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Science Bowl |
Montana - Big Sky Regional Science Bowl(Note: The competition is only open to Montana schools. All Wyoming must now go to the Wyoming competition instead.) The Department of Energy, Western Area Power Administration is pleased to announce the 21st Annual Big Sky Regional Science Bowl. The 2013 Big Sky Regional Science Bowl will be held on February 1 and 2, 2013, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Billings, Montana. The competition is open to all Montana high schools wishing to participate. Home schools and/or youth clubs are also welcome. The Big Sky Regional Science Bowl is an academic tournament that challenges students' knowledge of math and science in a fast-paced quiz competition. It is held annually in Billings, Montana, early in each calendar year (January – March). The tournament is run in a round-robin style during the morning with the high scoring teams advancing to a double-elimination game in the afternoon. To win, a team must work together to quickly and accurately answer toss-up and bonus questions while following the strict rules of play. For middle school students, there is an additional hands-on activity, typically a hydrogen fuel cell car competition. At the end of the tournament day, the first-placed teams are awarded a trophy and the opportunity to go on an all-expenses-paid trip to compete at the National Science Bowl held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, outside of Washington, D.C. The trip includes sight-seeing and educational visits to museums and monuments in Washington, D.C. A trophy is also awarded to both the second- and third-placed teams in the tournament. All competitors receive a Big Sky Regional Science Bowl t-shirt and have the opportunity to meet business professionals and other students with interests similar to their own. Visit the Winners page to see teams that have won first place in past years and have represented the Big Sky at the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. Also visit the Photo Gallery. Teams consist of four or five high school students (only four team members will be playing at any time). The coach can be a teacher, parent, or community volunteer. A second team from a participating school/club may enter if there are adequate facilities after all participating schools/clubs have at least one team registered. This is a team event and as such all team members must be present for the entire competition. Partial teams (less than four students) will not be allowed to compete. Sample practice questions, the rules of the game, and recommended team strategies are available to coaches at the National Science Bowl website. Coaches: Registration for 2013 will be in the fall of 2012. The Big Sky Regional Science Bowl is proudly sponsored by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Western Area Power Administration's Upper Great Plains Regional Office. |


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Chris Abbott is a fifth generation cattle rancher from Gordon, Nebraska and currently co-manages the family's commercial cow-calf operation in Cherry County with his brother, Mike. Chris is the 2012 Affiliate Director on the USCA Board of Directors. He is also past President of Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska and is in his second year of a four year term with the Nebraska Beef Council.
Chris says his wife, Kim, is a constant helpmate on the ranch with Chris and she's a full time grandmother to their five grandchildren. Abbott's children are A.J., Alicia and Carver - all of whom are married. A.J. is a corporate pilot when not home helping with the ranching chores. Alicia and her husband are employed with a Sandhills ranching family in the Thedford, Nebraska area, and Carver and his wife are employed with Abbott Cattle Co.
Chris recently attended an overseas tour with USMEF (U.S. Meat Export Federation) staff, along with several other ag oriented producers from across the midwestern states. Countries toured were South Korea, China and Hong Kong. Chris says they were given a first-hand look at the USMEF marketing efforts in the retail, foodservice, processing and distribution sectors. With the huge population in these countries and the U.S-Korea Free Trade Agreement now in full swing, the future for U.S. beef being exported to this part of the world is very good. Lower cuts of U.S.beef are in high demand and the Asian consumers are becoming very accustomed to the quality, stability and consistency of U.S. beef. The fact that U.S. beef checkoff dollars cannot be used to promote and advertise our own product in the U.S. is a large concern to Chris because of the global market we are now living in.
Abbott says serving on the USCA board and representing affiliates is an honor and privilege. "Having a national organization that concentrates mainly on representing the independent producer sector of our industry is invaluable, especially with the issues and the industrial model our cattle and beef industry is confronted with today. The hands on representation that USCA has in Washington D.C., along with the fly-ins is something we as independent cattlemen really need to take advantage of. Passing on the history, the heritage, and this great way to make a living and raise a family to the next generation will be hard to accomplish otherwise."

subset: commoncrawl


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I awoke to a heavy feeling of furred muscles being rubbed on my body, pushing me down into the mattress. I opened my eyes to see Bastian on top of me, rubbing his body all over me.
"Bastian," I whispered as a shudder ran through me.
He kissed all over my collar bones and down my chest. His slick, raspy tongue swirled around my nipples bringing them to full attention in seconds.
I gripped his head, raking my fingers through his thick hair while he lathed and sucked my nipples. He moved back and forth between them, working them until they were hard, wet and over-sensitized. Then his head dipped lower and lower. I cried out in ecstasy as his hot mouth surrounded my hard flesh. His head slid up and down my dick as he sucked me slowly and gently, effortlessly taking all of my thickness into his mouth. The things he did with that tongue of his made me lose my mind. Each pull of his mouth brought me closer and closer until I could no longer hold back.
My body began to quiver. I wanted to come in his mouth so bad. I tightened my grip on his head, pushing down with a hint of pressure. "Please," I begged. "Please don't stop…"
My groin contracted and I came hard. He pulled back and sucked on the head as I unloaded my tender nuts into his greedy mouth.
I was barely recovered from my powerful orgasm, but I was ready for more.
"Bastian," I whispered as I tugged at his shoulders. "Let me have you now."
He crawled back on top of me and kissed me, letting me taste the flavor of my own cum on his tongue. His arms snaked around my body and he held tight as he spun us around so that he was on his back and I was on top of him.
He brought his hands to the top of my head and gave a push down. "Pleasure me with your mouth," he growled.
His hands guided me down to his crotch. I willingly moved onto my knees between his legs. I grabbed his enormous shaft with one hand. With my other, I reached down and fondled his balls, cupping them with my hand. I would never be able to swallow his enormously thick ten inches, but I would do my best. I couldn't help but notice that it was already slick and slippery with clear fluid that was leaking copiously from the slit at the tip.
I pulled his foreskin back and forth and watch a stream of pre-cum ooze out. "You leak a lot," I said. I slid my hand down the shaft, then back up, coating it with the slick fluid.
"Yes," he said between pants. "To ease entry… Degans are built… large."
I shuddered at the thought of Bastian entering my ass. "Yes, you are a big man… and very well-endowed."
I ran my tongue through the slippery fluid still oozing from that wide head. Oh, by gods, it was sweet and musky. I took the swollen head in my mouth and flicked my tongue all over.
Bastian used his hand to apply pressure to the back of my head, urging me to take him into my mouth.
"Suck it."
I bobbed up and down while stroking him with my hand and juggling his balls. Bastian's hands stayed on my head and helped guide me to the rhythm and speed he preferred. I worked his large organ steadily and confidently with my mouth, tongue and hands. I felt like I had to unhinge my jaw to get his girth into my mouth, but I'd be damned if I was going to stop before I got my reward. And judging from the groans and grunts spilling from his mouth, I was doing a very good job.
"You are very good at that," he whispered hoarsely.
I kept sucking him, pulling harder and bobbing faster, knowing that he was getting close.
"Devin," he cried out. "I am going to shoot it down your throat. Take it. Swallow my cum."
His fingers tightened and held me so that I didn't have a chance to pull away, not that I would have dreamed of doing so. He grunted and bucked his hips up off the bed as I felt his shaft pulse against my tongue.
Oh, yes, this was it.
As much as I wanted it, I wasn't prepared for the force and volume of his orgasm. He filled my mouth to capacity with the first spurt. The copious fluid was thick and hot and had a salty, but sweet and musky taste. I swallowed as quickly as I could, but a good amount escaped my lips and drooled out down his shaft and over my fingers.
While Bastian came down from his climax, I licked and cleaned his spent organ until there was no trace of his delicious semen anywhere on his body.
I moved up next to the big guy and he turned onto his side to face me. His fingers traced along my smooth jaw and across my bottom lip. He swiped his thumb across my wet chin.
"You are beautiful," he whispered, as he looked down at me as if I was the most amazing thing he had ever seen. A hand glided down my side until it reached my butt. "Skin so soft and smooth… Your eyes, such a pure blue…"
The way he looked at me, his compliments, they practically made me melt. No one ever had told me such sweet things and actually meant them. Looking into his eyes, I believed every word he said. "Thank you, Bastian."
I leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips. I flicked my tongue along one of his sharp bottom canine teeth, then the other, which sent a shudder through his body. Pleased with his reaction, I gave him one last quick kiss and settled against his warm body with a sigh.
The corner of Bastian's mouth turned up in a comfortable smile. He was getting good at smiles.
"Can I take you to dinner, little one?"
"Yes. I'm quite hungry despite the fact that you just tried to fill me up," I said with a snicker.
"After dinner, I have a previously scheduled appointment, so I will have to leave you."
"Oh. Okay." I moved away and sat up. I was surprised by the jealous and possessive emotions that bubbled up in me. Before I could stop myself, I asked him, "Are you… are you seeing someone else?"
"No. But… I must attend this meeting."
"I understand. I'm sorry. I'm being silly. I know I only just met you."
Bastian sat up and cupped my chin in his hand. "There is no one but you, my little Devin."
He kissed me sensually, leaving me utterly breathless by the time he pulled away.
"I guess we should take a shower before we go."
"It is not necessary. You are not dirty."
"I smell like… Well, like you."
Bastian licked his lips hungrily as he looked down at me. "Yes. Only other Degan are able to smell my mating scent. And perhaps other species with highly evolved senses of smell."
I frowned. "But I can smell it."
"Yes. That is a surprise to me," he said as he twirled his fingers through the hair hanging over the back of my neck.
"You don't mind me smelling like you then?"
"No. It will let any who come near know that you are mine."
"Oh. Okay." I looked away from him, grinning happily to myself as I bounced out of bed and got dressed to go out.
* * *
I woke the next morning very sleepy, grateful that I had the day off.
Bastian had left the night before after walking me home after dinner, but not before some heavy kissing. I wanted him to spend the night, but he had that meeting.
I stood at the fridge yawning and trying to figure out what to have for breakfast.
The door beeped, indicating a visitor. I wasn't expecting anyone this early in the morning, but my heart-rate increased at the thought of who I hoped it to be.
Nah, it was probably Peri.
I walked up to the door's control panel and saw Bastian through the monitor. Grinning like a fool, I pressed the button to open the door. As soon as the door shut behind him, Bastian scooped me up in his brawny arms and pulled me to him.
I breathed in his scent and felt myself relaxing in his arms. He leaned down and took my mouth passionately and I returned his kisses with equal passion.
"I wanted to come to you last night," he said huskily into my ear. "But it was very late."
"I would have let you in," I responded in kind.
"Am I disturbing you?"
"No. I was just about to make myself breakfast."
"Can I take you to breakfast?"
"Yes. But you don't have to pay for me, you know."
"I know I don't have to, but… It is important to me."
"Well, who am I to stand in the way of chivalry? I accept."
I grabbed Bastian's long chin hairs and gave them tug down while I leaned up on my tip-toes. I planted a firm kiss on his lips.
"Shall we go?" I asked, motioning towards the door with an outstretched hand.
As we ate breakfast, I wanted to know more about Bastian and the Degan.
"So, tell me about the Degan," I said between mouthfuls. "I want to know everything."
"Everything, huh?" he said with a laugh. "Well, we are an ancient race. Historically, we were a patriarchal and militaristic society, but that has changed some over the last few centuries. Only in what would be considered recent history have we opened up to off-worlders. There has even been talk of joining the Union lately, but most Degan do not support it. I don't think it will happen in our lifetime."
"Really? Would others of your kind have issues with the two of us?"
"It is less an issue in the past century. Though many conservatives do not approve."
"Do the conservatives frown on, uh, same-sex coupling?"
"Same-sex pairings aren't that uncommon on my homeworld. It's generally not an issue." He paused for a moment, then added carefully, "They would likely object to the fact that you are human rather than your gender. I have seen Degans take humans or other off-worlders as spouses, though it is still rare."
"Have you ever dated a human before?" I asked. Realizing what I said, I quickly added. "Not that what we're doing is 'dating'. Unless it is. I mean, I would… if you wanted a relationship, that is…" I pressed my lips together to stop from babbling and making a further fool of myself.
Bastian barked out a laugh. "No, I have never dated a human before you."
"What is your homeworld like?" I asked, changing the subject so that I didn't have to think about what his comment meant in terms of our relationship status.
"It is very beautiful. Where I am from, it is lush and green and very warm. I live outside a small town about two hours from our capital city. It is close enough to visit when I need, but far enough away that I can escape from the hectic city life when I am home. My home is near a small lake. It is very peaceful."
"A lake? It sounds wonderful. Sometimes it seems like there's not much green left on Earth. So what brings you here?"
For a split second, he appeared nervous, but quickly neutralized his features. "It has to do with my work. I… really cannot say further."
"Okay. I understand. What do you do for a living, if I can ask?"
"I am a security consultant."
"Wow. That sounds important."
"I find it satisfying."
"Tell me about your family."
"My sire — my father — is governor of the province where I live, where the capital city is seated. My mother is a diplomat, a Degan-Union ambassador. I have a younger brother. He is an officer in the Degan Global Armed Forces. I also have two younger sisters."
"Your parents sound like they are very important."
Bastion lifted a shoulder in a shrug. "I suppose. To me, they are just my parents."
"So how did you end up with a name that sounds so human?"
"My mother. Before she became ambassador, she was a historian. She is quite versed with Union cultures and languages, which makes her quite good at her job. And you? Tell me of your family."
I wanted to be honest with him, despite my discomfort. "I was left at a hospital when I was born. I don't know who my parents are." My gaze slid down to the floor. "I don't have any family. Well, besides my best friend Peri. I count him as family."
Bastian cupped my chin and lifted my head up so that I was forced to look into his green eyes. "Hold your head high, little one. You have much to be proud of. You have made a life for yourself on your own. That is very brave and quite commendable."
I swallowed the lump in my throat and gave him a nod. "Thank you, Bastian."
"Have you never tried to find your relatives?"
"I wouldn't know where to begin to look."
"You could start with your family name and the city where you were found."
"McSmith isn't my real family name."
Bastian frowned, his brows furrowing together. "It's not?"
"No. It's the name of the orphanage that I was sent to. They gave all of us 'John Does' that last name."
"John Doe?"
I shrugged. "It's a generic name for people whose names are unknown. I suppose I should be grateful that my parents left me at a hospital door instead of in a dumpster."
Bastian jaw dropped as he looked at me in shock. His hand moved around to the back of my head and he pulled me forward and pressed his lips to my forehead in a tender kiss.
After breakfast, we stepped back out onto the street. Bastian took my hand in his. I looked up at him and grinned as we walked along the busy sidewalk.
"I would like to spend the day with you, Devin."
"I'd like that very much, Bastian."
* * *
After spending the day at a couple of the tourist attractions near the Spaceport, we had a nice dinner at a restaurant that I would never be able to afford on my own, and then returned back to my apartment.
We sat down on the sofa, and Bastian pulled me down into his lap. I sat between his legs, resting my back against his warm chest. He held me in his arms, just lounging around, full from our wonderful meal. I laid back against his bare chest and I rubbed the soft honey-colored fur of the muscular arms that held me in place.
"So out of all of the things you did today, what was your favorite?" I asked.
"You," he said with all seriousness.
I laughed. "Yeah, I liked it when you did me too, but that's not what I meant."
"The History of Space Travel museum was interesting. It reminded me how young humans are."
Bastian kissed the top of my head. I closed my eyes and breathed in his scent.
"Hmm?" He rubbed his nose against the side of my head, inhaling the scent of my shampoo, I suppose. He nipped the top of my ear with one of his sharp teeth and then soothed the sting with his tongue, making me shudder and turning my brain into mush.
"Um… You make me forget…"
Bastian's body jostled me as he laughed heartily. I snuggled back against him and he rested his chin on the top of my head.
"What was it like to have so many brothers and sisters?" I asked.
"My family is actually small compared to the norm. Most Degan families have many children; six to eight is probably average."
"Wow. That's a lot of kids. Why didn't your family have more?"
"My mother had complications during my youngest sister's pregnancy. She was unable to conceive afterward."
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that."
"Mother and Sire had four healthy children, and my brother and middle sister kept them on their toes. They had their hands full, believe me."
"Hm. I'll bet you were the perfect child, weren't you?"
"Of course I was."
"And so modest," I laughed.
"I had my moments where I gave my parents grief, like any adolescent. In fact, my parents aren't too happy with my being away from home right now, but it is a necessity."
"How old are you?"
"I am 36 in Earth years. My brother Martan is 31. Elia is 29 and my youngest sister Nattie is 25."
"Oh. I figured that you were older than me. I'm 25, the same age as your little sister."
"Does our age difference bother you?"
"No. Not at all. You're not that much older."
"But you grew up with a lot of other children, no?"
"Yeah, but it wasn't the same. It was every kid for himself, you know?"
"You were a war orphan."
It was a statement, not a question, but I answered him anyway. "Yes…"
"Your war with the Mirans was devastating. That is what pushed Earth into joining the Union."
"Yeah. We've spent the last decades rebuilding. We still have a long ways to go, but things are getting better. There were so many orphans at the time… They crammed us into these orphanages and group homes. By the time I was ten, I gave up hopes of ever being adopted."
"I just do not understand. On my homeworld, an orphaned child would be fought over by relatives wanting to take care of him. And if there were no relatives, there are many couples who are unable to have children who would take them in. We have no need for orphanages. Children are to be treasured."
Bastian tightened his arms around me and kissed the top of my head. I may have had a crappy childhood, but at that moment in time, I knew exactly what it felt like to be treasured.
* * *
I saw Bastian almost every day for the next month, after having extended his stay on Earth. He spent the night with me nearly every night. Once or twice a week, he had his mysterious meetings and often times he would have to steal away to make a private call. I did not press him on the subject. I knew that Bastian wouldn't be involved in anything illegal.
Bastian was a very tactile man, something he said was true of most Degans. Even when we weren't in bed, he was always near me, touching me. He liked to touch and in turn, liked to be touched. We would sit on the sofa together and his arm would be around me. He liked to watch the Galactic News Network on my wall screen and I would lean against him and read.
When we went out to the diner, he liked to sit in a booth across from me and trap my feet between his.
I quickly got used to his touch and I craved it when we were apart.
From the very start, I felt a strong physical attraction to him. I quickly grew very emotionally attached to the mysterious Degan and had developed strong feelings for him. I had no idea what I was going to do when his work here was finished and he had to leave. The thought of him leaving hurt right down to my core.
For a while now, I had wanted to take things further with Bastian. As much as I enjoyed the pleasure we gave each other with our mouths and our hands, I wanted more. I wanted to show him how much I cared for him, to take our relationship to the next level. I could tell that he wanted to fuck me, and I had hinted more than once that I was ready. I wasn't sure why he was holding back.
It really didn't make a difference. Because tonight, I was going to make it happen.
"Which star is yours?" I asked Bastian as I looked up into the night sky.
Bastian was holding my hand as we walked from the restaurant back to my apartment. He let go of my hand and lifted his arm and pointed with his index finger. I slid in close and rested my head against his arm to look up to where he was pointing.
He leaned his head down and twirled the end of his finger. "The humans call it Dubhe. Alpha Ursae Majoris."
"Oh. At the front of the Big Dipper."
"Dipper? I thought you called it a bear."
"Yeah, that too. The Big Dipper is the back of the bear, Ursa Major."
"Ah." Bastian tilted his head and stared at the stars that made up the constellation for a moment. "I don't really see a bear."
"Me neither," I smiled. "What do the Degans call your star?"
"The sun."
"Oh," I said with a laugh. "Right."
Bastian took my hand again and we continued our walk.
"Our sun is bigger than yours," he said. "And it's more of an orange color instead of yellow."
"Is your planet warmer?"
"Oh, yeah. It's very warm all year 'round where I live, but it's not humid. We live on the fourth planet of our star system and we have seven major moons, plus several tiny moons. Two of them are quite large, like your own moon."
As he spoke, I smiled at the wonder in his voice. I also noticed for the first time that Bastian's speech patterns had started to mimic mine and he seemed more comfortable with casual, spoken language.
"Wow. It sounds beautiful."
"Of all my travels throughout the galaxy, the Degan sky at night is still the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. I admit I may be biased somewhat," he added with a smile. "Still, when I'm lying in the hammock in my back yard, looking on the lake and the reflections of the moons… it takes my breath away every time. Maybe some day you can come for a visit and see for yourself."
Bastian put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into him and I snuggled in close.
It sounded so wondrous, so romantic, that I couldn't even begin to imagine it. I would love to see his home someday, but I knew it wouldn't be possible. I could never afford to travel so far into space on my wages. I suspected that it would be no problem for Bastian, but that was not the same as allowing him to buy me dinner. I wouldn't feel comfortable letting him do that.
As we approached my apartment building, a trio of teens came around the corner. I knew that they didn't live in my building, but I recognized them from the neighborhood as members of one of the street gangs. Bastian's arm tightened around me and I could feel his body tense up. I squeezed his hand to try to calm him. These guys had never really bothered me before.
One of them sneered at me and muttered under his breath, "Gorilla fucker." Another added, "Fucking beast's bitch."
Bastian pushed me behind his back and took an aggressive stance. He bared his teeth and snarled, his eyes going wide and dark. His fists raised up and he was ready to pounce. The three would-be thugs couldn't turn and run fast enough.
I had never seen him like this. The way he snarled made him look scary as hell. I couldn't help myself when I stepped back in fear.
Bastian snorted. "Pussies." Then he chuckled proudly to himself.
My jaw dropped.
He turned and looked at me and his stance loosened. Seeing the fear on my face, he pulled back his fists as his face softened. He gave me a toothy, but genuinely friendly smile.
My teddy bear was back.
I moved towards him and took his hand. "I'm sorry about that. I'm not scared of you. And I'm sorry for what they said."
"Do not apologize for them," he said. He thought for moment, then said, "Humans have a history of not being very tolerant of others who are different."
I shrugged. "I suppose so. I'd like to think it's getting better. As a species, we've done a lot of growing over the years. But we obviously still have some room…" I stopped and turned and put my hand on his chest. "Not all of us are like that."
He reached to me and caressed my cheek with the back of his furry knuckles. "I know you aren't."
* * *
"Bastian," I whispered as I pulled him into my bed. "I need you."
"I need you too, little one."
His spicy scent was driving me crazy. My dick was rock hard and my ass clenched at the thought of having him inside me. I pulled his massive body down on top of my naked body, spreading my legs wide for him. He felt so good on top of me, between my legs, where he belonged.
I pressed my lips against his neck and whispered in his ear, "Take me, Bastian."
Bastian closed his eyes and dropped his forehead onto mine. His voice quivered as he shook his head. "I cannot."
"But why? I am ready, Bastian. I ache for you to be inside me," I whispered as I planted kisses down his neck and across his collar bone. "I know you're big, but I can take it."
Bastian groaned. "Devin. I could come from your words alone. As much as I want to be inside you, I can't. Degan DNA is… aggressive towards non-Degan species. I don't know how it will affect you."
"Aggressive? I don't understand. I love you, Bastian. I love you so much. I want to be with you. Don't you want to be with me, to make love to me?"
I closed my eyes and buried my face in the warm fur of his neck, not wanting to see his reaction to my spontaneous confession of love.
"Devin, look at me." Bastian tilted my head up and I slowly opened my eyes. His sparkling green eyes stared back at me. "I love you, too, Devin. That is why I don't want to risk it without knowing how it might affect you first."
"What are the risks?"
"The most severe risk is mutation. I would sooner cut off my arm than to hurt you."
"Mutation? What do you mean 'mutation'?" I asked, hoping that the horror I felt wasn't visible on my face.
"It is different from species to species, individual to individual. Most of the time, nothing happens… But I have seen a Crixan grow horns on her head after having sex with a cousin of mine. My uncle's wife grew a tail…"
I ran my hand over the top of my head. "I think I would look weird with Degan horns on my head."
Bastian put his hand on my head and stroked my ear. "No. You would still look adorable with my horns."
He stared down at me, the gaze in his eyes so intense. He pushed his hand under my back and a heated palm slid down to the swell of my ass, sending a shudder throughout my body. A finger slid into my crack and brushed against my hole and I couldn't help the whimper that escaped my mouth as I pressed back against him.
"I could use my fingers…" he said, then flicked his tongue against my ear. "Or my tongue."
I let out another soft whimper, and pressed myself up against him as my hole throbbed in anticipation. "Oh, god yes. Please…" I would take anything I could get.
Bastian kissed down the side of my neck. I tilted my head to the side and bared my neck to him, giving him complete access. A growl rumbled in his chest.
"You know not what you do to me when you submit yourself to me so."
"I submit to you, Bastian," I whispered breathlessly. "I give myself to you."
Bastian opened his mouth and snarled. He drooled onto his hand and smeared it into the crevice of my ass. His fingers slid up and down my crack, eased by his slippery saliva. He pushed a finger into my tight opening, pulled out then pushed a pair of fingers into me.
His thick fingers filled me, making me moan and writhe on the bed as I begged for more.
He suddenly pushed his way down my body and crouched between my legs. He spread my legs wide apart and shoved his face into my crack. When his slick tongue slid over my hole, I cried out in ecstasy. He licked and lapped at me, swirling his tongue all around. The strong muscle then pushed into me, breaching my sphincter. Bastian's hand slid up and down my body as he ravished me with his tongue. I was practically delirious, out of my mind with pleasure. My head thrashed back and forth on the pillow. I grabbed at his arms and his shoulders trying to take a hold of him anywhere I could reach.
"Bastian," I begged. "Please, I want to feel you inside me. We don't have to go all the way. We could stop before you finished. I… I need you. If you put it inside me, I'll come so fast and so hard."
Bastian's resolve crumbled under my pleas and he let out a helpless groan. "Devin. You make me lose control. Perhaps I could just put the tip in… just for a moment…"
I shuddered at the thought. The head of his cock was big. I was so eager to experience Bastian, I would have agreed to anything. "Yes, Bastian. Just don't come inside me."
I started to turn over onto my stomach, but he stopped me. "No. I want to see your face when I give you my cock and make you come."
I didn't have a response for that. My dick responded for me, by jerking and oozing more pre-cum. I nodded frantically and lay back down, relaxing on my back.
Bastian moved on top of me, settling on his knees between my legs. He bent over and kissed me until I thought I might pass out from lack of oxygen.
When he pulled back, he drooled into his hand and spread it between my cheeks.
"Do you need lube?" I asked, reaching for my bedside table.
"No. My body is responding to yours. It knows I'm going to enter you and my cock is leaking lubrication."
I looked down between his legs. His cock was already slicked up with secreted pre-cum. I watched a large drop ooze from the slit and drip down in a thick string onto the sheet. He held his cock by the base and lined up the head to my opening. He rubbed it up and down. I felt his slippery lube warm and slick me up. He looked at me and I nodded to give him the go ahead and he firmly pushed into me.
The crown slid past my muscular ring and I gasped at the initial burst of pain. I grabbed at his shoulders and pulled him down to me. I pulled my legs up towards my chest and pressed my heels into his muscular ass. Despite his enormous size, I felt only a quick twinge of pain, just a little bit of burn. I wanted this so bad I couldn't even think straight.
"Bastian," I moaned. "Oh god, it feels so good. You're so big!"
Bastian groaned and pulled back until he slipped out of me. I reached down between my legs and took him in my hand and guided him back to my hole. He pushed the head into me again and froze. "Devin…"
"More. Please!"
He thrust forward and slid deeper into me, each of those rings pushing past my sphincter, then jabbing and sliding across my prostate. "Oh, Bastian!" I cried out as I arched my back up, pressing my body against his. "Yes, that's it!"
"Devin, I cannot help myself," he said with a groan. Bastian pulled back and thrust forward and buried himself to the root inside me. I felt each of those ribs slide past my ring and it sent ripples of pleasure throughout my body.
I gasped and clawed at his back, pushing my hips back against him. At that moment, I didn't give a damn about any mutations. I would gladly grow a set of horns if it meant that Bastian was going to fuck me.
"Yes! Fuck me. Please…"
My words fueled Bastian's desire. He pinned me down on the mattress and pumped into me, pounding hard and fast. I tightened my legs around his waist, meeting every thrust. I felt each stab of the head of his cock into my prostate and then each one of those rings glided across the sensitive gland, in and out, back and forth, driving me mad with lust. His hard abs and furry belly rubbed against my aching dick, bringing me closer and closer to the edge. I thrashed and writhed underneath him, his name falling from my mouth in a quiet whispering chant.
He let out a loud roar that sounded vaguely like my name and I felt him expand and throb inside me. His mating scent intensified and swamped my senses, making me light-headed.
As I stared up at him, Bastian's eyes dilated. It was like he was operating on animal instincts now, his eyes unfocused as he snapped his hips in a feral rhythm against me. His heavy balls slapped against my ass with each thrust. Our skin slapped against each other and the bed creaked beneath us, barely drowning out our pants and gasps, moans and groans. He was bringing the both of us closer and closer to a hard climax.
He snarled and bit down hard on my collarbone, just where it met my neck, breaking the skin with his sharp teeth. The burst of pain was quickly replaced by intense pleasure as he sucked and gnawed on my skin. It soared through my body and before I realized it, I was coming. Hard. I cried out and gripped the fur on his back tightly in my fists as I exploded in an earth-shattering orgasm.
"I'm coming!" I screamed.
My pelvic muscles contracted, clamping down my muscled sphincter around his thrusting girth. I blasted jets of hot juices between our bodies. "Yes, Bastian! Yes!"
Bastian pulled off my neck and gasped. His eyes fixed on me and he focused and became lucid. "Oh no, oh gods no!"
He looked down at me wide-eyed and in shock, his mouth agape, his lower canine teeth tipped with my blood. The sight should have been appalling, but I found it strangely erotic as I stared back at him through half-closed eyes, my body still wracked with shudders from those final intense pulses of the best climax of my life.
I felt him try to pull back and a searing, burning pain stabbed through my groin like a punch to the nuts. "Bastian!" I cried out in shock. I gripped his back hair tighter in my fists and pressed my face into his chest.
Bastian thrust hard into me and buried himself to the root.
He collapsed onto me, holding me down firmly on the bed and his body began convulsing on top of me. When he had pushed back into me, the pain had immediately eased, but his cock felt unbelievably thick inside me, even thicker than normal. I could feel every throb of it against my prostate and around my tight hole. I felt the heat of his semen inside me as he pumped me full of one of his huge loads. It seemed to go on for minutes. I just held him until the convulsing finally slowed down to erratic shudders.
After I thought he finished his orgasm, he shuddered hard one last time. I could still feel his shaft pulsing inside me.
"Are you still coming?" I whispered in shock.
"Yes," he said as he quivered. "I am stuck inside you. The rings have swelled and I cannot pull out."
"What? What does that mean?" I asked, starting to panic as I tried to squirm away from him.
"Relax. Be calm," he said soothingly as he kept me down. "It will pass in a moment when I go soft."
"Why didn't you tell me that was going to happen?"
"I did not expect it. The thought did not even occur to me. It only happens with our true bondmate," he said in a calm and soothing voice.
Bastian laid gentle kisses along my neck and my collarbone and I relaxed back into the bed and tried to wrap my mind around what was happening. He licked at the tender bite mark on my neck, soothing the pain. I could tell that he was still quivering from the aftermath of his climax. It was clearly very intense for him as well. I kissed the side of his neck and ran my hands up and down his back, stroking the downy soft fur, hoping to calm him.
He let out a contented sigh and I felt his cock finally softening. Bastian pulled his hips back and he slid out of me. I felt curiously empty. I wanted him back inside me.
He looked down at me, his eyes wide and glassy.
"Well, that changes things," he said.
* * *
"I should have known," he said to himself. He then looked away from me. "The signs were there, but never did I expect… It never even occurred to me…"
"What signs?" I asked.
Bastian rolled off me and settled on his side next to me. He slid his arm under my neck and I rested it on his furry bicep. His other hand slipped into mine and he intertwined our fingers together.
"My instant attraction to you once I stepped off the ship. I had to come back to talk to you. Then you could smell my mating pheromones even though you are not Degan."
"I felt an attraction to you as well… Was it because of your pheromones? What does all this mean?"
"The Degan believe that there is one true bondmate for every Degan… That the gods created this one special person to complete the other half of our soul."
"A soul mate," I said with a nod.
"Yes. Of course, our scientists say that it has nothing to do with gods or destiny. It's a combination of biological and chemical responses coupled with an intense emotional connection and sexual attraction."
"That doesn't sound nearly as romantic," I smiled wryly.
"Perhaps not, but the effect of the bond is still the same. We are compatible in every way, down to a cellular level."
I looked down at Bastian's half-erect penis and took it in my hand. It was a little slimy, but soft and spongy. I could feel the hard rings under the skin. "So when you came, your cock swelled and locked you inside me so that you couldn't pull out?"
"Yes. It happens with our bondmates during the fertile period, to make sure your body took all of my semen. If you were a fertile Degan female, you would become pregnant."
"You said your DNA was aggressive, but that's taking it to a whole 'nother level."
We both laughed, alleviating some of the tension that had built up. Then Bastian leaned down and gave me a sweet kiss. Remembering what he said earlier, I felt the top of my head. "I don't have any horns, do I?" I then checked the base of my spine for a stub of a tail and let out a breath of relief. "No tail."
"No," he laughed. He then looked at me with a serious expression on his face. "When my business has finished here, you will return to the Degan homeworld with me."
I looked at him in surprise. "What? Really?"
"Yes. Once we are there, I will present you to my mother and my sire. We will then be officially mated in a bonding ceremony."
I then sat upright and looked at him, my jaw slack in complete shock. "Bastian? Are you asking me to marry you?"
"Yes. Though, by Degan law we are technically bondmates now… unless you reject my claim because you find me unsuitable."
"No," I said quickly. "I don't reject your claim." I didn't need to think about it. My reply was immediate. "Yes. I will marry you."
"Then I guess you will get to see space sooner than you imagined."
My eyes filled with tears and I threw my arms around Bastian.
He held me tight, squeezing me to his body. "I love you, my true one."
"I love you, too."
Bastian kissed me until I was breathless.
"Stay with me, Bastian. Check out of the hotel and stay with me."
Bastian looked away for a second, then turned back to me and nodded. "I will take care of it tomorrow while you are at work."
He pushed up onto his knees and grabbed my legs and gave me a sharp tug, pulling my butt up onto his trunk-like thighs. I gasped as he lined up the head of his freshly hardened cock with my ass. I felt a warm blob of pre-cum ooze from the head of his cock and drip onto my hole. He rubbed the head back and forth to lubricate me and then eased forward.
"Again?" I asked breathlessly.
He held my waist in an iron grip, pulling me onto his cock.
"All night, my little one," he growled.
* * *
I awoke in the middle of the night to violent cramping. I pulled away from Bastian's warm comfort and clutched my stomach. A wave of nausea swept through me. I managed to get myself out of bed and I raced to the bathroom as fast as I could. I dropped to my knees in front of the commode and retched. I laid there for a few minutes until the cramping faded.
When I felt like I could finally stand, I blew my nose with some tissue. I then grabbed onto the toilet and slapped my hand against the flusher. Slowly pushing myself up to my feet, I shuffled over to the sink and washed up and then brushed my teeth. I looked in the mirror and pushed my hair back, searching and feeling for horns. I opened my mouth and looked at my bottom row of teeth. No fangs. I twisted around and looked at my ass. No tail. I let out a deep breath of relief when I saw no mutations.
My eyes drifted down my stomach and I was alarmed when I saw a stream of blood had oozed from my navel. I grabbed a towel and wiped myself down. I dabbed at my belly button's opening and was relieved to see that the bleeding had slowed to a near stop. I poked my finger inside and the pain was so sharp, so incredibly intense, that my knees buckled and I fell forward onto the counter. A sob wrenched from my throat as I grabbed onto the counter and held on until the pain faded to a dull throb.
After I splashed my face with cool water and patted it dry, the pain and nausea had mostly passed. Even though I was feeling slightly better, I thought maybe I should go to the clinic.
When I returned to bed, I shook Bastian's shoulder.
"Bastian?" I whispered.
Still half asleep, Bastian grabbed me and pulled me into the bed. He pulled me back to his chest so that my back was spooned against his warm body. He pulled the blankets up around us and then his arms surrounded me. His hairy body pressed tightly against my back, his overly large soft cock pressed into the crack of my ass.
"Mine," he rumbled in his sleep.
I felt so safe and comfortable against Bastian's large, warm and furry body. My nerves instantly settled and thoughts of the clinic disappeared as I fell asleep in my lover's embrace.
* * *
I stepped off the magtrain and made my way up the concourse. As I slowly walked through the crowds, I felt a pang in my ass with every step. It was a good sore though. I definitely had no complaints.
When I woke this morning, I was feeling great. I turned around to face my lover and Bastian pounced on me. He relentlessly took me doggie style, not stopping until he once again swelled inside me and filled me with his hot spunk. The throbbing of his swollen cock against my prostate caused my own cum to spurt in jets onto the bed sheets below me.
He then took me again in the shower, pinned against the wall. When he clamped his teeth onto my neck as he climaxed, I came with a scream that shocked the hell out of me. If he hadn't held me up, I likely would have slid down the wall into a heap on the shower floor. As it was, he had filled me with so much cum, it had started to dribble down my leg.
Afterward, he mentioned that he was definitely going to get an aqua shower installed in his home. After we dried off, he rubbed himself all over my body. He wanted to make sure that I smelled like him.
Everything about the morning was magnificent, sexy and intense. Every morning should start as good. And I suspected that every morning would from now on. It was a good feeling.
Before we parted at the magtrain station, he pulled back the hood of his robe, leaned down and took my face in his hands and kissed me deeply and passionately, right there in front of everyone on the train platform. I'm sure we looked like an odd pair, the small, smooth human and the big and furry beastly alien. I didn't care what any of them thought. I was proud to be Bastian's. After all, he technically was my fiancé now.
"I am going straight to the hotel to check out," he said as he stroked his hand over my head. "I have some things I need to do and then I will see you tonight at home."
When he referred to my apartment as 'home', I just beamed. I had a grin on my face that could have lit the entire spaceport. "Okay. Tonight at home. I love you."
"I love you, my true one."
He kissed the knuckles of my hand, pulled up his hood, and then left to get on his train.
I knew that I still had a goofy grin on my face as I walked to the first gate on my manifest, but I didn't care. Today was the happiest day of my life.
I saw Peri dash past me and I called out to him. "Per!"
He turned and looked back at me and smiled. I jogged up and caught up with him.
"Hey, Dev. What's got you so happy?"
"Long story. I'll tell you all about it at lunch."
"It's Bastian, huh? I'm happy for you, Dev. I want to have dinner with you and your man, er, beast— I mean, alien, soon, okay?"
I couldn't help but laugh at his fumbled words. "Definitely soon, Per. I have so much to tell you."
Peri smiled at me and then ran off to his gate. I couldn't help but feel guilty as I watched him run through the crowd. I had Bastian and Peri was still alone. He smiled and said he was happy for me, and I knew that he was, but I could also tell that it made him a little sad.
After work, I raced home as fast as I could.
"Bastian?" I called out.
He wasn't home, so I went and got changed out of my spaceport uniform. I went to the door control and checked the logs. He hadn't been back to the apartment at all today.
I brought up the communications panel and connected to Bastian's commlink. He didn't answer, so I left him a message to let him know that I was home.
I sat down on the sofa with my comPad and started to read the novel I was in the middle of.
I grabbed at the comPad as it slipped out of my hand. I sat up, realizing that I had been asleep. I wiped the drool from my lower lip and checked the time. It was nearly midnight. Bastian should have been home hours ago. I connected to Bastian's commlink and I left him another message.
As I crawled into bed, an uneasy feeling washed over me. I laid on my back staring at the ceiling and absentmindedly scratched at the itch in the middle of my chest and my stomach. I turned onto my side, unable to control the fear and doubt that clouded my brain.
* * *
I watched the passengers disembark from the shuttle and walk down the spaceway towards the concourse. Someone bumped into me and I slid back against the wall, trying to stay out of the way as I looked on with disinterest.
I tried to focus on my work and what I was supposed to be doing, but my mind was sick with worry.
Bastian never came home last night. Before coming to work, I had gone to his hotel room. A strange man and woman opened the door. They had just checked in that morning.
When I asked the desk clerk, he said that Bastian had checked out, but wouldn't give me any other details for security reasons. After Bastian left the hotel, he should have come home, but he never did.
When I still hadn't heard from him the following day, I went to the police station after work and filled out a missing persons report. The two cops didn't seem to be at all interested in helping me find my 'alien lover' as they referred to him, not even trying to disguise the contempt in their voices.
I asked the waitresses at the diner. The last time they had seen him was when he last came in with me.
After a week of searching on my own, I knew that he had gone.
I would try to go to bed early, hoping that sleep would keep my thoughts from drifting to my 'alien lover'. But the bed was now cold and lonely. I could no longer smell him in the sheets and blankets I had resisted washing. Every time I closed my eyes, my dreams were filled with images of Bastian.
I did have one reminder of my time with Bastian, however.
I stood in the shower and scratched my belly. I looked down at the side effect of my encounter with the Degan. I had a large patch of honey brown hair growing around my belly button as well as the middle of my chest. It was hot and so damned itchy. I wondered how much it was going to grow. While I had a loving fascination with the fur that covered Bastian's body, I didn't want it on mine.
Well, at least it wasn't a mutation.
It was just a little bit of hair.
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The China stock market put on less than a point on Friday, but that was enough to extend its winning streak to three sessions, gathering more than 20 points or 1 percent in that span. The Shanghai Composite Index finished just above the 2,185-point plateau, and now traders are anticipating additional support when the market opens on Monday.
The global forecast for the Asian markets is broadly positive following positive earnings news from the United States. Financial giant JP Morgan reported better than expected second quarter earnings despite a massive trading loss. In addition, Wells Fargo reported second quarter earnings that rose year-over-year and came in above analyst estimates. The European and U.S. markets finished firmly higher, and the Asian bourses are expected to open in similar fashion.
The SCI finished flat on Friday as gains from the financial shares were offset by weakness from the metal stocks.
For the day, the index added 0.40 points or 0.02 percent to finish at 2185.90 after trading between 2,177.92 and 2,198.66. The Shenzhen Composite Index dropped 0.6 percent to end at 922.62.
Among the actives, Bank of Ningbo jumped 1 percent, while AgBank added 0.4 percent, Industrial Securities fell 1.1 percent, Jiangxi Copper shed 1.4 percent, Chalco eased 0.6 percent and Yunnan Tin lost 0.9 percent.
The lead from Wall Street is upbeat as stocks showed a strong move to the upside on Friday after trending lower in the previous six sessions. The markets benefited from a positive reaction to Chinese economic data as well as JP Morgan's (JPM) quarterly results.
China reported that GDP increased at its slowest annual rate in over three years, although it was not as slow as some had feared. The report also showed that Chinese GDP increased by 1.8 percent compared to the previous quarter, exceeding forecasts.
Traders also reacted positively to quarterly results from financial giant JP Morgan, which reported better than expected second quarter earnings despite a massive trading loss. JP Morgan said that the trading loss grew to $4.4 billion from its initial estimate of $2 billion but noted that its Chief Investment Office will no longer trade a synthetic credit portfolio. Shares of JP Morgan rose by 6 percent on the news.
Shares of Wells Fargo (WFC) also moved notably higher after the company reported second quarter earnings that rose year-over-year and came in above analyst estimates. Wells Fargo climbed 3.2 percent.
Meanwhile, traders largely shrugged off a report from Thomson Reuters and the University of Michigan that unexpectedly showed a continued deterioration in consumer sentiment in July. The consumer sentiment index fell to 72.0 in July from the final June reading of 73.2, while economists had expected the index to edge up to 73.5.
The Labor Department also reported before the start of trading that U.S. producer prices unexpectedly rebounded in the month of June.
The major averages saw continued strength going into the close, ending the day firmly in positive territory. The Dow jumped 203.82 points or 1.6 percent to finish at 12,777.09, while the NASDAQ surged 42.28 points or 1.5 percent to end at 2,908.47 and the S&P 500 soared 22.02 points or 1.7 percent to 1,356.78.
With the day's strong gains, the major averages turned in a mixed performance for the week. While the NASDAQ still fell 1 percent for the week, the S&P 500 rose by 0.2 percent and the Dow edged up by less than 0.1 percent.
In economic news, China's economic growth eased to a three-year low of 7.6 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Friday, matching forecasts after GDP climbed 8.1 percent in the first quarter.
Also, China's industrial production increased 9.5 percent annually in June compared to expectations for a 9.8 percent growth. In May, production was up 9.6 percent.
Retail sales were up 13.7 percent year-on-year in June, faster than the expected 13.4 percent increase. This followed a 13.8 percent rise in the previous month.
Fixed asset investment rose 20.4 percent in the first six months of the year compared to the same period last year. This was expected to increase 20 percent on an annual basis.
by RTT Staff Writer
For comments and feedback: email@example.com
Market Analysis


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Australian MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner tests Craig Lowndes's TeamVodafone V8 Supercar
- December 12, 2011
Australian MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has completed 90 laps in Craig Lowndes's TeamVodafone V8 Supercar at the Driving Centre at Norwell, Queensland.
With instructions from Lowndes and 2011 champion teammate Jamie Whincup, Stoner impressed the V8 stars likewise the Repsol Honda rider loved the Triple 8 Commodore.
"(Driving a V8 Supercar is) something I have wanted to do since I was quite young actually and the opportunity to finally get in one and have a go is something pretty special to me," Stoner said.
"I didn't expect to be in Craig's actual race car. To be behind the wheel of something that won a race a few weeks ago is very special and I appreciate it."
Stoner said coming to grips with a large V8 Supercar was a massive change to what he's used to with the two-wheeled MotoGP machine.
"In its own ways the track feels narrower especially going into the left hand corners. With these cars you can use actually quite a lot of the track so that can feel a little similar to being on the bike," Stoner explained.
"With everything I am learning today, I have to forget everything I know about bikes and change to learn to drive these, and it is the same thing going from cars to bikes.
"I am surprised at how well they absorb the kerbs, they are still going to be a stiff race machine but they do absorb the bumps pretty well and of course the power is still there.
"We have to deal with a fair bit of power myself. The hardest thing I have had to do is change whatever I know about braking and changing through gears. I am having to rethink it again."
Whincup said Stoner was giving it his all out on track and said he was impressive behind the wheel and had what it takes to race in Australia's premier motorsport category.
"While it was fun for him I know he wanted to do a good job and he certainly impressed everyone here," Whincup said.
"I think for sure Casey has something to offer V8's. I am not sure how close that is for him, hopefully he goes on and does awesome stuff for us Aussies in Moto GP and on two wheels for a bit longer.
"Life after two wheels for most of those guys is car racing and I am sure his eyes are set on V8 Supercars because it is one of the strongest categories in the world."
Lowndes too was impressed with Stoner's progress throughout the day.
"He did a really good job and is the ultimate professional it was an amazing experience to work with him," Lowndes said. "Getting through the kerbs and across the fast section around the back took some getting used to. The technical side, low speed stuff he was right up to speed on straight away."
"It is fantastic to have someone of Casey's calibre in one of our cars. To see what he does on TV on two wheels and then see what he can actually do on four wheels is a real treat."
TeamVodafone boss Roland Dane hinted that a drive for Stoner in a V8 Supercar is a possibility in the future.
"I see no reason at all why Casey shouldn't be very competitive in a V8 Supercar," Dane said after Stoner's test.
"When you have spent most of your life away, chasing your dreams you have to work pretty hard at it. I think Casey has developed a steely determination to succeed at anything he does."
"He is as much a fan of V8 Supercars as we all are of Moto GP.
"It is in his hands if he wants to drive a V8 Supercar. One day I suspect he will end up doing it."
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13 comments on this story
lyle wright says December 16, 2011 at 7:21 PM
go casey u are in good hands with craig lowndes peter brock taught him so he will teach u good luck hope to see u in the team
Dion of Brisbane says December 16, 2011 at 7:45 PM
Casey, a true racer in every aspect. Great bloke, even better Champion. See you on the Island again this year mate! #27 to #1
soquickitsridiculous of everywhere says December 16, 2011 at 9:08 PM
I am quicker on my 125cc Vespa
TG of Brisbane says December 17, 2011 at 8:16 AM
You are aknob @soquickitsridiculous of everywhere. Couple more years in Motogp and we will probably see you, Casey, in V8 supercars.
soquickitsridiculous of everywhere says December 17, 2011 at 5:42 PM
TG of Brisbane - if that's your real name ? was it you I saw with the training wheels still on do 5 kph in fortitude valley last night - I am so quick I can turn the light out and be in bed before it gets dark ! give me the right bike and the right car and I would finish first second and third I am that quick it's ridiculous !
Chris Evans says December 17, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Nothing needs to be said about Casey ! His results and his resolve speaks for them self! Let alone his awesome ability on any bike!
Don of Ca says December 19, 2011 at 5:15 AM
When he can beat a world champion like Rossi did in a Rally Car then you Aussies will have something to cheer about ;-)
D Sillence of UK says December 19, 2011 at 6:33 AM
a TRUE superstar World Champion - hope you hang in at Moto GP for a few more years yet Casey; love your style and skill mate (and this is from a 'Pom'!)
John Cranberry of Sydney says December 19, 2011 at 12:44 PM
I'd love to see Lowndes or Wincup on a Motogp bike. One corner and they will go flying off into the gravel. I hope Casey stays for at least 4 more year in MotoGP before going to V8.
Deano says December 19, 2011 at 1:49 PMDid you want to make a comment? Use our form below
Atta boy Casey, with age....get a cage. A few more years as the dominant force in MotoGP, then move back to Oz with a shedload of dosh and the young family and wow us for a few more years in V8's. Go you good thing!
Tim of Queensland says December 20, 2011 at 5:53 PM
Stick to MotoGP Casey, dont go to bogan V8s, we have Mark and Daniel in Formula 1, Formula 1 is the best motorsport in the world
Open Wheeler says December 21, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Lyle (Comment 1), Craig Lowndes is just an ok driver - nothing more! Guys like Whincup, Winterbottom and Tander can see Mr Gigglepot off nine times out of ten. He cannot make his way through the field without bulldozing a few cars out of the way in the process! Montoya humiliated him in Europe a few years ago and he came back home with his tail between his legs to pedal souped up taxi cabs again! Keep it real mate, on the world stage these guys are midfield runners at best...and that includes Mr Brock!
Lyn morris of Nundah Qld says January 24, 2012 at 12:20 PM
Casey it dosnt matter you go Cars or Bikes i just hope that you will be proud that you have so many Aussies out there supporting you and Craig Lowes is the Best to drive with you never know u may become the nxt brock later on just like you have in Motogp gd on Casey go for it


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Sports activities I participate in |
Racquet sports, Golf, Other, Biking/Hiking |
I enjoy reading the following |
Computers, Self help, Poetry, Politics, General fiction |


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Posted: Dec 11, 2012 2:36 PM by Ian Cross
Updated: Dec 12, 2012 9:32 AM
SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. - On Friday, police in Sierra Vista arrested a woman for cultivating and possessing marijuana after they found more than the legally allowed number of marijuana plants in her residence.
Police responded to domestic violence call at a home on West Martin Drive, and while on the scene, learned both individuals had medical marijuana cards and were growing marijuana in the back bedroom, according to a news release from Sierra Vista P.D. Arizona law allows one person to grow up to 12 plants, meaning the legal allotment for that home was 24 plants.
Officers counted 25 plants inside the home and six outside the residence, the release states. Officers also found seven empty pots with agitated soil, and an investigation determined that 47-year-old Sierra Vista resident Mary Brown had ripped six of the plants out of their pots before law enforcement arrived.
Officers obtained a search warrant for the home, and Brown was arrested and charged with: Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Production of Marijuana, and Tampering with Evidence, the release states. She was booked into the Cochise County Jail.
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The vote came in moments ago:
21 yea vs. 13 nay, that's right opio-pals, MEDICAL MARIJUANA PASSED BOTH THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE JUST NOW!!! Connecticut's Gov. Malloy says he will sign the Bill. Done deal folks.
Sick people can feel well. That's like, totally 21st-century and stuff. Whatever happened to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? it's a fucking plant and even for your Christians it says in Genesis that God gave us all of the plants and animals in the world. That's it! Just my personal view point.


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In my neighborhood lots of new buildings (like the innercity IKEA) and fancy offices are popping up, which brings more discussions and arguing about if it's good or not. Well, if I can find such a lovely place like Saltkråkan, I am more and more torn.
If I'm thinking about Astrid Lindgrens stories: hot summer, white dresses, dancing with flowers in the sun… and if I only would say words, it's on you to imagine summer holiday in Skandinavia: Äppelkaka, Blåbärstårta, Kanelbulle, Lussekatter, … mmmmmmh!
A house full of delicious sweet cake and rolls. Together with Hamburger Coffee you can just sit on one of the blue chairs or outside in the sun, and relax in the beautiful bright room. Huge map of fictitious Swedish Saltkråkan on the wall (based on Astrid Lindgrens story "Vi på Saltkråkan"), Skandinavian sweets you can buy (like Liquorice), books in a cupbord to exchange.
Early birds can try Tjorven, Båtsman or Melker breakfast (sweet, savory or based of fish). For lunch they have quiche (paj) and soups and salad with different toppings (an idea from Finnland). Even the chocolate O'Boy and the bread is imported from Sweden.
I love this place, the concept and will be there quite frequently (they have Wifi)! Even if highly controversial IKEA is still under construction, a small Swedish oasis is already there.
Café Saltkråkan | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Tjorven breakfast € 4.90
Große Bergstraße 191 | +494087097073
Mon – Sat 09:30 – 20:00, Sun 10:00 – 18:00


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Could Statin Use Put Your Eyes at Risk?
Need another reason to avoid cholesterol-lowering statins like the plague? Now, statins have been linked to cataracts.
Filed Under: Vision Health
Go Nuts for Nuts
Many people assume that since nuts are high in fat, they must be unhealthy or they make you fat. Both of these assumptions are wrong.
Filed Under: Diet
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Niacin is an amazing nutrient to have at your disposal when combatting high cholesterol. Find out why.
Filed Under: Heart Health
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Stefan Schneck
No 426, SOEPpapers on Multidisciplinary Panel Data Research from DIW Berlin, The German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP)
Abstract: This paper uses unique German data to examine the effects of the relative standing on the individual propensity to become self-employed in the next two years. The results suggest that the relationship between relative wage positions and propensity to become self-employed is U-shaped. This is interpreted as evidence that low status translates into entrepreneurial motivation for workers in low relative wage positions. Employees with high relative standing, in turn, seem to be more concerned about the lack of future career prospects in paid employment and consider self-employment as a next step on the individual career ladder.
Keywords: Relative wage position; status; self-employment (search for similar items in EconPapers) JEL-codes: L26 L29 (search for similar items in EconPapers) New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-bec, nep-ent, nep-hrm and nep-lab Date: 2011 References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc Citations Track citations by RSS feed
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Conference Information
Full Title: | Eye-tracking and Natural Language Processing |
Location: | Mumbai, India |
Start Date: | 15-Dec-2012 - 15-Dec-2012 |
Contact: | Michael Carl |
Meeting Email: | click here to access email |
Meeting URL: | http://www.cbs.dk/ETNLP |
Meeting Description: |
Eye-tracking and Natural Language Processing
A workshop organized in the context of Coling 2012 15 December 2012, Mumbai, India http://www.cbs.dk/ETNLP Eye-tracking devices are increasingly used in natural language applications, for hypothesis testing, user modelling and usability studies, system evaluation and feature extraction, as well as for on-line applications such as real-time human-machine interaction, intelligent user adaptation and gaze-based control. The planned workshop aims at bringing together interested parties in using eye-tracking devices in NLP-related research, including representation, implementation and algorithms for gaze detection as well as assessment and evaluation of possibilities and quality of gaze data in natural language applications. |
Linguistic Subfield: | Cognitive Science; Computational Linguistics; Psycholinguistics |
LL Issue: | 23.3624 |
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Kids who love Sesame Street will love this life-size addition to their walls. Use the Big Bird Peel & Stick Giant Wall Decal to decorate your childs room. This Big Bird giant wall decal brightens up a room with its vibrant yellow color. This kids room wall decal is not only easy to apply, but is also simple to remove without leaving behind any ugly marks on the wall. This removable wall decal will be the perfect addition to a nursery, bedroom, or playroom. So, get this RoomMates giant wall decal and make your toddlers room special.
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Contact Canyon
Canyon is listening
If you have an information you want to share with us, please fill the below form or contact us via Facebook or Twitter. If your message requires feedback, our team will come back to you as soon as possible.
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We make hiring Super Hero Parties in Panama City FL a snap!
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85 miles from Panama City
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Professional wholesome family entertainment corporation well known in North Florida and Georgia for 30 years. Providing the finest in all genres of entertainment including: Balloon artists Jugglers, Magicians, Stilt Walkers, Face Painters and Body Artists,…
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Costumed Character / Super Hero Party
877-794-9286 Tampa Bay Party Characters, Tampa Princess Parties, Tampa Superhero Visits, Tampa Bay Birthday Party Characters, Princess Theme Parties, Tampa Bay Superhero Visits, Birthday Party Characters, Tampa Princess Party Characters, Tampa FL Superhero…
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Wagner Events provides professional & beautiful face painting at an incredible speed. Offering full face designs quickly helps keep the line short & the crowd happy. Also able to offer small designs at a fraction of the time depending on the…
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Cirque Vertigo offers a wide arrangement of spectacular entertainment for all ages. From breathtaking aerial feats to jaw dropping balance acts, our award winning artistry display an exotic blend of strength, balance, humor, skill, beauty and grace.…
279 miles from Panama City
Clown / Super Hero Party
Party Peeple will make your party come alive with a variety of fun!! We offer lovable and fun clowns and a wide variety of kids favorite characters, such as Tinkerbell, Spiderman, Batman, Cinderella and more. Each one of our entertainers is a professional…
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877-635-6195 Orlando Florida Costume Cartoon Birthday Party Characters, Orlando FL Princess Parties and Orlando Superheroes For Parties. Orlando Party Characters, Orlando Princess Party Characters, Orlando Princess Theme Entertainers, Orlando Superheroes.…
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Face Painter / Super Hero Party
Face Painting, Airbrush tattoos, Stilt Walkers and balloon twisting. With over 12 years experience, Makeup by Renette Inc. is a fully insured company that offers high quality face painting that takes less than 5 minutes to create and are always a hit…
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Event Planner / Super Hero Party
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Believe is an artistic company that provides many services such as Character Performers, Princess Parties, Superhero Parties, Spa Make over Parties, Children parties, Choreography, DJ, Party Goers, Wait staff, Mystery Shows and Flash mobs. Contact us…
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Looking for body painted entertainment? look no further! We offer full body painting for guests, models, or actors to suit all of your entertainment needs. We have packages that suit every budget. and have a great feature that is perfect for the specialty…
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Super Hero Party
Amazing Heros Look-A-likes is available for Adult and Children Birthday Parties, Convention, Corporate Events, Fair, Festival, Fund Raiser,Trade Show, Parades, grand openings, etc... We will meet and greet and pose for photos with party guests, and add-ons,…
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We are full-service creative professionals - fine art, performance art, art instruction and art entertainment. Our popular entertainment services include: Caricatures; Face painting; Balloon art; Faux tattoos - henna or airbrush; Silhouettes; Novelty…
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Caricaturist / Super Hero Party
Caricatures priovde both delightful entertainment as well as lasting keepsakes of your special event. M.C. specializes in black and white, head and shoulders, quick draw caricatures (1 to 3 minutes per face). M C has performed at numerous corporate,…


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MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Canadian rental company SMS Rents has relocated two Montreal-area rental centers into larger facilities, the company said last week. The St. Bruno has moved to a newly constructed 9,400-square-foot facility in Brossard. The former Dorval location has become one of the company's large rental facilities, totaling 19,000 square feet in Saint-Laurent.
Both locations offer the company more than additional floor and yard space, said Nicolas Gagnon, SMS Rents Quebec regional manager. "These locations will help us to better serve our growing customer base in the area," said Gagnon. "Both stores are highly visible on major traffic routes. They make us more accessible to customers who are coming into the store for supplies and equipment. They also give our delivery drivers quicker access to the main roads and out to the customers' jobsites."
The Broussard facility, to be managed by Marc Dube, was built to suit SMS Rents' rental operation. "We simply outgrew our old location," said Gagnon. "Fitting our needs into the available space was increasingly difficult. Now we have a highly efficient layout, designed to meet our current and future plans to grow the business."
The two-story Broussard building provides for additional inventory storage and training areas as well as showroom and service areas.
The Saint-Laurent facility, managed by Victor Carlos, has several new service bays and wash bays, fully equipped with exhaust systems and tools to service the store's rental fleet, as well as customers' equipment. "This will be a very useful facility for SMS Rents' customers," said Gagnon. "Customers can bring in their own equipment for maintenance and repairs, and take away a rental unit to work on their project until the service work is completed. We're very proud of our equipment technicians here. They really know how to troubleshoot quickly and get the equipment back to work."
SMS Rents president Marcel Langlois sees the new stores as an important step forward in SMS' long-range plans. "These stores have the facilities to operate as support hubs for additional sales and service locations reaching a broader regional market. They truly reflect the one-stop vision we have always had for SMS Rents, with equipment, tools and supplies, as well as being an expert resource for technical support and training. With our plan in place, our Quebec team was ready to move effectively when the opportunities appeared for us to take on these locations."
SMS Rents, No. 86 on the RER 100, is based in Mississauga, Ontario, and has 15 branches in Ontario and Quebec.


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Eggnog for Christmas...champagne for New Year's...and cocktails all around: If ever there was a season for over boozing it's the holidays.Of course, the same time frame is fraught with seasonal colds.Could there be a connection? New animal research suggests binge drinking may lower immunity overall -- particularly increasing vulnerability to foodborne bacteria.
A study published in Toxicological Sciences examined how alcohol affected the ability to fight off bacterial infection over a 72-hour period.Compared with those drinking water, mice on the equivalent of the holiday-cocktail-party-circuit had stomach bacterial counts that were 750% higher at 8 hours, and 2,200% higher at 24 hours.Why? Alcohol wreaked havoc on two types of immune cells, cytokines and macrophages.Alcohol cut the number of cytokines -- thus increasing inflammation, while reducing the bacteria-busting effectiveness of macrophages by 83%. Thus, alcohol compromises overall immunity, increasing risk of infection, even death.
While more research is needed to confirm how alcohol affects the human immune system, it's fair to say too much of it can harm health in multiple ways.Binge drinking leads to bigger waistlines, lasting brain damage, disruptive heart rhythms, and higher stroke risk.Even moderate drinking raises breast cancer risk for women.Pace yourself with non-alcoholic drinks, such as fake beer, which may have its own immunity benefits.And if you do find you've overindulged, help restore your body's balance with bananas, containing many of the nutrients needed to combat hangover symptoms.
Bonus: Eat more asparagus to counter alcohol's effects.
A lab study in the Journal of Food Science found that asparagus extract reduced liver toxicity by 42%.


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We've four weeks to go till the 'big day' and what a lot we've to look forward to... what with Strictly, X Factor and I'm a Celeb, we can look forward to our annual barrage of 'winners' - all of whom will be rinsing their new found fame (and earning potential) to death and appearing in a panto/work party/light switch on/*insert event here* near you.
One such candidate I'm sure will be our Craig Colton who, after much hanging on, fell victim to the first X Factor Deadlock of the series. This week was my 'turn' to go and hang out with the contestants and my my, what a show it was! Not least 'cos performing was... *shrieks slightly*... Rihanna! Yup, I was holding out for this one. Following the dressing down after her last X Factor outing (hmm it was precisely that that caused the damn complaints) pressure was on RiRi to toe the Cowell line. So, bursting onto stage in an untypically demure tartan frock, the checklist was ticked off... Boobs tucked up - tick, camel toe covered - tick; sighs of relief all round.
Until, shock horror, it appeared the cheeky minx had taken to her trainers with a Sharpie and emblazoned it with words certainly not suitable for my 11-year-old nephew. Oops. Tut tut. Still, t'was most amusing when she tried to exit the stage post performance only to find no bodyguard waiting dutifully, and faced with a wall of bemused cameramen had to settle for the lovely Warm Up man to save her blushes and get her back to her dressing room.
Craig sadly got biffed after losing out to Amelia. Was it the bad song choice, or the 'first up' curse... we shall never know. Shame, Craig is a good singer but that's it. Amelia however has it all... she needs to get to the final. If the stylists would please stop getting carried away with her doppelgänger and dressing her as Kat Slater, it would greatly improve her chances I reckon, for the girl really can sing. Listening to her live this weekend was a real treat.
Now, I could bang on about X Factor all day but I won't (as I always do!), and it's been a busy week elsewhere in the world of showbiz. Demi divorcing Ashton, Hugh Grant's successful court injunction, Russell Grant dressing up as a cannonball, the longest red carpet EVER and scarily obsessed fans at The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn premiere, and - removed from the Saturday night TV shackles - Cocozza has been let loose on the general public - note to all... lock up your daughters!
Children in Need's annual telly takeover made for appointment to view viewing, and not just so because it makes us feel better about ourselves (but yes, I did donate as it happens *polishes halo*). The Dragons' Den sketch with Lord Sugar was much hyped but worth the wait. Go Lord Sugar - some genuinely funny 'acting' and hilarious put downs of the Dragons, more of this please!
And of course, I can't sign off without mentioning the telly triumph that is I'm a Celeb. Ant & Dec have really upped the stakes this series - last year I thought they came across as a bit too predictable with the normally hilarious 'bits in between'. This year however, whether it's due to the recent swell in their bank balances after a cushty (yet deserved) mega bucks contract renewal or not, one cannot deny that the lads are on top form.
Funny, well-executed gags, everyone's best mates; thank goodness they are back on our screens every night. Forget a half starved, flatulating contestant getting the crown... everyone's favourite Geordie duo are the true winners of this show!
With it being Christmas 'n all (nearly), a quick plea if I may - please support the Daybreak 'Donate a Coat' campaign. It's a really fantastic cause and is happening this week. Just check out www.itv.com/daybreak for details on how you can do your bit. Please do if you can!
> Catch-up on Anna's previous 'Showbiz Peeks at the Week'


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Chris N.
Cedar, MN, 55011
Subjects Taught Guitar, Music Recording
About Me
Ever wish you could play your favorite songs?
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I've distilled thousands of hours of practice and spent over $50,000 of my own money learning the instrument and sharing that knowledge and expertise to you at a bargain price.


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Kia Kaha to all the wahine involved in Te Wharepora Hou ..
Marama I acknowledge your commitment and your mana..
Wahine bring all politicians bureaucrats into the world everywhere, in Ireland women also brought their wisdom and common sense to a place torn by sectarian division and helped heal much of it..
I hope here in Aotearoa the sense of Kaitiaki over water is successfully defended for all our sakes throughout both islands ..I will share this so all who visit me can see that what Key & National are doing is fully intended to be divisive, Maori wahine the opposite.. Kia ora.
- Tame Iti is free (+photos)Posted 88 days ago
- Lauryn Hill supports Maori Designer at RaggamuffinPosted 109 days ago
- White Island volcanic activity a growing concernPosted 124 days ago
- Maori culture adapting to presence in online mediaPosted 139 days ago
- #IdleNoMore – an Aotearoa perspective | Marama DavidsonPosted 141 days ago
- Ainu Youth use crowdsourcing site to fundraise for trip to visit Maori in AotearoaPosted 141 days ago
- Welcoming in the New YearPosted 142 days ago
Iwi and asset sales – taihoa! Marama Davidson | Te Wharepora Hou
Whanau Maori – we have the potential power to stop the asset sales from happening. But we need to act now!
Government asset sales cannot go ahead yet because of our water rights.
The Waitangi Tribunal says that the Government must halt its asset sales programme until water rights can be sorted out. This is annoying for the Government because they want to get the asset sales programme off the ground now.
Government now need the approval of Iwi.
To quickly sort out water rights the Government may approach certain Iwi with a deal. Iwi with water interests that our Government are likely to approach include Waikato, Tuwharetoa/Te Arawa and Ngai Tahu. But decisions made by any one Iwi will impact on all other Iwi and hapu.
The Government wants to move fast.
In exchange for letting the asset sales go through, those Iwi may be offered cash and/or shares following any asset sale.
These are the things for whanau and hapu to consider:
- That we have the responsibility to protect and sustain our environment.
- That no one can own water (least of all the government) but we as hapu declare our responsibility to be kaitiaki.
- That the importance and value of water is far beyond any cash or share value.
- That Iwi representatives do not make decisions until whanau and hap? are clear what any deal might involve.
- That it is local hapu who are the custodians of rivers, springs, lakes and wetlands. Hapu should make the decisions.
- That we reject any timeframe or process that does not allow all of the above.
We need to do the following in the first week of September 2012:
- 1. Contact your Iwi representatives as soon as possible to ask what their plans are with any potential deals.
- 2. Get this message out to all whanau and raise it wherever you can. Use social media, ask to speak on your local Iwi radio stations, raise it at any other hui.
- 3. Show up in force to any 'consultation' hui and ask all the questions so we are absolutely clear what is being given up and what is being gained in any deal.
Iwi contact details:
- Whanau can email any of the authorities below and ask them to forward this question directly to the Iwi representative.
"What are the plans for involving whanau and hapu in any deals around water rights and asset sales?"
- Te Arawa Lakes Trust – http://www.tearawa.iwi.nz/contact
- Tuwharetoa Settlement Trust – email@example.com
- http://tst.maori.nz/about_contact.php
- Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu - firstname.lastname@example.com
- http://www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz/Contact/
- Waikato River Authority – email@example.com
- http://www.waikatoriver.org.nz/contact-us/
Kia ora whanau
From Te Wharepora Hou
Marama Davidson
About Te Wharepora Hou
Te Wharepora Hou is a collective of wahine who are mainly Tamaki Makaurau based, but we have strong participation from wahine based elsewhere in Aotearoa and the world. We have come together to ensure a stronger voice for wahine and are concerned primarily with the wellbeing of whanau, hapu, iwi and all that pertains to Papatuanuku and the sustenance of our people.
2 Comments
Kia ora Jax. Yes I agree wahine have a vital role to play in taking Te Ao Maori forward. Te Wharepora Hou is just one of many vehicles aiming to support our collective wahine voice and maintain a clear responsibility to sustainable futures for whanau.


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Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones (born September 14, 1973), better known simply as Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is the son of jazz musician Olu Dara. Since 1994, Nas has released eight consecutive platinum and multi-platinum albums and sold over 13 million records in the United States alone. Aside from rapping and acting, Nas is an entrepreneur through his own record label and magazine publishing. He currently serves as Mass Appeal Magazine's associate publisher.
His musical career began in 1991 when he was featured on Main Source's track "Live at the Barbeque". His debut album Illmatic, released in 1994, received universal acclaim from both critics and the hip hop community. It is frequently ranked as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. His follow-up album It Was Written debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Charts, stayed on top for four consecutive weeks, went platinum twice in only two months, and made Nas internationally known.
From 1996 to 2005, Nas was involved in a highly publicized feud with rapper Jay-Z. In 2006, Nas signed to Def Jam. In 2010, he released a collaboration album with reggae artist Damian Marley, donating all royalties to charities active in Africa. His tenth studio album, Life Is Good was released in 2012.


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[Salt-l] 4-10-12 MINUTES!!! :)
See below for super exciting events and other fun things!
4-10-12 All Group Meeting
Announcements and Events
4/11 Treyvon Martin Vigil in the Chapel
· 4/12 Coffee and Conversation in the café 9pm
· 4/13 Heckler vs Schwehn
· http://www.facebook.com/events/421162007910694/?ref=ts
· 4/13 9pm Semi-formal
· 4/14 Relay for life
· http://www.facebook.com/events/367933786578944/?ref=ts
· 4/14 SALT WRC baby-sitting
· 4/20 Bake-off
· 4/21 Kenya Run It? 5K
· 4/24 Qdoba fundraiser
· 5/4 End Celebration
· Accountability groups. How to find out what other people in SALT are doing and remain interconnected.
The Meeting
· We learned more about our campaign:
· 1. How many patients are seen at Lugulu Hospital, which has 140 people on staff? 1,000 inpatients and 25,000 outpatients a year.
· 2. Where is the hospital? Western Kenya. Bungoma County
· 3. Why does SALT support the project? "We will help build a reliable and consistent source of the water that enables the hospital to provide health care services to their fullest capacity as a rural healthcare institution."
· Use these facts as a way to dialogue with potential donors!
· PR Lesson
· Table tents and glass display case- reserve two weeks in advance by going to the administration office in the union
· Take posters there as well
· Like the facebook page!!!
· Talk to one class and get them excited about the project and events
If you have questions see these resources:
Valparaiso University '13
Christ College- The Honors College
Ambassador in Admission


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Vital Climbing Gym Coupons and Deals
The road less traveled is often the more fulfilling one, especially when it bypasses Robert Frost's tiger pits. Diverge from a rote route with this Groupon. Choose from Three Options $39 for 10 rock-climbing visits (up to an $80 value) $27 for a one-month membership (up to a $60 value) $50 for a two-month membership (up to a $115 value) The membership options include a $5 membership card.
Every deal, one place.
Best deals from Groupon, LivingSocial and more.


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Charleston, SC Real Estate
CENTURY 21 Properties Plus, Inc. serves the entire lowcountry...because YOU DESERVE MORE! Making a Real Estate decision can not only be time consuming, but can also be difficult. At CENTURY 21 Properties Plus, Inc. our real estate agents handle making an offer, negotiating the transaction, mortgage help and even relocating outstide of the Charleston area. CENTURY 21 Properties Plus' agents have extensive knowledge of how to best assist you in any real estate transaction. With over 14 years of service to Charleston, SC, locally called "the Lowcountry" we can assist you and family in the sale of your current home and in the home you need!
Looking for a new home in Charleston, SC?
Check out our property searches which include all Real Estate listings throughout the Charleston, SC area. Search for homes in: Mt Pleasant, Summerville, Isle of Palms, Goose Creek, Johns Island, James Island, Kiawah, West Ashley, Moncks Corner, Daniels Island or Hanahan, SC. Have a question about a specific area in Charleston, SC? We have specialized agents in every inch of the Lowcountry. Just contact one of our specialized associates for more details.
About Properties Plus
CENTURY 21 Properties Plus, Inc. was founded in 1997 in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina with a goal to provide Charleston area home buyers and sellers alike with greater service and professionalism. With the power of the CENTURY 21® System, CENTURY 21 Properties Plus, Inc. has 2 offices strategically placed across the Greater Charleston, SC Area. With offices placed in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties, Properties Plus is able to service Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah, Seabrook, West Ashley, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, Summerville and each of their surrounding areas.
It all adds up!
In addition to their outstanding residential real estate division, CENTURY 21 Properties Plus, Inc. also offers professional mortgage, commercial and property management services. It all adds up to create one powerful, full service organization you can turn to for all of your real estate needs throughout the Charleston Metro Area.