thins a bit as it goes outwards, then has a slight flick up at the end.
Step 3: From the inner corner of your eyes, connect the line to the middle part. This line has to be thin, because you're trying to mimic your lashes being thicker at the outer fringes of your eyes. If your eyeliner is too thick here, it may look too fake and obvious.
If the latter part of your line looks wobbly or if you just want a really sharp look, draw over the edges of the line in one straight stroke.
And that's it! Super easy, really. It just takes practice. From this basic line, you can thicken or extend it as you like. Here's a short tutorial on making a cat eye:
Step 1: Extend your eyeliner from its edge, going up. Your "guide line" for this is the slope of your lower lid, like so.
Step 2: Once you have your long flick, draw a small triangle from the base of your line.
like so:
Step 3: Fill the triangle in. You can make the cat eye more exaggerated if you wish - this is just a general idea of how to do it.
And that's it. :) Again, easy after a bit of practice. Before I leave, here are some more practical tips on eyeliner application:
- To prevent your eyeliner from smudging, use it on top of a power and/or primer base. You can also set it with a similarly colored powder. It's the same principle as drying ink quickly by dusting it with sand.
- ...If your eyeliner still smudges after all this hoo-ha, then you are using a crappy eyeliner. Replace it. Here are some of my top five eyeliners.
- ....If the eyeliner still smudges, then perhaps your lids are just too oily. I suggest you pile on a water- and oil-proof mascara instead, to get the illusion of a line.
- Should you do a thin line or thick line? Depends on what you like! There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to eyeliner shapes and sizes. Just wear what looks best on you or, if your look requires a certain eyeliner style, then do that.
And that's it! Hope this helps. :) Let me know if you still have questions and I will try to answer them.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Remember when I shared my Frozen Yogurt with Berries? Well I was craving more. This time I used strawberry yogurt. Strawberry yogurt is one of my favorites. I put the tub of yogurt in my KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment and followed these instructions. I also took 1/2 cup chopped strawberries + 1 tablespoon of white sugar and made a syrup on the stove. Cook the berries on the stove for 3-5 minutes, on low. The berries will heat up and create a syrup. This is absolutely delicious as a topping for strawberry frozen yogurt. It was a sweet, healthy treat for my family and I to share. Easy Peasy!
Have a Wonderful Sunday Ya'll!
XO Danielle


text:
how it works
With Porcelane, your dentist brings a one of a kind mobile dental suite right to your living room or office. Book your appointment online, a dentist arrives and completes your care, all done.
No more waiting rooms. No more waiting.
Preventing Tooth Sensitivity
Whether your dentist uses Zoom, Glo, or another whitening treatment, your dentist will use a concentrated form of hydrogen peroxide to essentially bleach your teeth. If done improperly, this can cause sensitivity—not only during your appointment, but long after, as well.
At Porcelane, we use Glo Whitening, a popular professional treatment that's been proven to cause far less sensitivity than other professional whitening products—an important criteria for us at Porcelane.
While all whitening products tend to cause some degree of tooth sensitivity, according to a recent clinical study conducted by University Health Resources, Zoom Whitening caused extreme to severe pain in 30% of patients while Glo Whitening caused extreme to severe pain in 0% of patients. This is especially significant considering that both Glo and Zoom produce the same whitening power—making teeth an average of 5 shades whiter in a single sitting.
During your Porcelane whitening session, we first polish teeth thoroughly with pumice paste to remove all surface stains. Next, we protect your gums with a barrier that's applied before whitening gel is placed on your teeth. Then we use a mouthpiece with integrated light that allows for controlled heat, which increases the whitening power of the peroxide and reduces the potential for sensitivity.
Your entire appointment is completed by your Porcelane Dentist. And throughout your whitening session, your dentist will check in with you to see how you're feeling to prevent sensitivity.
Our Approach to Brightening Smiles
our hours
Appointment times are 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week.
we travel to
Homes, offices, and other locations in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Mateo, Oakland and other nearby cities.
We can meet your entire range of general dentistry needs. Anything you'd expect at dental office, we can complete in the comfort of your home or office.
Root canals
Implant restoration
Periodontal therapy
Full and partial dentures


text:
Established in 1999 by Heather Stimmler, Secrets of Paris the oldest independent and locally-owned website about Paris in English, for both visitors and residents. Today it remains the trusted reference for alternative news, original feature stories, useful sightseeing advice, reviews and recommendations, and insider information about Paris written by professional journalists, travel writers and local experts living and working in Paris.
Our Mission & Values
We support responsible journalism and promote sustainable tourism. What does that mean for you?
Responsible Journalism = Accountability Our readers appreciate our commitment to the traditional journalistic values of accuracy, fairness, transparency, integrity, and independence. We believe there's a real desire for reliable, in-depth, well-written, engaging, informative, and original travel writing. Secrets of Paris serves our local community of English-speaking residents and visiting travelers, not advertisers, marketing reps, corporate brands or search engines.
Sustainable Tourism = Authentic Paris Secrets of Paris helps you discover the small, local businesses, artisans and artists who contribute to the Parisian community, its people and the environment. We believe slow travel fosters greater understanding and real human connection. We're not into mass tourism, international chains, or butts-in-seats "fast track" herd-mentality tourism that makes big bucks for tour operators by commodifying Paris and forcing you all into overpriced tourist traps and cookie-cutter tour packages. We believe sustainable tourism benefits both the Parisian community and the intelligent, engaged traveler looking for a more authentic travel experience. We treat our Secrets of Paris readers like human beings, not consumers.
Submission Guidelines
Although we rarely publish one-off articles from outside contributors, Secrets of Paris is always looking for well-written, fully-researched articles that provide truely useful information to our readers. "Secrets of Paris" means that this information isn't already easily found on every other English-language website about Paris! Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the kind of information we regularly publish (and what we clearly avoid). Purely commercial posts are not accepted, nor are any articles by "content providers" on behalf of clients. All contributors must be at least part-time residents of Paris. There is no payment for outside contributions at this time, however all articles are accompanied with the author's full name, short bio (with photo if desired), and a website link. All articles must be exclusive to Secrets of Paris (not published elsewhere). Send detailed pitches to us here.
Join Our Team
Interested in joining the Secrets of Paris team? We offer 3-6 month internships in journalism, travel industry, social media/website management, and business development. Conversational French is essential. There is no pay, but there are many benefits! All internships have the opportunity to develop into full-time partner positions. Please send a letter outlining your background and what you'd like to learn in a Secrets of Paris internship to email@example.com.


text:
Give Cheerfully/
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
I remember hearing this verse in Sunday School as a young girl. I always thought that if I was happy when the offering plate was passed and I put in some money, then God would be pleased with me. "There, see God, I gave you something!"
But, what if instead of having an attitude of obligation, I had an attitude that was intentional as I offered back to Him what was already His?
Giving cheerfully is not just about having the right attitude when the offering plate is passed. I would, instead, suggest that it is a lifestyle of bestowing blessings on others who may need an encouraging word or arm of comfort or just someone to listen. It is an investment into the lives of others and it is purposeful.
I love how Paul couched verse 7 between 6 and 8:
vs 6 - Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.vs 8 - And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Our attitude should be to do what we do generously and cheerfully. And, we have the assurance that He will give us all we need when we need it to do what He has called us to do.
How purposeful is your giving? Are you cheerful in your attitude? Do you really believe that God will give you all you need to do all that He has called you to do? Stop, and ask Him to help you to give cheerfully to those He directs across your path.


text:
By Dr. Cecily Anders
Any time your child engages in a positive behavior that you want your child to repeat again in the future, it is beneficial to both you and your child to praise that behavior. Praised behaviors are repeated behaviors. When I work with children in therapy, a behavior that is praised is frequently repeated in future sessions. Parents often have concerns and questions about praising their children. Hopefully, this post will help you feel comfortable praising your child more frequently, but also at the right time.
Often parents say, "But I don't want to praise my child for engaging in a behavior that most children are able to do without praise." When praising, it doesn't matter how small or obvious the behavior is, you should still praise the behavior if you would like your child to repeat the behavior again in the future. For instance, you can praise a child for not interrupting you while you were on the phone or for sitting still while riding in the car. A child learns from praise and also feels rewarded from praise. Most likely, other children learned that they should engage in "obvious" behaviors because someone praised them for those behaviors at some point in their lives.
Some parents say, "My child has been misbehaving all day. I can't praise my child after doing one little thing right." This is exactly when you should praise a child. Your child is paying attention to when s/he has your attention. Your child wants to be praised and receive your positive attention. If you only give your child praise once during the day, your child is going to remember that event and will most likely repeat that one behavior again in the future. In addition, always make sure to state what the child did correctly during the praise and this will make it perfectly clear to your child what you would like your child to do again in the future. For example, you might say, "Thank you so for picking up your toys before going to bed. You did an excellent job." You can include non-verbal praise like a warm smile or a hug. Praise is about shaping your child's behavior. The more you let your child know the behaviors you prefer, by pointing them out right after your child does them, the more you will see those behaviors in the future.
If you really want to challenge yourself, you can begin praising everyone in your life more. Teenagers, significant others, coworkers and friends all appreciate and respond to genuine, warm praise. Notice the wonderful behaviors going on around you and verbally reward away! You might just be surprised and delighted by how often those behaviors are repeated in the future.


text:
Message me for the tickets!
A Christmas blog giving tips on how to make a magical, beautiful Christmas on a cheap budget. Ideas and advice on home made and shop bought shortcuts for Christmas decorations, Christmas wrapping, Christmas presents, Christmas crafting, Christmas baking, Christmas preparation, well all things Christmas!
19 Nov 2014
Ideal Christmas Home Show Ticket Give Away!
I've got 2 tickets to give away for the Ideal Christmas Home Show today! It's in Earls Court London.
Message me for the tickets!
Message me for the tickets!
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Jewellery trends for the fall of 2017
Now that the fall has come, it is necessary to upgrade your wardrobe, and why not, your jewellery collection. And let us tell you, there are some amazing trends in terms of jewellery Vogue and other high-authority voices in the domain are presenting to us. Big earrings, big leather bracelets, and the omnipresent choker that simply refuses to go away from every fashionista's collection. And luckily, there are some amazing fashion jewellery retailers out there on the market, able to answer to all your needs in terms of fashionable and versatile pieces. But more about the strong elements, the celebrities of this fall, in the following paragraphs.
Big, statement necklaces
Large necklaces are still going strong this fall. Search for coloured pieces, diamond statement necklaces, even if those aren't veritable diamonds. Pair those pieces with an all-black outfits and with bright stiletto shoes, a camel trench and you're all good to go for a cocktail party, a classy brunch or a day at your corporate job. Alternatively, for a more casual outfit, opt for an oversized comfy sweater, a pair of navy jeans and a pair of white sneakers. For your bag, opt for an oversized casual clutch, in a bright colour.
Chokers, the celebrity of the fall
For this fall, the chokers are still a celebrity. You can pair those with everything, they are acceptable for all circumstances, and they all look great. If the traditional black leather choker doesn't fit your preferences, you can opt for lace or crochet ones, even delicate silver or pearl cockers. Sincerely, there is nothing impossible when you are wearing a choker. Wear it with a classy dress, with a leather skirt and office shirt, with a denim skirt and a plain polo, or with a sassy outfit.
Party earrings
Party girls, beware, because this fall, it is acceptable to take those favourite earrings of yours in braw daylight. Wear those in the most unexpected combinations. With a black turtleneck, with an oversized sweater, with high heels, a pair of sneakers, because they work wonderfully with all these pieces. And if you purchase for such pieces from a reliable costume jewellery, you can even wear those to the upcoming Halloween party. Be impressive, be a party girl when there's no party!
Pick and mix your jewellery
If you find multiple pieces at your favourite retailer, and cannot decide which one of those to wear first, then simply mix'em up! A small stud earring in one ear, a large chandelier earring in the other, mix pearl earrings with feather earrings, an if you have multiple earring holes, you are even luckier. Also, you don't have to purchase for full sets of jewellery, or even if you do, you can simply mix the pieces, too! Mix the necklace from a set with the earrings from another and with a set of stacked rings. Yes, you can.
These are some of the latest trends in terms of jewellery for the upcoming fall. Make sure to find a reliable retailer and only purchase from them. You want affordable, yet qualitative pieces.


text:
High School Sports
Penn State volleyball: Nittany Lions sweeps St. Francis
UNIVERSITY PARK The Penn State men's volleyball team stayed perfect in conference play and won its ninth consecutive match with a 25-15, 25-21, 25-17 sweep of St. Francis on Friday night at Rec Hall.
The No. 7 Nittany Lions (9-1, 3-0 EIVA) led in every major statistical category while hitting .455 and holding a 43-29 edge in kills, a 7.5-2 margin in blocks, 25-22 in digs and 6-2 in aces.
"I thought it was a real good effort by us tonight," head coach Mark Pavlik said. "I think for the most part our serving had them off balance. I thought we did a great job defensively, not much fell on us. Offensively we hit .455 and I think things are starting to fall into place for us."
Redshirt freshman Matt Seifert's 10 kills on an error-free 13 swings to hit .769 led Penn State. Peter Russell and Tom Comfort each added nine kills while Nick Turko posted four blocks, Aaron Russell had seven digs and Taylor Hammond gave out 38 assists.
Logan Patterson's 11 kills and Colin Sherwin's nine kills led the Red Flash (4-7, 1-2).
The Nittany Lions are back on the Rec Hall floor Saturday night with a big match against No. 9 Ohio State.


text:
Academic Advising and Career Centre, University of Toronto Scarborough
Scarborough, Ontario
2001 - 2005
In association with MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects
This project includes a new central academic library for the University's Scarborough Campus, a new 500-seat lecture and performance theatre and a Class A Art Gallery. It comprises 28,000 square feet of renovated space and 88,000 square feet of new construction. The program incorporates stacks, study spaces for 665, a teaching and learning centre, extensive collections management and circulation areas, an Advising and Career Centre, and support offices.
2008 Lieutenant Governor's Award of Merit
2004 Ontario Association of Architects Award of Excellence


text:
Timeplex Industrial Limited
Type d'Affaires:Fabricant
Main Mark: Amériques , Asie , L'Europe , À l'échelle mondiale
Exportateur:91% - 100%
certs:ISO14001, ISO9001, OHSAS18001, CCC, UL
Mr. Alan Nong
Obviously, the "profiteering marketing" that has been enveloped by lighting hardware has gradually become a cloud. In particular, some dealers of the brand lighting hardware have complained to the...
[ Chinese wardrobe net ] custom wardrobe handle hardware installation steps, Timeplex likes to tell you! 1. Guide rail: The sliding door of the custom closet and the guide rail of the drawer are...
With China's manufacturing industry accelerating the pace of modernization, China's digital manufacturing technology has also achieved rapid development. The performance of some of these hardware...


text:
We are an AC Repair Chattanooga company located in Tennessee. Just Call Dales!
"To our customers: Dale's is committed to world class customer service and doing things right the first time. To always be fair, honest and professional with each of our customers. Our products and services carry a 100% satisfaction guarantee – period."


text: We Make Heating and Cooling Easier in Fort Worth with a Wide Selection of Air Handlers What is an air handler? We thought you might ask. Air handlers circulate warm and cool air as part of your HVAC system. Better yet, they're well-suited for residential systems and match nearly any air conditioner or heat pump. Calverley Service Experts Heating and Air Conditioning sells many air handlers in Fort Worth. All options feature an airtight cabinet and one-of-a-kind technology that offers efficient, conditioned air all through your house. Plus, a new indoor air handler, combined with a new outdoor heating and cooling system will help you stay green in two ways: you'll reduce your energy consumption, which will lead to big savings on your energy bill. You're jumping for joy, right? It's okay, we won't tell anyone. Calverley Service Experts is a one-stop shop for all your Fort Worth air handler needs. Our professionals sell, install and service all heating, air handling, air conditioning and ventilation products so you hardly have to think about your unit once it's in place. In addition, we offer routine maintenance plans to keep it working at top efficiency year-in and year-out. It can't get easier than this – so schedule your free appointment or give us a call at 817-380-5647 today.


text:
These savory fig cuties hit all the flavor notes in one tasty bite and are a breeze to make for any occasion.
The intense flavors of the savory garlic, tangy brie cheese, and sweet figs, make this a recipe one to cherish. This recipe is perfect for those last minute holiday celebrations. For a sweeter version of this recipe, check out our Hot Pepper Jam and Brie Cups Recipe. Or, live on the edge and bring both;)
15 Mini frozen Phyllo cups (We used Athens Mini Fillo Shells)
1/2 Brie Cheese Wheel (about 6 0z.)
1 Tablespoon (Tbsp) Cherchies® Garlic and Herb No-Salt Seasoning Blend
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove rind from brie and cut into chunks (about 1 teaspoon). This is an old picture. Obviously I did not remove the rind. Some prefer the rind left in tact, while others do not. Your choice.
Place phyllo cups on a baking tray and add a Brie chunk to each cup. Sprinkle each of the cups with a small amount of Cherchies® Garlic & Herb No-Salt Seasoning Blend. Add about 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) Fig Preserves. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes, or until brie just begins to melt.
Remove from oven and serve warm or room temperature. Garnish with a little thyme and help yourself!


text:
Jessica Thompson
Sales end in hours minutes s
Total Sales: 2331 / Stock: / SKU: 146723
Designer's Vision
The 'Jessica Thompson' PU leather purse is equipped with a number of card slots to keep your valuables organised. This 2-in-1 set features a wrist strap and a detachable card holder which allows efficient access to your cards on-the-go.
- How much is the shipping charge?
- What is the delivery time?
- Is it returnable?
- Anything I should know?
- How to maintain the product?
- Free shipping for purchases over SGD $70
- Add SGD $5 for purchases under SGD $70
Ordered items are ready to ship from our dispatch centre within 3-10 working days. Courier deliveries will take a further 3-4 working days depending on prevailing international cargo traffic and the delivery destination.
This item is eligible for the 7-day refund policy.
- Product images are taken by in-house photographers. We try our best to minimize any colour deviation which may be caused by the photo shooting angles, brightness, and display. Please kindly note that the real product should be considered as final.
- Please review the product's size when you are browsing. A deviation of 1 to 3 cm may occur due to the measurement technique used.


text:
Salim Al Tuwaiya
In this essay I will try to analyse the book, The People Smuggler discussing it in terms of being a narrative of an ordinary person and the circumstances of his life that led him to fight difficulties and take epic risks. On the other hand, I will shed light on the book as a study of socio-political interactions that appear directly sometimes, while at others hide between the lines.
While the narrative is the main thrust of the book, the socio-political analysis it represents an implicit background that often appears on the surface, directing clear convictions towards some institutions and organisations, such as the United Nations and the Australian Federal Police. The central persona, Ali Al Jenabi, describes these organisations as complicating the refugee problem and not seeing human side of refugees. I will approach these two obvious themes in the book along with a focus on some of the narrative techniques that define the form and content of the story. Then I will conclude my reading by conducting a quick comparison between the book and other non-fiction books.
The title and beginning
If the most important writing principles of telling a story to the public are 'Simplifying the complex, knowing your subject, using plain English, taking one step at a time, making the central point clear, explaining the unfamiliar with the familiar, and making the message accessible' (Newsom & Haynes, 2013 p180-120), then Robin de Crespigny succeeded brilliantly in attracting her audience. She not only applied those elements but also employed them throughout the main narrative factor; suspense. From this standpoint, the book is in reality a story of an ordinary person, however, the high level of technical skill the book demonstrates in presenting the life of Ali Al Jenabi, highlighted the profound humanitarian aspects of his situation: a unique life fluctuating between hope and pain.
The suspense begins from the first. The title, 'The True Story of Ali Al Jenabi, The 'Oscar Schindler of Asia', The People Smuggler', points the reader's attention to the smuggling, in particular, namely the issue raised at the level of public opinion. This is addressed in relation to the government in Australia. We find the narrator, which is the smuggler himself, brings the reader back to his childhood, in Baghdad in the early seventies, 'I am the oldest son, which meant my parents gave me everything. I was lavished with attention, but that was not what inspired my affection for my father. He was a man with an indomitable spirit (de Crespigny, 2012 p3). Thus the book begins. It is most likely a disappointment for any politician, when a writer so apparently mobilises the sympathy of the reader around the smuggler. It is the central narrative task of this work; converting marginal and forgotten and distant into exactly the opposite.
The Value of Courage
The principles of writing the above-mentioned subjects, is the nature of the long narrative text that takes advantage of the novel and cinematic technique. For instance, the first chapters may seem far removed from the basic principles of writing, such as 'make the central points clear' or 'know your subject', because the 'smuggling' subject does not appear yet, instead, the narrator is busy talking about his childhood and his family. Why should the reader read several pages about the courage of the Hassan Pilot (Ali's father)? The answer is unfolding successively whenever events pass and the reader is spared the temporal and spatial phases with Ali Al Jenabi. On this basis, the adventure of Al Jenabi, his boldness and courage in people smuggling from Indonesia to Australia in particular, will be fully understood. The reader in turn has become informed enough about the history of the characters, the times and places.
Courage as a value hovers over the pages of the book. The importance of the first chapter and the talk about the father's courage that the son, Ali inherited, established an indispensable grounding in understanding the course of the life of Ali Al Jenabi. In Indonesia, while Ali was waiting for a bus carrying 12 Iraqis who arrived in Sumatra by fishing boat, who he was supposed to smuggle to Australia, was suddenly thwarted when he received a phone call from one of those 12 informing him that the Indonesian police had arrested them and they were now on their way to Jakarta accompanied by the police. The intuition of Ali is present and quick. He gained information from the caller, and then upon the arrival of the bus to Jakarta, unexpectedly found his sense of courage: '… I say, 'I know you are tired and scared but I'm going to ask you to challenge yourselves. Are there women and children?'
'All men, except for one family.'
'Okay, I need you to really have courage.'
'What do we have to do?'
'Can you all run?'
'Yes, it's easy to run' (de Crespigny, 2012, p 203). In short, it is the desperate desire to cling to life with the exception of the family that others had already escaped from the hands of the police.
In this context, there are those who were inspired by the courage and the qualities of Ali Al Jenabi had greater consideration for him: 'His bravery, endurance, commitment and sheer entrepreneurial skills are just what Australia needs, but in Indonesia they were also just what his fellow Iraqis fleeing the horrors of Saddam needed (Haines, 2012).' The irony should be noted here, that this courage stems largely from a position of weakness. People fleeing from one country to another and another and so on to become refugees and settle eventually in Australia. During the horrors of this journey, courage and risk are the transit key. Maybe that is why, The People Smuggler has received a strong echo and sympathy with Ali Al Jenabi and the likes, who are looking for a life free from fear and danger.
Criticism of the decisions and official reactions
According to the nature of the political reaction from the Australian government especially, critical attack was not limited to Ali Al Jenabi alone, but there were many who stood on his side criticising the attitudes of successive Australian governments and the issue of refugees in general. Bruce Douglas Haigh, the Australian political commentator and former diplomat says, 'Weak people make tough decisions, usually to protect themselves. Without fear of contradiction, none of the current political leadership has ever been faced with, or been in a position where terrified and pleading individuals sought assistance, protection and succour. They have never seen people released from prison beaten black and blue and reeking of fear. Yet they act as if they have. They crave respect; an impossibility, except from sycophants and rent seekers' (Haigh, 2012).
In fact, attention should be paid to that part of the book's title, involving value judgments and does not assess any consideration of the political, through Ali Al Jenabi's description. Beginning on the cover page, as an exceptional figure, he is 'Oskar Schindler of Asia'. In other words, this is an explicit declaration by the writer that she is standing on the side of the smuggler. The similarity between the two is about rescue, where 'Oscar Schindler rose to the highest level of humanity, walked through the bloody mud of the Holocaust without soiling his soul, his compassion, his respect for human life and gave his Jews a second chance at life. He miraculously managed to do it…' (Bülow, 2011-13).
When it comes to criticism, Ali Al Jenabi, the narrator analyses the political and human data, linking events by their context and sequence, comments on them from his point of view as a human being, subjected to arrest and imprisonment for long periods, as well as the refusal of access to permanent residency. From this perspective she spares no effort in directing sharp criticism at those factors that led to his fate. There is more than one such incident that occurs during the course of the events of Al Jenabi's story, he mentions and scrutinizes them, such as the invasion of Iraq, Saddam Hussein's fall, the bombing of the Twin Towers (World Trade Centre in New York. 'It seems that the Australian Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, who was in America at the time of this disaster, is using it to further demonise asylum seekers. He appears to be trying to persuade his public, that terrorist are disguising themselves as refugees and being brought in on boats by people smugglers, and that this attack on New York somehow verifies his fear' (de Crespigny, 2012, p 271).
For Ali, 'It is unclear why Australians are so strangely unconcerned about asylum seekers arriving by airplane; maybe because there're no pictures in the paper or on the TV. But they are so afraid of the two percent who come by boat that they lock them up like criminals' (de Crespigny, 2012). This is certainly the viewpoint of a people smuggler, but at the same time we never cannot ignore that it is a point of view of a human running away because they fear death and are in search of a safe haven to live with his family. Nor can we turn a blind eye that for him the smuggling of people was not the result of planning, as it was purely compelling because of the difficult circumstances he faced.
From his miserable position, Ali Al Jenabi ceases his criticism of the Australian authorities, which were tracking his movements for so long through the Australian Federal Police and followed him with spies until they managed, in partnership with the Thai police, to arrest him at Bangkok airport. In a Thai prison, Ali Al Jenabi was surrounded by loneliness, obsessions and anxiety. He realised that he was no longer free. He lost his wife, his infant daughter, his family, his dreams, and became a prisoner in every sense of the word. More than that, his future was mysterious and unknown. By this time, the invasion of Iraq had taken its course. In that juncture, the prisoner was wondering and criticising the Australian Prime Minister, 'If I got arrested because I did something wrong then John Howard should get caught too. He sent his troops into my country without UN approval. If I broke someone's law it was for something good. I provided a path to safety for people who had few other options. Maybe Mr. Howard thought what he did was good too, but the majority of Australians and millions of people around the world didn't think so. And who is going to take the wave of refugees the war in Iraq will create? Not Australia, according to him' (de Crespigny, 2012, p 298).
The language
The language is smooth, intense, and chunky with emotion, carrying the climate's features in which the events revolve according to its time and place. The rhythm of language supports the psychological conditions of the narrator, speeds up or slows down as the context requires, once locked into a lot of details, and once again shortens events and moves to others.
In the chapter titled 'Asylum', Ali lives devastatingly waiting. Waiting for the court's decision to approve his asylum but also he is threatened with deportation to Iraq. Time goes slowly without any reassuring news. He cannot leave, and although he was in prison and is supposed to now be in a better place, the wait fills his time with concern. He was trying to make fun of the brunt of waiting, one way or another, but there is no hope on the horizon. 'Every time the loudspeaker begins to blast a name it goes through my body like a bullet… Two more months slip by and still nothing happens… but to no avail' (de Crespigny, R. 2012, p 325). 'They don't say anything, but I see the sorrow in their eyes… I lie awake at night asking myself, Where is the end of this?' (de Crespigny, 2012, p 326). 'This is more terrible than jail' (de Crespigny, 2012, p 327). 'The months go by… There is nothing to fight against and the boredom is insufferable; they kill you not by torture or execution, but by hopelessness and despair' (de Crespigny, 2012, p 328).
The rhythm of the waiting is in line with the events, and circumstances experienced by Ali. The reader in turn waits for that decision. Psychologically and mentally the reader also becomes in waiting, but the irony is that the narrative employs language in his favour. The atmosphere is dominated by boredom. In return, the language and other elements of writing are accomplishing that through suspense. The reader wants to complete the chapter to know what will result from that long, waiting without end.
The first person
This book is certainly a story of an everyday man looking for a safe place for life, but it also serves as a document of conviction against a political decision, which denied the human right to live in peace and they want to expel him, claiming that he is a people smuggler facing serious acts.
For the purpose of promoting the right of Ali Al Jenabi in obtaining permanent residence with his family in Australia, the book lists the details of the smuggling operations, a collection of people, buying ships, hiring captains, the distribution of bribes to the Indonesian's police and marines, since its early stages in Indonesia or Malaysia, until the arrival of ships to Australia. In order to achieve the maximum feasibility of the narrative, the writer used the first person where Ali Al Jenabi himself does the narrative. He comes and goes, remembering and thinking of his unhappy present and dreaming of the future and its worth of a human life.
The use of the first person grants the narrator a stronger presence. Perhaps the writer realises that using the third person will restrict her, as a narrator, and expose her to criticism. In this case, the narrative will preclude her from commenting on the events freely, and critics may accuse her of not being neutral. The importance of the first person in particular lies, in the criticism, commenting and adopting attitudes. Page after page, the reader approaches Ali Al Jenabi, and sees him clearly. Thus, the narrative creates a fascinating, intimate atmosphere where the reader triumphs for this man and his ilk, and in turn criticises governments and institutions that contribute to the separation of refugee families, making their lives vulnerable due to policies, routine and painful waiting. Ali Al Jenabi says, 'Millions of people drift into shambolic UN camps all over the world, and only about two percent are ever settled. For some it takes a few years, for others decades, with many eventually giving up on the UN and finding a smuggler to take them on a boat' (de Crespigny, 2012, p 312).
This book can be considered a novel; it discloses its content through the remarkable narrative techniques, as accurate descriptions of places and personalities and emotions, suspense, flashbacks, imagination, the multiplicity of characters and events, and the dependence of a central event linking the chapters of the book.
Other narrative writing techniques, such as monologue, dialogue, cutting and completing the events, keep the reader connected with reading and positive participation by information provided by the narrator who through which paints a large, clear picture. It is a breathtaking genuine novel and does not shy from surprising the reader but, contrary to fiction, the use of the first person has enabled it to employ criticism positively in its creative framework. It is a struggler's novel, depicting courage, despair, hope, anger and love because it is a real person's story, the rigors of circumstances that made him a people smuggler, and undoubtedly he embodies the tragedy of his people. Ali Al Jenabi, the narrator, finally sums up the whole matter, 'If you want to stop people smugglers you have to do something about what causes people to flee their own countries in the first place' (de Crespigny, 2012, p 350).
Although this story is true, it falls under non-fiction, the first person is used in its structure in a creative way just as it is for fiction. 'In particular, first person fiction, in which the narrator self-narrates about his or her own experiences and perceptions, is thought to invite an especially close relationship between reader and narrative voice' (Keen, 2006). This literally applies to the story of The People Smuggler. Though the narrative constantly surprises the reader, and to a remarkable extent benefits from the cinematic techniques, the writer succeeds in delivering the voice of Ali Al Jenabi deeply and captivating his intimacy. In fact, from the first pages the relationship between the narrator and the reader becomes strong. Credit for this goes primarily due to the first person.
Robin De Crespigny is aware of the vital role of the first person. She knows exactly its strength and flowing presence in the story of Ali Al Jenabi. Likewise she announces her high appreciation for Ali Al Jenabi. In the 'Author's Note' says Crespigny, 'This is a story not so much about people smuggling, as about a man who happened to become one' (de Crespigny, 2012, p ix). After several lines she adds, 'I made the decision to write this book in the first person to enable the reader to experience Ali's life at first hand by being placed in his shoes. Until Ali reached Australia he spoke Arabic, Kurdish, Farsi and Indonesian, but very little English. So the voice is essentially a construct of him and me, in the English language as he might have used it. As all the events are through his eyes, the view of those events reflect Ali's recollections' (de Crespigny, 2012).
Talk about employing fiction techniques in this true story and mastering it in terms of outstanding novels, brings me to remembering one of the most important books in this regard. It is The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor by the Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982. In 1955 a Colombian navy ship sailed from Alabama towards Colombia. On board were eight sailors, but it also was loaded with smuggled goods that exceeded its absorption's capacity, which caused its sinking and the drowning of its sailors, but one of them miraculously survived after cutting the Caribbean into a raft, for a period of 10 days. He withstood hunger, thirst and the heat of the sun, and was about to be devoured by whales.
In 2008 Robin De Crespigny had begun working on her book. In this context she says: 'Thus began an expedition of more than three years working intensively with Ali… We met every few weeks… I recorded all our conversations, then spent long hours meticulously transcribing them….' (de Crespigny, 2012, p viii). Whereas Marquez had spent 120 hours with the only sailor who survived from the sinking. Under the title 'The Story of this Story' says Marquez, 'His name was Luis Alejandro Velasco. This book is a journalistic reconstruction of what he told me, as it was published one month after the disaster in Bogota daily El Espectador… In twenty daily sessions, each lasting six hours, during which I took notes and sprang trick questions on him to expose contradictions, we put together an accurate and concise account of his ten days at sea. It was so detailed and so exciting that my only concern was finding readers who would believe it. Not solely for that reason but also because it seemed fitting, we agreed that the story would be written in the first person and signed by him' (Garcia Marquez, 1986).
Conducting a quick comparison between the two books delivered the following results:
- Both are true stories.
- Their backgrounds sparked controversy on the political and social level and drove public opinion.
- Both criticised, condemned and exposed one way or another, government practices in relation to the rationale, reasons and results.
- Both list the suffering of ordinary persons faced with difficulties and dangers in order to survive.
- Both are listed by the first person, where The People Smuggler, Ali Al Jenabi, tells his story, and Luis Alejandro Velasco also lists his story by himself. Needless to say, the writing process and technics are subject to the creativity of both Marquez and Crespigny.
At the same time, the comparison reveals, of course, many differences between the two workers. For instance, The People Smuggler lists not only the people smuggling but also details the life of Ali Al Jenabi, from his upbringing in Iraq until his arrival in Australia. In contrast, The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor, focuses moment by moment on the ten days that Luis Alejandro Velasco spent facing death in the midst of the horrors of the sea, whales, and thirst, and hunger, factors of horrific nature and despair.
The present sentence
It should be noted that Crespigny also used verbs in a manner with no lesser skill than with her dealing with other writing techniques. In the first chapters Ali often uses past verbs when retelling about his childhood and Iraq at that time: 'When I was a little older my four brothers and I would wait in the afternoon for my father's return from his shop….' (de Crespigny, 2012, p 4), '… Saddam invaded Kuwait. When the Americans drove him out, offering the Shiites support if we rose up against them, we believed them. But as soon as the uprising started, the US left us to our fate, and the full weight of Saddam's army was turned on us' (de Crespigny, 2012, p 23). This is understandable on the basis that it all happened in the past. Even if the present tense was used here, it is accidental, especially phrases like 'that night', 'after', 'next' remind the reader that the events are in the past yet its importance makes it happen now, 'That nights are the worst. Any sound or voice I hear outside ramps up my anxiety' (de Crespigny, 2012, p 93), 'That night I lie in bed listening to them sleeping, and pray that something will happen before the morning to cancel my trip' (de Crespigny, 2012, p 146).
Whenever the reader continued reading, they discovered that the narrator uses present tense more than past tense, perhaps because he became confident that he had already attracted the reader's attention. The formula of the present tense also enhances the narrative's building, as well as opening the eyes of the reader and putting him in the heart of the event. 'Even when writing about the past, writers may place scenes in [the] present tense, giving the reader the feeling of being an eyewitness to the action' (Caulley, 2008).
The book is divided into three parts according to the countries (Iraq, Indonesia, and Australia) and years (1970-2012). Beginning the second part sees the present tense dominate the prose, it is time to Ali to turn from a person looking for a people smuggler to a person smuggler himself. The past is over, and this is the present, the people smuggling, as the book's title and its central issue.
In this essay I analysed the principles and elements of writing used in The People Smuggler, across two key points that are the narrative and issues raised. The narrative and socio-political elements in the book work together.
There is no doubt that the narrative tells the story of an ordinary person struggling to find a decent life for himself and his family, but this struggle is closely related to social and political conditions that the narrator does not hesitate to explore, analyse, criticise and condemn clearly and boldly. In order to deepen my view, I have made comparison between this book and a book that has won worldwide attention for decades.
Bülow, L. (2011-13) Oscar Schindler, His List of Life, http://www.oskarschindler.com/ (accessed 7 April 2015).
Caulley, D. N. (2008), 'Making Qualitative Research Reports Less Boring, The Techniques of Writing Creative Nonfiction'. https://bblearn.griffith.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-1298019-dt-content-rid-3871291_1/courses/7117HUM_3151/Caulley-CNF-Tech-2008.pdf (accessed 6 April 2015).
de Crespigny, R. (2012) The true story of Ali Al Jenabi, The 'Oskar Schindler of Asia', The People Smuggler. Penguin Books, Australia.
Garcia Marquez, G. (1986) The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor, translated by Randolph Hogan. http://www.amazon.com/Shipwrecked-Sailor-Gabriel-Garcia-Marquez/dp/067972205X (accessed 8 April 2015).
Haigh, B. (2012) ABC, The Drum Home, 'People Smuggler or the Schindler of Asia?' http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-07/haigh-people-smuggler-or-the-schindler-of-asia3f/3994310 (accessed 7 April 2015).
Haines, J. (2012) Ozleft, An Independent Voice on the Left, The People Smuggler: A review, https://ozleft.wordpress.com/2012/12/29/the-people-smuggler-a-review/ (accessed 7 April 2015).
Keen, S. A. (2006) Theory of Narrative Empathy, Muse Scholarly Journal Online. Volume 14, Number 3, October 2006. http://www.dlls.univr.it/documenti/Seminario/documenti/documenti336895.pdf (accessed 8 April 2015).
Newsom, D., Haynes. J. (2013) Public Relations Writing, Form & Style. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.


text:
The Grace Museum, in partnership with The Paramount Theatre, hosts a series of 24 FPS International Short Film Festival monthly rooftop screenings.
Come enjoy screenings of different award winning films from around the world. Enter through the Courtyard on N. 1st St. of The Grace Museum and head up to the rooftop. This outdoor night of films and fun is one you won't want to miss!
This event is free to the public, 18 and older. Admission is for the first 100 people. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled.
- Ticket Pick-Up Begins: 7:00 PM
- Rooftop Opens: 7:00 PM
- Films begin at 8:00 PM (runtime 1 hour)
- Cash Bar by Cypress Street Station and Free Paramount Popcorn Available on Rooftop
- Guests are welcome to bring their own food.


text:
Tap to zoom
Garudasana Cropped Yoga Pants
Free standard shipping + returns. Learn more
Sweat Wicking
100% Squat Proof
Super Soft Handfeel
4 Way Stretch
These super soft yoga capris come in a relaxed fit to take you from the mat to brunch. Extremely high-stretch and lightweight, the fitted cuffs hold the capris in place on the mat. Also perfect for travelling.
Colour: Black Marl A
Comfortable, super stretchy and butter soft
Stay in place for chilling, yoga and Pilates
The Fabric
This lightweight polyester is an incredibly durable, soft and quick drying fabric. It is easy to care for and retains the colour wash after wash.
Composition: 88% Polyester, 12% Elastane.
Wash at 40°C (104°F) on reduced spin. Do not bleach. Do not dry clean. See care label for additional information.
Additional Information
Garudasana Cropped Yoga Pants is rated out of 5 by 73.
Rated 3 out of 5 by NEROSMAMA from Didn't suit me The title says it all. These were neither comfortable nor flattering.
Date published: 2019-09-14
Rated 3 out of 5 by CanadaGirl from Read the fabric description carefully This is my sixth pair of Garudasana crop leggings. They usually are soft and gorgeous fabric. Not this time though. The material and care page describes the leggings as polyester blend, but the initial description says cotton, so there is a discrepancy in facts which I missed. I was expecting the polyester blend like the other pairs I own, but they are thicker like standard trackpants. Also, the colour is more like plain blue and not the faded denim that the pictures show. Darn.
Date published: 2019-09-10
Rated 5 out of 5 by Sholzi from love these pants perfect for Pilates and just running around on the weekend--so comfortable
Date published: 2019-08-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by Dark Bubbles from Yoga pants I am loving my new cropped yoga pants! So soft and they really let me move well. Plus, they have pockets!
Date published: 2019-08-13
Rated 3 out of 5 by barre girl from Material is lightweight and comfortable I do like these pants a lot but the bottom which is supposed to be snug around your calf always falls down. I wonder if they got stretched in the store from people trying them on. I wouldn't likely buy again though I do love that this material does not collect dog hair (which I am constantly battling with work out pants).
Date published: 2019-08-01
Rated 5 out of 5 by RunMom from Pure comfort and quality! I could live in these pants! The quality is amazing. The fit and comfortable is unbeatable. I wish there were more color options as I would buy them all! Great pants to lounge in, running around with the family, vacation, run errands or after workouts.
Date published: 2019-07-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by Suefromview from Most Comfy Capris Ever! I Absolutely love these comfortable stylish capris.You can also cuff them too for another look. Either way they are very cute and comfortable. I bought the blue while my friend bought the print ones. I bought size XS.
Date published: 2019-07-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by OkeyBrit from Most comfy leggings Super comfortable for working out, lounging or travel. Soft, light weight, I'll buy again. Glad I found sweaty Betty.
Date published: 2019-07-01
- bvseo_sdk, dw_cartridge, 16.1.1, p_sdk_3.2.0
- CLOUD, getContent, 131ms
- reviews, product


text:
If you are in need of used car parts, you've come to the right place. Auto Parts Inc. has access to vast selection of used auto parts, accessible all at your finger tips. Auto Parts Inc. also has access to 100's of used and reconditioned, low mileage engines and transmissions waiting for delivery
Auto Parts:
Parts by Make:
Used Car Parts SpecialistsWhat do you do when your vehicle breaks down? Do you panic? The vast majority of car owners face a conundrum when their car needs a new part and with dealers and garages charging top dollar to replace parts, car owners are often left feeling ripped off or as if they have been taken advantage of. Everyone knows that maintaining a car, especially an older model, can be a costly endeavor. Before you part with your hard-earned cash you should consider investing in quality used car parts. Significantly cheaper than new parts, used car parts are an effective solution that will keep your car in good working order.
Parts Aren't Cheap!Unfortunately, used car parts arent cheap to most peoples surprise, mainly due to the fact that the auto industry is gigantic and the fact that cars are a necessary expense. Capitalizing off peoples need for working cars, garages, dealerships, junk yards charge sizeable fees for used car parts and labor. Although purchasing used car parts from a junk yard may save you money, you will still need to pay a significant amount to fix and maintain your car. The vast majority of people get caught between having to pay considerable amounts of money for used car parts and losing their cars, many of which cave in to the costs simply out of necessity.
Could there be a More Affordable Option?If youre looking for used car parts then youve come to the perfect place! We offer a unique service which connects car owners and mechanics with their used car parts of choice. Many people struggle when it comes to finding used car parts, often choosing to go with their local dealer or garage. Although this is a convenient choice, it is not always the most cost- effective solution. Thanks to our easy-to-use website, people now have the ability to submit a request for specific used car parts which we send to a nationwide network of wreckers. Within 48 hours, you will receive quotes for an extensive range of salvage yards, enabling you to choose the best overall price for used car parts, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds!
Access to a Broad Range of Used Car PartsWhen it comes to finding used car parts obviously youll want the process to be as easy and cost-effective as possible, therefore we have designed a website which makes it easier for people who are looking to shop around to find the best deals on used car parts. Whether youre looking for used car parts for Hyundai, Volvo, BMW, Mazda or Porsche, we can connect you with the people who supply quality used car parts at budget-friendly prices. Whats more, no one should be a slave to their local dealership, garage or junk yard; we give people the option to look for used car parts elsewhere, making it possible to purchase such parts without breaking the bank. With access to over 45 car makes, we can help everyone find their used car parts at an affordable price.
The Home of Used Car PartsOur website has fast become the one-stop-shop for used car parts, helping you to get your vehicle back on the road as soon, and as cheaply as possible. With the soaring costs of used car parts, searching for used car parts online in order to find the cheapest prices available has become fundamental. Our website has set the standard for purchasing used car parts online, and with what seems an endless list of satisfied customers, we have become the masters at taking care of our customers. Were not like your local junk yard were your #1 professional used car parts resource.
Lets face it, were all trying to save money wherever we can, and keeping your used car just makes sense.
Now is the time to replace that broken headlight or taillight. Thanks to our easy-to-use website you can find the used car parts you need in no time! Unlike junk yards, we dont just sell any used car parts in our inventory we only sell quality used car parts. In addition, we specialize in used engines and used transmissions giving you peace of mind with a full warranty.


text:
I started learning the art of photography in high school, processing black & white film by hand and making prints in a darkroom. While the majority of my work is now digital, I still shoot film and continue to process it by hand, keeping true to my roots. My college education was focused on information technology, leading to a very calculated and precise methodology seen when I'm working behind the camera. That said, I like to take a relaxed approach to photo shoots, taking the time to talk with my clients, understand their needs, and connect. My belief is that a good working relationship with a client leads to better quality imagery.
I work primarily out of the Raleigh/Durham area, but will travel.
While I dabble in a wide variety of photographic areas, I offer portrait, wedding, family, and small event photography to clients.


text:
Cowboy Bebop - 3rd Session (DVD 3 of 6)
Title: Cowboy Bebop - 3rd Session
Volume: DVD 3 / 6
Running time: 100
Distributor: Bandai Entertainment
Release date: 2000-07-04
Suggested retail price: $29.98
Age rating: 13+
First, the crew must fight against a strange organism that?s boarded the Bebop. Surviving that, they move on to find their lost cash, and Spike begins the search for the missing Julia. But it turns out that his old enemy Vicious is involved. Finally, they must solve the mystery of a high-tech crime that seems to have been perpetrated by a ghost.
Contains episodes 11-14:
Toys In The Attic
Jupiter Jazz (Part 1)
Jupiter Jazz (Part 2)
Bohemian Rhapsody
Spoken Languages: English, and Japanese with English Subtitles.
Previously identified as UPC 669198129292 (SKU 1292)
(added on 2004-03-26, modified on 2013-02-21)
- Encyclopedia information about Cowboy Bebop (TV)


text:
Pale Skin Appropriate Beauty
Of course, there are no rules when it comes to makeup and you can wear whatever your heart desires. However, I've found there are certain shades that are much more flattering on my somewhat snow white complexion. Wearing the wrong colour can completely counteract the reason for applying it and make you appear in some cases very unwell. So today I've gathered together my favourite pale skin appropriate shades.
TARTE AMAZONIAN CLAY BLUSH IN EXPOSED: Although this doesn't look like much in the pan, on the cheeks it's a beautiful dusky pink. It's brown-based which means it's perfect for adding dimension to the skin as well as a flush of colour. So if you're a pale girl whose petrified of bronzer this is the best option for sculpting your complexion too. The Amazonian Clay blushes are absolutely dreamy in terms of formulation, solid pigmentation and incredibly long wearing. Even though they are matte they aren't chalky and uncomfortable to wear which is a common issue with matte blushers.
HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING BLUSH IN MOOD EXPOSURE: Putting my feelings aside about the price tag vs quality issue with these blushes, the shade Mood Exposure is absolutely beautiful against fair skin. It's got an ever so slight berry undertone to it which is, even more, flattering against green eyes. The baked finish means it adds a lot of light and luminosity to the complexion without the need for glitter and shimmer, just a natural 'lit from within' look. The MaxFactor Creme Puff blushers are an exact dupe for these beautiful blushes and come in at a 1/3 of the price.
STILA COLOUR CONVERTIBLE IN LILIUM: Pink can be a tough colour to wear when you're fair skinned. They can either be hideously bright or sickeningly yellow so finding the right one can be tricky. Personally, I think the Stila Convertible Colour in Lilium is one of the most beautiful shades on the market. It sits just in the middle of the spectrum as it isn't too bright, too yellow or blue, just a beautiful neutral shade. The Convertible Colours are my favourite formulation of cream blush, they aren't too sticky or slippy and brighten up even the dullest of complexions.
FRESH SUGAR LIP BALM IN PETAL: A pink base rose shade that can never do any wrong in my eyes, it's the perfect option for everyday wear. It's incredibly similar to the Tarte Blush in Exposed as it's got a strong brown undertone which is incredibly flattering even though it sounds like it might be hideous. It instantly adds warmth to the skin whilst perfecting and filling out the lip shape without the need for overdrawing. The formulation of the Fresh balms is stunning, I've spoken about them so many times so I'll save you my usual spiel but they are beautiful.
LANOLIPS LIP OINTMENT IN ROSE*: Personally, I think Lanolips lip products are completely overlooked in the beauty world. The original lip ointment is a beautiful treatment and combined with a tint they make the perfect glossy balm. The shade rose is a light milky pink which isn't too nude so you don't look like you've lost all life in your skin. They are more glossy than the typical lip options that I usually wear but they aren't sticky or tacky at all.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY LIP CHEAT IN PINK VENUS*: Coral is a shade that can either look stunning against snow white complexions or look dire. The Charlotte Tilbury lip pencil in Pink Venus reshapes and fills in the lips as well as depositing a beautiful coral shade. It's more pink based than orange which is something I find more flattering than something with heavy orange tones. See it in action here. The formulation of these lip pencils is beautiful, soft and creamy so it doesn't pull at your lips or make them appear dry.
CLINIQUE POP LIP IN PLUM POP*: Berries and plums are shades that can sound scary but they are the perfect way to make a statement without going too dark or for a typical red. Again, against green eyes, they are stunning as they are opposing shades in the colour wheel so contrast perfectly. The shade Plum Pop is the perfect beginners plum and the formulation of these lipsticks make them easy to build up to thick opaque finish or wear it in a more sheer fashion. They contain a built-in primer so they perfect the lips and fill in any uneven areas instead of, excentuating them.
What are your favourite pale skin appropriate shades?
R x
Check out: Nishaantishu, Mrs James Recommends, The Sunday Mode and Carly Grant, you can advertise with me here.


text:
Greetings! Please find below all No dice in the Senate solutions for the popular game Crossword Champ Pro version. One of the reasons you are here already is because you are looking for the solutions of No dice in the Senate. Today is your lucky day because our staff has just finished posting all today's Crossword Champ Pro Answers. In case something is missing or its simply wrong then you can contact us and one of our representatives will be more than happy to help you out! The answer for No dice in the Senate can be found below:
No dice in the Senate
Already finished solving No dice in the Senate? Go back and see the other questions for Crossword Champ Pro March 5 2018 Answers.


text:
What are some terms that parents of pointe dancers should know?
As your daughter progresses in pointe work, you will learn a great deal of ballet terminology! Here are a few terms that will come in handy as you get started:
Achilles tendon The largest tendon in the body, running from the heel bone into the calf.
arch The curve of the sole of the foot.
bunion Deformity and inflammation of the big toe joint, often very painful. Proper pointe fitting and training help dancers avoid or delay bunion development.
instep The curve of the top of the foot.
metatarsal area The metatarsals are five long bones connecting the heel and toes. "Metatarsal area" refers to the joint between the metatarsals and the toes, where the toes bend at the ball of the foot.
demi-pointe/half-pointe Standing and dancing on the balls of the feet.
on flat Standing and dancing with the entire sole of the foot or shoe on the floor.
on pointe Standing and dancing on the tips of the toes; also called en pointe ("ahn pwent").
relevé Rising from flat to demi-pointe or pointe.
rolling to pointe/rolling through Passing through demi-pointe on the way from flat to pointe.
springing to pointe Rising to pointe with minimal roll-through, almost as if jumping onto the toes.
barre Handrail for balance during ballet exercises; to be held lightly, not gripped or leaned on.
breaking-in Softening and molding pointe shoes to the foot.
core strength Muscular strength throughout the torso, including the abdomen, back and pelvis.
plié Bending the knees with correct ballet posture.
pulling up Coordinated usage of muscles throughout the body to elevate, not sink, for proper technical development and reducing strain on the muscles and joints of the back, legs and feet.
pre-pointe Special exercises and guidance that target the technique and strength needed for pointe work; may be offered within ballet class or as a separate class, using ballet slippers or demi-pointe shoes.


text:
No matter what the truth, Underneath A Magical Moon brings to light the importance of imaginary play in childhood. The three children in the story have no recourse to expensive gadgets or toys. They use everyday garden and camping equipment to bring Peter Pan to life. A sleeping bag doubles up as a mermaid's tail and a wheelbarrow transforms into a pirate ship.
Grace Lancaster, Jack Brett and Chris Draper share brilliant camaraderie on stage. They are in synch with each other throughout the performance and glide from one character into the next with effortless ease. One minute they are children in a city house, the next they are mermaids singing a melody and the next they are Wendy, Pan and Captain Hook engaged in battle.


text:
Call For Expert Help
Health Plan One offers various health plans for Portland, which is part of Multnomah County, Oregon. Medicare carriers that offer Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement plans in Oregon include AARP, Aetna, Mutual of Omaha, and UniCare.
PPARxOR is an Oregon state-run prescription drug program which helps low-income seniors participate in Part D. Based on age, household income, type of health insurance, you may be eligible to apply. For more information about PPARxOR, call (888) 477-2669.
For more information about Oregon State Medicare, visit our Oregon Medicare page.
To join a Medicare Advantage plan, the beneficiary must already be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. The beneficiary is also required to pay their monthly Medicare Part B premium in addition to their Medicare Advantage plan.
Why choose a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage includes Part A, (Hospital Coverage), Part B (Medicine Coverage) and may also include Part D (Pharmacy Benefits).
Medicare Advantage plans include a variety of types such as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, Preferred Provider Organization plans (PPO), Private Fee For Service Plans (PFFS) and Medicare Special Needs plans. Preferred Provider Organization plans differ from Health Maintenance plans in that it allows the beneficiary to choose a healthcare professional out of the plan's network. Deductibles may be lower, however, if the beneficiary chooses an in-network healthcare professional.
Main points to consider when choosing the appropriate plan for you are premium costs, and the costs of deductibles. If the premiums or the deductibles seem high, you may want to see what benefits the Medicare Advantage plan offers. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer yearly eye exams, as well as free prescriptions every two years, hearing exams and hearing aid coverage. Prescription drug coverage and pharmacy choice are two other important factors to take into consideration.
Aetna has been a healthcare provider for over 150 years. Aetna provides a variety of plans to meet the needs of senior citizens in Oregon. Aetna offers bonuses that exceed Original Medicare such as wellness, vision, and fitness benefits and discounts on health related services. For more information on Aetna Medicare, visit our Aetna Medicare page.
Humana healthcare formed in 1961. Humana offers Oregon residents a variety of HumanaChoice PPO plans. For more information on Humana Medicare, visit our Humana Medicare page
AARP offers Oregon a variety of PPO, POS, and HMO plans. For more information about AARP Medicare, visit our AARP Medicare page.
Medical Mutual of Omaha's Savings Accounts provide the beneficiary with health insurance combined with tax benefits and investment opportunities. For more information about Medical Mutual, visit our Medicare Mutual of Omaha Medicare page.
Call our trained health insurance representatives at 877.56.PLANS to receive a Miami Medicare Quote and advice on what the appropriate plan is to fit your needs.
Prices are fixed by law - you cannot find a better price for your selected plan.
Have a question? Our health insurance experts are a phone call away.
We can help you through the underwriting process.


text:
11:11 is a design studio operating in multiple disciplines. Exploring the boundaries between interior architecture, leather goods and objects, they create a body of work with one collective narrative. No matter the output, what defines every 11:11 project are the notions of functionality, simplicity and craftsmanship.
[Functionality] is the foundation of each concept. The studio aims to create purposeful objects and spaces that serve the end user. Their designs are not void of aesthetics, but resist trends in favour of practicality.
They believe [simplicity] is the result of a highly resolved design. A sense of calm is created through use of a natural and neutral palette, paired back forms and by eliminating the un-necessary.
Working with local Melbourne artisans and using the finest materials, [craftsmanship] is approached with permanence in mind, but always embracing the natural patina of things over time.
The Designers
New Zealander Annabel Smart is an Architect and Interior Designer. Obtaining a degree in Architecture from Victoria University of Wellington in 2008, she went on to work in some of the country's leading design firms before moving to Melbourne in 2012. Annabel has a reserved design sensibility, an appreciation for a natural palette and highly considered detailing, which is prevalent in all her work.
Marijne Vogel is an Interior Architect originally from Rotterdam, The Netherlands. She finished her Bachelor of Interior Architecture at the Royal Academy of the Arts (KABK, The Hague) in 2009 and moved to Melbourne shortly after where she worked for Studio Hecker Guthrie. During her time at the Royal Academy, Marijne was exposed to various art forms which cultivated her interest in sculpture, fashion and product design. Her Dutch no-nonsense approach towards design is what defines her most.
The content
Photography By Nicholas John Wilkins


text:
The Diff'rent Strokes star's condition is worsening, his manager tells PEOPLE
Gary Coleman has suffered a brain hemorrhage and his condition has progressively worsened, his manager tells PEOPLE.
The 42-year-old Diff'rent Strokes star is now unconscious and on life support in a coma. His wife is at his side in the hospital.
"We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers for speedy recovery," says manager John Alcantar.
RELATED: Gary Coleman in Critical Condition at Hospital
The actor hurt his head Wednesday when he fell in his Utah home, and was taken to a local hospital. He was then transferred to the intensive care unit at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.
"He's unconscious and on life support at the moment," Alcantar says. "He had a brain hemorrhage and he was lucid but he went unconscious [Thursday] afternoon."


text:
A new site page shows government data indicates within the next decade the federal government may be spending more on entitlement programs and interest than it receives in revenue. It couldn't spend money on anything else and balance the budget. Within the next 10-25 years (forecasts vary) simply the interest on the debt may be more than revenue. The budget couldn't be balanced even in theory which means the country would have effectively gone bankrupt before that.
Politicians didn't learn enough from the financial crisis. Many people lost houses when they couldn't afford rising mortgage costs. Often they overestimated their future earnings and underestimated expenses. Its understandable to dream about what could be done with a higher income, but its best to use conservative estimates when planning budgets. Federal agencies aren't doing a good job of considering the possibility of lower income and higher expenses.
Last year the Federal Reserve published a study "How Good Are the Government's Deficit and Debt Projections and Should We Care?" which looked at the track record of the Congressional Budget Office projections from the last few decades. They compared them with "random walk" (RW) projections, i.e. random guessing, and found that
"the CBO's cumulative 5-year projections are considerably worse than projections
from the RW model;
the deficit projections beyond a
year were unreliable. Importantly, we found that the projections were biased in the direction of
underprojecting the size of the deficit or overprojecting the size of the surplus."
Since the CBO tends to be overoptimistic, it is useful to consider more conservative projections combining other government data. People in business often plan by exploring best, expected and worst case scenarios because they know the future is hard to accurately predict.The new page goes into detail and provides an interactive graph of future federal finances where assumptions can be changed.


text:
I'm a Food Network competition junkie. For me, culinary artistry paired with some sort of outlandish rivalry is the perfect mix. Whether it's Chopped or Cupcake Wars, I love to see what chefs will prepare under pressure with less-than-ideal ingredients.
My favorite show?
Cutthroat Kitchen.
If you aren't familiar with this series, it's where "sabotage isn't only encouraged, it's for sale."
At the start of each episode, super-host Alton Brown hands four chefs $25,000 each. These stacks of cash are intended for that-less-than-friendly purpose I mentioned. Yep, that's right, sabotage. Before and during the show's three rounds, the competitors are given opportunities to use this money to purchase what I like to call "specialty items" at auction.
Sometimes these items provide one chef with an advantage while adding injury to his or her opponents. For example, the highest bidder can purchase "the sole right to taste" or "the only chef allowed to fry."
Other times these items just throw metaphorical arsenic into a foe's recipe for success. One rival is given Reynolds Wrap in place of utensils. Yep, first they have to sculpt a make-shift knife and spoon before they can even start prepping. Another has their standard eggs swapped for one, huge ostrich egg. Happy boiling … or not.
While I love to observe this battle of strategy and sabotage on TV, it's not something I crave in my real, day-to-day life. Yet this idea of sabotage — which Dictionary.com defines as "any undermining of a cause" — isn't confined to the Food Network. Or to high-stakes business deals. There are times you and I sabotage, whether purposefully or not, the unity God intends and desires for our marriages.
[You can finish reading the rest of this article at For the Family. Click here.]


text:
(18 June 2009: Lightly edited for clarity.)
The June 5 issue of Cell Stem Cells has a brief report describing the use of four proteins to reprogram human fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). I think this is a pretty important paper, as it dispenses with any sort of genetic manipulation of the target cells or any use of plasmids to insert new "control circuitry", or any chemical manipulation whatsoever.
As expected, it is getting easier to produce iPSCs, and the authors of the paper ("Generation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Direct Delivery of Reprogramming Proteins") note that their work demonstrates the elimination of "the potential risks associated with the use of viruses, DNA transfection, and potentially harmful chemicals and in the future could potentially provide a safe source of patient-specific cells for regenerative medicine".
Kim et al used four recombinant human proteins to turn human newborn fibroblast cells (purchased from ATCC -- see the Supplemental Data) into iPSCs, where each of the proteins was fused to a nine amino acid long "cell-penetrating peptide" (CPP) that facilitated the importation of the proteins across the cell membrane. The procedure was not particularly efficient, but after multiple treatments the authors produced cells that could differentiate into many different kinds of human tissues.
Here are a couple of thoughts about the paper. Note that in what follows I have only had a few sips of my first cup of coffee today, and my brain is still quite fuzzy, but I think I am mostly coherent. You can be the judge.
First, the authors did not use mature cells from adults, so don't expect this paper to lead to replacement organs and tissues tomorrow. The use of cells from newborns makes a great deal of sense for a first go at getting protein-based reprogramming to work, as those cells have already been demonstrated to be relatively easy to reprogram. The published procedure required many weeks of effort to produce iPSCs, and authors note that they have quite a ways to go before they can produce stem cells at the same efficiency as other techniques.
Nonetheless, it works.
Second, the paper describes PCR-based cloning of human genes to add the CPP sequences, along with a fair amount of bench manipulation to generate cells that made each of the four reprogramming proteins. All the sequences for those proteins are online, as are the sequences for the CPPs, so generating the corresponding genes by synthesis rather than cloning would now cost less than $10K, with delivery in 2-4 weeks. In another year, it will probably cost no more than $5K. (How long will it be before these proteins show up in the Registry of Standard Biology Parts?)
Third, the authors did not use purified reprogramming proteins to generate iPSCs, but rather used whole cell extracts from cells that produced those proteins. Thus the concentrations of the reprogramming proteins were limited to whatever was in the cell extract. This might critically affect the efficiency of the reprogramming. Presumably, the authors are already working on generating cultured cell lines to produced the reprogramming proteins in larger quantities. But if you wanted to do it yourself, it looks like you might "simply" have to order the appropriate sequences from Blue Heron already cloned into the human expression plasmid pCDNA3.1/myc-His A, which is available from Invitrogen. This would add a couple of hundred dollars to the cost because Blue Heron would have to play around with a proprietary plasmid instead of the public domain plasmids they usually use to ship genes. You would then follow the recipe from the Supplementary Data to transform a protein production cell line to make those proteins. Or perhaps you have a favorite recipe of your own. Here is something I don't get -- it looks like that particular expression plasmid adds a His tag to the end of the gene, so I don't understand why Kim et al didn't try a purification step, but maybe that is underway.
Fourth, if you wanted to do this at home, you could. You should expect to fail many times. And then you should expect to fail some more. And then, assuming your human cell culture technique is up to snuff, you should expect to eventually succeed. You might want to wait until the inevitable paper showing how to do this with adult differentiated skin cells is published.
And then what?
You will have an autologous stem cell line that you can use to produce tissues that are, immunologically speaking, identical to those in your body. What should you do with them? I would suggest you show them off at cocktail parties, brag about them on Facebook, and then destroy them with bleach and an autoclave. In lieu of an autoclave a microwave would probably do just fine.
But I expect that at least some of you will try to follow a recipe to generate some sort of human tissue, or even to simply inject those cells in your own bodies, which will result in all kinds of crazy teratomas and other tumors. To quote Harold Ramus, "that would be bad". So don't do that. Just because DIYStemCells are cool doesn't mean you should actually use them yourself. But I know some of you will anyway. That is the future of biological technologies, for better or worse.


text:
It's fair to say that recently I've been a little stressed. I've had three of the most stressful 'life events' happen in a very short space of time, so when the opportunity to visit Thai Square Spa Covent Garden arose, I jumped at the chance.
A short meander from the tube station through the seemingly never-ending back streets of Covent Garden led me to the pristine-looking front doors, complete with Buddha.
A happy beginning
Now I have a confession to make. I have never had a Thai massage. Ever. So I was thoroughly looking forward to this one. After checking in at reception and realising I was 30 minutes early I settled down and start relaxing, only to be interrupted by a rather flustered masseuse.
After she had calmed down, she told the manager her client had requested a Thai massage of the sexy variety, with a 'happy ending'. I couldn't help but laugh. He'd obviously been watching too many online, er, films and had expected something completely different.
'What do you mean they were four sizes too big?'
Back to my massage (I did not request special treatment as I am not a filth bag), and I was slipping deeper and deeper into my relaxation trousers. These weren't metaphoric trousers, they were ACTUAL trousers, about four sizes too big. [Editor's note: After much questioning when reading this, I deduced these are in fact fisherman's pants – can you tell David has never been to Asia?]
As I sat and unwound waiting for my name to be called, some cool water combined with the music, the ambience and tranquillity made me a walking lump of jelly. AND I LOVED IT.
After a short wait Bow arrived, my Thai masseuse. We tootled along to the room, and I got comfy on the table.
Destroyed by a tiny Thai
What followed was nothing short of awesome. Granted Bow made me bend and stretch muscles I never even knew I had in ways totally unnatural to man, but it was very, very good. After a brief chat she explained she'd be going quite hard on me (no sniggering please children), but even so, I did not expect a four foot nothing Thai woman to essentially destroy me. From head to toe – literally – even sinew in my body was prodded, massaged and released.
The highlight had to be when she kneeled on the back of my calves and bent me backwards. I yelped like a little girl, but after some soothing work it felt great. My massage lasted an hour, yet it felt like longer.
The perils of working in an office
When she had finished Bow explained her reason for being so hard on me. 'Very tight in shoulders and neck'. And this got me thinking. So many people I know spend their days in front of a computer or hunched over a desk. We may think we are being careful with posture, but it's not until you're on a massage table you truly realise the physical stress your body endures.
Thai Square Spa is perfect for people looking to treat a loved one or pamper yourself. The location makes it easily accessible to most Londonites, and the service and results will speak for themselves. We will most certainly be back for more!


text:
Custom rings, invitations, gowns for your big day
When it comes to weddings, custom is key. From rings to table decor, your union should be a reflection of your unique love story and personal style. We sought out five local vendors helping craft one-of-a-kind experiences for couples, each offering advice for pulling off the perfect proposal or hosting an elegant affair.
Hint: It's all in the details.
Ben Shemano Jewelry
Trish Lee Bridal
San Francisco
Pro tip: When trying on dresses for the first time, have an open mind and a put-together appearance. Lee finds that most of her brides end up with a dress they wouldn't have originally picked. "Dresses don't look like what you think hanging on a hanger; the professional knows what might look good on your body type," Lee says. And nicely done hair and makeup boosts confidence. 323 Geary St., Suite 808, S.F. (415) 562-6553, www.trishlee.com
Bright Room Studio
Pro Tip: "Even if a custom-designed invitation isn't in the budget, consider adding a ribbon around the suite, a cute tag or vintage stamps," Roth says. "Those details that you add yourself, even if it is to a ready-made design, will make a big impact when your guests open your envelopes." By appointment. (925) 212-5013, www.brightroomstudiodesign.com
Frances Lane Event Rental Studio
Pro tip: Don't be afraid to incorporate color into your table scape. "It's one more way to add a bit of personality, and it photographs beautifully," says Jernegan. "That, and always add a few extras of all your rentals, so if Uncle Jack drops his salad fork you have backup!" By appointment. (415) 275-1347, www.franceslane.com
Brilliant Earth
Pro tip: "Conflict free" is a narrowly defined term, according to Brilliant Earth co-founder Beth Gerstein. Instead, Gerstein suggests, "look for a jeweler that goes beyond conflict free to guarantee their diamonds originate from ethical and environmentally responsible sources." By appointment. 26 O'Farrell St., 10th Fl., S.F. (415) 799-3343. www.brilliantearth.com


text:
Vintage pair of glass frogs for flower arrangements
Beautiful and substantial in size this pair of glass frogs will be a wonderful addition to an avid collector of ikebana tools/supplies as well as for someone looking for a modern take on these great glass frogs- using them as catch all for your pens, brushes or pencils.One round frogs with 10 arrangement holes, and one large oval one with 33 holes in it!
Both pieces are in excellent vintage condition with no chips or breaks, there is some glass "lines" in the large oval but that's from the production line and does not alter the functionality or aesthetic of the frog.
Additional Info
Oval: L6 1/2" by W 4 3/4" this fits very well in a lot of the mid century American made planters
Round: 3 1/4"
Please, refer to the store policies when buying vintage items, and if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me!
I ship USPS priority insured in the US, and for international orders these are just rough estimates final shipping cost will be determined after your order is placed.
Thank you for looking- feel free to add the shop to your circle for the latest updates on our vintage and handmade inventory!
Flower power to the people!


text:
Give Now
Celebrate the holiday season with Nativity music from the late Renaissance in Europe, performed by the musicians of the Historical Performance Institute.
We'll hear villancicos, motets and so much more—all marking some part of the story of Christmas.
Here's a sampling from an array of early music recordings – new and old, from performers like the Tallis Scholars, Boston Camerata, The Sixteen, and more.
We're celebrating Christmas with music from a variety of traditions, including two well-known carols, medieval music about St Nick, Byzantine chant, and more.
We've handpicked a variety of early music recordings – new and old – to help get you into the spirit of the holiday season: Bach, Schutz, chant and more.
Here's a little holiday cheer a la Charpentier.
We'll hear renaissance composers' settings of Christmas chants, and behold angelic visitations. Featured release by Theatre of Voices and Ars Nova Copenhagen.
We'll hear from Theatre of Voices, Gloriae dei Cantores Schola, The Choir of Westminster Cathedral and more. Maybe you'll discover something for your wish list!
A further list of holiday CDs for your perusing pleasure!
Medieval and early Anglo-American songs with Anonymous 4 (Harmonia Mundi) and the Tudor Renaissance with Stile Antico (Harmonia Mundi).


text:
An annual tradition started by The Perpetual Page-Turner.
Number Of Books You Read: Eighteen-ish, not counting unfinished.
Number of Re-Reads: 3
Genre You Read The Most From: YA (Contemporary, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi)
1. Best Book You Read In 2015?
Re-read: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
New to me: The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
Released in 2015: The Anatomy of Curiosity by Maggie Stiefvater, Tessa Gratton, and Brenna Yovanoff.
2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn't?
Every Day by David Levithan. I liked it, but it wasn't the revelation I expected from the way others talk about it. It was my least favorite work by David Levithan. I really enjoy that he is is very experimental and high-concept with a lot of his writing, though.
3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han. I don't usually read romance, and I was expecting a featherweight YA, but this had a lot of heart and genuine family relationships. Very sweet, but not dopey or ridiculous. I'll be reading the sequel.
4. Book You "Pushed" The Most People To Read (And They Did)?
Tie between Unwind by Neil Shusterman, and Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson. I gave both to students, and the student who read Unwind went on to read Unwholly.
5. Best series you started in 2015? Best Sequel of 2015?
Best Series Started: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenni Han
Best Sequel: The Anatomy of Curiosity by Maggie Stiefvater, Tessa Gratton, and Brenna Yovanoff
6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2015?
Jenni Han, Leigh Bardugo
7. Best book from a genre you don't typically read/was out of your comfort zone?
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, translated by Cathy Hirano
8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?
The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
9. Book You Read In 2015 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?
The Last Unicorn or The Scorpio Races
10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2015?
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. It's just a lovely object that gives a feeling of tidiness and serenity. It's small and square, with charcoal gray end-papers and an abstract, green watercolor cover. The title is all in lower-case, orange-red, in a traditional serif typeface. Just lovely, and reinforces the drive for both simplicity and beauty in the book.
11. Most memorable character of 2015?
Tik Tok, the gender-fluid medicine man. Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
12. Most beautifully written book read in 2015?
Tie: The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle and The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater.
13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2015?
Unwind by Neal Shusterman. The ideas were absolutely killer, even if the writing itself is not mind-blowing. He really thought about his premise from all angles.
14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2015 to finally read?
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. I loved it so much, and the sample had just been sitting neglected in my Nook for two years!
15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2015?
"…but to the unicorn's eyes Molly was becoming a softer country, full of pools and caves, where old flowers came burning out of the ground. Under the dirt and indifference, she appeared only thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old – no older than Schmendrick, surely, despite the magician's birthdayless face. Her rough hair bloomed, her skin quickened, and her voice was nearly as gentle to all things as it was when she spoke to the unicorn. The eyes would never be joyous, any more than they could ever turn green or blue, but they too had wakened in the earth. She walked eagerly into King Haggard's realm on bare, blistered feet, and she sang often.
And far away on the other side of the unicorn, Schmendrick the Magician stalked in silence. His black cloak was sprouting holes, coming undone, and so was he. The rain that renewed Molly did not fall on him, and he seemed ever more parched and deserted, like the land itself. The unicorn could not heal him. A touch of her horn could have brought him back from death, but over despair she had no power, nor over magic that had come and gone."
― Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn
16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2015?
Shortest: Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins
Longest: Under the Dome by Stephen King
17. Book That Shocked You The Most
(Because of a plot twist, character death, left you hanging with your mouth wide open, etc.)
Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson. Toward the end, the hits start coming and she doesn't let up until the reader is gutted.
18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)
(OTP = one true pairing if you aren't familiar)
Puck Connolly and Sean Kendrick forever, duh. Peter Pan didn't deserve Tiger Lily.
19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year
Petra and Geraldine, Ladylike by Maggie Stiefvater, Anatomy of Curiosity
20. Favorite Book You Read in 2015 From An Author You've Read Previously
21. Best Book You Read In 2015That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:
Every Day by David Levithan
22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2015?
Pine Sap, Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
23. Best 2015 debut you read?
24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?
Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins
26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2015?
Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?
Variations on Drowning by Brenna Yovanoff, Anatomy of Curiosity
28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?
Tiger Lily, in several ways.
29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2015?
30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn't necessarily mean you didn't like it)?
Looking for Alaska by John Green
1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2015?
I was a very bad book blogger this year, what with getting my teaching credential and all. I don't think I read any new book blogs. D:
2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2015?
Easy, I only wrote one: Random Review – To All the Boys I've Loved Before
3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?
Again, there was only one: Character Study – Dumbledore's Cruel Intentions
4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
Nada. So sad.
5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2015?
Completing this survey, and keeping Ink alive.
6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?
A total lack of time. Finishing my credential and starting my first year of classroom teaching left me exhausted, with almost no time to indulge in reading for pleasure. I didn't quite make my New Year's Resolution of reading 25 books this year. Weak.
7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
The eternal champ: Character Study – Ginny Weasley vs. Cho Chang
8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?
Character Study: Dumbledore's Cruel Intentions
9. Best bookish discovery (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
I gave Audible a try, and was pleasantly surprised. Easy to use, and more enjoyable than I anticipated.
10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
Nah. I missed my reading goal by seven books.
1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2015 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2016?
Joyland by Stephen King
2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2016 (non-debut)?
Places No One Knows by Brenna Yovanoff
3. 2016 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?
Enter Title Here by Rahul Kanakia
4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2016?
The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater
5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2016?
Write in my blog more than twice? Read at least five classics and twenty-five books total. I have Plato's Republic and Don Quixote on deck.