text:
Return of the Long Night
Main Page
Campaign Journal Pages – Work in Progress Tracking only
|Chapter 5: Of Fire and Ice
|(Game System used: HARP)
Chapter 5: Journey to The Isles of Blue Light (6052 Fall, Ordyen 35 – Kyayen 37)
Explore Yaalc Aenawg (Guardian Circle of Song)
Explore The Temple to Yaalc Muul and find a way into the caves below
Chapter 5a: Into The Bridge Caves (6052 Fall, Aryen 38 – Purlyen 40)
Explore the spheres and caverns to find the Salufis Tree and Yaalc's hidden Vault
Chapter 5b: The Tower of Lost Magic (6052 Fall, Orhayen 41)
Explore the Tower's Oval Chambers and High Chamber, find Elemental Books and a strange throne
Chapter 5c: The Demon's Sword (6052 Fall, Buryen 42)
Chapter 5d: The Absence of life (6052 Fall, Buryen 42 – Melyen 44)
Confront Aalk Athimurl (The Absence of Life) Order and discover their terrible secret: The Orb of Unlife
*All above done *
Move to another chapter? Link how?
Chapter 5e: The path of the Phoenix (6052 Fall, ??)
Of Ice & Fire & the Sea: The Isles of Blue Light – Seeking the Salufa flower
2.1 Journey to Mur Fostisyr (Land of Blue Light), a bridge connecting to the Isles of Blue Light or Aargirpiri). (p74).
Explore Yaalc Aenawg (K. "Guardian Circle of Song")
2.2 Explore Bridge Caves (p79)
2.3 Find Tower of Lost Magic – Isle of Lost Magic (p88) …. see tower diagrams
2.4 Explore Fortress Aalk Athimurl – Find Orb of Unlife (+1 Dark knowledge)
Perform Ritual – Absence of Life against the Orb of Unlife
(final session: Mar 5th 2009 – level 5: "Of Fire & Ice…")
2.5 Link to information from Valaan – Crowns, Nomikos…
Go see help from Sage Gilthanus…
Need to add infor on:
- The Unheat Sword (from Demon Raathmaauriig) – refer to Ritual for Demonic Capture
Volume III – The Grand Campaign
|Chapter 6: The Secret Eye
|(Game System used: TBD)
Chapter 6: Prologue – The World Shakes (6053 Winter, Orhayen 1 – New Year)
Shortly after midnight on New Year's Day, a massive earthquake rocks the entire planet. Huge hurricane-sized flow-storms wreak havoc across the planet. Thousands are killed in the days that follow.
Chapter 6a: The Road to Knowledge and Wisdom (6053 Winter, ???)
Where a library can teach you more than books ever could
- Go see help from Sage Gilthanus…
- The Phoenix Pendant: (information on Tethior)
- Travel to Nomikos (learn of monks, etc)
Learn of Zener Morndaak at Nomikos… more information
Learn more about the Tower of Magic, Isles of Blue Light
Learn about the "Eye of Utha" and what is happening
- Moulin has dream of Journey ahead (including travelling to Nomikos): A prophetic dream of the journey ahead
|Chapter 7
|(Game System used: tbd)
- Travel to Tanara via Navigator…. flowstorm to Zor
Places – Geography, Regions & Major cities
- Kulthea – the planet
- Region Lore – Jaiman – North-West Jaiman region including Saralis
- Region Lore – Emer – needs fixing
Regions of Emer:
- Region Lore – Haestra
- Region Lore – Uj
- Region Lore – Itanis
- Region Lore – Stroane
- Region Lore – Port of Izar
- Region Lore – Talæn
- Region Lore – Sarnak
- Region Lore – Zinvar
- Region Lore – Ton-Bor
- Region Lore – Onar: realm of the Kinsai
- Region Lore – Malqanar
- Region Lore – Ræl
- Region Lore – Naal and Ansidus
- Region Lore – Folenn
- Region Lore – Vog Mur – map added; need information
- Region Lore: Rhaak
- Region Lore – Kelestia (GM only at this stage)
- Region Lore – Quellbourne (GM only at this stage)
- Region Lore – Ulor (GM only at this stage)
- Region Lore – Xa-ar – Need more information – sort in conjunction with Saralis
- U-Lyshak – The Watchtowers of U-Lyshak (GM Only)
- The Library of Nomikos
- Gryphon College
- Changramai Monastery – additional GM information included
History & Lore
- Lore-Iylari Blacksmiths-Krelij and Tethior – see also items created by Tethior
- Cult of Arnak – GM only
Items created by Tethior
- Six Crowns – Lore – Crowns, Swords and Pendants of Jaiman
- The Ilarsiri
- The Narselkin
- Absence Blades, of Tethior: The Unheat Sword & The Uncold Sword
- The Essaence Blades: the Blade of Shadow & the Blade of Light
- The Dragon Blades: Dragon Claw, Dragon Horn, Dragon Tooth
Items from Saralis
|Special Item
|Location Found
|Blue Tree Crown
|Moulin – David
|Tomb of Sirdia-Mah
|Byrk Syrkakarg – ("Belt of the Greatking")
|Moulin – David
|Tomb of Sirdia-Mah
|Twelve Amulets of Mah-ilari – Essence
|Costa – Michael
|Tomb of Sirdia-Mah
|Twelve Amulets of Mah-ilari – Channeling
|Avalon – Brad
|Tomb of Sirdia-Mah
|Twelve Amulets of Mah-ilari – Mentalism
|Trevor – Chris
|Tomb of Sirdia-Mah
|Twelve Amulets of Mah-ilari – Arms
|Huan – Nick
|Five Moon Onerry, Saralis
|Helm of the Lord Keeper
|Ta'ak – Steve
|Tree Sphere
|The King's Hammer
|Ta'ak – Steve
|Tomb of Velik-Mah
|Staff of the Forsaken
|Tomb of Velik-Mah
|Hammer of the Guardians of the Mah-ilari
|Trevor – Chris
|Tree Sphere, inside Bridge Caves
|Collar of the Greatking
|Visor of Sight
|Moulin – David
|Yaalc Aenawg, Holy Site
|Elven Dagger
|Costa – Michael
|Tomb of Ugus Fost
|The King's Armour Suit
|Trevor – Chris
|Tomb of Ugus Fost
|Dagger of Elf Slaying
|Tomb of Ugus Fost
|Potion of Lifegiving: Restores life within 1 hour of death
|Gollum – Brent
|Tomb of Sirdia-Mah
|Potion of Lifegiving: Restores life within 1 hour of death
|Huan – Nick
|Tomb of Sirdia-Mah
|The Uncold Sword
|Huan – Nick
|Yaalc Aenawg, Holy Site
|The Unheat Sword
|Trevor – Chris
|from demon Raathmaauriig
|Cloak of Deflections
|Costa – Michael
|The Aalk Athimurl
|Ring of the High Priest Athimurl
|Avalon – Brad
|Isle of Lost Magic
|Dragon Claw (Kuugoraax)
|Moulin – David
|The Aalk Athimurl
|Dragon Horn (Kuugoruum)
|Dragon Tooth (Kuugorkhiin)
|Valaan Mahrindi
|Wand of Light
|Costa – Michael
|Tower of Lost Magic
|Staff of Spheres
|Given to Valaan Mahrindi
|Staff of Storms
|Avalon – Brad
|Bridge Caves
|Staff of Souls
|Costa – Michael
|Bridge Caves
|Phoenix Pendant
|Moulin – David
|Underground Tomb
|Flute Key
|Avalon – Brad
|Tower of Lost Magic
|Twig Bridge
|Avalon – Brad
|Tower of Lost Magic
|a red crystal
|Avalon – Brad
|Tower of Lost Magic
|a purple crystal
|Avalon – Brad
|Tower of Lost Magic
|Location Found
|Costa – Michael
|Tomb of Ugus Fost
|Moulin – David
|Temple of Yaalc Muul
|Avalon – Brad
|At Yaalc Aenawg, "Guardian Circle of Song" Holy Site
|Gollum – Brent
|Junglesphere, Bridge Caves
|Huan – Nick
|Five Moon Onerry, Saralis
|Trevor – Chris
|Inside Bridge Caves, in pool on Tree Platform
Elemental Books – found in Tower of Lost Magic
|Elemental Book of Fire
|Costa – Michael
|Elemental Book of Air
|Costa – Michael
|Elemental Book of Water
|Costa – Michael
|Elemental Book of Light
|Costa – Michael
|unusable: title page missing
|Elemental Book of Earth
|Costa – Michael
|unusable: title page missing; maybe in Rapata book shop?
Prophecy and Tales
- Dream – Moulin – A prophetic dream of the journey ahead
- Races (of Kulthea)
Historical figures of note
- Tethior the Smith (character link: Tethior)
- Krelij (character link: Krelij)
- Ugus Fost
- Andraax (character link: Andraax)
- Utha
- The Empress Kadaena
- The Nameless One
GM Only
- Luarto Shang (character link: Luarto Shang)
- Valaan Mahrindi (character link: Valaan Mahrindi)
- Pantheon: The Lords of Orhan
Additional information on specific gods (religon lore): Reann (GM only)
- Pantheon: The Dark Gods
- Pantheon: Kelestian Deities
- Religion of the Jan (GM only at this stage)
- Other Religious Entities (GM only at this stage)
Miscellany & Glossary
- Unlife
- Loremasters
- Navigators & the Navigator Guild
- Dragonlords (GM only)
- Itanis Warlocks (GM only)
- Essænce (Glossary entry)
Specific game rules on Magic, for example
- Dark Knowledge (on Rules page)


text:
Sales Force Effectiveness Department
We have a opening with a leading US MNC in SFE Department based at Bangalore.
BU Sales Analytics would be responsible for analyzing and reporting business trends. Responsibilities include broadly business data collection, management and trend analysis, reporting insights, evaluating field force effectiveness, commercial excellence and performance monitoring. The position collaborates with cross functional teams and external stakeholders, as required. This position will report to Head - Commercial Analytics & Insights and is an individual contributor role.
- Create, Implement & Manage Analytics tools which will provide actionable analysis for the businesses
- Sales incentives calculations as per defined criteria / parameters
- BU Specific segmentation and targeting exercises (BUs would be divided between the team)
- Analyze the field performance based on their key performance indicators and identify areas of improvement; generate red flag reports to highlight deviation in performance.
- Constantly working on improving SFE KPIs of all the Business Units through various reports, analysis, follow ups & field interactions
- Creating & Providing key Market insights, analysis based on sources like IMS, Ipsos to the business teams for informed & effective decision making
- Analyze and Monitor the efficiency of the Sales lines / BUs through the use of different measurement tools that will contribute in the achievement of sales targets of various brand
This is an individual contributor role.
You can share this story by using your social accounts:
Comments are closed.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
is a city that Nietszche loved. Enough said? One arrives to this city
amid a cacophony of honking car horns. It requires some concentration on
the part of the tourist to avoid getting run over. There really isn't much in
Turin for the casual sight-seer.
Click on a thumbnail to view a larger image.
Nikon F80, Lenses: Nikkor 28-80mm AF D, 70-300mm AF ED
Film: Fuji Provia 100, scanned with the Epson Perfection 1640SU.
Copyright 2001 ArtemisWorks


text:
This standard covers the basic design principles and functions
required of gas meter installations.
These procedures apply to all new, onshore, gas supply meter
installations of flow rate > 6m3 h-1 and
MOP upstream ≤ 38 bar. It covers diaphragm, rotary displacement,
turbine and ultrasonic meters. They cover installations intended to
carry Natural Gas that are wholly downstream of the emergency
control valve, in which case the installation is not part of the
network. It contains details of:


text:
Mayday! Mayday!
It's Ceri May's birthday
Send all you can immediately
Poems, presents, remedies
For life's interior maladies
Something vintage from out of the past
Something modern to take us forth
Best of all, offer a drink, at the interval, meanwhile…
Listen to a ghost, that's taken over its host
It's like Derek Acorah's in the room
Unnerving the quiet with its lines from beyond the grave
But thus is its ghastly contribution made
If you come late, wait
outside, nod and applaud
As if you heard
some nervous whisperer's words
Squeeze in tight beside someone you might
ordinarily not want to sit tight to
Please give it up, with good grace, to a piece of cake
The birthday woman, the lonely girl
The mathematical formula that reduces the mean age of all
The compere without compare, well once a month,
every Tuesday, Ceri May
You've been reading
The book of the week
By a boring writer
Who's boring into your soul with his malaise
Damaging, moving around the very life inside you
He writes in cliché and it feels false
Indeed you can't remember what he has wrote
The monotony, the whole dry experience
Has left you feeling tired and wanting rest
So you close the book for now
The next day, when your energies have returned
You pick it up again
Heavy though it is
and try and get used to it
It's a 'must read'
They did say it was very good
Not fully awake, too busy for clear thinking
To a man dragging out a story for so long
That everyone's life's in danger
You're not enjoying your reading like before
When you open your mouth
You're caught by surprise
At the steady pace of your conversation
Appear before your eyes
Some point later down the road
The full effect
Mired in commonplace
And don't know how so
No one will say
They're trying to get away
Whatever you do
Don't turn to writing
She sent me the briefest line
In reply to my dispatch
I appreciate the style
I took a look at my watch
She sent me the briefest line
I thought it was good writing
It didn't waste her time
Emma the Jaileress
She passes the cells every evening
A man's voice cries out: "Have mercy, free me!"
A half-curled smile appears on her young face
(Set of) keys dangling round a slender waist
'Let them all learn that time will pass them by
I'm sick listening to their daily whines
I've my zines to write, and cakes to bake
A dress to start, and lists to make'
She sits down and begins a frugal meal
Ruminates in silence: the Jaileress
Sadist, secret sweetheart, and masochist
Complicated, sad, wilful, intense
Slightly stooped, nice beak, her large eyes just sit
An odd Owl: t'what, t'who, disturbed it?
She's the sort of bird
That if Fritzl had her
He'd have been trying to escape
They hear the sound of her steel heel, move upwards
To her room, tower's top; enter, turn the lock
She trying again to forget what love was
Try tell a timepiece to forget its tick-tock
She's aware, hardly cares, that she dwells in gloom
The single bed, night-time book, the single room
And the scene lit up by a silvery moon
Which watches with care at her undress
The moon has always had a delicate eye for this
May one prisoner break out tonight and steal away
Her keys and habits, release her into day
An owl awake in the moonlight
The lune up above in the heavens
Another night about to begin
A very hot sunny day
My pale skin does not like its feel
My head is bothered, and clothes seem tight
I do not like the sunny side of life
But just to my right I see
Such a stately oak tree
Acorn brown hair on top
Long lean trunk with limbs beneath
And I just want to lie
Down beside her
And be calm in her shade
Content and now untroubled
I notice there is a gentle breeze
I hear the hum of the hot ground
And stretch out in pleasant inactivity
Here are nice people, all dressed in light clothing
I wonder what she looks like uncovered?
Should I ask?
The art student came
Into the hall
He started hustling
Behind his table stall
He's "so excited"
Thinks he can deceive all
Together with his art
There was no worth
I didn't meet his girlfriend
She sneered from afar
I picked up his work, then he smiled
at a skinny girl by the bar
He was intellectual
He offered his thoughts
It was not a surprise
I'd heard them before
The good-looking art student
Went to the RCA
"I'm doing my MA"
Said he was so lucky
That he'd such talented
I guess they were lucky too
I could hear the sound
of hands on backs
I sought an exit
"Mexico was amazing"
Where do they go that isn't?
"Definitely", doesn't mean that
"It was soooo good", means nothing
He wasn't really there
Another one
Work's a dead end
Maybe works a rear end
At the end of the night
I met so many the same
There was not much of him
He worked a rear end
At the end of the night
The Swimming Pool
Early morning, cycling there
Half-asleep reception staff
Passed on way to changing rooms
A busy scene, clothes removed
Scanning the room, buns in pairs
All the usual
Know them to see them
But I don't talk
With undressing men
Or converse in showers
With soaping sorts
I keep a strict face, no laughs
A nod of acknowledgement at most
I see guys with army-like equipment
Special drinks, fabrics, lean measurements
Skin tight clothing and cycling helmets
Men with abs, shaved heads and speedo trunks
Men with products, flip-flops, hairless hunks
Out I stroll
Quite Out of shape
And assess the pool
Its inhabitants and their states
Intense faces in the fast lane
seeking an edge
The middle lane swimmers simply average
A few pensioners doing early morning constitutional
Slowly paddling in the pool
Cheerful cockneys with old tooth grins
and gleaming chains
Gay old men with little taches
Who are very thin
The campest one likes to talk to the big black man
Not really saying anything
of note that I can ascertain
All those big dark muscles shine
In the dewy wet they glisten
As he kindly answers, Tache all smiles
It's very gentle and civilized
In the morning time
One clumsy guy, hairy back, full rug
Splashing backcrawl without grace
Unattractive, short haircutted lesbians
Who never have a friendly face
Brazilian boys hanging around
Seeking paid employment to go down
Disabled people working to stay fit
An odd good-looking person, parading
At the Pool end before they take their dip
Spyed behind steamed goggles as they get in
Up ahead slowly crawling
The angry faced anorexic woman
Won't move out of the way for anyone
You feel angry as well as sorry too
We've all got problems luv, not just you
Climb out heavy limbed
Content you've done your bit
Relaxing in the shower, getting clean
Towel in front of the mirror
Pursing lips and turning round
Delude yourself you're looking lean
I find it a somewhat tense affair
To share water
With near naked strangers
And one stranger than the next
But what I like, and what's good and true
Is that you get a real slice of life
At the swimming pool
From Sweden's shores
Unperturbed by storms
She has the sea becalmed
Da Da, Da Dum (name removed)
Light crystal eyes
Mouth shorn of words
Simply adorned
In second hand clothes
Cool & white, but not ice
Sentences parsed, no waste
Here is sophistication
Moving across the room with grace
Neither slow or rushed, reserved, self-possessed
A tall tribute to ease and elegance
Dark brown hair
A striking figure
Hair flows freely
To twilight music
More to her than meets the eye
A most two-sided face
I've never seen the like
At times a thing of beauty
Photogenic, handsome to be admired
Full of rich expressions
That border on sublime
Other times mundane, ordinary
Harsh, its looks being destroyed
Yet with the allure of the deep
That makes you want to peer beneath
To look in her mirror
Of Gothic beauty, sometimes horror
Is an ever-changing pleasure
One side, sweet, surprisingly warm
Full of fun, a lover of life
The old woman praised her, a good sign
Very kind, caring to her friends
Always does the right thing, understands
Knows the art of pleasing and enjoying time
Then a glimpse: vulnerability
There are many sides to this mystery
Like why she speaks in safe phrases?
The ones full of lies, what does she hide ?
I sense opportunism, deviousness
What occurs to the Big Swede's mind?
Shifting eyes , quick thinking
Stepping in and out with the right phrase
Great timing
I sense cruelty, what roams inside?
It's like there's two of them, both in disguise
I desire
To take her throat
Its beautiful white skin
And rough that calmness up
Pull her head, by the hair, to one side, and say
"Though I have no authority
I want to soften the cruelty
Remove the traces of complacency
I think are there"
Ease her off dishonesty
Make her very rare
"Don't cheapen yourself woman
You are perfect bare"
To disrupt that soothing calmness
That very sign that draws me in
Would be my unwanted gift
The one you'd rather not open
After giving her reasons to think
Pause, anything to make her feel unwhole
I'd tell her she is beautiful
How I can't take my eyes from her
Her very presence sooths my soul
Why I have to carry on
And make such a noise
And not simply accept as is?
I never can
I'm barbarian
To want to both enjoy and destroy
That which I desire
I can do no else
Strange it is
I would willingly submit
Very unusual for me
To her gaze
And sit silent and unaggrieved
Is that someone who has a spiritual hold over you?
Most unusual
And those big bones
I've never had dealings before with…. living sculpture
Clothes show off on that frame
Am I in love with her skeleton?
I spy
She eats a bun pettily
She buys a beer simply
She rests her hand on her backside quite regularly
Part model, part free-spirit, part man
An original align
Always behooved in bikers' boots
With big straps
A touch of the Nicos perhaps?
She's no fool
She's like a 300 year old soul
I must be careful here
Here's Wishing
A Happy Christmas
To Shepherds and Wise Men
Innkeepers and their Stables
To Donkeys and Sheep
Angels and Shining Stars
Babies in Mangers
Small Towns in the Land
Dreams and Prophecies fulfilled
Warnings heeded, Handmaids, Servants
To Holy People and Holy Ghosts
And for Love Open your Treasures and Give them as Offerings
Here's Wishing
A Happy Christmas
Aristocratic Manners
The Blackest Of Hair
Slicked Back
From An Alabaster Mask
Ahhh, The Horror It Brings
"Pull The String!"
From Forgotten Europe
Such Masterful Ways
Displaying Your Expressionist Fare
Up On The Silver Screen
In Silence, In The Darkness They Sat
"Dance To That!"
Old World Style
Moved Quickly To Passion
Dark Valentino With Vengeful Nature
The Studios Won't Touch Him
They Say He's Unreliable
"Hunted, like an animal!"
Last Year's Man, Forgotten, Bankrupt
Fast-Fading Alcoholic
And Drug Addict
Isn't He Dead?
No, He Always Comes Back To Life
"I'm the Sanest Man Alive"
Dark Person, Not Of The Day
The Twisted Roles You Play
Mad Scientist, Sly Hunchback, Torturer
But We Know You As Lordly Vampire
Oh Then! We Listen Only To Your Take
"The Children Of The Night, What Music They Make"
Out of bed hair
Little makeup
Urchin hands
Mixed up
Laughing eyes
Lit up
The danger that
She'll burn up
Eyes alight
The effects of…
The songs come
…. of opium
The guitar uncared for
It seems without a home
Fraying at the edges
It won't stay beautiful for long
I see a wolf at her side
Take care of it, he's chosen you
For that's what wolves are prone to do
Thinks it's found safe haven
A protectress from all
Some bohemian wild spirit
Sensitive and alluringly sexual
He's found his place, he wants to stay
But she's mixed up, and she will stray
A pickpocket smile is her way
The wanderer thinks she knows his soul
Perhaps. But how does that help him at all?
Listens to the song she sings
On the steps of a doorway
At the side of a street
In a night of 'got a light'
And 'spare some change'
Roll-up between lips and teeth
Be good to him
Because one day
It's on stranger kind
You'll rely
To bring you in
My head
Has fallen off
It is looking at me
Chop Chop
She plays a very subtle game
Beyond the limits of most people's awareness
Slipping between guise and guise
A very plausible rogue
What's her name?
Who knows?
She smiles at all the guys
She laughs with all the girls
She brings to life everything she touches
But beneath the veneer
Is a game so selfish
That would shock the world
She laughs under the sun
When the day is up
And she plays with the moon
When he turns up
She loves to play, she's so full of life
With charm to make you swoon
She is mesmeric, and
She plays every role like a great actress
Unrecognised by the reviews
Seen at first hand she is magnificent
She could play Hamlet, Macbeth
She is Geilgud, Richardson, Olivier
May she never lose that touch of genius
Which has been bestowed on her from above
It Was Raining
It Rained Against The Roof
And I Went Into The Pub
Into The Brightly Lit
Full Of Girls & Guys On The Town
I Couldn't Care Less
I Preferred The Rain
The Roof Sounded Like Board Or Tin
Would The Rain Come Within?
Gushing Gutters, Gulps of Water
Down The Pipes, Journeying To The Drain
Seeking The Very Bottom Of The World
The Drips And The Drops
The Sweeps, The Gusts
Of Wind And Spray
Across the Buildings, Trees And Earth
It Rapped Against The Glass
Panes – I Looked
But I Could Not See Clearly
Down Came The Rain
It Continued Throughout The Evening
My Spirit's At Home
Calmness Came Upon Me And Settled
"Where's that big baby gone?"
You'll hear me say, as I move around
London in my odd way
I still miss her sounds, a thousand times
I've wondered why she's not around
I'm thinking of the time
When I would hear that soothing voice
That would bring a calm
To even the most troubled sort
She who's ready to burst out
Just listen to her talk!
Her latest scheme, her latest plan
Her big idea
Like some man
With a grand design
Oh, she's not the usual you know
For she's Alexandra Levin
Take time to look, then you would see
A sensitive character, highly strung
Deeply disturbed, finely spun
From a tense thread loomed from Moscow to now
Full of fun and darkness, warmth and snow
A talented soul still uncertain of itself
Coloured by reddish hair, hazel eyes
Set in a bright white face
Trying to be tough, to deal with life
But nature decreed that's not right
Her type become strong as the seasons go
Just let her grow
I used to meet the pale thing with the clipped plum voice
The dark humour, the budget clothes
Take her hand in mine, and show her something I think great
And see if it excites her, then await
One of those so smart remarks
Or simply look upon that oft unhappy face
That's simply longing to be told it's good
and exclaim a funny phrase
I thought she'd get back in touch, after a while
Six months, a year (or the like)
The thought that she has really gone forever
From my world anyhow
And if there's no hereafter
Tells me something's askew at the heart of the universe
Marks the passing of time's course
I leave the stars in the sky
They who see us sparkle and go out
Divine her choice
As they gather in the night
For their heavenly discourse
Down here, the poem sits on my table, unhappy to be written
Then when I lay in bed, I fear it'll remain unbidden
And will go away with nothing ever said
To the Russian girl, with the reddish-brown hair
And big clever forehead
But girls find new 'friends', the stars change state
I heard on the news Pluto's lost his place
He's no longer a planet, just a piece of icy rock that orbits
The furthest reaches of what our astronomers know about
Yet his face hasn't changed, he still looks the same
Pluto, old star, someone's taken your place
A girl is perfect, a girl is a girl
But you're now a young woman, and for this new world
I give you a poem, fashioned like a ring
To add to your collection of beautifying things
I've tried to make it a perfect circle, to fit just right
Made to be true to itself, yet true to life
You're full of goodwill, let's spend some time together
But they're glued to the T.V., "come and watch it"
Tension over the Christmas Dinner, criticism of the sprouts
Too hard, needed butter, not as good as last year
Selfish kids grasping for presents – lack of thank you
General disappointment in the day
People complaining: "I ate too much", "I spent too much", "There's nothing on"
Unhappy people
Christmas in the Old People's Home, "Who am I?"
People without families, lonely
The seriously ill, the dominated, those who aren't free
Black people killing, raping, burning, looting
Congo, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Sudan
Help the Homeless at Christmas
what about the rest of the year?
'Feed the World' sung by millionaires
Forced gaiety, pressure to have a good time
People saying they're going to have a better time than you
The office party, bitterness and failure – anger
Drinking as much free booze as possible as for once the boss must pay
Helped out, carried out, stretchered out – how the hell DID you get out, and home
Alone, just that you feel it more this time of year
Feelings coming home, you ponder them at length, they just sit there
Listening to Atheists and other non-Christians do most of the talking
Pushing their angle, their grievance, their emptiness
You're an unhappy soul anyway, so why are you so bothered?
Back to work Monday but "Sales start tomorrow"


text:
A contract grade, high performance, water based, high build primer incorporating a chemical rust converter which exhibits excellent adhesion to ferrous and non ferrous substrates, affording a tough, durable coating. Suitable for application to substrates prior to application of water based acrylic finishes. Also suitable for use on structural steelwork not requiring over-coating.
Available in Grey in 5.0 Litre containers. (Subject to minimum batch mixes).
Coverage: 8 sq metres per Litre depending on application method.
Our Price: £P.O.A.


text:
Lloyd Wright's Infamous Sowden House Is On the Market
In 1926, architect Lloyd Wright (yep, son of Frank) built this "neo Mayan" home in Los Feliz for friend and artist John Sowden. The property is currently for sale for $4.7 million.
The Sowden House has drawn quite a few comparisons and critiques in its 90 year existence; it's known as the Jaws House for resembling the gaping mouth of a Great White Shark, and Apartment Therapy staffers are convinced it could serve as the set of a Legends of the Hidden Temple revival (Blue Barracudas FTW). It has been criticized for its use of cheap concrete blocks, but it's also been named to the National Register of Historic Places (1971) and a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument (2003).
It also has an infamous past: it was home to Dr. George Hodel, who was named as a prime suspect in the Black Dahlia case. His own son, former homicide detective Steve Hodel, claims the murder happened in the house in 1947, along with other murders.
The home was renovated in the early 2000s after being dubbed "a wreck" by buyer Xorin Balbes (serial killers are perhaps not great homeowners). Lloyd Wright's son, Eric, praised the open kitchen and the landscaping, but questioned the decision to add a pool and spa to the courtyard.
The 5,600 square foot house has four bedrooms, six bathrooms, and lots of dramatic architectural details surrounding modern conveniences. The property currently has a pending offer—no word on whether they're negotiating a price cut for those potential dead bodies in the yard.


text:
Products descripton:
A sporty approach leads to winning results. Ray-Ban's sleek shiny black, plastic frame has green, glass lenses that shield 100% of harmful UV rays. When it comes to your hot, new look, you've hit it out of the park!* With Ray Ban RB4151 Sunglasses Black Frame Crystal Grey Gradient Lens being a key trend this season, the original creators, Ray Ban, have designed this stylish pair of shades. Suitable for most face shapes they feature a narrow frame. All Ray Ban Sunglasses give 100% protection against UVA and UVB sunlight.* This stylish Ray Ban RB4151 Sunglasses are one of the most unique Ray Ban frames.


text:
Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy to team up for cop buddy movie for director Paul Fieg
Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy will team up for an untitled cop buddy flick from director Paul Fieg (BRIDESMAIDS). Written by Parks and Recreation's Katie Dippold, the film the movie "details the strained working relationship between an uptight FBI agent, played by Oscar winner Bullock, and an unconventional Boston cop, played by Oscar nominee McCarthy."
Bullock is no stranger to comedy and has been doing kooky girl comedies long before she was winning golden statues for bossing around football players while rocking a mini-skirt (see: THE PROPOSAL, ALL ABOUT STEVE, MISS CONGENIALITY). She'll likely tackle this project after wrapping Alfonso Cuaron's GRAVITY, while McCarthy is busy filming the new Seth Gordon comedy IDENTITY THIEF with Jason Bateman.
Although this likely won't go before the lens until later this year, I think the team-up is a great comedic pairing and it's nice to see two strong female performers in a buddy cop flick as I think I've already seen every possible scenario of male performers in this genre. Let's see what the ladies can do.
More as this develops.
|Extra Tidbit:
|I think McCarthy has the potential to really break out if she plays her cards right and that'd be a cool thing to see happen. What do you think of her success thus far?


text:
LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Foreign companies cut back sharply on new investments in the euro zone's two largest economies in the first six months of 2011, deterred by the currency area's fiscal and banking crises, according to figures released by a United Nations agency Tuesday.
The decline in new investments in Germany and France was part of a broader pull-back from developed economies in favor of their developing counterparts, which have grown much more rapidly since the onset of the financial crisis in 2008.
According to a report by the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, foreign direct investment in the U.S. fell by 49% from the final six months of last year to $74 billion, while inflows to China rose 12% to $61 billion. In recent years China has been a distant second to the U.S. as the world's leading destination for foreign investment, but it is fast closing the gap. Indeed, if flows to Hong Kong are added to China's, the total rises to $111 billion.
The main exceptions to the global trend were the U.K. and Ireland. The former attracted $82 billion in new investment in the six months to June, up a massive 250% from the second half of last year, while the latter attracted $30 billion, up 66% from the previous period.
Investment in Ireland exceeded the combined total for Germany and France by almost $10 billion. The euro zone's largest economies have been pressuring Ireland to raise its corporate tax rate, which stands at 12.5%.
Foreign businesses invested just $6.6 billion in Germany during the first six months of the year, down 73% from the second half of last year, and just $14 billion in France, down 17%.
FDI in developed economies fell by 3.9% to 353.1 billion, while FDI to developing economies rose 7.3% to $326.5 billion, while FDI to the economies of central and eastern Europe rose 17.6% to $41.1 billion.
Global FDI flows rose by 2% from the second half of last year, but UNCTAD said the total for 2011 is likely to be 25% below peak levels, which were reached in 2007, before the onset of the financial crisis.
James Zhan, director of UNCTAD's investment and enterprise division, warned that the anemic pickup in FDI flows could have harmful consequences for global growth, given that many governments are cutting back on investment spending as they struggle to lower high budget deficits.
"Investors are becoming more cautious," said Zhan. "Public investment is running out of steam, while private investment is not picking up the slack."
Foreign direct investment in Africa rose 4.5% to $30.2 billion, and to Latin America rose 5.1% to $94.2 billion, $32 billion of which went to Brazil. Foreign direct investment in the Middle East fell 32.9% to $20.8 billion, despite a pickup in Turkey.
"It suffered from the impacts of the spreading protests in the Arab world," UNCTAD said.
Foreign direct investment can take several forms, including mergers and acquisitions, building new facilities from scratch, and reinvesting profits earned from overseas operations.
During the financial crisis and the recession that followed, M&A activity fell sharply, particularly among developed economies. But UNCTAD said it rose strongly in the first half of this year, and at $352 billion was up 38% from the first six months of 2010.


text:
. . . And the Winners Are . . .
In these little bags, you will each find a pretty little pair of bobbles for your ears! ENJOY!
Sarah, if you could email me with your address, I will pop these in the mail to you! firstname.lastname@example.com
Also, I simply must share this guy with you:
I passed by the larger (and much pricier) version of this little guy several times before breaking down and deciding i would be sad if i left the island without him! And though my view of him has changed just a little bit since herb called him Elvis and our innkeeper called him Richard Nixon, i still love him!
And in case you need proof that we were actually on this glorious vacation, here are a few pics of herb and i from the trip . . . (were you begining to think that i just downloaded a bunch of pics off of google images?)
Labels: decorating, gifts, guest room, things that are delightfully silly and absurd


text:
Fourth Annual PATH Symposium: Physical Activity and Women's Health
We will explore emerging women's health research on topics that have traditionally centered on men; consider physical, physiologic, social, and environmental factors that influence participation in physical activity, particulary among women; and discover where research on physical activity and women's health is leading the charge to impact the health of all Canadians.
The day will include 6 exciting plenary talks with a focus on women's health research, a catered lunch, a student poster session with poster prizes awarded, and an opportunity for attendees to mingle with refreshments served following the final speaker.
Symposium Schedule
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Registration and Coffee
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM: Opening Remarks
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM: Research talk- Julie Cote, PhD, McGill University
Title: Sex, gender and pathomechanisms of musculoskeletal health: Do muscles have a gender?
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM: Trainee highlight: Jason Bouffard
10:20 AM – 10:35 AM: Coffee break
10:35 AM – 11:20 AM: Research talk- Charlotte Usselman, PhD, John B. Pierce Lab, Yale University
Title: Cardiovascular health in women across the reproductive lifespan
11:20 AM – 12:05 PM: Research – Practice link - Wendy Wray, RN, BScN, MScN, Women's Healthy Heart Initiative, MUHC
Title: Physical Activity- A View from the Women's Healthy Heart Initiative
12:05 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch, Poster Presentations, and Exhibitor Displays
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM: Research talk- Jennifer Brunet, PhD, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa
Title: Physical activity: A game changer for preventing and controlling cancer
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM: Research talk - Lindsay Duncan, PhD, Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University
Title: The role of physical activity on physical health and psychosocial outcomes in caregivers.
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM: Coffee break
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM: Research talk - Lucie Levesque, PhD School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University
Title: Community-engaged physical activity intervention research with Indigenous peoples
3:45 PM – 4:05 PM: Trainee highlight: Shannon Herrick
4:05 PM – 4:20 PM: Poster Awards and Closing Remarks
4:20 PM – 6:00 PM: Wine and Cheese


text:
Il Generale Della Rovere was Roberto Rossellini's only post-Open City film to be critically and commercially successful upon its initial release, a fact that reportedly irritated the great Italian director to no end. To reviewers, the picture signaled a welcome return to the settings and themes of Rossellini's neorealist origins after years of baffling experiments; to Rossellini himself, however, the project marked a step backward toward safe territory after more daring, exploratory works.
Bardone (Vittorio De Sica) is a graying, small-time swindler in 1943 Genoa, supporting his gambling habit by palming off phony jewels and bilking money from the relatives of Gestapo prisoners. Arrested, he's offered a deal by the Nazis: In exchange for a pardon, he will impersonate General Della Rovere, a Resistance hero who was killed prematurely. Bardone is sent to prison in hopes that his disguise will draw information from the other prisoners of war, but as he gets to know their cause and witnesses Nazi tortures, his assignment goes from another charade in the con man's life to the painful awakening of his political conscience.
A fascinating crossroads in Rossellini's career, the film looks back at the furious urgency of his earlier postwar sketches and ahead to the contemplation of his later, stylized portraits. Artifice mingles with rawness: grainy newsreel views of wartime depredations segue into the reconstructed rubble of Cinecittà studio sets, location filming coexists with rear projection. Some critics saw this mix as a betrayal of neorealist ideals, yet it's a strategy that strikingly reflects the impulses increasingly at odds within the protagonist.
General Della Rovere takes its shape from the progress of Bardone's masquerade, from the perfunctory "Be strong, boys" he first gives his awed fellow cellmates to the night he quells air-raid hysteria with a heroic conviction which startles himself above all. The film builds to a characteristically devastating Rossellinian moment, as Bardone becomes Della Rovere by impulsively taking his place in front of the Nazi firing squad. To Rossellini, cinema's great moments are the ones that bridge performance and life, when barriers separating the player and the mask break down. It's no accident that the final image of the executed prisoners, slumped against a fresco of a painted cityscape, functions as both the cast's final bow on a blatant stage and a trenchant glimpse of history's collective horrors.
Rossellini's stylistic gambit hinges on the contrast between the grittiness of stock footage and the cleaner grays of studio scenery, so it's a relief to see the Criterion transfer's huge improvement over the film's old VHS print, which reduced everything to the same coarse, cracked texture. The mono sound is clean during conversations, but rather underwhelming during the air-raid explosions.
The Rossellini brood (daughters Isabella and Ingrid, son Renzo) gather for engaging video interviews, each offering an astute appreciation of the film and revealing a different artistic aspect of "Father." (My favorite: Isabella recalling how the director casually placed the Golden Lion Award he'd won for the film amid her toys for her to play with.) More analytical comments come courtesy of an interview with film scholar Adriano Apra and an insightful video essay by Rossellini biographer Tag Gallagher. Also included are the theatrical trailer and a booklet with a new essay by James Monaco and an interview with the late Indro Montanelli, whose book inspired the film.
Overrated when first released and underrated since, Rossellini's trenchant tale of redemption is ripe for rediscovery.


text:
Cal State San Bernardino's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Foster Youth Program was established in 2003. The Program is committed to providing comprehensive support services to EOP eligible, current and former foster youth as they transition into the university and through to graduation. The success of the EOP Foster Youth Program is a result of services provided through the collaborative efforts of various campus departments at Cal State San Bernardino and community partners.
5500 University Pkwy. University Hall, Room UH-395
San Bernardino, CA 92407
909- 537-5042
Fostering Success Michigan is a statewide initiative that aims to increase access and success in higher education and post-college careers for youth with experience in foster care. Learn how you can contribute to building a holistic network that insulates (i.e., strengthens protective factors and reduces risks) the education to career "pipeline."Make a Donation


text:
Want our latest case study?
Learn how the City of Greenville found a public artist for a plaza art installation. Fill in your email to receive a FREE link to our latest case study.
Please log in or register for free to write a comment.
I found the work a cheery, optimistic addition to a hospital. Excellent choice.
"Leave good footprints." -Ellen Kochansky, artist


text:
Orega Aberdeen is located in the brand new and prestigious Silver Fin Building. Based your Virtual Office at the best building in town.
Suitable for businesses big and small, your MyOrega Virtual Office package can include everything you need to grow quickly. You'll benefit from a range of business support services including call answering services, a professional reception team and a business address to impress your clients.
One of the quickest and most affordable ways to grow your business, your Virtual Office can be up and running within 24 hours.
The Silver Fin building,
Union Street,


text:
This is the third entry in the Christian round of the 2013 Ideological Turing Test. This year, atheists and Christians responded to questions about sex, death, and literature.
First, polygamy should be legal. Civil marriage is a whole different beast from religious marriage (I specify "religious" rather than "sacramental" because not all denominations or religions believe that marriage is sacramental and I want to acknowledge that), and there is no legal reason to outlaw civil polygamy. The idea that it would lead to greater inequality for women is unfounded; it would be sexist to allow polygyny and still outlaw polyandry or polygynandry, of course, but that's not what contemporary polygamy activists are fighting for. Inheritance, divorce, and taxation could be tricky, but legal complexity is not grounds for a practice's criminalization. There isn't sufficient evidence to show that polygamy is harmful by any secular definition of harm. (Speculation about what a polygamist marriage would look like does not count as evidence.)
Second, there's no reason to say that polygamy is a sin. The Bible does not forbid it. Solomon's problem was polytheism, not polygamy, and the two do not share sin with the prefix. (Also, I'm not sure how religious pluralism is such a bad thing.) Titus 1:6 applies only to elders/deacons. I could give similar answers for any Bible verse you offered. Further, most of the theological models that Christian churches have made of marriage and/or sexual intercourse–covenant, flesh-fusion, construction paper and glue, etc.–are not number-dependent. (Even if they were, I don't think overly simplified metaphors are logically binding anyway.) So, lacking strong empirical evidence that polygamy is always harmful, there's no reason for Christianity to outright forbid polygamy.
That being said, I think that polygamy is often imprudent. The Quran famously limits a Muslim man to four wives, and even then only if he can satisfy all of his wives' material, emotional, and sexual needs, which is doubtful. I would argue that we adopt a similar approach, with the recognition that most people will not be able to satisfy multiple spouses' needs (even excluding the financial one, because these days there's no reason they couldn't be a five-earner household). So in most cases I would advise against it…but because I've heard that it works well for some people, I would not advise against polygamy universally. In particular instances it might be advisable: for instance, while conjoined twins usually do not share husbands or wives, it is quite understandable when they do. And in populations with a drastic gender/sex imbalance, polygamy might be a practical necessity. Some kind of ethics of polygamous marriages would need to be developed, probably ad hoc, as need arises, for those who decide to engage in it. This ethics would pertain to the relationships between all members, including those who share a spouse but are not married to each other, and it would govern the usual things like emotional honesty and expression, sharing of responsibilities, decision making, and time management, but also other matters which we likely could not predict in advance.
"Is euthanasia acceptable?" is the wrong question. The correct question is, "How do we ethically respond to another person's desire to commit suicide or assisted suicide?"
From what I can tell, the church has focused on the wrong question from early in its history: Clement drafted a condemnation of suicide in response to aspiring martyrs who thought suicide might be a moral good, since in a willing death one emulates Christ and draws nearer to him. Note that even Paul felt a similar temptation in Philippians 1:21-24; in those verses, it does not appear that Paul believed suicide would be an affront to God or a violation of the sanctity of his life. I had a professor who argued that Augustine's equation of suicide and murder was prompted by pagan claims that Christians ought to encourage suicide. Early responses to suicide were thus based on a wholly different kind of suicide than euthanasia, yet this logic remains the basis for many Christian responses to a person's desire to commit suicide.
Is this logic accessible to a non-Christian? I suspect that the previous paragraph's logic would be; while my reasoning is rooted in my understanding of the Gospels, I tried to base it in anthropology rather than explicit citations of Scripture or theology.
Bonus Question
Despite the fact that I most often read fantasy, magic realism, science fantasy, and horror, and that those are the genres I prefer to write, I would have to say that the genre which would best fit my beliefs would be the mystery novel—but it would have to be the kind which isn't neatly tied up at the end. (To be fair, I do read and watch a lot of mysteries, especially things like BBC's Sherlock and supernatural procedurals like The X-Files.) I base this on the fact that most of my criticisms about other people's claims and beliefs have something to do either with epistemology or anthropology, probably both. In mystery novels, characters try to close the gaps in their knowledge, but at the same time they must often act in spite of having woefully insufficient information. This characterizes my view of human endeavour. The only bit that would not fit is the great reveal, which I would need to destabilize. Further, I am intellectually concerned with community formation and maintenance (though I do not act enough on this concern) and I am incredibly preoccupied with morality. Mystery novels, based as they are on the rupture and repair of a social and moral order (ie. a community), would capture this preoccupation too. Perhaps if you can imagine a mystery novel that trades off between Card's character and ideas factors, rather than the events factor which usually dominates mysteries, you'll get a sense of my most ideologically efficient genre. It might be worth noting that I surprise myself with this conclusion; my hypothesis for this exercise would have been some kind of fantasy or magic realism in the vein of Jorge Luis Borges or The Fire Horse.
You can vote on whether you think these answers were written by a Christian or an Atheist here. Comments are open to discuss the substance of the post and for speculation about the true beliefs of the author, so please vote before looking at the comments.


text:
Sonya Clarke, Armyworms are wreaking havoc in southern Africa. Why it's a big deal (March Theme: Above)
They are called armyworms because when they have ravaged a crop they march along the ground like a vast army of worms in search of more food. There are at least eight countries in southern Africa that have been hit by outbreaks of armyworms. This sequence of outbreaks began in mid-December 2016 in Zambia and has spread rapidly ever since. It is now as far south as South Africa. Because armyworms feed on many of the staple food crops they have the potential to create food shortages in the region.


text:
Today's Sale Price:
You Save:
Last purchased 1 day ago
Checking inventory..
Your kid will cheer on his Wichita State Shockers with pride in this Crew adjustable hat from Top of the World! Every fan needs the right team swag, and he'll look great in sweet and simple style while sporting a bit of love for the Wichita State Shockers in this cool hat! Built with a curved bill and relaxed fit, it has has a cool faded broken-in look and feel and bold Wichita State Shockers graphics that any fan would love!
Stay updated on sales, new items and more:
©2018 Fanatics, Inc., All Rights Reserved. No portion of this site may be reproduced or duplicated without the express permission of Fanatics, Inc.


text:
"W" is for Weasles
Weasles have a reputation for being very clever. They are very small creatures with slender (thin) bodies and short legs. Their upper coats are reddish-brown clor, while their bellies (stomach areas) are white.
In Japan, weasles are called "Itachi" and in Japanese folklore, itachi (weasles) cause various strange occurrences. They are said to possess (to have, or to own something) supernatural powers. During Edo times, they are said to have caused fires.
Weasles are cute but they are predators and able to follow their prey (targeted animal victims for food) into small, narrow places, to make the kill, to eat the meat.
They are very quick and often able to outsmart their quarry (the small animals they are chasing). Sometimes, they kill chickens and rabbits.
They are about the same size of rats and were thought to be vermin (in the mouse, rat family), however, weasles belong to the "Mustela" genus. They are found all over the world, except for Australia and Antactica.
Have you ever seen a weasel ? Remeber, they are very small and move very fast ! (V.C)
while their bellies are white 一方腹部は白い
folklore 民話
follow their prey 獲物を追う
outsmart their quarry 追う獲物をうまく出し抜く
vermin 有害動物、害獣
mustela genus イタチ科
Antarctica 南極大陸


text:
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - April 8, 2008 --A state judge has issued subpoenas to clerks in six counties, ordering them to turn over voting machines that had vote-tally discrepancies on Super Tuesday.
Voting rights activists want independent experts to test the touch-screen machines to determine where and how the problems arose. Summary tapes in dozens of machines were off by one vote when compared with other internal controls.
The subpoenas are part of a lawsuit trying to force the state to scrap 10,000 electronic voting machines in use throughout New Jersey.
The activists say the machines, most made by Sequoia Voting Systems, are unreliable and prone to hacking.
Problems during the presidential primary were reported in Bergen, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Ocean and Union counties.
A letter from Sequoia's lawyer says the company will try to have the subpoenas quashed.


text:
If you're working on a project that requires any of our footage from 1959, think you need to license any of NTA footage from us, or maybe you're just interested in volume discount pricing of our clips, please contact us at +234-803-678-4575 or at [email protected] Our Library team will be happy to help you find the deal that's right for whatever your project requires. We want you to be happy.
Alternatively, you can fill the request form below to contant us.
[contact-form-7 id="13420″ title="Content Licensing Request"]


text:
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Etsy Weekend Deals from the DUSTers★2
This weekend (23-25th Oct), the Australian Etsy Team DUST is participating in Etsy's Weekend Deals, and offering fantastic discounts off everything in store!
Please include the code 'WEEKEND DEALS' in the message to seller during checkout, and discount will be given as a refund through PayPal (discount off purchase price excluding postage)
Further information is available in each store.
I'm offering 10% off store wide! (excluding SALE section items)
This is a good chance to get something for Christmas ;)
Happy shopping everyone☆ :D
http://raycious.etsy.comSakura earring
Shell matching game (Kaiawase)
The art of Kimono
Chiyogami tea light candles
Posted by Nakajima Rie at 10:02 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Go To Real Estate
The Evolution of a Development
For The ALTZ Pages by Patrick Casey
Part of an introductory series providing an overview of the entire life cycle of a large scale commercial real estate development. Josh Avidan, Managing Member of the Avidan Group, will guide us through all the major steps from concept to completion.
Get the latest information, industry news, research and portfolio insight from the ALTZ experts delivered straight to your inbox. Follow us on Twitter.
impact investing - solar - renewable - infrastructure
Effective Solar Power
Avi Aidan - Commercial Solar
by P Casey on impact investing
In April 2011, Avi Avidan, Managing Member of Avidan Managment L.L.C. constructed the largest rooftop commercial solar project in North America.
Read Article
industrial - real estate - trends
Recent Trends in Commercial Real Estate
by M Nachamkin on real estate
Michael Nachamkin, managing director at HFF, reports on recent trends regarding investment in Commercial Real Estate.
Read Article
portfolio insights - secondary markets - investing
Is the Private Secondary Market About to Enter A Downturn?
by The ALTZ Team on portfolio insights
Read Article


text:
Contact Us Today at 888-534-1116!
Winter Beach Real Estate
Winter Beach is located in Florida. Winter Beach, Florida has a population of 2,582. Winter Beach is more family-centric than the surrounding county with 35.67% of the households containing married families with children. The county average for households married with children is 20.29%.
The median household income in Winter Beach, Florida is $64,554. The median household income for the surrounding county is $44,645 compared to the national median of $53,482. The median age of people living in Winter Beach is 41.9 years.
Winter Beach Weather
The average high temperature in July is 89.4 degrees, with an average low temperature in January of 51.3 degrees. The average rainfall is approximately 54.6 inches per year, with 0 inches of snow per year.
Winter Beach, FL Homes for Sale Search all >>
Winter Beach Map
Winter Beach real estate offices
Real estate near Winter Beach
Nearby Cities
Winter Beach Zip Codes
Nearby Cities Homes for Sale


text:
Former Miami Hurricane Antrel Rolle Announces Retirement
Antrel Rolle who played on the Miami Hurricanes 2001 National Championship team, their 2002 team that had a National Championship stolen from them and the New York Giants 2011 Super Bowl Champion has announced his retirement.
Rolle finishes his NFL career with 26 interceptions, including four for touchdowns, 834 tackles, 705 solo tackles, eight forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and 70 passes defended. Rolle led the NFL with 231 interception return yards and three touchdowns in 2007 with the Cardinals.
He played five seasons with the Cardinals, five with the New York Giants and spent his last season in the NFL with the Chicago Bears in 2015.Rolle played in the Pro Bowl following the 2009, '10 and '13 seasons and was named second team All-Pro in 2010 and 2013.
Rolle played in only seven games with the Bears before a sprained MCL ended his season after seven games. He missed only one game entering the 2015 season.
As a Miami Hurricane, Rolle had five interceptions in four seasons, one that he returned for a touchdown. Rolle also had 13 kickoff returns for 203 yards and a touchdown. Rolle announced his decision appearing on Good Morning Football, the NFL Network's morning show. Rolle said:
"I'm done, yeah, I'm done," Rolle said. "I'm at peace. I'm at total peace. You know, like I said, going out, you're 33 years old going on injured reserve last year, that's going to scare a lot of teams away. I understand how the business works and I'm fine with that either way."
NFL.Com's Conor Orr showed the Hurricanes near unprecedented during UM's era under former Head Coach Larry Coker stating depth during Rolle's time with Miami, mentioning:
"While he may never be appreciated like the untouchable safety troika of Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed and Sean Taylor, who dominated the game during Rolle's run with the Cardinals and Giants, Rolle will go down as a consummate teammate, professional and captain — someone who was never afraid to stand up for a woebegone locker room during a losing streak."
Reed, Taylor, and Rolle were teammates on the Hurricanes undefeated 2001 National Championship team. Reed was a starter and one of the defensive leaders and Taylor was his backup. That Miami team was so loaded with talent that Rolle didn't even make the two-deep depth chart.
Rolle became a starting cornerback in 2002 opposite Kelly Jennings who played six NFL seasons and Taylor who moved into a starting roll(e) in place of Reed. Some contend that the 2001 Hurricanes are the best team in College Football history, a hard point to debate.
Rolle is the second 2001 Hurricanes player to retire in the last week. Andre Johnson announced his plan to step away on October 31.
More from Canes Warning
- Miami Hurricanes: Game Grades versus Pittsburgh Panthers2h ago
- Miami Hurricanes Post Highlight Reel Day in Win Over Pittsburgh1 d ago
- Miami Hurricanes vs Pittsburgh Panthers: Live Streaming and Game Info2d ago
- Miami Hurricanes vs Pittsburgh Panthers: Game Nine Preview2d ago


text:
With communities along the East Coast still dealing with the devastation caused by Hurricane Irene, President Obama traveled to New Jersey today to meet with residents and inspect damage caused by Hurricane Irene.
Obama toured Paterson, which is cleaning up from flooding caused by the Passaic River.
The president also visited Wayne, which has residential areas suffering from flooding caused by the Pompton River.
In Paterson, the President walked from house to house for a couple blocks.
"How high did the water come up?" the president asks one resident whose house had been badly damaged."
"Are you okay?" he asks another. "I'm so sorry."
Stopping to make remarks on a bridge, the president said the country should not underestimate the heartache that is going through communities cleaning up after Hurricane Irene.
"Well, obviously visiting Wayne and Paterson gives you a sense of the devastation that's taken place not only here in New Jersey, but in upstate New York and Vermont and a whole range of states that were affected by Hurricane Irene," Obama said.
Read more at Obama Inspects Flood Damage Caused by Irene – ABC News.


text:
Call (918) 212-6366 to schedule an appointment
Justbob C21:39 18 Nov 18 My paperwork took two minutes in front of the judge. Half were declined .Mine sailed through. Two minutes, no hassle. Follow instructions exactly. Angela King16:38 17 Oct 18 Excellent service. Angela was awesome she walked me step by step throughout my process and i would recommend her to everyone who needs help with a divorce..thank u so much. Mike IC22:05 25 Aug 18 They worked with me over several months due to my rather unique situation. Feedback was almost instantaneous, very responsive to texts and emails during business hours and got good advice. My option was not cheap but the very responsive customer service made it very worth it. Thank you. Highly recommend these professional folks to get you through even the stickiest divorce. Destiny Philipose22:37 20 Aug 18 Easy to work with and made the process a breeze! Who knew getting a divorce could be so easy? Highly recommend Eric to anyone looking for legal services! Anna Asbell19:59 21 Jun 18 These ladies are so kind and helpful. I was lost and they told me step by step what to do and expect. So much cheaper than any lawyer. I had no problems with their paperwork being excepted by the court. I hope I never need them again, but would definitely recommend them! Donavon Martin20:00 15 Nov 17 Very helpful, service was exceptional. Margie Johnson Danny Winkenwerder20:51 10 Nov 17 Very helpful with all of our questions. Has been quick and very efficient. Olga Cordero22:03 16 Sep 17 I received an excellent and wonderful service everybody there in the office is so nice! Maygan Dodd20:41 15 Aug 17 Very quick an very friendly will help you get the exact results you are looking for in a nasty divorce. Amanda Hodge13:43 20 Jun 17 Each part of the process comes with step by step instructions that are easy to follow. Express makes a pain in the butt event less of a pain in the butt process.See All Reviews
Things to Consider When Getting a Divorce in Tulsa
In the event of a collapse of a marriage and a separation becomes inevitable, undergoing a prolonged and agonizing divorce process may not be in the interest of the family members. In such circumstances, an uncontested divorce is an ideal way to save the family from pain and costs of a lengthy legal battle. For purposes of education, this article focuses on discussing the benefits of an uncontested divorce vs. battling with lawyers. Keep reading on to make an informed decision, whether or not it is worth contesting a divorce in court.
What is an uncontested divorce in Tulsa?
An uncontested divorce in Tulsa Oklahoma is an agreement between both spouses to break up without undergoing a long legal battle in court. The reasons for divorce may vary from one state to another, but common grounds for uncontested divorce in Oklahoma usually fall under irreconcilable incompatibility. If the parties cannot agree on an uncontested divorce, the parties can still utilize Express Documents and Mediation of Tulsa to mediate any outstanding disputes or disagreements.
How it works
In most cases, an uncontested divorce agreement often includes issues such as the following.
v Child support, custody, and visitation, where they are relevant
v Division of marital property and assets, where applicable
v Spousal support, including amount, terms as well as duration, if applicable. (note: Express Documents and Mediation, Inc. only includes alimony or spousal support if both parties agree to alimony or spousal support)
In many circumstances, the court will only grant an uncontested divorce if the disputing spouses have agreed to all conditions surrounding the divorce. The parties must agree on a division of marital property, such as a house, cars, and personal property. If children are born of the marriage, the parties must agree to custody, visitation and child support. Whenever a disagreement is not settled, divorce mediation can save the situation from becoming an $8,000.00 divorce in Tulsa!
Normally, when seeking an uncontested divorce, both parties must have settled all disputes before filing the divorce. Hiring an experienced divorce mediator will also help the couple to navigate the intricate details which may not be agreed upon and even negotiate the terms of the agreement, thus protecting the parties from financial peril as a result of litigation.
Advantages of Uncontested Divorce
The benefits of an uncontested divorce for the client and the immediate family are many, including offering an instant, less damaging legal process that also protects the privacy of the client to a greater extent, unlike battling with lawyers in court for several years.
Easier and speedy Resolution
Most importantly, an uncontested separation is simpler to resolve, in contrast to a contested divorce. With an uncontested divorce, it usually takes ten days to obtain a divorce in Tulsa with no children. On the other hand, if the parties fight over key issues such as sharing of matrimonial property, child support and access, anxiety will build causing the former partners to derail and counteract each other, dragging the case for several years in court. Thus, an uncontested divorce can quickly resolve these disagreements.
When going through a contested divorce, the tendency to become uncivil by either party tends to be higher unlike when solving the case through an uncontested or mediated divorce where a tolerable amount of sobriety and civility may prevail right through the process. The heated conflict that is common in contested divorce often makes it hard to resolve the issues amicably.
Costs of Divorce in Tulsa
While the expenses of hiring a legal counsel for a contested divorce may vary from one legal counsel to another, the costs of an uncontested divorce in Tulsa are often less in the long run, particularly when both parties are civil, sharing information and documents freely while negotiating a joint agreement. This occurrence means that the spouses can save more money for taking care of other family expenses down the road.
Express Documents and Mediation of Tulsa starts at $149 without children or $249 with children involved in a Tulsa Uncontested Divorce.
Improved Privacy Control
Choosing an uncontested approach to resolving a separation can also provide better privacy control to both spouses. This incident is because the terms of an uncontested divorce in Tulsa are debated in private while in a contested separation each side`s counsel make their submissions in public, and they become public hearings. By the time a client who has worked with Express Documents and Mediation of Tulsa reaches the courthouse, they have already settled all disputes in the case.
Benefits to the immediate family
There are also many advantages to the immediate family if both parties resolve the separation in an uncontested approach. More specifically, the kids will reap emotionally and financially if the both spouses put their personal egos aside and put the children` interests ahead of everything else. In fact, the effect of the divorce will be less harmful to the kids in an uncontested separation, as compared to a contested one.
Sometimes, a contested divorce may force other family members to make unwise decisions, for instance, to take sides' in a divorce case. In addition to that, immediate colleagues and friends may be required to file affidavits to show testimony or evidence in court during a contested divorce. Such excessive pressure may affect the relationship between the family members. Hence, it is healthier for the children and even the extended family when both spouses can establish a clash-proof environment via an uncontested divorce instead of picking a contestable style. When settling a divorce case, the conventional wisdom is to consider an arrangement of a quicker, less hurting, as well as a cost-effective and more private manner that upholds the emotional well-being of the kids and the family members while also protecting their rights and welfare.
Uncontested Divorce Tulsa starts at $149 without children or $249 with children. We can also help you with the division of property and assets. All divorce decrees with children involved come with a Standard Child Support Computation. (subject to OKDHS and Judges approval)
You were a lifesaver for me!!!! Thank you!
I was provided quick and easy service. You guys are awesome. Plus you were willing to to work with me on payments, which makes you amazing. Thanks for being so helpful and understanding.
I wouldn't have trusted anyone else to handle my divorce. Express is fantastic! They make the stressful parts of getting divorced so much easier. If you don't want all the crap that comes with having a lawyer, I highly recommend giving EXPDM a call!
Excellent service. They helped me get what I needed done and were easy to work with and talk to. Thank y'all so much for helping start a new chapter in my life. God bless!
Eric, is a very trustworthy person. His focus is to help your process be as easy as possible. I had to opportunity to work with him and its amazing to see how successful he has been in his business. I highly recommend him!
If you want your proceedings to be handled by the best in the business, look no further. The customer service and knowledgable staff is 2nd to none! I would recommend this service to anyone looking to have your divorce proceedings handled the PROPER way!
I had been out looking for a divorce lawyer, when I found it was too expensive for my budget, I found Express Documents and Mediation, Inc. They were extremely helpful, very efficient, everything was done in a quick and timely manner and the cost was right on my budget.
Great folks and Great service. Offering the best solution for many needs.
Originally, I Rated the company a 1 star because my papers were done and ready to be picked up, but no one called to let me know and I really, really needed to get a quick divorce. However, the issue was more than made up to me, the gentleman I worked with was so, so nice and helpful, and I'm now divorced. This was the most simple and inexpensive way I could have possibly gone about it. Thanks, guys! You've helped me achieve the best day of my life!


text:
|"Cumbres and Toltec Steam Train: Comin' Round the Mountain"
19" x 14" Watercolor
First we flew to Durango, CO, and then I drove us 2.5 hours to Chama, NM, where we would board the famous Cumbres Toltec train. It travels over 60 miles at a slow pace over Cumbres Pass (10, 015 feet elevation to Antonito, CO, crossing the boarder between NM and CO eleven times in the process. Passengers board before 10 and arrive in Antonito about 3:30. I just completed this painting based on various snapshots taken when rounding Windy Pass. Here is one of several photos.
|Rounding Windy Pass
We rode in the beautiful parlor car with a hostess to take care of our needs. Midway we stopped in Osier for lunch in a large dining hall, toured old buildings, left some passengers behind who boarded another train to return to Cumbres Pass or Chama. We continued on to Antonito where we spent the night in the Steam Train Hotel. Antonito is a old, high dessert town, now known for the surrounding agriculture. I was amazed that they produce a large quantity of crops. The town itself had a couple restaurants, three liquor stores, a nice supermarket, a marijuana dispensary, and a Dollar store. Like many towns, it is in a slow recovery from the mines closing.
|The Parlor Car is luxurious complete with hostss
|The Steam Train Hotel occupies a 100+ year old hotel
|The Station Inn in Chama, NM


text:
Best Michelle Obama Fashion Pictures
Michelle Obama's Latest Look Is Much More Than Just a Pretty Dress
Photo 64 of 195
You may recognize this Thakoon floral-print dress from a 2008 presidential debate — the FLOTUS recycled the pretty number for an event held in the East Room of the White House in April. To polish off the look, she styled her dress with red pumps.
0previous images
164more images


text:
Thursday, August 31, 2017
CAS(E) this Sketch #237
Hi there and welcome to CTS #237 (and my second post for today)! Here's another lovely sketch from Chrissy. And, as always, the DT has come up with some really great designs.....that kinda have me thinking I should have another go at this sketch!
Some shades from the cooler end of the spectrum play nicely with the Smokey Shadows card base and 'hello' sentiment. The little blocks of color are all stamped/placed by eye, but perhaps I shoulda/coulda used my MISTI for more saturated/perfect inking. Oh well.... I had fun playing and experimenting!
We hope that you'll play along at CAS(E) this Sketch #237. Can't wait to see your creation in the CTS gallery!
7 comments:
I really love this simple, clean design!ReplyDelete
What a fun take on the sketch Michelle, cool card!ReplyDelete
Brilliant interpretation of the sketch! Love the colors.ReplyDelete
Love the cool colors and the sophisticated look of the card, Michelle! HidekoReplyDelete
Fabulous take on the sketch!ReplyDelete
Fabulous card!ReplyDelete
This is so cool!! I LOVE how you used these stamps!!! Great take on the sketch!!ReplyDelete


text:
Kyriakakis Travel & Shipping Agency
A. Papandreou 16 Str.
73100, Chania, Crete, Greece
Destination and Cruise Management throughout Crete (Greece)
Shipping Agency & Ship Servicing is an activity of Kyriakakis Group, started on 1979 at Chania, Crete.
Our experiences multilingual staff offers a quick, effective, efficient and professional service which has gained an impressive reputation at agency services.
The last 20 years, Kyriakakis Shipping Agency, with a high sense of responsibility and sensitivity to the local community acted as an agent and supplier of a wide range of vessels, which at the same time was a challenge that we brought out in the most effective manner.
Through continuous training on issues related to security and information to ships (ISPS Code, ISM Code, Quality Management), the team of Kyriakakis Group which undertakes the servicing of vessels, has managed to elicit positive feedback from all ships which has served so far.
Some of the services that our company undertakes to carry out during the arrival and stay of a ship in the port of Chania or Souda is:
Documentation Processing (Sailing Licence, Clearance, Immigration Clearance), Provisions, Free Pratique, Refueling – Bunkering, Ship supply, Discharging Slops / Sludge / Bildge, Discharging waste, Stevedoring Services (Crane & Stevedores), Load/Unload management, Towage Services (Through Partnerships), Transport boats – Launch Boats, Transportation by Bus and Taxi, Find Accommodation, Airline and ferry tickets, Crew service (Visa Issue, License Maintenance, Transportation, Ticket Issue), Commodity Clearance (Through Partner), Excursions, Complete Cruise Management Services
Integrated Cruise Destination Management – Tour Operating all over Crete
Kyriakakis Travel Group having vertically integrated in the tourism sector provides complete services from the arrival until the departure of a cruise ship in the ports of Souda and Chania on a 24/7 basis, all over the year. More Cretan Ports are served through our partnership network.
ShoreSide Excursions
As a Tour Operator, we do handle approx. 110000 passengers per year all over Crete. Each day, approximately 1000 passngers (incl. individuals) participate to our daily guided excursions, such as Knossos & Aquarium, Samaria Gorge, Elafonissi, Aptera, Preveli etc.
Our staff and guides do have the experience needed in order to stand to such a high level of service and expertise that luxury travellers ask.


text:
Discover the most beautiful sights of Prague on E-scooter. After you have met your guide and received a brief training session, set off over the Charles Bridge to explore the stunning architecture in a leisurely fashion.
Glide for 3 hours down the sidewalks and streets of Prague, as your guide points out some of the city's most famous landmarks, historical sites and local hangouts. You will visit Kampa Park, the John Lennon Wall, St. Nicholas' Church and Prague Castle. This part of the tour ends at the Strahov Monastery, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city. After a short break, continue through Petrin Hill. Around Royal gardens behind the Castle, you will have the most stunning views over Prague from Letná Park. Passing Metronome, Expo 58, St. Agnes Church, we will ride through the Jewish quarter. Visiting Rudolfinum and Franz Kafka museum we will finish the tour at the starting point.
Full refund is guaranteed if the cancellation is made 48 hours prior the offer's start date. We don't apply any refund if the cancellation is made less than 48 hours before offer start date.


text:
My Non Leather Life is a vegan lifestyle brand that Branch recently worked with on rebranding, print collateral and a blog design.
What made this brand particularly unique is that it had two separate interests content-wise. This led to two distinct outcomes — for lifestyle and fashion-focused content, branding featuring moon cycles is used while vegan / fruitarian health focused content features fruits and veggies.
It's been fun moving deeper into the food and lifestyle categories this year and there are many more projects in this realm to come. Feel free to check out the rest of the branding outcome here and thanks as always for your support!


text:
So I thought it was time you met Prince Sorran.
Tanish is expecting to meet the daughter of King Beron and Queen Vasha, so he is in for a surprise - in more ways than one...
Chapter Four
Sorran looked out of the window of their carriage at the passing scenery. "Are we out of Vancor yet, mother?" He could see fields dotted with wild flowers, a river in the distance, and farther off, blue-gray mountains capped with white. It was the first time he had left the kingdom and everything was so new. The rumble of the carriage as it was pulled along by eight horses had faded into the background, as had the thunder of hooves of the accompanying guard.
His mother chuckled. "We crossed the border last night while you slept, my son. We will make camp tonight, and tomorrow we will be arrive in Teruna's capital. All you see out there is Teruna, although the capital is yet a great distance from here."
He stared at her. "Then it is a vast kingdom."
She nodded. Then she peered at him intently. "You slept fitfully."
Damn. Little got past his mother. He sank down into the nest of cushions that he had made for himself and closed his eyes. He'd always intended on telling her, but had thought to do so when the dream had lost its intensity.
He opened his eyes to find her gazing at him, brow wrinkled.
Sorran sighed and sat upright, his hands teasing the soft fabric of his robe. "Where is Father?"
"He rides in the carriage ahead of us, consulting with his advisers," she told him. She held out her arms. "Come sit with me and we shall speak of what troubles you."
He chuckled as he crawled across the cushions to sit by her side. "Mother, I am nineteen, nearly twenty. Surely I am too old to be embraced by my mother."
She raised her eyebrows. "Do not forget. I may be your mother, but I am also your Queen." Then she smiled. "And this Queen wants to hold her son before he grows too old to be doing such things."
Sorran grinned. "Far be it from me to deny Your Majesty." He sat beside her and leaned, head against her arm with a sigh. "I…I had a dream last night."
She stiffened and then relaxed. "Did it have import?"
Sorran drew in a deep breath. "I think it had significance, yes, though I could not divine its meaning."
She made a low clucking noise in her throat. "And we have no one with us gifted in Dreamspeak." She straightened. "Can you tell me of your dream? I know I have no such skill, but perhaps in telling it, the meaning may become clear."
He pulled himself upright and faced her, hands in his lap. He closed his eyes to concentrate. Even now the dream had left a strange echo within him, as did all those dreams which needed to be translated. He always knew which ones were important and which could be ignored.
"I stood in a lake, up to my waist in water that churned around me, sending waves crashing into me. I feared that at any moment a wave would lift me off my feet and drop me, sending me to the depths." He shivered as the memory rolled through him. The water had been icy cold, the fear of drowning very real. "My hands began to tingle, to grow hot. I stretched out my arms and placed my hands on the surface of the water to cool them. The heat did not leave them, but then the strangest thing occurred. The waves lessened instantly, until the surface of the lake was as calm as the reflecting pool outside my bedchamber at home." He opened his eyes and gazed at his mother. "That was all."
Queen Vasha regarded him in silence. "I fear you are correct. That dream has significance, though what it foretells, I cannot say." She tilted her head. "Have you had many such dreams lately?" He bowed his head and she sighed. "Sorran, you have not been truthful with me."
Sorran got to his feet and walked carefully over to the carriage window to gaze out at the landscape beyond. There were times when he wanted simply to be a young man, free of cares and troubles, but this was not to be. Each day brought the growing realization that there were expectations of him as the royal prince. It had taken Sorran a few years to accept that he had a future mapped out for him as the only heir to Vancor's throne. He was growing accustomed to that reality, little by little. What was more difficult to accept was that he was…different.
Even as a child he had known this. He had not understood the looks which had passed between his parents when he would share knowledge with them, of things he could not possibly have known but somehow did. He'd only known that when he told them about his dreams, they had listened intently. After the first three or four tellings of such dreams, they had brought in several advisers who had sat there and listened in silence to an eight-year-old boy sharing his dreams. He had not known at the time why they were there, but with the passing years had come understanding.
Sorran saw things in his dreams. Things which usually came to pass soon after.
His parents loved him. He knew this with every fiber of his being. But he would often catch his father watching him when he thought Sorran was not looking. The expression on the King's face was careful, neutral, as though his father deliberately hid his emotions. His mother, bless her, was less guarded. As a result, he had grown used to sharing with her. She'd once told him that her father had shown evidence of the same gifts, though in lesser measure than Sorran.
Then there were the markings on his skin.
When Sorran had been old enough to voice his feelings, he'd asked about the birthmark on his chest that lay above his heart. The blemish was red, dark against his olive skin, and it had a distinct shape, that of three hands in a circle, each clasping the next around the wrist. It was obvious even to him that this was no ordinary mark. It was clear enough to make out the fingers of each hand, the wrists fading to nothing below where each one was grasped.
As he became a young man, there had been several occasions when he would awaken in the middle of the night, feverish, his head full of a vision of yet more markings. He would rise from his bed immediately, light a lamp and draw them out on parchment before the memory faded. The following morning he would go out into the city to find the woman who he knew was skilled in body art. She etched the designs onto his skin, exactly as he had foreseen. He had no clue as to their meaning. He simply knew that they needed to be on his body. His parents noted them but said nothing.
And finally there was something so strange that Sorran had never spoken of it to another living soul. The colors.
Sometimes when he looked at those around him, he saw them enveloped in a colorful haze, almost like a gauzy, translucent covering. And the colors were never the same. When he shared moments with his mother, her color was a rich gold. It comforted and warmed him, though he knew not why. His father's color was a deep blue, occasionally turning brown in moments when he was beset with many problems. And Aroman was surrounded by a thin film of darkest green, morphing at times into red.
Sorran did not know what to make of the colors, but instinct told him to say nothing of them. He was a learned young man, but he had never read of anyone seeing the same phenomenon.
Sorran listened to the cheerful comments shouted between the guards who rode beside them as protection. It was still a mystery to him why they should be in need of such a thing, even though it had been explained to him that another kingdom sought to overthrow Teruna and that they might be in danger. His dreams showed nothing of this. He watched the men on their horses and longed to ride with them. He knew even as the thought passed through his mind that his father would not allow it. Lately his father had seemed overwrought. Sorran wished he would share his preoccupations, but so far the King had kept his own counsel.
He sighed. There was nothing for it but to tell his mother everything.
"I have had several dreams. At first, they were infrequent, but in recent days they have occurred every two or three nights. Then Father announced that we were to visit Teruna." He fell silent, letting his mother make the connection.
"Oh." She stared at him, wide-eyed, and then shivered. "Something is coming."
He nodded. Then he let out a gasp as fire spread across his chest, radiating out from his birthmark. He clutched his hand over his heart, pressing his palm against the heated flesh through the thin silky fabric of his robe.
Before his mother could react, a voice reached them from outside the carriage.
"Your Majesty, we are in sight of Teruna."
Sorran stiffened at the sound of Aroman's voice, the memory still painful.
"Thank you, Aroman," the Queen called out. She turned to him, her brow creased. "Tell me. What ails you?"
Sorran pulled at his robes to reveal his bare chest. "Does it look…different?"
His mother gazed at his body, frowning. "No, my son. Why do you ask?"
He shook his head. "It is probably nothing." The heat was fading from it even now.
She didn't break eye contact with him. "And why did you react when Aroman called out to me?"
Sorran could not speak of it. He had no idea if his mother was aware of what had passed between him and Aroman, the chief of the palace guard and a member of one of the oldest Houses of Vancor.
His mother relaxed. "If it eases your mind, you should know that your father told me of Aroman's proposal." She patted the cushion beside her. "Sit, my son. Talk to me."
With reluctance he knelt on the cushion and she laid a hand upon his arm, connecting the two of them. Such contact always seemed to ease him.
"So," she began, "Aroman wants to wed you and your father refused him." Her eyes bored into him. "Are you vexed because he refused? Or is it something else?"
Sorran bit his lip, uncertain of how much he wished to reveal. "Aroman had already made it clear that he wants me," he admitted. "I refused him."
Her eyes grew wide. "And so he approached your father, knowing this?"
Sorran nodded, his heart heavy. "Aroman is a fine warrior. But…" He struggled to find the words. "He is not my destiny." He knew this with all his heart. "Unfortunately, Aroman does not want to take no for an answer."
His mother flushed. "We have never spoken of this, I know. Are you…are you attracted to males?" She smiled. "You know it matters not to me if this is so. Whoever you choose to love, I will welcome him—or her—with open arms, simply because they are your choice."
Impulsively Sorran leaned across and kissed his mother on the cheek. "I love you."
His mother's beautiful, dark brown eyes glowed. "And I you."
"And I do not have an answer for you," he said quietly. "I only know that I have yet to meet the one who is meant for me." He was not being entirely honest with her. He found Aroman attractive, there was no doubt of that. And for the first time, something had stirred within him, a deep longing to be held, caressed, kissed. But not by the handsome warrior, that was certain.
Aroman had taken rejection badly. The tall, bearded guard would not leave him alone. And as for him going to the King to ask for Sorran's hand, that was underhanded. If his father had decided in Aroman's favor, Sorran would have had little choice but to marry him. Thank the Maker he had refused. Unfortunately, Aroman had not accepted his father's decision with good grace. Each time that they met, Sorran had felt ill at ease.
He put thoughts of Aroman aside. There were more pressing things concerning him at this time.
Every mile draws us closer to Teruna.
With that thought came another, one that made him quiver with barely suppressed excitement.
My destiny lies there.
The heat of the day had given way to the blessed coolness of the night, which brought with it the heady fragrance of flowers carried on the light breeze. Sorran let the scent fill his senses. Lamps burned at various intervals around the camp, set between the tents of his parents and the guards. A solitary guard watched over him. It was late enough that everyone had retired to their tents.
He stood at a distance from the tent which had been erected for him, inside which burned sweet oils to help him sleep.
They were not working.
Sorran had dined lightly on fruit, and had even accepted a glass of Merrova, a sweet liquor well known for its soporific qualities. So far sleep was eluding him, but he knew that as soon as sleep overtook him, the dreams would come. They grew more frequent as each mile drew the visitors closer to Teruna's capital.
He stared at the moon in all its fullness, low on the horizon, and shuddered.
What awaits me in Teruna? He knew without a doubt that whatever it was, it would change his life.
"Are you cold, my prince? Shall I fetch you a cloak?"
Sorran froze at the sound of Aroman's rich voice from behind him. He took a deep breath. "No, thank you." He held himself still, waiting for the warrior to take his leave.
He bit back a groan when Aroman appeared at his side. Several inches taller than Sorran, he gazed down at him, undisguised lust burning in those blue eyes. "I could keep you warm tonight, Your Highness. I could enfold you in my arms beneath your blankets and your body would know no cold all night long." He leered. "And I could bring you such pleasure that you would wish for me never to leave your bed." He kept his voice low.
Sorran turned slowly to face the warrior. "And if His Majesty were to learn of the words that have just passed your lips, I wonder how he would react." He stared at him, unblinking.
Aroman grew still. "You…you will not tell him?" Below his tan, his pallor increased. "I meant no harm, Sorran. Please, forgive me. I have known you for many years. You know how I feel about you."
"Indeed." Sorran didn't break eye contact. "So much that you would ignore my wishes and go to the King to ask for my hand." He pressed his lips together, biting back the words that begged to be set free. Aroman's suggestions left him cold.
Aroman straightened, shoulders back. "I am a member of the aristocracy. I had every right to ask for your hand in marriage." His eyes glinted. "Did you tell your father? Did you get him to refuse me?"
Sorran bristled with anger. "I said nothing. Whatever my father said to you was entirely his decision." He narrowed his gaze. "And you would do well to remember that the next time you choose to suggest sharing my bed."
Aroman shrugged. "Think of it as part of your education. You have not known the pleasures of the flesh yet, have you?" Sorran's cheeks blossomed with heat and Aroman smiled. "Oh yes, the virgin prince. But you wanted me, do not deny it. I felt the heat between us."
Sorran had had enough.
"One more word and I go to my father, right now. Even if he is slumbering." He set his jaw and met Aroman's gaze head on.
For a moment Aroman stared at him in silence. Sorran could almost hear the thoughts tumbling around inside the warrior's head as he debated internally whether Sorran spoke in truth. Something in his expression must have decided Aroman, for he gave a low bow.
"Forgive me, Your Highness. I meant no insult. And be sure I will not approach you in such a manner again." Aroman backed away, back stiff, gazing at the ground. He disappeared behind Sorran's tent, his cloak flapping behind him in the breeze.
Sorran expelled a long, shuddering breath and sank to his knees on the grass beneath him. He drew in several deep breaths as he tried to regain his composure.
The breeze caught the flaps of his tent and the scent of the sweet aromatic oil wafted out to him, tugging at him with invisible fingers, calling him to sleep.
With a sigh, Sorran took one last look at the black velvet night sky, dusted with stars, and then retreated into his tent.
Ready to dream.


text:
Deputy Director for Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Maame Afia Akoto has debunked speculations that her office is declining to distribute vehicles acquired by the previous administration because of political reasons.
According to her, the former administrators reached a deal with a company to provide cars for the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), a deal she described as being laudable.
However after reviewing the deal MASLOC realized there was something wrong that needed to be resolved before the cars could be distributed.
The former Deputy Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party said they uncovered that the prices of the cars had been inflated and until that issue was resolved, they were not going to approve the distribution of the cars.
Maame Afia Akoto said the costs at which the cars were going to be given out to drivers were rather going to put burdens on them. According to her, drivers who would have benefited from the program would not have been able to pay for the cars in a period of five years.
"After doing a review of the deal we realised there was a problem with the deal. We kept on wondering what pushed their decision to enter into such a deal because the drivers would not have been able to pay for the cars even if they were given five years," she said on Yensempa Show on Agoo Tv.
According to her, the costs of the cars given her office were far expensive than how the cars were sold at the various car Garages in the Country. She added that the GPRTU declined to accept the cars because they knew the cost of the cars were cheaper than what they were being offered by MASLOC.
Speaking to 'Yensempa show' host Obaasima Serwaa Akoto, Maame Afia Akoto explained there were several deals the previous administrators entered into that her office will in due time address and bring to the public notice.
"This MASLOC issue is one of the many issues we had planned to address in the future. There are several of these issues we would want to address in the future but for now we will hold on to them"
Maame Afia Akoto further revealed that a renegotiation with the car suppliers did not yield any fruit hence her office's decision to terminate the contract.
According to her, the sole purpose of her office is to assist the financially challenged in the country and not to extort monies from them using institutions like MASLOC, adding that they were not going to agree to anything that was different from that.
She assured the public that her office was going to resolve all issues and make sure that MASLOC performs the duties it was established to perform.
By: Kasapafmonline.com/ Nana Kwabena Agyare


text:
Broadband provider PlusNet has re-launched a deal that gives discounts when users recommend friends and family.
As part of the offer, subscribers will be handed £2 off their monthly bill for half a year following each referral of a friend or family member between now and June 18th.
According to the group, customers can refer as many people as they want during this period.
Chris Cotterill, a spokesman for PlusNet, said: "There's no limit to how many people you can recommend or how big your discount can be.
"If enough people join on your recommendation then we'll even start paying you."
He added that the offer was ideal for those with family and friends who are not satisfied with the service from their present broadband provider.
In March, the company was handed the Best Quality of Connection prize at the uSwitch Broadband Customer Satisfaction Awards.


text:
I don't know if it's because they're having trouble booking acts as a result of all the Blackfish backlash or if they just want to keep their concert-goers in anticipation, but SeaWorld has been releasing their Bands, Brews & BBQ concert lineup on a week by week basis. For the first weekend of the concert series, Kid Rock and Alan Jackson rocked and, er, countried the SeaWorld stage. Last weekend parkgoers were treated with the lovely lilt of country singer Gretchen Wilson and all the jokes stand-up comedian Bill Engvall could muster.
This weekend SeaWorld announced who to expect on their stage this weekend. On Saturday, you can take a nostalgic trip and bask in the sounds of the Commodores. If you want to get your country on, then I recommend you hit the park on Sunday, where Justin Moore performs in SeaWorld's Bayside Stadium.
The Commodores
Saturday, 4 p.m.
Justin Moore
Sunday, 4 p.m.
All concerts take place in the Bayside Stadium.


text:
Monday, 2 November 2009
Auction over
Woo-hoo! I would like to say an ENORMOUS thank you to everyone who contributed beads and jewellery to the Collective Auction, all of the hard work has paid off. We have raised a whopping £405.33. I would like to say HUGE thank you to everyone who placed a bid you donations will be gratefully received by both charities. I am going to have a glass of wine and a sit down now, night night :)
4 comments:
- Joy Funnell said...
Well done you for all your efforts. These things take a lot of organising.
- 2 November 2009 at 13:52
- Lazy Daisy Glass said...
Well done Mel.
The charities will be very pleased with the effort.
- 2 November 2009 at 14:57
- Mel P said...
Thank you Ladies, it could not have been done without the gorgeous and generous donations from the fab artisit xx
- 3 November 2009 at 06:43
- BeadyPool said...
Thanks for organising us all - fab amount of money. Lets hope the next one makes even more.
- 3 November 2009 at 06:48
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)