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It was noon of the third Tuesday of Ramadan when the Qadi fetched up at the southern bank of the wadi. All five young men flocked round him as he slowly made his way towards the terebinth-tree. The tree gave little shade at this time of day, but the young men seemed so filled with concern they would not shy away from sitting on a brazier.
Within moments of their sitting there, the Qadi looked up at one of the young men. Innocent as his look was, it only sparked envy, suspicion and anxiety. But that man the Qadi had looked at just now exuded a charm which would captivate even cats and dogs, let alone a thoughtful, sixty-year-old Qadi. Besides, at that very moment, that very young man had just winked a tear back.
"You look sad," said the Qadi to that young man, grinning at the other four.
"We are all sad, Qadi," protested one of those rather quaveringly.
"I know. I know," said the Qadi, looking as if he had made a blunder. "I know. That's why I am here. I want to help you. I don't want you to be sad. I want you to be happy. But, you know, it's hard –if not impossible–to make you happy all of you. Because you all want the same thing. You all want the same woman, but only one of you can marry her. Each of you says he loves her. Each of you says he deserves her. No one of you is prepared to choose another woman. You said you'd lay down your lives if you don't get her. Her father has threatened to marry her off on the same day as all the other village girls, and that day is only months away. I have thought and thought about your problem. I have spoken to so many sensible people and they all repeat that I should not have agreed to help you. I agreed and I'm not sorry I did so, but please help me to help you."
"How can we help you?" said one of the young men ungraciously.
"You can help me by being a little bit more sensible. I'm going to make a suggestion, right? Think about it. If you agree to it, we'll go ahead. Otherwise, I shall not be able to help."
Nobody spoke, but all eyes were on the Qadi's lips.
"My suggestion," said the Qadi, stroking his white beard, "is this. I will give the woman you all covet to the one amongst you who resembles her most in her goodness or wickedness. If she is a good woman she will get a good man; if she is a wicked woman she will get a wicked man."
There was a chuckle, after which one of the young men asked, raising his eyebrows:
"Who would decide who of us is good and who's wicked?"
"I'll find four men who'll be spying on you," said the Qadi gravely. "They'll be watching each of you without your knowledge. And they'll be monitoring the woman at the same time. It's they who'll decide who should marry the woman. They'll make their decision within the next few months. Now let me hear from you. What do you say to that?"
"And what about our weekly meetings with the girls down the valley?" said the charming man. "Shall we be allowed to meet up with Zina during that period of time?"
The Qadi could not help sighing as he turned to that man, and said with a knowing smile:
"You can see her, no problem. But, remember, Tahar, only one man will marry that woman."
"And that man might not be me," said Tahar in a muffled voice. "I've got it!"
"So let me leave you now," said the Qadi, rising to his feet. "See you soon!"
The five young men looked at one another. Each seemed to use the other's eyes as a mirror to find out whether he was "good" or "wicked".
Suddenly, Tahar turned his gaze to the opposite bank. He sighed. Then he looked down and moved away.
"Where are you going?" said one of the other four.
"I'm going home," said Tahar simply.
At home, Tahar's mother was preparing a tajeen, and a little way from her, on the right side of the courtyard, her twenty-year-old daughter-in-law was baking bread in an earthen oven. Between them stood a huge tree that shaded the whole place. The mud hut that served as a kitchen in the rainy season stood further away and no smoke was coming from it now. So the chickens roaming about the house could pop in and out of the kitchen without fear of being scared away. The only nuisance to the chickens, though, was Tahar's three-year-old nephew, who was after the hen with chicks. So Tahar, who was sitting on a wooden stool on the other side of the courtyard, hailed him gently and the little boy ran to him and swung round and stood between his knees.
"What were you doing?" said Tahar, throwing his voice.
"I was playing with the chicks," said the little boy.
"No, Salem, don't do that! You are a kid, not a chick. And kids play with kids, and chicks play with chicks…"
Tahar talked on and on, first with his nephew, then with his elder brother, then with his father, and at foutour, with everybody. But only his tongue was talking with all those. His true talk was with himself, and it was in silence.
His heart was full of questions and his mind could not afford answers, or rather answers that would quench the fire that was raging in his heart.
"Am I good?" the questions went on endlessly. "How much of a good man am I? Am I wicked? How much of a wicked man am I? I have not put these questions before. But now I must know. The problem is that I don't know what I should know. Should I go around and ask people what they think of me? Please tell me: Am I good? Please tell me: Am I wicked? Or should I sit back and count all the good deeds and misdeeds I did in the past? I might count the good deeds, but the misdeeds– there's no counting them! I don't say my prayers, to begin with. From time to time I drink with the boys. I spend hours and hours playing on my utar, and I keep on playing on it even when I hear the muezzin call for prayer.
"But is Zina any different? I don't think she drinks, but I don't think she says her prayers, either. I can't say she's a woman of easy virtue, but I can't say she's any more pious than her mates, either.
"But, Tahar, why are you thinking of Zina now? No, no, no. I love Zina. I can't bear seeing her go to someone else. I was the first to talk to her, and she liked me so much– although she's never told me she loves me. But I could see it in her eyes, on her lips, on her shivering hands. All those boys came down us simply because they were jealous of me. They know that Zina is the most beautiful girl. They just don't want me to marry her, and that's it!... But now, Tahar, just tell me: suppose Zina is a wicked woman, would you–No, no, no. I can't–I can't think of that. I love Zina. Stop this folly! Get out of here!..."
It was dark when Tahar left the house. He did not go to the berraka, where the village boys would meet up to have tea and play cards or listen to the utar. He went to the riverbank instead. He sat down under the terebinth-tree and went on musing until it was time for souhour.
Two days after Ramadan two strange men came up to Tahar while he was working on his family fields.
"Hi, kid!" said one of the strangers.
Surprised at the sudden warmth of the greeting, Tahar dropped the sickle, and mumbled:
All three men shook hands and bandied words, then, all of a sudden, the strangers introduced themselves:
"I am Issa. This is Mussa. We want a word with you about Zina."
"Zina?" Tahar muttered, his eyes sparkling suddenly.
"Yes," Issa hastened to add. "But not here and not now. We don't want anybody else to know."
"If not here, where? If not now, when?"
"Look here," said Mussa, clutching Tahar's hands, "we'll be waiting for you at the Sidi Ali Crossroads just after dawn tomorrow. Don't tell anybody. Now, goodbye!"
The next dawn found Tahar at the Sidi Ali Crossroads. Issa and Mussa joined him presently. They took him into a nearby vineyard and served him dates and boiled eggs.
"Now, what's the matter?" said Tahar eagerly.
Issa and Mussa exchanged glances as if both waited for the other to speak first. Tahar was about to repeat his question when Mussa said:
"Calm down, man! And listen well. Qadi Allal (You know him?)– well, he has asked us to be his eyes and ears. Now, I think you know the rest of the story. What you don't know, however, is that this meeting might prove very decisive indeed, and we hope earnestly you'll not miss out on this golden opportunity."
"Am I to understand that I should do something or other so that you'll be saying something in my favour?"
"You've guessed it!" said Issa enthusiastically.
"Something such as what, I wonder?" said Tahar, whose face was beginning to tense up.
Once again Issa and Mussa looked at one another, before the latter said with a little smile:
"Well, we know you love Zina, but we also know that love alone is not enough. Yet, we can help you. But first you have to pay us."
"Pay you? Pay you what?"
"Yes, you must pay us. Give us a yearling calf or three sheep or seven goats. It's up to you to choose!"
Tahar sprang to his feet and shouted, tossing away the egg he had been peeling:
"You brought me over here to bribe you!"
"Shhh! Calm down! Lower your voice! Shut up! Get out of here!..."
But Tahar gave free rein to his anger so that the two men had to use a big stick to chase him out of the vineyard.
On his way back home, Tahar was more confused than angry.
"Was this part of a scheme?" he thought perplexedly. "Or were they actually trying to swindle money out of me? What should I do now? Should I go and tell the Qadi? Would the Qadi believe me if he trusted these men? And what would be the result? Would he give me Zina? What about the other boys, then? No. I should wait. I must wait and see how they'll behave in the coming days.
"And what if those men were genuine? What if I had to bribe them in order to get Zina? Bribe them? I, bribe somebody? And especially those two men? Should I bribe them in order to get Zina? And what about the love that has kindled my heart? Should I love her and, on top of that, bribe people in order to marry her? If her father asked me for a big dowry, I wouldn't hesitate to sell everything I have to please him. But bribe, no! No, no, this would be a humiliation. I love Zina and I want to marry her. But if– No, no, no. I can't think of this. Please stop this. Wait! Wait!..."
Wednesday came and the boys and girls from both villages met again, after five weeks of separation, because of Ramadan. Now they were down there humming, shrieking with laughter, clapping their hands, singing. There was no kissing, no necking– never. Nonetheless, some parents and coltish young men and women, who had not yet met partners from the opposite village–all were there, sitting on the higher parts of the slopes. They were up there sitting and watching in silence. Tahar, too, remained seated under the terebinth-tree, just a few yards from the southern bank. And from there he could see Zina and the other four lovers.
Zina was smiling to everybody. Tahar sighed again and again. Zina was listening to the boys, who were speaking all at a time. Tahar watched in silence. Suddenly, there was a cough and then a shadow. Tahar turned round in surprise and was on his feet.
"Oh, what a surprise, Qadi!" he yelled with a fetching smile.
The Qadi smiled too, and said in a kindly voice:
"You look sad, my son! Why all this gloom? Take it easy! Don't worry!"
"What! Do you mean–"
"I just said don't worry," said the Qadi, moving away.
"Where are you going, Qadi?" Tahar panted out.
"I'm going down," said the Qadi without glancing back. "Won't you come along?"
"No, sir, I'll stay here."
And there he stayed, sitting under the terebinth-tree and watching in silence.
In the evening he was with the boys at the berraka. He had not brought with him his own utar, but someone served him a cup of tea and egged on him to play on the utar that was lying on the mat. Tahar put the cup of tea aside and picked up the utar and began to play on it. And while he played he now and then stole glances at his four rivals, those who vied with him for Zina's heart.
Surprisingly enough, all those looked at him with gleaming eyes. They all broke into song and clapped their hands and rocked, and encored the utar player. But the utar player, having seen how gleeful his rivals were, was now beginning to feel a pang of anguish. He began to lose his grip on the utar. And before tears gathered in his eyes he dropped the instrument suddenly and left the berraka.
"Oh, my God!" he cried, flinging his arms up in exasperation. Above him was a sky studded with stars, in front of him a dark, winding pathway.
"What's the matter, Tahar?" asked an unseen passer-by.
Tahar composed himself, and said:
"There's nothing the matter with me!"
"But I heard you say 'Oh, my God!'?" said the voice, which turned out to be that of a close neighbour of Tahar's.
"Yes, that's right!" Tahar conceded with an embarrassed smile. "You know, we all go mad sometimes! Where were you going?"
"I was going to the berraka."
"Alright. See you! Good night!"
"Good night!"
That night was long, long, and horrendous. "Why, why didn't I agree to bribe them?" Tahar thought ruefully. "All those guys were cheerful tonight. At least one of them must have done it. Maybe they all gave generous gifts. And perhaps each thought he had paid the biggest price for Zina. Zina, my love. But how can she be your love when you were mean to her? Instead of jettisoning just one principle just one time, what you did was chuck out your love. It's too late now! It's a caddish thing to do what you did, my poor Tahar! Yes, sigh again and again, and weep! Your sighs and tears won't help you now…"
It was prize-day now. Tahar and his four rivals sat in a half circle in front of the Qadi under the terebinth-tree. All eyes were on the Qadi's lips. The Qadi spoke for some length of time of friendship and brotherhood, of fate, and of marriage. Then, he said:
"I am sorry to say that at this stage, at this point in time, one of you is going to be weeded out. The other four will have to be subjected to more tests."
Then the Qadi dropped his eyes and fell silent. Tahar's heart throbbed. But no one dared speak to the Qadi now. The silence was unbearably long. And then there was a murmur. Tahar's rivals were looking to their right. Dumbfounded, they looked at a flock of camels, cattle, sheep, and goats– all led by four men, two of whom were easily recognizable to Tahar. They were the ones that had called themselves Issa and Mussa.
When the cortège came to a halt just a few feet from where the uncomprehending young men were sitting, the Qadi looked up at Tahar, and said:
"Tahar, you gave us nothing, so you'll get nothing. Your time is up!"
Tahar cast a puzzled look at his hitherto rivals and at the cortège and took his leave. His legs took him down the valley, through which flowed a brook unsteadily as it sometimes would at this time of year. He trudged along the pebbly edge of the brook. "…So I'm not going to marry Zina," he went on speaking to himself like a madman. "Zina's going to marry one of the bunch… one of the wicked." (He burst into laughter.) "So Zina is a wicked woman? All those are wicked men? So I was the only good man? If Zina is a wicked woman, who is a good woman and where could I find her?" (Suddenly, Tahar went berserk.) "No! I must go back and tell the Qadi that I am just as wicked as those, and that only I and nobody else love Zina, and that I must marry Zina, otherwise I will actually kill someone or kill myself…"
Just at that moment a voice called out to him:
"Tahar! Tahar! Wait!"
Tahar turned round. His pulse began to beat quicker.
"Wait!" Issa panted out. "The Qadi has sent me to you. He wants to speak to you."
Tahar just looked on speechless while Issa pointed at a palm-tree up the southern back of the wadi.
"Qadi Allal will be there in a moment," Issa said. "Go and await him there!"
Both Tahar and the Qadi were panting when they sat down under the palm-tree. It was the Qadi who spoke first.
"I thought you were a good man," he said. "I knew you were really hooked on that girl. But I had a feeling that you were good, though. Now, I am disillusioned."
"What more do you want of me now after having torn my love from me?"
"Would you marry a woman who loves someone else?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Zina liked your good looks, but she loved another man, I'm afraid."
"What do you mean?"
"Zina hated shy men."
"That's no news to me! I know I am a shy person, but why don't you want to tell me her lover's name?"
"Tahar, you were not her man, and she was not your woman."
"But my heart is full of her!"
"She did not deserve you. She does not deserve you."
"Who then deserves me? Just tell me!"
"How old are you, Tahar?"
Tahar sighed and cooled down a bit, then mumbled:
"I'm twenty-one years old. Why?"
"Well, you asked me a question, didn't you? You said: who deserves me? So–"
"So what?"
Their eyes met. The Qadi smiled. Tahar shivered.
"Tahar," said the Qadi suddenly, "there's a woman who, I think, deserves to be your wife."
"Where is she?"
"There!" The Qadi pointed towards the opposite village.
"Are you mocking at me?"
"So who is she?"
"I can't tell you who she is."
"Qadi, you know I got such a shock when you weeded me out, and now you're yet tormenting me–"
The Qadi laughed, then said:
"Listen, Tahar. I am not mocking at you. There's actually a woman who, I think, deserves to be your wife. She lives in that village. I'm afraid I can't tell you who she is. But if you know some religious songs, do sing them and the woman who deserves your love will come into view!"
"But where will this woman spring from?"
"I said just come here and sit down and sing religious songs and your true love will spring into view! This time I am in earnest."
"But I know all the girls, all the young women who live in that village. I saw them all, and I never lost my heart but to the one you've snatched from me with your ruling!"
"That's right," said the Qadi. "You know them all but one!"
"Are you sure this one lives in that village?"
"Yes! Sing religious songs and she'll spring into view and you'll see her with your own eyes!"
"Alright!" said Tahar. "We will see. I don't know religious songs right now, but I'll go and learn some and I'll come back to sing them."
"That's good!" said the Qadi, tapping Tahar on the shoulder. "But if you want your love to hear you, come to this tree and sing. But, tell me, Tahar, where are you going to learn religious songs?"
"I don't know, really. Do you have any idea?"
"Yes, go to Marrakesh. There is a man in Djemaâ-el-Fna called Saeed El-Bahi. He keeps a bookstore there…"
A week later, Saeed El-Bahi was unraveling to Tahar the mysteries of Marrakesh. Their trip started at Djemaâ-el-Fna, where they roamed amongst snake charmers, monkey masters, story-tellers, musicians, acrobat dancers. And from there they went to the Koutoubia Mosque.
"Do you pray?" said El Bahi suddenly.
"Yes, sometimes."
But Tahar knew that he was quite new to this world. He had never performed a prayer in a mosque.
The prayers were over, and El Bahi said they had yet more to see of the city. They went down Agnaou Street, they had a look at Bab-Agnaou, then went on south to Kasba Street, which took them to the Agdal Garden. And there Tahar lost his tongue for a moment. At a glance he could see olive-trees, fig-trees, pear-trees, pomegranate-trees, apple-trees, vines; and other trees he saw for the first time in his life. Never before had he seen orange-trees or peach-trees. Now he saw them, and burst out:
"This is Heaven, isn't it?"
"No, my son," said El Bahi. "This is a beautiful garden. But Heaven is quite another matter. Now, come! Let's move on!"
"Let's move on to another garden!"
That other garden was a long way away. "Now, we're going to see the Menara," said El Bahi on the way. "But tell me, what led you to Marrakesh?"
"I think I told you," said Tahar in surprise.
"Oh, yes, you told me. I'm sorry. You said you wanted to learn some religious songs. Is that right?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Are you a singer?"
"No, I'm not. But I like singing."
"What kind of songs do you sing?"
"Well, you know, I sing of love– that sort of thing."
"And now you want to sing religious songs. I'm not going to ask you why, but tell me: do you know something of the Koran?"
"Very little, to be honest."
"Can you recite what you know of the Koran?"
"No, not really."
"Then, I'm afraid, I can't teach you any religious songs or lyrics unless you have learned by heart some Suras of the Koran."
"I wish I could! But I can't read and write, you know."
"That's not a problem. I'll teach you how to read and write. And I'll teach you Suras and songs, right?"
"Thank you! That's why I came to you. But I'm here only for two weeks, no more."
"You're welcome. Look, now we're heading straight to the Menara. I think you'll like it…"
When he went to bed that night, Tahar did not think of the Agdal Garden or the Menara or the Koutoubia mosque, but of the young women who, from behind their veils, had devoured him with their eyes.
Now, he was back to his village. He told his family that he had learnt to write his name and read Souras from the Koran. Like a school-boy, he recited all the Suras he had learned by heart. And his mother served him a memorable tajeen.
Then he went to mosque. He performed his prayers and had a chat with the Imam. Then he went back home, fetched his utar and made for the palm-tree by the river-bank.
He sat down, facing towards the river. He tuned up his utar and soon the music stroke.
Tahar went from tune to tune, now raising now lowering his voice. He looked as if he were singing to a spirit, hoping it would spring into view and fulfil his most cherished dream. But what he saw now blurred his eyes. It was beyond belief. The young woman the Qadi had told him about seemed to have been spirited out into the open. She seemed to have heard some spirited music throbbing in the distance. She seemed to have heard Tahar's stirring songs– songs that glorified the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). She was now sitting up there, on the trunk of a tree lying across the lane. Tahar could not see her face, because she was veiled. But he had seen her shape and graceful gait before she sat down. He felt like crying, "Oh, you sitting over there, come and stand by me!" But all he could do was sing more songs and raise his voice high enough for her to feel his heartbeat.
But now she stood up and began to go away. Tahar was taken aback. He dropped the utar and struggled to his feet. The muezzin was calling for Dusk prayers. The birds were returning to their roosts. The young woman vanished behind a cluster of houses. Three young men came over, and one of them said:
"Tahar, what's the matter?"
Tahar gave no reply, so another voice said:
"Is this another love-story?"
"You could say that," said the third. "I saw him gazing at the young woman in white who had been sitting up there."
"Is that right, Tahar?"
"I don't know," said Tahar, looking down. "I'm sorry, I have to go."
"No, not before you sing us something!" said one of the three.
"Some other time!" said Tahar, picking up his utar. "I must go to mosque."
Tahar did not wait to explain himself. He hurried up towards the mosque. He hung his utar on a tree on the way, and joined the few worshippers.
Night fell, but, to Tahar, it was just a continuation of the day. The only difference was that he was now in bed in a dark room. Now again he was going to have a sleepless night. He could not sleep because he could not stop thinking. This had happened to him before. What was new –and hard to grasp– was that he now thought of a featureless woman.
The next day Tahar did a whole day's work in just a few hours so that he could go in the mid-afternoon to the palm-tree and sing his new songs to spirit his new beloved out of her home. He went there and sang soulfully but his beloved did not seem to have heard him this time round. He came back at the same time the next day and the day after and belted out his best new songs, but the woman he was after did not turn up again.
"So was the Qadi beguiling me with promises when he spoke to me about that ghost of a woman?" Tahar thought gloomily at the end of that day. "The Qadi himself has simply departed from our land! But when he comes back, I'll make it clear to him that I don't want this ghost of a woman anymore!..."
When Tahar learned that the Qadi was somewhere around, he left everything behind and ran to him.
"Oh, Tahar, how are you?" said the Qadi.
"A lot you care!" said Tahar with a nasty look in his eye.
"Oh, Tahar, is this the right way to speak to a Qadi? Last time I said nothing, but try to be a little more polite. Now then, what's the problem?"
"The problem," said Tahar in a broken voice, "is that you beguiled me with vague promises."
"You love her, then!" said the Qadi, rubbing his neck. "I expected that, and maybe she'll soon be all in all to you!"
"I don't want her to be all in all to me."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't know her. I can't love a ghost."
"So what do you want now?"
"I want to see her and meet up with her every week as I used to do with Zina."
"I don't think that would be possible," said the Qadi, shaking his head. "This young woman is not like Zina, nor like anyone you have seen before. But if you have something to say to her, I will be pleased to be your carrier pigeon. That's all I can do for you."
Tahar mellowed suddenly.
"Yes, Qadi," he said sheepishly. "I have something to say to her. If you, Qadi, think she deserves my love, then I want to marry her."
"Alright," said the Qadi with a merry smile. "I shall tell her and bring you the news as soon as I can."
"Thank you, Qadi!" said Tahar, leaning forward to kiss the Qadi's hand. "
Hours later, Tahar appeared to have come in from the cold. His beloved turned up again. She sat down in her usual place and listened patiently while Tahar sang to her with all his heart.
At sunset the young woman returned home and Tahar went to mosque. The mystery remained whole. To unlock it, Tahar mounted his horse two days later and rode to the Qadi. He found him in a tearoom in a nearby market.
"Qadi," he said coyly, "I am troubled about something. I didn't get a wink of sleep last night."
"What's the problem?" said the Qadi, pouring tea in green cups beautifully arranged on a silver tray.
"Qadi, before you tell me whether she agreed or not, I would like to know two things."
"Well, I want to know her name."
"And two?"
"I also want to know whether she's beautiful, because, you know, it would be hard for me to marry a woman with a plain face."
The Qadi sighed. Tahar's heart throbbed.
"Tahar," said the Qadi suddenly, "by coming to me now you've relieved me of a burden, because, you know, I couldn't come to you. I'm sorry, but I only have depressing news for you."
"What do you mean?"
The Qadi sighed again, and said:
"The woman is not going to marry you unless you meet certain demands."
"Of course her father won't give her to me for free, but first answer my questions. Tell me her name."
"I can't tell you her name."
"Is she beautiful?"
"I can't tell you that, either."
"Why not?"
"Well, I doubt whether you'll be able to meet her demands. In fact, I was going to ask you to forget all about her."
Now Tahar had a wild look in his eyes. He swallowed hard.
"You let me down last time," he muttered, "and now again–"
The Qadi cut him short.
"Can you satisfy her conditions?" he said defiantly.
Tahar sobered down, then said in a mumble:
"What on earth does she want?"
"Well, she says to you: make me two dresses: a dfina and a tahtiya. Make them with your own hands and send them to me. I will try them on, and if they suit me beautifully, I will yet ask you to make me seven more dresses, so that I can have a dress to wear everyday of the week. If you do that, then that would be my dowry, and I'll marry you then."
The Qadi's words had the effect of a spell on Tahar. His eyes now glittered. Having noticed that, the Qadi went on charming away Tahar's cares:
"Let me tell you something, Tahar. You know, with all your goods and chattel, you will never marry this woman unless she believes that you are the right man for her!"
For a moment, Tahar had his head in the clouds. Then, he came round, and said:
"Why shan't I buy her as many good dresses as she would like? I could order for her the best dresses from the best tailors in the country! I am not a tailor, you know. It would take me years and years to become a dressmaker. Would she be willing and able to wait until I have learnt all about sewing and dressmaking?"
"I'll put that question to her and bring you her answer," said the Qadi, lifting another cup of tea to his mouth.
Tahar saw his beloved twice after that meeting with the Qadi, for she came to her usual place by the riverbank and listened patiently to his singing. But all Tahar could see of her was a white piece of cloth wrapped round a human body. She was still a featureless woman.
"Would the Qadi choose her for me if she hadn't a pleasant face?" Tahar asked himself yet again when he was having dinner with his family at home that night. "But whatever her face is like, does she think of me? Does she think of me as much as I think of her now? I saw her yesterday and today. Does it mean that she cares?..."
"Tahar," said the Qadi on his return to the village two days later, "I put your questions to your beloved."
"Really?" said Tahar, sitting up in front of the Qadi in the shade of the terebinth-tree.
"Well, she says to you: Make the first dresses as I told you. If you can't make a dfina and a tahtiya at this stage, then make me two dresses of your own choice, but then these must be ravishing dresses. I'll be waiting for you to finish them. I give you this pledge. The Qadi, who is a very special person to me, bears witness to this. As to my name, I am called Ezzahiya. I am only eighteen years old. So I can wait until you have made all the dresses. But don't try to look for me before then. If you do try to look for me before I send for you, then make sure you'll never see me again. That's what she said."
Tahar bowed his head, lost in thought.
"How does it sound to you?" said the Qadi suddenly.
"Honestly," said Tahar, raising his eyes, "I am intrigued. I am bewitched."
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know, really."
"Tahar, you have no choice but to make dresses for your beloved. You see, she has already tried to help you by giving you a pledge. And she says if you can't make a dfina and a tahtiya, just make me good dresses of your own choice. What more could you expect of her?"
"What if someone else came in my absence and asked for her hand from her father, would she resist?"
"Look here, don't worry about that! As long as I live no one but you will marry her if you remain faithful to her and make all the dresses she's asked for."
"I'll make them!" said Tahar, rising to his feet. "So help me God! Do say a prayer for me, Qadi!"
The Qadi prayed for him, and both walked slowly along the riverbank, from the terebinth-tree to the palm-tree.


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Anterior Interosseous Syndrome is an entrapment neuropathy of the anterior interosseous nerve – a branch of the Median nerve.
This nerve branches off from the median nerve, just above the inner elbow. In this condition, the nerve becomes compressed, causing symptoms like pain in the upper arm and difficulty moving the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
It travels down the forearm and supplies the Flexor Digitorum Profundus, Flexor Pollicis Longus, and Pronator Quadratus muscles.
- Difficulty moving or weakness in the index and middle fingers.
- Difficulty bending the last joint of the thumb, as well as the index and middle fingers.
- Pain in the upper forearm, sometimes even as high as the elbow.
- When pinching with the index finger and thumb, normally a circle is formed. when the AI nerve is compressed, the final joints in the thumb and index fingers are straight rather than bent.
This nerve can be compressed within the forearm by a number of structures, or for a number of reasons. For example:
- An enlarged biceps tendon bursa.
- Fractures (in particular supracondylar fractures) or other traumatic injuries including dislocations.
- The head of Pronator Teres arising deeper than usual.
- Thrombosed radial or ulnar arteries compressing the nerve.
- Initial conservative treatment of rest, splinting and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Corticosteroid or nerve block injections may be used.
- Surgery to release the nerve is sometimes used if conservative treatment fails.
This article has been written with reference to the bibliography.

subset: commoncrawl


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Lots to Do, Lots to See, So Little Time!Wow, there is literally something to do for everyone on Edisto Island [pronounced ED'i-stoe, not that I'm successful at saying it that way]! From fishing to biking, hiking, birdwatching, camping, shell hunting, seasonal hunting, to planation touring and sea turtle watching, there's something for everyone at any time of year.
The name Edisto started with the Edistow tribe of native americans that were the first recorded to inhabit the island. The island is now home to many rental beach houses, restaurants and shops, a serpentarium, museums, planations, Edisto Beach State Park, and Botany Bay Planation Wildlife Management Area.
Getting ThereEdisto Island is about an hour southwest of Charleston. It took us about an hour and forty minutes on Highway 17 because of traffic and two accidents, but it's an hour conceivably. The drive is beautiful in that classic old southern road lined with live oak and spanish moss–just gorgeous, but be careful on State Highway 174; there is a lip on both sides that will pull your tires and there is no shoulder. The live oaks hang over the road, which could be a little scary for anyone hauling a rig or in a motorhome.
Some Islandlife HighlightsThere is the Edisto Beach Loggerhead Turtle Project that relies on volunteers to monitor and locate sea turtle nests. Stay off any dunes marked as turtle nesting grounds and report any sea turtle you see to the appropriate number [look for posts in that area saying what numbers to call]. We're excited to sign up for the night Loggerhead Sea Turtle Walks in the summer, held by the State Park. Should be a fun time!
The Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society holds annual tours in October of the privately owned, hard to find planations that remain from the 'sea island cotton' boom back in the 1700 and 1800s. These plantations aren't visible from the road and aren't open to the public other than during the tour.
The State ParkIt takes a little bit of map gazing before you get the lay out of the park. If you are a little lost, head to the Environment Education Center first. The very helpful staff, who happen to wear uniforms very similiar to those of the national park rangers, will be there to answer your questions [9am to 4pm in the offseason]. The Education Center is full of nicely done exhibits [though some were out of working order], a touch tank, live sea creatures in tanks and a short little film about the ecologically important ACE basin. The Education Center is a green building, and it's also painted green, with each green feature numbered.
There is a ton of camping available [91 sites, I believe], but I'm sure it fills fast! You can have a marsh view, a sand dune view, a beach site, or be in some palmettos [by the way, some of the tallest in the state are found there!].
HikingMy husband and I took all the trails, and although relatively small, there is plenty of walking to do and plenty to look at! The shell midden called Spanish Mount, was neat to see, being 4000 years old and held up by the decking! We saw at least three different types of woodpeckers, a hermit thrush, bluebirds, ibises and chickadees. I've been on the lookout for anoles, but haven't spotted any yet, though I did find some small skinks in the pine straw along the trails. Once it warms up, I'm sure you'll be able to spot more wildlife, including a few alligators!
My husband took a nice video of the Fiddler crabs; I might try to get that on here soon. It is interesting to watch the foraging difference between the male and female. The female Fiddler is at an obvious advantage because she can pick through the sediment with both little claws. The male, on the other hand [or claw], can't do so because of the one enlarged claw that serves for defending territory and jousting.
ShellingGood heavens I have never seen so many shells in my life! What the stars are in the sky, the shells are on the beach, it seems. It was heaven for my husband, who is a 5 year old shell stomper in disguise, and it was heaven for me, since finding a nice whelk that was over 5 inches was pretty simple there! We found 4! Plan your visit right after high tide for good shells, but there will always be shells there. And if you could, throw back the live ones! It's hard to stay off the beach if you don't have any legs. I'd love to know why there are indeed so many, but a little more research is required on my part. I'll let you know!
For more information, visit the Edisto Chamber of Commerce website, full of usefull information that helped fill this blog!
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Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Grandma paintings and oil sketches
Here are the finished painting os my grandma. Each one is roughtly 6 hours of painting.
And here is an assortment of little oil sketches I've been dooing recently to keep in practice. Each one is about 1-2 hours
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(Replaced by Ordinance No. 180743, effective February 23, 2007.)
The purpose of this Chapter is to preserve the Parks for the enjoyment, safety, comfort and convenience of the public and to enhance the orderly administration of the Parks, by prohibiting conduct that unreasonably interferes with the administration and lawful use of the Parks. The purpose of this Chapter is not to punish any person for prior conduct, but, rather, to provide civil and non-punitive regulations the Council finds necessary to prevent nuisances and to protect the health, welfare and safety of the public using the City's Parks. Any violation of the provisions of this Chapter is punishable in accordance with Section 1.01.140 of this Code.
A. Except as expressly permitted under the terms of a lease, concession or permit, no person shall solicit for or conduct any business in a Park.
B. For purposes of this Section, "solicit for or conduct any business" means:
1. Sell or offer to sell any article or service;
2. Display goods, or descriptions or depictions of goods or services, with the intent to engage any member of the public in a transaction for the sale of any good or service; or
3. Perform or engage in any act with the intent or expectation of receiving payment therefor from any person.
C. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit any act by any Park Officer in the scope of employment or duty, or by any person performing any work on behalf of the City, nor shall this Section be construed to prohibit any act protected under the circumstances by the federal or state constitution.
No person shall urinate or defecate in any park except in a convenience station designed for that purpose; or blow, spread, or place any nasal or other bodily discharge; or spit, urinate, or defecate on the floors, walls, partitions, furniture, fittings, or on any portion of any public convenience station or in any place in such station, excepting directly into the particular fixture provided for that purpose; or place any bottle, can, cloth, rag, or metal, wood, or stone substance in any of the plumbing fixtures in any such station.
(Amended by Ordinance No. 188112, effective December 23, 2016.)
A. No person shall sell, possess or consume any alcoholic beverage in any park, except under a concession contract or lease, or by permit issued under Chapter 20.08. Such permit may include any conditions as, in the discretionary judgment of the Parks Reservation Center, will promote the preservation of the parks for the peaceful enjoyment of the public at large.
B. No person shall commit any of the following acts in a Park:
1. Sell, distribute, make available or offer to provide a controlled substance or prescription drug to another;
2. Package, possess or store a controlled substance;
3. Transport a controlled substance or materials intended to be used in the packaging of a controlled substance;
4. Solicit another to provide, make available, sell or distribute a controlled substance or prescription drug to any person; or
5. With the intent to engage in any act prohibited by this Section, seek, meet, approach or encounter another.
C. Nothing in Subsection B of this Section shall prohibit the possession in a Park of medications prescribed to the person or to a person under that person's care, if and under such conditions as possession of such substance is otherwise lawful.
D. Nothing in Subsection B. of this Section shall prohibit the possession in a Park by any person 21 years of age or older of not more than one ounce of usable cannabis, so long as that cannabis is in a closed container.
E. For purposes of this Section, "controlled substance" shall have the meaning provided in ORS 475.005(6), and "prescription drug" shall have the meaning provided in ORS 689.005(6).
(Corrected under authority of PCC Section 1.01.035 on June 2, 2017.) No person shall possess in any Park any thing specifically designed for and presently capable of causing, or carried with the intent to threaten or cause, bodily harm to another. Things prohibited under this Section include, but are not limited to: any firearm, pellet gun, spring-loaded weapon, stun gun or taser, any knife having a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force, any knife with a blade longer than 3-½ inches, any dirk, dagger, ice-pick, sling shot, slungshot, metal knuckles, nunchaku, studded handcoverings, swords, straight razors, tear gas containers, saps, sap gloves, hatchets or axes. The prohibitions of this Section do not apply to handguns lawfully carried by persons exempt from local regulation under ORS 166.173. The prohibitions of this Section do not apply to any thing possessed or used to carry out actions authorized by any contract or permit in any Park.
A. No person shall engage in any conduct or activity in any Park for which a permit is required under Section 20.08.010 of this Code, unless a permit has been issued for that conduct or activity.
B. No person, at any event in any Park for which a permit has been issued under Chapter 20.08 of this Code, shall engage in any conduct prohibited by Section 20.08.060 of this Code.
It is unlawful for any person to climb any tree, or walk, stand, or sit upon the monuments, vases, railings, or fences, or lie on any picnic table in any Park. No person shall climb, walk, stand or sit upon, or enter, wade or dive into or swim in any fountain in any Park, except for fountains where such use is designated by the Director.
Except as permitted under Section 20.08.010 B and/or under Section 20.08.070, no person shall excavate for, erect, install or place, or do any act as part of or commencement of excavation, erection, installation or placement of any permanent or temporary structure or facility in or on any Park. This Section does not prohibit the mere carrying of any item in or through a Park, nor does it prohibit the use or placement of personal accessories, such as purses, backpacks or bags, or the use or placement of wheelchairs, walkers or baby carriages or child strollers in any Park, except in areas where those items are prohibited by the Director.
A. No person shall place any garbage, or other rubbish, or refuse or debris, nor shall any person deposit or leave birdseed, breadcrumbs or other food particles or food waste, in or upon any Park. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit any person from eating food in any Park, nor shall the prohibitions of this Section apply to the incidental loss of food particles that cannot reasonably be collected and properly disposed of.
B. No person shall enter any Park with garbage, or other rubbish or refuse or debris that has originated from outside the Park, for the purpose of disposing of any of the rubbish, refuse, or debris in the Park.
C. The prohibitions of this Section shall not apply to the disposal, in receptacles provided for that purpose, of garbage or refuse that results from the normal use of the Park for recreational or other lawful purposes.
(Amended by Ordinance No. 184522, 185448 and 186053, effective January 1, 2015.)
A. No person shall take, remove, destroy, break, cut, injure, mutilate, or deface in any way or attach any thing to, any structure, monument, statue, vase, fountain, wall, fence, railing, gate, vehicle, bench, or other property in any Park. No person shall remove, destroy, break, injure, mutilate, or deface in any way in any Park any shrub, fern, plant, flower, or other vegetation. No person shall plant, prune, remove, destroy, break, injure, mutilate, or deface in any way in any Park any tree without a permit from the City Forester under the provisions of Title 11. This provision shall not prohibit authorized work done for, by or on behalf of the City.
B. No person shall, without prior authorization, take, use, or have in his or her possession any equipment belonging to the City and designated for park or recreation use, outside of the limits of the established Park or Parks facility.
(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 187020 and 187231, effective July 25, 2015.)
A. No person shall light any fire in any Park, except in areas and/or facilities designated by the Director for such use and in conformance with all applicable laws. This Section does not prohibit lighting cigarettes, cigars or pipes in areas where smoking is permitted, nor does it prohibit the use of legal fireworks except as provided in Subsection B. of this Section or in areas in which the Director has prohibited such use.
B. No person shall possess or ignite any fireworks in any Park, where such possession or use is unlawful under State law. No person shall possess or ignite any otherwise legal fireworks in any of the following Parks, without a permit:
1. Pioneer Courthouse Square;
2. O'Bryant Square;
3. Lownsdale Square;
4. Forecourt/Ira Keller Fountain;
5. Ankeny Square;
6. Classical Chinese Garden;
7. Block 5 Park (Moyer);
8. Eastbank Esplanade;
9. Holladay Park;
10. Any nature park or area designated as a natural area;
11. Any other Park or Park area designated by the Director.
C. No person shall smoke or use tobacco in any form in any place in any Park. For purposes of this Section, smoking and tobacco are defined to include, but are not limited to: bidis, cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, clove cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine vaporizers, nicotine liquids, hookahs, kreteks, pipes, chew, snuff, smokeless tobacco, and marijuana.
D. Notwithstanding the prohibitions contained in this Section, golf tournaments may apply for a permit to allow smoking and tobacco use in designated areas at City golf courses.
E. The Director, in consultation with the Commissioner in Charge, in a manner consistent with the City's Human Resource Administrative Rules, may establish designated smoking and tobacco use areas for Parks employees for whom there is no reasonably available non-parks property where smoking and tobacco use is allowed.
F. Smoking of noncommercial tobacco products for ceremonial purposes in spaces designated for traditional ceremonies in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. 1996, as well as for similar religious ceremonial uses for other cultural groups shall be permitted. "Noncommercial tobacco products" means unprocessed tobacco plants or tobacco by-products used for ceremonial or spiritual purposes by Native Americans.
G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, a person who violates Section 20.12.110 C. shall not be subject to exclusion under Section 20.12.265, or to criminal enforcement under Section 1.01.140 of this Code. Rather, any person violating Subsection 20.12.110 C. shall be required to leave the Park in which the offense occurred, for the remainder of the day. Enforcement will be administered by PP&R staff who have the authority to enforce park rules, except that any person providing security services at Pioneer Courthouse Square, Director Park, or that portion of the South Park Blocks adjacent to Portland State University may enforce the prohibitions on tobacco and smoking in that Park, but only in the manner provided by this Section.
(Amended by Ordinance No. 186008, effective May 31, 2013.)
A. No person shall injure, harm, disturb, or molest any wild or domestic animal in any Park.
B. No person owning, in control of or responsible for any dog shall allow that dog to be in any Park if the dog is not held securely on a leash no greater than eight feet in length, except in such Parks or portions of Parks as the Director may designate as off-leash areas, or during such times as the Director may establish as off-leash hours; provided, however, that a violation of any rule established by the Director governing any designated off-leash area or off-leash hours shall be a violation of this Section. Nothing in this Section shall limit the authority of the Director to terminate, alter or amend the designation of any off-leash area or off-leash hours.
C. No person owning, in control of or responsible for any horse or other animal capable of being ridden by a person shall allow that animal to be in any Park, except in such Parks or portions of Parks as the Director may designate for use by such animals.
D. No person shall hitch any animal to any tree, shrub, fence, railing, or other structure or facility in any Park, except to such structures or facilities as are designated for that purpose.
E. No person shall bring or keep any animal in any Park if the animal is not within the person's immediate reach and control.
F. No person owning, in control of or responsible for any animal shall allow that animal to enter or remain upon any of the following in any park:
1. Any lake, fountain, pond or stream.
2. Any tennis court, basketball court, running track or other artificial sports surface or manicured turf sports field.
3. Any sports facility enclosed by a fence or wall.
4. Any area where such animals are prohibited by the Director.
G. No person shall allow any animal in that person's ownership, possession, custody or control to injure any other person or animal or damage any property in any Park. Any person so allowing any animal to cause any such injury or damage shall be liable for the full amount of the injury or damage and for the costs of impounding the animal.
H. No person shall allow any animal in the person's possession, custody or control to discharge any fecal material in any Park unless the person promptly removes and disposes of the fecal material in an appropriate receptacle. No person shall allow any animal in the person's possession, custody or control to enter or remain in any Park unless the person has in the person's possession the equipment necessary to remove and properly dispose of any fecal material deposited by the animal in the Park.
I. No person owning, in control of or responsible for any animal shall allow that animal to be in any Park if the animal is not in compliance with applicable Multnomah County Animal Control regulations; provided, however, that dogs otherwise complying with those regulations may be off leash in designated off-leash areas or during designated off-leash hours.
J. Any animal in any Park in violation of any provision of this Section may be impounded, at the expense of the animal's owner, on the order of any Park Officer or of any Animal Control officer.
K. The prohibitions of this Section do not apply to service animals while performing their qualifying services, nor to animals while in the course of the official performance of police or rescue activities.
L. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, any person violating Subsections 20.12.120 B.,E.,F. or H.is subject only to a civil penalty not to exceed $150 for each violation. Any person assessed a civil penalty under this Subsection may appeal the citation to the Code Hearings Officer in accordance with the provisions of Title 22 of this Code.
No person shall fish, wade, swim, or bathe in any Park except in the places designated by the Director for such purposes.
A. No person shall jump or dive from any seawall, pier or dock in any Park, into the Willamette or Columbia Rivers.
B. No person shall tie or fasten any log, boat, or other floating equipment to or upon Park property bordering upon the Willamette or Columbia Rivers, except for temporary mooring of pleasure boats, in accordance with the provisions of Section 19.16.060 of this Code.
A. No person shall use any slingshot, javelin, shotput, discus, golf equipment, or archery equipment, or any device capable of launching a projectile, in or upon any Park, except in areas specifically designated or provided for that particular use, subject to the direction of authorized Park Officers.
B. No person shall use any wheeled vehicle, including unicycles, bicycles, tricycles, skateboards, roller skates or roller blades, motorized or unmotorized scooters, or any motorized vehicle on any tennis court, basketball court, running track or other artificial sports surface or designated sports facility except in areas specifically designated or provided for such use. The prohibitions of this Subsection shall not apply to medical mobility devices or to child strollers or baby carriages.
C. Without limiting the applicability of Section 20.12.030 to this or any other activity, no person shall ride or operate a skateboard on any brickwork, cobblestone or ornamental surface, picnic table, tennis court, fountain area, planter, or sculpture located in a Park.
D. No person shall operate any motorized vehicle or motorized wheeled vehicle or motorized wheeled device in any Park, except on Park roads or in designated vehicle parking areas, or by permit. The prohibitions of this Section do not apply to authorized service or emergency vehicles or to the following electric mobility devices used by persons who need assistance to be mobile, and used in accordance with all applicable park and traffic rules:
1. "Electric assisted bicycle" as defined in ORS 801.258;
2. "Motorized wheelchair," "Mobility scooter" or "Power chair" defined as an electric powered transportation device for one person in a seated position, with feet resting on floorboards or foot rests, and incapable of exceeding a speed of 20 mph; or
3. "Human or personal transporter system" defined as a self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device with two wheels, able to turn in place, and designed to transport one person in a standing position, with a top speed of 20 mph.
E. No person shall operate an electric mobility device in a park in an unsafe manner or at a speed exceeding 15 mph, or, when pedestrians are present, at a speed exceeding 5 mph, or fail to yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians.
No person shall operate any remote-controlled internal combustion powered vehicle, or any remote-controlled electric or internal combustion powered watercraft or aircraft, in, on or over any Park, except in such places the Director may designate for such use.
A. In case of an emergency, or in case where life or property are endangered, all persons, if requested to do so by any Park Officer, shall depart from the portion of any Park specified by that Park Officer, and shall remain off that Park or that portion of the Park until permission is given to return.
B. Notwithstanding Section 20.12.210, whenever it is in the interest of public health or safety to do so, the Commissioner or the Mayor, the Director, or an officer of the Bureau of Police may close any Park, or any part thereof, and may erect or cause to be erected barricades prohibiting access to any such Park, or part thereof, at appropriate locations. Notices that any Park, or part thereof, is closed shall be posted at appropriate locations during the period of such closure, if feasible; however, failure to post such notices shall not invalidate such closure nor shall it invalidate any exclusion for violating this Section.
C. No person shall enter any Park or any part thereof that has been closed under this Section, or remain in such Park, or part thereof, after having been notified of the closure and having been requested to leave by the Commissioner, the Mayor, the Director or an officer of the Bureau of Police or Park Officer. A closure under this Section shall not exceed 18 hours without the written approval of the both the Commissioner and the Mayor.
D. When a state of emergency is declared under Section 15.04.040 of this Code, the Mayor or other persons authorized by Section 15.08.020 or by subsection B of this Section may close any park and recreation facility to normal use and may designate that facility for emergency operations, which operations may include providing emergency services to the public, subject to the following conditions:
1. The scope of use of park facilities during such emergency shall be defined by approved City emergency plans or by the Mayor or Commissioner in Charge.
2. If emergency services are provided in any Park facility, members of the public may be allowed into the facility, under the control of and subject to restrictions and conditions established by the organization responsible for the emergency operations at that facility.
3. Costs incurred by PortlandParks and Recreation for emergency operations shall be submitted to the City's Office of Emergency Management for reimbursement. Costs reimbursable under this Section include facility operating costs, costs to repair damage caused by the emergency operations, and the costs to restore the facility to the condition it was in at the commencement of the emergency.
4. As soon as practicable after the state of emergency is officially terminated, any Park facility closed on account of the emergency or used for emergency operations will re-open for normal use.
A. No person, without the consent of the Director or other authorized Park Officer, shall enter any building, enclosure, or place within any Park upon which the words "no admittance," or similar words indicating that entry is prohibited or restricted, are displayed.
B. No person shall ride, drive, or walk on such parts or portions of the Parks or pavements as are closed to public travel, nor shall any person interfere with barriers erected in any Park.
C. No unauthorized person shall enter any municipal swimming pool, secured stadium or other secured Park facility, or any enclosed area thereof, at any time other than when the facility is regularly open for public use.
D. No person shall enter or remain in any municipal swimming pool, nor in any deck area adjacent thereto, nor in any locker room, shower room, changing room or restroom serving a municipal swimming pool, nor within any designated children's play area, nor in any area of a Park within twenty-five (25) feet of any outdoor pool fence line or children's play area, if the person previously has been convicted of any sexual offense under ORS 163.305 to 163.479, or under ORS 163.665 to 163.689, or under the laws of any other jurisdiction that would constitute such an offense if it had been committed in the State of Oregon, if the victim of any such offense was sixteen years of age or younger and was not biologically related to the person. This section shall not apply if the sole basis of the conviction was the lack of consent due solely to the victim's lack of capacity to consent by reason of being less than a specified age, if the victim was not more than three years younger than the person at the time of the offense.
E. No person, other than a Park Officer on lawful business, shall enter or remain in or on any Park or Park facility for which an admission or use fee is required, without having paid that admission or use fee.
F. No person shall enter or remain in any Park in violation of an exclusion issued under Section 20.12.265.
A. No person shall be in a Park during hours of park closure. Unless the Director designates otherwise for any Park, "hours of park closure" means any time between the hours of 12:01 a.m. and 5 a.m.
B. This Section shall not apply to the following:
1. Vehicular traffic crossing on a Park roadway;
2. Pedestrians crossing the North or South Park Blocks, Pioneer Courthouse Square, Lownsdale Square, Chapman Square, Pettygrove Park, or Lovejoy Park.
3. Persons playing golf at a municipal golf course when the golf course is open;
4. Persons attending, participating in, going to or coming from an activity either programmed or scheduled by PortlandParks and Recreation or under a permit issued under Chapter 20.08;
5. Persons in parked vehicles at scenic viewpoints along or adjacent to park roads, where designated parking areas are provided, at times when those roads are open to vehicular traffic;
6. Pedestrians crossing a Park area between the two paved portions of one street or boulevard.
No person shall be in any Park when that person is required by any term or condition of the person's parole, probation, post-prison supervision, pretrial release agreement or other judicial order, to stay out of the Park. No person shall be in any Park at any time if an exclusion of the person from that Park under Section 20.12.265 is in effect.
(Added by Ordinance No. 184073, effective August 18, 2010.) No person shall be in McCoy Park at any time if an exclusion of the person from New Columbia Properties or the Tamarack Apartments under a Housing Authority of Portland Notice of Exclusion is in effect, provided that the Housing Authority of Portland Notice of Exclusion conspicuously informs the person that, under the provisions of this Section, the person may not be in McCoy Park while that exclusion is in effect. For purposes of this Section, "McCoy Park" means the area bounded by the public street right-of-way on the north by N. Fessenden St., on the south by N. Trenton St., on the east by N. Newman Ave. and on the west by N. Fiske Ave. A person excluded from McCoy Park by operation of this Section may, pursuant to Subsection 20.12.265 G. of this Code, apply in writing to the Commissioner for a waiver of some or all of the effects of the exclusion for good cause.
A. In addition to the other provisions of this Chapter, the provisions of this Section apply in Pioneer Courthouse Square. "Pioneer Courthouse Square" means the city block bounded on the north by the south curb of Southwest Morrison Street, on the south by the north curb of Southwest Yamhill Street, on the east by the west curb of Southwest Sixth Avenue, and on the west by the east curb of SW Broadway. It specifically includes the entire area of that block and all improvements thereon, including all pedestrian walkways and transportation shelters and facilities.
B. No person shall climb, stand, sit or lie upon any of the water troughs, trellises, garbage containers or planters, nor climb, stand or lie upon any bench within Pioneer Courthouse Square.
C. No person shall operate any radio or other amplified sound producing device, so as to be audible to another, within Pioneer Courthouse Square, except by permit.
D. No person shall throw any ball, disc or other object, use roller skates or skateboards, ride any bicycle or other wheeled device other than a medical mobility device or a child stroller or baby carriage, or roll any shopping cart within Pioneer Courthouse Square.
E. No person shall violate any ordinance, rule or regulation duly promulgated by TriMet governing the use of its shelters or other facilities located within Pioneer Courthouse Square.
F. The following areas of Pioneer Courthouse Square are designated exclusively for transit use:
1. The walkway areas under the overhead canopies adjacent to SW Yamhill Street, between the southernmost drip line of any overhead canopy and the south side of the base of the decorative wall; and
2. The area within the drip lines of the structures commonly known as the mushroom sculptures adjacent to SW Morrison Street.
No person shall remain in those areas except for the purpose of entering into, exiting from or waiting for a light rail train or trolley.
G. No person shall smoke in any part of Pioneer Courthouse Square.
H. No person shall possess any type of fireworks, whether or not such fireworks are otherwise allowed by law, in Pioneer Courthouse Square, except by permit.
I. No person shall possess any graffiti instrument in Pioneer Courthouse Square with the intent that the instrument be used to tamper with, mar or deface property therein, or knowing that another person intends to so use it, or when a reasonable person would know that the instrument is likely to be so used. For purposes of this Subsection, "graffiti" means the unauthorized spraying or marking of paint, chalk, dye or any other substance to any building, structure or surface. For purposes of this Subsection, "graffiti instrument" means any can of paint or other marking substance under pressure, which can be used to spray surfaces with the paint or other marking substance, or any ink, chalk, dye or other instrument or article adapted or designed for spraying or marking surfaces.
No person shall violate any rule or regulation established under the authority of Section 20.04.020 or 20.04.050, nor refuse or fail to obey any reasonable direction of a Park Officer. For purposes of this Section, a direction of a Park Officer is reasonable if it directs a person to obey, or to cease a violation of, any law, rule or regulation applicable in the Park, or if it is otherwise reasonably related to protection of the health, welfare or safety of the person or of any other person in the Park or to the prevention of damage to property, or if it is reasonably necessary to preserve the peace or to prevent the disruption of any organized activity or permitted event in the Park. A direction of a Park Officer is not "reasonable" under this Section if it is directed to speech or conduct the right to engage in which is, under the circumstances, protected by the federal or Oregon constitution.
Nothing in this Chapter shall prohibit the performance by any Park Officer of any otherwise authorized act or duty.
A. In addition to other remedies provided for violation of this Code, or of any of the laws of the State of Oregon, any Park Officer may exclude any person who violates any applicable provision of law in any Park from that Park in accordance with the provisions of this Section. Non-supervisory Park employees, other than Park Rangers, and employees of Golf Course concessionaires shall issue exclusions only at the direction of or with the approval of a supervisor or of the manager of the Park in which the exclusion is to be issued. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to authorize the exclusion of any person lawfully exercising free speech rights or other rights protected by the state or federal constitutions. However, a person engaged in such protected activity who commits acts that are not protected, but that violate applicable provisions of law, shall be subject to exclusion as provided by this Section.
B. For purposes of this Section, "applicable provision of law" includes any applicable provision of this Code, of any City ordinance, or of any rule or regulation promulgated by the Commissioner or the Council under this Title, any applicable criminal or traffic law of the State of Oregon, any law regarding controlled substances or alcoholic beverages, any applicable County ordinance or regulation, and any ordinance or regulation adopted by the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (Tri-Met) governing any Tri-Met facility in that Park. For purposes of this Section, "applicable" means relating to the person's conduct in the Park.
C. An exclusion issued under the provisions of this Section shall be for thirty (30) days. If the person to be excluded has been excluded from any Park at any time within two years before the date of the present exclusion, the exclusion shall be for ninety (90) days. If the person to be excluded has been excluded from one or more Parks on two or more occasions within two years before the date of the present exclusion, the exclusion shall be for 180 days.
D. Before issuing an exclusion under this Section, a Park Officer shall first give the person a warning and a reasonable opportunity to desist from the violation. An exclusion shall not be issued if the person promptly complies with the direction and desists from the violation. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Subsection, no warning shall be required if the person is to be excluded for engaging in conduct that:
1. Is classified as a felony or as a misdemeanor under the following Chapters of the Oregon Revised Statutes, or is an attempt, solicitation or conspiracy to commit any such felony or misdemeanor defined in ORS:
a. Chapter 162 - Offenses Against the State and Public Justice;
b. Chapter 163 - Offenses Against Persons;
c. Chapter 164 - Offenses Against Property, except for ORS 164.805, Offensive Littering;
d. Chapter 165 - Offenses Involving Fraud or Deception;
e. Chapter 166 - Offenses Against Public Order; Firearms and Other Weapons; Racketeering;
f. Chapter 167 - Offenses Against Public Health, Decency andAnimals;
g. Chapter 475 - Controlled Substances; Illegal Drug Cleanup; Paraphernalia; Precursors; or
2. Otherwise involves a controlled substance or alcoholic beverage; or
3. Has resulted in injury to any person or damage to any property; or
4. Constitutes a violation of any of the following provisions of this Code:
a. Section 14A.40.030 - Indecent Exposure;
b. Section 14A.40.040 - Loitering to Solicit Prostitution;
c. Section 14A.40.050 - Unlawful Prostitution Procurement Activities;
d. Section 14A.60.010 - Possession of a Loaded Firearm in a Public Place;
e. Section 14A.60.020 - Discharge of a Firearm;
f. Section 14A.60.030 - Tear Gas and Stun Guns;
g. Section 14A.60.040 - Explosives and Bottle Bombs;
h. Section 20.12.030 – Unlawful Urination or Defecation, except if the conduct involves only urination on a permeable surface (such as grass, dirt, mulch or other plant materials) in a Park;
i. Section 20.12.040 - Unlawful Acts Involving Alcohol, Controlled Substances or Prescription Drugs;
j. Section 20.12.050 – Possession of Weapons;
k. Section 20.12.170 C - Use of Skateboards; or
5. Is conduct for which the person previously has been warned or excluded for committing in any Park.
E. Written notice shall be given to any person excluded from any Park under this Section. The notice shall specify the date, length and place of the exclusion, shall identify the provision of law the person has violated and shall contain a brief description of the offending conduct. The notice shall inform the excluded person of the right to appeal, including the time limit and the place of delivering the appeal. It shall be signed by the issuing party. Warnings of consequences for failure to comply shall be prominently displayed on the notice.
F. A person receiving such notice of exclusion may appeal to the Code Hearings Officer in accordance with the provisions of Title 22 of this Code. The Code Hearings Officer shall uphold the exclusion if, upon the Code Hearings Officer's de novo review, the preponderance of evidence admissible under the provisions of Title 22 of this Code convinces the Code Hearings Officer that, more likely than not, the person in fact committed the violation, and if the exclusion is otherwise in accordance with law.
G. At any time within the period of exclusion, a person receiving such notice of exclusion may apply in writing to the Commissioner for a waiver of some or all of the effects of the exclusion for good reason. If the Commissioner grants a waiver under this Subsection, the Commissioner shall promptly notify the Portland Police Bureau's Records Division and the Parks Director of such action. In exercising discretion under this Subsection, the Commissioner shall consider the seriousness of the violation for which the person has been excluded, the particular need of the person to be in the Park during some or all of the period of exclusion, such as for work or to attend or participate in a particular event (without regard to the content of any speech associated with that event), and any other criterion the Commissioner determines to be relevant to the determination of whether or not to grant a waiver. Notwithstanding the granting of a waiver under this Subsection, the exclusion will be included for purposes of calculating the appropriate length of exclusions under 20.12.265 C. The decision of the Commissioner to grant or deny, in whole or in part, a waiver under this Subsection is committed to the sole discretion of the Commissioner, and is not subject to appeal or review.
H. If an appeal of the exclusion is timely filed under Section 20.12.265 F., the effectiveness of the exclusion shall be stayed, pending the outcome of the appeal. If the exclusion is affirmed, the remaining period of exclusion shall be effective immediately upon the issuance of the Hearings Officer's decision, unless the Hearings Officer specifies a later effective date.
I. If a person is issued a subsequent exclusion while a previous exclusion is stayed pending appeal (or pending judicial review, should a court stay the exclusion), the stayed exclusion shall be counted in determining the appropriate length of the subsequent exclusion under 20.12.265 C. If the predicate exclusion is set aside, the term of the subsequent exclusion shall be reduced, as if the predicate exclusion had not been issued. If multiple exclusions issued to a single person for a single Park are simultaneously stayed pending appeal, the effective periods of those which are affirmed shall run consecutively.
J. No person shall enter or remain in any park at any time during which there is in effect a notice of exclusion issued under this Section excluding that person from that park.


text:
Everything you should know about fine sofa cover
From: http://www.flickr.com
Have you ever thought about transforming your space completely? If yes, then lovely couch covering could be the thing for you.
Why sofa material is so important?
You want to change your home space completely or sipmly have an idea of introducing tiny modifications.


text:
NEW YORK — With "New Moon" hitting theaters this week, it seems fitting that the stars are already starting to reveal tidbits about the upcoming "Eclipse" flick. And if fans thought Bella gets taken for a ride in "New Moon," they are in for a surprise once they hit theaters next year.
"I think Bella's little bit of treachery in the third one will be ... I think it's going to be a good scene," he told MTV News on the red carpet at the NYC screening of "New Moon."
While the "Twilight Saga" has catapulted Pattinson to mega-stardom, he isn't resting on his laurels. The trailer for his new film "Remember Me" came out Thursday (November 19), and it seems to have an equally drama-filled relationship — even if Pattinson doesn't see the parallels. "It's not very similar to 'Twilight,' " he said. "[But] hopefully it will get the same fanbase."
Kristen Stewart elaborated on the pain Bella is about to go through in the third movie. "I'm looking forward to seeing the love triangle actually becoming a problem," she said. "We sort of innocently touch on it in 'New Moon,' but it actually becomes something that is very, very real."
Stewart said seeing Bella grow and develop in the upcoming flicks will certainly prove interesting for her, as well as the Twi-Hards. "I've always backed her up in her devotion to Edward," she said. "And to see that falter will be interesting."
Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: New Moon."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.


text:
Samsung E590 is a neat waterborne receiver. It is a Triband (GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900 ) Unlocked Phone. Triband GSM system support, GPRS, EDGE, built in browser, Bluetooth, USB - the Samsung E590 has it all.
The effectual digital photographic camera functions of E590 allow the users to enjoy 3.2 Megapixel camera beside Auto Focus and Half-shutter. Panorama chatoyant side offers intuitive camera UI which displays effortless to use icons.
The Samsung E590 is reachable in two colors, noble achromatic and downfall metallic. The photographic camera of e590 is 3 megapixels. The integral reminiscence is 60MB and a card slot is in E590 which is microSD(TransFlash). E590 also includes MP3, ACC, ACC E-ACC and WMA Player. Word, Excel, Powerpoint and PDF watcher.Post ads:
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text: This is Men of Wings, a blog bringing irreverence with an agenda; a chicken wing agenda. This ode to the poultry appendage will delve into our deepest, darkest chicken wing fantasies that will be sure to leave your fingers sticky and your stomachs full. Stay tuned for reviews, news, and more.


text:
Twas the night before Christmas, when deep beneath our house
A drainpipe was cracking as quietly as a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the hung by the chimney with care
But pressure was building of which we were unaware.
The children were busy getting dressed for the Eve,
The events to unfold would be hard to believe.
And Kim's in the kitchen, and Doug's gone to church,
Both settling down and completing their work.
When from the drain in the bathroom there arose such a…
(there are some images best left to the imagination),
Kim sprang from the kitchen to see what's causing "it."
Away grabbing towels she flew like a flash,
As the drainpipes keep gurgling and spewing up "trash."
Up the drainpipes "it" ran then flowed down through the floor vents
Filling the basement with other than sweet holiday scents.
A quick Google search and a few phone calls placed
Then the plumber arrived a broad grin on his face
(they charge more for Christmas Eve calls).
He wasn't dressed in red or carrying a sack
But wrenches and snakes were his plan of attack.
When he came back at midnight to try once again
He still was maintaining his Christmas Day grin.
Five days (and three plumbers) later everything's flowing again
And now we're the ones sporting broad Christmas grins.
The 29th brought our postponed Christmas dinner
And everyone agreed that smoked turkey's a winner.
Our first Christmas in 'Bama is one we'll remember
And we'll look back and laugh – maybe by next December
So we know this card's late but to our friends far and near
Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!


text:
|NewPoint has many programs to fit the needs of the community. Click to read more about them
|NewPoint has 5 locations throughout Gloucester County to serve families and individuals in need of care.
|Become a NewPoint employee. We pride ourselves on our excellent staff and employee benefits.
Can NewPoint complete one time psychiatric evaluations?
Unfortunately, NewPoint is not able to complete any "one time" psychiatric evaluation (court ordered, custody, disability, etc).
What does it cost to work with the Intensive Family Support Services program?
This program is a free service for people who have family members dealing with mental illness.
What should I bring for my first appointment?
You should bring your insurance ID card and personal identification (typically your drivers license) Should you have any questions about this please call 856.845.8050 for more info. You'll also need to complete an application and print to bring in with you. Simply download to your pc, type and print. (You will need Adobe Reader) If you are more comfortable writing than typing, just print and complete. Please note Newpoint is unable to accept walk in appointments. All appointments must be scheduled.
Child Application
Adult Application


text:
Junior Residential Interior Designer
- Recruiter
- Adrem Group
- Location
- England, London
- Salary
- £28000.00 - £32000.00 per annum
- Posted
- 20 August 2018
- Closes
- 17 September 2018
- Ref
- Contact
- Interiors
- Job Function
- Designer
- Contract Type
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full Time
A small boutique practice situated in a fantastic location in London is seeking a Junior Designer to work on some mixed sector projects. The practice is working on Residential, PRS schemes, Student Accommodations and Hospitality both here in the UK and overseas. It would be advantageous if the candidate has worked on similar roles such as these.
The practice is very forward thinking and would be happy to look at Junior designers with 1-2 years' experience in various sectors.
Key Responsibilities of the Junior Residential Interior Designer:
- Must have a good design skill that would fit in with the company's style.
- Researching and completing tasks assigned to them under guidance.
- Be flexible in terms of working.
- Keen to learn, committed and a hardworking individual.
- Being able to work as part of a team.
- Answering the phones and carry-out general admin tasks.
- A competent level of confidence and knowledge in AutoCAD.
- Excellent communication and entrepreneurial qualities, both verbally and written.
- Proven ability to create moodboards, specifications and schedules.
- The candidate must take this opportunity to gain experience in several fields of interior design.
Must Be:
- Must have a qualification in Interior Design.
- Must have 1-2 years' experience in Interior Design.
- Must have a good knowledge of English, both verbally and written.
- Must be proficient at using AutoCAD.
If you are interested in hearing more about this Junior Residential Designer Job, please contact Deborah D'Silva or apply online.
Kindly ensure that BOTH your CV and portfolio are enclosed with your application.
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text:
[Verse 1: Fatal]
I'm high, I ain't much of a drinker
Dreamin eyes open, I ain't much of a sleeper
Yeah life is deep, I'm just tryin deeper
I'm married to the game, and my girl is keeper
Who the fuck is fatal? Hello, nice to meet cha
Money on mind, I'm a hell of a thinka
Swearvin on these hoes, and I ain't hittin no blinker
I beat the beat up, then beat her pussy pinker
I spit these flows, that these hoes remember
Life life now, cause it won't last forever
And yea I love city, shout out denver
And whether love or war, I will never surrender
Yall rappers some pretenders, you thought I wouldn't see that?
All I see is fake, and I swear I'll never be that
I mean that, always real, till the day I'm gone
Hell na, I don't need em, ill do it on my own
[Hook] x2
Hell na I don't need em, i'll do it on my own
Hell na I don't need em, i'll do it on my own
And yeah I'm kinda young but my money still grown
So hell na I don't need em, ill do it on my own
[Verse 2: Fatal]
Labels tryin to sign me, rappers tryin to get signed
People lookin sideways, cause they know this shits mine
Yeah I'm in the game, how you hatin from the sideline
Listen to that beat, its my mothafuckin life line,
Yeah, beat goin in threw my temple
Flow comin out, paint a picture, no stencil
Swearvin on these hoes, like I'm drivin a rental
And if im fuckin wit her, best believe she a nympho
Oh, too much info? my mind is twisted
She getting low, but I'm fuckin lifted
She got good brain, yeah your girl so gifted
But now she addicted, that's what the dick did
But na, I always fuck the world, never celibate
With maryjane and you know that we hella lit
Doing what I what, livin life, for the hell of it
Haters say my name, cause you bitches keep me relevant
[Hook] x2


text:
If you've been following the blog for a while, you may recognize Logan & Hailey! I met Logan 2 years ago for his first portrait session. He had recently learned he would be a big brother! Just a short year ago, I photographed Hailey's newborn portraits – she was my little cupcake (see her portraits here)! I can't believe how much she's grown! I was thrilled when Jess reached out about another family session for Hailey's first birthday. It was SO much fun catching up with them! We met at The Winery at Bull Run and it was the perfect backdrop for their photos. . .
Logan loves his little sister so much! It's really sweet to witness their bond. . .
Hailey was very curious! Her look says it all, "Whatcha doin'?"
Such a beautiful family!


text:
Access covers
Access covers can be safety critical. In certain circumstances failure or misuse could lead to injury or loss of life. With this in mind, Wrekin have developed products that incorporate features that help eliminate these failure mechanisms, thus minimising safety issues and optimising installed life cost…More…
Gully grates
A comprehensive range of gully grates that span from the innovative Multigrate designed for fast and cost-effective replacement of stolen grates to fully featured grates that prevent theft in the first place. Double and single hinged designs of various loadings are available as well as a range suitable for cycle paths and shopping centres.More…
Wrekin are one of the UK's premier suppliers of Geosynthetics for civil engineering. Our range of geosynthetic solutions for ground stabilisation, reinforcement, erosion control, drainage, environmental protection, grass protection and weed suppression is ever-expanding – our stock availability is excellent too..More…
Product focus
Wrekin's range of BT approved block pavior covers and frames particularly suited to town centre developments, where replacement of existing service covers is required to facilitate infill of blocks or stone to match the surrounding area.
Individual lid sizes are reduced and incorporate a central lifting point and tapered cover side to provide a slide out feature for access by a single operative..Read More
E'GRID cuts client costs by 40% – and provides perfect solution
Through recommending and supplying Biaxial E'GRID at a sewage treatment works, Wrekin Products helped reduce the resources required; not only cutting costs, but also minimising the contractor's construction programme and overheads.
Wrekin apprentices blaze a trail
Wrekin Products is sharing the stories of two of its recent apprentices to mark National Apprenticeship Week.
Wrekin marks National Pothole Day
On National Pothole Day, Wrekin Products explains that with a little understanding of the factors at play, the number of highway ironwork failures and associated potholes can be significantly reduced.
Is a higher class the answer?
A trial installation on the M25 shows that changing access covers from BS EN124 class D400 to class E600 for road applications could be a costly exercise that may not deliver the expected improvements.