text:
Unionized: National Marriage Project sets up shop at UVA
Think marriage is dying? A think tank dedicated to the state of our unions has recently set up shop at the University of Virginia, moving from its previous headquarters at Rutgers University. Since its establishment in 1997 by David Popenoe, the National Marriage Project has investigated the social, economic and cultural forces shaping the quality and stability of married life.
"In our day and age, especially given the divorce rate, marriage is an adventure of sorts," says UVA professor Brad Wilcox, who began directing the research-driven group over the summer.
In recent years, the Project's research-driven mission has gained popularity among scholars, even one whose name is widely linked to divorce. UVA colleague Robert Emery, whose 2004 book was a roadmap to child-friendly splits, recently climbed aboard the Project's advisory board.
"While I focus on divorce," says this author of The Truth About Children and Divorce, "I know from experience, and from my research, that growing up with two, happily married parents is the best arrangement for children, and for adults too."
All this promotion of happy marriage has come with some controversy. Another group, the Brooklyn-based Alternatives to Marriage Project, has spoken out against the now UVA-based group for allegedly ignoring the needs of those who can't marry due to legal or moral reasons.
Wilcox declined to address the criticism, choosing instead to reiterate the importance of the National Marriage Project's dedication to strengthening marriage.
"Marriage is an important institution which must be renewed," Wilcox explained. "From a child's perspective, nothing compares to marriage, and this is why the NMP seeks to put a positive spotlight on marriage and to identify strategies to strengthen it."
21 comments
How can this group exist, ostensibly to study the state of marriage, yet completely duck the issue of gay marriage - by far the most visible and controversial issue concerning marriage today?
"two, happily married parents is the best arrangement for children, and for adults too."
If that is well known by Mr. Emery, and this institute has formed to do what's best for children, I certainly hope they will join the reality of the 21st century. Many children are being raised by gay parents who would love to marry but cannot. Will this institute work to change that --for the good of the children and the adults ?
By Sharon Jayson, USA TODAY
So many gay couples today have kids that it has become a cultural phenomenon ââ?¬â?? there's even a new TV show about a modern family that includes a gay couple with an adopted baby.
One in five male couples and one in three lesbian couples were raising children as of the 2000 Census. That's way up from 1990, when one in 20 male couples and one in five lesbian couples had kids
Gay households have more in common than not with their heterosexual counterparts who are also raising kids, the research shows. "The sexual orientation of a parent has really little to do with their parenting," Goldberg says.
But Census numbers are just part of a new comprehensive analysis of research on gay parenting since the 1970s in the new book "Lesbian and Gay Parents and Their Children: Research on the Family Life Cycle", by Abbie Goldberg, an assistant professor of psychology at Clark University in Worcester, Mass.
I applaud the efforts of the National Marriage Project. They are dealing with an issue extremely important to our society.
To say "that growing up with two, happily married parents is the best arrangement for children, and for adults too." does not mean that other forms of parenting situations are bad. Wilcox simply lays out the ideal.
Dear NMP,
I am delighted to know you exsist! My parents are still married and although 'not happily' for a number of years (dad was an alcoholic) they stuck together. At the age of 47 now, their tenacity has been a pillar of strength for me as I face situations of diverse kinds. Where it would be easier to 'bail out' rather than 'work it through' the example they set in their marriage has given me the 'stick-to-it-ness' that it takes to reconcile differences in all sorts of relationships, which are after all the fabric of society. I am a public middle school teacher (and happily married by the way) and am woven into my immediate society in a complex way, especially with parents and youth. Your mission to undergird this fundamental aspect of society is monumental!!!!
Financial stress is one of the leading causes of divorce. With more couples currently experiencing this stress, increasing taxes, whether they be property, gas, electricity, or water and sewer will only contribute to this. So yes Local, taking on an unnecessary $250 million water infrastructure debt, leading to $200 a month water bills for the average family, could contribute to unhappy marriages.
Maybe you are one of the lucky ones Local, and money doesn't matter, but for many couples in our community who are raising children --every penny counts.
Money matters, and in this economy I'll bet there are more unhappy couples than before the recession.
Psychologist, have you ever read the Hook before? If so, you'd realize that I am not the one who is fixated.
Linda Fletcher: are you kidding me???? You are grateful that your parents sacrificed their entire lives and happiness FOR YOU???? How extremely selfish of you!!!!!!!
Linda Fletcher, you give a moving example of the value of two parents staying together. I don't see anywhere in your comments that they sacrificed their entire lives and happiness for you, only that they were not always "happy".
A child doesn't have any choice about the situation they are brought into. I don't think that parents should always stay together under any circumstances, but too often they are on the other end of the spectrum. They make destructive choices seeking some ephemeral goal of being "happy". Its the parents that are often selfish under those circumstances. No matter how we try to spin it, divorce leaves a lasting mark on a child.
Most importantly (and since this IS The Hook, after all), what is the NMP's position on our local water supply plans and can anything here be blamed on Tom Frederick?
Relax Married. Was merely pointing out (by way of sarcasm) that virtually every story in the Hook these days seems to be about the freaking water issue - even the stories that have very little to do with water. Thanks for proving my point.
If water rates rise to build the new dam-pipeline, it wouldn't be because of Tom Frederick, we'll have the board: Mike Gaffney, Gary O'Connell, Bob Tucker, Gary Fern, Judy Mueller, Holly Edwards, and Sally Thomas to thank for that. Oh and all those rate setters on the Albemarle Service Authority that don't pay water rates as well, and say " this will be painful" but build at any cost. Anyone who doesn't think this will negatively impact low income families is crazy. Do you disagree Local that money matters in a marriage ?
I don't think that studying, understanding, or bolstering the institution of marriage, rejects other forms of relationships. I don't even think you have to elevate the language and label it as an ideal, in order to justify the worth of the institution or project.
I think that a relationship that involves commitment offers stability and exemplifies many of the values that Linda mentioned. Friendships can survive and thrive and be committed, without legal/religious bonds, but we have different expectations of marital bonds, and most (note that I did not say all) people will select those bonds if they are available. It is a testament to our desire for the significance of that formal commitment, that at least some gay relationships which are not afforded that legal/religious bond, still demand them.
I am a product of divorce as a child, have been a step-child, and am a step-mother. I can say that my children who have not lived through divorce, have had a more stable path to follow in their lives, but that is anecdotal evidence, at best, since there are whole families who can provide little stability for the children within them. What I can say is that the energy which relationships take is amplified exponentially when they are complicated by divorce. It behooves us to examine how to help couples communicate in relationships before marriage, and during. Perhaps then divorce would be less needed.
A study of marriage can be a blessing in disguise to those who do not have access to marriage, yet, in terms of documenting the personal and societal benefits gained, for the sake of further lobbying efforts.
Linda Fletcher, I am glad your parents were able to raise you and your siblings without damage. My ex mother-in-law made the choice to stay in a bad marriage because of the effects she saw from her own parents' divorce. She wanted to protect her children, and it literally killed her at an early age when she took her own life. All three of her children divorced at least once. Her sons sought wives who, like their mother, would let their husbands be king of the household, regardless of his despotism. My own parents were a less extreme example of the same. I am glad every day that the despot in my household dumped me, and I worry every day about protecting my kids from those toxic effects. Divorce is MUCH better for some families.
I really liked Linda's take on her parents staying together.Perhaps they took their commitment to each other (symbolized in marriage vows)seriously and worked at times to keep their marriage (&family)together.This is what marriage is. If you think its always wonderful then you are probably too immature to marry.Life happens all around us and it isn't always the best. Sometimes it is but not always. Part of the beauty of a long and successful (notice I didn't say happy)marriage is the history you end up having with that one special person.That my friends is beautiful!I personally have been with my husband 30 years (we got together when I was 19)and in that time we've both grown and changed.We've certainly had our share of rough patches some pretty nasty, but we've managed to get through them and enjoyed so much good and funny stuff too.I have a tendancy to ramble so I'll close with this; as with so many things in life I may not always like my husband, but I always love him. :)
you really can't blame marriage for a suicide.a person who will do that (not just attempted ; a cry foe help)has more problems than a rotten even abusive marriage.
I agree Marie, every situation is different and there is no one right solution for the good of the children. My step children survived a nasty divorce ( no mediation at that time) and now have long term excellent marriages and their own kids. They are far happier and well adjusted them many adult children I know, of their age, who came from non-divorced parents.
Sarcasm or not, looks to me Local, that you're the one who can't let go of the water issue.
If two happily married parents are good for kids, why not three or four? Or, ultimately, what is really the cause of the damage alleged here that comes with divorce or the absence of a bio-parent? It seems to me that what's good for kids comes down to adequate emotional and material resources being available to them.
Does Mr. Emery believe that kids need feminine and masculine role models within their immediate household and, therefore, oppose gay marriage?
See there. I knew if we looked hard enough we could find a way to blame everything (even the divorce rate) on Tom Frederick. Get a rope...
The article says:"All this promotion of happy marriage has come with some controversy. Another group, the Brooklyn-based Alternatives to Marriage Project, has spoken out against the now UVA-based group for allegedly ignoring the needs of those who can't marry due to legal or moral reasons."
You might be able to fix the legal ones but the "moral" ones are not legal ones and should not be dealt with through legal means ie: public schools advocating the gay agenda under the disguise of tolerance.
There is nothing wrong with teaching tolerance and acceptance of the alternative lifestyles out there which include homosexuals. There is something wrong with the government telling somone that they must accept as "normal" people of the same sex cohabitating when their religion teaches them otherwise. Society will solve these issues without government interference or intervention.
Separation of church and state etc...


text:
As the 2009 NBA playoffs wrapped up, fans began pondering about life without basketball – if only for a few months. Luckily with emergence of social media and the overwhelming NBA presence on these platforms there has been no "off-season". Fans went straight from playoffs to mock drafts, to free agent frenzy to what I call "Marketing Season". I'm not sure its been all positive, but you can't deny that it's kept the game relevant even though the shot clock is off.
Here are some of the highlights along with some link love…
D Wade is the "Worst Rapper"?
Looks like Baron Davis has recruited Wade to start up a contest on I Beat You (a business venture of Baron's) Previously we have seen the likes of Steve Nash and Chris Bosh take part in contests but this one has the potential of being great if they can get Shaq and Ron Ron to enter.
Check out the Flash show of his skills on the mic – Rap 1 Rap 2
Shaq steps into the ring
Sir Charles in Charge: Shaquille O'Neal On Raw (…)
Talk Hoops: Shaq Fu Part 2
Waiting For Next Year: While We're Waiting… Shaquille O'Neal on Raw
Shaq gets "blocked"
D.C. Sports Bog: Shaq Denied Entrance to White House
True Hoop: Shaquille O'Neal vs. the Secret Service
Binary Basketball: Shaq's White House Marketing 101
Shaq steps into reality
BDL: Shaq to face Phelps, Pujols and De La Hoya in new reality show
Awful Announcing: Shaq To Take On Various Athletes In New Reality Show
King James Gospel: The Big Diesel vs. Big Ben?
Dwight Howard – Hey Wooorrrrld!
Right now Dwight Howard has pretty much set himself up to take over the most loveable big man title. He is everywhere – Twitter, Facebook, uSTREAM. His blog is updated on the regular giving his fans access like never before.
Stephon Marbury has escaped from the BOX
For your enjoyment – Here you can find an MP3 of one of the famous quotes from #marburython and RedsArmy has a t-shirt ready to go
J.A Adande (ESPN): Streaming Steph is a sad, sad show
NBA Musings: When eccentric stops being fun
Empty the Bench: What's Your Favorite Quote from Steph's Live Stream?
Hoops Manifesto: He Blew His Mind Out
The Race to 50K – CB4 v/s CV31
I wrote on the subject earlier in the month on HoH
Bleacher Report: An interview with Charlie Villanueva
Raptors Republic: The #50k Fail
Red's Army: Villanueva, Bosh race to 50K on Twitter
Ron Artest pays tribute to Michael Jackson
World Star Hip Hop: click here for the full version (H/T RoShine)
NBA Fanhouse: Ron Artest's Tribute to Michael Jackson
Lake Show Life:Ron Artest's Michael Jackson Rap Crap
Ron Artest – Live in Concert
Sharapova's Thigh: Ron Artest Rapping in China
The Faster Times: Ron Artest Brings the Hood to China
That NBA Lottery Pick: Ron Artest Rap Tour hits China
UPDATE: Ron Artest Reflects – THE BRAWL
Had to throw this in. Ron Artest who has been touring China hopped onto twitter and posted the video along with the tweet: @96TruwarierQB Shin Shin wanted to know so I told her
If I'm missing any stories… put in 'em in the comments

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Commercial Use rights for Live content
The Library and Live Pack content that comes with any version of Ableton Live is royalty-free for license holders.
All sounds, presets, samples or musical examples contained in the software can be used to create your own original musical compositions, provided that additional material is added, and the respective presets, sound samples and musical examples will be significantly transformed.
You may not reformat, mix, filter, re-synthesize or otherwise alter the presets, sound samples and musical examples contained to the Software for use in any kind of commercial sampling product/package or software without the express written consent of Ableton.
You may neither use the Demo Songs in your musical composition nor may you reformat, mix, filter, re-synthesize or otherwise alter the Demo Songs.


text:
I was doing a little catching up on some blog reading today and came across a new post from Adam Machanic (Blog | Twitter). The post is titled Who Are You and is asking for input from the readers. Quite frankly, I think it is a great idea. Adam is asking for people to do a little stand up and tell everybody a thing or two about themselves. He wanted that info left in the comments, but I thought it would be better to write a post on the topic and link back to it.
First things first. Why is this a good idea? Well, it helps to know the readers as Adam said. There truly is a nice bit of satisfaction when somebody leaves a comment on your blog. It is even better when you feel like you know that person. Better yet is to know that there are people you know that are reading your blog – whether or not they comment. There are plenty of people (judging from the comments) that Adam knows and that read his blog but may not leave a lot of comments. It is also really helpful to know the interests of the readers and try to put out some stuff that may be of interest to them. I see this being of particular help when there is a little writers block.
What about me?
My name is Jason Brimhall and I have been doing database stuff for a little over 10 years. My current title at my employer is Database Architect. I am more than a database architect – I get to wear many hats. I get to do the Architect stuff, administrator stuff, warehouse stuff, and occasionally I get to write a stored proc or two. I have been blogging now for just about 9 months. I have administered 4500+ servers as well as 1TB+ databases. I have worked on SQL 6.5 – SQL 2008 as well as a spattering of Oracle and MySQL (don't quiz me on those). I live in Las Vegas and am the Vice President of the local Users Group (Web | Twitter ) (which reminds me that I need to get that UG twitter account notice out). Outside of work, I like to spend time with my children as well as play basketball and run.
Edit: I forgot to tell you what my twitter handle is…@sqlrnnr


text:
For those around the world who love Texas and Texas history, the Texas History
Page on the Internet is an encyclopedia of Texas History and a lot more. The new Texas History Page on
the Internet is an alternative to other Texas History sites. The basic idea behind the new Texas History Page
is to take an online history book about Texas and Texans in as many directions as possible with the addition of
photographs, scans of actual primary documents, bibliographical sources, genealogical information, book reviews,
whole books now in the public domain, transcriptions of famous documents, current information about historical
groups and societies and the latest discoveries about Texas History.
Other Texas History sites are cookie cutters of each other and some are stale in
their approach to Texas History. We will be making every effort to avoid these pitfalls.
Many people are not satisfied with many of the historical articles and inaccuracies found on other
sites about Texas on the Internet. But they have no way of correcting errors or having their histories published.
The Texas History Page on the Internet will provide a place for them to write their own histories with what they
have discovered or know from other sources. On other Texas history sites, only one article by one author is
accepted on a given subject. The Texas History Page will allow more than one article on a given subject in Texas
history by more than one author. Perfect for professors of history who want to publish a particular article,
university students who want to publish their Texas history thesis for the world to read or the family historian
who wants to write a family history about a particular ancestor or family who lived in early Texas or later.
Let me hear your suggestions for the Texas History Page Blog and the Texas History Page on the Internet.
Submit Your Texas History Article
The Texas History Page is accepting history articles now about:


text:
Map & Facilities
= Featured Locations
The following remain closed: all playgrounds, all pools, some spray features, beaches and all other areas & facilities east of Lake Shore Drive except for the Lakefront Trail, harbors and golf courses. 100+ spray features are open now. Water fountains remain off. The Lakefront Trail and The 606 are open, users must keep it moving. Most fieldhouses are open 9 am – 5 pm weekdays for washrooms and shelter only. GO HERE to learn more.
1122 W. 34th Pl.
Chicago, IL 60608


text:
In many IT organizations, there is one true "religion" that defines how projects are undertaken and managed. The methodology of the day is faithfully adhered to and nonbelievers are pressured to convert. A given IT religion can last a long time, then suddenly be abandoned when people lose faith in its efficacy or its primary evangelist leaves.
When this happens, all the progress made under the prior method is often deemed of little or no value, and reinvention becomes the order of the day.
These abrupt shifts in IT approaches aren't new. They've been going on for more than 40 years and can occur in any number of subsections in the software development life cycle and IT practices, such as enterprise architecture, IT service management, and project and portfolio management. And, of course, software development is particularly prone to it.
The numerous software development methodologies a company considers represent many community-specific articulations of processes and practices. Over time, these fragmented approaches can become inward looking and bloated, with overlapping and inconsistent practices from potentially competing methodologies. As their overstated benefits decline, IT organizations change methodologies, which is one of the most fruitful sources of waste and expense: Each time an organization embraces a new methodology, it triggers a large change management exercise. Within IT, this change typically involves a three-to-five year process that results in the following direct costs for a 1,000-person IT organization:
- Consulting, training, and mentoring costs to go from novice to competent, and even expert, using Stuart and Hubert Dreyfus' skill acquisition model. For 1,000 people, this can cost $1 million to $2 million.
- Knowledge management, to avoid the risk of relying on tacit knowledge in the heads of coaches and consultants. If performed, the capture of standard work, or "our way of working," results in more than $1 million in costs related to process-related software.
- Changes in approach can also trigger the need for new process management tools. Cost can range from free to $1 million or more.
- Costs related to putting a new software delivery infrastructure in place. Hitting the reset button can cost upward of $5 million.
One hidden cost that frequently exceeds all the other items put together is lost productivity due to employees resisting change because they prefer or are just comfortable with the previous way of doing things. McKinsey's study "Organizing For Successful Change Management," on strategic change initiatives, such as TQM, Lean Six Sigma, and business process reengineering, finds that about 70% of the investments into these initiatives fail to achieve the expected outcomes.
Gartner estimates that worldwide IT spending last year was $1.6 trillion, with IT services at $816 billion as the largest component of that figure. Typically, 3% to 10% of the IT services budget allocations can be associated with process improvement initiatives, so we can estimate that $17 billion in spending is doomed to not deliver the intended results (70% of $24.5 billion). And that doesn't include opportunity costs associated with failed process improvement and costs associated with lost productivity during the change.
Additionally, some portion of total worldwide IT spending last year is only implicitly allocated to process improvement, which could be thought of as "just-in-time" process improvement during a project. So if we believe that 14% of software engineering efforts are outright failures (see Dr. Dobbs 2010 IT Project Success Rates), that's another uncounted cost.
Software development methodologies are "more akin to fads and fashion than engineering discipline," according to the Software Engineering Methods and Theory Initiative. And it's safe to conclude that the hidden and indirect costs associated with these methodologies represent a very large number indeed — one that's not declining at a discernible pace.
Isolation vs. Integration
When searching for a solution to the problem of switching among software development m"ethodologies, it's instructive to look at the history of software development approaches. Software methodologies have endured a high degree of branching and differentiation. The question with all of this history and the explosion of "named" methods that naturally arises is, "Are they really that different?" In fact, there are just three main lineages of modern method development — lean, agile, and unified process.
Over time, each of these branches resulted in various branded methods based on the corporate experiences out of which they emerged. Lean approaches trace their roots back to manufacturing, specifically to the study of the Toyota production and product development system. The unified process is derived primarily from risk-averse environments, such as finance, defense, and aerospace. Agile emerged from a business climate where tight time-to-market expectations and flexible requirements are the norm.
Each branch started from a much smaller set of experiences.
Unfortunately, the constant differentiation has resulted in what we have today: a jargon-filled confusion of siloed tribes made up of uncollaborative zealots.
While it's reasonable to assume that no two software methodologies are exactly the same, it's equally reasonable that no two are entirely different. One naturally might conclude that common ground does exist. Is there some way to harvest past experience without reinventing the wheel?
A good place to start is by taking one or more practices from each of the three lineages that reasonably deliver value within the software delivery constraints you face. Such an approach should include specialized contributions and focus on harvesting pragmatic experience, not reinventing your process.


text:
You must login before you can run this tool.
Crystalline Cellulose - Atomistic Toolkit
Crystalline Cellulose - Atomistic Toolkit
Version 1.4 - published on 03 Sep 2014
doi:10.4231/D3N58CM7S cite this
This tool is closed source.
Published on
This utility is capable of modeling crystalline cellulose of different sizes and shapes, ranging from single chains to fully-sized crystals. A simple but very powerful graphical user interface allows generating and visualizing the desire crystalline structure. A seamless integration with LAMMPS simulation package gives full atomistic simulation capabilities with trajectory visualization (Jmol) and relevant thermodynamic information. [1] Atomic coordinates extracted from Nishiyama et al. 2002 for cellulose Ib.
Cite this work
Researchers should cite this work as follows:


text:
The veterinary profession: who's in charge?
Have you ever wondered what to do if you aren't happy with the actions of your vet? Most people realise that vets have codes of conduct and ethics that they need to adhere to, but how does this work in practice? What happens to a vet if they stray from the correct professional path?
Vets are a "self regulating" profession, like many other professions such as doctors, lawyers and dentists. The phrase "self regulating" does not fit well with twenty first century concepts of fairness and objective justice. It sounds as if vets are allowed to just get on with their own thing, putting their own interests first. After all, how can someone be expected to regulate themselves as firmly as they would be if controlled by an independent third party?
The historical basis behind self regulation is the concept that the professions operate in a market where the consumer can never have full and equal knowledge with the professional. Whereas anyone can see if a grocery product is adequate, if your doctor tells you that some complex test is needed, or your dentist tells you that you need a filling, or your vet tells you that your dog needs an MRI scan, how can you judge if the advice is correct? There's an inherent imbalance in information and knowledge between the professional and the customer which makes it difficult for consumers to shop around in the same way as they can in other free market situations. To address this imbalance in the market place, governments need to have a system that forces the professions to adhere to certain standards. And the only people who know enough about a specific profession, in order to be able to understand what's going on, are members of that profession. Hence the concept of "self regulation".
The government has created legislation which delegates the legal authority for controlling a profession from the state civil service to the self-regulating professional body. This authority includes aspects such as setting standards for who may enter the profession, setting standards of practice, and creating rules for when and how members may be removed from the profession.
Self regulation also includes a complaints and discipline system which allows members of the public to raise concerns about services that a professional provides to them, as well as providing a process to investigate and, if necessary, discipline any member of a profession who fails to meet professional standards of practice. This system is designed to protect the public from incompetent or unethical practitioners.
In recent years, there have been concerns that there may be too much "self" in the self regulating professions. If a doctor/dentist/vet misbehaves, is it fair that they should be judged by a panel of doctors/dentists/vets? Surely there's a risk of people "looking after their own" – deciding in favour of the professional rather than the public interest? As a response to these concerns, there has been an increasing tendency to include lay people on the disciplinary councils of professional bodies.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the regulating professional body for vets and vet nurses in the UK, with the stated aim "to safeguard the health and welfare of animals under veterinary care, protect the interests of those dependent on animals and assure public health."
Many people seem to mistakenly believe that the RCVS is there "to look after vets", and that its role is to promote the profession in some way. There's no doubt that its role is complex: yes, it does need to help to ensure that the veterinary profession is healthy and well-organised. But its job is not to look after vets: rather, its job is to look after animals and members of the public.
Pet owners who have had complaints about their own vets may find this difficult to believe: when a grievance is not dealt with severely enough, it's easy to blame the RCVS rather than other complicating factors.
However, a recent development at the RCVS may begin to convince more pet owners about the objectivity of the system: the new chief executive and secretary of the RCVS is a man with a track record of being a champion for the consumer. Nick Stace, who takes up his post on 3rd September, was formerly the Chief Executive Officer for CHOICE, Australia's equivalent of the consumer group Which. Nick's role has been described as "leading the College into a new phase of modernisation and development".
If the general public has felt left out of veterinary regulatory activities in the past, it looks like this may be about to change.
6 thoughts on "The veterinary profession: who's in charge?"
so many links about complaints are not active here.
I want to complain. Where do I go?
Why are vets once again charging so much for medicines
Metacam from vet £30 same size online £6 but I am charged ££20 for a prescription


text:
Analysis: Votes Unequal in Mo. Congressional Race
JEFFERSON CITY - The American political standard of "one person, one vote" won't apply when nominees are selected to replace southeast Missouri congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson.
Most of the voters in the district won't get to cast ballots to decide the party nominees. Some will get to vote twice. And some people who don't even live in the district will get to vote.
Those oddities stem from a Missouri law that gives political party committees the task of nominating candidates when there are congressional vacancies. State law says those nominating committees are to be made up of the party chair and vice chair of each county, plus the committee chair and vice chair of each state House district that is at least partially in the congressional district. Some committee members hold multiple positions.


text:
Super-set №1
We are pleased to inform you that the electronic construction set ZNATOK Super-set No.1 won at the International Toy and Game Exhibition in Hong Kong HKTDC Toys & Games Fair 2018 in nomination «Best Electronic & radio-controlled toys», and was also awarded a prize «Golden Bear», as the best toy of 2017 in Russia!
Why "Super" ?
Because this is the most appropriate word for this set! Even if you have separate sets "Smart machine", "The Magic of the Voice", "Alternative energy", "320 schemes" and even "Super-Meter", then all the same in this set you will find new schemes, absent in the mentioned above sets.
But this does not mean that all known circuits and electronic components are collected here. For example, in sets "For school and home" or "Alternative energy" there are many other interesting schemes and details!
To the construction set we attached a colorful "User's Guide" to assemble various projects. In addition, in the attached book you will find a list and description of the elements of the construction set. For the convenience of placing items in the box on the last cover there is a layout for the elements.


text:
The Montessori Mafia
It may seem like a laughable "only in New York" story that Manhattan mother, Nicole Imprescia, is suing her 4-year-old daughter's untraditional private preschool for failing to prepare her for a private school admissions exam. But her daughter's future and ours might be much brighter with a little less conditioning to perform well on tests and more encouragement to discover as they teach in Montessori schools. Ironically, the Montessori educational approach might be the surest route to joining the creative elite, which are so overrepresented by the school's alumni that one might suspect a Montessori Mafia: Google's founders Larry Page and Sergei Brin, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, videogame pioneer Will Wright, and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, not to mention Julia Child and rapper Sean "P.Ditty" Combs.


text:
Thanks for the heads up.
I wonder how the animated Boba Fett will be handled.
SWS.com didn't exist two years ago? That doesn't sound right.
Indeed it did exist even three years ago but they were not in attendance with a booth at C-III.
Quote from: Morgbug on May 10, 2007, 12:16 PMIndeed it did exist even three years ago but they were not in attendance with a booth at C-III. Well, you must have had one too many beers or something because they were at Celebration III.Granted, they didn't have anything for sale there, but they were there with signings and freebies (those little red wristband dealies).
So for you lucky individuals going who got pre-orders in at GG?
OK, THIS IS IT, GUYS:The 200 keys for NON-ATTENDEES will go on sale Tuesday, May 15th, at 10am, PST. Again, PLEASE do not buy one of these if you are going to the show. It's kind of a crappy thing to do since you have an opportunity to get one from a much larger pool of keys!The pre-order for ATTENDEES to pick up their keys at the show will take place two days later, Thursday, May 17th, at 10am.We have set up a new site to take care of all of this. The site can be found at the following address:Character Key WebsiteGood luck to everyone!-Morly
Attendee Pre-Order InformationThe Grand Moff Tarkin Character Key will be available for pre-order for customers attending Celebration IV. Attendee pre-orders can only be picked up at our booth (#404) and will not be shipped. Orders not picked up by 12 noon on Monday, May 24th will be canceled and offered to walk-up attendees on a first come, first serve basis. Please bring your order receipt with you when picking up. Celebration IV begins Thursday, May 24th and ends Monday, May 28th. We hope to see you there. Non-Attendee Pre-Order InformationFor our customers not attending Celebration IV, Acme will make available a quantity of 200 character keys for order online. These keys will not ship until June 1st. There is a limit of one (1) piece per person - either Attendee or Non-Attendee. Please do not order from both pre-sales as we will be cross-referencing the lists in order to enforce the limit of one per person. Non-Attendee orders will not be available for pick up at our booth. There is an additional $3.00 shipping and handling flat fee for our Non-Attendee orders. Finally, PLEASE do not order one of the 200 Non-Attendee character keys if you are in fact going to attend Celebration IV. Thank you.
Page created in 0.054 seconds with 20 queries.


text:
Utah Silhouette Laser Cut Appliques
Silhouette comes in Black Cotton
Silhouettes comes as one individual piece.
NOTE: Heat'n'bond sewable backing is NOW available. It's now easier to choose
your appliques with backing. Simply choose the size that says "WITH backing" .
The price has now been changed to include the cost of the backing.
The ideas are endless------ Can be machine or hand appliqued.
Appliques are cut with a laser and are 100% accurate.
- Silhouette measures 8"H x 6.4"W
- Silhouette measures 9"H x 7.25"W
- Silhouette measures 10"H x 8"W
- Material is 100% cotton


text:
Monday, September 21, 2009
Preschool Snack Bento #4 - Cheesy Zucchini Bread & More
My mom makes what she calls "zucchini appetizers" with fresh zucchini grown from her garden. They are similar in composition to a cornbread, but with no corn. Instead, they are flattish bread with zucchini, parmesan and spices. When we were home in Canada during the summer, she made them for a dinner and Ben liked them. Of course, we did tell him they were "CHEESY appetizers" and didn't really elaborate on the zucchini part. He also accepted that the "green stuff" was seasonings.
Today for snack at school, Ben has a sliced boiled egg and a piece of yummy "cheesy appetizer".
Recipe for Zucchini Appetizers, Cheesy Appetizers, Zucchini Herb Bread, whatever you'd like to call it:
3 cups sliced zucchini
1 cup Bisquick
1/2 cup chopped onion (or 1 tblsp minced dried onion flakes)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 c oil
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 tsp oregano
Combine all ingredients and spread into greased pan.
Bake for 50 minutes at 350 or until baked through and lightly golden.
When about 5 minutes from done, top with shredded cheese and bake for a couple more minutes to melt.
Slice into squares while still warm.
**My note - Besides slicing the zucchini, you can shred it in a food processor. Ben has more trouble identifying it that way and I actually prefer it shredded too.
7 comments:
Sound tasty. I still have zucchini in the garden, so I can give this a try.ReplyDelete
I (we) are just back into packing lunches after a hiatus and I am really enjoying the ideas here. Thanks for sharing! The zucchini "cheesy" bread sounds great! I just made apple bread (we have 3 apple trees!) so will finish that off before trying this though.ReplyDelete
What size pan?ReplyDelete
I think I used an 8x8 square one? I also have a smaller (maybe 7 or 8 x 11 or so) rectangular one, so it might have been that.ReplyDelete
This looks yummy! But we don't do bisquick, any thoughts on what I could replace it with?ReplyDelete
Michelle, you can make your own "Bisquick" mix:ReplyDelete
1 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Crisco
This is the equivalent of one cup of Bisquick. It has to be stored in the fridge, though.
Shannon--These are TDF!! Love them. I made them in cupcake tins and they worked great. No need to cut them.ReplyDelete
@ Michelle: I googled a homemade Bisquick and they turned out great.


text:
Where to lay your head
Starting in the north of this long and slender island, Ao Noi Na is a fine option with a small village feel near Nadan Pier. Nearby Samet Village has the island's only real selection of rooms for less than 1,000 baht a night. Next comes Laem Yai with its confusion of resorts set along a rocky coast, followed by mostly pricey beach resorts on Haad Sai Kaew. Ao Hin Khok was traditionally a backpacker enclave that still hangs on to a few old huts. Next comes a lively atmosphere on Ao Phai, the last of the busy northern beaches.
Continue south and you'll reach a crossroads: right (west) leads to Ao Phrao's three upscale resorts, while left (east) carries on to conveniently located Ao Tubtim. Just south of that is tiny Ao Nuan, followed by mostly dire accommodation on beautiful Ao Cho. Then comes Ao Wong Duean, Ko Samet's second longest beach at roughly the centre of the east coast.
South of Ao Wong Duean stretches rocky Ao Sang Thian, which tapers into Ao Lung Dum's old-style beach bum vibe. A more remote feel overtakes Ao Wai and Ao Pakarang, both featuring just one resort each in the far south. In between is Ao Kiu Na Nok, a small beach that's fully occupied by the lavish Paradee Resort's rooms starting at 15,000 baht a night.
Not sure where to stay on Ko Samet? here is a primer to get you started,
Save money, receive our latest updates and get the most out of your travels.
You'll notice an unusually high number of poor reviews when browsing Ko Samet's resorts and guesthouses on the big booking sites. Does the island attract picky travellers with unreasonable expectations, or is the accommodation really that rough? It's a little of both, as it turns out, but fear not: We've sifted the saffron from the soot to uncover solid options in all price ranges. The... Read our full review of Where to stay on Ko Samet, Thailand.
Facing north towards the mainland, Ao Noi Na is accessed by its own narrow road and has several modest houses along with a handful of resorts. The coast is rocky near Nadan Pier but turns into a splendid white-sand beach in front of Mooban Talay Resort. Narrower patches of sand are found in between, though high tide erases most of them and the many piers can make swimming difficult. Ao Noi Na's low-key village vibe is a good choice if you want easy access to conveniences -- Samet Village is within walking distance -- but also prefer to steer clear of the busier beaches.
An easily overlooked resort in a quiet setting, Chom Samed offers spacious and comfortable rooms in freestanding wood cabins or a three-storey polished concrete stack. Either are solid choices. Around a dozen stilted dark-wood cabins overlook a lawn filled with frangipani, swings and hammocks, with an attractive three-storey concrete structure and the reception area on the other side. All... Read our full review of Chom Samed Resort.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
With a name that translates as "Sea Village," Mooban Talay was one of the first upscale resorts to appear back when Samet was still mainly a backpacker island. Arriving early to the party allowed it to snag one of the best locations on Samet: a wide expanse of tree-lined land fronting a beautiful beach with views to Khao Laem Ya and the mainland. The resort made the most of the property... Read our full review of Mooban Talay Resort.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Located midway between Nadan Pier and the good part of Ao Noi Na beach, Baan Pra Kai Kaew serves up well-equipped air-con rooms in detached concrete bungalows or in a concrete guesthouse set on stilts over the sea. It's a comfy choice if you're searching in the 900 to 1,900 baht range -- especially if you like German food and beer. A German/Thai couple runs the small resort (or large... Read our full review of Baan Pra Kai Kaew.
Sporting a collection of white concrete villas set over rocks within a few steps of the surf, the old Sunrise Villas underwent major renovations in recent years. The once-grimy bungalows have re-emerged as smart and comfortable rooms in a convenient location with sea views. The mini-resort offers older/smaller bungalows built at ground level and some larger editions set on chunky concrete... Read our full review of Sunrise Villas.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Clustered along the main drag from Nadan Pier to Haad Sai Kaew, Ko Samet's not-so-charming village is a good place to score affordable rooms, meals, motorbikes and massages. The village doesn't win points for atmosphere, but backpackers and long stayers may find that it makes a good base with the island's best selection of food at your fingertips.
A bunch of small guesthouses with mostly air-con rooms for around 1,000 baht a night are on offer here. We recommend only a few places (reviewed below), but you'll find passable rooms and standoffish service at Mossman House, I-Talay Trio Guesthouse, Samet Smile House, Miss Hong House and Koh Kaew Village, to name a handful. Beyond these "official" guesthouses, many of the pubs and cafes also rent out a room or two.
Opened in 2014, Olly's Bar and Hostel came as a much-needed option for budget travellers on pricey Ko Samet. At research time it was the only hostel on the island -- and it's a good one. Olly offers a mixed dorm room set in an attached concrete building just back from the street. Guests staying in one of the roughly 12 bunks, including some that accommodate two guests, will use several... Read our full review of Olly's Bar and Hostel.
Run by an affable Canadian/Thai couple with help from their adorable little girl, Red Ginger has three rooms located above and behind the phenomenal restaurant of the same name. With violet walls and a Bohemian vibe, two small and basic double rooms are well suited to solo travellers while a larger upper-floor edition with four beds will do the trick for groups. Both options come with... Read our full review of Red Ginger.
Falling somewhere between miniature resort and large guesthouse, Barbados Terrace has freestanding concrete bungalows packed around a garden just off a quiet stretch of the main drag. This isn't a place where you'd probably want to hang out during the day, but it wouldn't be so bad if you had to. Most of Barbados' rooms come in the form of detached bungalows with small porches clustered... Read our full review of Barbados Terrace.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Samet's longest and busiest beach has several tired old resorts to the south that were practically built on top of one another. These include Ploy Talay, Sai Kaew Villa, Sinsamut and White Sand, and we wouldn't recommend any of them. If seeking a room in the 1,000 to 3,000 baht range without sacrificing a seaside location, head a smidge south to Ao Hin Khok or north to Laem Yai. If you've got more to spend, a few quality resorts are found on the northern half of the beach.
With its modernist villas, chic blue-and-white decor and tropical accents, the long-running Haad Sai Kaew Beach Resort sets the luxury bar on Samet's most popular beach. It's an excellent choice if you're up for a splurge. The cheapest deluxe rooms are about a two-minute walk from the beach and, while perfectly comfortable and with all the mod cons you'd expect, offer questionable value... Read our full review of Saikaew Beach Resort.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Squeezed between two of Samet's biggest resorts, Summerday is a more stylish and personable place to stay on a beach where most places lack personality. It makes up for the lack of a swimming pool with multiple hammocks, loungers and a bar looking straight towards the sea. Set in an attached single-floor building, the six rooms feature brick walls painted white, framed black-and-white... Read our full review of Summerday Beach Resort.
( Read more on Agoda.com )
For an all-in-one midrange beach resort, the Grand View gets it done. Set on a prime patch of Haad Sai Kaew, this large-scale resort has a lively vibe to go with half a dozen different room options. The resort's various buildings were added piecemeal over the years: After getting used to the newest rooms in a sleek polished concrete building it can feel like wandering into an entirely... Read our full review of Grand View Hat Sai Kaew .
( Read more on Agoda.com )
The addition of air-con in most rooms thrust Laem Yai Hut into the flashpacker range as of 2016. Even so, the ragtag old joint held onto a lazy backpacker atmosphere that's otherwise missing from the Haad Sai Kaew vicinity. The revamped rooms aren't too shabby if you can put up with non-existent service. Laem Yai Hut has a fabulous location on a leafy hill that stretches from one side of... Read our full review of Laem Yai Hut House.
A rocky cape extending from Haad Sai Kaew's northern end, Laem Yai's north coast has a tightly packed cluster of small resorts stacked so closely together that it can feel like a maze. Often with sea views and quiet atmospheres, some of them are solid options for a comfy stay in the flashpacker range. Larissa Resort has a tiny stretch of sand, but most who stay here stroll over to nearby Haad Sai Kaew for beach time.
The funkiest and most affordable of the Samed Resorts group's eight offerings on the island, Baan Supparod rose from the demise of an old budget joint that closed in 2014. Though certainly not cheap, it's worth considering for a quiet cottage within a five-minute walk of Haad Sai Kaew. White wood-and-concrete cottages are spread fairly far apart over a leafy hill leading down to a rocky... Read our full review of Baan Supparod.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Easily overlooked amid a tangle of small resorts, Larissa has four rows of white concrete villas to go with its own little sandy beach. Simple yet comfy rooms, quiet atmosphere, cheerful staff and convenient location are all selling points here. Spacious freestanding villas face one another across narrow lawns with a few trees. While you don't get a sea view through the glass sliding doors,... Read our full review of Larissa Resort.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
A small beach stretching just south of Haad Sai Kaew and north of Ao Phai, Ao Hin Khok has three long-running places to stay on the inland side of the road. While most of the rooms now fall into the flashpacker range, Naga has kept a handful of very basic fan-cooled bungalows.
Tok's Little Hut made a major turnaround since our previous visit. A strong selection of revamped air-con rooms stretch up the hill overlooking Ao Hin Khok, and it seems that staff attitudes had undergone renovations as well. The older Thai guys who run the place were quick to show us several different rooms; the man who led us around even apologised to a couple of guests for not getting... Read our full review of Tok's Little Hut.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Along with basic accommodation, well dug-in Naga Bungalows has a post office, internet shop, mini-library, tour desk, money exchange office, gem dealer, bar and restaurant, though the old muay Thai ring was missing at research time. Climbing up the concrete steps with mythical naga serpents for handrails takes you to a concrete roofed platform with reception and many of the services mentioned... Read our full review of Naga Bungalows.
Party-oriented Ao Phai packs a lot into a pint-sized bay. The whole central stretch of the beach is dominated by Silversand, known more for thumping parties than its forgettable rooms. You'll also find some quieter spots around the fringes of the bay that we recommend below.
White bungalows dot a tree-lined hill at Ao Pai Hut, the first place that you'll see if coming from nearby Ao Hin Khok. As long as you don't expect much in the way of service, you'll probably be psyched with some of the cheapest fan bungalows that we came across on Samet. The old wood-and-cement bungalows with metal roofs still look handsome from the outside, even if they've seen... Read our full review of Ao Pai Hut.
If you simply need an affordable air-con room to retire to after partying the night away on Ao Phai, Samed Inn has got you covered. Located just up the road from Silversand, the small and straightforward inn delivers function over form. Accessed by steep stairs, the rooms aren't huge and definitely won't be highlights of your travel memories, but they will get the job done for a decent... Read our full review of Samed Inn.
( Read more on Agoda.com )
With its lush tropical gardens, uniformed staff and relaxing atmosphere, Samed Villa is like the responsible adult of the bay, staring down disapprovingly at the juvenile beach bars. Located at the quieter southern end of the bay and extending for quite a distance over the rocks, the resort maintains an air of quietude that's hard to find on Ao Phai. The elegant resort has a selection of smart... Read our full review of Samed Villa.
Also known as Ao Pudsa, medium-size Ao Tubtim is one of our favourite beaches on Samet. With only two places to stay on the beach and a couple of guesthouses on the dirt access road, the location is strategic for day trips to all other parts of the island. Often filling up on weekends, the resorts attract a mix of Thais and foreigners, including a lot of families.
Located an easy stroll from Ao Tubtim along a dirt road, Sky Friend Guesthouse is worth considering if you want nothing more than a cheapish air-con room to sleep in. The family-run establishment has about a dozen rooms set on the second floor of a concrete house fronted by a large shared terrace with a few tables. The double room that we inspected was a straightforward deal with air-con,... Read our full review of Sky Friend Guesthouse.
In business since 1981, the venerable Tubtim Resort has done an excellent job of maintaining older rooms and adding some new ones from time to time. Stretching over a gradual hill from the centre of Ao Tubtim all the way to the southern rocks, the resort dominates the bay. With footpaths meandering through flower bushes, trees and dark-wood bungalows that are spaced fairly apart from one... Read our full review of Tubtim Resort.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Going with Ao Tubtim's alternate name, long-running Pudsa Bungalows offers a string of simple concrete rooms in the spirit of low-key Thai island life. You'll do fine here if your only expectation is a great seaside location. The cheapest tin-roof wood bungalows with fans are cramped and grimey, with old linens on rock-hard beds, cold-water bathrooms with bucket-flush toilets and tiny... Read our full review of Pudsa Bungalows.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Squeezed between Ao Tubtim, Ao Cho and a wooded hill, tiny Ao Nuan's lone place to stay is among the only places left on Samet where you can snag a simple bungalow with a remote, old-style vibe. If staying here you can while away the days on a private beach by day, and then head to the nearby beaches after dark for some eating and drinking variety.
Ao Nuan Bungalows is one of the few spots left on Samet where you're more likely to hear the song of birds and drill of cicadas rather than rumbling speedboats and parties. Throw in a private cove location that puts you within easy walking distance of the conveniences of Ao Wong Duean and Ao Tubtim, and you've got one of our all-time favourite places to stay on the island. The back... Read our full review of Ao Nuan Bungalows.
Ao Cho beach has a lot going for it: fluffy white sand, clear water and even a wood pier that you can jump off at high tide. Unfortunately, the accommodation is dismal save one pricey resort at the south end. At the centre, Lung Wang and Tarntawa are both run down, while Tongta Pha View at the north end charges a solid 1,000 baht more than their rooms are worth. Here's a secret: If you stay at Blue Sky Resort in Ao Wong Duean's northern corner, you can snag a basic fan bungalow facing south over Ao Cho.
Like its sister property up in Haad Sai Kaew, the Grand View Hideaway Resort has a clash of rooms that were built in different eras and with totally different designs. If you don't mind the lack of a focused theme, it's a comfortable choice stretching over the entire south side of Ao Cho. Clustered close together behind the reception and restaurant area, the original concrete villas are... Read our full review of Ao Cho Grand View Hideaway Resort.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Families and couples seeking comforts and conveniences, but not all-night beach parties, tend to favour Ao Wong Duean's long half-moon of silky white sand. With all of the same conveniences found on Haad Sai Kaew, the bay hosts several solid-value midrange resorts along with a confusion of flashpacker spots and even one backpacker joint still hanging on.
Thanks to solid value and attentive service, the Bell House stands out among a cluster of flashpacker-range options packed between the bigger midrange resorts. Located a three-minute stroll from the beach and with easy access to the island's main road, the property has a small collection of freestanding concrete bungalows and rooms in an attached building, all facing a tiny lawn. The... Read our full review of Bell House.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Completely off the online booking and review site radar, Blue Sky dishes out a mix of old fan and air-con bungalows spread over the headland in Ao Wong Duean's northern corner. Consider it the unruly budget boy of the bay. Dressed up in hanging seashells and a royal blue paintjob, the wood air-con bungalow that we checked out came with woven bamboo walls, hard bed raised over a wood floor,... Read our full review of Blue Sky Bungalows.
Fronting a wide northern stretch of Ao Wong Duean, Samed Cabana offers 60 rooms set in tan cabanas along the beach and in two-floor stacks, including one set beside a swimming pool. As a midrange choice, it's a tossup between here and Vongdeuan Resort. The least expensive superior rooms are in a two-storey concrete block at the resort's rear. We'd probably spend the extra 600 baht for a... Read our full review of Samed Cabana Resort.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
A strong selection of spacious bungalows helps to make the long-running Vongdeuan Resort a reliable midrange favourite. Culminating at a big beachside swimming pool, the freestanding rooms are spread over a huge chunk of tree-lined land that was mostly preserved when concrete stacks were packed into the other end of the beach. The well-kept bungalows come in four different styles, each with a... Read our full review of Vong Deuan Resort.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Just south of busy Ao Wong Duean, Ao Sang Thian's rocky beach maintains a sedate atmosphere that befits its name, which means "Candlelight Beach." All of the small resorts fall into the flashpacker category and are especially popular with Europeans. Blending into Ao Lung Dum to the south, the beach consists of several short stripes of sand between rocks and break walls.
Sporting royal-blue bungalows near a break wall and concrete rooms built into a steep hill, Ban Khiang Talay has a laid-back vibe while offering a more present staff than at some of Ao Sang Thian's resorts. Ground-level wood bungalows with tin roofs get the job done with firm beds and cheap blankets on hardwood floors, fridges, TVs, standard wet bathrooms, large swing-open windows, blue... Read our full review of Ban Khiang Talay.
The long-running Viking Holiday Resort changed hands in 2015 and a new English-speaking manager appears to be doing a fine job with it. You still get a Thai-Nordic theme to go with thoughtfully kept rooms tucked behind a seaside restaurant. Built close together, two rooms are situated in each of the four concrete buildings. Connecting doors make these great options for families. The room that... Read our full review of Viking Holiday Resort .
( Read more on Agoda.com )
Stretching beyond some rocks to the south of Ao Sang Thian, Ao Lung Dum is a small and beautiful bay with an old-style beach gypsy vibe. While the creative Apache Bungalows enjoys most of the beachfront, the neighbouring Jelly Fish Bungalows and Ton Had Bungalows both offer air-con rooms overlooking a rocky coastline with prices and designs that are similar to Apache's air-con digs. All three are holdouts from Samet's previous life as a backpacker island -- even if their rates are now well into flashpacker range.
Signs at Apache Bungalows instruct guests to "chill" and "relax," not that you'll need the encouragement at one of Ko Samet's most laidback places to stay. The eclectic old joint has held onto its backpacker soul, even if rates now run into flashpacker territory. Look no further if you're after a chilled-out beach bungalow spot where you can let your hair down. Ramshackle — in a... Read our full review of Apache Bungalows.
Down towards the end of Samet's hilly southern tail, Ao Wai is arguably the most beautiful beach on the island. It's not huge, though, and a single resort controls the entire bay, with lacklustre concrete villas stretching from one headland to the other -- and beyond. While the resort is nothing to write home about, the location might make it worth a stay.
One of the larger resorts on the island, Samet Ville's rooms dot the length of Ao Wai along with the bay's southern headland, the forested hill that backs the bay and a neighbouring rocky bay called Ao Hin Kleang. With 14 types of white concrete rooms advertised and more being built at research time, the quality of your stay could come down to which room you choose. Our favourites are the... Read our full review of Samet Ville Resort.
( Read more on Agoda.com )
A hundred metres shy of Samet's southern tip, Ao Pakarang is a small and remote bay with a mix of sand, rocks and trees reaching out to a rocky cape. Travellers seeking serious peace and quiet can check into the charming Nimmanoradee Resort, the only place to stay. From here it will take some effort to navigate the steep hills along the road leading north up to Samet's more developed quarters.
We let out a big sigh when it came time to leave the tranquil Nimmanoradee Resort, situated near the far southern tip of Samet. Along with numerous kayaks, a small swimming pool, Thai massage salas and a gazebo-style restaurant and bar, the grounds brim with orchids, frangipani, hammocks, swings, birdsong and secluded benches and loungers. The pastel-pink windmill might be overly cutesy, but... Read our full review of Nimmanoradee Resort.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
The only notable beach found on Ko Samet's west coast, Ao Phrao is a favourite of luxury travellers who stay at one of three large resorts overlooking a pretty khaki-sand bay. The Samed Resorts group operates both the swish Le Vimarn and slightly less fancy Ao Prao Resort, while the colourful Lima Coco is a good midrange option in between. All three feature swimming pools and small armies of uniformed staff.
From the white umbrellas lining its turquoise pool to the dramatic oceanfront entranceway, Le Vimarn is one of Ko Samet's most luxurious resorts. The second priciest of the Samed Resorts group's eight properties, after top-end Paradee, the swish spot sets the tone for Ao Phrao's upscale atmosphere. Topped with thatch or wood shingles, the white villas feature vaulted woven bamboo... Read our full review of Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Spanning the hillside between a pair of pricier and more pretentious resorts, the Lima Coco shrugs off Ao Phrao's serious air with its Mediterranean-style villas sporting bright red, blue and yellow accents. Expect to see at least a few young Thai fashionistas here on the weekends. Fronted by wood-and-glass doors and terraces facing the sea, rooms are set in single-floor attached concrete... Read our full review of Lima Coco Resort.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Browse our independent reviews of places to stay in and around Ko Samet.
Check prices, availability & reviews on Agoda or Booking
Read up on where to eat on Ko Samet.
Check out our listings of things to do in and around Ko Samet.
Read up on how to get to Ko Samet, or book your transport online with 12Go Asia.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Ko Samet? Please read this.
Buy a SIM card for Thailand—pick it up at the airport when you arrive.
Browse the web securely while travelling with TunnelBear. Try with a 7–day free trial.
Sent every Monday, our newsletter is full of travel advice, news & special deals. Read past issues.


text:
Crushed and blended might have been the way that area local's Les Craig and Duane Barkeim would have preferred their drinks after a day-long paddle from Montevideo to Granite Falls. Instead, the two almost ended up simply crushed and blended themselves when high river flows and heavy winds nearly forced the pair over, or through, the Granite Falls Dam.
Crushed and blended might have been the way that area local's Les Craig and Duane Barkeim would have preferred their drinks after a day-long paddle from Montevideo to Granite Falls. Instead, the two almost ended up simply crushed and blended themselves when high river flows and heavy winds nearly forced the pair over, or through, the Granite Falls Dam.
Craig, 81, of Granite Falls and Barkeim, 72, of Hanley Falls, described weather conditions as ideal the morning that they set out on a 20 mile river trek this past Friday at 9:00 a.m in Montevideo's Lagoon Park. As relatively experienced paddlers and Navy veterans who look the part, it was the type of trip they had done many times before without incident.
Barkeim said that the trip started to get hairy when the wind began to pick up around the time that they passed Wegdahl. As they Swiftly moved down the Minnesota River in a '72 Glas-tec canoe, the boat's lack of a keel and high profile made the craft more susceptible to the whims of the winds and current, which according to the DNR was traveling hastily at around 5,000 cubic feet per second.
And, yet, the two managed––or at least until a seemingly pent up blast of wind caught the canoe's bow and overturned the craft shortly past the boat access located downstream of Gatchell's farm and before the railroad tressel. "When it hit, there was no mercy," said Barkeim, who estimated that the gust was 30-35 mph––a not unlikely figure given that 34 mph was the maximum wind speed recorded at the Granite Falls airport on the day.
Despite the initial shock to the system, the pair said the temperature of the water was not overly uncomfortable during the resulting 2.5 mile river float. More troubling was that along with their cooler, in which they had packed their lunches, were their two paddles, now floating quickly down river.
That both were wearing life jackets is a major reason each is still alive. The two said that the current was strong enough where it would have been futile to abandon the craft and swim for shore.
Unable to get back into the canoe while immersed in the river channel, the brother-in-laws worked to situate the overturned but afloat canoe in a manner where they could guide it toward the bank. Only mother nature wasn't having it, and every time they approached the land's edge the current pushed them back toward the main channel of the river. "We were talking back and forth trying to figure out what to do. We would try one bank, drift for a while then try the other," Barkeim said. But the results were always the same.
Craig and Barkeim kept level heads as the lights of Richter Field began to show in the distance. Thoughts of the approaching dam began to take a predominant role in the consciousness of the pair, but Barkeim had an idea that seemed promising.
"I told Les there is an island just up stream from the dam, perhaps we can hit it."
And so the two guided the craft on a direct course with the land mass. For a second, it seemed as if it was to be their saving grace––but then once again the current got a hold of them and ever so effortlessly moved them over and away from the island, leaving almost nothing between them and the dam.
It was at this moment that a wave of sheer terror washed over them, as they realized that all that stood between them and imminent death was a cable line of buoys about 80 yards prior to the dam.
"I said our only chance is to grasp the cable," recalled Barkeim. "And that's what we did."
Abandoning the canoe, which was subsequently pulled over the dam, the two grabbed hold of the cable and began pulling themselves from the river with each heading toward an opposite side of the bank. Barkeim recalled grasping the cable and his body shooting out like a surfboard before he was able to get himself situated on the line. Looking directly back, he could see the whirl pool created by the dam's turbine. If he let go, he would have effectively been pureed. Had Craig lost his grip, he would go the way of the canoe.
Hollering for help, the pair's pleas were overheard by water plant operator Mike Makarral who was out on the dam's catwalk. Makarral called in the emergency and within minutes members of the Yellow Medicine County Sherriff's Department and Granite Falls Police, Fire and Ambulance were on scene and heading down the banks to assist the men.
Barkeim said that by the time he approached shore he had reached total exhaustion, and that the hand of the emergency crew member that reached out to help with the final push felt like nothing less than a Godsend.
"When I saw his hand, that was about the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he said. "I actually blacked out from the time that I got out of the river up until I found myself sitting in the ambulance."
Both Craig and Barkeim were looked over by ambulance members before it was determined that there was no need for hospitalization. The canoe would later be found cracked in half on the banks of Memorial Park. Police also later located a paddle and lunch container.
Returning home, they were treated to warm drinks and a fair share of ribbing and finger wagging from family members. Asked if they would ever venture the voyage again, Craig seemed as if he'd be willing. But for Barkeim, never again.


text:
Ben Meadows:
- Quantity
- Price
- 1+
- $10.95
- 12+
- $9.95
- Description
- Specifications
- Reviews
These tough Lexan® bottles are impact-resistant even at extreme temperatures. The narrow mouth opening makes drinking and pouring easy, and the leakproof loop-top cap keeps the cap with the bottle at all times. Resists stains and odors and does not transfer tastes or smells from use to use. Withstands temperatures from -135°C (-211°F) to 135°C (275°F). BPA free.
We encourage our customers to let us know what experiences they have had with our products, whether good or bad. By submitting a review, you can share your experiences with others and also provide valuable feedback to us as well. With just a few simple steps, you can add your review of this product.
Ask a Question
Cordura Belt Pouch, 5-1/2" x 10" x 3-1/2"
Cordura nylon. Holds two 20 oz. Fuel Bottles. 5-1/2" x 10" x 3-1/2".
- Price:
- $12.25


text:
DEAR ABBY: As Veterans Day approaches, may I share a few guidelines that can be helpful when interacting with veterans or service members?
1. It is never OK to ask a veteran if he or she has killed someone or to joke about it. If we have, we can't even talk about it with our spouses, much less a stranger.
2. When you thank us for our service or pay for our meal, it is really appreciated. We also appreciate packages and notes.
3. Please don't tell us that wars are a waste of dollars or lives or were fought for oil. What we hear is that, in your opinion, our best friend died for nothing. We know many people disagree with war, but it's better to keep your opinions to yourself.
4. Many of us now have PTSD. If you see us acting anxious or moving away from crowds, turning our backs to the wall or fidgeting, simple kindness or a little distraction will be appreciated. Talk to us about something interesting and give us some breathing room.
5. Please remember that 15 percent of those who serve in the military are women, and some have been in combat. It's better to ask, "Are you a veteran?" rather than, "Was your husband a soldier?"
6. As with any person who has a disability, please do not stare at us. We can be sensitive about our scars or injuries and would prefer not to be asked to relive a difficult experience by being quizzed about what happened. Please also understand that war injuries today are very different than in the past and are often not visible. It is not OK to tell someone they "don't look disabled" or appear to need help.
Those of us with disabilities appreciate light conversation and assistance if we look like we are in need.
It was my pleasure to serve our country. -- AMANDA C., U.S. ARMY DISABLED VETERAN
DEAR AMANDA C.: Thank you for your service. And thank you, too, for your helpful suggestions, which are sure to be appreciated not only by civilians, but also by active and retired members of our military.
Readers, as the war in Afghanistan winds down, many thousands of service members are returning home and entering the job market. Please, if possible, honor their courage, dedication and sacrifice by doing your part and providing them with employment. Considering what they have done for us, it is the least we can do to show our appreciation.
DEAR ABBY: I'm afraid I'm an abusive girlfriend. When I get mad at my boyfriend, I yell at him and call him names. Sometimes I hit him. Even though he really makes me angry, I do love him.
I'm not crazy, but I don't know how to control myself. It's not like I'm threatening to kill him.
I don't want to go to counseling or group classes. I don't really hit him a lot. I yell more. I also have jealousy issues. What can I do? -- PROBLEM GIRLFRIEND
DEAR GIRLFRIEND: Your concern is justified, because you are an abusive girlfriend. While I applaud your growing self-awareness, it is very important that you understand the reasons you are behaving this way so you can stop. While you may not like the idea of counseling or group anger management classes, it would be much better if you went voluntarily rather than one day having them court-mandated.
To receive a collection of Abby's most memorable -- and most frequently requested -- poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


text:
B.Y.O.D--Bring Your Own Design--is an online-only segment showcasing the best of the design world, giving Open House viewers in-depth, practical design advice on specific design challenges. From color schemes to the proper headboard height, B.Y.O.D addresses some of the common problems even the most experienced designers face.
This week, designer Steven Somogyi shows us how to put the finishing touches on a newly designed home office. From accessories to rugs, Steven shares his secrets to giving your room that personal flair that makes it feel complete. Best of all, the inspiration may already be hanging on your wall.
Copyright LXTVN - LXTV


text:
Messenger(redirected from Facebook Messenger)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Acronyms, Encyclopedia.
MESSENGER. A person appointed to perform certain duties, generally of a
ministerial character.
2. In England, a messenger appointed under the bankrupt laws, is an officer who is authorized to execute the lawful commands of commissioners of bankrupts.


text:
Guilty Gear Xrd Revelator Season 3 -- Season Finale!
10 Players
Double Elimination
- Guilty Gear Xrd
February 14, 2017 em 7:00 PM GMT
Check in at Fechado
Tournament completed! Post an announcement to share updates to your community.
Don't sign up if you live outside of Europe.
Hey, MechaGS here with the season three of Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR-!
This is the season finale due to family issues and other small things.
Please note that all tournaments will be on PS3 and PS4.
The rules are simple:
- Please show up before the tournament starts. Please note that check-in's are active.
- You can only switch on a loss in any set.
- A disconnect will cause you to lose a match.
- You must be in my Twitch chat -- twitch.tv/mechags
The tournament is set for 6pm BST. Also note that the bracket will be shuffled before the start of the tournament.
It will be streamed. Some of the losers bracket won't be streamed if we have a large amount of participants. It will be live on my twitch channel.
Please enter my Twitch chat area as all information / match-ups, etc will be posted there.
Standard tournament / EVO rules used:
- Double Elimination
- Top three 'Best of 5', everything else 'Best of 3'.


text:
The base you can learn from the book "The Precious Vase". Or I should say try learning since everything may not be so easy to understand. There are courses on it given by SMS teachers but it's not mandatory to attend. There is one exam to pass after each level, the location is not always same and it's about two times a year I think. For the exam you have to apply two or so months before the exam by filling out a form, it should be on Merigar website. For each level it's necessary to do some karma yoga too.alpha wrote:Could someone explain or give some details about Santi Maha Sangha Program?
There is not much detail out there about how one goes about joining,about whether you have to go to courses or learn it from books?
After the exam there are teachings and empowerment on the next level from Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, this you have to attend. Don't know how much it costs. Next to learning intellectually you have to complete some practices for each level. There is the base level plus nine levels after that. Rinpoche hasn't taught more than the 4th level so far.


text:
The Brahms Festival is going strong and this will be an exciting week with Brahms compositions for organ, string ensembles and voice. The next six don't-miss-events are:
University of Texas, San Antonio Faculty and Friends
Tuesday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m.
UTSA Recital Hall
Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25
Piano Trio No.1 in B major, Op. 8
Mary Ellen Goree, violin | Stephanie Westney, violin | Allyson Dawkins, viola
Benjamin Westney, cello | Kasandra Keeling, piano | Vivienne Spy, piano
FREE Event
Alamo Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
The Organ Works of Johannes Brahms
Friday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Magarite Parker Chapel at Trinity University
Featuring David Heller and members of the Alamo Chapters of the American Guild of Organists
FREE Event
Opera Piccola of San Antonio & Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre
Saturday, January 26 at 7 p.m.
Thiry Auditorium, Our Lady of the Lake University
Zigeunerlieder, Op. 103
Zigeunerlieder, Op. 112
NeueLiebeslieder Waltzes, Op. 65
Kristin Roach, music director of Opera Piccola
Julie Morton-Simpson and Judith Gani, artisticdirectors of Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre
San Antonio Chamber Music Society: Miró Quartet
Sunday, January 27 at 3:15 p.m.
Temple Beth-El
Program includes String Quartet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 51
Miró Quartet
Daniel Ching, violin | William Fedkenheuer, violin
John Largess, viola | Joshua Gindele, cello
Music at the Museum XIII
Monday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m.
San Antonio Museum of Art
Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25
Trio in A minor for Clarinet, Cello and Piano, Op. 114
Four Songs, Op. 17
F-A-E Sonata for Violin and Piano by Brahms, Schumann, and Dietrich
The Churchill High School Chamber Orchestra, Jason Thibodeaux, director
SOLI Chamber Ensemble: Ertan Torgul, violin | Stephanie Key, clarinet | David Mollenauer, cello | Carolyn True, piano
Mary Ellen Goree, violin | Allyson Dawkins, viola | Benjamin Westney, cello | Jeff Garza, horn
Katharine Caliendo, horn | Rachel Ferris, harp | Vivienne Spy, piano
(Fundraiser with concert, reception and silent art auction for the San Antonio Symphony League and San Antonio Museum of Art Docents) Call: 210-978-8121
TPR Presents: BRAHMS
Tuesday, January 29, 7 p.m.
Tripoint (3233 N. St. Mary's)
Texas Public Radio gives members and the public a taste of the Brahms Festival with a performance by SOLI Chamber Ensemble and Ballet San Antonio. SOLI and Ballet San Antonio will give a preview of their Brahms Festival performance the following week, exploring the legendary "love affair" between Brahms and Clara Schumann through music and dance. The short performance will be followed by a TPR Cinema screening of the film SONG OF LOVE, about the same subject.
Admission is FREE for Texas Public Radio members, with a suggested donation of $10 for non-members of TPR. Movie snacks (food, drink) will be provided at the event.
Follow the Symphony on Facebook and Twitter.
The logo drawing of Brahms was created by Judy Geist. All rights reserved.


text:
Milwaukee police concerned about sex offender being moved to city
Charles Buckarma to be released this summer to group home
Milwaukee police are gearing up for the arrival of an especially challenging sex offender.
Charles Buckarma is set to be released this summer.
Police don't know where he'll be placed yet, but said the Department of Corrections has told them he'll move to a group home in Milwaukee after his release from a mental institution next month.
Police are concerned because his past community placements have left a trail of arrests.
Five years ago, Buckarma lived in a group home in a quiet Hartford neighborhood until his arrest for sexually assaulting a 6-year-old boy. Neighbors were stunned.
"Our home has children on both sides that play a lot outside, and their parents don't keep a close eye on them all the time, so that's scary," Diane Marotti said.
The 6-year-old's family is now suing Buckarma and the group-home owner for not supervising him properly. The owner declined to comment Friday afternoon.
The 25-year-old's adult record dates back to 2006, when he was arrested for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old resident at the group home he lived in.
Court records show Buckarma's mental impairment has made it impossible to prosecute him after several arrests. Police believe it will also make it difficult to monitor him.
"He has acted out in other facilities, and that's why he's been moved, or he's had setbacks in his mental health treatment in which he's been placed back into an institution and comes back out again," Milwaukee Police Department Inspector Carianne Yerkes said.
Police said they have few details from the Department of Corrections on why Buckarma is headed to Milwaukee or where he will live. The department is very concerned.
"Human behavior is unpredictable, and obviously, when you're dealing with brain trauma or mental illness, it's even more unpredictable," Yerkes said.
The Department of Corrections had no details on Buckarma's placement, saying it would investigate and get back to WISN 12 News later.
Police said they expect to meet with state officials in the next couple of weeks. They said they will hold a community notification meeting as soon as they learn which neighborhood he's heading to.


text:
Unit(redirected from u, U)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Financial.
Related to u, U: U of T
1. a mechanical part or integrated assembly of parts that performs a subsidiary function
2. a complete system, apparatus, or establishment that performs a specific function
3. the amount of a drug, vaccine, etc., needed to produce a particular effect
4. a standard measure used in calculating alcohol intake and its effect
5. Maths
a. the first position in a place-value counting system, representing a single-digit number
b. having a value defined as one for the system
6. Maths logic a set having a single member
7. NZ a self-propelled railcar
in technology, a consolidated unified (normalized) assembly of a machine or complex of machines that possesses complete interchangeability and independently accomplishes isolated functions. A unit is characterized by electric motors, reducers, pumps and so forth. Sometimes the term "unit" refers to a combination of two or more machines.
In the theory of algebraic numbers and in the theory of algebraic functions, a divisor of unity is called a unit, that is, a is a unit if there exists an element b such that ab = 1.
An assembly or device capable of independent operation, such as a radio receiver, cathode-ray oscilloscope, or computer subassembly that performs some inclusive operation or function.
An element of a ring with identity that has both a left inverse and a right inverse.
Any military element whose structure is prescribed by competent authority, such as a table of organization and equipment; specifically, part of an organization.
A standard of basic quantity into which an item of supply is divided, issued, or used.
A quantity adopted as a standard of measurement.


text:
The following items were taken from police reports:
A garage door and a vehicle were defaced with spray paint Jan. 7 in the 0-100 block of Paladino Drive. The estimated cost to repair the damage is $400.
A purse containing and iPod and a tool box collectively valued at $500 was reported stolen Jan. 7 from a vehicle in the 700 block of Theodore Court.


text:
Aamogh's Velvet material double breasted coat is Inspired by "Floral Fantasy", the digital print highlight in the lapel,pocket and buttons itself depicts the story and create a unique design by itself. Soft and comfortable with velvet and rayon lining. It's a front opening coat with two front pockets and two pockets inside to keep your essentials as necessary.
Velvet Double Breasted Coat
This is a part of our new collection Floral Fantasy inspired from "The Danish Girl".
Our policy lasts 14 days. If 14 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can't offer you a refund or exchange.
To be eligible for a return, you will first need to email email@example.com to receive a return authorisation number. Your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. We do not accept returns on intimate goods or made-to-order pieces.
To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within 5 days.
Late or missing refunds
If you haven't received a refund yet, first check your bank account again.
Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.
Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted.
If you've done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at email@example.com.
To return your product, you should mail your product to the address listed with your return authorisation number. If you are returning an item from outside of INDIA, please ensure this is marked clearly and visibly on the package as 'RETURNED GOODS'. This is a requirement by the Indian custom authority to ensure returns get through smoothly.
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping may be deducted from your refund should we arrange the return shipping.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.
If you are shipping an item over £50, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don't guarantee that we will receive your returned item.


text:
We recommend you include the following information in your citation. Look below the item for additional data you may want to include.
All fields are required.
RE: Calisphere: Request high-resolution copy of item for Anna Halprin and other performers in "New Time Shuffle"
Anna Halprin Digital Archive
Institution: Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library


text:
Community Events & Education
The Lexington Cemetery is more than a place of serenity for those buried there. It is a community memorial grounds that celebrates life in a park-like setting. In spring, an avenue of dogwoods, color crab apples, ornamental magnolias and pink weeping cherries lead to 16,000 blooming tulips and fields of spring beauties. This cemetery is a 170 acre national arboretum with more than 200 species of trees. A mecca for birds, the Audubon Society has identified 179 species on the grounds.
2011 Events
Sunday, April 24 - Easter Sunrise Services
Monday, May 30 - Memorial Day Observance


text:
So it was an interesting weekend. I started off dutifully dragging my achingness off to the gym on Friday, and discovered that I was actually able to run! My family sat me down afterwards and told me that the TOD is psychotic and this is all rubbish and so on and so on. They were somewhat mollified by my promising to avoid exercise for the rest of the weekend as I had a lot of stuff going on...
Saturday was the vet as usual, where I was joined by the very charming seven-year old daughter of my bosses again, who was very cool this time. She made me business cards (my name is "Hellin" now) as well as making me envelopes so that I could write her letters, and a proper 3-dimensional landscape thing of children dancing around a tree next to a tent on a beach. Seriously, for a sever-year old? Impressive. She also gave me outfit advice for the evening which was seen with great amusement by her parents!
In the evening I rushed off (late as usual) to Tamara's birthday thing. I was pretty scared, particularly walking up the road in her complex. It was a beautiful night, the crickets were chirping and I had the awful feeling that it was the opening scene for a slasher-movie. As it happened I made it out alive (not just because of the flat shoes) and although I couldn't stay long, everyone was really nice, they seemed to like my entrance of "Hi, nice mullet!" and by complete coincidence one of my ex-students was there with his wife. By even creepier coincidence I had been thinking of him recently in the "I wonder if he's still alive?" kind of way.
From there it was a sprint to chief-Goth's house, where I had a mild freak-out at my general lack of makeup (as usual. Seriously, I need to start taking eyeliner with me!) I was distracted when I had to do the eyeliner and nail polish on one of the guys. To his credit he sat very still and it looked AWESOME!
From there we went off to Goth-world, which had a surprising number of normal people there, including one of my students of course. Here I am with La trying to pull emo-faces. Well I tried, La is always smiling! I believe we took this photo shortly after the eyelinered-guy tried to set me up with the bouncer (who was gorgeous!) and we had swapped phone numbers. As I said it was interesting...
And of course we had to find people with hats... This guy was quite into the whole photo things... I had just jumped off the dance floor having gone totally ballistic for about 5 songs in a row (including headbanging to Song 2, fending off some dodgy guy and laughing at someone trying to dance with La who didn't even notice he was there) and so I was exhausted and my hair had decided to remodel itself...
Hat-guy had a scary friend who was actually really nice, but had a weird tendency to appear in the bathroom whenever I was there. hence the panic-face...
- I know a lot more about music than I'd realised.
- I really suck at being out of my comfort zone. It's amazing how I can be the life and soul of the party and do crazy stuff as soon as 'My Girls' are with me. On my own it's just plain scary.
- Getting to know the quiet people is immensely rewarding
- sometimes eating burgers in the parking lot with a close friend is the best kind of hanging out.
- People are generally nice
- I should avoid a certain lip-gloss in future (thanks for pointing that out NOW Leia...)
- I don't like being a puppet
- I don't speak Girl. Or Guy. How the heck do people read so much into things? I just don't see the fine print. Seriously, I need a sign around my neck that says "Mind Games Prohibited" It would make life so much easier.
- People really DO say "I can like to" In my case it was a dodgy old guy who said "I can like to chat you up!" while looking down my shirt.
- Shy people are really good human shields.
Anyway that's enough for today, I'm off to have lunch with Leia as I think we have a significant amount of news to catch up on!