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Have you jumped onto the Pinterest craze? If so, this is the perfect plugin for you.
I have installed this on a few websites now and find it a fantastic plugin to use. It's easy, connects quickly to your Pinterest account and looks great on websites. Check it out for yourself!
From the plugin page:
This plugin allows you to display thumbnails and links to yours (or anyones!) latest Pins from Pinterest in your sidebar. It is styled after Pinterest and offers a clean and modern look to show off your pins.
This widget is fully customizable, you can:
Have you installed this plugin? Post back here and tell us what you think!
Facebook is mid-stream in rolling out the Timeline for pages. This provides a terrific opportunity to better brand your page. However, you do need to keep a few things in mind, given the Facebook T&Cs.
What to keep in mind when creating/choosing your cover:
1. Your cover picture cannot be deceptive, misleading or infringe on copyright.
2. You may not encourage people to upload your cover to their personal timelines. (These are not wallpapers.)
The content of your cover has some specifics that are very important to read:
1. NO Calls to action — This includes "visit my website", "like my facebook page" or "come see me at my next booksigning."
2. No website or contact information in the image
3. NO purchase information. — This means you can't add "Purchase at Amazon." or "Find me on Goodreads."
(Your name is probably okay, but that's about it.)
These pictures are NOT for advertising. What you CAN and should do with this pictures is set a tone. Use this terrific tool as a way to powerfully impact the visitor of your page with an emotion — not a sales pitch.
Are your books dark and mysterious? Find a dark and mysterious picture as your cover.
Are you light-hearted comedy? Find a light-hearted comedy shot.
And when making your selections, remember copyright infringement. Don't just google and grab – you don't know where you'd be pulling from. But it's worth a few dollars to perhaps pay for a royalty-free image that helps you set a tone. A few places you can look:
http://www.sxc.hu/ – Free images, but read each photographers terms first.
The ultimate goal of this photo should be to set the mood. Don't try to be an infomercial.
Read the full guidelines here: https://www.facebook.com/page_guidelines.php
And remember, violations could result in losing your Facebook page. It's just not worth it.
My many thanks to the wonderful audience at my recent workshop! I had a wonderful time talking book videos with you. As mentioned, here are a few links for resources for stock photography, music and where to post your video. There are always more popping up, so I definitely recommend doing some research on your own as well. But this is a great starting point. And very soon, I'll have some royalty-free music, custom made for book videos, available on this site! Stay tuned!
Getty Images
Feature Pics
Big Stock Photo
Free Digital Photos
Free Stock Footage
Phoenix Clips
Footage Firm
Sound Dogs
Partners in Rhyme
eStock music
QTR Note
Shock Wave
Pac DV
Derek Audette
CD Baby
Music Loops
Jimmy Gus
Stock Music
Music 2 Hues
In The Hands
Free Play Music
Royalty Free Music
Public Domain 4U
Ghost Notes
And a link to the video you most liked from the day:
Swept: Love with a Chance of Drowning
Thank you again for being such a great audience!
The latest version of WordPress offers something I've been wondering about for years – the ability to link to existing content from the link button. Shocker!
This makes it so much easier to link your content to other pages on your site. If you're on a self-hosted version of WordPress, you can easily update from the link at the top of your dashboard that says: "wordpress 3.1.2 is available! Please update now." Click the "Please update now" and then choose Automatically update and voila! You'll have the newest version.
The link ability will then automatically change when you're ready to link a section of content. As usual, highlight the content, hit the link button and click on the new line at the bottom of the window "Or link to existing content" — this will expand to show you the content you currently have.
Hey all –
Just wanted to post a note to let you know that I'll be mostly offline until January 2011, due to a family relocation. I will have sporadic access to email but all incoming work requests will be responded to after January 2nd. I wish you all very happy Holidays, and we'll see you in the New Year!
Sometimes, symbols can be pesky when working in Photoshop files or HTML. However, for both, there are easy codes you can use and remember to insert the proper symbols—including the emdash into your Photoshop and HTML files.
Because these are Windows keystrokes, they work whether you're in Photoshop, an HTML editor or WordPress.
If you're ever in need of keystrokes to call up a specific symbol, search for your character map on your computer. Find that here:
Start Menu > then All Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >>Character Map
This will show you all the symbols and their keystrokes.
Here are the codes below to a couple basic special characters you might use. To get these to work, press and HOLD the ALT key while you hit all of the numbers in order.
— Emdash symbol: Alt + 0151
© Copyright symbol: Alt + 0169
® Registered Symbol: Alt + 0174
™ Trademark Symbol: Alt + 0153
Not being a MAC user, I hope these are accurate. If you try them out and they aren't please let me know.
© Copyright: Option G
® Registered: Option-R
™ Trademark: Option-2
— Emdash: Option-Shift-Dash[-]
Have you ever wondered about the process you'll go through when you hire someone to do a book video for you? While I'm sure every designer has a different process and method, I thought I'd share a link to one of my clients, Denise Robbins. We've done three book videos together so far, and she wrote a post last year to share the experience and process from her point of view. Hopefully it sheds some light on what to expect.
And here are the videos we've done for her:
(for which my husband produced the soundtrack)
And be sure to check out Denise's new book coming up as well. Great cover!
She never thought of her "gift" as special, more like a curse.
As the one man who accepted her "gift" slid the diamond ring onto her shaky finger, Maureen saw his death flash in her mind an instant before the bullet struck. With his blood on her hands and a government research project in the balance, Maureen (Gilly) Gillman does the only smart thing she can. She disappears. If there was one thing Maureen had learned, it was Never Tempt Danger.
Special Agent Lucas Danger knows Maureen Gillman better than any other man. Assigned to find Gilly and her military robot prototype, Lucas discovers that his past has caught up with him. When the woman he loves collides with his secretive past, Lucas has to open his mind as well as his heart to save Maureen.
Who will get to her first?
Visit Denise at www.deniserobbins.com
One of the latest sites put up is actually a temporary one, built for Heidi Betts at http://www.heidibetts.com. While we work on her upcoming website, Heidi needed something that would give her instant access to her blog and convey the quirky, fun and sassy writer gal she is.
Here's the temporary design we used — taking the angel and devil images that are signature to her WIPs and Chains (that's work-in-progress, for all those of you with a less-than-innocent mind). Stay tuned for the real deal, but Heidi made me promise to keep this one around for future use. (And check out the cover of her upcoming book — is he not gorgeous??)
Updated October 2014
Of everything in your branding arsenal, your website is the one that gets the most attention. As a business, a website offers a public face, a representative that connects and engages customers. For an author, whether published or aspiring, those customers range from readers to agents to editors to other writers.
Today's post is going to center on the website for the aspiring author (the unpublished writer working his or her way to publication.) The Unpublished Writer's Website is a topic of controversy, apparently. As I did a little snooping around the web, I uncovered very different opinions. Some highly recommend having one, others tell you to focus only on your writing and forget about a website for now. And other opinions weigh somewhere in between. The truth?
They are all correct.
Do You Need One?
Deciding if you need a website at this stage depends on one thing: where you are in your career. Where you are determines when a website is best. If you're unpublished and actively ready to pursue a career, find an agent, build your following, then a website is a good bet. The timing of this depends on you.
If you have not finished at least one book, your focus is better spent on writing. A website is about branding yourself, building an audience, getting your name out there and as an author, the BEST thing you can do for your brand is know it, understand it and be ready to articulate it. That's tough to do unless you've finished a book, unless you understand how to position yourself. Unless you know your own writing. Let's say your work in progress ends up darker and grittier in tone than you expected, but you created a blog/website that is full of humor, snark —the brands are very different. Your website is a tool. If you create a site too early in the game, it might not reflect you or your writing in the best light —and at this stage, your website audience would be potential agents, editors. If you feel like having a website right now is best for you, keep it very simple, keep it professional and keep in mind WHO will be visiting your site. If you want a website at this stage, make it as simple as possible. But for networking and connection at this stage of the game, you could easily stick to social media channels to build your audience while you're honing your craft.
The best thing you could do at this stage of your career is focus on becoming the best writer you can be. Write your first "The End" and then when you're polishing and shining your book, take a look at what kind of online presence you want. Times have changed and many agents/editors are looking to see your marketing capabilities when they review you. You don't need to have a website to get the agent you want. A reputable agent or editor will take you and your book on because they love your work but it could help tip the scales in your favor if they are on the fence. When I talked to one of my clients, Kathleen Bittner Roth, about why she chose to have a website at this stage of her career, she told me, "All you have to do is read a few agent blogs and you'll get the picture in a hurry—if they are interested in you, they will check you out. I am a firm believer that when you want something, you must act "as if" from the beginning."
And that thought is echoed in some of the agent comments I've read. On the Pubrants blog, Kristin Nelson discussed a conversation she had with an editor about whether they visit unpublished author websites: "For both of us, the answer was 'yes.' When reviewing sample pages where we like the writing, we'll often give the writer website a glance and see what's there. I don't bother if the sample pages haven't caught my interest."
So while it's not necessary to have a website to gain the interest of an agent, be aware that they will look. If you're going to have one, make sure it is the best it can be. That doesn't have to mean professionally designed, but it does need to be professional, with good, informative content.
Who Is Your Target Audience?
You've heard the saying "Content is king." In order to make your content relevant, however, you need to understand who you are marketing to. If your reasons for wanting a website span the four questions then your target audience breaks down into two main focus groups:
Most people visit websites with a "what's in this for me?" mentality. This mentality is a staple in the Features vs. Benefits aspect of marketing. For every feature a product offers, it's the benefit to a customer that sells it. For example: McDonald's advertises a playground for kids and a happy meal with healthy options like apples and milk. Those are features of the store. The benefit is a quick, cost-effective meal that provides good nourishment and safe entertainment to keep kids occupied.
The benefits sell to parents because it meets two of their most important needs: good food and an entertained child in a safe environment.
When you are considering what to include on a website, you need to think about what your audience needs:
If agents and editors are viewing your website, they are already interested in your work. They are looking to see what else you offer and a little more about you. Your website, for this audience, serves as an online resume. Ultimately, they want confirmation of what they already think about you and your writing, your style (which often means not having something on your site that proves that opinion wrong).
Other writers and authors are looking for someone to connect with. They are also looking to network and learn more about you. They are visiting because they've already begun to form an opinion about you and they want to connect further.
When it comes to your website, you are leading out of the gate – they already want more or they wouldn't be there in the first place. Now is the time to show off your best side.
What to Put on Your Website
The most basic element for a good website is function. At its core focus, a website is a tool to inspire a specific action on the part of the viewer. If you're published, that action is easy: you want the visitor to click and buy your book.
As an unpublished writer, the action you are hoping to inspire is a little more vague: you are trying to instill a perception, an impression of you that stays when the visitor leaves your site. If you read last month's post on brand, you'll remember this phrase: Your Brand is Your Promise. It is also their Perception.
It's an important element of brand that is often overlooked. A brand is not only set in your efforts, it is set in someone else's opinion about what you've offered. This extends to your website – the final judge is the person viewing. Everything you include, from the design to the content, can help steer their perception of you.
On the Pubrants blog (http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2008/03/talking-websites.html ), Kristin Nelson says, "Don't have a website/blog unless it can be a professional one. The homemade sites look it and just make me cringe. It won't keep me from asking for your full (or if I like the novel, offering representation) but it's not putting your best foot forward and that's never a benefit."
I'm going to qualify Ms. Nelson's statement (and hope she doesn't mind). When she says professional, I don't believe she means it has to be designed by a professional. It has to be professional.
What does that mean? To me, the best litmus test you can give your website design is whether or not you would print it out and hand it to that agent or editor in person as a representation of you. Would you be confident that you've handed them something that will steer their perception of you in a positive light?
When asked why she chose to have her site professionally made, aspiring author Kathleen Bittner Roth told me, "My response goes right back to acting "as if". I have been a successful, self-made business woman and I learned way back that putting anything other than your best foot forward is going to cost you in the end. So, for me, a professionally designed website is cost effective in the long run and a wise business decision. Every writer has a dream of who he or she is (not wants to be, but is) and I believe a person's website is the perfect opportunity to present a visual representation of this dream—a good website is a multi-layered symbol of what and who you are as a writer."
Kathleen touches on one element that can be vitally important in connecting with other writers or showing a good side to an agent or editor. Sometimes, having a website changes your perception, and that cannot be undervalued. You are your best advocate, so if having a website gives you more confidence and belief in your abilities, it's worth it.
If a professionally designed website isn't in your current budget, there are a number of templates and easy-to-create options out there that will give you a functioning, professional and simple website. Keep it simple if you're building it yourself. If you want to leave it to the pros, visit other writer and author websites and look for the ones you like. There will usually be a designer's link somewhere on the site, and you can see their portfolio and style and pricing. I recommend researching at least a few before deciding.
Focus & Content
The other aspect is the focus of your site and what content to include. This brings up the question about blogs: should you have one?
If building a platform and networking with other writers and authors is part of your focus, then a blog is a great opportunity to do just that. One example of a successful, well-focused blog is The Lovestruck Novice (http://thelovestrucknovice.blogspot.com/), started by aspiring author Sarah Simas. When I asked her why she decided to start the blog, she told me, "I wanted to create a site other aspiring authors could swing by and get in the mix with published authors. In the interest of making the blog unique, I decided I'd "grill" my author guests with questions on writing and the publishing industry in a fun, high energy, and entertaining way."
Her blog is a mix of her own entertaining posts on her writing and life, interviews with authors and with other "novices" to watch. Focus and content wise, Sarah has done a wonderful job of creating an environment for her audience and establishing her own personality. Building a platform was a part of her goals, and she's doing just that.
However, a blog like Sarah's takes a lot of work. She posts three days a week and spends from 3 ½ hours up each week writing, posting and promoting. Making a successful blog takes time and effort. This type of commitment may not be what you're looking for at this point, in which case a blog is probably not what you want on your site.
So sans blog, what other options do you have for content?
There is a world of options when it comes to relevant content to put on your website. Remember the audience and their goals: form an impression and connect with you.
Start with the basics:
About You – Your site should include a few paragraphs about you, how you started writing, and what you write. If you include a photo on this page, it should be a professional, nice one. Again, professional doesn't imply you paid to have it taken. It means you look professional in it.
Work/Books/WIPs –Your website should give a snapshot of what you're working on. Include working titles, genre, word count. Whether or not you include blurbs and summaries of your WIPs is up to your comfort zone (and for a look at both sides of this, see this post (http://jeannieruesch.com/wordpress/?p=2940). List content finals or wins. List any articles you've published or other related work.
Contact Information – Be sure that there is an easy way to contact you on your site. Include an email address or a contact form. And if you're active on social networks (and you should be), include links to those as well – and include them prominently. These are actionable links by your visitors and ways you can connect more personally with them. Make it easy for someone to find you.
And make your site personal by adding other content:
With a focus on your writing, you could embellish your sites with facts, tidbits or interesting stories.
And before you say, "I don't know what would be interesting enough…"—think again. Yes, you do. Do you write sassy, strong heroines? Make a section of your site about strong women you admire. Do you write alpha males? Focus a section of your site on alpha males in the world – perhaps with a focus on the careers of your characters. Dig into your stories and find what makes them unique, find what inspires you within them and build that into your website. It offers even more compelling ways to connect with you as a writer.
And don't underestimate connecting as a person. Even two people who have nothing in common can talk for hours about a favorite TV show or movie. Put some personal touches on the site:
Ultimately, think outside of the box. Kathleen Bittner Roth did that by adding an "Unbook trailer" to her site (http://kathleenbittnerroth.com/). Without a book or need for a book trailer, she found a unique and entertaining way to add content to her site.
To summarize, for the unpublished author, your website is a place to build a bridge between you and your target audience. For agents and editors, it means presenting yourself professionally. For other writers and connections within the publishing world, it means offering a common ground. If you keep that in mind, you can't go wrong.
Welcome back to the Websites 101 series. If you're just checking in, we've been discussing websites at every stage of a writer's career. We started with the Unpublished Author's Website, continued with The About-to-be or Newly Published Author and now, our series wraps up this week with a final look at the Established Author's Website.
What's the next level you can take your website to once your author bookshelf has books stacked and your readership base is growing? You have a website that's been focused on your author brand, you offer updates and new information often, but you want more interactivity, you want to reward your readers with a deeper connection to you and your work. How do you do that?
Now is the best time to truly shift the focus of your website. In other stages of your career, your website was a place to show yourself to other writers, agents, editors, reviewers and while some of that may still be true, your ultimate goal should be enhancing the reader's experience: immersing them in your world(s) and offering more connection to you, the author.
Before the bells and whistles, you have to make sure you've got the basics in order. Basic needs for an established author's website are mostly in line with everything else we've discussed – a solid design that enhances and evokes your brand, a clean navigation and easy-to-use site. As you gain a larger readership and write more books, there are a few added basics that every site should have:
A simple, printable book list.
This doesn't need to be fancy, but it should list all the books you've written. If you've written series or connected books, they should be listed in order.
A coming soon page.
This is across the board for any author, but as an established author, it's imperative. Your readers will come to your site looking to find out when your next book is out. As soon as you know, let them know. Provide details on release dates, blurbs, cover, and whenever possible, a sample of the first chapter.
An easy way to contact you.
An established author is going to have fans write to them or want to connect somehow. Have a contact page that gives all the options you offer. A contact form, an email address, a mailing address (PO Box, please), any and all social media connections you have. Everywhere you want a reader to contact you, list those options.
You may ask why you need to enhance your reader's experience through your website. Aren't the books enough? Or your Facebook page or twitter, or your blog?
Yes and no. Some readers won't ever visit your Facebook page, your twitter account, or your blog. But your website is the one place everyone will come when they want more: more of your books, more information, more connection to you.
We're writers, but we're also readers. If you've ever met one of your favorite authors, then you know that in some ways, to a reader, an author can be like a celebrity. Readers feel connected from your books, and just like we're all curious about what our favorite celebs are up to, we like to know about our favorite authors. That connection helps to build a reader's loyalty, their trust. And offering more for them on your website shows the reader that you value them – that you realize that your career wouldn't be what it is without them.
So, what sorts of bells and whistles can you add to enhance their experience? We'll study some examples of bestselling authors and what they share with their readers:
Epilogues, Deleted Scenes & Other Short Stories
Giving more of your stories is a great way to draw your readers to your site and keep them immersed in the world you created. One fabulous example of this is Julia Quinn's 2nd Epilogues for her Bridgerton series. Her tagline for these is terrific: "Because happily ever after is a whole lot of fun." The offer the "story after the story" for one of my most beloved series.
Another author who has done this is Susan Elizabeth Phillips, who offers an epilogue to Heaven, Texas.
You can also choose other routes, such as deleted scenes. Caridad Pineiro offers deleted scenes from a number of her books, as well as free reads.
Readers love more of their favorite stories. It's why series, especially in romance, are so successful. When we fall in love with the characters, we want to keep reading about them. These are great options to give a little more to your readers.
Micro sites
A micro site is a glimpse into the world of your books. One example is Brenda Novak's LAST STAND series. She has a micro site available from her website (it requires flash to see) that showcases this series – the lead heroines, cases, chapters, and all wrapped in the design idea of the "offices" of the Last Stand – which works with her series premise.
If you have connected books or long-standing series, a micro site dedicated to your book's world and characters is a great way to get your readers that much more involved.
More Information About The Author
Readers love to get to know their favorite authors. There are a ton of different ways you can do this. One I think is particularly enjoyable is on Lisa Gardner's website. She has a video called "A Day Living with Lisa Gardner." The video is funny, in tone with her books, and a great way to make readers laugh.
Other options, outside of the traditional "About me" paragraphs can be quirky Q&A. Kristin Hannah does this on her website, and it's different and fun. (And she apparently hates onion rings.)
Get Behind The Scenes
Readers love to delve into the world of how you created their favorite books. Look for ways to bring out special details that aren't anywhere else – more than just settings, character bios. Look for unique tidbits.
One of my favorite authors, Karen Rose, offers trivia on how she created her books: http://www.karenrosebooks.com/krose-trivia.htm . It's a great insight into how some of my favorite characters and stories came about. I love reading these, as a writer and reader – it's fun to see where she gets her ideas and how my favorite books come to life.
One of the best workshops I attended at the National RWA Conference was on how a cover was created. It was run by the amazing Kate Duffy, and she walked us through the variations of a romance novel cover – we saw the different versions, the changes and why they were made. It was fascinating. While you may not be able to offer something like this to your reader, there are other details you can offer. Things that you changed along the way and why.
And as someone who always watches the "How it was made" section on DVD movie releases, I love knowing what's behind the scenes. I love seeing the special effects in movies, and readers love knowing what went into making a book.
Fan Clubs
Fan clubs can be a tricky thing. They can be called a number of things: fan club, registered readers group, etc, but it boils down to your loyal fans looking for a deeper connection with you.
On Eloisa James' website, her "registered readers get: a whole level of eloisajames.com available only to registered readers. On these pages you will find short stories, extra chapters to Eloisa's books, special bulletins from Eloisa, photos and other exclusive items." As well as advance notice of news and books. Her website also has an "easter egg" hunt ongoing, and registered readers get hints on the game. Her fan club is a place to play and get the inside scoop.
This level of connection has to be unique, because these days, readers can connect with you in a variety of ways: facebook, twitter, other social media. What you offer in an exclusive group is essentially a bargain: I'll give you, the reader, special access in exchange for your email address and agreement to send you updates. It's the author's way of remaining connected to the reader and rewarding loyal readers with ways to make them feel special.
Interactive Additions
One good way to get readers active on your website is a forum or message board. However, use caution with this because boards can take time to build, and if they aren't kept up with fresh content, can quickly become stale.
I love the concept that Eloisa James & Julia Quinn joined their forums together into one. It's a great way to connect with readers of the same genre and build a stronger base for activity on the board.
The next step would be to provide options that bring your written world off your website and into the everyday world of your readers. There are a few ways to do that, from simple and inexpensive to luxurious and interactive.
Bling is always good for giving goodies to your readers. This can be a variety of things from buddy icons, wallpapers, to downloadable/printable bookmarks and more. Buddy icons can be used on message boards, forums. Wallpapers can grace your reader's computer
Games & More
Another option is to look into 3D games such as Second Life, and build a world that your reader can navigate through in 3D with their own avatar
Or look at creating a game about your books. At the "Nora" level, taking the next step involved actually creating a game based on the world and characters in her Bride Quartet series, where you can "be" a character and truly interact with her world on your own time, away from her website.
Other options include apps for phones and more. These get expensive of course, so choose what fits within your budget and always, what enhances your brand.
There are no limits to how interactive you can get with your readers. But something to keep in mind with the addition of new perks, new games, new information, more details and more interactivity, is the most basic needs of a website: Keep it simple.
Your navigation needs to expand and grow with your new features, but overall you want to be sure your readers can find things without much effort. Brenda Novak says, "I think the key to having a good web site is making the information quick and easy to obtain, while making the site as interactive as possible, with content that constantly changes. As the site grows, so does the amount of content, and it's imperative that it be organized in an intuitive way so that it doesn't frustrate the visitor. Otherwise, it becomes a waste of time and effort."
Frustrating the visitor can be easier than you might think, especially when your website is full of information. Your main navigation should have easy, recognizable headers such as "about", "Books", "extras", "Contact", "Links", etc… Look across most author websites and you'll see the same navigation titles. Don't get cute here, don't try to think up something original – this isn't the place for it. The more content you offer, the simpler your navigation needs to be.
So load up on the added features, get interactive with your readers but remember to keep your website simple, focused and professional.
Originally published at Romance University.org – Be sure to visit to read the comments for more indepth Q&A.


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I don't know what's with Korean Drama, lately some of the KDrama i have watched was about a young man that lives on the old century (kingdom) and a woman from the new era (modern world) with the man travelling from the fast to present to solve some difficulties or problems and finding true love beyond time and places.
First was the Rooftop Prince ( a story of a prince who travels in time to find his beloved wife) and the second one is Queen In Hyun's Man (a scholar who supported Queen In Hyun travels 300 years to find the modern Korea with a no name actress portraying the role of Queen In Hyun in a film) and now, favorite Korean hunk actor Lee Min Ho's new korean drama named "Faith" is also about a warrior from the Goryeo Period and a female doctor from the present day finds each other and their love transcending time and space.
Just seeing the official pictures from their official page thrills me. I would definitely wait this one and hopefully, i got the chance to watch it.
In this Kdrama, he will be paired opposite to Korean actress Kim Hee – Seon (Sun) of Smile Again and My Fair Lady.
image source: http://wizard2.sbs.co.kr/greatdoctor/index.html

subset: commoncrawl


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Earlier this month, I noted that women associated with Star Wars keep showing up in mainstream female-oriented magazines. Each time they seem to be giving voice to women expressing themselves in powerful ways. Last time it was Keira Knightley talking about feminism and body image in Glamour. When former Deputy White House Chief of Staff for Operations Alyssa Mastromonaco announced she had taken a position as contributing editor at Marie Claire, she says in a Washington Post piece that she was "startled by some of the critical reactions." Her piece challenges the notion that women can't be "informed and fashionable."
Opening up the August Cosmopolitan magazine, in the Fun Fearless Female section, the Her Universe Fashion Show to be held this week was highlighted under the Fun column. Ashley gave Teresa and I a rundown on the event in this month's Fangirls Going Rogue. An announcement will be made at the event and it looks like some favorite fangirls, like Amanda Jeann and TK-6683, will be modeling new Her Universe fashion.
Jonathan Wilkins told Radio 1138 that the goodie bags will contain a copy of Star Wars Insider #151 with the Hera Syndulla cover. That issue also features an article by Lisa Granshaw on the rise of geek couture as well as my feature on Star Wars fangirls. Jeffrey Brown, the creator of Darth Vader & Son, Vader's Little Princess, and Jedi Academy, as well as its forthcoming sequel and Good Night Darth Vader, will be Titan Magazine's featured guest . . . → Read More: Her Universe Offers "Informed and Fashionable" Fandom


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Home Kent Business County News Article
Kent's strawberry growing industry has received a boost after a leading business more than doubled the size of its operations.
Driscoll's Genetics, based in East Malling, has increased its site's size from 2,500sqft to 5,400sqft.
The family-owned business is based in the 500-acre East Malling Research parkland estate and felt their location was ripe for expansion.
Dr Carlos Fear, director of plant breeding and variety development at Driscoll's Genetics, said: "East Malling has provided a company like ours an ideal place to bring its research organisation.
"Not only is it an easy gateway for travel to the rest of Europe, but East Malling Research provides the facilities we require such as laboratories, offices, glasshouses and a site for field trials."
The expansion of Driscoll's Genetics, a Californian-owned company, was negotiated by Smiths Gore.
The Kings Hill-based chartered surveyors and property consultants manages East Malling Trust's property portfolio.
Tim Cathcart, partner at Smiths Gore, said: "With a reputation for high level scientific advancements spanning more than a hundred years, the buildings at East Malling Research and community of scientists on site, make it an attractive proposition for soft fruit and top fruit related businesses, such as Driscoll's Genetics."
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Jewish Women International celebrated their 12th annual group of "Women to Watch" by honoring IKAR's Rabbi Sharon Brous with one of its 10 national awards.
The event, held in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7, recognizes "exceptional Jewish women" who are "inspiring change."
Brous founded IKAR, a traditional spiritual community with an emphasis on social justice in 2004, and it has since become a focal point of Jewish innovation. In 2008, Brous received the inaugural Inspired Leadership Award from the Los Angeles Jewish Community Foundation, which came with a $100,000 donor-advised fund.
"I live, perpetually and perhaps permanently, in a space that is ben hashmashot — between the world as it is and the world as it ought to be," Brous said at the Women to Watch luncheon.
"I am driven by the timeless Jewish dream that our work is to narrow the chasm between these two — between the world defined by fear, hunger and oppression, and the world in which human dignity is real, love triumphs over loneliness, and God's presence is manifest."
Mayim Bialik, best known for her role on the TV show "Blossom," emceed the event, which also honored Washington Post columnist Ruth Marcus and JJ Ramberg, host of MSNBC's Sunday morning show, "Your Business," among others.
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I am in the process of landscaping my front yard and as such have added a few trees, and want to put in some more. I had read that mulching the trees...
First, make a template out of cardboard. I made 24 and 36 inch circles and any size can be made. Cut out the circle with a utility knife, or as I do,...
Use this template to mark the carpet with a magic marker. Also mark the center hole as this needs to be cut as well.
I actually used a box cutter knife. If very sharp (new blade) it cuts right through the back of the carpet, and any fibers hanging loose can be snipp...
Cut as shown in photo. I cut the line to the center in a jagged shape so that it would look more natural.
I had this green paint on hand so decided to use it. I would have preferred brown, but none was available. I bought a whole box of these paints at a ...
Completed Mulch Mat or ring ready to be placed around tree.
I trimmed all the grass and weeds from around the tree, then placed the mat in position. It will settle in in time, and do all the things mentioned i...
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Book your room at Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel
Traditional Room, 1 King BedMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child)
Traditional Double RoomMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children)
Club Room, 1 King BedMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child)
Club Double RoomMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children)
Suite, 1 King Bed with SofabedMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children)
Suite (Double)Max Occupancy: 5 guests (up to 4 children)
Suite (King and Two Double Beds)Max Occupancy: 7 guests (up to 6 children)
Get an overview of this hotelBrooklyn hotel with an indoor pool
Airport nearby
Situated in the city center, this hotel is close to Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Bridge, and Ellis Island. Area attractions also include Federal Reserve Bank of New York and New York Stock Exchange.
Pool, fitness facility
In addition to a restaurant, Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel features an indoor pool. Other amenities include a 24-hour business center and a bar/lounge.
LCD TVs, iPod docks
LCD televisions come with premium cable channels. Guestrooms also feature iPod docking stations, signature bedding, and air conditioning.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
In addition to an indoor pool, Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel provides a spa tub and a fitness facility. Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel offers a restaurant. The panoramic Brooklyn Terrace lounge offers breathtaking New York skyline views as well as great music, appetizers and signature cocktails. A bar/lounge is on site at the hotel where guests can unwind with a drink.
Business amenities at this 4-star property consist of complimentary wireless and wired internet access, a 24-hour business center and audio-visual equipment. Event facilities measuring 6250 square feet include a conference/meeting room, a ballroom, and banquet facilities. This Brooklyn hotel also offers valet parking, tour/ticket assistance, and multilingual staff. Valet parking is available (surcharge).
Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel is a smoke-free property.
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant
- Indoor pool
- Number of bars/lounges - 2
- Nightclub
- Health club
- Spa tub
- Coffee shop or café
- Rooftop terrace
- 24-hour business center
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Valet parking (surcharge)
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Conference space size (feet) - 6,250
- Conference space size (meters) - 581
- One meeting room
- Concierge services
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- 24-hour front desk
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Computer station
- Express check-out
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Multilingual staff
- Wedding services
- Television in lobby
- Porter/bellhop
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- ATM/banking
- Elevator/lift
- Luggage storage
- Smoke-free property
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Number of floors - 25
- Total number of rooms - 321
- Year Built 2010
Available in all rooms: Wireless internet access ( 14.95 USD per 24-hour period ), Wired internet access ( 14.95 USD per 24-hour period )
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Self parking (surcharge), Valet parking (surcharge)
Room Amenities
- WiFi (surcharge)
- Wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge)
- Pillowtop mattress
- iPod docking station
- Room service
- Cable TV service
- Premium TV channels
- Pay movies
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Bathtub or shower
- Coffee/tea maker
- First-run movies
- Down comforter
- Cribs/infant beds available
- Daily housekeeping
- Free newspaper
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe (laptop compatible)
- Bathrobes
- Designer toiletries
- Free toiletries
- Phone
- Iron/ironing board
- Desk
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Air conditioning
- Climate control
- Private bathroom
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Where to Eat
Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel has a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Room service is available.
Nearby Things to Do
An indoor pool and a spa tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a fitness facility.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessibility equipment for the deaf
- Accessible bathroom
- Accessible path of travel
- Braille or raised signage
- Accessible parking
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Hotel Policies
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is Noon
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! Children under 18 years old stay free when using existing bedding.
- Cribs (infant beds) are available.
Pets allowed, Only dogs and cats are allowed, Maximum number of pets per room 1, Pet maximum weight in lb is 40
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- No onsite parking is available.
Minimum guest age is 21
No rollaway/extra beds available
- Fee for in-room wireless Internet: USD 14.95 per 24-hour period (rates may vary)
- Fee for in-room high-speed Internet (wired): USD 14.95 per 24-hour period (rates may vary)
- Self parking fee: USD 35.00 per night (in/out privileges)
- Valet parking fee: USD 45.00 per night (in/out privileges)
We should mention
Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.


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Allied Bank Asset Management Certified as 1st ISO 27001 Company
ABL Asset Management was certified as the 1st ISO 27001 Asset Management Company in Pakistan at a ceremony, Syed Farukh Mazhar, Managing Director SGS Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd presented the certificate to Farid Khan, CEO of ABL Asset Management.
ISO/IEC 27001 is an information security management system (ISMS) ISO/IEC 27001:2005 that specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving a documented Information Security Management System within the context of the organization's overall business risks.
The ISMS covers the activities of ABLAMC's Information Technology Department for business applications, relating to the provision of operation, maintenance and management of server, router, firewall, applications, networks, electronic communications and web access.
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Calcium acetate Side Effects
Not all side effects for calcium acetate may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.
For the Consumer
Applies to calcium acetate: oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet
In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by calcium acetate. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.
You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking calcium acetate:More common
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- confusion
- constipation
- depression
- dry mouth
- full or partial loss of consciousness
- headache
- incoherent speech
- increased urination
- loss of appetite
- metallic taste
- muscle weakness
- nausea or vomiting
- thirst
- unusual tiredness
- weight loss
- Swelling
Some of the side effects that can occur with calcium acetate may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:More common
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Dizziness
- weakness
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to calcium acetate: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral liquid, oral tablet
Dermatologic side effects have included pruritus.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal side effects associated with mild hypercalcemia (calcium levels greater than 10.5 mg/dl) have included constipation, anorexia, nausea and vomiting.[Ref]
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects associated with severe hypercalcemia (calcium greater than 12 mg/dl) have included confusion, dizziness, weakness, delirium, stupor, and coma.[Ref]
Metabolic side effects have included edema.
1. Dayton KD "Calcium acetate: a choice for phosphate management." ANNA J 23 (1996): 50-1
2. "Product Information. PhosLo (calcium acetate)" Braintree, Braintree, MA.
3. Holechek MJ "Medication review: an alternative phosphate binder--calcium acetate." ANNA J 18 (1991): 321-2
More about calcium acetate
Consumer resources
- Other brands: PhosLo, Phoslyra, PhosLo Gelcap, Eliphos
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This material does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or combination thereof in no way should be construed to indicate safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of materials provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the substances you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.


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The Maps Data API is now deprecated (see announcement) and will no longer be available after January 31st 2011. During the deprecation period all data stored by the Maps Data API will continue to be accessible through existing means by application developers. This site is designed to make it easy for anyone to export their own data without writing any code.
Data stored using the Maps Data API is still available using the KML download link ("View in Google Earth") for the related My Maps map. However retrieving KML via the KML download link is limited to a maximum of 1,000 features and 5MB, and does not include any additional structured data beyond that shown in My Maps.
This site is designed to allow you to get your own data out easily by providing you with two different options:
- Direct KML Download Link (with the same limitations noted above)
- Transfer to Fusion Tables
For additional details, please see the FAQ.
If you have questions about how to retrieve existing data during the deprecation period we're happy to answer questions at the Maps Data API Forum. Alternatively, to begin liberating your data using this tool, you may now Migrate your Maps Data.


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Great for pitchers and recommended for third basemen, the System Seven FGS7-PI is a 11.75 inch glove with a deep pocket and sturdy web pattern.
Constucted with a foundation of high quality Japanese Maruhashi black and tan leather, this glove is designed to be game ready fast, yet hold its shape.
Pro Guard Padding (PGP) in the palm lets you know that you have the ball but helps remove the sting.
We even pay for return shipping!*
* Free return shipping is not offered on team orders or drop-ship orders. Free return shipping is offered on items purchased
on or after 2/1/11. Baseball Rampage retains the right to modify or discontinue this promotion at any time. Free return shipping is limited to
a maximum of 3 return shipments in any one year period.


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Maputo — 29 people were injured, six of them seriously, when a wall of a church collapsed during a storm on Sunday in Sussundenga district, in the central Mozambican province of Manica, according to a report on Radio Mozambique.
The disaster happened at the Sussundenga Zion Church, in the middle of a Sunday service.
"The churchgoers were surprised by the storm during the Sunday mass, when a wall collapsed, injuring 29 people", said the Sussundenga district administrator, Mariazinha Niquisse. "Due to the seriousness of their injuries, six of them had to be transferred to the Manica provincial hospital".
A hospital source told reporters that it had been necessary to amputate limbs of some of the victims.
Niquisse said the storm had destroyed 25 houses built of flimsy materials and 20 conventional houses. The high winds ripped the roofs off two classrooms.
"The winds and heavy rains lasted for about 30 minutes, but did a lot of damage", said Niquisse. "We have urged people to seek out safe places when situations of this sort occur".
She added that the district has already activated its disaster risk management committees, and has positioned boats on rivers prone to flooding for any search and rescue operations that might be necessary during the current rainy season.


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LiveHalesowen vs Belper
Enable automatic updates every minute? YES NO
- Full Time
- Halesowen 1
- Belper 1
- Marrison scores a leveller just before the break.
- Turner fires the Yeltz ahead after just 11 minutes.
- Follow the action as the Yeltz welcome Belper to The Grove for their first home game in the Northern Premier League season (7.45pm kick off).


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Tag Archives: suspension
Stephen A. Smith on ESPN Suspension: 'It Was My Mistake' (Watch)
*Stephen A. Smith tells TMZ he has no plans to challenge ESPN's decision to suspend him for on-air comments he made about domestic violence, telling the website, "It was my mistake." "I'm a man … you deal with the things that you do," Smith told TMZ at LaGuardia Airport. Smith said he has not yet […]
Even Black Preschoolers More Likely to Face Suspension
*(Via AlJazeera) – Black students are more likely to be suspended from U.S. public schools — even as tiny preschoolers. The racial disparities in American education, from access to high-level classes and experienced teachers to discipline, were highlighted in a report released Friday by the Education Department's civil rights arm. The suspensions — and disparities […]
Jokey Joke (Video): SNL Lets Herman Cain Vent On Lost Campaign
*Now that we've all settled into the fact that the country has lost Herman Cain from the Republican Presidential nomination, it's time for SNL to get their joke on. If you didn't see it before now, let us show you the hilarious finale of Herman Cain's campaign SNL style. (more…)
NBA Levies $25,000 Fine and 5-Game Suspension on Lakers Center Andrew Bynum
Update … Lakers center Andrew Bynum was suspended by The NBA has suspended Lakers center Andrew Bynum for the first five games next season and fined him $25,000 for his flagrant foul on Dallas guard J.J. Barea on Sunday. Tuesday Bynum apologized, saying it didn't reflect his upbringing or the Lakers' organization. The foul was […]
Haynesworth Clears Out Locker at Redskins Park; Refuses to Comment
*The Associated Press is reporting that Albert Haynesworth has rejoined the Washington Redskins — at least for a day. The defensive lineman reported to Redskins Park on Monday, a day after the Redskins ended a 6-10 season with a loss to the New York Giants. Haynesworth was suspended without pay for the final four games […]
High School Basketball Star Suspended for Cursing
*Some schools have to have metal detectors and pat downs, but not at Christ the King Regional High School in New York. At this school, you so much as curse and you are getting dealt wit! They have such a strong commitment to that policy that they had to put their star basketball player on suspension…for a month! […]


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Broward County
Supervisor of Elections' Office
Over 9,500 Students Registered to Vote in the 2015 Spring HSVR
2015 Municipal General Election Results
Inquiries Regarding Your Voter Status
Signature for unsigned absentee ballot certificate
Effective January 1st, 2014
2015 Calendar of Reporting Dates
Municipal General Election Schedule
Third Party Voter Registration - How New State Laws Affect You
Broward County Supervisor of Elections
Mission Statement
As election professionals in the Office of the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, a Constitutional Office of the State of Florida, we will consistently conduct successful elections in compliance with the law, to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise the right to vote. Therefore, we will facilitate voter education through training and strategic comprehensive planning while providing a non-partisan, stable and positive environment built upon respect, growth, creativity and freethinking.
Dr. Brenda C. Snipes
Florida Statute 668.6076: Under Florida Law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone at 954-357-7050 or in writing at 115 S. Andrews Ave, Room 102, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301.
- Voter Education
- Find information in the Voter Education/Outreach section on:
- Brochures
- Voter Links
- And Much More
- Election Workers Needed
- There is an opportunity for interested Broward County voters to train and work as Election Day workers. Click the above link for more details.


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Below are samples of a TV spot, a radio spot and standard advertising materials (newspaper ads, direct mail postcards and flyers).
• Sample Newspaper Ads• Sample Direct Mail Postcards• Sample Flyers• Sample TV Spot• Sample Radio Spot
To maintain a strong identity for our organization, newspaper ads should be professionally designed. Standard newpaper ad designs available from Creative Communications are shown here.
To maintain a strong identity for our organization, direct mail should be professionally designed. A standard postcard design available at Creative Communications is shown here.
Click to view video.
Name of segment: SPRINT Study - recommended: 30 script Date of Taping: Time of Taping: Location to Meet: Location of Taping: Mgr Names, phone, email:
Possible B-roll to be shot:
Note: Need diversity. Age of adults should be a mix of mid-50s to early 70s. Try to keep non-seasonal (no obvious summer or winter clothes, avoid shots of trees, etc.).
Fill in audio sections headlined in bold below. Times and visuals will be completed on shooting day.
Woman watering plants
Man or woman pouring coffee
Person exercising on treadmill
Announcer Voice Over (VO)
Are you at least 50 and have high blood pressure? If so you may qualify for a research study at Wake Forest Baptist Health to see how low blood pressure SHOULD be.
Woman playing with grandchild or reading to grandchild
Announcer VO:
To join, you should also have no history of diabetes or strokes.
Healthcare provider taking blood pressure
Healthcare provider talking to patient about medication (bottle in hand)
If you participate, you will receive blood pressure medicine, exams and lab tests…all at no cost to you.
SPRINT Study logo
To see if you qualify for the SPRINT Study, call Wake Forest Baptist Health at 336-713-Eighty Five Forty Three.
WFBH logo
Wake Forest Baptist Health. A Mission to Care. A Mission to Cure.
All communication materials should be forwarded to the Brand Champion firstname.lastname@example.com for review and approval before the final production is completed. This step assures that brand standards are upheld. Please allow 48 hours for approval.
For all other questions, contact Creative Communications at email@example.com.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.


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The Starkville Yellowjackets may not have had that one dominant pitcher or one dominant hitter to carry the team this past baseball season.
One thing that SHS baseball coach Danny Carlisle said his squad did have was the heart and determination despite facing tough situations.
Even though the Jackets finished the season with records of 9-12 overall and 2-7 in Class 6A, Region 2, Carlisle found a reason to commend them.
"We didn't like the way it turned out, but one thing about these guys was they never quit," Carlisle said. "They fought hard the whole way through a lot of adversity. I'm extremely proud of them for that."
Starkville had an opportunity to make the Class 6A playoffs up until the last game of the regular season Tuesday, but dropped a heart-breaking 14-13 decision at South Panola.
The Jackets held a 13-6 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh inning only to see the home-standing Tigers score eight runs to snatch the victory away.
It was unlike anything Carlisle had ever experienced in his 27 years as Starkville's head coach.
"It ended on a sour note for everybody, not being able to throw strikes at the end," Carlisle said. "It wasn't just one person. It was everybody. Very rarely do you see where everybody you put in the game struggles. (Usually) somebody is going to have a good day, but it didn't happen for us (Tuesday).
"Sometimes things like that happen in baseball, but it's the first time it has ever happened to me personally as a coach. I've seen it happen to other people and wonder how does this happen, but now I know."
As difficult as Tuesday's result was to take for Carlisle and the Jackets, he can also look back as the times the squad played well and showed its potential.
Down the stretch of the season, Starkville won three out of four games, including victories against division opponents Columbus and South Panola. The Jackets defeated Pearl and had Gulfport on the ropes before losing.
Carlisle said everything seemed to be clicking at that time for SHS with its hitting, pitching and defense.
After dropping a decision at home to Tupelo, the Jackets bounced back to defeat Meridian on the road 2-1 on a day when sophomore Max Bartlett came in from shortstop and pitched well.
"He did an outstanding job and we played good defense behind him," Carlisle said.
Carlisle said Starkville was confident going to South Panola Tuesday and went to play seven innings, but ended up only playing 6 1/2.
As usual when the season ends abruptly for a team, the seniors are left to wonder what might have been.
Lee Peeples, Blake Harrell, Blake Dawkins, Garrett Smith, Garrett Batson, Jaquez Johnson and Wesley Montgomery put the SHS jersey on for the last time Tuesday night.
"I'm going to miss each and every one of them," Carlisle said. "Each had their own unique thing about them that made them who they are. Most of them have grown, made life-long friends and they've accomplished some good things in baseball. Some of them will be continuing their baseball and some of them will continue other things. All of them will continue in education which is the bottom line. These young men will do well in whatever they choose."
For a team that generated 18 runs on 19 hits in the late-season victory against Pearl, it is the hope that will carry over to next season for the players that return.
While reflecting back, Carlisle saw only one senior on the field that day.
Nathan Pugh, a junior infielder and pitcher, hit .400 for Starkville and led the squad in hits (26) and runs scored (14). Jordan Allgood, a junior infielder, and Hayden Higginbotham, a junior infielder-catcher-pitcher, paced the Jackets with 11 runs batted in each. Higginbotham hit a pair of home runs and five doubles.
In the pitching department, Bartlett had an 1.47 earned run average in 19 innings pitched.
Carlisle also appreciates the work of his staff and looks forward to their continued help as the Jackets move forward. The assistants are former players Ronald Campbell and Carlos Kemp, along with pitching coach Charlie Smith, who has been a head coach at Louisville, Hatley and Aberdeen.
"You feel very fortunate to have Charlie Smith, who has a wealth of knowledge," Carlisle said. "You bring in Ronald and Carlos who buy into the system because they were a part of the system."
As for Carlisle, he expects to keep coaching the program he took over from Sammy Henderson in 1984 and immediately achieved a 24-10 mark in his first year.
"I'd like to work here a few more years because I still really enjoy what I do," Carlisle said. "If you feel like you can make a difference in one kid's life, then you've been successful that year. I've made some good friends in the community and parents that I wouldn't have had if I weren't here. When a senior boy walks off the field, puts his arm around you and says I love you coach, that makes it worth while."


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If the gulf between neuroscience and education theory was unbridgeable, it may not be for much longer
EDUCATION is the "inculcation of the incomprehensible into the indifferent by the incompetent" according to the late economist John Maynard Keynes.
In recent years, a wide range of research has been used to inform education policy and practice. Arguably it could go further. In this issue we explore a few of the brain-boosting techniques currently under study, from meditation to music. Some of them could be useful as educational tools (see "Mental muscle: six ways to boost your brain").
Such research raises a much wider question. Wouldn't it be handy if we found out how the brain really works - and how children learn best - and then apply these insights to everyday teaching practice?
Over a decade ago, John Bruer of the James S. McDonnell Foundation in St Louis, Missouri, argued ...
To continue reading this article, subscribe to receive access to all of newscientist.com, including 20 years of archive content.


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This is a very interesting commentary on the power of the press and its ability to influence outcomes in today's world.
General Giap was a brilliant, highly respected leader of the North Vietnam military. The following quote is from his memoirs currently found in the Vietnam war memorial in Hanoi.
"What we still don't understand is why you Americans stopped the bombing of Hanoi. You had us on the ropes. If you had pressed us a little harder, just for another day or two, we were ready to surrender!
It was the same at the battle of TET. You defeated us! We knew it, and we thought you knew it. But we were elated to notice your media was helping us. They were causing more disruption in America than we could in the battlefields. We were ready to surrender. You had won!"
General Giap has published his memoirs and confirmed what most Americans knew. The Vietnam war was not lost in Vietnam — it was lost at home. The same slippery slope, sponsored by the US media, is currently underway. It exposes the enormous power of a Biased Media to cut out the heart and will of the American public.


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Opinion by Ken Herron:
Last week this group beheaded American freelance newsman James Foley who was taken by armed men in Syria in November 2012. Foley went to Syria to report on the revolt against the regime of Bashar Assad. They announced that his death was in retaliation for the USA bombing them in Iraq.
ISIS – Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
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text: Why is Jay Z being sued $7million? Facebook Wed-30-Apr-14 17:43 Share this Tell Us What You Think WTF 0 LOL 0 FAIL 0 OMG 0 HOT 0 CUTE 0 ] By Steph Monks Jay Z is being sued $7 million for 'unprofessional conduct'. Back in 1995 he worked with a clothing designer called Dwayne Walker on the logo for his music label Roc-A-Fella Records. Walker is claiming that he was never paid by Jay Z and has sued him for what he feels he is due in royalties - $7 million! Jay Z is worth over $520,000 so if he's found guilty, his wallet won't feel too empty. You May Also Like Beyonce divorcing Jay Z: After Solange attacks Jay Z for cheating on Bey (report) Beyonce's sister Solange attacks Jay Z in an elevator at the Met Gala — Watch Real names of celebrities that will surprise you Become a fan of The Edge on Facebook and on Twitter .


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School Mascot Costumes
There is simply no better way to increase the morale and excitement surrounding a school or school sport's team than with school mascot costumes. There is just something so fun-loving and exciting about a mascot bounding onto the field, whether as a planned event or as a complete surprise to the crowds. Every school and team has a theme, but not every school has a mascot. It makes complete sense to complete your school theme with a corresponding mascot. Whether your school or team has a rough and tough exterior such as a bull dog or your mascot is more of the hug-gable, loveable type such as a fuzzy bear, you will find all of these types of mascots and more on our site.
An Element of Luck
Children of all ages look up to mascots as a source of pride and endearment to their school or team. Choosing the right mascot for your school will help to bring your school the luck it needs whether in sports, education or both. The right mascot will serve as a role model and leader in your school, both around the school and during sporting events. Kids will begin to expect to see the mascot at certain events throughout the year encouraging kids to have fun and do well in school. This element of luck cannot be replicated; it can only be done through the use of the right school mascot.
Pep Rally Fun
Pep rallies are meant to make the fans scream with joy, increasing the excitement and morale surrounding a sporting event. If your school's pep rallies seem to be dwindling, it is time to bring out the school mascot. The excitement level might be mediocre when you first start the pep rally, but when a bull dog, bear or other animal that represents your school and team comes tearing into the gym as a surprise, the excitement levels will increase by leaps and bounds.
Use the mascot as a tool to increase the loyalty to your school. A few ideas to really increase the element of surprise at your school are to have the mascot come bounding through the hoop that the players usually come tearing through. Sending the mascot through first will bring the crowd to their feet with excitement. The mascot can also be introduced with music that is tied to his character, bringing him out onto the floor dancing and acting silly as mascots always do is a great way to delight the crowds.
Assemblies and Other Uses
The school mascot has many more uses than just for pep rallies. While his main role is to pump up the excitement at sporting events, he is also the face of your school. Including your mascot in school assemblies to introduce the guests that are visiting your school or for days that the school needs a little morale boost such as standardized testing days are both great choices. Giving the kids something to be excited about and to look forward to is the role of the school mascot. School spirit weeks are the perfect time to bring the mascot out everyday, participating in the theme of your spirit week. Your school mascot can take the topic of the day for spirit week and make it even sillier to give the kids something to laugh about while increasing their morale and attitude toward the school. Of course all school mascot costumes must be adorned with the school attire to really take on the team spirit.
High School Mascot Costumes
High school mascots take on an even larger role than a mascot at an elementary school. Students at the high school level are taking sports and education very seriously and sometimes need an element of downright fun to shake things up a bit. If your high school football or basketball team needs a pick-me-up or a great send off for the State Finals, there is no better way than with one of the high school mascot costumes found on our site.
The high school mascot is something that students will remember long after they graduate. The person under the mascot costume has a large responsibility to act like a mascot, doing silly dances and making people laugh all while increasing the overall school and team spirit. It is not a job to be taken lightly because if the school morale and excitement dies down, so does the team effort. There is a lot riding on the mascot besides having a quality costume.
Use the mascot for all games including football, basketball and even baseball games. The mascot costumes on our site are very durable and high quality, making them perfect to wear year round to any sporting or school event. When the students expect to see their mascot at the game, the camaraderie is automatically increased as everyone waits in joyful tension for the surprise appearance of the mascot. Students start anticipating when they think the mascot might show his face – but no one is ever right because the mascot is just too sly, coming up with a new entrance tactic for each appearance.
Affordable Quality
It is not enough to purchase the first mascot costume that you find. It is an in depth process that the school must go through in order to purchase the right mascot. First and foremost you want to find mascot costumes that are comfortable. Since the costume is usually worn for many hours at a time, the person underneath will appreciate the comfort level that the mascot costumes on this site provides. The costume you choose should also be high quality. Schools are very likely to use their mascot costumes quite often and through many years. You do not want to purchase a costume that is going to look old and worn after a few uses. You need a costume to stand the test of time.
Raise Money with Fundraisers
Put the days of the school bake sale behind you and break out the real fundraising attempts with your school mascot. Whether your school fundraiser is an event where people buy things or you host an event such as bowling, a dinner dance or any other event where the fun is flowing, your mascot can make an appearance to bring the level of fun up. When people are having fun with friends and family they are more likely to spend more money which is the ultimate goal of your fundraiser. Use your mascot to your advantage and raise money for your school.
A Mascot for all Reasons
The school mascot can serve a multitude of purposes at your school. No school, even elementary school, is complete without their mascot. Whether your school has competing sports or simply is a place for education and for lifelong friendships to be formed a mascot has a place at every school.
Ever school has a mascot, but without the actual costume it just isn't the same for the kids. A mascot on a t-shirt doesn't provide exciting fun and morale boosting techniques like a real life mascot does. Give your students something to be excited about and look forward to at school by giving them one of the best school mascot costumes that money can buy.


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Indonesia Mengajar: turn on the light to enlighten those dreams!Advertisement
It is a fact that the teachers in Indonesia's schools are not evenly distributed, especially those in remote areas. It is also a mere fact that only around half of teachers in Indonesia hold Bachelor's degree. But, have you ever thought that this shortage of Indonesia's education system can be filled? Or have you ever thought that we – yes, we, as Indonesia's young generations can take part, turn on the light and let the wave of enlightenment and inspiration spread vividly across the archipelago of Indonesia?
Yes, we too can contribute to make a better future for Indonesia. It is time to stop the imprecations against the education system in Indonesia and actively take part for changes. Through Indonesia Mengajar (Indonesia Teaches), Indonesia's young and best graduates can dedicate themselves and serve the country by teaching children in remote places across Indonesia.
The founder of this program is Anies Baswedan, who is also the dean of Paramadina University. He was inspired by the program in the 1950-ish, Pengerahan Tenaga Mahasiswa, that sent university students to far-flung places outside Java to fill the shortage of High School teachers. Moreover, his experiences in Indonesia and abroad have stirred him into a thought that Indonesia's young generations should have world-class competence while in the same time also have a local values rooted in their views and understanding. When sponsors like Intel, Indika Energy and the consulting firm McKinsey agreed to support this project, Indonesia Mengajar finally came to a realisation.
The idea of Indonesia Mengajar is to recruit and train the best graduates, crème de la crème, from Indonesia's universities and place them as an elementary school teachers for a year in isolated and impoverished places across the archipelago. Mr. Baswedan explained that this project would give a valuable and lifetime inspirations for pupils in remote places, and for the teacher participants as well. The young learners will learn and interact with the role model teachers, who are the best graduates across Indonesia, high-achievers in academic and also active in organizations. Hence, the young teachers may inspire and enlighten the path of those dreams of children in impoverished and isolated areas while in the same time, they also cherish valuable experiences for their character building.
Since 2010, there have been 5 batches of young teachers, consist of 293 young teachers, who have embarked their tour of duty to serve the country. Now, there are 17 regencies in 16 provinces who have a partnership with Indonesia Mengajar.
Besides the young teachers program, Indonesia Mengajar also has another mission that is to set up libraries and provide good quality books in those remote places, called Indonesia Menyala. So, if the changes for a better Indonesia through educating the children is your cause, you can also start by being volunteers who dedicate their energies, ideas or any other contributions, and also give some donations and books.
For more information about Indonesia Mengajar, please kindly visit: https://indonesiamengajar.org/.
(AY, from various sources, photos: indonesiamengajar.org)Advertisement
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AT&T's official policy
AT&T's official stance for unlocking an iPhone is that you must be the original purchaser of the iPhone and you must have fulfilled your iPhone contract obligations with AT&T. In short, you had to buy the iPhone yourself and your contract has to be up. This sounds fairly simple but it brings up several questions. What if you bought the phone from AT&T at full price? What if you want to unlock your iPhone 4S or an iPhone 4 that is still in contract? What if you bought a used iPhone from somebody?
My story
I have an iPhone 4S that I bought the first day it was available in October 2011. Obviously this phone was still under contract. In fact it's fair to say that any iPhone 4S that was purchased from AT&T at the subsidized price is still under contract because the earliest anybody's iPhone 4S contract can end is October 2013. With this in mind I decided to see what my options were for unlocking the iPhone 4S through AT&T.
My first contact with AT&T about unlocking my iPhone 4S was through their online web chat portal. It has been widely reported that if you meet all the criteria you can save yourself some phone hold time and just make your unlock request through an agent on the web chat portal.
I went to the chat and explained what I would like to do. I told the agent that I was open to any options at all to get my phone unlocked, even if I had to pay the full ETF (early termination fee) on my contract to make it happen.
After several long pauses while I'm sure the agent was consulting with his peers I was told that my iPhone 4S was not eligible to be unlocked because I had not yet completed my contract. I was also told that even if I paid the ETF they would still not unlock the phone because "paying the ETF is not the same thing as fulfilling the contract". I then questioned the agent further, asking "So you are saying that AT&T is not unlocking any iPhone 4S phones at this time?" I explained that if AT&T wouldn't unlock a phone until the full two-year contract term was up then that would mean that nobody was eligible to unlock an iPhone 4S yet since it hadn't been out for even a year at that point. The agent said that the only way AT&T would unlock an iPhone 4S was if I had purchased it at full retail price and could show my receipt.
I don't think this is in the employee handbook...
Amazingly the AT&T web chat agent actually referred me to a third-party website where I could supposedly pay $100 to have the iPhone unlocked. I seriously doubt that this is something AT&T instructs its employees to suggest.
A very strange AT&T policy
Since I wasn't getting anywhere via the web chat avenue I decided to just call AT&T customer service and ask about unlocking an iPhone 4S. I explained the whole situation to the phone agent the same as I had through the web chat. I stressed with him that I was even willing to pay the full ETF if that allowed my iPhone to be unlocked. Again the agent had to put me on hold several times while he consulted with other employees (apparently my request was unusual since I was actually willing to pay the ETF).
After a lot of research the agent finally came back on the line and advised me that the only way that I could unlock the iPhone 4S was if I completely cancelled my AT&T service and paid the ETF. I asked if I could just pay the ETF but still keep my AT&T service and, shockingly, he said that AT&T does not allow that. I even gave him a scenario: "So I can cancel my service, pay the ETF, and then once the phone is unlocked I can just sign up this same phone, now unlocked, to my same AT&T plan?" He agreed and said he didn't understand the policy either since I was actually trying to remain an AT&T customer but yet AT&T wouldn't let me keep their service if I paid the ETF. I'm still a bit baffled by this policy as it does nothing but hurt AT&T.
After seeing that there were no other options I had AT&T cancel my service. The agent told me to wait about a week for the bill to post with the ETF fee included, pay the bill in full, and to then call back to have the iPhone unlocked.
Finally unlocked
Once the bill posted I immediately paid it online, and then, rather than calling back, I again went to the AT&T web chat portal. This time everything went completely smooth and the web chat agent informed me that they would put in the unlock request and that I should expect an e-mail within a week or so confirming that the unlock request was complete.
Exactly seven days later I received an e-mail from AT&T stating that the unlock request had been completed with Apple. To actually unlock the phone I simply did a backup and factory restore of my phone in iTunes. When the phone was restored iTunes displayed a message indicating that phone had been unlocked.
How to get your AT&T iPhone unlocked
Here's a quick summary of what I learned from my unlocking experience with AT&T. Pick whichever statement applies to you:
- "I have an AT&T iPhone that I purchased with a subsidy discount and I'm still in contract."
Your only option is to completely cancel your AT&T service and pay the ETF. After you do this AT&T will unlock your iPhone.
- "I have an AT&T iPhone that I paid full price for (no subsidy discount)."
AT&T will unlock your iPhone right now with no other actions needed.
- "I have an AT&T iPhone that I purchased with a subsidy discount but I have completed my two-year contract."
AT&T will unlock your iPhone right now with no other actions needed.
- "I have an AT&T iPhone that I purchased from somebody else."
AT&T will not unlock your iPhone. Only the original purchaser can have AT&T unlock the phone. The original purchaser can contact AT&T for you. The previous statements will apply when the original purchaser contacts AT&T.


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Australian Border Force - Resources
Key web pages and entry points for the Australian Border Force
Arriving travellers
Provides information for arriving travellers on documents required for customs clearance, information for sea travellers and items you must declare on arrival (including cash/currency).
Buying over the internet
Information for people buying goods over the Internet, including information on duties and taxes payable on imported goods.
Duty free concession
Lists the duty-free concessions available to travellers entering or returning to Australia.
For travellers and private individuals
Provides information for travellers on buying and importing goods from overseas.
Going through the border
Provides information for arriving and departing travellers, including what you can take onto a plane, items to declare, quarantine requirements and self-processing using Smartgate.
Importing a motor vehicle
Provides information on privately importing a motor vehicle into Australia.
Importing and clearing goods that arrive by international mail (post)
Provides information on methods of paying customs duty and frequently asked questions about goods arriving in the mail from overseas.
Prohibited and restricted exports
Provides information which broadly outlines what goods are prohibited or restricted, where you can obtain more information about the control and, in the case of restricted goods, the mailing address or e-mail address to use to apply for permission to export.
Prohibited and restricted imports
Provides information outlining what goods are prohibited or restricted, where you can obtain more information about the control and, in the case of restricted goods, the mailing address or e-mail address to use to apply for permission to import.
Tariff concessions gazette
The Gazette gives legal effect to the creation of a number of legislative instruments such as a By-Law, Tariff Concession Order (TCO), TCO Revocation or a Determination and is published each Wednesday by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.
Tips for travellers
Information on what to do and not do when travelling through Australia's border.
Tourist Refund Scheme
Enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.
Provides quick links to specific customs Information for travellers, including customs concessions for first-time migrants or returning Australian residents.


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Welcome to Alamance Country Club
Since 1946, Alamance Country Club has been the ideal private country club for families, golf enthusiasts and business professionals alike. Members enjoy an unparalleled level of service and attention along with all of the amenities that the Club has to offer. If you are looking for a place with great golf, excellent food and fun for the whole family, Alamance Country Club is the place for you.
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I'd rather see Werdum vs Cain myself, but where does that leave Big Foot. JDS vs AO makes sense. I think Cain just needs an opponent and Big Foot comes in with hype.
Not crazy about seeing Nog and Werdum rematch either.
I'd rather see Werdum vs Cain myself, but where does that leave Big Foot. JDS vs AO makes sense. I think Cain just needs an opponent and Big Foot comes in with hype.
Not crazy about seeing Nog and Werdum rematch either.
Not throwing a sig bet on Big Foot this time around, but would not be surprised if he shocked the world again. He is the type of guy you can never count out, he can sustain a beating and he has pretty good cardio given he doesn't usually exert a lot of energy (he has a pretty static stance).
I agree with most that Werdum makes it for a much better fight with Cain. However they both have a two fight win streak, only wins over Overeem and Brown are much more impressive than Nelson and Russow.
Not interested in Cain/Bigfoot rematch. They should just use the Struve/Hunt winner. Everyone knows Struve can take a serious beating and still come back and get a KO or sub, and Hunt is as dangerous as anyone on the feet. Even if neither guy has 100% earned a title shot, they both make for a more interesting fight than Bigfoot.
Does anybody think that they are making theses fights so that Cain will fight the JDS/Overeem winner, and no fans will be crying Bigfoot?
I hope JDS knocks Overeem out cold.
And Cain puts again a clinic on BigFoot.
Not only brazilians can do this stuff
I think Overeem stands a better chance against JDS than he did with Bigfoot. He'll respect his standup and fight his fight rather than toying around.
As far as Bigfoot, he isn't going to beat Cain and this will effectively remove him from the title picture so it's good for everyone.
You say shark I say hey man, Jaws was never my scene and I don't like Star Wars
waste of a fight. bigfoot isn't ready for cain again.
overeem vs. JDS is a great matchup. werdum should get the title shot with a win over nog.
anyway, carwin is officially top ten. why not give him the title shot?
Last edited by Ramma; 02-13-2013 at 12:12 AM. Reason: double post
Survival is Triumph Enough
-Harry Crews
I wish Cormier and Velasquez would fight. I would much rather see that title fight at this point. I am pretty stoked about Overeem and JDS though. I might get a chance to see Overeem get KTFO for a second time in a row!
"He's got big balls. I like that." -Josh Koschek on Frank Trigg's balls.
First time in a long time a UFC title fight has been given to a fighter coming off a win, so there's that.
If that's the best fight for cain given scheduling and ranking, I say go for it. better Bigfoot then yet another popularity contest.
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The forums here on Pipes Magazine are dedicated to information of all facets of pipe smoking, pipe tobacco and their accessories. We enjoy a varied and lively group of members who range from brand-new pipe smokers to grizzled veterans of the hobby. As varied as our membership is, our forum is also one of the most helpful for anyone with questions about the hobby. In fact, we LOVE questions. That's the culture we've set up here. A helping, learning culture which not only promotes the hobby, but expands and enhances it.
I'd like to lay down some guidelines (I'll refrain from calling them rules because while rules are sometimes necessary, we try not to have too many of them.) for all the membership to take heed of and so that there is no confusion.
Failing to follow these guidelines will result in a warning. If we have to give you a warning for the same offense more than once, you risk losing your membership and access to the site.
We will not tolerate discouraging any member from asking any questions that pertains to the subject of the site. It doesn't matter if the question has been answered a million times before, it will still be treated as if we've never seen it. One thing I find helpful, as a "grizzled veteran", is linking to old threads that have bearing on the question being asked. You can never have too much information. If you don't like reading the same question over and over again, don't post in the thread. Hell, don't even read it.
We will not tolerate rudeness. Obviously, with a membership as varied as ours, it's ridiculous to think that every one will always get along. If you feel that you have been treated rudely, please refrain from falling into it as well. Seek the help of the Moderator team. We Mods are happy to take care of situations like this and ultimately, it's our job.
We will not tolerate flaming. As above, if you feel you are the subject of an inflammatory post, please bring in a Moderator to handle the situation. Again, it's what we're here for.
We will not tolerate any discrimination of any kind. We welcome everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, religious or political affiliation, disabilities, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age (as long as you are 18 or older) socioeconomic status, or preference of the type of pipe they choose to smoke (except glass and hookahs, those are OK to discriminate against). This is a no-brainer, really. We live in the 21st Century. Accepting others for who and what they are is pretty basic whether you agree with their preferences or not. Obviously, we're all here because we have an affinity for pipes. Let's keep that in mind when we converse with others.
On a similar note, we ask that swearing be kept to a minimum and that obscenity/pornography be kept in check as well. Obviously, a four-letter word once in a while or a "dirty" joke in the NSFW (Not Safe For Work) Joke Thread are exceptions, but please don't bring your "colorful metaphors" out to play too often. To assist with this, the forum has a series of perfectly good emoticons available to show a wealth of different feelings.
I shouldn't have to put these up but I have. If you don't agree with these, feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to explain why they are here. If you don't want to do that, don't let the door hit you on the way out. If you take this course, however, don't make an "I'm Leaving" thread to tell everyone why you're going. We don't need to know, and honestly, I'll just delete it anyway.
Proud member of the BlackBlood Society


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Platinum Bridal Boutique's retail location in Southborough has closed as of December 20th. After more than four years at our beautiful location, the building has been sold and we have lost our lease.
If you have placed an order with us, we have notified you via email and phone of our temporary office location in Hopkinton. We will contact you as soon as your order has arrived and is ready to be picked up in Hopkinton. If you need to contact us, our phone number (508.657.4696) and email address (email@example.com) will remain the same.
It has been an unbelievable time bringing together fabulous bridal fashions and our amazing customers! As we look for a new location and decide how best to move forward, we thank you for your business and loyal support!