text:
New chapter up. Another nice and creepy Megan one this time. More to come soon.
Megan tried very hard to ignore the voice.
She knew she was being rude but she carried on walking, feeling the guilt niggle at her stomach with every step. He was her only friend after all. Her best friend. Even if he was a monster.
But she could feel her sister's eyes following her. For weeks now, Rachel had stared at her with an intensity Megan didn't understand. Ever since she had shown her sister the drawings of her monster, Rachel had followed her around constantly, sometimes materialising into her room so suddenly it was as if she had a secret store of fairy dust.
Usually Megan would have loved to spend so much time with her sister, but she had the feeling Rachel was only there to see the monster again, not her. She'd started locking her bedroom door, even when Daddy was away. Rachel didn't like that, but then again, she didn't ask her friend to come back and take the locks away.
Her monster was getting annoyed now. Megan wanted to run, but Rachel was still watching her. If she ran across the road, Rachel would have an excuse to make her stay inside. She was surprised when Rachel had let her go out alone, but judging by the angry silence at breakfast, she probably didn't want Megan to hear the argument that was obviously about to happen. Megan wasn't stupid.
She'd known how to get out of the house, even if her monster hadn't whispered it to her. The tantrum she'd thrown over her cereal had made her mum so angry she'd yelled at the girl to get out of the house. Happily skipping to the front door, Megan swept passed Rachel's red face and thin lips.
She was about to cross the road when the headache started. A sharp pain squirmed behind her eyes so suddenly that Megan gasped out loud and flung her hands to her forehead before she could stop herself.
"Stop it!" She whispered harshly, hoping that no one was walking close enough to hear as the world had dimmed behind the flare of red that swept through her vision.
Her senses were suffocating her but she could still feel Rachel's stares.
"Please!" Megan gasped again, "She's watching. I'll talk to you soon, I promise!"
The pain intensified for a moment, then snapped off, forcing Megan to stumble forward with the sudden release. Panting, Megan straightened up and tucked her hair behind her ears. There was no one around to see her stumble, though Megan couldn't stop herself from glancing over her shoulder.
Rachel was still there, a concerned frown on her face and one foot out of the door. Megan forced a smile on her face and waved goodbye. Rachel's frown lessened slightly and she closed the front door firmly behind her once Megan had successfully crossed the road and pushed the gate open to the park.
"That wasn't very nice." Megan sniffled as she walked under the metal frame that used to hold the swings that lay lonely and crumpled on the ground.
It was an accident. I was angry.
"Well it still wasn't very nice." Megan muttered to herself, knowing the playground would be deserted.
I'm sorry.
Cheering up a little at her monster's obvious contriteness, Megan crunched across the bark towards the climbing frame which had quickly become her favourite destination since she and her monster had discovered it two weeks before. They spent their mornings here when Mummy let them out to play. They usually had the whole playground to themselves before the teenagers who lived across the road came to lounge across the bench with their clinking plastic carrier bags.
Avoiding the hiding place on the ground level, Megan swiftly ran up the slide, her trainers squeaking against the metal. She liked to do things backwards.
Tucked in the wooden construction was a little room with a small table and bench. Humming to herself, Megan carefully put down her backpack onto the table and fished in it for her crayons.
"What should we make today?" Megan asked, happier now that she was hidden from view.
Something different. Something to stop her from watching you.
Megan frowned, "What do you mean?"
That nosey girl. Let's make something to stop her from prying.
"You mean Rachel? She's just making sure I'm okay." Megan muttered uncertainly.
You are okay. You have me.
Megan bit her lip and stared at the walls covered from floor to ceiling in crayon. She'd ran out of her favourite colours long ago and had to move on to the yucky ones. She'd asked for new ones but Mummy had told her off, thinking she must have lost them. That was before her monster had shown her how to hide things inside her cardigan at the newsagent around the corner. She picked a new blue crayon, it's shape smooth and perfect.
"I know, but she doesn't know that."
Well let's make it so she never finds out.
Megan frowned as she listened to her monster. He had a point, but Rachel looked after her. She didn't mean to be annoying. Her hand aimlessly christened the crayon on the table by drawing fangs and tails on the stick figure children she had drawn the day before.
You shouldn't do that.
Megan ignored him and kept on scribbling. She could only change little things, it wasn't like the children would come in to school the next day with monkey tails and claws. That image cheered up her up immensely.
Don't ignore me!
"What?" Megan huffed sulkily.
Draw Rachel.
"Fine." Megan snapped, "but I'm not going to be mean."
Almost without thinking, crayons appeared in Megan's hand and Rachel slowly started to materialise on the remaining space on the table. Her tongue poked out in concentration, she didn't hear the gate of the park squeak open again.
"There." Megan announced happily once Rachel was finished, complete in her yellow dress. She was getting better at people.
Her smile disappeared instantly when black lines started to materialise from Rachel's feet.
"Stop it!" Megan cried as her sister disappeared behind prison bars. This time it was her monster's turn to ignore her. Rachel's flat blue eyes stared mournfully at the little girl with the crayon in her hand. "I said stop it! Now!"
This time he did, though it was too late for the two dimensional Rachel. She stood lonely and trapped behind the prison bars, staring mournfully at Megan.
"Turn her back!" Megan ordered.
"Do it!"
She's not hurt. She just won't bother us like this now.
"She'd n-"
"Don't shush me!" Megan huffed grumpily.
No. Someone's coming!
Megan looked up. Her monster was right. She could hear voices outside and the telltale sound of feet clambering up the ladder.
She could run and make it to the slide before they made it to the top but Megan found herself scratching her crayon on the table again while her monster's attention was directed outside. Scribbling a key into Rachel's hand quickly, Megan could have sworn that the little image winked at her.
Delighted at her mischief, Megan felt the monster turn back to her and quickly shoved the crayon into her pocket.
But it was too late. The smile instantly dropped when she saw who had climbed into her hiding place. Two girls blocked her path out.
"Umm, you've drawn over everything!" Nadia gasped in false shock.
"No I haven't," Megan muttered, hoping the girls wouldn't recognise their likeness in some of the drawings, even with the extra animal features.
"You're going to get in so much trouble!" Nadia drawled. Her sister simply glared at Megan in silence.
"It wasn't me!" Megan lied.
"Yes it was. You know what they do to dirty people like you who graffiti things? The police will take you away."
Megan gripped her backpack to her chest.
"No they won't." She muttered quietly.
"They will. And they put you in a grubby little cell with no windows and you won't see your family ever again!"
Her eyes flicked to the drawing of her sister trapped behind bars and bit her lip. She backed against the wall, desperately wishing that her monster real. Not just in her head but in the real world so he could fight them and then run away with her. She felt his presence like a hug. His concern pressed against her and she knew he wished it too. "Leave me alone!"
"I bet they'd be so happy to see you go. I bet they can't wait!" Nadia laughed.
Megan felt the tears building inside her but knew she was too scared to really cry. The girls stepped forward, their lips twisting into smiles, knowing Megan had nowhere to go.
Megan pressed herself against the wall, instantly sorry for snapping at the monster before. If only he could protect her.
Megan, run!
"Where?" she begged in her head.
Then her feet were moving before she realised it. She slammed into the two girls and knocked them backwards. Twisting on the spot she made a dive to the left and the slide to freedom but one of them had grabbed her hair.
Megan screamed.
Kicking as hard as she could, she knew the monster was with her. She could feel his terror and panic as forcefully as her own but she could also feel his strength. Her foot hit something fleshy which squealed in pain and then they were free.
Throwing herself down the slide, she tumbled onto the ground painfully, tearing her tights and skinning her knee. She would get in trouble for that, she knew, but at that moment she didn't care because she was running across the park and they couldn't catch her because she was that quick.
We'll need to find another hiding place.
The words were said with a resigned sigh but Megan could feel the anger and sorrow beneath them. She didn't bother answering but continued to run.
So, what do you think? Is her monster good or bad?


text: Just wanted to pass on my view of Total Commander for you. Ever since I switched from DOS to Windows 3.11 I have been using Total Commander (formerly Windows Commander) as a substitute for DOS' Norton Commander. I have to say, Totol Commander and Eudora are the only two programs I have running all the time. I cannot work without TC anymore, because I have gotten so used to it, and it combines so many functions into one program. For example, syncronizing, packing, FTP, renaming, copying, etc. Below is a description from the web site. Features in Total Commander 5.5 now include : * Two file windows side by side * Multiple language support * Enhanced search function * Compare files / synchronize directories * Quick View panel with bitmap display * ZIP, ARJ, LZH, RAR, UC2, TAR, GZ, CAB, ACE archive handling + plugins * Built-in FTP client with FXP (server to server) and HTTP proxy support * Parallel port link, multi-rename tool * New: File descriptions, RTF viewer, file system plugins Give the program a try. It is shareware and runs without restrictions! You will love it if you handle a lot of files. (I am not affiliated with Totoal Commander in any way, except that I have been a beta tester in the past) Enjoy! EJ:blink:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
This Wednesday 23rd December is a break-up special and being the Season of good will, the competition is open to both Male and Female members and guests. Format for the day is a 9 Hole Re entry (Front 9) with separate Men & Ladies competitions and to encourage filling up all the remaining single time slots, there will be prizes for best combined score for any male & female card (must play together on the day). As its intended to be a fun day, we will also have prizes for the best dressed festive attire so come along and enjoy the golf on the course, presentation of prizes and social craic in the clubhouse afterwards. Time-sheet is available all day but filling up fast so hurry along and book your slot.
Wednesday 30th December is a '15 Hole Team of 4 Scramble' and the time-sheet is also live on the club website.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Wednesday supporters throughout 2015. I wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year and I Looking forward to seeing you all over the festive season.
Season's Greetings from the Wednesday Captain,
Kevin Farrell


text:
Researchers Call Dodd-Frank Cost-Benefit Analyses Faulty
The Committee on Capital Markets Regulation says that 57 of 192 proposed and final rules under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act — nearly 30 percent — have not undergone any cost-benefit analysis.
Another 85 rules contain cost-benefit analyses that were unsupported by...
To view the full article, register now.
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text:
Subcategory: Cabinet Lighting, Dimmers, Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting, Landscape Lighting, Light Controls, Night Lights, Outlet / Switch / Receptacle, Security, Solar Lighting, Switch Plate / Cover, Task Lighting, Timers
AmerTac offers complete lines of distinctive decorative home accent products that include: trend-forward Wallplates, money saving LED Nite Lites, innovative Under Cabinet Lighting and charming Lawn & Garden Accessories.
Good Earth Lighting
Subcategory: Cabinet Lighting, Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting, Landscape Lighting, Lighted Mirror, Security, Work Light
Good Earth Lighting's mission is to be a leading supplier of energy efficient, well styled, value driven lighting fixtures for the residential and commercial markets.
Subcategory: Cabinet Lighting
Hafele offers a full spectrum of interior lighting products and accessories to bring illumination to all types of residential and commercial applications.
Sea Gull Lighting
Subcategory: Cabinet Lighting, Interior Lighting
Sea Gull Lighting fixtures add the finishing touch to a well-decorated environment providing a decorative, functional illumination to any location.


text:
Wanting less is a blessing. Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Wanting more "things" is a desire that can never be fulfilled. Desire God and we'll crave for less things.
"There are two ways to get enough; one is to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less." GK Chesterton


text:
Glacier HouseUnited States > Alaska > Fairbanks > Glacier Houseavg/night $17
Set in Fairbanks, the Glacier House is located within easy driving distance of College. The city ...
Set in Fairbanks, the Glacier House is located within easy driving distance of College. The city centre is within an easy drive of the hotel.
The Glacier House offers comfortable rooms, equipped to accommodate the requirements of any traveller.
Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is less than a 20-minute drive from the Glacier House.
I booked the hotel because I wanted something comfortable for the week - and aside from a kitchen it is WAY less comfortable than a typical hotel:
1. I checked in and even though the place was empty, I got a handicapped accessible room (not a huge deal, but odd)
2. They have done remodeling so the room decor is fine, but the key locks are out of the 70's... and the person couldn't figure out how to get the key to work, so needless to say i went the first night with out a key (and the deadbolt on the door didn't work)
3. The next morning I go to take a shower and there is no shower head (i.e. there was a spigget that was obviously meant for a hand shower)...
4. I went and listed my grievances to the staff and instead of quietly addressing my concerns, they proceeded to argue with me over whether I reserved a king or queen suite because I unarguably had a double bed in my room and they tried to tell me it was their "standard king"... total joke
5. Some things I wish I would have known before booking:
- Internet costs money (only $5 for your whole trip)
- You only get maid service (any type) once a week
- If you want new sheets, you need to pay for them
The Red Lion is across the street and I would recommend that over this hotel...
Overall a good stay. The freeway noise was pretty loud as I had a room on that side. Clean and the front desk people were very helpful and nice. The TV stations (ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS) didn't work very well, so I told the desk person...she said they'd fix it while I was gone. It never got fixed, but it didn't matter then, it was close to check-out.
Still love the comfortable chairs. The bed linens didn't fit as well, the bottom sheet kept moving around a lot.
We had a rental car and decided to stay in Bellevue two nights since the LDS temple is located there. It was our first time staying at this particular chain and we were very happy with everything.
The young woman that was working the front desk was friendly and professional. We were trying to meet friends for dinner at a restaurant n town, but even though it was extremely close by, the young lady took the time to MapQuest it for us and went on to verbally explain how to get there. We soon found that the place was within waking distance, but we appreciated that she took the time to take our query seriously.
We were both very pleased with our stay and we would both recommend it.
Our experience was not good. The halls and room carpets were soiled and stained. The bedspread was dirty, the windows were jammed shut and the smoke alarm was dangling from the ceiling. When we called the front desk to ask for assistance, we were told there was no one to help as housekeeping and maintenance had gone for the day. We were instructed to simply disconnect and remove the smoke alarm. When we questioned the safety of this procedure, we were told that there were plenty of other smoke alarms in the building and that if there were a fire we would hear those. Our attempt to change hotels was unsuccessful due to a big event in town. So we stripped the beds down to the sheets and prayed there was no fire. Not a pleasant stay.
The ESA in Downtown Bellevue is one of the best (the front desk agent told me that the Days Inn is cheaper) value in the bugeoning Downtown area of Bellevue. I stayed one night (a Saturday), and got a $55 rate on the ESA web site. As with all ESAs, the room came with a full kitchen and wi-fi access for a fee.
The hotel is a bit of a hike and across the 405 from the main Downtown area, but it's certainly walkable. The neighborhood is excellent though, there is plenty of free parking, and the room was comfortable.
One big downside to this hotel is the freeway itself, which is literally right outside and may be a noise concern for some (although it didn't bother me). However, the cross street (Main) does not have an exit, so the traffic is not overly bad.
I stay at ESAs quite a bit, and have never been disappointed by their quality as they're all relatively new and are generally well-maintained, and this one was no exception.


text:
|Gift for
From * drinking alcohol is 20 years old.
-Product features
Use activated charcoal and baked at high temperatures of 1,000 degrees sophisticated clear refined taste is characteristic.
Enjoy a dry flavor in a variety of styles, such as rock or soda.
|Name of product
|JINRO DRY [Jinro dry]
|Jinro (Jinro) co., Ltd.
|700 ml x3
|Country of origin
|Republic of Korea
|25 degrees
|How to save
|Storage at room temperature in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
|Main raw materials
|Fortified rice and wheat, the main component of
|How to enjoy
|Bamboo charcoal filtered through have a mellow taste except for added flavor 100% Finland producing natural fructose plus easy to drink. Served straight, on the rocks.
Product images and actual product package design may vary.
|JP Post EMS
|Your order will be shipped to you via Japan Post EMS. Japan Post is a speedy delivery service that delivers to more than 120 countries. With an effective tracking system and insurance program, EMS is able to offer a secure delivery worldwide. You can track your package with the tracking code provided and it will be delivered within a week. See estimated shipping fee
|Credit Card
|We accept credit and debit cards.
The following credit and debit cards can be used:
•American Express
This product cannot be shipped to United States from the store.
Please contact the store for further information.


text:
Reader fallingflat asked:
Before MTM went under construction, I used to love your fitness posts. I still enjoy your take on exercise because you make it seem so effortless. It's just something we all should do for our bodies. The pain sucks but the results are worth it. Anyway, I just started running again and bought 2 new apps (100 pushups and 200 squats) and wondered what your take was on exercise apps.
*Just saying, but my goal by summer is to run without feeling fatigued and to be able to squat like a hcamp!
My thoughts:
So glad to hear you've kept my main messages with you! As for the apps, whatever gets you motivated and working out is good in my book.
Although, be careful not to let your body get in the habit of running the same distance and doing a certain number of squats with the same movement. In order for your body to physically change and grow stronger, you have to challenge your muscles by rotating exercises or adding a new element.
If you're looking to do 200 squats a day to tone your legs, consider some of these alternatives:
- lunges
- curtsy lunges
- squats on a bosu
- step ups
- jumping squats
- adding weights
- doing a shoulder press or curls while you squat/lunge
In terms of your running, instead of just jogging, add:
- Running sprints of 30 seconds and slowly jog in between
- Running uphill
- Walking uphill
- Walking lunges
- High knee intervals
Apologies my fitness posts have been few and far between. Honestly, my exercise routine isn't effortless and I've been burned out myself recently. Thankfully I've been teaching more spin classes which I LOVE doing more than anything!Tweet this!


text:
I set out from Los Angeles somewhat less early than I would have wanted to. I had rented a car at the airport, and from there I drove north, making sure that I would hit Highway 1 as soon as possible to avoid the traffic on the freeway. It worked like a miracle – as soon as you're off the freeway and start cruising down the four lane road out towards Malibu, the traffic clears almost completely. My first destination of the day was Solvang, a village built by Danish settlers a couple of hundred years back.
After about a three hour drive, the first peculiar house came up. Most of the village, at least all the buildings immediately situated on the main street or right behind it, are built like in an 18th century European village.
I thought it was absolutely adorable. The combination of cute European houses with the typical broad, tree lined American streets, mountains in the back ground and temperatures in the 90s (Fahrenheit) was unbeatable.
Danish corner in Olsen's Bakery! A (slightly) dated picture of our Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik up there on the left.
Real mountains..! You don't get those in Denmark, that's for sure.
I spent a very happy hour wandering around taking pictures and (almost) squealing with delight anytime I came upon something particularly Danish, like the Hans Christian Andersen statue:
Or the restaurant called The Little Mermaid:
Or, best of all, the Jule Hus (Christmas House)!
I had lunch at Solvang Brewery, where I had a little chat with the couple at the next table – Danish passport was out when I ordered beer. They wanted to know if this was actually what Denmark was really like. Makes me a little proud to say that yes, we certainly do have places like these in Denmark. Except colder.
Check out the beer menu. So much Danish-ness! I tried the Valhalla IPA, but the Blue Eyed Blonde sure looked interesting too..
After Solvang I drove on. Final destination of the day was a motel in San Simeon, another couple of hours down the road. The drive was pretty – but the beach at San Simeon at sunset, that was the other highlight (quite literally, actually) of the day.
I took so many photographs of the same little place that I can't really decide which ones I like the best.. I hope you like sunset pictures.
I went to bed a very happy gal that night, blissfully unaware of the fog that would plague me for the rest of the trip..!
Have you been to Solvang? What did you think? Comment below.
Read more:
Hearst Castle Grand Rooms Tour, California
What Big Sur, California Can Also Look Like
Redwoods in Henry Cowell State Park, California
Hollywood, Santa Monica & Venice
Chinatown & Mosaic Lights in San Francisco


text: The "biz" ain't much interested in old cars that the factory never even supported that well... unfortunately. -----Original Message----- From: v8-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:v8-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Kent McLean Sent: Monday, August 01, 2005 8:58 PM To: urq Cc: V8 Subject: Re: [V8] Fuel never reads Full Chris <chris.miller at infofoundry.com> >> Who's got the best writeup on fixing/repairing the V8 cluster? urq wrote: > Perhaps someone in the "biz" might be able to dig a bit deeper ... ;-) *That's* funny. -- Kent McLean '94 100 S Avant, "Moody" '89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy" up in smoke _______________________________________________ Audifans V8 mailing list Send posts to: mailto:V8 at audifans.com Manage your list connection: http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/v8 Have an Audi V8 question? Check the Audifans Knowledgebase! http://www.audi-quattro.org/cgi-bin/twiki/view/Audi/V8 Have a V8 answer? ... Please help others by adding to the KB ... all contributions welcome!


text:
Surbuf is a defect killer (prior posts)
Here on some posts about our Surbuf pads. These have been around for awhile but they are a good reminder how effective Surbuf pads are at removing defects. We don't push or endorse any particular brand of polish here at Kjibe, Inc. as everyone has their favorites, and as such techniques vary some as well. But, one thing is for sue, Surbuf pads on a DA combined with your favorite polish have made some pretty awfull looking paint look new again. These posts speak for themselves. Check them out. Personally, the post on the Corvette and the Panoz Esporante are pretty amazing and so are the guys who did the detailing.
Welcome to our new distributors
We at Kjibe, Inc. would like to welcome our newest Surbuf distributors; Palm Beach Motoring, Pure Adapt Inc., Detail Addict, and Detailers Domain. Click on the following link https://www.surbuf.com/Surbuf-Wholesale-Distributors.asp for information about these distributors and the Surbuf products that they carry. If you have a product that you would like them to carry, please mention this to them.
Welcome to our updated Surbuf web site. We have made several changes to make shopping with us easier than ever to include acceptance of Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover cards, plus Pay Pal express checkout. We appreciate our customers and sincerely trust that the changes we have made will be of benefit to you.
Thank you!


text:
Traveling Luck for Gund Ranch, Nevada, United States
Where is Gund Ranch?What's around Gund Ranch?
Wikipedia near Gund Ranch
Where to stay near Gund Ranch
The timezone in Gund Ranch is America/Whitehorse
Sunrise at 07:05 and Sunset at 16:47. It's Dark
Latitude. 39.8997°, Longitude. -116.5847° , Elevation. 1743m
Weather near Gund Ranch; Report from Battle Mountain, NV 55.2km away
Weather :
Temperature: 34°C / 93°F
Wind: 13.8km/h West
Cloud: Sky Clear
Weather :
Temperature: 34°C / 93°F
Wind: 13.8km/h West
Cloud: Sky Clear
Satellite map around Gund Ranch
Loading map of Gund Ranch and it's surroudings
Geographic features & Photographs around Gund Ranch, in Nevada, United States
- spring(s);
- a place where ground water flows naturally out of the ground.
- Walti Hot Springs (0.5km)
- Potato Spring (3.6km)
- Sage Hen Spring (4.8km)
- Pine Mountain Spring (5.1km)
- Sheep Corral Spring (5.8km)
- Granite Spring (6.5km)
- Little Hot Springs (6.6km)
- Mud Spring (6.7km)
- Flat Spring (7km)
- Cottonwood Spring (7.9km)
- Basin Spring (8.4km)
- Crystal Spring (9.1km)
- Black Spring (10.8km)
- Hot Springs (11.3km)
- Red Mountain Spring (11.7km)
- Crow Spring (11.8km)
- Rye Patch Spring (11.9km)
- Granite Spring (12.1km)
- Valley Spring (12.9km)
- Pat Canyon Number Two (13km)
- Hiller Springs (13km)
- valley;
- an elongated depression usually traversed by a stream.
- Potato Canyon (2.8km)
- Sheep Corral Canyon (5.4km)
- Pine Canyon (6.9km)
- Moonshine Canyon (7.6km)
- Sage Hen Canyon (8.4km)
- Big Canyon (9.7km)
- Pat Canyon (10km)
- Hiller Canyon (12.2km)
- Dry Canyon (13.7km)
- Little Cottonwood Canyon (13.9km)
- Dead Horse Canyon (13.9km)
- North Fork Horse Canyon (14.2km)
- South Fork Horse Canyon (14.2km)
- Local Feature;
- A Nearby feature worthy of being marked on a map..
- Gund Ranch (0km)
- Walti Ranch (0.2km)
- Allen Ranch (7.9km)
- Baumann Ranch (8.1km)
- stream;
- a body of running water moving to a lower level in a channel on land.
- Callaghan Creek (7.4km)
- McClusky Creek (7.7km)
- Dry Canyon Wash (8.2km)
- Corral Canyon Creek (8.7km)
- post office;
- a public building in which mail is received, sorted and distributed.
- Keystone Post Office (historical) (4.1km)
- Hiller Post Office (7.6km)
- Nevins Post Office (historical) (7.7km)
- populated place;
- a city, town, village, or other agglomeration of buildings where people live and work.
- Keystone (historical) (4.1km)
- Hiller (historical) (7.6km)
- Nevin (historical) (7.7km)
- gap;
- a low place in a ridge, not used for transportation.
- McClusky Pass (9km)
- Deer Pass (10km)
- mine(s);
- a site where mineral ores are extracted from the ground by excavating surface pits and subterranean passages.
- Keystone Mine (4.8km)
- Blue Goose Mine (14.2km)
- school;
- building(s) where instruction in one or more branches of knowledge takes place.
- Grass Valley School (historical) (7.7km)
- Twin Springs School (historical) (9.8km)
- mountain;
- an elevation standing high above the surrounding area with small summit area, steep slopes and local relief of 300m or more.
- McClusky Peak (3.4km)
- Buck Mountain (13.2km)
- well;
- a cylindrical hole, pit, or tunnel drilled or dug down to a depth from which water, oil, or gas can be pumped or brought to the surface.
- Bauman Well Number One (13.7km)
- airport;
- a place where aircraft regularly land and take off, with runways, navigational aids, and major facilities for the commercial handling of passengers and cargo.
- UNR Gund Ranch Airport (4.7km)
- range;
- a series of associated ridges or seamounts.
- Simpson Park Range (5.8km)
- administrative division;
- an administrative division of a country, undifferentiated as to administrative level.
- Roberts Mining District (3.5km)
- basin;
- a depression more or less equidimensional in plan and of variable extent.
- Grass Valley (14.1km)
Wikipedia entries close to
Gund Ranch
- Eureka Airport (Nevada) airport airport
- Austin, Nevada landmark city o
- Eureka (Nevada) city city n
- Austin Airport airport airport
- Beowawe, Nevada city city o
- Battle Mountain Airport airport airport
- Battle Mountain, Nevada city city o
- Donna's Ranch (Battle Mountain) landmark landmark
- Kingston Airport (Nevada) airport airport
- Carlin, Nevada city city o
- Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge city city o
- X-15 Flight 91 science
- X-15 Flight 90 science
- Nevada
- South Fork Humboldt River city city o
- Overland Lake, Nevada city city o


text:
I pulled the JB update via OTA last night (loving it overall).
But I noticed when I went to use one of the apps I downloaded from the Amazon Appstore, I got a message that I had to log in to the Appstore. Then when I go to launch the Appstore, it won't open.
Any ideas on this one? I'm assuming it's tied to the Amazon suite being added as part of the update.


text:
He followed that with three more league titles: 112 pounds in 1980 and 119 pounds in 1981.
In 1982, he became one of only two wrestlers in Channel League history to win four individual championships. He helped guide Dos Pueblos to four consecutive league titles and was named MVP of the Channel League as a Junior and Senior.
In 1982, Mike earned his fourth individual league title, second MVP award, and was crowned Champion at both the CIF Southern Section and California High School championships. His performance at State Tournament helped lead Dos Pueblos to fourth place, the highest finish ever earned by a Channel League Team.
Mike became the first wrestler in Channel League history to be named to the National High School All-American Team. This remarkable prep career earned Mike a full scholarship to Utah State University, where he registered an 11-10 win loss record as a freshman before suffering several devastating knee injuries.
Mike returned to Goleta in 1986, becoming an assistant on Mike Hart's coaching staff at Dos Pueblos. He helped the Chargers win four consecutive league Championships (1986-1989), along with the Division I CIF Crown in 1989. Mike was named head coach in 1993 and added two more league titles (1995-1996), along with a second place finish in the CIF Southern Section (1996), to the school's trophy case. He was named "Coach of the Year" by the Tri-Counties Wrestling Coaches Association in 1996.
Mike presently works as a managing partner for Gold's Gyms of Santa Barbara. He and his wife Kate reside in Santa Barbara with their two boys, Aidan (3) and Sean (1).


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One of the things I love about Bangalore are the umpteen number of lakes in the different parts of the city. These lakes and the trees around keep you sane in the midst of the mad traffic. I do wish we had some good solutions for the traffic problems. But a comprehensive solution is yet to come..
Kaikondrahalli Lake on Sarjapur Road is a lake which I started visiting after we moved to the side of the Outer Ring Road,Bangalore. This lake is right next to the Total Mall on the Sarjapur Road and is around 1.5 km from my place. We have started going there on weekends for a walk or a short run.
When you compare the area and the infrastructure around this lake with the general infrastructure of the choked you will be genuinely impressed. The lake is maintained very meticulously and you cannot even see any water hyacinth growth or dirty stagnant water anywhere. The secret of this impeccable maintenance is because the lake and surroundings are maintained by private parties and is funded by well wishers.
The best thing that I loved about the trail around the lake is that there is a concrete block as well as mud trail around the lake. Those who want to take a better care of their knees while running can run over the mud trail and the concrete block laid path is good for casual walkers. There is a small butterfly park in one corner of this lake trail where you can kind different varieties of butterflies. I saw this while I was jogging around the lake, so I am yet to take a closer look at the butterflies here.
I don't have any affiliation to the Kaikondarahalli lake or its caretakers, but it is my genuine request to all Bangaloreans to contribute to preserve this beautiful place. I have added the Facebook page for your reference.


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Observations on the differences between operational risk regulatory and economic capital
The preparation to comply with the new Basel capital accord and the introduction of advanced measurement approach (AMA)methodologies is causing many financial institutions to ask whether there exist any synergies with establishing an operational risk measurement methodology for economic capital? Can the same measurement methodology be used for regulatory capital modelling as well as for economic capital modelling and can the same outcome be applied for both capital regimes? The answer in sho
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MJB's Unit for Learning from Success and Ongoing Collaborative Learning in Human Service Organizations develops and implements innovative learning practices to help organizations provide high-quality, appropriate, and beneficial services to the populations they serve.
The Learning from Success (LFS) approach seeks to create environments that encourage ongoing collaborative learning within organizations. The LFS approach is based on three types of interconnected, collaborative learning methods:
As one of the major strategies to implement the LFS approach broadly, the Unit trains "learning companions" to develop and disseminate learning processes within their own or other organizations.


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This step by step procedure is for those users who use Windows and facing slowdown of their computer systems which may cause due to several reasons. Just follow those listed points; you don't need to use any 3rd party tool to cleanup files and to respond your system in faster way.
I presume that you have basic knowledge of running commands through run commands and know to browse files and folders if stated to do so. I also presume that your system is not infected with any spywares, malwares or viruses. (Then these steps would go in vain)
Go to run command and type regedit to open registry editor. (shortcut key: windows key + R)
Now browse through the below given path
i.e. at first click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE then software under its tree structure then windows and so on…..
- Now browse through the below given path
- Reach upto VolumeCaches, and then delete every folder listed under it one by one. (click on folder and press del key then click on yes)
Open run command again and type %temp% to list contents of temporary files under the present user account.
The path to that specific folder is "C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Temp" (change username to original value like Aliencoders or Jassi etc.)
- Open run command once more and type temp then press enter to list the contents under Windows Temporary Files ie. "C:\Windows\Temp"
Remove Temporary internet files associates with Internet Explorer. (I am sure most of the users are still using this system's default browser ) which is at
C:/Users/username/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary Internet Files
Note: You can delete it through Internet Explorer browser also.
- open internet explorer
- click on tools (check at right side top)
- then click on Internet Option (usually it will be at last in the list )
- click on general tab if you are not at general tab.(by default it will be in general tab only)
- click on delete under Browsing history (which will be after Home page) or click on settings under the same heading and click on view files button. You will be taken to the same folder about which I was talking.
Delete apps which are not required or frequently used from install/uninstall wizard.
You can browse that wizard by typing appwiz.cpl at run prompt. (Now you know to open run command prompt and to type something? If, not then do it again because you will need it frequently)
Open Run command and type msconfig to open System Configuration settings
then go through each tab minutely and if you feel you don't need any application under boot services, startup etc just uncheck those applications and press apply and then Ok. (settings will be effective after restart which you can do later too!)
Open Run command one more time. Type cleanmgr and press enter to cleanup unwanted files (unwanted/unused according to system software )
Click on My Files only and then choose drive to do system cleanup.
- Remove/move (cut and paste) materials from desktop, My Documents, My music, My pictures , Downloads (C:\Users\Jaiswal\Downloads) folders (it will be usually in C drive where O.S. is installed)
Note: Don't keep huge file size stuffs , important stuffs on desktop or in my documents or even in C directory. ( If your system crashes or you need to install fresh Windows O.S. then these files will get deleted. So better to save in other directory like D:\ or E:\ etc)
If you wish to clean unwanted stuffs through GUI based applicationand don't want to go through the above mentioned steps then go for Ccleaner


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Archive | September 5, 2016
You are browsing the site archives by date.
September 6, 2016 – Greatest Hits! Smart Experiments' Steven K. Gold and Art of People Dave Kerpen
Steven K. Gold – Author of "How We Succeed: Making Good Things Happen Through the Power of Smart Experiments" Steven K. Gold empowers individuals and […]


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- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- 2 Reception rooms
A bright and neutral second floor flat (with lift) in this well looked after block in Knightsbridge.
The flat offers wooden flooring in the reception room, dining room and kitchen, along with two well sized bedrooms with ensuite modern bathrooms.
William Street is ideally located a stones throw from Knightsbrige and all it has to offer. Available on an unfurnished basis immediately.
Reception Room: Dining Room: Kitchen: Double Bedroom with en suite Bathroom and walk in Wardrobe: Double Bedroom with en suite Bathroom: Cloakroom: Lift
Please note, in addition to rent and a deposit equivalent to 6-8 weeks rent, the following fees are due from the Tenant:
Referencing fee of £30 per tenant/guarantor inc VAT or Referencing fee of £72 inc VAT for a company. Inventory fees including check-in and check-out will vary as charged by the inventory clerk selected aswell other factors including the size of the property.
- Phone: +44 (0) 20 7225 0277
- Email: Click here


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One way to preserve your precious child's handprints is by making stepping stones to place in the garden or along a walkway. Handprints can be adorned with glittering stones, broken pieces of a plate that broke, or seashells from your last trip to the beach. With some cheap basic materials, stepping stones are an art project that the whole family can enjoy.
Things you need
Small bag of concrete
Molds for stepping stones, such as plastic planter trays, pizza boxes, or pie tins
Large container
Plastic shovel
Cooking spray
Colourful rocks
Broken plate pieces
Purchase a small bag of concrete at your local hardware store. One small bag of concrete costs under £3.20 and will provide enough concrete mix for several stepping stones.
Find or purchase moulds for the stepping stones. Depending on the shape you desire, moulds can be old pizza boxes with the tops cut off, plastic trays for placing underneath potted plants, or foil pie tins.
Place the mould on a flat work surface. If planning on creating more than one stepping stone at one time, place them next to each other so pouring the mixed concrete will be easier. Spray the inside of moulds with cooking spray.
Mix concrete with water in a large container, such as an old storage container, according to concrete mix instructions. The entire bag of concrete is not needed to make one stepping stone. Concrete is easy to mix, so add additional water or mix as needed until the correct amount and consistency are obtained. When concrete is ready to place into the moulds, its texture will be similar to cookie dough.
Pour the concrete into the stepping stone mould. Tap the sides of the mould to help release any air bubbles within the concrete. This will create a strong and solid stepping stone. Smooth the top of the concrete with a flat object such as a spatula or small plastic shovel.
Let concrete rest for 5-10 minutes or until when a thumb is pressed into the concrete, the imprint doesn't disappear.
Spray your child's hands with cooking spray. Press his or her hand into the mould. Wash off the child's hand.
Press embellishments around the mould, if desired, creating a finished and colourful effect.
Let the concrete set 3 to 4 days and then gently turn the stepping stone over to remove it from the mould. Allow the stepping stone to dry for an additional week before setting it outside to enjoy.
Things you need
- Small bag of concrete
- Molds for stepping stones, such as plastic planter trays, pizza boxes, or pie tins
- Large container
- Spatula
- Plastic shovel
- Cooking spray
- Colourful rocks
- Seashells
- Broken plate pieces
Show MoreHide


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Market Perspectives December 21, 2017
Outlook: March corn has been in a consolidation pattern around the $3.50 mark and today was no exception. The contract finished 2 cents higher and just above $3.51 as traders perceive such prices to be near the market's fair value. Without much bullish or bearish news to push trading one way or another, trading activity continues to lighten ahead of the holidays. There is some position squaring ahead of the holidays with shorts seemingly always nervous about leaving their position on over the Christmas/New Year period.
U.S. export sales for the week were strong at 61.3 million bushels, but exports were only 27.6 million, leaving YTD shipment volumes down 36 percent. This week's dynamic of sales exceeding the pace needed to meet USDA's projections and shipments falling short of the same mark reflects the 2017/18 corn crop's entire story so far. The U.S. export program has faced significant competition from South America; U.S. corn sales as a percent of USDA's forecast have reached only 52 percent so far this year, versus 59 percent normally.
Despite the slowness in corn sales, U.S. sorghum exports are soaring. So far, the U.S. sold 17.2 million bushels this week, bringing the YTD totals to 158.4 million bushels. China has been the largest buyer of U.S. sorghum and their current purchase pace could bring U.S. stocks to very tight levels. USDA has already lowered its forecast of sorghum use for industrial and feed purposes given the export pace thus far.
From a technical perspective, March corn futures are range bound but with pre-holiday momentum building to the upside. Funds are still heavily short corn and will likely reduce their exposure heading into the new year. While the South American weather pattern remains mixed and generally non-threatening to the Argentine corn crop, the risk of a significant shift in the forecast over the holiday weekend will keep the mild short-covering rally going.
U.S. Drought Monitor Weather Forecast: Over the next week, beginning Tuesday December 19, a good deal of much needed precipitation is forecast to fall across much of the South and the eastern United States. A swath from eastern Texas to North Carolina, most of Kentucky, and southern Virginia are expected to receive between two and six inches of precipitation. Heavy precipitation is also forecast for the Pacific Northwest, northern Idaho, western Montana, and parts of the Northeast. Dry conditions will likely continue across the Southwest and parts of the southern Plains, where drought conditions prevail. Warm temperatures in the South at the beginning of the week will be replaced by cold air sliding down from the north.
Looking further ahead at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) 6- to 10-day Outlook (December 24-28), the probability of dry conditions is highest in the Northwest and Midwest, while wet conditions may occur over New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, and Texas, and stretching across the much of the South and along the East Coast. During this period, below-average temperatures are expected over nearly the entire contiguous U.S., except for parts of the Mid Atlantic along the coast and the Southeast, including Florida. Looking two weeks out (December 26-January 1), the cold temperatures are expected to continue, except in Florida and the Southwest. The probability of above-average precipitation is highest over parts of Montana and Texas, while below-average precipitation is most likely in the Northwest and much of the northern U.S. from the Northeast to the eastern Dakotas.
Follow this link to view current U.S. and international weather patterns and future outlook: Weather and Crop Bulletin.
Corn: Net sales of 1,558,300 MT for 2017/2018 were up 80 percent from the previous week and 82 percent from the prior 4-week average. Increases were reported for Mexico (381,500 MT, including decreases of 25,000 MT), unknown destinations (296,600 MT), Colombia (167,100 MT, including 20,000 MT switched from unknown destinations), Japan (151,300 MT, including decreases of 3,100 MT), and Costa Rica (134,500 MT). Reductions were reported for the French West Indies (7,100 MT). For 2018/2019, net sales of 2,300 MT were reported for Canada. Exports of 701,900 MT were up 2 percent from the previous week and 7 percent from the prior 4-week average. The destinations were primarily to Mexico (311,500 MT), Japan (147,500 MT), Saudi Arabia (73,600 MT), South Korea (61,400 MT), and Colombia (40,600 MT).
Optional Origin Sales: For 2017/2018, new optional origin sales of 92,000 MT were reported for unknown destinations. The current optional origin outstanding balance is 657,500 MT for South Korea (342,000 MT) and unknown destinations (315,500 MT).
Barley: Net sales reductions of 1,600 MT resulted as increases for Taiwan (700 MT), were more than offset by reductions for Japan (2,300 MT). Exports of 900 MT were primarily to Japan.
Sorghum: Net sales of 438,100 MT for 2017/2018--a marketing-year high--were up 38 percent from the previous week and 27 percent from the prior 4-week average. Increases were reported for China (378,100 MT, including 66,000 MT switched from unknown destinations) and unknown destinations (60,000 MT). Exports of 252,400 MT were up noticeably from the previous week and up 60 percent from the prior 4-week average. The destinations were China (251,900 MT) and Mexico (500 MT).
DDGS Comments: DDGS prices continue to work their way higher, though gains moderated from last week. Merchandisers are reporting supplies are not as tight as a few weeks ago but demand remains strong, particularly for Gulf product. FOB ethanol plant DDGS increased $0.75/ton on average this week to their last quote of $130. Domestically, DDGS are priced at 45 percent of Kansas City soybean meal and 117 percent of cash corn values. On a per-protein unit basis, DDGS are $0.88 cheaper than soybean meal.
DDGS CIF NOLA barge prices fell this week even as FOB NOLA DDGS gained $3/MT to end at $203/MT. The diverging price trends between these two destinations may indicate a period of stability coming for DDGS prices in the U.S. FOB NOLA DDGS are valued at 59 percent of FOB NOLA soybean meal and 130 percent of FOB NOLA corn. DDGS delivered via rail to the PNW ended $3/MT higher at $220 this week.
On the international front, Asian prices are firm with active demand for nearby shipments. Some traders are claiming Vietnamese buyers are looking to buy January-March shipments. With other Asian prices heading higher, sellers are yet unwilling to lower asking prices. The average price for 40-foot containers destined for Southeast Asia reached $222/MT this week, with buyers paying $3/MT more on average. Prices for product to Taiwan, Japan, and Bangladesh led the way, rising $4/MT while all reported destinations increased at least $2/MT.
Argentina: About 60 percent of the central farm belt received ample rains last weekend. Although Eduardo Sierra of the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange says it "did not totally solve the [moisture] problem," it provided enough for continued planting. More rains are in the forecast. (Reuters)
Brazil: The grain agency Conab predicts that Brazil's corn output will be 5 MMT lower this year than in 2016-17. Output is forecast at 92.2 MMT. (Reuters)
China: Heilongjiang is China's largest corn producing province and it has cut production area by nearly one million hectares this year. Overall corn production area in China is down 1.33 million hectares in 2017, though earlier this month the Ministry of Agriculture raised its corn production forecast for 2017/18 crop year to 116 MMT. (Reuters)
Myanmar: After suspending corn imports earlier this year following imposition of new pest risk analysis requirements, Myanmar's Plant Protection Division has now accepted the submissions made by the U.S. and is again allowing imports from the U.S. Myanmar's livestock sector is expanding and its imports of corn and DDGS are expected to grow as a result. (Reuters)
Russia: After receiving a request from Russian Deputy Agriculture Minister Sergei Levin, Saudi officials are now allowing two Russian companies to register and compete on import tenders for barley. (Bloomberg)
Transportation and Export Report: Jay O'Neil, O'Neil Commodity Consulting: All the shipping news wires this week have the same verbiage: "Markets are slow and quiet." This of course is code for "we are in holiday mode and the markets are soft." The end of the year is always like this and the trick is to determine the market's attitude once everyone returns from the holidays in January. Keep in mind, however, that the first quarter of any year is usually the slowest period and therefore the low end of the annual rate structure. I don't expect to see anything different this year. Q1 2018 will likely be a bit softer than Q4 2017, but then we will probably start to see an uptick in rates as we move farther into the balance of the year. Higher freight rates will not harm traders but will directly impact market bids to farmers.
Given the higher dry-bulk rates verses containerized grain rates from the U.S. to Asia, I do expect to see a slight increase in the percentage of containerized grain sales in 2018.
The charts below represent YTD 2017 versus 2016 annual totals for container shipments to Taiwan.


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Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) welding student Nicholas Morrison is the latest recipient of the Evan M. Schwarz Helping Hand Memorial Scholarship.
The $500 award was presented by the Schwarz family, teacher Jesse Novak and CTE administrators during a Dec. 21, 2016 ceremony in the CTE welding classroom.
Morrison, who attends CTE from the South Colonie Central School District, has a very clear mission in life and plan for using the scholarship.
"I'd like to go to Modern Welding or another technical school and see how many more certifications I can earn," Morrison said. "After that, I'd like to get a union job and eventually open my own shop on the side," he said.
Asked why he likes welding, Morrison said "I like to work hard and see what I have accomplished." Morrison said. "To me, there is no better satisfaction than working hard and being able to look back on what you've done."
Speaking about his time at CTE, he said "I like the instructors; they are very helpful. The equipment in the shop is nice and the class size is good," he said.
"The welding program at CTE has helped me a great deal. I didn't know much about welding or how to do it but I have come a very long way over this past year-and-a-half and I am so happy with where I am. I can't wait to take this further and make a career out of this trade."
The award was established in 2011 to honor Evan Schwarz, who studied welding at CTE while a Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School junior and senior, earned straight A's and has been described by his former teacher Mike Todd as "highly motivated, artistic and caring — just the type of student you'd want to have in your classroom.�
Besides learning the formal principles and industry standards of welding, Evan was creative and liked to design and construct attractive and functional pieces. He earned professional certifications in pipe welding, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)/plate welding, gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) equipment set-up and operation.
After graduation in 2006, Evan worked at the former Super Steel plant in Schenectady and earned membership in the ironworkers union.
The Schwarz family awards the scholarship twice a year at CTE, honoring students who excel in class.
The above photo shows Nicholas Morrison, third from right, alongside his parents, Schwarz family members and CTE welding faculty.


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Around about the time that it became known that Alain Ducasse was opening his New York restaurant; friends of mine began asking me how I was going to wangle a reservation. It didnt take me long to figure out how to do it. Within a few days of being challenged, I found the answer was no further away than my mailbox. For it was there on a Monday in July that I went to get my mail and much to my surprise, Alain Ducasse had sent me a letter inviting me to make a reservation. Ah, he and I were going to be on good terms. I immediately booked a table for my wifes birthday that September.
But then after they actually opened we started hearing not such good things. We heard tales of mediocre food as well as stories of frightening cost. And so it came to be that we gave our table for six away and we did our celebrating at Daniel instead.
But I had not written it off completely. I was certain that our paths would cross again. It was just a matter of time before I got an invite, or an out of town guest wanted to go. Well it finally happened. And it was neither of the above that did the trick. What finally moved us was another clever mailing from Mr. Ducasse. This one listed two menus they were serving for the spring. A special Asparagus and Morel menu and a Shellfish menu. Both looked awfully tasty and since my wife is a big fan of asparagus, we decided to take the plunge.
We arrived at 8:00 and were seated immediately. There is only one seating each evening (at least that is what we were told) and until parties are complete, diners can wait in a small but comfortable sitting room or they can choose to go directly to their table which is what we did. Within moments a sommelier appeared (it couldnt have been more than 30 seconds) and asked us what type of water we wanted. I asked if he had Badoit and he said no. When I told him I have it at home he asked me if it was glass or plastic bottles and upon hearing plastic he said that the water tastes different and they didnt carry it for that reason. Upon further inquiry of what type they did have, he proceeded to tell me there were thirteen different choices available. As he rattled them off to me including their country of origin, I was amazed at how many I had already had. Finally a new one came along, Alpenrose from Switzerland. They had only begun importing it into the states a month ago. How could I not?
A few minutes later he returned with our water and a wine list. The wine list is separated into two different lists. There is a list; it is more like a carte, of only young wines. There is an additional list of older wines. I can easily describe the list as staggering but the prices? Ouch, someone just stick a dagger in my heart. There were pages of wines so I realized I would have to dig in to find the bargains. When one is confronted with a list of this dimension, a bargain can mean something that costs $500 because it is selling at auction for $1200. At first I looked at the Rhone wines and there wasnt a bargain to be had. I flipped over to Burgundy and there was 1990 Henri Jayer Vosne Romanee Cros Parentoux for, about half the cost at auction. There was also some 1990 Jayer Echezaux at about 70% of the auction price. What was unusual was that they had the 88 and 89 vintages of both wines for nearly twice the price. I called the sommelier over and expressed my confusion as to why that might be (after all, isnt 90 supposed to be better), and he launched into a dissertation of the magical qualities of the 1988 vintage. Monsieur, if you come back thirty years from now zee wine will still be drinking well, zee 90 I dont know. He left and I tucked my skepticism away and continued to pour over the list.
Our dining companions arrived and we discussed the wines with them and then I summoned him back. We will start with the 1996 Coche-Dury Meursault Perrieres and then we will have the Jayer Cros Parentoux. The 88 he asked? No, the 90, merci. By now we had two types of Alpenrose water flying around our table, still and sparkling. Shortly thereafter he came over, no bottle in hand and said Monsieur I am sorry but we have run out of the Coche-Dury. I immediately switched to my number two choice, which was 1996 Niellon Chassagne-Montrachet Vergers. Sorry monsieur, it is closed right now and it is not attractive. After a pitch on his part for a bottle of 1996 Meursault Goutte dOr from Domaine dAuvenay which I rejected out of hand, I asked for the list again. I quickly zeroed in on a bottle of 1996 Guy Roulot Meursault Perrieres, which was half the price of the Coche. A few minutes later he arrived to show me the bottle as well as a sticker on the back of the bottle that said it came from the Cave Privee of Alain Ducasse. Hoohah. He decanted the bottle, gave me a tiny sip and put it on ice. He returned shortly thereafter with the Jayer which had a tattered label. It eez my last bottle monsieur and eet comes directly from zee cellar of monsieur Jayer.
Shortly thereafter they were placing a small soup dish in front of us, which turned out to our Amuse Bouche. It was frothy but you could see small bits of morels sticking out of the center. It turned out to be a Brouillade de Morels which is basically morels and cream. When you put your spoon into the broth you found the entire bottom of the dish was coated with a layer of pureed morels. Sort of like how they would coat a dish with hummus before putting falafel on top. It had the most intense morel flavor which was complimented by the morel infused broth and the spongy crunchiness of the mushrooms themselves. A big bowl of this along with some crusty bread and a bottle of good Chablis would make a great Sunday lunch.
They began setting the table for our first course. My wife and I were having the asparagus to start and they put the strangest device at our place settings. It had two silver rectangles about the width of a cigarette and they were connected by a hinge so it could open and close. Then there were silver bands attached to the top and bottom, one with two rings and one with one. Everyone was looking at them and playing with them until I grabbed them and placed them on my hands and started playing them like castanets. The captain saw he and me ran over. We asked him if it was for the asparagus and he said but of course, and monsieur (meaning me) you are holding them exactly zee right way. You pick up zee asparagus, dip zee point in zee sauce and take zee bite. Then it came to me. This was how Moe, Larry and Curly ate asparagus.
1996 Guy Roulot Meursault Perrieres- Im a fan of this Domaine. He is an underrated producer. But you get what you pay for. This started out very nice, a little fat with a good dose of sweetness. Surprisingly open for a 96. That decanting must have done it some good. With time it started getting brighter and a little bit cloying. Is this the teeniest bit overripe? But while nice and enjoyable it was ultimately a B effort. Just not enough clarity and delineation of flavors for me. A bit sloppy on the finish and follow through. Good enough to keep the case I have in my cellar but a disappointment especially after I had calibrated my palate for the amazing precision of Coche-Dory 90 points
The asparagus arrived and it was 5 spears with the bottoms cut off and they were sitting in a pool of what appeared to be hollandaise and morel sauce. I took my special asparagus apparatus and dipped a point in the sauce. Just then the captain ran over with a little saucepan and said, ah monsieur, you must have more sauce and proceeded to cover the tips in the brown and yellow sauce. The sauce was extremely tasty but the asparagus was a bit of a letdown. When we sat down they had explained that this was the first of the season asparagus, which was hand, picked in California blah, blah. Well Ill take the stuff that comes from Germany any day. Our next course was an asparagus veloute with morels, Parmesan crisps, some julienne vegetables and an egg (broiled?) atop. First of all the soup was green. You dont get good green soup often. But it was also an amazing combination of tastes and textures. It seemed like it was getting thicker with every spoonful. This was the best dish of the night.
1990 Henri Jayer Vosne-Romanee Cros Parenthood- Well, what can I say. I had never had this wine before but Ive seen people chase it at auctions paying prices into the stratosphere. It was amazingly young for a 90. Still working on primary fruit, lots of it. There seems to be some sauvage lying underneath that fruit though. Some cinammony bramble. It was just an immense wine for a pinot noir, maybe the biggest Ive ever had save for Ponsot Clos de la Roche and Leroy Beaumonts from the same vintage. And opulent? Sheesh, one of the other diners made rhapsodic noises after each sip. This was drinking perfectly (if you dont mind primary flavors) but it needs at least another 5 years and could probably last another 10. The sommelier and I had a discussion about it and he wasnt so sure as he finds that some 90s are starting to turn. 96+ points and those of you who own this wine at the release price should give yourselves a big round of applause.
Up next was a nice sized cube of codfish sitting atop some asparagus spears sitting in an intense sauce of coquillages and topped with what else, some chopped morels. Beautiful lobstery flavor to the sauce and the fish cooked to the point where it was slightly flaky.
This was followed by a veal picatta in the shape of a small platter (like CD size) atop more asparagus and morels. I must admit that we were having trouble getting the food down at this point. The portions were huge for a tasting menu and the food was incredibly rich. I was so stuffed that I had to get up and walk around 56th street to get my second wind.
I came back a few minutes later to find the cheese cart positioned in front of my table. Why bother sitting down? I could just hang with the cheese guy and talk about the choices. They offer a nice selection of mostly French cheeses with some domestic cheeses mixed in. After making my selection (of which the St. Felicien was my favorite), the sommelier came over and offered us a surprise wine to go with our cheese. He returned with a bottle that was draped in metal mesh. He poured this deep blood red colored wine into our glasses and we unsuccessfully tried to guess its origin. I have to say my wife was more interested in the mesh covering which looked like the curtains at the Four Seasons restaurant. After she asked him about it he actually offered her one and I am now the proud owner of the most posh brown bag that will ever be used at a blind tasting.
1997 Arano Recioto Della Valpolicella- Lovely body to this extremely young wine. I love a good recioto because of the taste of the earth. This one was still mostly puppy fat and he predicted that in time it would pick up that earthy quality and a bit of animale. Like jambon he said. I never saw this producer before (Luca, Jean Fisch, Helms?) but he said it was extremely difficult to find and that he brought two cases into the U.S (which is all he could get) on a direct import basis. I need to find me some because this will last for eons 93 points and there is a dearth of good red dessert wines.
My dessert was this fantastic concoction of caramel spice cake with caramel ice cream. Just super. It came with an entire box of miniature vanilla and chocolate macaroons and an assortment of homemade chocolates. Then they appeared with a tray of pear, pineapple and strawberry confits de fruits and as if that wasnt enough, a cart with four different flavored caramels. Pistachio, mango, passion fruit and my favorite, salted butter along with homemade lollipops in two different flavors. A person could bust a gut.
All in all it was quite good, much better than I expected although I have to say Im not rushing back. It was really serious, more of a 3 star dining experience than I can ever recall having in this country. Though that aspect of it made it seem somewhat out of place. It was more an experience one would have in Paris or London than New York where even the most formal place has been toned down to reflect the more casual mood of the city. And the cost, ugh, out of control. But I cant say they aren't trying to offer value for the money. The portions are copious and there is no expense spared in ingredients or preparation. The waitstaff was the best, most professional, friendliest and helpful staff I have come across anywhere. On par with the Connaught Hotel and Taillevent. True pros who are at your beck and call.
What I could never get past is the lack of Ducasses presence in the room. I havent heard of a single story from anyone about his actually being there . Even a nice painting of the maestro himself hanging in the dining room would help. Maybe if he hadnt called it by his own name I would feel differently. But without his direct presence felt, it is sort of the same as the places that the top chefs have opened in Vegas and other cities. Kudos to Ducasse if he knows how to box up the formula for a 3 star restaurant and assemble it elsewhere. But it will always be weird to me and Im not sure I can fully get over it.


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Deorro | Onlythebeat
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Known for his originality and energy, Deorro's set at the Showbox falls short, possibly a sign of his desire to leave touring behind.
Relive Coachella w/ Deorro and Chris Brown on the "Five More Hours" Music Video
Follow Deorro and Chris Brown on the road to Coachella on their official music video for "Five More Hours"
Deorro & Chris Brown Make "Five More Hours" An Interactive Experience With Lyric Video
Sing-along with Deorro and Chris Browns "Five More Hours"!
Cr2 Records Doesn't Disappoint With Miami Compilation
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I don't know when exactly EDM started taking Oxycontin, but lately I've been hearing some really good Electro House. Check it out here!


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Tucson Photog Seeks Fees, Threatened Suit, Over Photo of Slain Girl
Taking a picture of a picture is a common tactic for photojournalists covering breaking tragedies that involve the loss of life. Often a family member poses holding a treasured family portrait or school photo of their lost.
For the media covering the violence surrounding the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Gifford, a photo snapped of the youngest victim, 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, has landed newspapers and TV stations in legal hot water.
Arizona portrait photographer Jon Wolf is seeking compensation for use of a studio photo he took of Christina and her mom that wound up widely circulated in the media in the days following the shooting. Wolf has threatened to sue if not paid, according to this story in the Arizona Republic.
According to the paper, Wolf owns the photo's copyright and told . . .


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You can find a full roundup of this week's deals at Common Sense with Money. I've listed the deals that I think are the best for playing The Drugstore Game this week (starter scenarios to come later), as well as the prices that are rock-bottom in my price book.
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Deviant Behavior
- Edition: 8th
- Format: Paperback
- Copyright: 01/01/2008
- Publisher: Prentice Hall
- Newer Edition
Note: Not guaranteed to come with supplemental materials (access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.)
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This interesting, comprehensive book examines deviant behavior from the point of view that humans are rule-making and rule-enforcing creatures.Deviant Behavior, 8th ed.recognizes that humans are also rebellious and irrepressible: hence, deviant. These processes of rule-making, relu-violation, and rule-enforcement are the core of human life; and the sociology of deviance is a field of study that is flourishing. Understanding unconventional or undesirable behavior, beliefs, and traits is necessary to understanding the human condition, and society as we know it today.Comprehensive yet readable, this book covers: methods in social research; criminal violence; legal and illegal drugs; sexual deviance; unconventional beliefs; mental disorder; physical characteristics; and deviant organizational behavior.An excellent reference work for those involved in law enforcement and the legal system, as well as therapists, social workers, teachers, researchers, and medical professionals.


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General Information:
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Our Zeiss LSM 510 Confocal Microscope system has excitation laser lines at 405,458, 477, 488, 514, 561, and 633nm and has four separate detections channels. It is capable of detecting many standard fluorophores, including CFP, fluorescein, GFP, rhodamine, Texas Red, RFP, CY5, and several of the AlexaFluor dyes. Suitable applications include imaging of single, 3-D image analysis, colocalization studies, immunofluorescence, and time series. The Zeiss LSM software is available for image analysis and processing.
Fluorescence microscope (Axiovert 200M) with standard rhodamine and fluorescein filters.
Imaging core rates apply to all trained, eligible users and is current for the academic year. The rates are adjusted each year.
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Users not affiliated with the campus: $32.00/hour
For more information, please visit the Carl Zeiss website.


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Maoists behead man on charges of being police informer
Maoist guerrillas beheaded a person in Jharkhand's Giridih district alleging he was a police informer, police said on Saturday
Representational Picture
Maoist guerrillas beheaded a person in Jharkhand's Giridih district alleging he was a police informer, police said on Saturday.
According to police, Maoist guerrillas abducted Vijay Barnawal, who was earlier an active member of a Maoist group, on Friday.
Barnawal, a resident of Bhelwaghati in Giridih district, was abducted when he had gone to neighbouring Bihar for some work.
His decapitated body was found in Sijuwa village of Bihar's Jamui district.
Both Giridih and Jamui are bordering districts of Jharkhand and Bihar.
Police recognised Barnawal's identity from his Aadhaar card, as the ultras slit his head.
His family members were called and they identified the body, which was brought to Giridih from Jamui.
He was in the past arrested on charges of being an active member of a Maoist group.
Barnawal, who remained in Giridih district jail for three years, worked as a stone trader after his release.
Maoist guerrillas left behind a pamphlet, terming him a police informer.
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Joseph Dinkins, Sr.
- 79 years old
- Date of birth: July 5th, 1936
- Date of passing: May 8th, 2016
This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Joseph Dinkins, Sr., 79, born on July 5th, 1936 and passed away on May 8th, 2016. We will remember him forever.
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HHW Co. Inc. Welcomes U-Haul to Its Business
GIBSONTON, Fla. (June 6, 2014) — HHW Co. Inc., located at 7812 Symmes Rd. Bldg. D, recently added U-Haul products and services to its auto repair business.
HHW CO Inc. can now offer its customers a variety of moving equipment and supplies including: After hours drop-off, In store pickup for boxes, Support rental items, Towing equipment, Trailers, and Trucks.
For more information, or to rent your moving equipment today, call (813) 677-1827 or visit HHW CO Inc. online at uhaul.com. Business hours of operation are: Monday- Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Sunday- Closed.
Gibsonton, a small town with a population of around 14,000 just south of Tampa, has a new dealer the community can be proud of. Richard "Ritt" Hall, owner of HHW Co. Inc., is thrilled, to say the least, when it comes to his business affiliation with U-Haul.
"I am excited about the business traffic that I am getting," Hall noted. "At first, all I received was drop-offs, and all of the sudden walk-ups started arriving. The location is on a well-traveled highway, and there are a lot of residential communities surrounding my business."
Families needing the finest in moving services now will have increased convenience and a shorter distance to travel when moving, which not only will make their move easier but also will have the positive effect of reducing the amount of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere. U-Haul partnering with business owners across North America to increase convenience for customers while helping our environment is just one of the programs that support U-Haul Company's Corporate Sustainability initiatives.
About U-Haul
Joanne Fried
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E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: 602-263-6194
Website: uhaul.com


text: ok, so my truck has developed a squeak in it while backing up, and while slowing down, but only from 5 MPH to 0 MPH. it's kind of a springy type squeak. what i'm thinking is the following possbilities: U-joints rear wheel bearings (it's squeaking from the rear end) rear brakes rubbing any ideas, and what to check for? thanks, Mike L.


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What a week it has been! All I really have to share about this week, is what I also told my kids. Be kind. I select a theme every year and this year the theme that I went with for the year was just that….Be Kind.
Wouldn't this world be a better place if we just added little bit more kindness to our days? What if we gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. What if instead of complaining, we just believed that everyone was just doing the best that they can. Some of us have battles that are easy to see. And some of us have battles on the inside. Things we don't talk about. Everyone has something. No one is except. But kindness. Kindness can help so much. We might not be able to control our circumstances. We might not be able to control what others are feeling- and everyone deserves the right to their own feelings. But what we can control is how we react. And we can react with kindness. When it comes between being right and being kind, what if we chose kind?
I told my kids Wednesday morning that no matter what they can choose kindness. If my kids remember anything that I ever teach them, I want it to be this. Be kind.
And now – my top five favorites from the week:
- This quote – a friend shared it and it has really stuck with me all week….
2. My 4 year old and I went to the book store one afternoon this week – and guess what is right next door to the bookstore? The pet store! We kinda fell in love with these cute kittens…this has nothing to do with running, or reading…but we sure had a fun time playing with them!
3. These are small – but the kids and are I kinda in love with Boomerang app…
4. These books – Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots and Do Princesses Scrape Their Knees? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle. My mother in law gave these to my oldest daughter years ago and now that she is no long with us, they mean even more. They are easy to read and perfect for reading out loud with their rhyming and rhythmic words. And the messages – SO encouraging and uplifting for my girls. We will be adding more books by her to our Christmas list for sure! Got a little girl in your house? These should be on your list too!
5. My new book came yesterday! I'm anxious to see what I think of Stephanie Meyers new book, The Chemist. I read a few pages last night and I think it will be good. I loved Twilight, but The Host was just so-so for me. I can't wait to read more – do you think my family will mind having dirty laundry for a few more days? I really want to dive in!


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Newbery Review # 38 (Witch of Blackbird Pond, Speare, 1959)
Elizabeth George Speare's The Witch of Blackbird Pond is the first Newbery I've gotten to re-read for this Newbery Project that I had been first assigned to read for school. I remember being apprehensive at age 12 that it was going to be about a witch, then really liking the first few chapters, and then being apprehensive that something terrible was going to happen to that "witch." This book was my first exposure to the early modern New England Puritan witch hunts. Before that, the word "witch" was firmly in fairy tales and Disney movies – a 100% bad guy, or eh, bad-lady in this case. Now it's hard to imagine that flat portrayal of witches, not only because I've read the Crucible and seen other plays about the danger of witch hunts, but because from George MacDonald's wise women to Harry Potter, magical women in literature are not just portrayed as wicked witches. Hannah Tupper in The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a Quaker whom the Puritans of 1687 Wethersfield, Connecticut are deeply suspicious of and accuse her (wrongfully) of witchcraft, but she, of course, is one of the most kind and godly characters in the book.
What I liked. My favorite parts of the book were the cozy warmth and wisdom of Hannah and her cottage. Hannah seemed to brim with love and confidence, much like some of my own adopted grandparents. I loved that our main character, Kit, felt so at home there, and it was there that we saw little girl Prudence come into her own, and the sailor Nate befriend and fall in love with Kit. Overall I also thought the three romances of the book were fun to see everyone first with the wrong person, and then feel so satisfied that people sorted out who should be with who at the end. It seems like the first Newbery in which we have a female protagonist getting married at the end of the book.
What was interesting. I thought the portrayal of the dame school and the horn books was the most interesting. In graduate school I spent a lot of time learning about the equivalent of elementary schools in sixteenth and seventh century England— horn books, primers, catechisms, Sunday schools, grammar schools — so I was really blown away with this pretty accurate description of a New England Dame School where the children were learning basic letters, prayers, and reading. I had no memory of that part of the book, and it's funny that 12 years later I would be doing graduate work on those same schools. Overall, that depiction of schools and seventeenth-century New England life speaks a lot to Speare's research for the book. (With perhaps the exception that I'm not sure if Puritans were really that into Anne Bradstreet's poetry at the time, but I hope that they were!)
Similarity to other Newbery winners. There haven't been too many 17th century books on the Newbery Award list except The Dark Frigate, which also features a ship and a lone teenage protagonist, but the tones and styles (and reading levels) of those two books are pretty different. We've had a couple of 19th century New England girls feature in Newberies like, Invincible Louisa or the first chapters of Hitty her first Hundred Years, or 18th century New England boys with Johnny Tremain, The Matchlock Gun and Carry on Mr. Bowditch. In style, Kit's story feels more similar to Caddie Woodlawn or Roller Skates, but really it seems to be ushering in a new era of strong outsider female leads, a theme that we'll come back to in coming Newberies.
What were some limitations and what it teaches me as a writer.
One essential ingredient in novels is the tension. Without tension in the form of obstacles to the goal, or problems to be overcome, you don't really have a story and you likely won't keep a reader's interest. It's a bit like keeping tension on a fishing pole: the fish bites the lure attached to your line, gets hooked in the mouth, and then you reeling in the lure and the fish pulling keeps tension on the line. Not enough tension on the line, and the fish can get free from the lure. But too much tension on the line, and the line can break or the lure can get ripped out of the fish's mouth (that's a little gruesome I know, but the fish is about to die and be cut up so…). Too much tension in a story can make a reader squirm and wriggle free as well.
I have come to term this as "dread." A good amount of tension is thrilling and exciting: it keeps you wondering what will happen next, and flipping pages. For me, when tension turns to dread, I want to hide my eyes and either scan the awkward passages, or put the book down.
I think that the point when tension turns to dread is different for every reader, just like some people love horror movies and haunted houses, but for me that's way too much dread. Dread doesn't necessarily have a direct relationship to the height of the stakes. For example, the world may implode in a fiery furnace and everyone might die if the protagonists don't succeed and that's nothing but thrilling, or the stakes might be a difficult family relationship. But if there is no perceivable way out, no understanding of why the protagonist is acting in such a way that is clearly causing him or her pain, then that can be something I dread reading.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond helped me articulate this difference between enough tension and dread. Most of the time, Blackbird had just enough tension, but occasionally in the middle of the book I started to get seriously worried about Hannah Tupper. Now this is probably a little due to the fact that I had read the book before, so I knew something was coming, and my outside knowledge that witches were often burned. But mostly I think it's because of the narration and foreshadowing—we knew that something bad was coming and we knew that Kit was pretty much just not paying attention to the signs. When Kit was in jail I wasn't worried about her dying because she's the protagonist, and they almost always survive, and she was thinking about her options, planning in her mind her next move, letting us think with her the scope of the problem and its outcomes. But when Hannah was in danger because Kit was getting careless about seeing her, Hannah seemed very much in jeopardy.
One of my biggest issues with …And Now Miguel (a few Newberies ago) was that I just could not understand why Miguel was constantly having painful miscommunication with his father. I knew that Miguel wasn't going to die, but I just could not connect with his reasoning or logic behind what he did. In the end I really enjoyed Blackbird, and the tension over Hannah made the relief at her escape much greater. But if I hadn't been reading the book for the project, I might have put it down. I think the art of tension is tricky, important, and will make some people love a book and some people feel too anxious in reading it to finish it.
Have you read The Witch of Blackbird Pond? What are your favorite books that have just the right amount of tension? Do you think there is such a thing as too much tension in a book?
*Note* This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means if you were to buy a book, I'd get a tiny commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting Stories & Thyme!*
2 Responses to Newbery Review # 38 (Witch of Blackbird Pond, Speare, 1959)
Doug Hays says:
I really like your point about "dread." If there is too much dread in a story I will stop reading, watching, or listening. If there is no tension I will be bored. Just the right amount of tension is needed! There is the art of the thing! I'm looking forward to reading your book and seeing how you are going to try to incorporate all the lessons you are learning. Grandpa Doug
Amy Rogers Hays says:
Thanks Doug! I know I need to work on increasing the tension in my stories, so I doubt that there will be much dread! But I am constantly working on adding more tension and obstacles in. I'm reminded of one of my favorite passages from Donald Miller's book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years where he talks about working on his novel as he walked to his office "I'd create my stories while I walked, thinking about what I wanted my characters to do, what I wanted them to say, and how I wanted them to throw headlong into whatever scene was coming next. I felt like God when I walked, always making worlds, and I believed when I arrived at my building and climbed the stairs and went into my office and shut the door, I would sit down and bring these worlds to life. But it never happened. I was a half-hour walk, so by the time I got to my desk, I'd had plenty of time to plan whatever was coming in the book. But stories are only partly told by writers. They are also told by the characters themselves. Any writer will tell you characters do what they want. If I wanted my character to advance the plot by confrontation another character, the character wouldn't necessarily obey me. I'd put my fingers on the keyboard, but my character who was supposed to go to Kansas, would end up in Mexico, sitting on a beach drinking a margarita. I'd delete whatever dumb thing the character did and start over, only to have him grab the pen again and start talking non-sense to some girl" (p. 85)…Miller goes on to talk about how he, as the main character of his life, needs to start doing more adventurous things, how he's own life lacked tension and plot and big goals that characters in stories have. But I always think about his characters ending up on a beach when I think about how I need to get my characters into conflicts and obstacles.
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The Ontario government is strengthening its anti-smoking laws in the new year to make it illegal to light up in children's playgrounds, publicly owned sports fields, and restaurant and bar patios.
The ban will take effect starting Jan. 1, the government announced Friday.
On the same date, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act will be revised to bar the sale of tobacco on university and college campuses.
Changes to the act will replace a patchwork of municipal regulations governing smoking on restaurant and bar patios and near playgrounds.
The Liberals also plan to reintroduce legislation that would extend a prohibition on sales of candy and fruit-flavoured tobacco products to youth to a total sales ban.
The Canadian Cancer Society calls the new regulations "courageous" and says they will "help denormalize tobacco use and provide greater protection from outdoor second-hand smoke for Ontarians."
Ontario's smoking rate was nearly 25 per cent in 2000, but last year the rate fell to 18.1 per cent, representing 332,361 fewer smokers.
Statistics show tobacco claims 13,000 lives in Ontario each year and costs the province's health care system an estimated $2.2-billion in direct costs and another $5.3 billion in indirect costs such as lost productivity.
British Columbia has the lowest smoking rate in the country, 14.5 per cent and some credit its tough anti-smoking laws.
In 2010, the city of Vancouver banned smoking at city parks and beaches.
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Put a bit of Christmas cheer into your own bedroom, and enjoy the personal feel of the holiday season. You can decorate your room by merely hanging snowflakes above the bed, or if you are really keen, consider making the decorative effect even more elaborate. Take any unnecessary furniture out for during the holidays. Store it in an attic or basement. Do not throw it out – it will go back in your room after the holiday season. Wash the bedding and curtains, clean the window and mirror, and clean the rest of the room thoroughly. All the tinsel in the world won't make cobwebs and dirty laundry look good! Put Christmas stuffed animals or regular stuffed animals with Santa hats on in a corner or under the tree. Wrap empty tissue boxes and the like to look like presents and stack them under the tree or in a corner.
Christmas Bedroom Decorations
Start at the top and decorate the ceiling. Make paper snowflakes and use fishing line or white yarn to hang them from the ceiling. Stars on the ceiling look great too! You can also hang ornaments in the same manner, just be sure they are wood or plastic so if they fall they won't shatter and hurt someone.