text:
The Feel-Good Guide to Sports, Travel, Shopping & Entertainment
Presidents Day Sales
It's the
first big sales day of the year. It's also the time for many
consumers to come out of winter hiding and to head
for huge Presidents Day sales at a mall near you!
year, Presidents
Day falls on Monday, February 18, 2019 as consumers navigate weekend
sales at the bigger department stores and local retailers
large and small.
bargains to look for on Presidents Day weekend
shop online to browse through retailers' President's Day
sales ads offering discounts on everything from mattresses to flat
screen TV's and laptops.
Winter coats and boots are also a great buy as department stores clear the racks for new spring fashions.
Don't overlook other great bargains to be had on even bigger
ticket items -- like refrigerators, washing machines, and other
major appliances.
of major purchases, also watch for fantastic deals on new
cars, as dealerships traditionally use President's Day weekend
to clear out their inventory.
If you're already in the market and have done your research,
there's no better time of year to buy
a new car at used car prices.
Buying a boat in February is not a bad idea either as manufacturers go begging for cold weather customers.
Looking to get in shape on a treadmill for the New Year? During January and February department stores want to get last year's exercise equipment out of the store to stock up on summer sporting goods. So if you're in the market, check out deep discounts on all home workout gear during President's Day weekend.
Surviving Presidents Day sales
possible, get up early to take advantage of "early
bird specials" that have become such a tradition of
Presidents Day sales, and stay focused!
also see in Shopping :
The best times to buy - seasonal sales
any big sales day, it's always best to make a list so you
know exactly what you want before you arrive at the mall
or department store for their annual Presidents Day blowout.
you're not already familiar with a store layout, scout it
out beforehand. This way you know where everything is on
the big day (without having to stop at the store directory
or to ask for help).
their's always safety in numbers, enlist friends and relatives
to come with you to help you find all the best sales items,
or perhaps stand in line for you as you hunt for other bargains
about Presidents Day sales around the Web:
the Web, check out the latest updates on what's on sale, where
to find sales coupons and codes online and related guides
to getting the best discount bargains on one of the biggest
sales days of the year.
Presidents Day 2019 Sales - Find updates on the latest and greatest sales and deals as President's Day draws near.
Presidents Days Sales & Deals 2019 - Check out Offer.com for the latest on President's Day sales on furniture, mattresses and bedding, appliances. clothing, and lots more from Kmart, Sears, and other major retailers.
- Browse the front page for the latest sales, or check out
the forum for more news and reviews on the latest hot deals
for Presidents Day.
also see -> Cameras
Friday sales January white sales
of July sales Labor
Day sales
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An exchange offer is always lucrative for you. Sometimes this is the best option to convert old from the new one. The precautions of purchasing old to new one given the great happiness on the success of the deal.
Users always want to purchase or exchange the used phone with a new one. If you want to purchase the new phone through the exchange offer. You should be very careful to avail of this benefit from the new seller.
Users always want to purchase or exchange the used phone with a new one. If you want to purchase the new phone through the exchange offer. You should be very careful to avail of this benefit from the new seller.
The seller may be a phone owner, online marketer, and shopkeeper. It is very difficult to select the right person because this will be the first meeting between buyer and seller.
You should be conscious during the exchange process and should take some precautionary measures.
Some useful tips are given below to save your time for sale and exchange the product.
|Sale Your Phone In Exchange Offer With Precautions
Some Important Precautions Should Be Taken Before Sale The Phone
You have to check all points to get the benefit of the phone Exchange offer. Check the actual price of the product, which you want to take.
Please ignore to exchange your phone, If the price of your phone is higher than the offer price.
Check the exchange offer product details and originality on the company site. Like - Model Number, Android Version, Legal Information, Base-band Version, Kernel Version, Build Number, Installed Application, SD Card and phone storage capacity.
Another option is available to sell your phone online.
The best online product selling sites is Olx.com and Quikr.com. Both platforms are using a large number of people to sale the old product directly to purchasers.
Another precaution should be taken during purchasing the phone by online shopping.
Before given the phone to the shopping company you have to take the backup of Memory Card, Data on the phone in your PC. Now delete the rest details from your old phone.
Before submitting your phone to the company in the exchange offer, delete all the data as well as activate factory data reset option for complete formatting of the phone.
Another option is for you to use Hard-Boot for data deletion.
Check the product sale paper to avoid any illegal connectivity. The sale paper should be clarified that you have taken this product in the exchange offer. Sale Tips
These tips are helpful to save you from any fraudulent activity.
Next - Disable Active Subscription Of Apple Music
Next - Disable Active Subscription Of Apple Music

subset: commoncrawl


text:
All 31 sculpts (30 in Blender and one in clay) are present and accounted for! Aloha, and mahalo!
Happiness (Emotions)
Thanks! Also share?
Vehicle (Props)
Female Torso (Anatomy)
Cyber (Creative)
Fluffy (Stylized)
Dragon (Creature)
Shell (Nature)
Anger (Emotions)
Furniture (Props)
Male Torso (Anatomy)
Ancient (Creative)
Memorial (Stylized)
LOVECRAFTian (Creature)
Cave (Nature)
Boredom (Emotion)
Helmet (Props)
Limb (Anatomy)
Magic (Creative)
Punk (Stylized)
Pan (Creature)
Marine (Nature)
Disgust (Emotions)
Tool (Props)
Eye (Anatomy)


text:
Homes For Sale Zip Code 85757
Homes For Sale Zip Code 85757
Popularity is a measure of how many people have viewed a particular property on the CENTURY 21 Real Estate . AZ All Homes For Sale in the 85757 ZIP code All .85757 Zip Code profile - homes, apartments, schools, population, income, averages, housing, demographics, location, statistics, sex offenders, residents and real .As of , there are 3,955 properties listed for sale in the city of Tucson and 89 properties listed for sale in the ZIP code 85757. Those 3,955 Tucson properties .See Up To 30% More Homes With Zip .View home details & photos and connect with agents!Tucson 85757 Foreclosure Listings. Find cheap 85757 foreclosures for sale including bank foreclosures & government foreclosed homes.Tucson 85757 Foreclosures. . All of our Tucson Arizona foreclosure homes for sale will also include the contact information, number of beds and baths, .Find homes below market value using our up-to-date listings of Tucson, AZ 85757 foreclosed homes for sale.See all 85254 zip code Homes For Sale. (all data current as of 12/13/2017) Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.85757 real estate listings are available on realtor.com . You may also be interested in homes for sale in popular zip codes like 85746, 85743, .Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage can help you find 85757 homes for sale . Search by city and state, address, zip code . 85757 Real Estate & Homes For Sale.. AZ All Homes For Sale in the 85757 ZIP code All Homes For Sale in Star Valley Village All Homes For Sale in the Tucson Unified District School District .Search 85757 real estate property listings to find homes for sale in Tucson, . ZIP CODES NEAR Tucson.Search all 85757 foreclosures available in Tucson, AZ. View the best home deals on the market in Tucson. Find a Tucson foreclosure home for sale below market value.Neighborhoods and homes in 85757 might be right for you. Visit Neighborhoods.com to learn about the neighborhoods and homes for sale in 85757.See Up To 30% More Homes With Zip .Tucson MLS Zip Code 85757 homes are priced from $100,000 to $250,000. West Ajo Highway to the North for access to downtown Tucson. Visit Our Site.Find Office Space, Retail Space, Buildings, Warehouses, Land and other Commercial Real Estate in 85757. . Commercial Real Estate in 85757 for Sale and Lease .Real Estate in Tucson, AZ. . Tucson Zip Codes. 85703 Real Estate. 85704 Real Estate. 85705 Real Estate. 85706 Real Estate. . 85757 Real Estate.Zip Code 85757 Apartments 1 - 19 of 19 apartments for rent.See Up To 30% More Homes With Zip .EZ Search Homes for Sale in Tucson Pictures, features, toursFind senior housing in ZIP code 85757 in Tucson, Arizona. Senior housing can include apartments, homes, assisted living, independent living and more.Free Home Market Valuation tool Instant Home Price Estimator85757 Homes for Sale; . Tucson, AZ, 85757 Change Zip Homes . This data is provided to help you learn about the 85757 ZIP code and to act as a research tool to .See homes for sale in 85757. Search 85757 MLS listings, view photos and find 85757 real estate agents.View home details & photos and connect with agents!View 85757 statistics on real estate, income levels, demographics, and schools.See homes for sale in 85757 HomeFinder.com is your local home source with millions of listings, and thousands of Open Houses updated daily.Discover page 4 of houses and homes for sale in Tucson, AZ 85757. View latest photos, foreclosure listings status, property records, loan details, nearby schools and .Search new homes for sale in Tucson, Arizona 85757 at NewHomeSource.com, the largest new homes listing database on the Internet. Compare floor plans, prices, and . b26e86475f
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text:
In a very short span of time, digital photography has made a mark in nearly every home and heart. Why has this credit card sized camera revolutionized the way we take pictures, so much so that film camera manufacturers are discontinuing certain models and jumping on the digital bandwagon?
Why Digital Photography is here to stay:
Instant Gratification
Yes, Polaroid cameras were in vogue in the 70's, but you had to lug around a huge camera, wait for the picture to 'dry' and still not get crystal clear images. With the advent of digital photography, you can actually see your picture instantly on the screen of your camera. That way you know if you accidentally cut off Uncle Jim's head at the family reunion.
Editing Options
You can crop and play with your pictures on your computer before printing them. You can remove Uncle Jim's red eye, or remove him from the picture altogether once you get familiar with some user-friendly digital photography software.
Print Only your Favorites
You could print your pictures at home if you have a photo printer and photo paper, or you could simply upload them on popular digital photography websites like Snapfish, Ofoto and Winkflash. Not only can you place orders for prints, you can also choose photo gifts such as mugs and t-shirts right from the convenience of your home.
By uploading your pictures at websites like those mentioned above or others like Yahoo!, you can share your album with friends and loved ones. You need not worry that your precious memories will be floating in cyber space for all to see. Only people whom you have invited or provided with a password can view the pictures and order some prints for themselves, if they so choose.
Sure, a digital camera can be an expensive initial investment, especially when you add on the memory card and battery etc. However, it does work out cheaper in the long run because you do not need to buy film, you do not need to drive to the store to drop off the film and then pick it up (and do some impulse buying at the same time). And the best part about digital photography is that you get to print the pictures you like the most, instead of sometimes being disappointed with the results when you get your film developed.


text:
Sonic to Broadcast Third Quarter 2011 Conference Call Live on the Internet
OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ:SONC), the nation's largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced that it plans to report third quarter results at the market close on June 22, 2011. The company will provide an online web simulcast of its earnings release conference call that afternoon beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET. During that call, management will comment on Sonic's financial and operational results for the third quarter of fiscal 2011. An online replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live broadcast and will continue through July 22, 2011. A link to these events will be available at the investor section of the company's website, www.sonicdrivein.com.
About Sonic
Sonic, America's Drive-In, originally started as a hamburger and root beer stand in 1953 in Shawnee, Okla., called Top Hat Drive-In, and then changed its name to Sonic in 1959. The first drive-in to adopt the Sonic name is still serving customers in Stillwater, Okla. Sonic has more than 3,500 drive-ins coast to coast, where approximately three million customers eat every day. For more information about Sonic Corp. and its subsidiaries, visit Sonic at www.sonicdrivein.com.
Source: Sonic Corp.
Add to Request List


text:
|Specifications provided on label, not actual analysis.
|UV Absorbance on Gradient Elution1:
|Largest Peak at 254nm (au)
|max. 0.001
|Largest Peak at 205nm (au)
|Actual Value Reported
|Fluorescence Trace Impurities, in ppb, measured as Quinine Base:
|at 450 nm Emission
|max. 0.1
|at Emission Maximum for Impurities
|max. 0.2
|Filtration Test
|Passes Test
|Actual Value Reported
|Residue after Evaporation
|max. 2 ppm
|1Gradient Test: Sample enrichment for 10 minutes, followed by linear gradient elution from 100% H2O
|Filtered through a 0.2 micron filter.
|For Laboratory, Research or Manufacturing Use


text:
Red Hawks win third straight game
Simpson University Sports News
ANGWIN, Calif. - The Red Hawks men's soccer team took to the field on Sunday, Oct. 16 against the Pioneers from Pacific Union in a match that saw the Red Hawks win 2-0.
The first half of the match saw both teams have chances but neither could capitalize on them. The Red Hawks had the best chances at scoring from great play from wings Luis Perez and Kerry Meehan as well as midfielder Michael Guzman.
After the teams played a scoreless first half, the Red Hawks came out looking to break the tie. Within the first 10 minutes of the half, Perez sent a ball across the frame of the goal and Tyler Goens put it into the roof of the net making it 1-0. Once the Red Hawks had the lead both teams traded chances but the Red Hawk defense held strong to keep the Pioneers out. Red Hawk goalkeeper Justin Webb was called on to make a few saves in the half and he did so comfortably. With six minutes remaining, Meehan blew past the defense and finished off the chance with great goal sealing the Red Hawk's victory. Webb had his third shutout, and Eric Jorgensen earned man of the match honors for his stout defending.
The win puts the Red Hawks record at 4-7 on the season and 2-3 in the Cal Pac. They will next be in action on Wednesday, Oct. 19 when they will host the Oaks from Menlo College. Earlier in the season the Red Hawks lost a close one to the Oaks 2-1.
Written by Dan Anderson
View the men's soccer schedule and results page
Contact: Derrick Pringle, Jr.
(530) 226-4731


text:
Using QR Codes to Link to Pupil Created Information
- 21st century show and tell
- A schools involvement with Sheffield Childrens Festival project Camp Cardboard
- Creating Digital Paintings using iPads
- Creating Instructional Videos
- Creating and Using OERs to Promote Best Practice
- Digital Reporters at Camp Cardboard
- Digital Resources for ITE
- Digital Technology Presentations with ITE
- Digital video in ITE
- Engaging with case studies to support teaching practice
- Exploring issues in uptake of digital literacy tools
- Exploring the intersections of digital literacy and creativity
- Making Movies in the Classroom
- Monsters at Monteney
- Programming Monsters using Scratch
- QR codes with Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham
- Reflections on digital practice
- Telling Stories about Farm Animals
- The use of mobile apps for digital story-telling with nursery pupils
- Use of digital video with PGCE students
- Using OERs to enhance sharing of good practice across the school
- Using QR Codes to Engage Children with Learning
- Using QR Codes to Link to Pupil Created Information
- Using QR codes to engage reluctant readers
- Using a VLE in the Classroom
- Using digital images and film to enhance communication skills
Lesson idea. This lesson idea involves the creation of digital media, in conjunction with Magna Science Centre (http://www.visitmagna.co.uk). Over eighty children from one school were involved in a project that involved the creation of a range of online digital fiction and non-fiction media, inspired by the interactive science exhibits at Magna. These ranged from poems, stories and reports to artwork and audio recordings. For example, classes of year 9 and 10 students produced artwork informed by futurist painting, based on photos they took on a visit to the water [1] and fire [2] pavilions at Magna. Once created, each of the children's pieces of work was uploaded and assigned a QR code, which was then presented alongside an exhibit in the exhibition centre to be accessed by members of the public with mobile devices and QR code readers.
Teaching approach. This series of lessons provided opportunity for active learning(ta) though the visit to the Science Centre. It enabled the development of E-skills(topic) through the creation of the media and the use of QR codes. It encouraged collaboration(ta) between students, teachers from different subjects, and between the school and the wider community. It also provided a cross-curricular(subject) opportunity for the development of language(ta). E-safety(topic) was developed through discussion with the students about ensuring that their work was appropriate for a wider audience. It also provided opportunities for whole class(ta) and whole school collaboration(ta) on a project where they were able to share practice(ta) and examples of their work with others. (edit)
|Resource details
|Using QR Codes to Link to Pupil Created Information
|E-skills, E-safety, QR codes
|Teaching approach
|Learning Objectives
To use technology to create digital media for a real audience.
|Age of students / grade
|Additional Resources/material needed
|Useful information
QR Code readers and creators are available for most smartphones and mobile devices
|Related ORBIT Wiki Resources
|Files and resources to view and download
This lesson idea comes from the DEFT case study QR codes with Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham. The whole case study is available for reading and downloading here: http://www.digitalfutures.org/index.php/case-studies/schools/school-case-study-1/


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Samsung's Galaxy Nexus was packed with smart features and goodies. It didn't take long after the release when owners started complaining about some of the smart features not functioning properly. The most common among them is the Smart Rotation feature which ceases to function for no apparent reason at all. Here's one email from our reader that describes how the problem began.
I have a Samsung Galaxy Nexus and just recently the Smart Rotation feature doesn't work anymore. I mean, it doesn't work like it did before. There are times when it functions just fine but more often it won't. When it's on and I'm on portrait mode lying back on the couch, it would go to landscape mode even if it's directly in front of my face. I use to lie on the couch with my phone on portrait mode but I just can't now. I don't know what happened because I haven't done anything or haven't messed up the settings of my phone.
Any suggestions would surely be appreciated. I'm not really good with technology and not savvy with my phone but I know the correct settings.
The Smart rotation feature uses the front camera to sense when you are looking at your device and keeps your screen from rotating based on your face's orientation. If you are viewing your device in portrait mode and happen to lie back on your couch, the screen remains in portrait mode.
Basically, there is no fixed troubleshooting guide for this kind of problem because the feature may or may not function depending on current situations. But I am sure that the Smart Rotation feature will not work under the following situations:
- When the phone's front-facing camera fails to detect the face and eyes.
- When you're in a considerably dark environment.
- When the source of light is directly behind you.
- When the front camera is currently in use by another application.
- When you're currently using other gestures like Air View.
The first thing to do to troubleshoot this problem is make sure Smart Rotation is enabled in your device.
- From the Home screen, touch Menu > Settings > My device > Smart screen.
- Place a check mark next to Smart rotation and touch OK. If the option is unavailable, you will first need to enable screen rotation.
- Swipe from the top of screen to the bottom to access the Notification Panel.
- Touch the icon for Screen rotation. When the feature is enabled, the icon will appear green.
- Test the smart feature.
If you've made sure the feature has been enabled in your phone, check the environment to see if there is enough light to make your face recognizable by the front camera. If not, try to go to a place with ample of light and test Smart Rotation.
After you've enabled the feature and you are in the environment with enough lighting, try to check if there is a certain app running in the background that uses the front camera. Apps like Facebook and Instagram are among the most common applications that have direct access to your device's camera. Better yet, reboot your phone to freshen up its memory. This would also ensure other third-party services would be closed.
Now, check if you've also enabled Air View. If you did, disable it and try the Smart Rotation feature.
These procedures would eventually fix the Smart Rotation problem in the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Otherwise, do a factory reset after you've backed up everything on your phone.
Having problems with your phone?
Tell us about them by emailing us at [email protected] Make sure to include as much details as possible so that we could understand the problem well and find the best solutions for you. If you can share a screenshot or two, that would be better.
We may not be able to respond to every email we receive but rest assured we do read them… yes, all of them even if some do look like spams.


text: I cringe when I hear comparisons between investing and sports, but I can't resist this time. When it comes to stock-picking, we're a nation of Monday morning quarterbacks. Most of us, whether we admit it or not, have at one time or another sat comfortably in the safety of our armchairs with the latest fund shareholder report and wondered, "What was the manager thinking?" We confidently boast that we would never have sunk money into that online pet supply start-up. It's a biased and illogical response, yet so ingrained in our collective consciousness. Investment professionals spend most of their waking hours analyzing the stock market with superior research tools at their disposal, but some amateurs invariably feel they can do better in their free time armed with CNBC.com. Marketocracy, a website that is conducting a three-year search to find top investors to run a mutual fund family, is the latest to chime in with this misguided chorus. The company allows members to create up to ten fictitious mutual funds, each with a base of $1 million in fake money, and tracks the performance of these virtual funds. In a statement released today on the first-year anniversary of its contest, Marketocracy said the m100 Index, which tracks Marketocracy's top 100 virtual mutual funds, outperformed major indexes during Q2 and is trouncing 94% of professionally managed equity funds year-to-date. Now, there are apples-to-apples comparisons and there are apples-to-oranges comparisons. This one is more like apples-to-watermelons. Marketocracy currently tracks over 45,000 virtual funds submitted by more than 37,000 members. With those kinds of numbers to start from, you bet the top 100 portfolios are going to be off the charts. A quick scan of the top Marketocracy virtual funds reveals two things: a lot of risk and highly-concentrated funds. Marketocracy didn't release the worst-performing funds, but I have to believe they also focus on volatile narrow market slices. I asked for the average performance of all Marketocracy virtual funds, but was told that information was "unavailable." However, I was pleasantly surprised when a spokesperson told me that the virtual fund returns did factor in transaction costs. In Fall 2003, Marketocracy says it will begin to recruit top-ranked members and invite them to manage real mutual funds. I can't promise that Los Altos-based Marketocracy will be around then, but I also can't say for sure that I'll be alive either. So just in case, let me say it now . . . . avoid these funds like the plague. Step 3Mutual FundStock-PickingPerformance Previous Article Next Article All Articles About Index Fund Advisors Index Fund Advisors, Inc. (IFA) is a fee-only advisory and wealth management firm that provides risk-appropriate, returns-optimized, globally-diversified and tax-managed investment strategies with a fiduciary standard of care. Founded in 1999, IFA is a Registered Investment Adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that provides investment advice to individuals, trusts, corporations, non-profits, and public and private institutions. Based in Irvine, California, IFA manages individual and institutional accounts, including IRA, 401(k), 403(b), profit sharing, pensions, endowments and all other investment accounts. IFA also facilitates IRA rollovers from 401(k)s and 403(b)s. To find out more about the value of IFA click here. To determine your risk capacity, take the Risk Capacity Survey.


text:
Sentinel Cat's Dragon Lair | home
Sentinel Crossovers
Bastet's Gift | Twenty Years Ago
Bastet's Gift
Author's disclaimer: I'd like to give the standard disclaimers to Pet Fly and UPN. Jim and Blair are not my characters. Also, I'd like to say that the rest of the characters are not mine as well. They were created by P.M. Griffon in her story "In Bastet's Service" found in the anthology Catfantastic II, edited by Andre Norton and Martin Greenburg.
Author's notes: This is a crossover with a short story in the book, Catfantastic II. The story is called, In Bastet's Service by P.M. Griffin. I decided to write this after reading all those posts that were on Senad. And decided to make the story a challenge as well. I adore cats and this seemed a good way to actually bring the panther to the story. Although, I have to admit, it's only a little panther. :-)
Walking down the street to their vehicle, Jim Ellison and Blair Sandburg were arguing.
"Jim, you can't tell me that Jacob didn't deserve that reprimand. After all, he did violate police procedure."
"Well, what do you expect, Sandburg? He'd knocked the suspect out after coming after him. Do you expect him to give the Miranda speech while the suspect was unconscious?"
"He came to, in the police car, JIM!! The arresting officers had time to tell him before he got to the police station. I don't know how the DA'll see it, but whether he was told or not afterward, their civil rights were violated. You're supposed to tell them their rights before the arrest, not after."
"Well, Chief, not everyone can be as conscientious as you. Not all of us are perfect. Depending on the situation, we can't always, give a person their rights, before they're arrested. And this happened to be one of those times." Jim was looking in frustration at his partner. Stubbornness was permeating his expressions. He knew that no matter what he told Sandburg, he wouldn't be able to get through to him. Trying to change Blair's mind, was like trying to make an elephant forget. "And besides, he hadn't exactly been arrested yet. Just taken into custody."
"Well, I hope the DA'll believe that too!!" Blair's energy was exploding into his steps. He vibrated while walking beside Jim, with spring and bounce. He just couldn't stand still.
"You know, Chief? It really doesn't matter, now does it? First, it wasn't me that violated the law. Second, I know my job, and if I'm doing it wrong, then I wouldn't have it. So, why are you making it seem that I don't? And putting all this guilt on me?"
"Uh...sorry, Jim. It's just that I've known too many people who've been abused by the police. They're not all as good a cop as you are. And when they break one of our basic civil rights, well, it just makes my temper boil!"
Interrupting their walk a minute, he paused to look at Blair. That nervous energy could have been anger. Or it could be him just getting into one of those lecturing moods. Sometimes it was hard for Jim to tell. His gaze halted on Blair's body for a moment, as in his mind, he went over everything that made him beautiful. It was times like these, noticing how passionate Blair was about the abuse that goes on in the world, he was reminded of just how much he loved him. Shaking his head quickly, he had to make himself remember that there was no earthly way for Blair to ever want him as much as he wanted Blair.
It was painful loving someone who could never love you back!!
By the time they'd gotten to their home, both of them were ready to call it a night. They'd shopped for groceries, went to pick up Blair's work from the university, and ended up having to talk to a few of Blair's friends who'd they'd met in the store. It was enough socialization to last for a while because Blair couldn't go anywhere without someone recognizing him.
They had just pulled up to the curb of their home, when Jim heard it. He wasn't trying to hear anything at all, it was just that it was so unusual that he picked up on it subconsciously. Not bothering to mention anything yet to Blair, he focused on the sound.
In a flash, he was out of the truck, looking around for the sound. He tried to fixate on where it was coming from. After finding it, he head off to his right and went towards the alley that was next to their building. Sandburg, noticing what Jim was doing, was behind him, while Jim was using both sound and scent, by that time, to hunt. Rushing into the alley, both of them were able to hear the struggle going on. Blair right behind him, they came upon what looked like a rape in progress. They were about to plunge in to stop it, when they stopped, stared, and appeared to suddenly be astonished. The rape wasn't turning out to be normal.
The woman was not only using her purse to ward off her attackers, but she had help. Unusual help. Two cats were tearing into her attacker's head. A small calico was shredding one of the men's neck while another cat, this one a large solid black was tearing into the other man's face.
Finally, the men were able to knock the cats off and rushed away down the alley like the cat's of hell were behind them. For all they knew, they probably were. In their typical fighting stance, the two cats growled and snarled and hissed at the two men running away. Then, they just relaxed and raced back over to the woman, a beautiful blond woman in her thirties, who was now getting up off her knees.
"Oh, my sweeties, thank you!!! I never would have survived without you two!!" Reaching down, she picked up the black and the calico, one in each of her hands. Then she turned and faced the two men who were watching everything with a daze on their face. Francie stared at her two would-be rescuers. The men were beautiful. One was a tall, strong man who seemed to present a reassuring figure of authority. The other, while short, had something too. Long hair and a young, hippie way about him, he was beautiful in a way that only the odd could be. But it fit him like a glove. So did the other's appearance.
"Uh, Jim, did I just see what I think I did?"
"Well, unless we're both dreaming, we just saw two cats fight off two men and win. I hope that's what you just saw."
Francie, seeing their pure amazement in their eyes, was by that time quite used to it. After all, it had been on her face when she was first chosen. "Gentlemen, I don't know how to thank you. It's not often you find men willing to interfere in a crime being committed."
Blair, completely flabbergasted, looked like a fish out of water, but ended up saying somewhat coherently, "Miss, we're sorry we were too late, but...I mean...the cats....could you tell us about your cats? Are they trained to do that or are they just naturally protective?"
Francie's light laugh penetrated the dark gloom of the alley. Suddenly, remembering their manners, Blair calmly asked her if she wanted to come into their apartment to freshen up and call the police. She was about to say no, and go back home, when she was stopped. The black cat had it's paw on her arm and got her attention by a sharp claw. Looking down, she noticed that he wanted something. Well used to the mystical communication by that time, after hearing what Gift wanted, Francie looked back up again. Having taken only a moment, she answered, "Yes, I'd like that. By the way, my name is Francie Davis. I'd shake your hand, but I've kinda got my hands full."
"Wait a minute, not the Francie Davis who owns Davis Real-estate Company?" Jim queried. The company had provided help for the P.D. numerous times, by finding them quick, emergency safe houses.
Grinning with amusement at his astonishment, "That's me all right. I started the company a few years ago, after getting severely frustrated with my former company. Nothing worse than working for a company you hate!!"
"Wow! You're one of the biggest in Cascade. What are you doing over here on Prospect?"
Both taking a side, Blair and Jim walked with her back to their apartment. Inside, Blair headed toward the kitchen to make some coffee and put away their groceries, while Jim went to get a wet cloth for her to wipe the blood off and the first aid kit. Sitting down on their couch, she relaxed and waited for the unseen voice to appear for her like it usually does when something like this happens.
The cats got down off of her lap and started to explore the terrain. As Blair came back with the coffee, and Jim returned with the towels and kit, she watched them, while Jim was bandaging her knees. A silent communication was occurring between them. She'd seen enough of it, and had plenty of experience to recognize it. Unfortunately, her training and vocation made her a good judge of people. Right before her eyes, she faced two men who were in love and either didn't know it or if they did, that it was mutual. Her cats, their silent presence in the back of her mind, noticed it too.
Blair, not being able to stand it anymore, said, "Francie, my name is Blair Sandburg. I'm a consultant to the Cascade P.D. and teaching fellow at Rainier. This is my partner, Detective Jim Ellison of Major Crimes." Watching the cats start playing with each other, he commented, "They must be intelligent cats to protect you like that."
"Oh, that's their job." It was out of Francie's mouth before she'd realized what she said.
"Huh..you mean they're trained attack cats?" Jim had this corny expression like he didn't believe it.
Francie had to say something, "Well, I've had Turtle, the calico, for a very long time, and Gift was given to me a while back. They stay with me to protect me, so I guess you could say that." She was dreading them to ask her how they did that and why did she take the cats everywhere with her. She knew it wouldn't take much for these men to be suspicious of her. She'd seen far too much prejudice lately, being called Cat Lady or Witch behind her back.
//Tell them the truth, Francie.//
Using the silent communication that she was extremely practiced at by now, she said within her mind, Bastet, they'll think I'm crazy
//No, they won't. They're already under my protection anyway. Meeting them, at this time, was part of your destiny. It is to be one of your duties as a Teacher. They need a Teacher at this time, desperately, if they're to have any chance for survival//.
I still don't understand.
//You don't have to. All you need to know is that they are under the protection of one of my children. The Panther. And she is not alone, the spirit of my sister Wolf protects them too. They face a time of change. You're here to give them the necessary chance to survive and to offer yourself as an instructor or an advisor. But they won't need that for a while. For now, they need something else in their life. A catalyst. Offer them Gift.//
When the voice hesitated, Francie got furious and screamed in her mind, What the heck are you talking about, Bastet? WHAT DO YOU MEAN, GIVE THEM GIFT? I thought Gift was MY Partner!
//He is, but Turtle is your familiar. Gift is only in his second. He still has eight more lives to share his love with. He'll always be your partner, but he's not your bonded partner. Gift was sent to you to learn how to love. You taught him that. Now he must teach these two the same thing. These two will need to have a familiar bond very soon. Their inherent magic must be taught. Even though guiding comes naturally to Blair, he doesn't know everything. What he doesn't know himself, Gift will. But it doesn't matter, Francie. It is time for him to leave. Just offer them Gift. It is their destiny.//
Of all the goddesses I had to end up with it had to be an interfering, mischievous, goddess who always has to be mysterious. She never can answer all my questions. No, I have to act first and regret later. After the grumble and argument was over with Bastet, goddess of cats, she opened her mouth and said before she had time to change her mind, "Jim, Blair, to thank you for the kindness that you've given me, I'd like to give you Gift."
"What!" At the same time, Jim and Blair both burst out.
Gift, please, teach your new humans to love you like I do! She smiled as she watched Gift walk over to them and jump on Jim's lap before he could shoo him away. Turning his aristocratic mien upon Jim and Blair sitting next to him, he gazed at them with his rich, copper eyes. His ancient lineage of descendence from a long line of Egyptian cats was reflected in both his stance, the sleek, powerful muscles in his body and the long, powerful legs. Large, about fourteen pounds, he settled himself upon Jim. His stare reminded Jim of his spirit guide. Actually, he looked like a little panther.
While he was being inspected, Gift turned his eyes from Jim to capture Blair's. As he looked deep within both of them, he recognized the truth.
Before him was a Guide. And where there was a guide, the watcher always followed. He'd always thought them legends, but now he knew why Bastet had given him to them. He smiled with anticipation for his future job. Not only would he have a home with two who he would make love him, but he could be there when they realized that the love they have for him could be shared between each other. Now, looking back over to his beloved Francie, he already missed the happiness he'd learned and been taught by the Teacher.
If it hadn't have been for her, he'd have been so afraid of taking a chance on another human. Now thanks to her, he'd learned how to trust. All he'd have to do is guide the Guide and his Watched to their own truth. Don't you just love a cat's sacred duty. Of course, a little mischief wouldn't be out of hand either.
Standing up to leave, with Turtle in her hand, she stopped them by saying, "No, you don't have to get up. I've got to go anyway. I had an appointment with a client down the street. I've been looking for a good home to give Gift to. Your inherent kindness tells me that he was meant to be with you."
Not letting them get over the frozen state of being out of their control, she left quickly before she'd have to answer all their questions. Deciding that even though she had permission to tell them that she was a mage teacher and that Turtle was her familiar, it was better to let them discover all of Gift's gifts by themselves. It would make them appreciate Gift more. Although, "Before I forget, if you ever need help, I know it sounds weird, but for those who have a cat in the family, calling out Bastet's name out loud may get you the help you need. You don't even have to believe in her." With a final grin, she left out the door before they could say anything.
Shaking himself out of the wonderment he'd found himself in, Jim was bewildered. Nothing had been normal today, from having what he thought of as an unconscious man accusing the P.D. of denying him his civil rights, to watching two cats tear into two rapists to protect their owner, and then having one of those same cats (who just happened to look like a little panther) given to him as a thank you when he didn't even want it. Turning, he saw that Blair was in no better condition.
"Blair, why don't we go to bed. Maybe by tomorrow, it'll be better. This has been one extremely strange day."
Waking up, Blair whispered, "You got that right!" and answered, "You're right Jim. I think I desperately need some sleep. I don't know about you, but I keep hearing this voice."
A studious expression on his face, Jim was captured by Blair. It was all he could do not to reach over and start kissing those luxurious lips and imprisoning that mouth of his. Feeling a rise starting to come out of him, he turned, dropped the cat to the floor and said, "Good night." as he was going up the stairs.
Jim had no idea that he wasn't the only one who was aroused by the other's appearance. Blair watched Jim's tight ass encased in denim, and broad manly shoulders sway seductively as he went up to his bedroom. Stopping himself when he realized his pants were becoming a little too small, he looked down and found himself being watched. The cat was gazing directly at him. Copper eyes were saying that he knew what he was feeling. Somehow that voice he'd heard in his head ever since all of this started was back inside his head again.
//Listen to the cat. He speaks the truth.//
I'm going insane. Now I hear the voice telling me to listen to the cat! Yeh, right! I've got to get some sleep.
After discarding everything except the boxers he wore to bed, he laid down, and wondered just what was going on. Sleep overcoming him, he didn't feel the soft, purring animal laying down next to him. Giving Blair a last look, Gift bestowed on him a cat smile and thought it better to start with the Guide. It really didn't matter because by working on one, he automatically worked on the other. And Blair would be first, because Jim would never make the first move if he feared that it would hurt his beloved. Blair was the one who'd ride the cat, so it was better to teach him not to fear the panther.
The feeling of passion winded its way around him, the feel of hands teasing him, touching him with those fleeting touches. He moved, with those fingers moving along his body with him. Lips traveled boldly down his body. The kisses aroused every pore in his body, every muscle strained with desire, skin broke out in goose bumps as it continued. Those lips fleetingly moved their way along his body, reaching his nipples and started that acute suction he desired so badly. Body firm and rigid, he broadcasted the craving he had for more of those lips.
Teasing his body, he responded by pulling his seducer to him, capturing those succulent lips, and diving into the feast that awaited him. Love, desire, passion, taste, smell, feel, all their emotions and senses awakened and were imprisoned within each other. Bodies moved against the other, with their hands touching, grasping, handling whatever they could get their hands on. Cocks hard and ready, pushing against each other, moving each in time with the other, ready to reach the aspired point, that explosion of self. Rocking and bucking, plastered together, they melted against each other where you couldn't tell where one began. The critical point achieved, they burst into an environment filled with lights, rainbows, and bright hot fire. A shout rang out..........
Waking up in a violent spasm, Jim and Blair burst up straight in bed at the same time. Looking down, they found semen covering their bodies and filling their shorts. They realized at the same minute, that they'd been dreaming about making love to the other. Instinctively, Blair, knowing Jim would have heard him and smell his release, feared his reaction. Getting up off the bed, he stood there shakily. Barely able to stand, he decided he needed to clean up, and maybe hope he could talk his way out of this predicament he'd found himself in.
Jim, after looking down at himself, remembering the violence of the passion he'd felt, could only say silently, to himself, "Only a dream! Dear Lord, it was only dream." Too upset with having everything he'd ever wanted given to him and then to find out it was all a dream and nothing had been real. Tears poured out of the stoic man, who never cried. He'd lost his most cherished hope and just knew that he'd never get it back. Getting up, he hadn't heard Blair also moving. He decided that he'd better clean himself. Thankful that Blair hadn't heard him, he was unconsciously filtering out Blair's presence, not hearing him at all. Coming down the stairs, he stopped in astonishment. Blair was sleepily, although with a fearful expression on his face, meeting him at the bathroom.
No longer able to filter Blair out, Jim was stunned at the smell of Blair's release of desire on him. The soft, musky scent that seductively aroused him whenever he was near. Already in such turmoil, he wasn't able to screen his emotions and desires from Blair's sight. Even in the soft darkness, their eyes caught and held each other.
Not able to move, Jim suddenly realized the truth. He just knew. None of this was one-sided. All of it was real, and what he was seeing wasn't going to go away like a dream would.
Blair too, was caught in the spider's web. There was no escape. He didn't exactly want to escape.
Swiftly, not giving each other a chance to change their minds, they found themselves in each other's arms. Blair, his face looking up, caught Jim's head and pulled it down. Their lips met. What they'd each wanted for so long broke out in an inferno of heat between them. Violently, their passion became as explosive as the dream. Pulling Blair up, Jim ground their cocks together and pushed the heat up to the boiling point.
Long past the point of no return, not knowing what was going on, they just reacted to what they were feeling. Finding themselves dropping down to the floor, they needed each other so badly, that they couldn't have made it to the bedroom even if they'd tried to. On the carpet at the foot of the stairs, they made love. Tugging each other's boxers off, their mouth never departing at all, unless it was to find another part of their body to posses. Words were unnecessary as their lips were being put to better use! Nipples, cock, mouth, all parts of their body were busy at the moment.
Control lost, Jim found out just how much of the panther was within him. Dominant Sentinel instincts were released from the strict control he'd had over them. Flipping Blair over, he knew somehow exactly how to prepare his mate. By coating his fingers with the pre-cum already leaking from each other's cocks, he started the ritual preparation needed between two male lovers. Inserting his finger, Jim started a rhythmic stretching movement that turned out both were familiar with if not well-practiced at.
Blair, lost to Jim's overriding dominance, let him take charge. Feeling Jim's finger within him nearly caused him to come right then, but a firm grim on his cock from the other hand Jim had around him, prevented his release. Suddenly, Jim added another finger stretching and massaging his love's internal passage. After going in deep enough, he found the prostate. Softly teasing it, Blair gasped with silent pleasure. No longer able to wait for a third finger, hoping Blair was stretched enough as it was, he positioned himself, and slowly pushed himself in the tight passage and body he loved with his heart and soul.
Feeling Jim's thick cock push into him, Blair could barely take it. Forcing himself to relax, he waited until Jim was all the way in before he started to move. First, just a little push back, then the rocking grew faster and faster until Jim was pounding hard and fast into the body, anticipating every move his lover made. Neither knew how long it was before their desperate desire, accumulated from years of loving and working together as partners, was ready to explode. They suddenly gasped, gave a final vigorous thrust, and shouted each other's name violently, bursting into climax. Blair came on the floor, and Jim within Blair.
Collapsing against each other, Jim pulled out and turned Blair back and laid back down on the floor. Snuggled against each other, they stayed that way for a few moments. After a period of time passed and finally able to think again, Jim realized something and was able to gasp out, "Blair... where...ah.. did this come from? Not talking about our feelings for each other." Jim was starting to become coherent, "I'm talking about the compulsion we just had to make love? God, it was so overwhelming!! I couldn't have stopped it if I tried." Realizing he was leaving the most important thing out, Jim swooped down, kissed the top of Blair's head tenderly, and gently vowed, "And by the way, I hope you know I love you!! That I'll love you forever."
Barely able to answer, Blair turned his head and looked up at Jim. He answered a soft, "Me, too. I love you more than life itself." Appraising Jim's beautifully, masculine profile, it took him a minutes to comprehend the question Jim had asked before. Finally, he turned his head to lay back down against Jim's chest and commented, "Jim, do you know, ever since we met Francie and her cats I've heard this voice seem to tell me things. I hear it, yet I know I'm hearing it only in my mind. Then, after we were given Gift, I actually heard the voice for real. It was a woman's voice, and it seemed to just....I don't know how to explain it...purr might be good description of the sound, but it's a lot more deeper than that. Like it's a sound that wasn't supposed to be heard. I thought I was losing my mind. That's another reason I didn't argue about going to bed last night like I usually do. I don't know what's going on!!" That last was said in a rush, as if he was afraid if he didn't just say it, he'd never say it at all.
Reaching a hand to turn Blair's face back to him, Jim looked into Blair's eyes and Blair into his, and in a spellbound moment, it occurred to them at the same time. They turned in the same direction and stared.
The cat was standing in the darkness a few feet away, eyes glowing with a copper light. Presenting an ethereal, other-world appearance, he looked like an imp sent from hell to cause mischief. Actually that was a good description of him.
Well, at least he'd achieved something, Gift silently congratulated himself. Dream sharing was a common ability all cats had. It gave them the ability to travel among their human's dream realities. It was the reason they made such wonderful familiars in the first place. Looking at the pair, he wondered just what reaction Jim was going to have to Blair's comments!
Uh...Oh.. Maybe I'd better hightail it out of here Before Gift could dodge and run to escape, Jim was up in heartbeat and caught him before he could disappear!!
"Okay, CAT, I don't know what is going on, but I have a strong suspicion that you're behind it, or your mistress is!! We're going to have answers and we're going to have them NOW!!" Nude, irritated, angry, Jim gave a foreboding look to him, as he tried to struggle his way out of Jim's arms. There was no way he was going to escape from paying for his shenanigans this time!!
"Jim, let the cat go! He probably doesn't have anything to do with this. Maybe we wanted each other so bad, all we needed was something unusual to act as a catalyst. After all, if I'd had any idea that you loved me like I love you, than we'd have been together long before this.
Huh, maybe I can get out of it now? The thought was hardly out, before Jim frustratingly shouted, "Chief, you know damn well this cat has something to do with this. I don't care how long it takes, I'm going to have answers even if I have to go to Francie's house right now!!!"
Oh, well, it was a thought!! Cutting in before Blair could defend him again It was all they needed to have their own stupidity separate them again, he calmly affirmed within their minds, (He's right, Wolf Guide.).
"Huh...What the...Gift?"
Jim was just looking at Gift, as if he'd known something was wrong all along. That smug expression on his face was enough to make him want to casually reach out and claw his face to shreds. He'd always hated his mistress when she thought only she was right. There was no living with her then, and from the looks of it, there'd be no living with it now. Oh, well, I guess that's the price we pay to have Partners. Sometimes, I wish Bastet had allowed me to stay a loner. Unfortunately, I learned my lesson too well.
(Will you two cut it out!! If you want answers, you'd better just accept that I am not only talking to you, but that if it hadn't been for me, you two fools would have taken forever before you'd have admitted what I bet everybody on earth knows. And that is that the two of you are not only head over heals in love with each other, but you're a destined set of partners.)
Frowning, Jim just stood there unconsciously petting him. Hating to have that stop..it felt too good to him..he told them, (You two, why don't we all sit down. Since I'm not going anywhere, and before long, you'll have a goddess thrown in for good measure, why don't you relax and listen to the answers that Jim threatened me that he wanted. Or is that more important than getting back to bed? After all, I'm sure you can find other things to do than harass this poor little ole cat!!"
The look of surprise on Jim's face and the typical irony and amusement running through what it looked like was becoming their house hold pet, was absolutely priceless. Not able to help himself, Blair threw himself into a fit a laughter. Going over to the couch, where Jim was already in front of, he collapsed, holding himself, with tears running down his face. It took him a few minutes to calm down and be able to stop laughing.
Jim look on all of this with total ignorance of everything that was going on around him even though he'd demanded it in the first place. In the future, he'd know better than to challenge a cat to answer questions. Nothing could dodge any question asked of them better than a cat. It didn't take him long to learn that lesson.
"OKAY!! Blair, if you could stop laughing maybe we can get some answers out of this cat!"
"Okay Big Guy, but he does have out number. God, Jim, you should have seen your face when Gift said that. It was priceless. I wish I'd had a camera. I'm sure Simon and rest of the Cascade P.D. would have paid any price to have seen that expression on your face!" He was chuckling with mirth even as he said it.
"Chief! If you want a mate anytime soon, I'd make sure to be careful what you say. After all, you might not get any..for a week or more if you keep it up." Even though he was exasperated with Blair as he said it, their was an underlying grin hidden just below his tone of voice, readily apparat to someone who knew him as well as Blair did.
"Perish the thought! Well, Gift, what now? I'm not sure where to even start the questions. Although...hey, what the heck are you doing here in the first place. And if you caused us to be together, well, all I can is why?" Even though he was nude, his hyperactivity levels were already starting to rise. He jumped up and started pacing, his mind already in researcher/professor mode. Recognizing that studious look, Jim groaned.
Gift, looking back and forth between Jim, who'd never stopped giving him a wonderful body massage, and Blair, who was starting to mutter words out loud to himself, was starting to wonder what was going on. Even though he was a cat, he still didn't know Blair!!
(What's wrong? Why'd you groan like that?)
"Well, since you're the one who started this whole mess, let me introduce you to Professor Sandburg. Questions and more questions are the only things he can think of. Heaven forbid any of us simpletons trying to stand in the way of knowledge. Superburg is here to leap buildings with a single book on how to make a catapult, discover a way to make his car run faster than a speeding train, which by the way I'd give anything to see, and find a way to make his brain fly faster than a speeding bullet, which it already does, by the way."
Even throwing Jim a dirty look didn't stop him from preparing himself to ask all these questions racing through his mind. The more he thought of one question, the more questions he thought of. Jim had shut up, preparing for the blast. There was nothing left to do except wait for the explosion and hope he survived. It should say something that at least he'd survived Sandburg for the last three years. And since they were now mates, it looked like he'd better just sit back and let the tide come in. It was inevitable.
"Gift, who's Francie, and why on earth would she give you to us when she so apparently didn't want to? And why did you have to bring us together? Why are you talking to us now and besides the fact that I recognize Bastet as being the ancient Egyptian goddess of cats, what does she have to do with all of this?"
The questions leaping out of him all in one breath, Gift finally understand just why Jim had groaned in the first place. He was about ready to himself. He just shook himself, jumped off of Jim's lap onto the table and started to groom himself. After a few minutes of smoothing down his fur, he felt he was composed enough to answer the questions.
(Well, as for who Francie is, she's a Teacher. Before you ask, she's the woman who's mind is very close to the other-world and who's respect for all cats and proven ability as a Partner, caused the goddess Bastet to give her the responsibility of teaching me how to love. I'd been severely abused in my first incarnation and decided that I would never seek a Partner in future incarnations because of it. Bastet decided to take a hand in my case and asked Francie to teach me how to trust and love a human. Francie, who had just lost her beloved Turtle to her ninth incarnation and wanted a true companion, took the responsibility on, even though she'd been warned that she may not see the results of her dedication until I'd moved on to another incarnation. But that didn't stop her. She continued to give love to me, and never let me down, even when I was so afraid of her when she got into one of those occasional rages she gets into from time to time. They're usually caused by her job or her reading about something in the newspaper.)
Shuddering, although he didn't have the facial muscles for expressions like humans did, Jim and Blair were still able to recognize the fact that he not only still feared those rages, but that remembering from when they'd first started in his first incarnation must have really been painful. When he got himself under control again, his composure settled until the memories would flare up again, Gift laid down on the table.
(Francie was wonderful. She played with me. Allowed me to be mischievous when I wanted to be and never got onto me for it. In fact, she was always amused. Whenever she was hurting or upset, she'd pick me up seeking companionship. At first, I couldn't let her touch me. I'd run away from her. Then one day, after I'd been there for a while, she came in one day after she'd ruined a sale for good. Her boss was on her because of it, and she thought she'd lost her job. I felt bad about her not having anyone to care for. That was the first time I let her pet me for companionship. I still didn't trust her, but at least I now knew that she occasionally needed me. It was enough until the ice broke one day. She'd come home one day in a rage. She'd read in the newspapers about the Jaws of Life Burglar, how he could use one of these power tools that save lives for destruction. In the last robbery, he'd finally killed someone shredding them piece by piece. Francie has great compassion for people, and she hates it when people are hurt because of the deranged in human society. Anyway, I was scared. So afraid of her, I wanted to die right then and there. I couldn't even run away, just cringed before her. She saw it and all of a sudden I felt this beautiful voice telling me that she wasn't mad at me and that even though she might get angry, she'd never direct that anger at me. She picked me up and held me for a long time that night.)
Passion filled his mind voice as Gift remembered the care she'd given him. The love and spirit of her daily presence. The wonder of knowing that here was a human who could be a Partner. That a human could finally be trusted to not hurt him. Even though he wasn't speaking, Jim and Blair felt the memories and the love in his voice. At a time like that, he was as beautiful within as his exquisite black kingly body was on the outside.
(That night, the burglar showed up at her house. He was planning to kill her. I couldn't let that happen. As scared as I was, I furious that this creature was going to hurt MY PARTNER! I jumped on his face and started to attack him. I was grateful that I was large for a cat and that I had the muscle to lay into his face. But as much as I tried to stop him, it wasn't enough. Francie was motionless and didn't know what to do. Finally, I saw another cat jump on him too. She started clawing him as well. I recognized Turtle from the Dream Plane, where all cats go in between and at the ends of all their incarnations. Turtle was Francie's Partner for eighteen years, before her ninth incarnation ended and she died. But even with her help, it wasn't enough. Bastet finally took a hand by pouring herself into Francie. She tore the man up into little pieces. Blood was everywhere in her apartment. Francie, although she was really grateful that Bastet had saved her and my life, she was frightened that with the human legal system being what it is, that I'd be put to sleep for attacking the man as well as that she'd probably be in jail too, especially not being able to answer all their questions about what went on.)
Stopping, Gift looked at his new and future Partners. They were enraptured by his storytelling. He was extremely smug for capturing his audience with his story. Of course, he also had the ulterior motive of wanting to make sure they didn't punish him for his mischief. After all, it wasn't to early to start training his humans.
(Francie was really worried. But all her concerns were about me. Not herself. She thought of me before she started worrying about herself. She asked Bastet to take me back because she wasn't sure when she'd be able to be there for me to be a partner or that they'd have me put to sleep. There was no way to explain the whole thing. Bastet told her that she'd never let Francie face all of this alone. That she was only testing her to see what her priorities were. She passed, with flying colors. She used her powers to make the body disappear and the apartment look as if it hadn't been touched. That was when Bastet gave Francie her life's mission. She asked Francie to start taking in cats and kittens that needed to learn how to love. Francie was really upset. While she loved the news that Turtle wasn't going to leave her, ever again, she'd still end up with more cats than she could handle. Bastet told her that only Turtle, who would serve as her familiar, myself, and her first assignment kitten would be a real cats. The new kitten she was in charge of would appear to be Turtle's kitten. She told Francie, to calm her worries, that the other cats would be ghosts and that only to her would they be real cats. Her home would be a temporary stay between incarnations while these cats learned about the best of humans. That's what she's been doing for the past eight years. As for why I was given to you, she already has a familiar in Turtle because of the fact she's already been through her nine incarnations. I can't be a familiar to her because I'm only in my second. So, Bastet decided the two of you needed to have a true Companion. It ended up being me, especially since it helped that my totem guide is the mother panther. That's why I'm solid black. All black cats are descended from the panther.)
"What...you mean, that my spirit guide is behind Bastet's decision to give you to us?" Jim asked it without understanding that it Bastet who was in charge and not the panther.
(Jim, all cats, whether they're a wild cat or a domesticated cat, are under the spiritual leadership of Bastet. She rules over all cats. But while she is the mother of all house cats, she is also the mother of all panthers. It was she who gifted certain humans with the senses of the cats, when she needed representatives on earth. They needed to be fiercely independent, and capable enough to defend their people, with the strength to be able to do so. That ruled out her domesticated cat daughters.)
"Then why is the panther my spirit guide? I've always wondered that."
(Because the panther was the only cat that refused to volunteer to guide her new representatives.. Bastet doesn't like her children refusing her in any way. She decided that as punishment, the panther would forever be the Watcher's spirit guide. Talk about frustrating Lady Panther. She didn't want the job and was very vocal about it. But mother goddess knew that she was also one of the few who would do her job and had the common sense to make sure the guide and the watcher were together forever. And she was wild, unpredictable, and powerful enough to put a little spice to the pairing. Also, Bastet made the decision in conjunction with her sibling, Anubis, god of canines. Anubis assigned his wild son, the Wolf, as the Panther's Partner. The Wolf better characterized the personalities that the guide would need, especially the tenacity and stubbornness to not give up. Anubis is well known for guiding future prophets and teachers. That is exactly what the physical guide has to do.)
Jim was listening with the impression that all of what he was saying was a fairytale and wasn't real. The only thing that kept him from making sarcastic comments was the fact that you could hardly deny a talking cat. Blair was not only excited but elated to have all his questions answered. The only one he had left was.."That still doesn't explain why you're here."
(Well, first off, I was told to get you two together. Actually, that was already obvious to me. I would have done it regardless. But I'm also here to be your contact with the spiritual guides. When you need them, I can make sure and get the Panther and the Wolf to help me, when you need them. As for why I'm here with you? Well, I hope that you'll let me be your Partner. But that's not the only reason. I'm also here to help you. You'll be facing some extremely trying times. You'll find that you'll need extra help. There will be some cases that you just won't be able to solve with a little extra help. I'm small and I can slip in unnoticed in a lot of places where you need a spy or second body. Also, who'd take seriously that I'd be able to help you physically, as well. But you've seen what I can do, when Turtle and I protected our mistress.)
Blair laughed. He'd gentled into a sleepy, gelatinous mass that molded itself to his mate. Listening to the logic and the wonderful story, he was quite okay with it and thought it humorous that now they'd be one of those detectives like in the novels where their animals always helped solve the mysteries.
Jim was just, well he just sat there and accepted it all because it was all he could do. Normally he wouldn't have a cat for any reason at all and sure wouldn't like having to explain to Simon why a cat was traveling with him everywhere. He didn't like the thought of facing that now, but somehow, he knew that if he argued about having yet another weird, strange and different partner in his life he'd regret it for the rest of his days. Just like he accepted Blair's role in his life without any arguments, he knew that he wasn't going to regret Gift's role in his life. Thanks to Gift, he'd found the dearest love of his life. A partner he'd have through all his lifetimes. And because of Gift's big heart, he'd opened himself up to the possibilities of all the wonder in life. Now, he had yet another partner, one he was already starting to care about. And he didn't even like cats! Sometimes the irony in life was strange.
Jim and Blair were resting there and Gift was concerned that neither had said anything more. It was all he needed to be kicked out of the apartment after everything he'd already said and done. Worried, he waited for them to make up their minds. Humans were so slow sometimes.
"Well, Gift, it looks like we really did receive a wonderful gift indeed. You can stay. Tomorrow, we'll go out and get some necessary items if we're going to have a cat in the house. Also, if Blair has rules, so do you! No scratching the furniture. I catch you marking the territory with your spray, and off to the vet you go to be fixed. You don't touch any of the book shelves with knickknacks on it and you go for checkups every three months. Think you can follow those rules?"
Oh, No! Just what did I get myself into? Is it too late to change my mind? Bastet? BASTET? GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!
(Jim..master...Partner...), while he was saying that, he'd jumped down and started rubbing himself in and out between Jim's legs, in the universal language of cats when they want their way.
"You might as well stop, Gift. It won't work. I've lived here for three years and it has yet to work on me. And with anything else, I can wrap Jim around my finger. There's just something about this apartment that brings out the grouch in him. I've never been able to get out of any of the house rules, although I do have to admit that I hope I can talk him into letting me break rule number 77 where there is to be no Blair sex in this apartment. Of course, since he broke that rule too, I guess I don't have anything to worry about." Blair impish grin teasingly reflected the humor in his voice.
"Why, you little...It's bed time for you, darling!" With a laugh, he jumped up, picked up Blair in his arms, and carried him up the stairs. "Gift, I'd tell you to go away for a while, but since I know you can't go anywhere, could you please not interfere anymore or interrupt us for a while? I'm sure Blair and I can handle it from here!"
(Aye, aye, master. Gift here, ready and willing to report for duty.) Maybe it'll be okay after all. Although, I don't know, it doesn't make up for the fact of the upcoming vet visit. It's enough to make me want to disappear.
Upstairs, on the bed, too tired to engage in any strenuous activity, Blair, snuggled on top of Jim's body, looked up at him and asked, "Jim, do you know what we're getting ourselves into?"
Looking down into the bluest eyes he'd ever seen, deep enough that he could drown in them, and wondering how he got lucky enough to have the world in his arms, just stated, "Well, I don't know what we're headed for, but I'm sure It'll be one hell of a ride."
Sleep settled in the loft and all was silent, except for.....THE CAT!


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These events are not possible without people like you. Thank you for volunteering.
Volunteer hours count towards the 2019 season. 5 volunteer hours are required to be eligible to win a series overall podium spot (top 3).
Set up (6)
May require heavy lifting
Traffic Control (2)
Assist with parking, vehicle traffic - must be 18 years or older.
Registration (3)
Requires patience, a good smile and attention to detail
Leg Marking (2)
Requires descent penmenship
Merch table (3)
Assist in handing out MBAA merchandise
Start assistant
Help stage riders
Course Traffic (2)
Ensure riders lap or finish as needed
Juniors sweep (4)
Follow the junior waves, monitor safety
Course sweep (4)
Requires bike, and ability to clean up course
Tear down (6)


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Launch Day - Printables
We can hardly believe that launch day is finally here! Us Clique Kits gals have been planning for months, ordering products for some fantastic kits, and now the moment has arrived! We are ready to take on subscribers! Head over to our store to subscribe today, if you subscribe by midnight tonight you will be entered in to our Launch Day Sweepstakes. Not only are we are giving away 3 great prize kits, but we also have some thank you gifts for ALL of our early bird subscribers.
We don't stop there! Please stop by and follow our Facebook and Instagram for more options to share and win! Of course you won't leave this blog post empty handed. A free printable set is available for you to download and use today (and everyday) on all your scrapbooking and paper crafting projects! (Click on the image below to download).
Today's Events:
Now, how is that for a launch day!?! What are you waiting for? Head over to the store to start your subscription! Check back here often through the end of February as we will be sharing inspiration, chatting on the forum, and getting our featured brand new Simple Stories products listed in the store ready to ship next week! The first kit will start April 2014 and sneak peeks are coming soon! Welcome to the Clique!
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April 2019


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Finance Industry Projects
IT Services for Finance
Outsourcing Consulting News
March 22-25, 2010 CTIA Wireless Conference and Tradeshow 2010 (Las Vegas, NV)
SolovatDesign is participating as an exhibitor at 2010 CTIA conference. Please visit us at the booth 3659
SolovatDesign is participating as an exhibitor at 2010 CTIA conference. Please visit us at the booth 3659
SolveITLabs gives financial organizations the partnership they need in the current global marketplace
SolveITLabs has extensive experience in developing solutions for different business areas within the financial services industry, spanning stock exchanges, depositories, custodial services, brokerage firms, mutual funds, rating agencies, portfolio management companies, and foreign exchange and money markets.
We have experience developing solutions offshore in the following areas:
- Data Warehousing Solutions
- Insurance
- Offshore Software Development
- eBusiness Solutions
- Customer Relationship Management solutions and services (CRM)
- Enterprise Application Integration (EAI)
- Financial Portals
SolveITLabs offers consulting services to all segments of the global financial services market, including
- Stock exchange
- Brokerage firms
- Mutual funds
- Rating agencies


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By Michelle Dean
At von Maedler, we like to share wedding photography ideas with our wider audience. We fondly remember Carly and Anthony who had a traditional Catholic ceremony at St Finbarr's Catholic Church in Ashgrove, with Fr Peter Brannelly as their priest. It is a beautiful church with plenty of natural light which made their wedding ceremony very easy to photograph.
St Finbarr's Catholic Church was founded in 1919, and was originally a house that was later converted into a church.
Carly and Anthony travelled in style for their wedding day hiring a vintage car hired from Princess Luxury Classics and held a stylish, yet traditional, wedding.
We wish Carly and Anthony all the very best for their future together.
von Maedler Photography – Home of original and bespoken brisbane wedding photography ideas
You can find us on Facebook


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Please arrive 10 – 15 minutes prior to your scheduled session. If you are late, we will do everything possible to accommodate you, but can't guarantee your full service time. If you see a sign on the door "Massage in session", please quietly wait in the lobby and we will be done shortly. Your massage practitioner will greet you and have you fill out a health history form and any other applicable healthcare paperwork. After completing your paperwork, your practitioner will take you to your own private treatment room.
When you enter the treatment room, your practitioner will begin asking you general questions to establish what areas to worked on. Your practitioner may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your situation, which will allow your practitioner to provide a more safe and effective massage. It is very important that you inform your practitioner of any health problems or any medications that you are taking. Your blood pressure may be taken during this time.
Afterwards, your practitioner will leave the room at which you can undress to your own comfort level. A sheet will be provided to drape over you before, during, and after your massage. A secure environment and comfortable table to lie on will be provided as well. You will have a relaxing environment with soothing music to help you ease those tensions away. An eye pillow
may be provided to help block out the light, so you can relax during your session. In some cases, a heat pack may be used during your session to help ease the tension away before being treated on.
What do I wear during the massage?
Although massage and body treatments require the removal of clothing, respect for your modesty and privacy is our primary concern. You may choose to undress to your comfort level. Careful draping procedures are observed at all times. You will be completely covered during your service except for the area that is being worked on at that time. Seated massages and some specific treatment massages
(such as Sports Massage) are done completely dressed. During your treatment, we encourage you to communicate any discomfort (pressure, temperature, etc) to your practitioner.
What is your cancellation policy?
To ensure that we provide the best service possible, cancellations must be received 24 hours prior to your appointment time, so that we can have the chance to fill the space with another possible client. We understand that emergencies do sometimes happen. In case of emergencies please contact us as soon as possible so that we can re-schedule you.
Respectfully, in the result of not showing up at your schedule appointment time and not calling, we will place your name on a probation list. Two times of not showing up at your scheduled time and not calling will result in being banned from making any further appointments at our office.
Is there an Age Policy?
Treatments are designed for any age. Under the age of 18 years old requires parental signature. Children are not permitted in the office unless supervised by an adult at all times. Due to liability concerns, teens and children under the age of 13 will require adult supervision during the massage.
What should I bring with me?
If a doctor is referring you to us, please bring the referral or prescription supplied by your physician. Your insurance company can't be billed without this documentation, and will we not be able to treat you until we are able to submit it. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Your massage practitioner may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.
If not being referred by a doctor, then you should bring payment for the massage. We currently accept cash or check only.
Should I tip my Massage Practitioner?
Gratuities are appreciated and are entirely at your discretion. Prices do not include gratuities. Many people feel it is appropriate to tip your L.M.P. as you would tip your hair-dresser.
Do I qualify for medical massage?
There are many medical conditions that can be improved with massage. If you've recently been in an auto accident, been injured at work, or are living with a painful condition (i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches, etc.) then massage may be of benefit to you.
All you need to do is ask your doctor if massage can improve your condition. Many doctors, including family practitioners, osteopaths, chiropractors, and naturopaths, recognize that massage can be of great benefit to their patients.
Will my massage hurt? Will I hurt afterwards?
Your massage will be performed within your pain tolerance, (remember you are in control of your massage). You dictate the depth and speed of your massage. If you want pressure that is lighter or deeper, just let your practitioner know.
Sometimes the body will release lactic acid as a result of the massage. Lactic acid can pool and result in muscle soreness. In this case, we recommend putting one cup of Epsom Salt into a warm, but not hot, bath and soaking the targeted areas.
Where can I store my personal belongings during the massage?
Your belongings will be stored in the same room as you are receiving your massage. However, because of the required bare skin and freedom of motion, we request that you refrain from wearing jewelry during your massage session. We wish to inform you that we may not be held responsible for lost or stolen items. To preserve a peaceful experience for all, cell phones and pagers are not permitted in the office or need to be turned off when you enter. Thank you for your cooperation.


text: I rose early this morning from a sugary and fermented insomnia. I am moved more by my own waking life during the hours everybody else is asleep. A morning person. I read in Harper's once about sleeping in segments and how it used to be the norm. I walked at dawn through Oak Bluffs and down to the sea. At seven I pulled the sheets back over my legs for another round of shuteye. At ten I woke again and it all felt like a dream. Begin again.


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Product Details
Multigrip Snow Sock
For Tyre Size: 205 50 x 17
Multigrip Snow Sock, Alternate To Snow Chains - Hi-Tech Fabric Traction & Anti-Skid Assistance.
The Multigrip Snow Sock is designed to be used on snow and ice, and is a great alternative to snow chains, Made from a synthetic waterproof fabric, the multigrip gives a consequent increase in the coefficient of friction between wheel and snow or ice surfaces. As a result the multigrip is effective on snow & ice & gives a much more comfortable ride than traditional snow chains.
These are only suitable for standard Road Tyres
- For Tyre Size
- Contains One Pair Of Snow Socks
The Pair Of Multi Grip Snow Ice Sock Chains For Cars And Vans 81 205 50 X 17 from this respected manuacturer is available to buy right away from the snow shovels store.
Place your order in seconds to get prompt carriage direct to your delivery address of choice. Featuring Contains One Pair Of Snow Socks.


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So, the second curry style dish from the Quorn recipe book - and I have to say i was a little cynical when I first saw the recipe because this is cooked in the microwave. I have nothing against microwaves for reheating, defrosting and melting things but I generally do not consider them a method of 'cooking'. Here is a link to the recipe from the Quorn website.
Anyway, I was prepared to be proven wrong and so I gave it a whirl last night when I was pushed for time as we were going out to a pub quiz. The first stage of the recipe coats the quorn pieces in tikka paste mixed with boiling water and as I know quorn marinades well, I actually did the marinade bit in the morning and left them to soak all day.
Once I embarked on the rest of the recipe that night, it was all very quick, literally all the ingredients apart from the quorn (frozen veg, a chopped red onion, chopped apricots and a load of rice with stock and boiling water) get chucked in a microwavable bowl and cooked for 6 minutes, stirred and then the quorn is added, then another 6 minutes plus 5 minutes standing, and voila!
This is at the halfway mark just after adding the quorn pieces (note my spirtle - one of the things I have learned to love from Scottish in laws!):
I hit a slight stumbling block at the end when the biryani should have been ready - timings are only given for an 800 watt microwave, but mine is only 700 watts (ancient I know, but it works!). I had already added on a couple of minutes to each 6 minute burst of cooking, so it had actually had 16 minutes in total rather than 12, plus the 5 minutes standing. But when I removed it from the microwave the rice was clearly still raw and there was still a lot of liquid.
I put it back in for another 3 minute burst and this seemed to do the trick. I would therefore suggest for a 700 watt microwave that you put it in for 9.5 minutes twice, rather than the suggested 6. I would also add here that it does smell amazing while cooking!
I toasted my almonds for the garnish and this is it plated.
The taste of this was pretty impressive. I do think marinading the quorn had added an intensity to the flavour of the quorn itself, but the rice was delicious and fragrant and even the apricots (which I was dubious about as I hate that 70s fruit in curries vibe) really worked and gave it a lovely sweetness.
In terms of weight watchers points, this is pretty good, the quorn is 1.5 per portion, the rice is another 3, the only other points culprit is then the tikka paste and based on the amount I used this adds 1.5 per portion so a total of 6 points per portion which is darn good for such a tasty curry. It also means that you can serve it with a low fat naan for around 9 points, well worth it!
My husband loved this, despite it not being overly spicy, he thought the quorn was particularly nice and said he would give it a 7/10. I think that's a pretty fair score.
Convenient to cook (if you have the right timings), quick and easy and actually very tasty - plus very low fat. A success despite my initial doubts and one I will definitely make again.


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Want to see how long it takes to get to work from this property? Just enter in your work address and we will show you how long it takes to get there on every property you look at.
Awesome deal on a cleared 50 x 180 lot in Gulf Shores. Close enough to ride you bike to the beach and the Hang Out. Property is super close to all the shopping that the Gulf has to offer. Lot is priced to sale so bring your plans and enjoy the beach life right away.
Type anything you want here and we will see what we can find in the property descriptions. Maybe a name of a golf course you want to live by or a term like fixer upper.


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Back to Home
How to Draw Artist Patterns
How to Oil Paint
Find Artist Resources
Look at My Artworks
Read My Artist Statement
January 11, 2018
My Oil Paintings on Fine Art America
My Oil Paintings on Fine Art America
Artist Contact Information
Rose Two Artist Grid Drawing Information
The Pinkish Rose artist floral grid drawing pattern is a free eight page downloadable PDF file for an online art lesson. It contains the basic art instructions on how to use Draw-N-Paints' grid drawing patterns. More art lesson information such as graphite pencil, colored pencil and oil painting can be found by referring to these web pages of Draw-N-Paint. You will find on this overview page other links listed below to these art lessons.
Be sure you have the latest version of Adobe Reader installed on your computer to view this file. Artist drawing grids are used in a beginning time period for an artist to learn to draw with accuracy and learn simple techniques in drawing. Once these art techniques are learned then it is suggested to move on to more advanced artist concepts. Your will find links to other higher level art resources through out Draw-N-Paint.
Transferring Pink Rose Flower
From the artist drawing pattern set you can use page five which is the easiest to beginning transferring your pencil outline flower drawing from. This transferr technique helps in learning about negative space.
Page six contains a visual color reference that can be used for a guide to the hues when oil painting or pencil rendering. And page seven is a gray scale image for viewing contrasts, light and dark areas that you may want to adjust depending on where you place your light source in your artwork.
Pencil Drawing Flower
Some things to keep in mind when rendering the Pink Rose are the textures of the petals and leaves. Petals on Roses are soft and delicate which is what we want our artwork to show.
ANY reproduction, re-transmission, copying, or other use of information presented on this site in it's entirety, without the EXPRESSED WRITTEN permission is FORBIDDEN. All rights reserved. Copyright © January 11, 2018.


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NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pointe LNG, LLC (Pointe LNG), has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to initiate pre-filing review for the Company's proposed LNG liquefaction and export facility to be located in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana on the east bank of the Mississippi River approximately two miles south of Pointe a la Hache, Louisiana.
The facility is to have an initial export capacity of 6 million tons per annum (MTPA), and will be designed using three 2 MTPA modular trains provided by CHART's IPSMR®+ LNG Liquefaction technology. In 2014, a significant portion of the site was previously reviewed by FERC in connection with a previously proposed LNG Export Terminal Project.
"We are pleased to have completed this important step in the permitting process. Due to the site's location on the east bank of the Mississippi River, we have exceptional access to natural gas pipeline capacity which provides access to significant gas supply basins including the Marcellus, Stack & Scoop and Haynesville with minimal pipeline construction requirements," said James Lindsay, the Company's Co-Founder. "Once permitting and final investment decision is reached, our facility will provide invaluable economic benefits to the region, and enhance Louisiana's position as a vital supplier to the world's energy markets."
"We believe that our 600+ acre site will be the most cost-effective LNG project on the Gulf of Mexico. Our site has over 6,500 linear feet of river frontage with an existing water depth of 65 feet, no anticipated dredging requirements, minimal lateral pipelines to construct, and a modular construction technology that will provide considerable process efficiency," said Tom Burgess, the company' s co-founder.
Assuming that various contingencies are satisfied, including Pointe LNG's receipt of financing and all necessary permits and approvals, such that it reaches a final investment decision, construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021 with initial operations expected in the first quarter of 2025.
Pointe LNG is a privately held company based in New Orleans, Louisiana.
View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pointe-lng-requests-ferc-pre-file-review-for-plaquemines-parish-lng-export-facility-300717779.html
SOURCE Pointe LNG
Copyright (C) 2018 PR Newswire. All rights reserved


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Event Information
Date: 13 Feb 2017 until 10 Mar 2017
Time: All Day
Europe Direct Centre: Ballinasloe Library
Location: Event Centre
Event Description
Ballinasloe EDIC in association with the Fit Towns Ballinasloe 2017 team are running a design competition confined to local second level schools, Ard Scoil Mhuire and St. Joseph's College, Garbally.
Ballinasloe has once again entered the race to compete for the title of Galway's Fittest Town in 2017. The competition is an initiative of Galway Sports Partnership with the objective of encouraging and supporting people from all areas of our community to get out and #BeActive! The Fit Town Team have worked in partnership with a number of groups, clubs, organisations and schools throughout the community to schedule a variety of programmes and events over the 6 week period – details are available online here and also in the current edition of Ballinasloe Life.
To complement this project, Europe Direct Ballinasloe Library is collaborating with the Fit Town Team and the two Post Primary Schools in the town to launch an 'Exploring Ballinasloe' competition. The competition is project based (max 4 people) and the challenge is to design a poster which will promote Ballinasloe as a destination that appeals to people who enjoy outdoor pursuits including walking, running, cycling, water sports, horse-riding and golf – for walking, running, cycling we encourage you where possible, to include references to the local routes and landscape.
The competition is confined to students of both second level school in Ballinasloe, St. Joseph's College Garbally and Ardscoil Mhuire.
We encourage teams to look at all visual, audio and technological aids which would enhance the project including art; photography; infographics; maps; and, if considering an interactive poster, video; audio; music soundtracks. So it doesn't have to be a poster!


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Architecture & Heritage
Create Accurate Triangle Meshes: You can use the Point Cloud to Mesh and Mesh Repair/Editing tools to convert large point clouds to triangle meshes with high accuracy.
Create a Low Polygon Building: You can use the Extract Plane command in the Construction module to extract planar area from point clouds to create a low-poly building.
Convert Vertex Colors to Texture:


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Meet our latest real bride blogger, Lauren Scruggs, a former model and the founder and editor of LOLO Magazine, who overcame her own personal struggles after a plane accident. Lauren is giving us the inside scoop on how she planned her winter wedding to E! News *host Jason Kennedy! From finding her dream dress and managing her guest list to balancing work, her relationship and moving into a new home, Lauren documented every step of the big-day process for BRIDES. *
Before I went wedding dress shopping, I created a Pinterest board, browsed designer galleries online, and pinned options that I loved.
I had a pretty clear idea of my dream dress: I knew that I wanted a mermaid style dress. It was important that it fit my body well, but I also wanted it to look like a wedding dress. It's a special day, so I wanted to take that moment to find something that felt so much more spectacular than just a normal dress.
My mom, my twin sister Brittany, and my best friend, Shannon, went to Stanley Korshak — which is a family-owned department store in Dallas — to try on dresses the first week after I got engaged. They carry every designer and showcase such beautiful gowns. That first day I tried on eight dresses, and I was really torn between two. One was just so pretty, but I didn't quite feel like me in it. As were about to leave, I asked if I could try on the other dress I was considering just one more time.
Photo: Courtesy of Lauren Scruggs
I put it on and I couldn't stop crying. I'm not a very emotional person. But it was this cry I couldn't hold in — I just loved it so much. I think that's how I knew it was the one. It's a beautiful, fitted mermaid wedding dress from Romona Keveza and it has layers of ivory and white, so it feels warm, romantic and very feminine.
An amazing designer from Dallas named Nardos Imam contacted me and asked if she could design a dress for me, but at that point I had already chosen my gown. So instead she made me a second dress to wear to my reception, and it was such a lovely experience. She created a light blush pink dress for me with a low back and beautiful big bow — it's so beautiful.
Finding my dress went pretty smoothly, but it's been a little more of a challenge with my bridal party. My twin sister is my maid of honor, and I'll have seven ladies total in my party. (Jason has 11 groomsmen, which we actually narrowed down from his original pick of 20!)
Picking a bridesmaid dress was actually harder than finding my own gown. We worked with Watters and we settled on a pretty sandy grey color.
Initially, we picked a purple dress in a different silhouette. I emailed one of my bridesmaids a photo of the new dress, and she told me she was unsure about it. I really wanted all of my girls to love what they're wearing, so I asked her to come see it in person before I made any final decisions. Luckily, she loved it!