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February 1, 2015
By Clark Rinehart, Pastor of Students
Galatians 3:26-4:7
At the conclusion of Metamorphosis, a three day youth weekend at Grace Community Church with 30+ adult leaders and overflowing youth attendance, Pastor Rinehart preached the following message to a packed congregation:
People of all ages and generations need to ask themselves, "Where is my identity?" Am I aware of what defines me and who I am?
Contemporary rap video of the Gospel, our identity in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:26
"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."
Pastor Rinehart grew up in an ordinary US family where he was introduced to morals, right and wrong. Despite his parents' best efforts, he decided that his own way was better than theirs. As in the Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15: 8-10), he found himself on a shaky foundation when he wandered further and further away. Yet when he surrendered everything and returned home, he was welcomed back by his family.
This is what the God of the Bible does for all of us. When we royally screw up our lives, and then turn back to Him, we will find a Heavenly Father who will do the opposite of our expectations, and figuratively run to greet us and throw us a grand party.
Some of us do not get that we have been handed the keys as heirs of God's promise to be His sons/daughters (Gal. 3: 29; 4: 7). We still identify ourselves with qualifications (what we have done) or even titles (earthly recognition). We identify with subcategories (our job, our money, our popularity, our education, etc.) as Paul mentioned (Gal. 3:28), but we miss the Category of our primary identity in Christ.
No longer are we outsiders. As Christians, we are God's adopted, beloved sons and daughters (Gal. 3:6,7) through faith because of what God has already done through Jesus (3: 4,5). We already have "full rights" (Gal. 4:5) as children and heirs of God. Even in our brokenness and imperfection, our Father is calling us to himself, because he loves us. Our Heavenly Father will go find us where we are, to be his heirs, his adopted children.
Will we turn today to our Heavenly Father for our true identity?


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subset: commoncrawl


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What size finger pick should I choose?
By the time people pick up a string instrument most know, or have been told, whether their fingers are small, medium, or large. The graph below indicates the majority of the choice made by our customers.
Most players can use the same size finger pick on all fingers.
If you are struggling to determine which size you should choose, feel free to contact us for assistance.


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The truth and my heart/
"No one ever has 'talker's block'" - Seth Godin
Yes, and in my head, there is no thinker's block either. But there is a critic's mallet. A gavel thunders down after each thought. Most thoughts.
When I try to listen for it, however, it starts to fade away, like when you catch your friend who constantly mumbles by surprise and genuinely ask, "What did you say?"
Suddenly, a voice that couldn't shut up realized it was being listened to and then clams up, unable to speak for fear of actually being heard.
To equal out the equation, I can help my thoughts become words and become posts by forgetting that anyone might be reading this anyway.
And if I listen to the inner judgments and innocently ask, "What did you say?" I can start to remove the barriers between the truth and my heart.


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working for a dream
A Story about Suellen Drummond
Suellen was working in kitchens at a young age. Born in Brazil, her parents came to Boston where she grew up, and she watched them work in the industry. Later, as a high school student, two chef instructors at Everett High School, Chef Parmenter and Chef Makredes, shared an opportunity with Suellen to compete for a scholarship and be involved with a culinary program outside of her school. From there, Suellen's culinary career was launched.
Suellen went on to culinary school at NECI in Vermont with support from her Everett High School culinary teacher who saw Suellen's drive to become a chef. She completed her internship at one of Chef Barbara Lynch's establishments in Boston before returning to her roots in Brazil, traveling and studying about Brazilian cuisine. Working under Chef Felipe Bronze in Rio de Janiero at the two Michelin starred Oro Restaurante, she was introduced to molecular gastronomy and discovered her passion for Amazonian ingredients. In 2013, Suellen moved to New York City, spending the next two years working at the one Michelin starred Café Boulud. Working under Mentorship of Chef Gavin Kasen and Chef Aaron Bludorn, Suellen learned classic French techniques and the importance of tradition and culinary history.
Later, Suellen's career brought her back to Future Chefs, giving her an opportunity to give back to other teens that were starting out in their career building process. Working alongside the Future Chefs culinary director, Suellen dedicated her time to developing the Future Chefs Delivers program in its early pilot stage where her passion for cooking and developing young culinary students helped shape the program.
Suellen's career continued to soar as she worked at the Boston renowned SRV, experiencing the "front of the house" side of the industry. Currently, Suellen is a Sous Chef at the Forbes four star-rated, Deuxave, in the heart of the Back Bay, Boston.
Suellen hopes to own a small restaurant that focuses on Brazilian street food created with French techniques, using her career experiences as a springboard for launching her business. Her belief is that the support and network offered to students is what makes Future Chefs special. For a motivated young person like Suellen, it opened doors for her as she works toward making her dreams a reality.


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Race relations in Scotland are under grave threat from the "perceived" disproportionate targeting of Muslim and Asian travelers in airport security checks, according to a new study.
The study by Durham University's sociology department found that Muslims in Scotland broadly felt the nation to be a very welcoming place – except at airport security. The paper describes a widespread belief among the Islamic population that they are somehow under attack when flying.
Airports are the "main area of concern for Scottish Muslims, whose confidence, sense of equality and feelings of belonging to society are severely undermined by the securitization of their ethno-religious difference," the paper warns.
The paper also acknowledges, however, that "publicly available statistics show a decrease in racist incidents in Scotland," with a 14 per cent fall in recorded incidents in the country over a single 12 month period between 2011 and 2013.
Despite taking the anecdotal claims of anti-Muslim prejudice at face value, the paper approaches these statistical facts with more caution: "Whether myth or reality the perception of Scotland, and particularly Edinburgh, as a tolerant, friendly and inclusive place characterised a number of responses," the study reads.
It speculates however, contrary to the evidence, that there is a "complex situation in which prejudice and discrimination intermingle in ways that make it hard to quantify the precise extent of anti-Muslim sentiment."
The study said that most Muslims had, or knew someone who had, "perceived disproportionate targeting or harsh treatment" in a Scottish airports. It referred specifically to public meetings where Muslim men expressed anger about their "perceived" unfair treatment, and some who alleged harassment.
"For the most part," the study said, "respondents argued that this was the result of the ethnic and religious profiling that the police and security officers allegedly use to target people of seemingly Muslim appearance."
Stefano Bonino, of Durham University's school of applied social science, told the Herald Scotland that their finding suggest airports have become a sort of physical embodiment of "perceived" anti-Muslim bigotry, and the use of Anti-Terror laws, "has resulted in Asian men feeling as though the perception of them as inherently suspicious has become normalized," he claimed.
Before 9/11, airports were rather more relaxed places for everyone. Checks rarely involved more than a quick stroll through a metal detector, and in nations such as Finland and Sweden they were non-existent or random.
Since the rise of global Islamic terrorism, everyone, across the world, must now suffer up to four or five hours of vigorous checks including the removal of shoes and belts and the thorough scanning of all private baggage.
Trust western academics, then, to portray Muslims as the ultimate victims, without any non-anecdotal evidence of discrimination, in a nation they acknowledge as being kind, welcoming, and tolerant.
"This presents a serious challenge… negative interactions between authorities and ethnic minorities risk undermining a Scottish project of local pluralism and diversity," the study says.
A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport told the Herald: "We work hard to make sure that all of its passengers have a good experience when travelling through Edinburgh Airport.
"Diversity training is a core part of security officer training to ensure all are treated with respect and understanding.
"Local imams and leaders of the Muslim community have visited the airport to view our security processes and discuss any concerns as part of an ongoing dialogue in improving our service for all."


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Bemer Therapy
BEMER therapy consists of exposing the body to low level, pulsing magnetic fields of specific frequencies. The magnetic signals are delivered by way of a full body mat and several focused applicators. Although some PEMF systems are designed to be used only by trained health care practitioners, BEMER units can be used by professionals and lay people alike.
The BEMER signal enhances the circulation by restoring the normal rhythmic behavior of both large and very small caliber arteries. This has been confirmed repeatedly using a technique called vital microscopy that permits a real time peek at the smallest caliber vessels of the skin or other tissues. What does good vs. stagnant blood flow look like?


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The New Orleans-area homeless population is estimated at 4,900 (for one night)– twice as big as before the levees failed in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina – and the majority sleeps in the some 40,000 abandoned buildings that remain after the storm. This is an aspect of the city that most tourists don't see... (FYI: This is more than twice the number found homeless in Cleveland on the same night).
Even after a decade, some elderly, frail, and disabled New Orleanians are without homes or essential services. Joshua Mitchell has lived in his house for the past five years without electricity or running water. That puts Mitchell in a distinct category of post-Katrina squatters, who street-outreach workers describe as "homeless in their own homes."
Abandoned houses marked with X, homeless people and drug addicts begging on the streets - this is the legacy of Hurricane Katrina after 10 years. Ohio native Johnny Joo said that while other parts of the city have been successfully regenerated, the East Side – which was an impoverished area before Katrina – has continued to struggle. This article has some amazing photos associated with the story.
A recent count found about 1,703 long term homeless people in New Orleans and the neighboring metropolitan area of Jefferson Parish, according to UNITY of Greater New Orleans, a collaboration of homeless agencies. That's an 85 percent decline in homelessness since 2007 (two years after the levee collapse), when it was at its peak after Katrina with 11,619 homeless people. These are based on the flawed complete count numbers which are unreliable at best. It also should be noted that the half the population of New Orleans has not returned to the city.
The 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which killed at least 1,836 people and is considered the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, is Aug. 29. But 10 years later, many survivors have left and never returned, others are still rebuilding, and much of the city's Lower Ninth Ward remains uninhabited. NPR did a month of stories about the recovery effort with many interviews of people they first met 10 years ago.
New Orleans still bears the scars of Hurricane Katrina, ten years later. More than 500,000 people fled when the storm hit, and many never returned. Many hurricane survivors continue to experience mental health problems related to the storm, whether or not they returned to New Orleans, say researchers tracking Katrina's psychological aftermath.
In May 2009, about four years after Katrina destroyed most of New Orleans, a locally based research nonprofit called the Bureau of Governmental Research issued a key finding: subsidized housing will assist more of the poorest households in New Orleans than before the disaster, and a far greater number of low- and moderate-income households with incomes between 40% and 80% of median. The projections have not been met and poor people are paying a higher percentage of their income for housing. The 2008 downturn had a really bad impact on the development of affordable housing in New Orleans (and the rest of the country).
This American Life had an hour on the aftermath of the levee collapse in New Orleans including the resident of the Lower 9th Ward who had moved to Dallas. She was back in New Orleans but had to spend part of her time in Dallas begging for money for food and diapers for her kids. The whole hour is worth listening to about the dynamics of people moving into the neighborhood vs. those who survived the drowning of the City.
Ten years later, New Orleans, which took the brunt of the damage when the levees failed, submerging 80% of the city, is a vastly-improved place on many levels. High school graduation rates have jumped from 56% before the storm to 73% today, thanks to a proliferation of charter schools.
by Joyce Robinson
Posts reflect the opinion of those who sign the entry.


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Make yourself a premium Clutch- Step by Step guide | TAP Magazine
Shopping comes easy for most of us; especially when seasons are changing and sales signs are plastered everywhere. But sometimes, no matter how hard you look, you can't seam to find that IT thing you've been looking for.
If you're a perfectionist like me, you know the idea of finding that perfect item will drive you crazy until you get your hands on it. However, that's not always possible. So, faced with limitations and restrictions of small city shopping, I decided to take on "DIY'ing".
In this "Do it yourself" tutorial I'll be showing you how to DIY a clutch. Feel free to try it and make sure to let us know how it goes.
What you'll need:
- Sewing machine
- Fabric of your choice (about a yard)
- Scissors
- Chalk
- Pins or studs to accessorize (optional)
How to:
- Fold your fabric and measure to desired length
- Then cut your shape
- Turn your fabric inside out
- Sew both sides
- Turn your fabric inside out (right side)
- If you like the rustic and minimal look, you can stop here
- Otherwise, you can finish off the look by adding studs or pins to the front lap of your clutch
Full feature in TAP MAGAZINE issue 4. Check it at this link > Issue 4
Miss Dee is a fashion editor for TAP and a co-founder of www.dmkontrast.com


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Picture this.
Last Friday afternoon, a bearded man takes off from the university on a customized red bicycle. It's single speed and has sawed off drop bars turned upside down so that they look like bull horns. While waiting at the intersection of 29th St and 16th Ave NW another cyclist comes up behind the bearded one.
"What gear ration are you using?" he asks.
"To tell you the truth, I'm
not really sure. My roommate made this bike. When riding this bike I'm a bit of a fraud because it makes me look like a bike nut but I did not customize it nor do I know much about bikes."
The light turns green and the
bearded man sets off, quickly to demonstrate that he may not be an expert in the mechanics of bicycles, but he does know how to make one go.
He races down the hill by
Foothills Hospital, remembering another trip down that hill that ended in a unfortunate collision that ended the life of his road bike's back wheel. He turns through the neighbourhood while the other cyclist continues on to the intersection at Memorial Drive.
The bearded man crosses Memorial further east at a cross walk. Eastbound on the pathway he notices the inquisitive cyclist not too far behind him. Bearded Man crosses on the Crowchild Bridge and heads west to where the pathway heads up a steep gradient, a favourite hill of his that he used to do daily on his work commute. Normally he pushes himself up this hill, but on rare occasions he is a bit lazier upon his ascent. Not today though, he powers up as fast as possible, knowing that the cyclist following behind is aware that he only has one speed to work with. He makes it to the top of the hill still ahead of the other cyclist, a bike commute regular. The other cyclist comments, "You're strong!" Bearded Man's attempts to casually shrug off the compliment are perhaps successful, though a keen observer of human emotion would note the pride written across his bristly countenance.
The two cyclist ride together talking "bikes" until their paths diverge and the bearded one goes to the market and the other to whither the road leads.
That same evening the Bearded Man makes his way home. He powers up a steep pathway that leads into Crescent Heights. Later he pulls up to an intersection. There are two lanes, the right lane, the one he occupies, is used for vehicles going straight or turning right. A car pulls up behind the bearded man, indicating right. Bearded Man, being a considerate sort of cyclist, moves tight to the car in the left lane, a car also going straight. This car is piloted by a young mother who has three young boys with her, two who are on the passenger side, one front and one in the rear seat. There attention is caught by the cyclist riding his bike on the road like a car. They call out "Hi" through the open window. Bearded Cyclist returns their salutations but then the light turns green and he is off like a bullet, easily beating the car off the line. He maintains his lead for at least half a block. The car catches up and the boys look in wonder at the man who can bike so fast. They probably didn't realize that he was riding an old, single speed mountain bike and that he could be considerably faster on a road bike.
Bearded Cyclist arrives to his house in Cambrian Heights. The ride from the market to home, including a quick stop to check the mail at his previous Chateau took less than 45 minutes. He proudly strides into the house. Lance Armstrong would be hard pressed to beat him, and would certainly fail in any type of facial hair-growing competition.


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Notable Quotes
Sei Young Kim, Rep. of Korea (63-65-64-65, -31), on breaking the all-time LPGA 72-hole scoring record:
"I would never thought about it when I was young, about the course record. But after two years ago JTBC I shoot a 27-under; that's tie record with Annika Sorenstam. After that, I wanted to -- really wanted course record. Yeah, I'm very happy with dream come true."
Katherine Kirk, Australia (62-71-69-71, -15), on Sei Young Kim's performance:
"In a word, phenomenal. We knew that you could go low around this golf course, but she's, yeah, taken it to a whole 'nother level."
Emma Talley, United States (65-68-68-67), on getting help with her game:
"My dad actually helped me with my putting in Arkansas, which was two tournaments ago, so last week was kind of a tester. This week my putting was great. Yeah, I've been working on my swing a little bit. After the first round my driver was bad. My boyfriend who caddies helped me with my driver, and I hit all the fairways, most of them at least, the rest of the week. Everything felt right, so hopefully I can carry that to next week."
Best Notes
- The Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic is the second tournament of the 2018 season that multiple players finished at 20-under par or better, joining the Honda LPGA Thailand; the last time five or more players finished at 20-under par or better was the 2017 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic (seven players at -20 or better).
- Rolex Rankings No. 26 Sei Young Kim's nine-stroke margin of victory is the largest on the LPGA Tour since the 2015 Fubon LPGA Taiwan, where Lydia Ko (-20) won by nine strokes over So Yeon Ryu and Eun-Hee Ji
- Sei Young Kim's 31-under par total matches the PGA TOUR record for the most strokes under par (72 holes) in a win set by Ernie Els at the 2003 Mercedes Championship
- Kim had one over-par hole this week, a double-bogey on the par-3 17th during the front nine of her second round
- Kim ranked first in the field hitting 67/72 of greens in regulation (93.05%) this week; the total is the most in a single tournament in her LPGA career, besting her mark of 63/72 GIR at the 2017 Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic
- Kim ranked first in the field with 31 birdies on the week; the total is the most in a single tournament in her LPGA career, besting her mark of 29 birdies at the 2016 CP Women's Open
- Kim is now 3-for-5 winning tournaments with at least a share of the lead heading into the final round
- With her win, Kim earns $300,000; she has earned $647,366 this season and $5,191,525 in her career, becoming the 61st player in LPGA history to break the $5 million threshold
- 2018 LPGA rookie Emma Talley (-20) recorded the best finish of her LPGA career and her third top-seven finish in 2018
- Talley scored all four rounds in the 60s in a tournament for the first time in her LPGA career and beat her previous low tournament score to par by 12 strokes.
- Eight different countries were represented in the top 14 players on the final leaderboard this week – Rep. of Korea (4), Spain, Sweden (2), USA, England (3), Chinese Taipei, Puerto Rico, Canada
- Defending champion Rolex Rankings No. 64 Katherine Kirk finished T20


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REMAX Lifestyles Maple Ridge Real EstateYour Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows REMAX area contact is Jim Williams-Peter Dushop RE/MAX LifeStyles Realty for residential houses, apartments, townhouses, condos, duplexes, acreages and farms.
Pitt-Addington Marsh is 2972 Hectares in size and is managed to protect wildlife and habitats. The area consists of four separate units that include primarily marsh, wetlands, and tidal freshwater mud flats, plus some forested uplands. There are many km of dyke top trails and several viewing towers. Junction of Harris Road and Lougheed Highway, north on Harris Rd, East on Old Dewdney Trunk Rd, north on Neeves Rd to Park where marsh is located.


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Title: I'm Wishing On A Star
Pairing: Yunho/Jaejoong
Length: Oneshot
Rating: R
Genre: Fantasy, fluff, supernatural, a little non-AU
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story.
Warning: VERY BRIEF, mild underage kissing.
Summary: A little boy makes a wish, not realizing that all magic has a price…even the magic of Christmas.</i>
AN: I feel rusty writing something like this but no matter… Happy 10th Anniversary and Happy Holidays everyone… May the holidays bring joy to you and your loved ones, and maybe…just maybe we'll find some magic too…
I'm wishin' on a star
To follow where you are
I'm wishin' on a dream
To follow what it means…
The little boy pouts as his parents pay more attention to his younger sister than to him. He likes the noisy little thing about as much as any other big brother, but really, enough is enough. It's Christmas and surely he deserves some attention. It's not like she's a brand new present. She's been around practically a year but looking at the way his parents act, you'd think Santa only just dropped her in a sack that morning for everyone to marvel at.
Yes, she's very pretty and cute and the way she follows him around and bugs him makes him secretly smile, though he'd never admit it to anyone, not even his parents.
But enough is enough.
He wants some attention too.
He stares sadly as his parents coo at the gurgling toddler, before he quietly leaves the table, slipping out the door and into the living area.
There is a great big tree in the living room.
A first for him, and he remembers the awe he'd felt at how small he is in relation to the giant tree. Why, the tip practically touches the ceiling!
The young boy steps forward, inhaling the fragrant pine needles which tickle his nose and make him sneeze.
The sound seems loud in the empty room, but sadly, not even his sneezing brings either of his parents to him.
The little boy steps back, tilting his head till he can see the very pinnacle of the tree where a bright star is perched.
When his father had first unveiled it, he'd been upset.
Stars are meant to be white, or maybe even yellow.
Stars are not meant to be red.
But his father said that it's a special star, the only one of its kind, and the adorable little boy believes him for his father is the world to him. When he grows up, he wants to be just like his father.
His smooth brow furrows.
With one tiny amendment.
If he has two children, he won't forget the first one.
He stares at the red star.
It twinkles at him.
The little boy blinks, shaking his head, wondering if he's imagining it.
He steps back a little further to get a better view and to ease the ache in his neck.
The star twinkles at him once again.
"Oh," the young boy gasps. And the star twinkles in reply.
The tall, almost four year old takes another step back, feeling unafraid for it is just as his father had said.
The star is special.
"Make a wish…"
A whisper in the windless room caresses the child, a breathy young voice of another child, but that voice is so pure like the sound of tinkling bells and the chime of crystal drops.
"What?" the little boy looks around wildly, trying to find the source of the voice. The voice seems to very loud, yet so very soft. His eyes dart to the door to the living room, and yet again he is disappointed as it remains shut.
No parents to come to his rescue from the voice.
"Make a wish…"
He scrunches his eyes shut, hands clasped tight. He can feel tingles and ripples as if the air itself is moving around him, and he is starting to feel a brief sense of alarm.
But just as the alarm increases, a strange warmth wraps itself around him. A warmth that is familiar to him, for he recognizes its touch.
He calms down.
"Make a wish…"
"I wish…" he stops. What does he want? "I wish…" the almost four year old chews on his pouty bottom lip. A bad habit that his mother is trying to break him out of. "I wish…"
"Make a wish for yourself…"
His eyes spring open in surprise, mouth dropping open. "How did you know?" he demands, his voice loud in the silent room. He'd been about to wish a wish for his parents and his sister even though they're all aggravating him at the moment. But he is the kind of little boy who can never wish ill on someone, and in his little three year old wisdom, he decides to make a happy wish for them.
"Make a wish for yourself…"
His eyes are drawn to the twinkling red star sitting atop the tall Christmas tree. The twinkling is so bright, he wonders how its light hasn't penetrated the walls to alert his parents as to what is happening. The warmth around him intensifies. He feels safe, protected, and so very loved. A feeling he is missing from his parents' that day as his sister takes her first steps, her achievement eclipsing the significance of the day itself for him. He doesn't like being left alone, and a little surge of selfishness that has been hiding within him rears its head.
"I wish to have someone that is just mine, always and forever."
He is woken by someone playing with his toes.
The little boy scrunches his face, grumbling about it as he tries to hide his feet under the covers, only to find his body bare of covers.
He opens his eyes, surprised, yet unsurprised at what he finds.
He sits up quickly, scooting backwards till his head bangs against the headboard of his bed.
In a flash, the one who'd greeted him is by his side, rubbing his head, his little lips framing a perfect 'O' of dismay.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to surprise you. I thought you were expecting me."
He shakes his head, and the strange person stops rubbing.
"You weren't expecting me?"
He nods.
The newcomer pouts, taking his hands back, he clasps them in front of him and tilts his head, staring at the wide-eyed boy in the bed. "I'm confused."
Little Jung Yunho is just as confused, resisting the urge to scratch his head and touch where the angelic child has touched him, oddly missing the contact, and wondering how he might be able to get more. He doesn't think banging his head again will be a good idea though. The boy…or girl, he's not sure yet, looks like one of the cherub sculptures he's seen in church.
There is not other description for the chubby child who looks about his age.
"What's your name?"
The angel pouts even more. "I know your name, why don't you know mine?" His eyes dim for a brief moment, before they suddenly brighten. "Oh! I forgot!"
To Yunho's shock, the child leans forward, pressing his pouty mouth against his lips in a brief kiss that tastes of peppermint candy.
Yunho's mouth parts, and a name escapes in a breathy whisper just as the other child pulls back.
He's not an angel.
Yunho is struggling to hold onto the memories of the little boy from the previous night who'd shown him wonders even beyond his own imagination. The glowing, giggling boy had pulled the covers over their heads, and when he'd pulled them back, Yunho had found himself in a room not his own, and yet it is.
"This is my room!"
Yunho looks around, taking in the familiar yet unfamiliar.
"It looks like mine."
"Of course it does, silly," Jaejoong pokes his cheek cheerfully as he bounces out of bed. "I am yours and what is yours is also mine." He hurries to the bedroom door before turning and cocking his head at the still boy in the bed. "Are you coming? We've got lots to do and I want more peppermint candy."
"What if my parents see you?"
Jaejoong beams. "You have me. You don't need anyone else."
And apparently, that is that. Yunho is too young to question it, and for the moment, it makes sense to him. His sense of curiosity and adventure far outweighs the strange events and in the back of his mind is the thought that perhaps this is just a dream, and if it is, he will enjoy it.
Exiting the door tells him instantly that he is no longer in his home.
He's not even sure if he's in Korea.
People of all shapes and sizes and colors are bustling around. For a little boy who is used to only seeing Koreans, seeing a pretty girl with flowing blonde hair pat his Jaejoong on the head before kissing his cheek makes his mouth drop.
"Why don't you introduce me to your new friend?" the beautiful girl with the sparkling blue eyes and long blonde hair coaxes the vibrating Jaejoong who is rocking on the balls of his feet, mouth tugged into a smile so bright he is practically incandescent.
"This is Yunnie! I'm his."
"Ah," the girl's smile widens as she gestures for Yunho to step forward.
The little boy suddenly remembers his manners despite the sudden attack of shyness as he bends over as far as he can go, almost toppling headlong to the floor, but a steady hand against his shoulder stays him. The giggle in his ear is like music as Jaejoong cautions him to be careful, still accompanied by a brilliant smile.
"So you found your elf?"
"My elf?" Yunho's wrinkles his nose. "What elf?"
"I'm an elf, silly!"
And before Yunho can react, he gets another peppermint filled kiss to the mouth. He licks at his lips, tasting the sweet candy, and he wonders briefly if Jaejoong will always taste like Christmas. To a three-almost-four year old boy, Christmas means candy canes.
He pulls back to cast a serious eye over the beaming little boy next to him. He leans forward to check his ears.
"What?" the blonde girl and Jaejoong chorus together, their voices sounding like the chiming of bells.
Familiar bells.
"You don't have pointy ears."
Jaejoong pouts. "I'm growing into them, ok? I'm still small."
"You're kinda round," Yunho points out, the honesty of a young child is something even other young children need to contend with.
Jaejoong's mouth drops open, as the blonde girl chuckles.
"He's perfect for you, baby Jae." She straightens, ruffling the indignant round boy's hair, chuckling as she does so. "You're just as blunt. Who was it that told me I looked better as a blonde than a brunette?"
"Me," comes the pouty response.
Yunho notices his new friend's eyes are twinkling merrily though despite the pout, and he heaves an inward sigh of relief. Wanting to take attention from his slip, he turns to the beautiful tall blonde girl.
"What do you mean he's my elf?"
She holds out her hand, and he grabs it, noticing that Jaejoong grabs her other hand as they walk down a giant hallway full of people running back and forth. Everyone pauses, to shout a greeting at them, but no one ever waits for a response. Yunho learns that the girl's name is Joy.
"Every year, some special children get an elf. Some years, no children get any elves for they are all much too naughty or they are in no need of an elf. Jaejoong here has been waiting for you for years."
"Four years?"
Tinkling bells cascade over the little boy as the blond laughs. "Much, much, much, longer than four years my little Yunnie."
Yunho skips a little ahead to try and look around the girl's long legs at his new companion who grins at him and does a little finger waggle in place of a wave, which brings a smile to Yunho's face as he falls back in line with the other two.
"But he looks my age!"
"He's a little older than you, love."
He's not an angel.
And the little boy knows he isn't dreaming, for he can still taste the sweet, sticky peppermint on his lips as his Jaejoongie kissed him goodbye at the end of the night.
I never thought I'd see
A time when you would be
So far away from home
So far away from me…
"I think he's forgotten me."
Joy stares at Jaejoong kicking dispiritedly out at his bed. His room is transformed, growing along with the boy he is bound to. Pictures of girls adorn the walls, and yet, she knows neither boy cares about them. It is just something expected of Yunho, and whatever interests Yunho, interests Jaejoong too.
"It's only been one month, love."
"One month, two months, three months, forever." Jaejoong's reply is filled with gloom, completely at odds with his normally effervescent personality. All the older elves know what's in store for the thirteen year old, but for the first time in their history, they no longer have any idea what to expect, for everything related to Yunho and Jaejoong is already different to anything they have ever experienced since humans walked the earth.
Yunho has been a fixture in their world since the two boys met all those years ago.
Joy always has to intervene, to make it seem like Yunho is dreaming at the end of every night, but the older they get, the harder it becomes. They are not meant to breach the thin veil between the two worlds, but Yunho has come across so often that she knows that her powers will be of no use soon.
And then it happens.
Yunho hits puberty.
Someone should have warned Jaejoong.
Heck, she should have warned Jaejoong.
And really, Jaejoong should have known.
She knows that he probably chose to forget though.
And like all the other elves, none of them could bear to remind the beguiling young elf that his days with his ward are numbered.
Only children are allowed to believe in elves you see.
In their world, puberty is the line between childhood and adulthood.
There is another reason why only children are allowed to believe in elves.
Once an adult crosses the divide, they will always remember it, and nothing anyone can do will ever erase the memory, unless that said adult chooses to forget.
Imagine adults believing in elves?
"We lied to him."
Joy is broken from her brief reverie, to face an anguished Jaejoong. His eyes are so full of sorrow, even she feels his pain.
"What do you mean?"
"You made him wish. You made me make him wish. And he wished for me, but we lied. You lied."
"It's not a lie, Jaejoong. You are still his, always and forever."
"But he doesn't know that!" The teenage elf wails, pain and anger lacing his voice as he stalks around his room, resisting the urge to kick out at things. The connection between elf and human is so strong that if Jaejoong messes up his room, chances are, Yunho will end up messing up his room too. Unlike Yunho though, Jaejoong answers to nobody.
Well, not quite. He has rules, but no one to bug him like a parent for his messy room.
"I am not an angel."
"You will be," Joy adds. "You know this. Have patience, Jaejoong. You've spent too much time with him to become this impatient."
"I don't want to be one if it means he can never see me again."
"Let him speak," a voice calls out from the doorway.
Joy immediately prostrates, as does Jaejoong, but the latter does it begrudgingly and everyone in the room can feel it.
The man waiting in the doorway never interferes with his elves. He barely interferes with the angels.
However, there's been so much talk about the only paired human and elf in the last decade that even he knows about them.
Unlike everyone else though, he knows a little more.
But he always works within the realm of choice, which is why he is here.
"Stand up, Jaejoong. Tell me what you want."
Jaejoong gains his feet slowly, trying to quash the hope in his heart. He misses Yunho more than he can articulate. He's been around many humans and their elves, but as the term "elf" implies, most of the interactions occur around Christmas where their need is greatest. Contrary to popular belief, the holiday season is not always a time of joy, and children whose attention towards the luster of new toys are diminished for one reason or other are especially in need.
Yunho's need for Jaejoong though, unlike all the other children and their own elves, outlasted the holiday season. Try as Joy does, and Jaejoong knows she's tried hard, Yunho always wakes up with a ghost of a memory of his elf. A memory strong enough that it is sustained throughout the day, so much so that Yunho falls asleep every night with the name of his elf on his lips.
An elf is not allowed to ignore the call from their human.
This is Jaejoong's doing.
The peppermint kisses are a powerful memory trigger, something he'd discovered by accident on the eve of the New Year of their first week together. He has since continued to use this information for his need for Yunho is just as great as the human's need for him.
There has never in the history that he's known, where an elf is this tied to their human. Many of the other elves, Joy included, go through dozens upon dozens of children. Sometimes, one elf may have several children attached to them. Jaejoong has never paid any attention to it for he knew he was created for only one reason.
To be Yunho's everything.
For this reason, he's always been seen as a quirky elf.
He'd insisted on staying as a young child for a score of years, till Yunho was finally born, much to the confusion of the other elves.
But no one questions it, for Joy insists they leave him be.
Joy is no elf.
She is the angel who oversees the elves, to help them in their transition towards the upper realms, and to guide them when they need her.
Unfortunately, her powers don't seem to work on Yunho and Jaejoong.
"You need Yunho?"
"Yes," Jaejoong nods, eyes downcast as he stares at the marble floor.
"Do you know what that means?"
"I know it's not good for me," Jaejoong's voice comes out in a whisper. "I've heard the other elves discussing it, though no one seems to want to address it to me directly."
"That's because they don't know, child. Everything is speculation as far as they're concerned for nothing like this has ever happened before."
"Did I break heaven?"
The man suddenly laughs, a great big hearty laugh that rolls down the corridors, echoing through every room in the immense complex that houses Jaejoong and his fellow elves.
Everyone stops what they're doing, frozen by the laughter, the beauty of which mesmerizes them into stillness.
Everything touched by that laughter, pauses to listen.
Even the laughing brook outside the complex in the beautiful gardens of their world stops gurgling, in awe of that sound of mirth.
The only ones not affected are Joy and Jaejoong in the presence of the man, for in a juxtaposition, his presence in the room protects them from his effects.
"You didn't break heaven, child, but you have definitely stumped almost everyone within it."
Jaejoong opens his mouth to speak further, but is cut off by a soft whisper in a windless room.
The elf crumples over immediately, bending over in pain as the whisper lingers within his room.
Joy's eyes fill with tears as she sends a hapless look towards the man in the room whose countenance is now serious.
The sound grows, and an anguished sound is ripped from Jaejoong's throat as his will seeks to find his human, but his body is bound by the rules that govern it. He is literally being ripped in half from within.
Jaejoong is choking on his pain, his eyes filling with tears as they spill over and streak a hot path down his cheeks.
The man braces himself, knowing what is coming.
Never has this happened.
Never in a million lifetimes.
And it had to happen on his watch.
He hopes Jaejoong is willing to reap what he has sown.
"Jaejoongie, please… I love you…"
Yunho squeezes his eyes shut, the pain in his chest is intense.
For a month, he has gone about his day, wondering why he feels different.
Why he feels heavier.
Why it feels as if a dark cloud has settled over his head.
For a month he has stared listlessly at the walls of his room.
A whole month of barely eating, the slightly pudgy young teenager has practically overnight, not just shot up in height, but also dropped some excess weight.
One month of changes wreaking havoc to his body, with no focal point.
Nothing to ground him.
For almost a decade he's always had something.
And now that something is gone, and for the life of him, he cannot quite remember what it is that he's lost.
The memories are like whispers in a strong breeze.
His sister comes in then with a bowl of chicken soup.
"Oppa, umma says you need to eat. You're a growing boy and she doesn't want you to become skinny."
"I don't care, Jihye." Yunho turns over, his back to his sister as he curls into himself, stifling the sounds of pain as his chest feels like it has a fist around his heart squeezing the life out of him.
"Oppa…" the almond eyed beauty stares at her brother. She can see he is in pain. She can see the light leaving him about a month or so ago. She doesn't know what or why, but she wants to fix it. She loves her brother more than he knows and his pain is also her pain though she cannot feel it. She is a kind young girl, growing up being doted on by both parents and her brother, and she is more sensitive than most children her age.
She knows something happened about a month ago, and she can barely recognize her brother now.
Jihye puts her hand into her pocket, drawing out something from a holiday past.
A small candy cane she'd found in her school bag.
It is a little dusty, and grimy, but the plastic wrapping is intact.
She wipes it on her dress, cleaning it as best she can before she steps forward, knees against the side of her brother's bed as she gazes at his back.
"I know you love Christmas," she whispers. "I hope this will make you think of Christmas, if even just for a little while," she drops the candy down his front, before turning and fleeing his bedroom before he has a mind to scold her.
Not that he ever does, but she doesn't want it to start now in any case. Her brother's moods have been unpredictable for weeks, and their parents let it pass, knowing he is going through puberty.
Yunho feels the slide of plastic against his skin, and the telltale crinkling sound.
He feels it fall against his chest, the pain easing for a brief moment as he reaches blindly to grasp at the item.
A soft sound of surprise leaves his lips when his fingers curl around the familiar shape of a small candy cane.
The smile that breaks across his face is his first genuine smile in weeks. His sister knows him too well. Christmas is indeed his favorite holiday, and this is his favorite part of the holiday.
He cannot explain.
How many teenagers look forward to candy canes on Christmas?
Even more so than any gifts.
This teenager at least.
His fingers fumble as he tries to strip the plastic wrapping quickly, his mouth dry and his throat parched. He can feel his heart pounding in anticipation of that first taste, and his saliva glands explode in preparation just as he manages to free the sticky treat from its confines.
The first taste of the sweet, peppermint candy is heaven on his tongue.
Just one second of heaven.
A second of blissful unawareness, a teenager simply happy at being given a sweet treat.
He licks his lips.
Yunho's entire body stiffens instantly, awareness flooding through him as his mind opens up, freeing the locked memories now triggered by the candy.
He sweeps his tongue across his lush bottom lip.
The sound of breathless giggles fill his ears, laughter at his expense after he'd gotten into trouble for "borrowing" a jar of cookies from Joy.
His hand trembles as he raises it to his mouth, rubbing the hooked end of the candy cane across his mouth, eyes staring at the wall opposite, eyes unseeing.
He runs the tip of his tongue along his top lip lightly, tasting the sweet essence left by his candy cane.
He can practically see the pout on the other boy's face, unhappy at being bested at a game he'd invented. What the game is, is anyone's guess, but the important thing is that Yunho won and the other boy didn't.
"You cheated!"
"No, I didn't! I never cheat!"
"But I'm an elf! How can you beat me?"
Yunho darts quickly forward, pressing up against the smaller boy who lets out a sharp gasp at the contact but he doesn't move away. He pushes a lock of jet black hair behind his ears, peering at them.
"Still not pointy, Jaejoongie."
"I'm still growing into them!" The shorter male exclaims huffily pushing his companion away, making Yunho laugh.
"I won! More kisses for me. Come on, and pay up!"
The elf begrudgingly digs into his pocket to unearth what's left of the very hard to find Pumpkin Spice Hershey's Kisses.
Yes, even in his world they're impossible to get in the middle of April.
Yunho's voice is hushed, his eyes clenched shut as the memories assault him.
How could he have forgotten?
How long has it been?
Where is his Jaejoongie?
Something isn't right. He can feel it. He's changed, and therefore something has changed. The pang in his heart grows worse as he chews on his own bottom lip, sucking on it as he clenches his eyes shut, his hand fisting the small candy cane so hard it snaps in half.
"Jaejoongie, please… I love you…"
Yunho hears the sobbing, and he thinks his ears are playing tricks on him.
He opens his eyes and is faced with a wall.
Identical to the wall of his bedroom.
Yet not.
He whirls around instantly, barely registering the other two beings in the room as he sees his elf curled up on the floor sobbing his beautiful eyes out.
Yunho moves in a flurry of limbs still a little too long for him to be able to contend with properly, but he makes it work as he scoops up the crying boy off the floor, mouth pressed against a damp cheek as he whispers his apologies.
"Jaejoongie…Jaejoongie I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I don't know how I forgot you, but I'm here now. I'm here now. Please don't cry, love. I love you so much, please don't cry."
Their mouths meet for the first time as adults.
Peppermint kisses sprinkled liberally with a tiny hint of salt.
Neither teenager cares, Jaejoong wrapping his arms tightly around Yunho's neck and he shyly licks at the younger boy's mouth which parts instantly, their tongues touching gingerly, before they both deepen the kiss instinctively.
Joy and the man exchange glances as the teenaged boys topple back into Jaejoong's bed, no more flailing limbs.
Instead, both boys are wrapped up against each other, hands stroking and caressing each other's faces, mouths still fused together.
"You knew this would happen." Joy remarks softly as she snaps a thin veil between the boys and herself and the man to keep them separate within the room. They can still see the two boys, but neither side can hear the other.
It isn't a question but a statement, for she knows better.
"There was a possibility. Humans are frail creatures, but the strength in that one is remarkable. He would make a glorious angel."
"Not an elf?"
"His love is only meant for one. He cannot be shared. Not in a way needed for an elf to share their love."
"Jaejoong truly was unique then?"
"They both are. We were testing a new theory when Jaejoong came into being."
"What theory?"
"The red string of fate."
"What—" but Joy is cut off for she suddenly catches sight of it.
A red string that seems to flicker with the movements of the teenagers. Jaejoong is on top of Yunho, cupping the younger boy's face between his hands as he peppers the larger boy with kisses all over his face. The words of love cannot be heard by her, but she can imagine what they sound like, for Jaejoong is practically incandescent once again.
The string is linked from Jaejoong's pinky finger to Yunho's.
And no matter how they move, the string never ever gets tangled up.
Not even when Yunho flips them over with a laugh, nuzzling and kissing Jaejoong's still-not-very-pointy ears and presumably teasing him about them as he is wont to do.
Both Joy and the strange man smile at the boys as they wind down, content to exchange Eskimo kisses as they talk quietly. The happiness emanating from the two is palpable despite the barrier and even the distance.
"They were created for each other." Joy finally speaks, not taking her eyes off the boys. Jaejoong's glow is moving to Yunho, and even though she knows it's technically impossible, her eyes are not deceiving her.
Yunho too is glowing.
"That's the premise, yes. But it has yet to be tested."
"What do you mean?"
"You know what it means, my child."
Joy closes her eyes, sighing softly as she sends a small prayer out for the two boys quietly nuzzling each other now.
"Do they know?"
"About the red string of destiny? No."
"Are you going to tell them?"
The man's smile is soft. "What? And ruin the surprise?"
"Begging your pardon, but I don't think you should toy with them."
"You're fond of Jaejoong aren't you?"
"And Yunho," Joy adds, turning once again to the teenagers wrapped up in each other on the bed. "That boy's soul is so pure," her voice is laced with sadness despite her meaning behind her words. He is too good for the world, and she knows that Jaejoong knows this.
"Do you think he would like to be an angel?"
"And leave Jaejoong? Never."
The two adults watch in silence, Joy keeping her thoughts, though she knows the man can filter them from her mind if he wishes. But he's good at allowing his angels and even his elves to a certain extent, a measure of privacy, so she knows he will not intrude.
Yunho is here as an adult, he will always remember Jaejoong unless he chooses to forget.
She has no idea what's in store for the two young boys.
She cannot even begin to imagine.
But that little red string joining the two boys gives her hope.
"What now?" she finally asks.
"Now, they have a choice."
The man snaps his finger and the barrier Joy had erected earlier drops with a hushed whoosh.
Both Yunho and Jaejoong turn their heads to the adults.
Yunho's eyes are alight with a soft fire, and he slowly moves off the smaller boy and sitting up, putting himself bodily between Jaejoong and the other two.
Jaejoong seems to accept this, even though he is the elf and far more capable of protecting either of them. He curls himself behind the younger but bigger boy, wrapping his legs around his waist with only his luminous doe eyes glowing behind his shoulder as he stares curiously at Joy. Nothing else from nose down of the elf's body can be seen of Jaejoong, so completely does he fit behind Yunho.
The man opens his mouth, but he is cut off by a quiet voice, slightly muffled behind the fabric of Yunho's teeshirt.
"I don't want to be an angel."
Yunho tries to move, but Jaejoong's arms are locked tight around him.
Joy can see the elf's lips caressing the bare skin of the nape of the younger boy's neck, and she can hear him whisper soothing words of love.
Words that bring a tear to her eyes for she knows what he is doing.
There isn't any other way, especially if Jaejoong doesn't want to be an angel, and Yunho will always have the memory of their realm.
"Jaejoong…" Yunho's voice is quiet. He finally appears to see who is before him, and locked in position, he is unable to prostrate, conveying with his eyes his intention. The only movement he is able to make is with his hands, to caress Jaejoong's legs that are locked tight around him.
The protective stance is but an illusion, for Jaejoong has him where he needs him to be.
"Are you certain, child?"
"No. No, Jaejoongie has to be an angel."
"He's not speaking to you, love. I'm your elf."
"And I'm…i'm yours."
Jaejoong smiles, the brilliance of it causes him to shine brightly once again. The white hot light of his essence is once again shared with Yunho, bathing them both in a brilliant light that has Joy closing her eyes from the pain of what she knows has to come to pass.
The man takes a step back, surprised at the sheer light force coming from the young elf, for Jaejoong is the youngest of his kind.
None have been born since, for no more have been needed since this elf paired with his human.
When the light finally dims, both adults are surprised to find the boys locked in an embrace.
Jaejoong astride Yunho's lap, wrapped around him as always but he has the young teenager's face in his hands, kissing away the tears that are slowly streaking down his cheeks.
"No, please…"
"I can't leave you. I promised I'd be yours forever. Only yours."
"And if you're an angel, you have to leave me?"
"If I'm an angel, I will always be with you, but I can never be with you," Jaejoong whispers, his own tears finally losing the battle once again as one slips out, sliding down his cheek. He presses a peppermint filled kiss against Yunho's mouth, making the boy whimper in pain at the taste. "I'm not strong enough to let you go."
"I don't want you to let me go," Yunho breathes, biting his lower lip and tasting Jaejoong.
"This is why they should've only met at Christmas," the man sends his thought to Joy, a mild note of chastisement behind his comment.
"You were never around and you've never seen them. I tried everything. Not even the strongest magic could make Yunho forget Jaejoong."
The man stares as Yunho licks his mouth, watching as the boy leans forward to peck Jaejoong lightly on the mouth, before leaning back and licking at his lips once again.
He shakes his head, realizing how Yunho has managed to remember his elf when no other child has ever managed to do so. Jaejoong is one determined elf, that much he can ascertain. A whole decade of this and his Joy none the wiser.
"Jaejoong gave him a powerful memory trigger. Watch the way he licks his mouth whenever Jaejoong kisses him. They kissed far more than normal children, didn't they?"
"I never thought anything of it for Jaejoong was always an affectionate child. It was the peppermint kisses? I never even considered it because it's so much a part of him."
He sighs inwardly as he watches the beautiful young elf trying to convince his human to allow him to give up eternity for him. He is sure the human cannot fathom the magnitude of what Jaejoong is doing.
In fact, he doubts Jaejoong himself understands fully the consequence of his choice.
To give up Heaven, means to give up everything.
Jaejoong will not have any memory whatsoever of his time as an elf.
It will be as if he never was one.
And on the back side of that…
…He will not remember Yunho.
Just think of all the moments that we spent
I just can't let you go, for me you were meant
And I didn't mean to hurt you, but I know
That in the game of lovin', you reap what you sow
Yunho opens his eyes, and once again he is faced with a wall.
The right wall this time.
Or the wrong one, depending on how you look at it.
He turns, bolting upright as he remembers everything.
Yunho brings his fingers to his mouth, still sticky with their last kiss.
He licks his mouth.
Overlayed by a salty tang.
The teenager brings his knees up, wrapping his arms around his legs, he bends his forehead to touch his kneecaps as the first tear falls.
One tear.
Followed by countless others.
He cries for a long time.
And even that long time feels too short, for it isn't forever.
Forever is with his Jaejoongie and he needs to find him.
That was the deal.
Yunho can remember everything of Jaejoong, but Jaejoong will have absolutely no memory of him.
The only thing that Jaejoong made the man and Joy promise them, is that he will always be his, that no matter what happens, Jaejoong on earth will only be Yunho's somehow, forever and always.
The man had warned them that Jaejoong's personality will follow him, and that in all likelihood, Yunho may never find Jaejoong till the end of their lives, but Jaejoong has faith.
"I always have faith. I was borne from faith and I will die by it. Yunho will find me."
Such a weight upon the thirteen year old's slim shoulders that have yet to fill out into manhood despite being an "adult".
He remembers Joy's parting words to him.
"You will find him within the next three years. I can promise you this much and it is the least I can do. I cannot interfere beyond this. It will be a difficult road, but I promise to watch out for both of you. Be well, little Yunnie. Look after our Jaejoongie for god knows he can get into mischief by just standing still."
The teenager fists the last of his tears away, the taste of peppermint on his lips is but a distant memory now.
Jaejoong has given up eternity for him.
He will spend the rest of his life making sure he is worth it.
Two beings watch the young teenager square his shoulders, determination lining his every movement.
"Tell me of their path."
"I can only share so much, Joy. Nothing is certain. Their path is fraught with choices. At every turn, they have a choice to make. Jaejoong may not have his memories, but you saw the way he shared his light with Yunho. There is a little bit of both of them in each other. He will not know who he is, but he will not see him as foe."
"And I guess I should be happy with that much, huh?" Joy sniffs, wiping away a tear as she watches Yunho trace out Jaejoong's name on the foggy mirror in his bathroom after washing his face. "I don't know who to feel more sorry for. Jaejoong or Yunho."
"They both have their difficulties."
"But to give up heaven…"
"Can you see his string?"
Joy peers closer, staring at Yunho's pinky, and true enough, that red string of destiny is still attached to him.
"If I follow it, will I find Jaejoong?"
"You know you will."
Her eyes trace the supernatural string, following its rather straight path as the crow flies, a little startled when she reaches its end.
"He isn't far."
"No, he isn't."
Yunho and his friends chance upon the group towards the end of the fight, attracted by the raucous noise and unafraid as only teenagers with martial arts skills can be, they race in to play hero.
There are clear victors, and the older boys of his group step between the two sets of boys to make sure the fight is at a complete end. These are his hapkido friends, and they are recognized by the group slinking away at least, so any lingering thoughts of retaliation die a swift death as they disappear into the shadows.
"Is everyone alright?" the oldest member of Yunho's group asks.
"What's it to you? We'd already won the fight, you lot didn't need to play policemen."
Yunho stills.
23 months, one week and three days.
"Jaejoong," he whispers under his breath, half afraid to turn to find it isn't so. He's had so many false alarms, his ears trying to find even the slightest memory of the boy in anyone he meets.
"How do you know my name?"
Yunho closes his eyes, taking a deep breath as his arm is tugged from behind. He pivots slowly on his heel, eyes opening as he turns to meet a familiar pair of doe eyes, darkened by heightened emotion, confusion warring within them as their eyes connect.
"Do I know you?"
How the hell did he manage to find him only to lose him again?
Yunho asks himself this so many times a day, it's almost starting to become a prayer of some sort.
AN: Um… I was trying to battle the emoshinki but CLEARLY the emoshinki is strong within me. I might as well be Darth Vader.


text:
2011 Season Preview – Williams
Team Name : AT&T Williams
Location : Grove, UK
Team Principal : Frank Williams
Technical Director : Sam Michael
Drivers : Rubens Barrichello, Pastor Maldonado
Chassis : FW33
Engine : Cosworth CA2011
First Season : 1975
Races Entered : 539
Pole Positions : 126
Race wins : 113
Points scored in 2010 : 69
World Championships : 9
It's hard to believe that Williams has been one of the most successful teams in F1 behind Ferrari and Mclaren. From an utterly dominant streak in the early nineties, to being a front-running team at the beginning of the 21st century, and now fighting to be "Best of the Rest" alongside Renault, it has been a steep decline. Who would've thought that the best privateer F1 team of all-time would struggle for decent funds?
Frank Williams and Patrick Head are still running the show, although they have sold a minority stake in the team to Toto Wolff and the company went public last month. Despite recognising the lack of sufficient sponsorship, it is still difficult to pinpoint the reason for the team's mediocre performance in the past decade. After all, this is a team that has won 9 Constructors' Championships, 7 Drivers' Championships and 113 races in a glittering career spanning more than three decades. So how is it that they are not able to get out of the midfield despite being led by the same people who took them to success in the previous decades?
In the modern era of Formula 1, the partnership with BMW was the most productive for the Williams team. They were regular race winners at the turn of the century, almost beating Ferrari in 2003. Sadly, BMW left the partnership, citing a lack of competence in the Grove-based squad. The Cosworth/Toyota alliance since then hasn't produced any miracles, but atleast they didn't go the Honda way – from race winners one year to backmarkers the next. Willams have been stuck in the F1 midfield ever since BMW pulled the plug on them. They have had drivers of high calibre driving for them – Mark Webber, Nick Heidfeld, Nico Rosberg, to name a few. Today, it is veteran racer Rubens Barrichello and current GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado driving, and one gets the feeling that the team will have more of the same this year too.
Driver selection has never been a strong point of Williams, as they proved at the end of 1996, giving Damon Hill the boot, and now Nico Hulkenberg's ouster has been met with widespread criticism. But these are desperate times, and when the team needs money, it usually blinds them to the talent levels of the drivers. Nevertheless, Rubens will be able to lead the team forwards quite a bit, and a great baseline car is what they need to get back to their winning ways. But do they have it in them to win a championship at the moment? Definitely not. For that you need a reliable and quick car, two quick drivers and a good development program. And whatever you may say about Rubens' experience, he's still not one among the true 'greats' of the game.
In fact the main problem with Williams at the moment is that they usually start the year off with an average car – and then develop it well during the season, ending up in the midfield. What they need in essence is an RB6 at the start of testing. A car that is quick out of the box – like Brawn GP's '09 contender. Then they need a top driver like Rosberg or Button to maximise it. But at the moment, it looks like a straight fight between Renault and Williams for the "Best of the Rest" tag, with Force India and Toro Rosso somewhere in the mix. They ought to be a regular fixture in Q3, and points should be achievable at most of the races. Maybe one day they will uncover another Adrian Newey and get back to where they belong – at the front.
2 Responses to "2011 Season Preview – Williams"
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Liberal City Commission Approves Ball Complex Design, Funding
KSCB News - August 13, 2014 8:26 am
At Tuesday night's City Commission meeting, City staff made a slide show presentation to the commission and those in attendance in the audience regarding the status of the softball/baseball fields. After a brief history of the 8th street Baseball complex where it was explained that since 2000, the City had plans to move softball to the complex, but ran out funding, City Manager Mark Hall stated that with the sale of the property at 7th and Western, the City can now complete the project. The old configuration of ball field space in the City, there were 2 men's fields 1 women's field 1 Cal Ripken/Rec. League field, 3 Babe Ruth/Men's Baseball fields, and 4 soccer fields. With the new configuration proposed at Tuesday's meeting there would now be 2 Men's fields, 2 possibly 3 Women's fields, 2 possibly 3 Cal Ripken/Rec. League fields, 1 possibly 2 Rec. League Girls fields, 3 Babe Ruth/Men's Baseball fields and 4 soccer fields. However for Tournament Play, some of these fields can be could be converted, allowing for 5 Womens fields, up to 9 Cal Ripken/Rec League fields and 6 Rec League Girls softball fields.
It was also presented to the Commission that survey, engineering, bid documents, and demolition of old fields should be completed by September 1st, site preparation, and new construction running from September 1st with an expected completion date of December 1st, weather permitting.
After a question and answer period from the commission and the audience, the Commission voted to approve the plans as presented.
Before the the Commission was also a proposed funding option for the fields. With the timeline being crucial to get everything ready for play by early spring, construction needed to be started as soon as possible. Even though the City has signed sale contracts, the property at 7th and Western has not closed pending title work, deeds, plats, engineering, and other details associated with the sale of property, it was proposed to borrow $850,000.00 from the Streets, Drainage, and Capitol Improvements portion of the 1 cent sales tax, with the sales proceeds and any unexpended amounts from the new ball field construction project to be returned to this fund. After brief discussion, this funding mechanism was approved by the Commission.


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Greek Name: PROS KOLOSSAEIS
Human Author: Paul (and Timothy)
OT or NT: New Testament
Number of chapters: 4
Basic Facts
Colossians is the fifty-first book of the Bible.
In terms of literary genre, Colossians is classified as an epistle, or letter.
The Greek name for the book of Colossians is PROS KOLOSSAEIS, which means "to the Colossians" or "for the benefit of the Colossians."
Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians while he was in prison.
Paul's letter to the Colossians likely has a chiastic structure.
Story of the Book
Paul opens his letter with greetings where he assures the Colossian church that he is praying for them (Colossians 1:1-13). Paul then presents Christ as preeminent in all of creation, proclaiming that all things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:14-23). He continues by summarizing his ministry and his struggles for the gospel and for the believers in Colossae (Colossians 1:24-2:5). Paul insists that the Colossian believers remain committed to Christ by refusing to be deceived into believing mere human traditions (Colossians 2:6-23). He teaches the believers to live according to their new life in Christ by living out a life of Christ-like virtue, doing everything for the glory of God and by putting away their former sins (Colossians 3:1-17). Paul then applies this new life in Christ to various relationships within families including: husbands and wives, children to their parents, fathers to their children, and servants and masters, recognizing that all will be held accountable to God for their actions (Colossians 3:18-4:1). Paul asks the Colossian believers to pray for him, specifically that he would have the courage and strength to proclaim the gospel with boldness (Colossians 4:2-6). The letter concludes with a lengthy list of greetings in which Paul asks the believers in Colossae to receive Onesimus and Tychicus as brothers in Christ (Colossians 4:7-17). The letter ends with a final greeting written in Paul's own hand in which he asks the church to remember him in his chains (Colossians 4:18).
Jesus Revealed in Colossians
Jesus is revealed in Colossians as the Divine Word of God through whom all things were created. Paul goes to considerable lengths to proclaim that Christ is preeminent in creation, even to the extent that all things in the whole of creation were made through and for Christ (Colossians 1:15-18). In Christ, the whole of creation is held together (Colossians 1:17) and the fullness God's deity dwells within Christ in bodily form (Colossians 2:9-10). These teachings of Paul reveal Jesus to be more than the Messiah. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14) through whom God the Father created the universe. The eternal, divine nature of Jesus as the Word of God made flesh is revealed by Paul in Colossians. Paul reveals this same Jesus in Colossians as the one who is preeminent in all of creation. In other words, all of creation was made through Jesus, and Jesus as the uncreated and eternal Word of God is the one who is revealed by God in all things in creation. Therefore, no human being has any excuse for not acknowledging God as the Creator (Romans 1:19-20). In light of who Jesus is, we have an obligation as Christians to live as people who belong to Christ by loving one another. Therefore, because Jesus died for us, we must honor God with everything we do. Our very lives belong to God because He both created us and bought us with the blood of Jesus. (Colossians 3:1-11).


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Internships in Argentina
Spend time in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires.
We can help you find a placement that will suit your language level, existing skills and career development goals.
Internships are available from two weeks to six months across most sectors of industry. We recommend a placement length of two to three months to gain sufficient cultural, professional and social skills to make the experience worthwhile.
We can also facilitate the placement for academic credit purposes.
Internships in Buenos Aires, range from journalism, film and photography to health care and economic development.
You can tailor these programmes to suit your needs and we are with you every step of the way offering support, guidance and 24/7 emergency contact.
Price: £1620
Click here to request information and start dates
- Career related and individually tailored internship to suit your skill set
- Specific and dedicated full time staff in each location
- Organisation of secure central self-catering accommodation
- Airport transfer, safety briefing and orientation on arrival
- Regular social events with other trainees
- Administration support
- 1:1 career counselling and workshop
- Visa support
- 24 hour support from UK and locally
- Certificate
Not Included
- Flights
- Local transport costs
- Insurance
- Accommodation costs (approx £400 - £600 per month)
- Visa processing fees
- General living expenses


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One of the best gadgets to enjoy mobile games is iPhone. Vector is one of the top games for iOS and we can help you to play it without any payments! To download Vector for iPhone, we recommend you to select the model of your device, and then our system will choose the most suitable game apps. Downloading is very simple: select the desired ipa file and click "download free Vector", then select one of the ways you want to get the game. Just a few easy steps and you are enjoying Vector for iPad or iPod. And remember! We update our collection of free ipa games daily, so stay tuned!
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Game description: Vector:
Fell the taste of freedom and run! Do not let them catch you! Vector is the best parkour simulator, which will plunge you into an absorbing atmosphere of a chase. You are to set off to a totalitarian world where everything is subject to strict laws of the government, but the main character has decided to challenge them and get away from the constant supervision to feel like a real free man. Now he has to constantly live on the run, dodge through the streets and rooftops of a big city while fleeing from government watchdogs. With each attempt you will pass the track ever better and will learn to perform more tricks.
Download game Vector for free
Please, specify your device, and we will select compatible games.
Select phone / tab


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20 Essential Kitchen Accessories Under $20
OXO Hand held mandoline
A classic kitchen tool that gives you thinly sliced vegetables and fruit—the tool you need to help you start eating more vegetables. $15 on crateandbarrel.com
Red And Aqua Silicone Pastry Brushes Set Of 2
A pastry brush changed my life in the kitchen: Now, coating vegetables with olive oil before roasting and brushing egg yolk onto pie crust is effortless and doesn't make a mess. $10 on worldmarket.com
Aqua 3-Cup French Press
An elevated cup of coffee is as simple as this easy-to-use French Press. $10 on worldmarket.com
Paderno 2-Blade Spiralizer
Small enough that it won't get in the way or take up too much space in your kitchen, this tool gives you vegetable ribbons. $20 on crateandbarrel.com
Pyrex 2 Cup Measuring Cup
The very first thing you need to buy if you want to learn how to cook. This one in particular is invaluable classic. $7 on macys.com
Pyrex Baking Dish
Use it for brownies, casserole, potatoes au gratin—any large dishes you're dreaming up for a big dinner party or a simple weeknight meal with family. $13 on macys.com
Pro Silicone Spatula
I am not exaggerating when I say that a silicone spatula is probably one of the most under-appreciated but most useful kitchen tools money can buy. Use a spatula when you're baking, cooking eggs, sautéing tofu, melting butter—the list goes on and on. $20 on food52.com
Multi-Cup Porcelain Coffee Pour Over
For fans of a strong coffee, this minimalist white porcelain pour over that fits right over your cup is a must-have. Just add a filter and your favorite grounds for a quick and reliably tasty cup of coffee. $20 on food52.com
Lodge Cast-Iron Round Fry Pan
Another absolute essential for any home cook, the versatile cast iron pan lasts forever and will prove itself to be the superstar among your cookware. $16 on williams-sonoma.com
Ceramic Storage Canister
One of the hallmarks of a well-put together kitchen is that the flour and sugar have homes inside pretty jars, instead of languishing in the messy, torn cardboard boxes and bags in the back corner of a cabinet. $8 on worldmarket.com
Dapper Animal Salad Plates
Add a little character to your kitchen with a fun plate, even if the rest of your kitchen is still a work in progress. An animal print like this one is always a crowd-pleaser. $10 on westelm.com
Square Glass Bottle With Clamp Stopper
I now have three of these in my refrigerator. I keep one by my bed at night, and fill up the other two to use at the dinner table when I'm alone and when I have friends over. $6 on worldmarket.com
Dumpling maker
This is nifty little tool makes it easy to make a "purse" out of your dumpling dough. $13 on crateandbarrel.com
King Cube Silicone Ice Cube Trays
Throw out those cheap plastic ice trays once and for all (mine were from the dollar store) and replace them with this more durable silicone version. $17 on william-sonoma.com
Glass Teapot With Black Porcelain Infuser
Stop pouring hot water straight from the pot into your mug. A teapot is a minimalistic, but classy addition to your kitchen and this one even includes an infuser so you can finally try loose leaf tea, as I'm sure you have meaning to do for, like, years, now. $15 on worldmarket.com
Antica Oil Dispenser
Most people keep their olive oil in it's original bottle, but if you, like me, buy the generic brand from the grocery store, that bottle starts to look a little drab sitting on your counter, with the plastic top and label peeling off. This sleek container will make even the cheapest olive oil look stylish. $13 on williams-sonoma.com
Vegetable brush
This scrubber, which gives your vegetables a thorough wash before they end up on your plate, can also be used to clean tile (just buy two). $20 on food52.com
Pyrex 10 piece storage set
Store leftovers, bring your lunch to work, and make more room in your crowded refrigerator with these sturdy Pyrex storage containers. $17 on amazon.com
Raniaco Stainless Steel Grater
This slim, light grater gives you tiny shreds of lime, lemon, ginger, and even cheese, without the hassle of using the box shredder to get a small amount of zest. $10 on amazon.com
Oster 5-Quart Steamer
Steam vegetables and salmon at the same time in this convenient appliance, which should eliminate any excuse you've been using to not eat healthy. $19 on amazon.com


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Happy Christmas
Happy Christmas and good fortune in 2018! The Parishes' Office will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. It will be open as usual on Wednesday and Friday, 27 and 29 December 2017; and re-open in 2018 on Wednesday 3 January 2018, when the usual Monday, Wednesday and Friday weekly format will resume.


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All About Music Poster Paper
Barbara Meeks
Students will explore the world of music with this engaging resource! Informative activities teach and reinforce essential music concepts like the music staff, music instrument families, tempo, and dynamics. Students will draw their own treble clefs, match instruments with their families, and solve fun puzzles using music vocabulary. Provide a fun start on the path to music exploration with this unique poster paper! Each two-sided, black and white poster opens to 22" x 17"; 30 posters per package.
Update Required To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.


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JOHN HOAL, PhD, Associate Professor and Chair of the Doctor of Sustainable Urbanism and the Master of Urban Design programs for the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts and founding partner of H3 STUDIO, leads an international, national and local team of experts known as STUDIO MISI-ZIBBI – as finalists in a global design competition to improve river management and the rebuilding of the lower Mississippi River Delta.
Titled "Changing Course: Navigating the Future of the Lower Mississippi River Delta," the competition aims to halt land loss and restore the delta ecosystem while improving navigation and strengthening the resilience of local communities and industry. The final designs are intended to assist Louisiana coastal planners and engineers with developing the state's 2017 Coastal Master Plan.
Besides H3 STUDIO other members of this carefully selected 35 member expert team include design professionals from URS, HKV, Robbert de Koning Landscape Architect, Colectivo, Delft University of Technology, Washington University in St Louis, M.I.T., HR&A Advisors, Dynamic Solutions, Bureau Drift Ecological Planning, Coastal Environments, Inc. AEP River Operations, and Louisiana-based experts from Louisiana State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana State University, University of New Orleans, and Tulane University (see http://changingcourse.us/team_finalists/ for a complete list).
"It is a real privilege to lead an incredible and unique international collaboration to develop design solutions that could be implemented over many years which will result in the rebuilding of a sustainable living delta for one of the world's greatest river systems – The Mississippi River." Says JOHN HOAL
Washington University in St Louis is well represented with Derek Hoeferlin, assistant professor of architecture a member of the core team, and alumni Matthew Bernstine as project manager and Laura Lyon, Bryan Robinson, Tim Breihan, Courtney Cushard, Colleen Xi Qui, and Junru Zheng as members of H3 STUDIO design team. Hoal and Hoeferlin had previously collaborated on water management strategies in New Orleans and organized MISI-ZIIBI: Living with the Great Rivers, an international design workshop investigating climate adaptation strategies along the Mississippi.
Over the next five months, each team will develop a preferred design for the Lower Mississippi River system, including using the natural power of the Mississippi River to protect and restore the delta landscape while addressing the needs of navigation, flood risk management, fisheries and coastal communities.
"In a very strong competition, these winning teams stood out because their experts bridge strong regional knowledge with innovative ideas from deltas around the world," said Carlton Dufrechou, general manager of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and a member of the Changing Course leadership team. "We are confident these teams have the vision and experience to develop bold solutions for the delta and our people, economy and culture."
Changing Course is a design competition aimed at developing innovative solutions to rebuild and protect the Louisiana coast. It is supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, Shell, Blue Moon Fund, Greater New Orleans Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, The Selley Foundation and The Walton Family Foundation; with leadership support from Van Alen Institute, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes the power of design to transform cities, landscapes and regions to improve people's lives, and Environmental Defense Fund, which has 30 years of experience in the Mississippi River Delta region; and with technical support from BuroHappold Engineering, a worldwide consulting and engineering firm.
More information on Changing Course is available at www.changingcourse.us.
Follow Changing Course on Twitter at @ChangingCourse and on Facebook at facebook.com/ChangingCourse.us.
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We are using SF_Generate to create insert tables for custom objects however we are getting no columns created outside of [Id] and [Error] columns. When we use SF_Replicate we get all columns and all the data successfully.
We had the same symptoms originally with the default Campaign object before we applied the 'Marketing User' flag to the credentials. Is there certain permissions or settings we need to apply to successfully generate the insert table?
Our custom object is Sales_Forecasts__c and the statement we are using is
EXEC SF_Generate 'INSERT', 'SALESFORCE', 'Sales_Forecasts__c_Load'
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SF_Generate insert table for custom objects
SF_Generate insert table for custom objects
Justin Blackburn (Official Rep) July 05, 2018 00:52What version of DBAmp are you currently running? Do you have the message output from the SF_Generate?
Thanks for the reply.
Version: 126.96.36.199
Output of Generate:
--- Starting SF_Generate V3.6.5
Create Table Sales_Forecasts__c_Load ([Id] nchar(18) null,[Error] nvarchar(2000) null)
Output of Replicate:
--- Starting SF_Replicate for Sales_Forecasts__c V3.6.5
00:54:52: Parameters: SALESFORCE Sales_Forecasts__c Version: V3.6.5
00:54:52: Drop Sales_Forecasts__c_Previous if it exists.
00:54:52: Create Sales_Forecasts__c_Previous with new structure.
00:54:52: DBAmpNet2 220.127.116.11 (c) Copyright 2015-2017 forceAmp.com LLC
00:54:53: Parameters: replicate Sales_Forecasts__c_Previous {servername} SalesforceSync SALESFORCE
00:54:54: 14 rows copied.
00:54:54: DBAmpNet2 Operation successful.
00:54:54: Drop Sales_Forecasts__c if it exists.
00:54:54: Rename previous table from Sales_Forecasts__c_Previous to Sales_Forecasts__c
Caution: Changing any part of an object name could break scripts and stored procedures.
00:54:54: Create primary key on Sales_Forecasts__c
--- Ending SF_Replicate. Operation successful.
Justin Blackburn (Official Rep) July 05, 2018 01:24We think there is a bug in SF_Generate and are looking into it. As a workaround, the following should get you what you want:
select * into Sales_Forecasts__c_Load from SALESFORCE...Sales_Forecasts__c where 1=0
You'll have to delete the current load table with the same name before running the above statement.
Hi Justin,
Has this issue been fixed in Version 3.6.7? I saw this in the release notes, is it from this issue?
- Fixed bug in SF_Generate where not all columns were being included for custom objects
Bill Emerson (Developer) October 13, 2018 03:24
Great, Thanks Bill
Hello - i am getting this same issue with v3.7.3
When I run the following:
exec SF_Generate 'Insert', SALESFORCE_DATA, 'Points_Transaction__c_Insert'
The table that gets created only has the Id and Error columns:
--- Starting SF_Generate V3.7.3
Create Table Points_Transaction__c_Insert ([Id] nchar(18) null,[Error] nvarchar(2000) null)
The Points_transaction__c object has many more columns.
Please let me know what we can try next.
Bill Emerson (Developer) January 08, 2019 22:08This usually occurs when the sf user the linked server is using does not have access to the table.
Does the following query work and show an empty table with the columns :
Select Top (0) * from salesforce_data...Points_Transaction__c
Thanks Bill - that was it, now that the table is accessible SF_Generate creates a table with all the columns.
Hi Bill ,
I am getting same error while loading data for CAMPAIGN object. Sf_generate only creates table with id & error column.
Plz guide me on the resolution.
Bill Emerson (Developer) August 12, 2019 20:44Did you read the solution above ? Can you try the query to generate the empty table using Campaign instead of Points_Transaction__c


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Punalu'u is a beautiful black sands beach, in our opinion, the best on the Big Island. Even the turtles believe this to be true, and turtles are pretty smart! This is a known resting spot where the honu (sea turtles) slowly crawl out of the salty South Pacific water and onto the beach to enjoy an afternoon nap.
Only 52 miles Southwest of Kona Bayview Inn, this beach is a great place to stop for a stroll on your way to Volcano National Park. The bathrooms are clean and there is a small gift shop on the beach.
Why we like Black Sands Beach
- Beautiful and soft black sand
- Restrooms
- Turtles are often present resting on the beach
- Lifeguards on duty
- Gift shop
Images of Black Sands Beach


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Now, if I could just convince everyone to stop wearing clothes. . . .
The other day, as I did the rounds upstairs of the kids bedrooms, I came upon a phenomenon that has never before happened in this house. All of the laundry hampers were empty. There was no. dirty. laundry. I skipped around the house with glee! "There's no dirty laundry!" I shouted.
No one really cared that much.
One of the kids maybe looked up from their phone and said "That's great mom."
To be fair, it was a pretty dead-on impersonation of my reaction when my son informed me he had won something called "Fortnite" (Me: Why is the goal on a deserted island to kill everyone else? Son's eye-roll: Oh Mooooooommmmm!!!!)
So the next day, when there was STILL no dirty laundry, I revealed my triumph to my book club, giggling behind my hands. They were supportive but also kind of confused. One of them has a hired laundry hand and the other two have basically just one other person to do laundry for. They were mostly infected with my giddiness and happy to get back to discussing our book.
I took the news right to it's inspiration: my sister-in-law. She and my mother-in-law never let laundry go for more than one day. "Well, that's the goal," my sister-in-law chuckled.
But I've seen it in action. We all share laundry machines for some beach weekends in the summer, and that's how it goes. My kids typically discard their clothes for the day and they pile up in either our empty suitcase or an ingenious canvas bag I had embroidered with the word "laundry" for just such trips.
But their laundry (and to be fair, sometimes my own children's would get sucked into this process as well) would be folded and stacked on the stairs leading to the bedrooms when I came down for breakfast. There was no light in their eyes when I described how I conquered Mount Laundrym which you can read about here.
How did I do it?
So the weather has been pretty crappy this March, with lots of days I'd just rather stay home. I'm actually in a kind of schedule, where I go out and panic grocery shop every tuesday before our weekly nor'easter/snow day. And since usually Mondays and Tuesdays (before the panic shop) are the only time I can guarantee no one will be home, I fell into a bingewatching habit.
My show of choice? "The Americans," which I'd been meaning to watch since my friend Cecilia got a job showing the stars how to cook Korean food (it's kind of a plot point!) But, it had not been available to any streaming service I had access to until now. It popped up on Amazon Prime a few weeks ago, and I was ready to go. I had laundry to fold, and "me" time to cash in. I couldn't really justify how much TV I was watching, even to myself, without a larger project. So I leaned in to laundry. I would be just like my Sheryl Sandberg, AND my domestic goddess in-laws! I would completely finish the laundry!
By season 4, I snuck in the episode where (spoiler alert) Matthew and Paige finally kiss and tossed a final load of laundry in. The next day I discovered the empty hampers. Bliss! And even if the truth is, I still do laundry every day (gotta get through season five, and then it's on to the latest season of Homeland) I think there are sill benefits: 1. I feel all powerful. It might be like that time when I was a kid and realized I could whistle breathing in and out and figured I had a superpower. Maybe the reason no one really cares that I don't have a bunch of dirty laundry all the time is because this is how laundry is supposed to work and it's no big deal. But I'm still feeling like the the GOAT!
2. No more hamper shenanigans. If you think you can try on 12 outfits and stuff them in the laundry bin (or leave them on the floor) Mom won't just assume that's all dirty any longer! I will know when you wore school clothes, lounge clothes, after shower clothes and pajamas in one day, and that won't truck with me, buck-o!
3. This might be the greatest accomplishment of all time: I am going to throw away the unmatched sock bundles. I'm only keeping them because they feel like old friends. I'm going through everyone's sock drawers and reunite a few long lost friends. Or something like this:
And then, it's the garbage can for them. Actually, when I told my mom I was going to throw away the unmatched socks, she said I should google "American Girl Doll tights project," so I think I'll just send the to her!


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art, cartoon, color, comic, demon, design, dramatic, draw, drawing, imp, monster, monsters, monsters under my bed, night, picture, steal
This monster was drawn for the card based game "Monsters Under My Bed" Click the link to visit the facebook page.
I am doing the design and illustration of the monsters. This monsters name is Imp-Ulsive. He apparently has a bad habit of snatching other peoples stuff.
Here is how the art work progressed from start to finish.
Improved on the sketch. Sharpened up the lines. Added an Alarm clock and more bling etc.
Then came the coloring.
The Imp in my head was red…but the creator of the game had a different image of it. It was decided that the imp looked too much like a devil so the color was changed to a teal color.
And that wrapped up that project.
I hope you all enjoyed this post. More monsters and art work to come in the future. Please check out the Facebook page for the game Monsters Under My Bed. I think it will be an awesome game.
And if you have any art requests, either personal or for some project you are working on, feel free to drop me a line at "email@example.com"


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Google Photos has seen quite a few improvements over the time that it's been available to users, like adding live twitter support and making it easier to get to your pictures by integrating a shortcut into the camera app from Google Photos. When Google launched the service initially at Google I/O last Summer, it was a way for them to offer a more compelling picture experience on Android while also bringing in features that were focused on giving the user things they could really use, like more storage, which is also one of the headlining features of the app as Google offers an unlimited free amount of storage of pictures within the Google Photos app.
Google also developed it in a way that made interacting with pictures easier, and in the most recent update to the application which brings it forward to version 1.13, Google has inserted a drop down panel when you search for pictures that will show you other pictures taken in the same exact day. This should pop up for users once they do a search for a specific picture and it appears next to the dates for those photos that show up in results. So for example, if you search for pictures of the beach, Google Photos will show you a picture you took at the beach from say, two days ago, and next to the date will be an arrow you can tap to open up the block of pictures, displaying other pictures taken two days ago that are listed in other categories.
This makes looking back at pictures from a specific date much simpler even if you were only looking for a specific category to begin with. It's possible there are other new changes within this latest app update, but none that were noticeable at the time. Aside from the new drop down in today's change, Google Photos offers other useful traits like simple editing tools, quick and easy sharing with just a tap, shared album capabilities and Google Cast support so you can cast Google Photos to your Chromecast or other Google Cast device on the big screen. If you haven't yet received the latest version of Google Photos you can download the new version aok's from below.
Download Google Photos Ver. 1.13 ARM – 320dpi
Download Google Photos Ver. 1.13 ARM – 480dpi


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Personal Banking
Small Business Banking
Commercial Banking
Private Client Group
Personal Financial Services
For the quickest answer, search previously asked questions below. Chances are, others have asked a similar question and there's already an answer waiting for you. If you can't find a match, ask a new question and our team members will answer.
danielle, toms river
October 27, 2015 09:38:30 AM
1 Response
In reply to danielle, toms river
Thanks for submitting your inquiry, Danielle.
The cost of the checks is based on the type of account you have with TD Bank as well as if this will be the first order or a reorder.
At TD Bank, we offer a wide variety of Checking accounts for our Customers. Each account has its own features and benefits. Some accounts do offer your first set of checks for free while other accounts offer a discounted price on your first order. For more information we invite you to check out: http://bit.ly/1oy6i4q. If you were to view the account details it will state if that account has free or discounted checks for the first order.
To find out the exact cost for your check order, you're welcome to give us a call 24/7 at 888-751-9000 or stop by your local TD Bank to go over the features and benefits of our accounts with a Customer Service Representative. For Store hours and locations please take a look here: http://bit.ly/TDStores.
Have a fantastic day, Danielle and take care.
Colleen B, Mount Laurel
October 27, 2015 09:39:28 AM