text:
I like that our show can tell familiar stories in a fresh way. And I love when it can be done without breaking the fourth wall or mocking us or themselves.
Last week's ramble was very thinky. I was trying to work my head around a good many things – and based on your most excellent comments, a lot of you were, too. I'm still not satisfied with the amount of information we've gotten about our boys, but I don't think I'm supposed to be yet. I mean, it's only the 4th episode, right?
Real Life got the best of me and I haven't been able to reply to all of the comments for 8.03 yet – I will, I promise! – but I did read all of them and I'm glad to have this additional episode break in the arc to process a bit more, to be honest. They've given us a lot…and also not enough. Darn writers. Bunch of teases they are.
I checked Twitter while at the soccer game last night and saw that this episode had triggered some very different reactions. It seemed that while some loved the episode for the sake of the story, others were unhappy with the fact that it was Winchester-lite. So, I went into my viewing of it this morning with a bit of apprehension.
I tell ya, I was never not engaged in the story this episode told. I thought it was well paced and acted and though we didn't know them long, I found myself caring about the fate of the three kids we were watching. I was so engaged, in fact, that when the first commercial break came, I was surprised.
Told in the now-popular "found footage" style of Blair Witch, Paranormal Activity, Grave Experience, this was basically another MotW episode – nicely placed, I think, after two angst-heavy opening episodes that teased the hell out of us with glimpses of what our boys had been through in the year apart and led to question after question (next to each other, not stacked end-to-end) from us and a MotW episode that left us talking more about the brothers than the case itself. If they gave us all the back story and angst right up front, they'd burn out the story and their audience before we hit the half-way point in the season.
The continuity was there as far as Sam's reluctance and Dean's focus. There are obviously still some dance steps in their partnership they're missing -- even in the limited time the brothers are onscreen. I felt we even saw some of Dean's post-Purgatory pensiveness, if not his PTSD anxiety. Which would be hard to see in this manner.
Some thinky-thoughts (because it's me, and, well, I can't not). You can skip to the recap/bullets if you want.
I have two buckets of thought: the boys, and the story.
With the story, I couldn't help but think about how so many compelling stories are tragic. Shakespeare had it right: love, loss, betrayal, passion, violence, sorrow, joy – they're all tied up in the human story. Personally, a story of love without the yang of loss, betrayal, or sorrow is totally lost on me.
The most tragic figure in this love triangle, I thought, was Brian. He continually compares himself to "Piggy" from Lord of the Flies, the sad, unfortunate boy who is the leader's best friend and is used and killed by the other boys, when who he really wants to be is "Ralph," the confident, natural leader who ultimately defeats "Jack," the evil (what? I always thought he was evil, even if he was a kid) rebel leader, even if only by refusing to die.
The comparison to the William Golding novel isn't heavy-handed; it's clear from the start that Brian loves his friend Michael, admires him, and is incredibly jealous of him. In Brian's eyes, Michael is better looking (though I thought Brian had very pretty eyes), more clever, more confident, and most damning of all – gets the girl. The girl Brian saw first. It's that jealousy – and not lycanthropy – that poisons everything around them and I think ultimately causes the story to end the way it does. Kate's ominous opening line, typed out like credits to the movie, is very true: "This should have never ended this way."
Had Brian been able to control his jealousy, been honest with himself and/or his friends, things could have turned out much differently. Not sure they would have been any better for Michael, but Brian and Kate's lives may not have been destroyed in the process. But…we're talking college kids. Who among us was able to control our emotions, our reactions, our feelings like an adult when we were nineteen, twenty years old?
The thing that struck me about their story was how long it took for them to get scared. I don't remember being that confident when I was young. I was always afraid of something. I was afraid of disappointing my parents, of letting down my friends, of not taking good enough care of my siblings. I was afraid I wouldn't be enough – and that insecurity bled into fear of other things. Other drivers on the road, people in the mall, security at home (I was obsessive about making sure the doors were locked, even though we lived literally in the middle of a cornfield). When I was in charge, I always had to know where each kid was – and had to have my eyes on the little ones.
I relaxed a little bit once I moved away, but when I had Mo Chuisle, that all came back. Watching these kids running around in the dark after their neighbor had been attacked and killed by what was described as a wild animal, then later laughing about Michael's newfound powers, just made me sad for them. They had no idea how awful life could be and they were walking blindly into the worst of it.
Leading me to the boys.
The whole episode, I couldn't stop thinking about what it had to feel like for Sam and Dean to watch this story unfold. Too often they are forced to focus on the job, the hunt. Figure out what bad guy they're dealing with, how to kill it, then get 'er done. They don't always have the time or the opportunity to see the other side. The human side.
I felt like I was sitting next to them, experiencing this as they experienced it. I kept picturing them sitting silent and still in front of the computer, watching as Michael was bitten, knowing where it was going to lead, knowing where they were at the time all of this was happening. I wondered what they thought about the ignorance of these youths who had yet to see the dark side of life that the brothers had always lived inside. I wondered what they thought of seeing themselves investigate, seeing what we see about Sam dragging his heels Dean barreling forward.
This has to toss around in their heads a bit, I would think. And there were some things I couldn't help but be glad each of them heard. For example the way the kids got a "workplace romance" vibe from them. It's clear that there is affection for one another – these brothers love each other, no question. But the thing about a "workplace romance" (she says, speaking from experience) is that no one can know about it which generally increases the stress between the two parties and typically leads to one of two solutions: quit the job, or quit each other (I quit the job). Well, we don't want them to do either so the fact that complete strangers were seeing this tension – and it was pointed out to them via the movie – has me hoping they'll air out their differences soon-ish and find a way to, as Sam said long, long ago, "be brothers again."
(Just a sidebar – the 'romance' part of this analogy is just a play on words here, people. I'm talking basic, platonic, sibling love and using the episode's language to make my point.)
Another thing that caught me was the Prof saying, "We don't get to choose who we are."
That point, I hoped, gave both of them food for thought. They may have been thrust into this life by tragedy, but this is who they are now. They know too much, have seen too much, and are known by too many on the other side to ever not be hunters. They could maybe set up shop somewhere, have a home, somewhere to return to. Bobby did it, why couldn't they?
They could even have wives. Kids. Soldiers leave their home for deployment all the time. Cops go out and arrest bad guys. Yes, any of that ugliness could come back with them, affect their families, but they take precautions, teach their family what to do, when, and how. Our boys could do that same thing if they could wrap their minds around it. I think it would be a hell of a change, and I think it would be tough for them to ever breathe easy again but it could happen.
The point is, no matter how much Sam might want to quit hunting, have a normal life, the fact of the matter is, he is a hunter. He can't change who he is. And Dean might think that he's a just a warrior now, but he's been a guardian, a protector, too long to not be that anymore. He's not a cold executioner, even if that would be a lot easier for him right now. His heart is beating strong in there – it's clear in how he reacts to the film they watch – and it's going to start demanding attention through that shell he's placed around himself.
Lastly, the thing that hit me with having the boys watch was Kate's tearful decry that, "Michael wasn't always a monster. None of us were."
All I could think of was how much their lives have been changed by the darkness they fight. At different times, both brothers have seen themselves as monsters – because of what they have done, what they haven't done, what is inside of them, what they have survived, how they have survived…. It makes me sad to see them feel this way about themselves, even as I get why those thoughts spin around in their heads, because I see heroes. I see sacrifice for the greater good. And this reminder – seeing these kids go from kids to monsters – could be a catalyst to the boys that they aren't monsters, and they weren't always "this way." Whatever negative way they're seeing themselves.
More thoughts peppered in the recap.
Ramble On
Things I loved: (not as many this time simply because the 'love' category is reserved primarily for our boys)
- Guns 'n Roses aliases of Rose and Hudson (though it took me a minute to remember that Slash's real name is Saul Hudson)
- The music -- not classic rock, I know, but I have a ton of Alternative Rock on my iPod
- Dean's soft "Mmmhmmm" at the end as he stares into the middle distance
Things I liked:
- How it just started, no THEN/NOW but catapulted us into the story coupled with showing the credits at the end when we saw the boys again.
- They way I was drawn into the kids' story
- They way the boys immediately distance themselves from the pure-blood "creature" they're hunting by calling it "best in show" and hoping it has it's papers
- The ill-fated love triangle story with monsters (that's my kind of Shakespeare)
- The fact that the recent werewolf research I did for a fic was validated in the show *laugh*
Things that were meh:
- The local cop rolling over and calling himself a "yokel" when the boys flashed their fake badges…c'mon, son! Have more pride in your job! He was in a suit, so I'm assuming he was a detective. I want it to be a little harder sometimes for the boys to fool the local PD with their Fed persona's – especially with Sam's hair. And the fact that they drive a classic Impala.
- The brush-over comment by Brian that the boys were talking about being apart for a year – I wanted to see that footage!!
Things I missed: (but am okay with because it's only episode 4)
- Purgatory/Benny/Cas storyline
- Dean's PTSD anxiety
- Sam's story
- Classic Rock (yeah, okay, I like Alternative Rock, but this is Supernatural…I'm always going to miss classic rock when it's not there)
Does anyone know the name of the song that's playing on the iPod as we open on the bloody scene? It sounds like a new-age cover to Marvin Gaye's "What's the Matter with You Baby?" but I can't tell who is singing. Even my Soundhound app didn't know.
Anyway, blood on walls, body parts, and intact body covered by a sheet, and music on the iPod and the boys break in guns drawn. I love it when they do this. I don't even really care if it's accurate, I just like they way they look. Sam goes into the living room and Dean goes up the stairs, all pursed lips and furrowed brow and I just…yeah. *bites lip*
Dean comes into the living room and says that the place is clear. Sam motions to the sheet-covered body.
Sam: No ID on this guy, and no clue who is painted on the walls.
Dean: Whatever happened, we missed it.
Then they see the laptop and it's rather macabre Alice In Wonderland-esque note saying "Play Me." So they do. After seeing what some in fandom can do editing a video in time with a song, I wasn't at all surprised that the student film was spliced together so expertly – complete with multiple pieces of footage and camera angles. There is some scary-good talent out there. In retrospect, I was a bit creeped out by the thought of Kate sitting in the blood-covered room finishing it…and the boys sitting in the same bloody room watching it.
After the opening words, the first part of the movie is your typical college kids being college kids. Brian is the AD Club Prez, so we have the shy, geeky-kid role, and Michael is the good-looking confident best friend. You get the sense that these two grew up together and have been best friends for years. I also got the sense that Brian has been jealous of Michael—while simultaneously looking down on his friend for his average intelligence—for a long, long time.
Brian sees a group of girls on the other side of the coffee bar where he and Michael are hanging out and starts to categorize them – y'know, this one is home-schooled, that one listens to country music, etc. But one pretty blonde with a cute, short haircut stands out for him. Michael wants to see, grabs the camera, and that's when she spies them. She also has a camera – knows her lenses and shutter speeds, apparently –and she and Michael hit it off…even though Brian spied her first.
They all head back to the house Brian and Michael share – pretty nice house for college kids – and Michael and Kate get busy in the downstairs bedroom while Brian sits outside in the living room at his computer, editing tape, jealousy ensuing. Cut to random conversations about where they see themselves in five years and the comfort between Michael and Kate is obvious. It's clear time has passed – enough that they're an 'item' (which in college-kid time could have been all of a week). Kate wants to be a "green" lawyer, Brian wants to work for HBO, Michael wants to be on a boat in the middle of the ocean with his girl.
Then they're in Lit class, studying Lord of the Flies, and Michael's sleeping through it. Brian's filming, though – and zeroes focus in on a pin on the Prof's jacket that is a clue for later. Later, outside of the class there's good-natured ribbing about Michael sleeping in class, Brian filming it for him – "Who loves you?" "I wish I could quit you." – college guys being random, basically. Though, I have to say, my hubs' friends are the only brothers he has. He grew up with them from Jr. High, through college, to now, and I've never heard them joke around and casually toss out the "L" word. Just saying.
A big, bullyish kid runs into Brian, knocking him down and causing him to drop his camera, and Michael gets in his face, backing him off. I think the bully is the same kid – Scott – that they encounter later, but I couldn't really tell with the way the camera went all wonky. Would make sense, though.
Off of that altercation, though, the kids see a ruckus with cops and crowds and head over to film. Because that's what you to when there are cops and crowds these days. There's a body under a sheet with a spot of blood on it. Next thing you know, the Impala pulls up and our boys get out. The college kids snicker and snark calling them Starsky & Hutch, or Rizzoli & Isles.
I never watched Starsky & Hutch (I know, I know…don't shoot me), but I do watch Rizzoli & Isles. Dean is definitely Rizzoli. *smirk*
They find out the victim's name is Jacob Carter and that the neighbors called it in because they heard growling, like a coyote. It just occurred to me that I have no idea what town this was in, so I don't know if coyote attacks would be considered bizarre. We have mountain lions in Lawrence, though, so anything is possible.
Back at the college house, Brian is telling Kate that having the FBI here investigating is actually reassuring which she declares is "annoyingly logical." Brian wants to go out and shoot footage for his AD movie he's supposed to make, so Michael goes with him telling Kate, "You know he doesn't have anyone else to ask," which was both sweet and a condescending. They're out at what looks like a sports field of some kind – it was hard to get visual details a lot with the cameras bouncing all over the place – and they catch sight of the brothers questioning another kid.
The kid walks off and on camera we see the brothers having a tense conversation with Sam looking irritated and pissy and Dean looking irritated and tense.
Sam: There is not—
Dean: There is a case here; you're rusty. We've just gotta dig deeper.
The brothers leave (Dean still tense, Sam still huffy) and Brian and Michael continue to find shots for Brian's movie, coming up on fellow student, Scott, making out with a girl behind some bleachers. She's just not that into him, however, and pushes him away. Michael or Brian run into a garbage can and alert Scott to their presence and he gives chase. There's a lot of running and laughing and the boys separate and we follow Michael into the woods with night vision turned on.
Pretty soon we hear growling and Michael is attacked and pulled out of frame. A bit later, Brian comes looking for him, finds his camera, finds Michael who is bloody, breathing hard, and a bit in shock. His shoulder has been bitten. Brian hauls him back to the house (and a hospital makes no sense because…?) and Kate understandably freaks out until they see that the bite has healed. Not only healed – completely disappeared.
Anyone who has seen any horror movie would tell them that this is Not. Good.
Next morning, Michael's asleep on the couch, Brian and Kate are leaning on the coffee table talking and Kate is worried about Michael. Brian is trying to comfort her, but she's too focused on her bf. Said bf wakes up, goes to the bathroom and accidentally rips the door off the hinges. Instead of freaking out, there is much laughter and lifting of girlfriends over heads because hey, it's fun when your friend suddenly has super-human strength after getting attacked and bit by some kind of animal.
This is the part where I'd be panicking. But it takes awhile to hit these guys. They go through the possibilities. Alien? Mutant? Superhero?
Brian starts to set cameras up all over the house – he's found his movie: Michael's "origin story." Later, though, we see Michael eating a bagel in the kitchen and Brian begs him to take him to where he was in the woods so that he can get bitten, too. He says he's tired of being "Piggy." Michael – who slept through the lecture on Lord of the Flies – says he's not a Pig and he has to figure out what he wants and go after it…he doesn't want "this."
Brian is practically simmering with jealousy and it's sad to watch, really. He has (had) so much potential if only he could see past his desire to live someone else's life. ANYWAY, everyone is chilling in the living room when there's a knock at the door. Both Michael and Kate call 'not it' so Brian goes to the door and suddenly bounds back, all, "Dudes, dudes, dudes! It's the FBI!"
QUICK! HIDE THE BONG!! *laugh*
Michael runs with the bong to the bedroom, Kate puts a camera in the window, and Brian talks to the brothers who ask the standard questions – seen anything weird, heard anything weird – in such a stiff manner it's almost awkward. While they were now both apparently convinced it was a case, they were not in synch. At all. After Brian closes the door, Kate's camera picks up the brother's conversation about how it could be another Mayan god for all they knew.
When Michael hears this he pulls an Almost Famous saying, "I am a golden god!"
Oh, boy. *rolls eyes*
Sometime in the night, Michael gets up and goes to film his golden god self in the bathroom, but instead, he totally wolfs out. It's a much cooler effect of widening eyes, teeth, claws than Madison's was, I gotta say. He heads out to the bedroom and strokes Kate's cheek, so he obviously has control over his actions. De-wolfed, he goes into the kitchen and pretty much devours everything in the fridge. Meaning he has to go out for more food.
Okay, so apparently everyone on campus has a camera – which, with the way things get on YouTube these days, I guess that isn't that far-fetched. But that Scott guy and his posse have decided to "patrol" and protect the "honeys" on campus. *rolls eyes again* They encounter Michael on his way back from the store and as you can imagine, it does not go well. Michael runs off at first, but then Scott taunts him about Kate and RAWR. Whole new meaning to "claws come out."
Back at the house, Brian is asking Kate if she is afraid of Michael and just as she's saying it's kind of hot, Michael shows up covered in blood – mostly from his mouth. He's got Scotts camera, too, of course. He goes to shower and mumbles that he thinks he killed Scott. Brian has to find out for himself, so he goes to the wooded crime scene area – where Dean and Sam already are, questioning the "local yokel" cop. He finds out from their questions that Scott's heart was missing and found mostly eaten up on a hill. Blarg.
So, Brian heads back, confronts Michael about eating a human heart – not so god-like now, huh? – and Michael accidentally shoves Brian all the way across the room. Whoops. This sends poor Michael off the deep end and he's crying, Kate holding him.
Michael: I don't know what's happening to me. I don't know who I am.
Kate: You're Michael Wheeler. And you're mine.
Things are unraveling fast for these three. Brian wants to call the police, Kate is defending Michael, saying Brian couldn't understand because he's never been in love. She says they need answers and they decide to spy on the "FBI Agents." They're hiding behind an ambulance, listening to Dean talk to a paramedic, then Sam joins him and they spy on the brother's conversation.
Dean: Death by claws and lack of hearts. So we're talking…?
Sam: No. Not that time of the month.
Which…Dean would know that. So at first I was bothered by this, but then later when Dean was vindicated for suspecting werewolf, I was happy with the way this went down. Just because it doesn't fit the mold/lore doesn't mean they should dismiss it.
Dean: Awesome. Time to hit the books.
So, once they discover that their AD Club Prez friend has some hacker skillz, the kids figure out how to spy on Sam and Dean by tapping into the security camera at the diner where the boys are eating. Michael sneaks in with a backpack hiding a camera and we watch the boys' conversation as the food is served.
Sam: Dude. Two burgers?
Dean says something that I swear sounded like pig penis, but I could NOT figure it out. Even after rewinding that part three times. Basically he's like, I haven't had real food in a year so shut it. He tossed out a skewed "Friday Night Lights" riff with "clear eyes and clogged arteries" then gets down to business, reading from the book in front of him.
Dean: Werewolves that are turned four generations after pureblood are less feral and can turn before, during, and after the lunar cycle.
He smacks the book like, BAM! Told ya! Sam takes it and continues to read that purebloods don't black out during transformation and can control themselves and some have been able to subsist off of animal hearts.
Seriously, I could have just given them my notes from Night of the Hunter. Saved them a lot of trouble. *laugh*
Sam: A werewolf with a pedigree.
Dean: Awesome. Let's hope he has his papers.
Sam: Yeah, and that silver can kill him. So, what. Best in show comes here 10 years ago, then sets up shop?
Dean: Comes for the hearts, stays for the co-eds.
They're basically like, find it, kill it. Which leads poor Michael to an understandable full on freak out when they review the footage.
Kate: Those guys aren't FBI. Pretty sure FBI Agents don't say "awesome" that much. And they don't hunt and kill college kids.
Brian says that the rest of the tape is just how the brothers talked about how they'd been apart for a year and that's when I protested a bit – I want to see that footage, man! What were they saying?!?
Michael thinks he's screwed, but Kate – who is the most level-headed of the three, really – says to look at the big picture: they don't know about Michael, they want the pureblood that turned him. They go into the bedroom to hash it out while Brian keeps looking at footage. He finds something, but Kate shuts the door on him. So, shut out of their freak-out-reassurance circle, he goes to investigate on his own, finding the pin that his Lit Prof wore on the ground where Michael got attacked.
So, sneaky Brian sneaks into the Prof's office before the Prof gets there, places a camera up in the corner of the room that apparently sends data back to his laptop at home, and then when the Prof gets there, he confronts him, tells him he knows he's a werewolf, and demands to be bitten. The Prof is all deny deny deny at first until Brian threatens him with a silver blade, and then CHOMP. The Prof says that he stayed clean for years, not hurting anyone, living off of animal hearts, but then he saw Jason Carter and "fell off the wagon."
Knowing hunters are more cagey these days, he needed a patsy for his attack and picked Michael because he fell asleep in his class every day – who would miss him?
Brian: Me.
Brian: I'm sick of being Piggy. I want to be Ralph.
Prof: We don't get to choose who we are.
Brian (showing healing bite on arm): I did.
He heads home and finds Kate crying (with Barricades by The Outdoors playing in the background) and then she stands up and starts packing. He says it's all okay, they don't have to leave, he took care of it. He shows them his footage and they are scared. Of him. As they watch, though, the Prof is pacing his office ready to wolf out and Dean and Sam burst in, fight, Dean gets thrown back, Sam gets pinned to the wall, Dean shoots the Prof – who, as he's dying, utters a soft, heartfelt, thank you.
Sam notices that the camera and pulls it off the wall.
Brian's all, problem solved. But Michael is like, they'll track the camera back to you, moron.
Brian tells Kate he did this to protect her – he did what Michael couldn't. He finally figured out what he wanted and he went after it. He wasn't hiding behind the camera, he was hiding behind Michael. He's done living in Michael's shadow. Now they're equals.
Michael, though, is pissed. He can't believe what Brian has done to himself – he didn't bite him when he asked because he didn't want to hurt him. He tells Brian he doesn't want this. Michael can remember killing Scott, what eating a human heart felt like.
Brian tells Kate she needs someone who can take care of her – and of course she's all "I can take care of myself" – and grabs her. Michael tells him to let go and Brian's all, "Or what? You gonna cry some more?" Dude. Them's fightin' words.
Michael wolfs out, attacks, and the fight crashes all over the house with Michael dominating until suddenly Brian yells STOP and Michael rolls off of him – with a silver knife sticking out of his chest. Kate is sobbing, begging him not to die and Michael breathes out that he loves her, then dies. *sad* Kate flips her shit and attacks Brian but he holds her off, telling her he loves her and that she'll understand, she just needs to see what he sees.
She tries to get away from him and he moves impossibly fast, cutting off her escape, then bites her. Next thing we see is Kate in the bathroom – filming herself in the mirror ala Michael, because this is The Thing To Do, apparently. She's sobbing at first, but then as her bite heals, she puts down the camera and destroys the bathroom. That seems to calm her – I know a good temper tantrum always does the trick for me. She tells Brian she's coming out of the bathroom – that he's right: she understands now.
He opens the door, says, "I told you it would be all right."
Kate: "Yeah. It will be."
And then she Totally. Rips. Brian. Up.
Women are dangerous, man. Do not eff with us. Especially when we have super-human strength.
She cries over Michael's body, puts their song – that Marvin Gaye one I need to know who covers – and then speaks directly into the camera, knowing the hunters will find them.
Kate: I didn't finish Brian's movie to justify what happened. To be honest, I don't know if I understand. I just wanted you to know that Michael wasn't always a monster. None of us were. I'm leaving and you'll never hear from me. I know there's another way. I can eat animal hearts. I'll never hurt anyone. Nobody human, anyway. I didn't choose this. Please give me a chance.
On that, we pull back on our boys watching, visible affected. Dean looks slightly shell-shocked and Sam is only able to really exhale slowly. They stand up and look at the bodies and figure the one under the sheet is Michael and the pieces-parts are Brian. This next exchange was probably my
Sam: Okay, so she's got half a day jump on us?
Dean (staring into the middle distance, lips pushed out in thought): Mmmhmmm.
Sam: You all right?
Dean: Mmmhmmm.
Sam (sounding slightly hopeful): Look, Kate's right. She hasn't hurt anyone human.
Dean: She didn't choose this. (pause, glances at Sam) Let's give her a shot.
Sam: Seriously?
He's already moving to grab up the laptop and hide the evidence.
Sam: If she strays…we do what we gotta do. We take her down.
He says it like he's offering an olive branch – like he doesn't want Dean to think he agreed too easily or that he's afraid Dean will change his mind. But Dean is still staring into nothing and (to me anyway) it seemed so clear that he was thinking of what he'd been through in the past year – of Benny, of how he's had to make choices, of how nothing's the same anymore. Dean may consider himself a hardened warrior, but there are things he's survived lately that have shifted his hunter's perception. I would have been surprised – and disappointed – if he'd decided to go after Kate.
Dean (sounding like he was going to say something else and decided to change the subject): Sam? Do I really say 'awesome' a lot?
Sam (hurriedly): No, not at all.
Dean pauses and looks at the kid's wall of pictures and ads and clues for the movie. "Awesome." Sam huffs a laugh and leaves. Dean puts the iPod back in the holder and the song plays on as we close on Kate walking down a railroad track into the sunset.
Next week – Halloween – looks fantastic and seems like it should be bringing us back 'round to the emotional arc of the season. I'm ready!
Thanks so much for reading. I promise to get to all comments before the next episode. *flexes fingers*


text:
After listening to Toronto band catl's newest album Soon This Will All be Gone, I expected the frontman to be some wild man who would talk so fast I'd have a hard time keeping up. So I entered our phone interview with a bit of trepidation.
What I was met with surprised me.
Jamie is just a really laid-back guy, happy to answer questions about his band, and quick to chuckle during a conversation.
But that chill attitude is likely to change once he gets on stage at Phog Lounge on Friday night.
"It's kind of a party atmosphere," he says, "that's kind of our thing. You know, the music is simple enough that people wanna dance to it, and that's what we want."
Jamie is one of three members that comprise catl. His job is mainly vocals and guitar, and he is backed up by Andrew Moszynski on drums and Sarah K handling vocals and any other thing the band decides to toss in.
Catl's unique sound is largely defined by Jamie's style of guitar playing, the product of an unfortunate accident.
"I actually picked up that finger-pickin'-country-blues-hill style back years back," he says, "I hurt my hand really badly in an accident and I kinda had to change the way I had to play. It actually freed up the one damaged hand and made me play more with my right picking hand, so it's kind of a forced entry into that situation."
Jamie also credits his love of music from the 1920s and 30s for much of catl's sound.
As much as a country band from Toronto might seem a bit odd, the frontman believes that where he calls home doesn't matter, as long as he's honest with his writing.
"I think everybody can relate to it. The morals, good and bad, or good and evil, it's a light and dark kind of thing," Jamie explains, "You can tell where we're from, if you look a little further into the lyrics. Like, I do have those urban references in there for sure."
The band's most recent album was released in April, and half of it was actually recorded right across the river at Jim Diamond's studio in Detroit.
"It's great going down there, and he just has a sound, and we go in there and do our thing, and he does his thing, and that's the way it comes out," Jamie says of Diamond's recording technique, "You know, his studio kind of sounds like it sounds, you know, we don't have much input into that, we just write the songs and play the instruments, and I kind of like that relationship, and he knows exactly what he's doing."
For this weekend's show, catl will be joined by Detroit music veteran Danny Kroha of The Gories, who will be opening the show with his traditional blues style. Kroha contributed some harmonica to catl's latest record, and the band is hoping he'll join them for a bit on stage, as well.
For catl's first visit to Windsor in two years, the band is really hoping to see a good turnout, and promise to deliver a drunkenly good time to all who attend.
Catl and Danny Kroha will be playing Phog Lounge on Friday, November 9, 2012. Doors are at 10 pm, 19+ are welcome, and admission is $5 at the door.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Welcome Loopers! As a special promotional deal Looperman and Soundtrack Loops team up to give you 15% off any purchase. You'll find our free loops HERE. Simply add them to your cart and check out. Also check out our special VIP all access pass for one year! 11,000 loops only $349 HERE. Don't forget to add LOOPERMAN into the coupon code field upon check out to receive your 15% discount off purchased loops.


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beauty, creme, mauve, nail polish, nail polish review, nails, Nails Inc, pink, work nail polish
Today I have for you a review of a Nails Inc polish called Bruton Street. I believe that Nails Inc names their nail polish after streets in London. A Google street view of Bruton Street, London and I can see things like Hermes, Burberry and Stella McCartney (boy do I want to go to London). This alone gives me the impression that this is a sophisticated varnish suitable for this street and shops. Let's take a look at the pictures.
2 coats of Nails Inc – Bruton Street topped with Cult Nails Wicked Hard:
This is a simple dusk pink/mauve creme. The formula on this was really great. I thought it was going to need 3 coats but 2 was more than enough. This is another example of a great work appropriate nail polish. This also reminds me of spring flowers and would be great to use for some nail art.
I bought this at Sephora on sale for $5 CDN however I can't find it on the Sephora website anymore. I do however see it on the Nails Inc Website here.
What do you think? Have you used Nails Inc before? Do you wear colours like this in the fall or only stick to dark colours.
***Don't forget to vote in the poll on the side. I want to know what your favourite nail polish brand is so I can make sure I'm showing you guys what you want to see. 🙂


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Tubular LSx Solid Motor Mounts - 1998-2002 GM F-Body: Camaro & Firebird
Application: 1998-2002 GM F-Body: Camaro & Firebird
These solid motor mounts replace the stock rubber mounts and cast iron stands for maximum performance. They control excessive engine movement and eliminate the need for torque straps and prevent linkage binding.
Lock that LSX power into place with a set of tubular solid motor mounts. Besides the gains you'll achieve with keeping the horsepower locked into the saddle, you'll save some serious weight off the front end as well.
The stock LSX motor mount bushings are located on top of solid cast iron pedestals, they weigh in at 18 pounds/pair. The Spohn tubular motor mounts weigh only 8.5 pounds/pair!
Should be used in conjunction with a polyurethane transmission mount (not a solid). Available powder coated in your choice of the above colors.
Priced per pair -- Qty. 1 = 1 Pair
Note: These can also be used on 1993-1997 F-Body Camaro and Firebird cars that have swapped in an LSx K-Member and are swapping in an LSx engine.


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Campaigns need to be driven by a purpose and planned in an imaginative way that accommodates the uncertainty and unpredictability that characterizes campaigning.
Concerning purposefulness, the Association for Women in Development (AWID, 2003) recommends examining the following questions before starting or joining a campaign:
– Why am I joining/creating this campaign? What outcomes am I hoping to achieve?
– Who/what is this campaign supporting?
– Who is supporting the campaign and why?
– Is this campaign supported at different levels and grounded in daily struggles which could be improved by successfully achieving the campaign's goal?
– Is this campaign harnessing a strategic moment or a particular political venue that is appropriate to the issue?
– Will the campaign raise awareness of people and encourage citizen participation in decision-making?
– Will the campaign contribute to the transformation of power relations between men and women?
Asking the following questions can further help with deciding whether it makes sense to start a campaign:
Next Topic Joining a campaign


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Finding the right fit: Maria's story
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Today, Maria has the right fit for her at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Student Association (SAITSA), but when we first met her, she had been laid off from a busy, downtown office job and she was depressed.
"It was a really painful experience for me, I feel like I lost my job because of my disability. They said I was too slow; but I didn't know how to talk about my situation and how it was affecting my job. If I had known, maybe I'd still be there. Champions showed me how."
With one-on-one support from her Case Manager Mat, Maria progressed through each stage of Champions' services. She attended numerous workshops and began to feel more empowered. In hindsight, she notes that the self-awareness and self-motivation she gained was equally important as brushing up on hard skills, such as resume and cover letter development and interview techniques. With our support, Maria discovered that her learning disability and challenges relating to anxiety and stress were common.
In fact, learning disabilities are very common with over 59,000 Albertans over the age of 15 reporting a learning disability in 2012. Learning disabilities impact each individual differently and vary in severity, so it is possible that this number could be even higher. There are positives and negatives surrounding our perception of learning disabilities today. On one hand, learning disabilities are now well-documented and there is a heightened awareness of disabilities like Dyslexia. On the other hand, this awareness has resulted in some unintended effects. It's not uncommon to hear people without a learning disability say, "I'm having an ADD moment" or "Oh I'm so Dyslexic today" when they make a mistake. Comments like these can worsen stigmas and make disclosure more difficult for a person who genuinely has the disability.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), now commonly considered as a learning disability, is further stigmatized by the fact it is often treated with stimulant medications such as Ritalin and there have been documented cases of "academic doping" where Ritalin has been misused as a study aid by people who don't have ADHD.
Stigmas surrounding those with real learning disabilities, as Maria experienced, are that they are simply, 'too slow', lazy or not trying hard enough. However, learning about disclosure, developing more self-awareness and self-confidence can help those with learning disabilities to speak up. This helps to set the record straight and find the right workplace strategies and supports to help them be successful.
After spending some time thinking and talking about disclosure in our workshop, Maria was able to make an informed decision about talking about her disability with her boss.
"In the end, my disclosure was very casual. I just told her that I have a learning disability, and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be."
So how does Maria know that this is the right fit for her?
"How would people describe me? I'm crazy! I like having fun, the people I work with know that I like singing and dancing at work and they're OK with it. I feel so comfortable there, even when it gets busy. It's really a low-stress job for me and somewhere I can be myself." Maria says.
Great news, since we spoke to Maria she has been promoted to Senior Staff and Events Coordinator at SAITSA.
Congratulations Maria, your hard work has really paid off and we are so glad Champions was able to help you find the right job for you!
Labels: ADD, ADHD, disabilities, employment, learning disabilities, stigmas


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JK Handicraft Industries Present Vintage Banjara Fringe Bag. This Bag Is Made Out Of Vintage Hand Embroidered Patch ( The Yoke Part Of Gypsy Dress ). Each Piece Is Beautifully Hand Embroidered And Unique. To Make This Style & We Use Real Leather. These Bags Are Super Export Quality. These Bags Are Durable. We Make -: Banjara Hand Bag, Clutches, Banjara Cross Body Bag, Gypsy Wallet, Hand Bags, Backpack, Banjara Travel Bags Etc.
You may also like: Handmade Cushion Cover
You may also like: Wholesale Vintage Kantha Quilt
You may also like: Bohemian Throws
For more information please www.kraftvendor.com


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I Want To Sell My House – Where Should I Start?
The process of selling your home is definitely not an easy one, because it will require effort and time. But ultimately everything depends on how quickly you want to get rid of the property and how much you expect to get for it. The following steps and considerations should help you to set your plans in motion.
The Purpose Of Selling Your House
First and foremost, be honest with yourself. Are you simply looking to get rid of the house as quickly as possible or do you want to turn a profit? It's important to make this distinction, because it will dramatically influence the price of the property and the amount of time it stays on the market. Assuming that you would like to make a profit with the sale then it's necessary to continue reading.
Clean Up And Organize
In order to impress potential buyers it is crucial that you go through an intense "clean up and organizing" process. The purpose of this exercise is to make all the rooms look spacious and clean, but this isn't excluded to the inside. Focus on the outside as well, such as the gutters, paint and landscaping.
In terms of furniture, remove anything that takes up unnecessary space. When selling a home the golden rule is – less is more. Only leave enough items in the room so that a buyer can get a picture of what living there will be like. You should also remove personal items, such as photographs. You want them to imagine their experience, not show them yours.
If there is an empty room then get it furnished. You want to show the potential of every square inch and an empty room is not going to do that.
Last but not least, spruce up the landscaping. Remember that the landscaping is the first thing a potential buyer is going to see and it sets the standard for the inside of the house.
Do The Necessary Repairs
If the house needs a new coat of paint then get it done before putting it on the market. Take a very critical look at your home and bite the bullet regarding repairs. Maybe the ceiling needs some touch-ups or the wiring is faulty. By getting the repairs done it will serve two purposes. Firstly, it allows you to increase the value of the property. Secondly, it will present the house better while helping you to sell the house much quicker.
Get A Third Party Evaluation
You might think that you know the value of your home, but it's always better to get a professional opinion. Find a third party that can make an objective estimation, because the price needs to be realistic. Make sure to inform the person who handles the evaluation of any repairs and renovations, but also keep the proof that they have been done. Some buyers prefer to see things like this in black and white, given that it increases the value.
Find An Agent
Alternatively you can go out and spread the news about your open house, but using an agent just makes it easier. For the most part people have Realtors® they trust and keep in mind the connections they have. Agents will market the house in all the right places and they have a better chance of selling the home at the price you are looking for.
Final Thoughts
If you want your home to become a return investment then spend the time to fix it up. You'll be much happier with the price it sells for afterward.
IF YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE FAST and make it an even easier process, CONTACT HomeSolutionsFla for a full cash offer on your house.


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11 Yoga Poses For Runners
Love to run and only run? Well we're here to tell you that you need to balance it out, girl! One way to counteract the tight quads, hamstrings, hip flexors and calves that often plague runners is through a brief daily yoga practice. Think of yoga as the "yin" to your running "yang" – the perfect combination to keep you hitting the pavement day after day. YogaWorks instructor Alex Crow offers up a short "yoga for runners" sequence that can be done every morning to stretch those muscles you work while pounding the pavement throughout the week. So, find a quiet place, grab your yoga mat, and get ready to stretch it out with these 11 yoga poses for runners!
See more:


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Specialist Training Centres
Developing your skills ready for work
When you train for a career, it make sense to develop your skills in a real work environment - an environment which is a close match to the one you will find when you start work.
It is why we invest heavily in developing our specialist training centres right across east London.
Depending upon your choice of study, you will benefit from industry-standard workshops, rehearsal rooms, a real working theatre, a garage and service centre, IT suites, studios, digtial and creative hubs, TV studios, photography studios, salons, commercial kitchens and restaurants and more.
Salons & Restaurants: open to paying customers
Our restaurants, beauty salons and hair salons are also commercial training centres, open to paying customers.
You will train in these real-work environments so you understand how to apply your skills and knowledge in a business setting.
Specialist training centres
Use the links to click through to find out more about what's on offer at each Centre.
Main Rush Green campus
Our main campus offers courses and training options to students of all ages. At this campus you can find:
- regional Gazelle Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths Centre
- the Green Technologies Centre
- a Gym and Fitness Centre (open to the public)
- a beauty Salon, open to the public
- the Library & Learning Resources Centre (open to the public)
- the Chef's Hat restaurant, open to the public
Technical Skills Academy
A specialist training centre for young adults aged 16 - 18 offering a wide range of professional training courses. The Academy is also home to:
- the Headjogs Hair Academy and Salon, which is open to the public
- a beauty Salon, open to the public
- Chef's Hat 2, our commercial and training restaurant open to the public
Barking Learning Centre
You can study a Barking & Dagenham College course at Barking Learning Centre, which is based in Barking town centre right next to the Town Hall. The courses are for specifically for adults age 19+ who want to get into work, up-skill or to retrain for a career.
London Road Garage for Motorsport and Motor Vehicle
This former garage and service centre, based in the heartland of the motor industry in east London and Essex, is the perfect training ground for developing your skills in Motorsport and Motor Vehcile Technology. You could also be part
of the College's rally team.
The Broadway Theatre
Home to our School for the Performing Arts & Technical Theatre, The Broadway is a 360 seat working theatre with the latest sound and lighting as well as rehearsal rooms, a recording studio and a music technology room equipped to professional standards.
Open Event Thursday 28 February 2019
28 February 2019
Open Event Saturday 2nd March 2019
2 March 2019


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Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Time for a Break
22 comments:
- Lucy Locket-Pocket said...
Oh poor boy! No wonder he doesn't want to do anything! Hope the Pot Noodle is restorative! Lucy xxx
- 13 May 2009 at 19:55
- ethel and edna's tearoom said...
OMG! Poor chap. As you say - not doing things by halves but 'properly' ill. Hope he's better soon.
- 13 May 2009 at 20:17
- Diane said...
Theres no wonder he's ill with this rubbish weather!! Hope he gets better soon - at least its not the pig flu!! My sis got back from Mexico yesterday - weve put her in quarantine for a week!! Hope she brought me my Gin off the plane though!!!
- 13 May 2009 at 20:18
- Kitty said...
Oh no - the poor thing. Is he coughing loads and loads? I had it once - awful; so painful to breathe :-(
Hope he gets better very, very soon.
- 13 May 2009 at 20:28
- twiggypeasticks said...
Poor Jimmy, hope he soon feels better. Give him a big hug from the Twiggys or if he's embarrassed by that sort of thing a comforting pat on the back :)
Twiggy x
- 13 May 2009 at 21:00
Sounds like my boy :) Hope he feels well soon!
- 13 May 2009 at 21:22
- dottycookie said...
Ugh, poor Jimmy. No fun at all :-(
Hope the antibiotics kick in quickly and make him feel much, much better.
- 13 May 2009 at 21:55
- Taz said...
Oh good grief! I hope he's feeling better soon. Unusual for a male not to moan, bless him.
- 13 May 2009 at 22:01
- Fancy Elastic said...
Oh no! Poor Jimmy! It doesn't rain, it pours... I know one of those too!
Well done for chivvying him to the docs.
- 13 May 2009 at 22:15
- Anne said...
Oh my life! Pneumonia! Hope he's on the mend soon. Your family really does lead an eventful life!
- 13 May 2009 at 22:48
- Daisie said...
Hope he is all better (and vertical) very soon!
- 13 May 2009 at 22:53
- jennyflower said...
I dispense LOADS of pot noodles at work- they are really very effective with very few side-effects! Poor man, hope all iswell soon.
- 14 May 2009 at 07:56
- Gina said...
The poor lad. Hope he's on the mend very soon and the Pot Noodles do their trick! Isn't it strange - I always crave tin soup when I'm not well!
- 14 May 2009 at 08:34
- Billie Jane said...
Good Grief!!!! Julia, what a time you are having! Well at least he can relax and try to enjoy being unwell now that it has a name! Hurrah for the corset too!x
- 14 May 2009 at 09:35
On no! Hope J gets better soon! xx
- 14 May 2009 at 11:55
- Jo Power said...
Oh dear poor thing I hope he feels better soon. Hope the pot noodle helps. xx
- 14 May 2009 at 15:47
- solsticedreamer~laoi gaul~williams said...
good grief poor boy~hope he is feeling better
- 14 May 2009 at 16:27
- Sew Create It - Jane said...
Hope he's on the mend soon. Pneumonia isn't nice and it will take some time to get over it...let's hope the nice weather finally arrives and warms things up...that should help!
- 14 May 2009 at 21:34
- Limecat said...
Oh my lord - the poor wee man.
Get that pot noodle down him!
- 14 May 2009 at 21:43
- driftwood said...
hope he's better soon, if not the pot noodle will finish him off.....
- 15 May 2009 at 14:50
- Helen said...
Poor Jimmy - no wonder he hasn't wanted to move. Hope he's on the mend. x
- 15 May 2009 at 19:39
- Indigo Blue said...
Oh,poor lad!! How horrid, I hope he recovers before half-term hols. I hate Pot Noodles Yuk, reminds me of student days in digs. Now a lovely cup of tea and a couple of choccy biccies is the cure I would need. Hope he feels better asap.
- 16 May 2009 at 00:41


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Web Development Icons (Technology) #Envato #Videohive
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Need line icons?
Buy The Web Development Icons and Enjoy!
The Line Animated Icons project by #likeman is a consistent set of flat icons designed to give life to any project it is added to. Web Development Icons –
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Edo Kite
These authentic Edo kite replicas are true works of art that can be displayed in the sky or in the home. Made of ripstop nylon with flat fiberglass spars, they're constructed like traditional Edos with extended spars. They have protective end caps with holes for attaching streamers or upgrading the tails to nylon. 1'-7" x 2'-6". 12-ft. plastic tails. Fold to 32". 5 to 15 mph winds. 120' of 25-lb. line on a handle included. Longer lines recommended.


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My route 43k llv. 8 offices in Knoxville about 96 rural routes, 7 with out llv. The pov routes are bc they turned down an llv or it was just created.
Would you be interested in Las Vegas, Nevada??
No thank you to Vegas nv.
what about SE Missouri?
Thomas's can you please give me some more information about your office, routes, llv?, city and surrounding area?
I'm in a 3-way at present, if it falls through
Would you be interested in Ft Myers Fl?
posted 25 October 2017 20:58
I'm in Jackson Missouri which is 90 minutes south of downtown St. Louis and 2 1/2 hours north of downtown Memphis. There are 14 K routes and a J route. The J route has no intention of leaving it. We do have 4 POV routes but they are not leaving those routes. I have a 45K with LLV however you could end up with a 44K also with LLV. We start at 07:15 and on most days I'm done by 14:30. The office is great. Its a smaller town of about 11,000. We actually had someone transfer from knoxville to here a few years ago. Email me
if you have any other questions firstname.lastname@example.com
I am in Ft Myers/Cape Coral, FL and would be interested in knoxville
Would you be interested in Negley, Ohio?
Would you be interested in NC?
I need somewhere that I need an office that I could get Saturday off. Anyone?
Yes I have Saturdays off and I am in NC. You must be in a formula office? I need Knoxville though.
How about Woodstock IL?
@sunroof 71 I sent you a text earlier today. Did you get it? Would I be guaranteed Saturday at your office? If so I have more ?s about your office and area.
I did not get it... my day off is Saturday but we do not have a full compliment of subs either. I don't work every Saturday but I do work some in the rotation with other carriers on the RDWL. I don't think you will find an office anywhere that you're guaranteed every Saturday off... but email me again or text 919-274-2217 email@example.com
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Sunday, July 29, 2007
Congratuations Iraq
Asterism has a decent round-up of Iraqi bloggers on the match.
Truth About Iraqis goes looking for disunity among the Iraqi football team and finds it.Typical....
But other Iraqis who felt the desire to post on Iraq's win either saw it as an opportunity to unite the country, or were doubtful that it would, or said "To hell with it. A win is a win!"
Iraqi Unity
Neurotic Iraqi Wife
The GREAT LIONS OF BABYLON WON!!! You should have been there. YOu should have seen the happiness on everyones faces. You should have seen the tears on everyones cheeks. This surely is one of the greatest days and times for Iraq. For the Great Iraq. I will write more when I get to my room. As for now, Im gonna live these moments of jubilation... THE GREAT LIONS OF BABYLON WON!!!Hammorabi
Congratulations for the Lions of the Mesopotamia in their victory against Saudi Arabia one zero! Let the victims of the terrorists and wars celebrate tonight! The football team will unite the Iraqis irrespective of their differences.Millions of Congratulations for all the IraqisSunshine (good pics)
Talisman's Gate (on the Iraq's defeat of the South Korean team)
Nabil (good pics, and wonderful sentiment, but he seems to be actually only for unity among Iraqis who weren't elected by Iraqis)
AmbivalentCONGRATULATIONS IRAQ......LONG LIVE IRAQ....WE WILL HAVE PEACE ONE DAY AND WE WILL ALL RETURN TO OUR HOME AND WE WILL BE UNITED IRAQIS AGAIN, WHERE THE SUNNI IS A SHIITE AND THE SHIITE IS A SUNNI, THE KURDI IS ARABI AND THE ARABI IS KURDI OR TURKOMANI, THE MUSLIM IS A CHRISTIAN AND THE CHRISTIAN IS MUSLIM.
No Pain No Gain
Victory under one name and flag is not worthy if this is how is treated in a divided country.To hell with it
Iraq the Model
Our players, tonight our heroes, learned that only with team work they had a chance to win. May our politicians learn from the players and from the fans who are painting a glorious image of unity and national pride, and let the terrorists know that nothing can kill the spirit of the sons of the immortal Tigris and Euphrates. The fear is gone, the curfew is ignored, tonight Iraq knows only joy...24 Steps To Liberty
Now, I'm not a soccer fan at all, but the news cheered me up and made my day. Not because we won a cup, but because I know how happy that made many Iraqis. I know my brothers are very very happy now. I know my mother is laughing and my aunts and cousins are laughing and talking about things that are not car bombs and assassinations for a few hours.IraqPundit
Last of Iraqis
Congratulations to the Lions of Mesopotamia for winning the Asian Cup. You did not let us down. You brought a smile and joy to our hearts, and took the pain out of our chests even if it was for one day.Iraqi Mojo
Now a truly unique perspective was offered by Layla Anwar of Arab Woman Blues. She sees the victory of the Iraqi soccer team as a metaphor for ultimate success of the dwindling Sunni Arab insurgency. She also reports a totally bogus rumor that an American soldier cut off the head of the famous Lion of Baghdad statue (in ancient city of Babylon, although she places it in Hillah). More likely she is revealing a total lack of knowledge about the statue. I understood that the is a story that the head of the statue was cut off by an invader who thought there was gold inside. But the head doesn't look cut off to me. I only see 2,600 years of erosion.
The Lion of Babylon statue in BASRAH however was demolished by unknown terrorists. It is not yet known if they were al Qaeda, Mehdi, or someone else.


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The 16th Annual Takings Conference on November 22 explored the regulatory takings issue as it relates to land use and environmental regulation. Hosted by NYU Law and sponsored by four other law schools and 14 associations, it brought together a diverse group of leading scholars and experienced practitioners to discuss cutting-edge issues raised by recent decisions and pending court cases.
Of note was the third panel of the conference, on "The Supreme Court's Interrupted Takings Jurisprudence." The Supreme Court decided three cases involving the takings clause in the last year: Arkansas Fish and Game Commission v. United States, Horne v. Department of Agriculture, and Koontz v. St. Johns Water Management District. These decisions, the experts all agree, have only muddied the waters of takings jurisprudence. A panel including Vicki Been '83, Boxer Family Professor of Law and director of the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy; Richard Epstein, Lawrence A. Tisch Professor of Law; John Echeverria, Vermont Law School; and Thomas Merrill, Columbia Law School, tried to make some sense of Koontz and Horne. The general issues: what constitutes a taking, and if there has been a taking, what is the remedy?
In Koontz, the Court considered a challenge to an environmental regulation that required property developers to offset damage to wetlands. The Court applied the Nollan/Dolan test to find an unconstitutional exaction, but not a taking. For Been, this ruling confuses substantive due process versus takings claims, confounds taxes and takings, and adds uncertainty to legislative conditions. Even more directly, Echeverria said the Court simply "went off the rails."
In Horne, the court held that a farmer who seeks to challenge a fine for violating an agricultural marketing order may do so in a federal district court, rather than only the Court of Federal Claims, without first paying the fine. Merrill noted that the Court's holding that the Agricultural and Marketing Act displaced the Tucker Act "doesn't make any sense at all."
Regarding environmental regulations as in Koontz, Epstein began with a simple rule: private landowners have no general duty to mitigate environmental losses. On the government's side, there is a tendency to overclaim through regulation by taking advantage of the fact that the conditions imposed are less onerous than the loss of the building permit. The solution, to Epstein, is to put on the public budget the cost of the exaction to get honest valuations of social improvements. Pay the owner the difference between the property's values with and without the constraint, and increase the size the pie.
Posted on December 19, 2013


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Dynamik Muscle
Recent Reviews by Category
93% of 100Was probably the best natural anabolic...I tried this last year and had I reviewed it at the time I would've given it 5 stars... I took it for 8 weeks (ran 2 bottles) and did noticeably see visible results in lean mass gains and fat reduction, alongside a solid diet and training regimen too. I trained in the morning and the all-day pump you got from taking these pre-workout was great. plus, the gains I made were kept after cessation of the product... Flash forward to this year and I decide to run this product again after trying a few of the competitor products in the market and not getting as good recomp effects. Remembering the results I had last time, I thought this would be a no-brainer - sadly I was wrong; I'm not suggesting the product isn't effective, as I did see some results. I just didn't get the same results as before, despite following a similar protocol to training, diet and supplementation. Personally I believe it's because the formula has changed. From what I remember, the older version contained HICA (Leucic Acid) and the newer version does not. Whether this makes a huge difference or not, it apparently did to me and my body didn't respond as well to the new ingredients and lack of HICA. I know it can be an expensive thing to add, so perhaps this is why it was removed. I don't know. Anyway, I would recommend trying this product as everyone responds differently to different things, so judge it for yourselves!Rik
93% of 100Good stuffRan this for 6 weeks. Noticed strength gains and leaned out and kept my mass during my cut. Next time I'll run this for 8 weeks and see where it will get me.steve
93% of 100Super MandroVery good product, out of the many I've tried this one has been the most impressive. Great size gains as well as strength gains, Eating 6 meals a day and keeping my rest periods between sets short. Now I'm getting 270 on the flat bench for 6 reps. My starting weight was 205lbs now I'm 222lbs a good pct is needed to keep the gains, their slow but dry.tyshawn
93% of 100AnafuseTried my first bottle and definitely I can see the results - Gave me more strength at the gym and added morelean muscles - I lift more and can hit the gym 6 times per week now whereas before only 3 times a week - Great productGotam
93% of 100Gainz!I started going to the gyn about 6 months ago. I was an average 6'3" 203lb guy working construction daily, so I was in decent shape. Over the past few months I've been cycling through the different supplements this awesome company has to offer and I have found my go to Gainz power! Brutal 4ce is a beast of its own when it comes to getting that physique you want coupled with your motivation! It fuels madness and all the benefits of destroying all the equipment in the gym! YOU GET SWOLE! YOU GET FIRED UP! AND YOU GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT IF YOU WANT TO GET BIG! I'll definitely be cycling back around to this monsterous suppliment. Btw I'm now 222lbs and lean, mean, liftin machine!Daniel C.
93% of 100good productoverall its a good product, it feels like your muscles are fuller from inside, I am almost done with first bottle but I am going to continue for 8 weeks cycle, didn't use cycle defend but I am going to start the 2nd bottle with liver support just in case. I am taking one pill pre workout.Anthony
93% of 100GarbageI am in week 5 of 6 of my cycle running two bottles of this back to back and I have seen zero results. If anything taking this has put me in a slump. With all the hype behind this pro, it had me very excited to see the results from it and I am in the gym 5 days a week and have seen nothing to make me believe that this stuff works. If i could give it zero stars I would. I dropped 200 dollars on this cycle and it was a total waste of money. When I read other reviews on Superdrol before purchasing I only saw one review like the one i am writing right now and I figured that it had to be made up considering all the other reviews were glowing. Yet here I am with only 10 days to go on this cycle of 2 bottles not just one, and have seen no progress. I feel lethargic most of the time, with no motivation to go lift, my libido has plummeted, and I constantly feel tired and end up sleeping a lot. To say that I am disappointed and upset is an understatement. I would ask for a full refund but I know that isn't gonna happen. Definitely will not be trusting this site with my money again.Jordan
93% of 100Works well, but 42 ct???I like the product. It worked well for me, with no sides at all. Gains were modest due to the 3 week "cycle", but solid. The 42 ct. bottle is enough to keep me from buying it again. I can get the same ingredients cheaper, without the DHEA, and get a full cycle. Good product, crappy packaging decision.Brian
93% of 100It worksOn my second bottle after being off. Strength kicked right in, size slowly coming on..MB
93% of 100More of cuttingI ran one bottle at one pill prework. Good strength hardness..in my opinion its more of a cutter...maybe bulk with 2 a day.. lil experience an lil low dosage...but overall good productallen


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Collecting Foreign Royalties
There are societies similar to ASCAP around the world, and we cooperate with them to ensure that our members receive royalties from performances of their works abroad. ASCAP has reciprocal agreements with foreign societies representing virtually every country that has laws protecting copyright. We license the works of their members in the U.S., and they license the works of our members in their territories.
ASCAP is the most effective US performing rights organization in collecting foreign royalties. We have the longest-standing relationships with foreign societies, so we have the deepest understanding of how they do business. We aggressively monitor foreign performances of ASCAP works in all media to ensure that our members are being paid correctly. In fact, ASCAP is the only society to have an International Monitoring Unit "IMU" that utilizes the innovative "EZ-MAXX" database to verify the accuracy of television performance statements received from affiliated foreign societies.
Our revenues from foreign territories have steadily increased as the result of our efforts and the growing prominence of American music abroad. We also want our members to receive their money from abroad as quickly as possible, which is why we make four foreign distributions - in February, May, August, and November - in any given year.
ASCAP members can also take advantage of a foreign tax credit, the result of enhanced year-end reporting of earnings. ASCAP was the first US performing rights organization to offer this advantage. This has translated into an annual, potential tax savings for members of up to $3 million a year.
ASCAP has a full-service membership office in London that provides a wealth of functions for ASCAP members who live, travel or have business abroad. ASCAP also plays a prominent role in CISAC, which an international confederation of performing rights organizations. ASCAP Board member Marilyn Bergman served two terms as President of CISAC.
ASCAP's team of international professionals is committed to continuing to increase foreign revenues and providing the highest level of service to ASCAP members. As new territories enter the world economic market, ASCAP is the first to pursue relationships with them and provide technical assistance to ensure that the use of the ASCAP repertory is licensed and protected.


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What I did in the last year (or why I neglected my blog)
I may have neglected this blog for a long time but I haven't been neglecting what's important; my children, my health, my voluntary work and my paid work. I've found a pretty good balance. I was worried for a long time after leaving my well paid job that we would get into financial straits but on the whole we have managed well with my life becoming simpler.
I am home more for the children and even though they are teenagers they need me around to talk to and discuss important things in their lives. That has been so precious.
I have found a good balance between physical activity (walking a lot, tending my allotment that I've had for a year and yoga classes 3 times a week), mostly healthy food, and enough rest to keep a sense of well being.
My voluntary work has expanded. I am vice-chair of Governors at my local primary school, I work with a local environmental conservation group, I have helped set up a local friends of a park group and I am pursuing a really exciting local project that will see a disused local authority building being turned into a community hub with a healthy café at its heart and space for community activities around it.
My work has changed completely. I have been taking on short term part time roles as well as working as a gardener, establishing a local monthly market and even doing ironing! I call it patchwork working and it seems more and more people are doing it. My only criteria are that what I do should make a difference to someone's life. Finances are not in rude health but they are not that bad either and in just over a year I finish one of my mortgages so my monthly outgoings will be pretty small. I'm getting there and the main thing I have really learnt is that worrying about money is futile. Work hard, trust in the universe, take opportunities as they arise and try to support each other.
Our house still comes pretty low on my list of priorities but I am continuing to make progress. I finally managed to get a shelf and hooks up in my bathroom which really helps with organisation. The children and I are going to work on the hallway for the next few weeks (sanding the floorboards, painting walls, putting up wallpaper and eventually painting the front door).


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How To Stay Fit in the Work Place
Many of us would love to shed a few unwanted pounds. How do we get to the root cause of our weight gain and increase in waistline? One of the first places you should look is in your workplace. Is it a sanctuary of health and wellness, or does it tempt you with donuts, cookies, and idle time sitting behind a desk? Use these tips to ensure you're getting fit at work, not getting fat.
Get Fit While in the Work Place
Making a Change
Sometimes when you're stuck in a rut, it can be difficult to get back on track. You read the articles, watch the videos, and know intuitively you need to make a change, but where to start? Use this guide to take action once and for all, and set your life on a better trajectory. It's especially helpful if you just want that extra nudge to help you get started.
Take the First Step Once and for All
All About Hydration
Our bodies are filled with water – about two thirds of us to be exact. It's essential to survive, but can it help us thrive? We're always told that we should drink eight glasses per day, but why is that the case? Dr. Mercola walks us through exactly what happens within our bodies when we're not consuming enough water. This should be all the motivation you need to quench that thirst and keep a large bottle of water within arms reach at all time!
What Happens When we're Dehydrated?
How Are They So Tough?
Do you have that friend or acquaintance that just seems to be on top of it at all times? He or she is always up early, always in a good mood, gets their work done, and has a huge smile the whole time. You can be that person too. By using these strategies, you can learn how to cultivate a stronger mental toughness today. They're simple, yet powerful. Give them a try!


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Christians support right to life... errr, death.
More evidence that the religious right isn't about the right to live or the right to die. It's about institutionalizing their brand of religion. From Crooks and Liars (original story above):
"Only a society that had gone truly rights-mad would declare that a 14-year-old Jehovah's Witness being treated for cancer should be able to refuse a potentially life-saving blood transfusion as an act of conscience. No 14-year-old in Canada should be permitted to die for her religious beliefs -- or the beliefs of her parents, which may amount to the same thing."
In Canada, a judge of the B.C. Supreme Court ruled that doctors should be allowed to treat the girl according to medical necessity. Obviously, 14 year-olds lack the maturity to make the best decisions on how to protect themselves from serious harm or death. They can be easily pressured and manipulated by misinformed adults. One can only wonder how the Schiavo wingnut cavalry would respond to a similar case. Would the faithful members of the "culture of life" support this kind of judicial intervention? We doubt it. But we also doubt they would be foolish enough to mount the kind of insane demonstration we've recently witnessed to protest the judge's ruling. That would truly expose them as the fanatics they are.


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Sold for $1,075,000 on Mar 7, 2018
Sprawling ranch on almost 7 acres fully fenced with electric security gate. Over 5500 total square feet. Main house has 4 bedrooms and 5 baths, plus Detached Guest House with full bath and attached garage. Spacious covered decks with expansive views of property including in-ground pool with shower area, wet bar, and large patio. Walk out basement with Media Room, Game Room, and Exercise Room. New carpet, roof, gutters, refinished deck and hardwood floors. Additional 3 car detached garage down by the pool for all the toys. Nothing to do but move in and start enjoying the good life!
Home | Open Houses | Closed Listings | Search for Homes | Advanced Search | Map Search | Foreclosures | Land in Keene Ranch | Keene Ranch Homes For Sale | Mortgage Rates | Buyer/Seller Info | Real Estate News!!! | About Us | My Blog | Contact Me | Why Douglas County? | Sedalia | Castle Rock | Larkspur | Franktown


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If you want to play a MOBA on a console in North America or Europe, your choices are pretty much confined to Smite and the beta version of Paragon, and that's about it.
But wait! League of Legends, the biggest MOBA in the world, is coming to consoles!
Well, console, as in one. In China.
Tencent Games, which is Riot Games' primary shareholder, recently showed off the TGP Box. Similar to a Steam box, it will run Tencent games, including League of Legends. At $549, it's a bit pricy, but it comes with Windows 10 and so could likely double as a PC. And it's not scheduled to head west any time soon.
It's interesting to consider, though. World of Tanks has a comparable total user base and has done quite well for itself on consoles, so it might not be that far-fetched to imagine League of Legends making that leap in the not-too-distant future.
You can get more details on the TGP box over on PvP Live.
8 Readers CommentedJoin discussion
Bahahahahahah gonna watch those console skillshots with the clunky console controls if i wanna have a laugh.
Not all games are console-viable, why trying rofl.
Oh money, nvm answered my own question.
So true not all games work on console lol. But yeah we all know they are doing it for the money 🙂
I mean not all games designed by developers are ment to be designed to built on consoles. I've known some games that were ment for mobile devices or PC only and the developers thought they can score some more money by bringing it to another platform and obviously a majority of them failed so I can see league of legends failing on console it looks more like it's ment to only be exclusive to the PC platform in my opinion.
Bad moba. You can do better people.
I hate mobas but LoL might have a better chance working for me. I tried smite and somereason it won't launch no idea why I tried everything and only installed it to see what a moba was so I knew why I hated it xD.
I like mobas to waste some time here and there but smite was the most boring of them all. There was a good casual one named Strife, it was actually a really fun one (for em at least) but it lacked marketing so kinda dead now.
LoL is the most playable to me after that, mostly the 3v3 mode, 5v5 feels too slow and boring (FarmDC aka ADC? geez), hell even my gf plays it with me which was kinda surprising to me as she hates top down view games 😀
best moba was Land Of Chaos Online,that game was the real best moba,not dota or other moba like league,but they messed the game when they turned it from lobby type like league of legends,into a 3D town with other stuff and was kind bugged after that,some heroes was not available and that was it….
Look for gameplay,but not 2016 or 2015,was like 2012 or something like that.
I hate top down view games to I really don't like them. I'll play it if I have to but I really dislike those types of games. And I doubt I'll ever play smite I'm not really a moba person.


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We would like to announce to all our guests and users that we are now offering all our SMS routes (DND and non-DND) at the same prices prevailing at www.mobi2sms.com.
Our price list is available in our Coverage Guide at www.mobi2sms.com/docs/Coverage.pdf.
However, for our DND routes, we require a minimum purchase of 1,500 SMS credits for NGN2,625.00 (this gives you NGN2.625 per SMS) and provide access to dedicated APIs.
If you intend to use a non-DND route but don't want to be charged for it, we can also help your business with a route that won't charge you. However services on all routes other than DND would be able to start from 150 SMS credits minimum purchase.
We hope this solves your business problems. Meanwhile, have a great week ahead.


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RBC Says Low Likelyhood of Downturn in Canadian Housing Market
Indicators continue to show low likely hood of a wide spread steep down turn in Canada's housing market in next 12 months.
- The sales-to-new listings ratio is a reliable gauge of the degree of slack or tightness in the resale market. When the ratio approaches, or is above 0.60, the market favours sellers and prices typically rise rapidly. When the ratio approaches, or is below 0.40, the market favours buyers and prices come under intense downward pressure. Anything in between is considered a balanced market and prices tend to rise modestly.
- Canada-wide, the sales-to-new listings ratio climbed into seller's market territory this year and was 0.62 in July 2016, just slightly below the sixyear high of 0.65 reached in April and May. In recent months, home resales in Canada have come off this spring's all-time highs, while new listings have partially rebounded following steady declines during the first half of 2016. The majority of markets are considered balanced with Toronto and Vancouver (both sellers' market) bucking the trend.
- Historically, the largest price declines occurred when the ratio fell below 0.35.
- The total number of homes for sale expressed as the number of months it would take to sell them at the current pace of sales is another resale market balance indicator. Historical correlation with prices is difficult to establish with precision, however, because the Canadian Real Estate Association has been publishing this indicator only since 2004.
- Nonetheless, based on what track record is available, we estimate that downward pressure on prices start to build at levels between 7.0 and 8.5 months, and that severe pressure emerges at levels exceeding 8.5.
- The slowdown in listings during the first half of 2016 amid strong resales reduced the number of months' inventory in Canada to the lowest level (4.6) in more than six years. This level is consistent with continued price increases.
- Demand-supply balance indicators for the existing home market, therefore, continue to suggest little in the way of any imminent threat to the stability of the national market.


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Our firm represents clients in all types of commercial real estate matters including, but not limited to:
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KATY - Construction has begun on a 63,000-sf Fiesta Mart at FM 529 and Fry Rd., with the store set for a November opening. It will be the anchor tenant on a 23-acre site that will include 32,900 sf of small-shop retail.
United Equities of Houston is the developer and CDA Architects provided the design. Arch-Con Construction is the general contractor for Phase I of the site, which also includes 10.5 acres left for future development.
Supermarkets will dominate aggressive retail development in Houston over the next year, representing half of 2014's retail growth with 28 new grocery stores planned.
Our twice-weekly e-newsletter provides a quick overview of Texas real estate markets. Because your time is valuable.


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www.whitepcock.com | 2014 All rights reserved | e: firstname.lastname@example.com
We focus on coaching & encouraging athletes to become more business savvy. Our goal is to help you build and secure financial security for you & your family, if they wish to come along for the ride as we like to lift those who are keen. Our network spans Sport, Music, Fashion, Tech, Film & the Art industries.
Past clients:
Britney Spears, Karl Lagerfeld, E17, Dianne Berry, Jodie Marsh & many more
We give our clients access to our personal business associates who we have known & traded with for over 25 years. We use our design skills & people relations (PR) know-how instead of marketing heavy and current public relations strategies used as a boring standard. We also understand the essence of how to conceive & build a product/service & brand it too!
Whitepcock is a design led PR & Management consultancy. We combine Industrial Product and Graphic Design with Public Relations & Management. This allows a comprehensive & holistic approach to a client's PR, Branding and Business needs. We build athletes and celebrities into role models with our extensive knowledge and experience.
Occasionally one comes across a person who is extremely capable, proficient and a pleasure to deal with.
Taj is one of these people. Nothing was too much trouble and he dealt with everything as a priority.
I can recommend Taj 100%.
I was once managed by a legendary PR mogul who managed some of the biggest stars in sport & music.
Taj's knowledge, innovative thinking & creativity was just as good if not better!
As a fellow designer he understood my creative process whilst having a killer instinct for business development.


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How Writing Can Improve Your Mental Health – Guest Post
How Writing Can Improve Your Mental Health
By Christine H.
One day, my 8-year-old reading student stormed into my house, fuming and distracted. Although I tried to start her on some exercises after the opening preliminaries, I couldn't get her to focus on me. Finally I pushed a blank paper in front of her. "Why don't you write down what's bothering you? And then we can start the lesson if you're ready."
She wrote her words so forcefully she had to sharpen her pencil twice. But as soon as it was done, we folded up the paper and put it aside and her crystal-clear focus was back on me. It was amazing to see the weight that seemed to be lifted from her. In the end, the source of her rage was just a misunderstanding between her and her sister. But something about writing it down made it feel valid and clear, so she was able to let it go and put it aside.
I'd had a feeling that it might work for her, because that's always worked for me.
Some people take out their feelings at the gym. Some people eat to drown their emotions, and some lash out at the next person to say "hi" to them. Me, I write it all down. I used to think that I was alone in this technique, but I've gradually learned that it's not only a popular therapy technique… it's also backed by some amazing scientific evidence.
For example, one New Zealand study found that writing about your feelings could actually speed physical recovery, as demonstrated by the rate at which cuts healed in their test subjects. Isn't that crazy? Other research projects have found that writing can help you feel more positive, proactive, and fulfilled.
How does it work? Well, for one thing, tapping into your emotional core helps you be more creative, which can help you find value in hardship and perspective through trials. Writing your feelings can also allow you to adjust the narrative you have of your own life. When you write it down, you can catch faulty thinking and choose to focus on things that will benefit you the most.
For another thing, writing can help you feel like you're truly communicating. I know for some people it feels less authentic than a face to face conversation, but I truly believe that when it comes to the harder and more sensitive topics, sometimes writing it down helps you to be more truthful and exact, and communicate everything at once without fear of rejection or adjustment from others.
I know that as someone who actually writes for a living, taking some time now and then for expressive writing is essential. It clears the palate and helps you focus more on the words that you actually have to edit and trim for public consumption. As this article mentions, it gives you a creative outlet where the pressure is off.
Writing for mental health is often called expressive writing. Whether you're using it to get over a breakup, battle depression, tap into your creative side, or solve a problem in your life, here are a few ways that you can start utilizing expressive writing for your mental health.
- Write a letter to someone important in your life: You can be brutally honest, because it's not something you ever have to share. You can write it to an ex, to someone in your family that hurt you, or even to your 5th grade teacher. You can write it to a "might have been" or to someone who passed away years ago. Frame the things that you want to say to them. And remember, you can write any kind of letters. Some might be grateful. Some can be sad. Others might be full of anger or blame. Write whatever's inside and then burn it afterward if you want.
- Keep a dream journal: I don't know how many times I've heard people say, "I never dream. Or if I do, I don't remember my dreams." I used to think that too. But keeping a dream journal will usually change that. See, when you're thinking about your dreams, and recording them, you start to remember them better and better. In fact, some people even teach themselves to direct their dreams. Start by writing what you'd like to dream each night before going to bed. In the morning, write down anything you can remember, even if it's just a mood or color. Gradually, things will get more interesting.
- Start a blog or website: This has helpful ramifications for a lot of people. For one thing, it helps you connect through your writing, and disconnection is an epidemic that's becoming more and more common in our culture. Just make sure that you don't start judging your own worth (and that of your internal world) by how many likes and follows you get. However, for people who aren't just about the bare text itself, the web offers multimedia opportunities to express yourself. We all know that therapy isn't solely about words, and different forms of storytelling can help you stay creative and honest.
- Try some free association writing: Write down a word or phrase that you'd like to explore your feelings about on a piece of paper. It might be something like "having a baby" or "connection" or "self-worth." Then, put the paper aside and meditate for 5-10 minutes. Don't consciously focus on the topic. Instead, try to clear your mind. Focus on your breath, on the sound of a fan, the way your body feels. If you have a hard time meditating, look up a guided meditation on Youtube. After your meditation period, return to your piece of paper and write down as much as you can on the subject. Don't worry about grammar or sentence structure, just get it all down. You might be surprised at what you find and where your mind goes.
- Keep a gratitude journal: Did you know that people who keep gratitude journals are actually said to sleep better, exercise more, and be more optimistic in life? Just keep a notebook by your bed and write down a few sentences each night before you sleep.