text:
[[logged by N'ano]]
Logfile from Nanoc
Tree Branch
A small set of platforms bridge the narrow gap between this old tree's narrow branches. The lowest one is set out far enough above the bay that one might dare to 'dive' back into the waters below, while others make for a quiet getaway from the day to day noise of weyr-life. Weyrlings have stashed the usual assortment of snacks on some of the higher ledges, a few old tapestries softening the wood beneath to make the hideout rather comfortable.
Crude boards make a squeaky ladder down to the beach below, while thick branches rise out towards the lake and up towards the tree above.
It is a summer afternoon.
Delsen is here.
Obvious exits:
Serafa clambers up from the beach below.
Delsen nods his head slightly while listening to N'ano, then glances over at Serafa. He grins, offering his own greeting, "Hello, I'm Delsen.." Glances back at N'ano, waiting for him to finish what he was saying.
Serafa scrambles the rest of the way up the tree and perches there watching the two boys. "Pleased ta meet ya Delsen" she offers along with her hand. Her interrupt something? No never! "Seems like familys just coming out of the woodwork at the moment ay N'ano?" She grins and sends a little wink his way.
N'ano bobs his head, grinning "Sorta.. he's actually been up here for a while—he's a nanny… just ain't ever had the spare time to hang out with 'em, y'know?" Idly swinging his leg, he looks down upon the beach and the bronzen lump burying himself "Uh huh… interestin'…"
Delsen glances back at Serafa, sees her hand, and takes it in his, offering a brief shake, before letting go. "Yup, I've been here for awhile.." that's all he says. Lets let N'ano do all the talking, right now. Delsen also looks down at the beach and watches the bronze dragon.
Serafa's watched that bronze lump enough times so instead she studies them once more. "You know you too do kinda look similar" she remarks twirling a wisp of hair in her fingers. "I see you are a nanny Delsen. Didja know Chelle?" What? She was a nanny too before she impressed and stuff.
N'ano studies Delsen's face for a moment before directing his attention back towards Serafa, shrugging "If ya say so… I mean, we are cousins 'n all—so I guess it's 'k that we do." Grinning, he starts slipping down the tree, looking up on his way "He's itchy… maybe I should leave you two alone?" winking, he continues down until *thunk* he's on the ground.
You shimmy down the branch, back into the pool.
Waterfall's Basin
The weyr's fresh-water pool flows clean and clear, almost undisturbed by the river that rests here after crashing down from the heights above. This small bay is neatly surrounded by a series of smooth stone steps and hidden beaches, a haven from the wider lake beyond before the water drops further to the sea below.
One gnarled, ancient tree has survived the ravages of time and Thread, reaching up towards the cliff above and the water below. A set of cruide boards makes the climb an easy one. The beach stretches, wide and warm, the waterfall quite a swim distant.
It is a summer afternoon.
Bronze Bydelth is here.
Obvious exits:
Branch Forest Path
Delsen climbs into the pool from a branch.
Serafa climbs into the pool from a branch.
"C'/mon/ Byd! Yea— I know… but buryin' yourself ain't gonna help it… shard it, Seffy!" As the other two emerge from the tree, he summons both over "You don't have any like—I 'unno, anti-itch salve on ya, do you?"
Serafa rummages through her ever-present baksak. "Um I may have a teensy bit of numb-weed that should help shouldnt it?" She asks after all she's only training to help humans, N'ano's the one learning to heal dragons. "Ah-Ha there it is!" Her grin is triumphant as she withdraw's a tiny pot from her bag.
Delsen simply nods his head at N'ano, grinning at the dragon, "Having fun?" he calls out, starting to walk over to the bronze dragon and rider, "Anti-itch salve? Nope.. but it probably would have been smart if you brought some with you, wouldn't it? Well.. I gotta head back to the kids.. Make sure they haven't made a mess of everything." he glances over at Serafa, "Nice to meet you.." then starts to head back.
Delsen stretches and then meanders back up the beach and into the forest.
N'ano wrinkles his nose, gladly accepting the salve if it'll mean that he'll stop itching. "I swear, he's growin' 'gain…" As Bydelth pops his head above the sand, N'ano moves in closer to see the source of the irritation "Do trundlebugs bite? Looks like a bite or somethin'…" Waving Serafa closer, he points. "Whatcha think?"
Serafa peers closly at the indicated piece of hide and frowns. "Um. If it were on a person I would say that it was a bite?" She offers her semi-professional opinion. "But I dont know, dragon hide is smooth usually isnt it?" She takes a small finger of the slaves and gently rubs it on the spot, it cant hurt after all.
Not at all, hence why Bydelth's kicking his foot like a canine getting a really good belly rub. Oh yeah baby, do it again! Grinning, N'ano steps back, bobbing his head "Ayethink that did the trick, though he'll probably still be buggin' me all night." Sighing, he lowers himself into a cross-legged position amongst the sands "So how's it goin'? You like Delsen?" he grins michievously, glancing towards the path where his cousin departed "Shardin'never seen someone so attached to multiples of kids—'cept Chelle, of course."
Serafa shrugs one shoulder, the other occupied with itching the bronze hide. "He seemed okay" Translation: she wants him. "Yeah that could be a little bit of a problem. I cant get to know him better if he's always looking after kids" Rolling her eyes she adds "Other peoples kids at that"
N'ano nods "Yeahwell, when you're watchin' over Neana and Ryran, you could always let him go back to the nannieshad him there 'fore, y'know… well, 'cept in the evenin's… then you took 'em from me," he chuckles, continuing "I think he'd like ya… I don't think he's had a girl in a few turns."
Serafa frowns once again. "But he does know what to do with a girl right?" she asks her brown eyes obviously concerned. "I dont think I saw him when I dropped the littles off at the nannies the other day." She woulda remembered something that fine in amoungst all the children-y stuff.
N'ano shakes his head "He just got back from a visit to Igen—was there for a month. My auntie… his mum, lives there still." Flopping backwards, he fans his eyes from the sun, though the necessity to do so doesn't seem much more of a need as Byd leans over at him, wuffling him with draggie snot. It's outta lurve, really! "Thanks buddy."
Serafa giggles and then frowns some more, the only thing better than getting it straight from the runners mouth was getting it from the runners cousin. "He's not like overly attached to his mother is he?" She pauses her itching for a moment "Or overly fond of the children?" Basically he is a red-blooded male isnt he?
N'ano sits up, laughing "No no… he ain't no momma's boy, don't worry 'bout that… he was just visitin' his family, that's all… I've got a billion cousins still over in Igen!" he grins, leaning back to whack at his lifemate "You gonna lick me clean now?" the latter towards Bydelth—not the healer, really.
Serafa tries to look all innocent and maidenly, but somehow it just doesnt seem to work. "Isnt that what Hyti is suposed to do now?" She teases before asking in a smaller voice "And you think he would go for me?" It appears that someone is sick of being single.
Hytiaf arrives from the Weyr-paths, accompained by the crash and tumble of the waterfall.
N'ano facepalms, flopping backwards onto the sands once again, digging the back of his head into the softness "No! I meangah! Shaddup!" he retorts through choked laughter, turning his head ever so slightly only to see, speak of the devil, Hyti!emerging from the path anyway. "Heya… Oh! She might know what's wrong with 'em, right?" N'ano questions, cocking his attention back towards Serafa for a moment before waving Hyti on over. "I think Byd got bit by one of 'em trundlebugs…"
Hytiaf knows everything healerish doesnt she? why else would she be Serafa's mentor after all. "It wouldnt hurt, But how is he getting bitten in the first place?" She asks with curiousity, after all prevention is always better than a cure
*Serafa's pose*
Hytiaf wrinkles her nose slowly, constantly rubbing her hands together. Yup. Her N'ano detector was working at full power. She had ment to come for a quiet moment by the waterfall, but managed to find N'ano again. Not that it was a bad thing. it was actually a pleasant surprise. She blinks first at N'ano, then over to Serafa and wrinkles her nose. "Ummm.. But,.. " Sure, she could just state that N'ano was the dragonhealer and he should take care of it, but that was probably not the right thing to say. "Why do you say he was bitten? What's the problem?"
N'ano shrugs, shuffling upon his knees towards Bydelth's side again, pointing directly towards his forepaw "It looks like a bite… he said it was itchy…" And N'ano's just a trainee, afterall. Better to have the proper authority look over it. "Got some numbweed, so it ain't botherin' him anymore."
Hytiaf scratches her head and kneels down beside Bydelth's foreclaw, eying and even poking the offending injury. "OH.. Hello there, Bydelth. I heard you were having problems with an itch?" She eyes the ailment and bites her lip. "WEll, it looks like a bite, alright.. but." She shrugs. "There's really not much you can do, other than numbweed it to keep it from itching."
"What?" Randomness. Gotta love it. Who knows who N'ano's talking to. "Oh, huh? Oh… okay," the latter directed towards Hyti as he returns to reality "Numbweed, got it. Thanks!" he grins, settling back onto the sand again, patting it beside him "Mind if I hook Seffy up with my cousin Delsen? I meanthere's those uh… rules." The ones that /everyone/ follows, really… "I meanyou know, nothin' serious, I don't think… he's just lonely 'n all…"
Serafa is quitely washing her hands in the pool when she hears N'ano asking Hytiafs permission for her to be set up. Trying to keep her choking to a minium she stops what she is doing to listen to her mentors answer. She really prefers to sneak, but a sanctioned relationship may just have enough novelty to be interesting.
Hytiaf blinks and makes her way over to sit next to N'ano. He was sure full of questions tonight. "I suppose so. I mean, introducing them is a normal enough thing and well, then it would be up to them to follow the rules, and everyone knows I trust Serafa impliciantly.. but don't do it if Serafa doesn't want to… Besides, nothing may happen at all.."
N'ano grins, quirking a brow at Serafa, awaiting her reply. Oh yeah, she wants him alrightDelsen, that is. He can tell… 'cause he's Super N'ano, you know? Got that psychic ability. "I'm sure she won't mindand I can convince Del too… so great! This'll be interestin', I think."
Serafa pokes her tongue out at N'ano. "Yeah well one sucess does not a match-maker…er….make!" She bluffs gesturing at the couple on the other side of the dragon. "Sides I may have just um well you know terrified him" She grins, all she asked was if there was anything wrong with him and well he ran away. Go figure!
Hytiaf laughs a little bit, and lets her hand rest on N'ano's. "YOu never really did find some guy for me. I think you might want to hang up your title of Matchmaker and just rejoice when something actually does happen." She smiles sweetly and wrinkles her nose at him. "Though, Serafa, if this Delsen guy is lonely, he might just need a friend. YOu should at least meet him." What side is Hyti on anyway?
N'ano rolls his eyes "Well, I know Del—he's shy, yeah, but once he gets to know ya…" he grins michievously, bending his head back to look at Byd "Whaa?" he near-whines, flopping over backwards to look at his lifemate, becoming silent for a moment's time in silent conversation, his face growing quite expressionless during the ordeal. Eventually, he does snap out of it, raising a brow at Hyti "Wha, so I ain't good 'nough for ya?" he mock-pouts. "Hey, can't say I didn't try, eh?"
Serafa settles on the sand close, but not so close to the couple as to catch thier cooties. "Um yeah well, as long as he doesnt blush and run away /every/ single time we meet I guess I can live with it" Any idea how annoying that can be? "Yeah I take a bit of getting used to dont I?" She grins at the both of them wickedly, she wants to see 'em squirm.
Hytiaf wrinkles her nose. "Well, I didn't say you weren't good enough, I just said that you didn't find anyone." She grins and wrinkles her nose again. How could she notice Serafa's antics when N'ano was around. "Besides, I think i am much happier with your lack as a matchmaker." She lightly grips his hand and looks over at Serafa finally. "Hmm? Yes? umm.. I don't know. Most people do?"
"Heeey… Seffy" So it might be a little off topic now, but oh well "Byd has another itch…" he pauses, sighing before glancing at Hyti, and then back at Serafa "He's got an itch that you'd make a good good candidate to stand for Dhia's clutch…" And now another glance is given towards Hyti, asking silent permissionafter all, Serafa does need it, doesn't she? Probably… makes sense anyway. Oh right, better make sure Serafa wants to first "Are you willin'? Byd really likes ya… 'pecially from gettin' rid of the other itch, but this one's gonna bug him till you answer," he winks.
Bydelth winks an eye toward N'ano and cranes his neck around to whuffle the girl. A little nudge is offered her and another puff of air blown into her face. Take that as a good sign.
If she hadnt already been sitting down she woulda fallen down. That coming completely out of the blue and all. "Well we cant have that now can we?" she grins gaining some composure. "N'ano and Bronze Bydelth I would be honored to accept your invitation" She intones formally, of course the excitement will hit her any moment now.
Hytiaf blinks for a moment, and looks at N'ano for a moment. He knew what that meant, right? She would have one less apprentice so.. more work to do. "AHH.. well, I suppose is better to have you Searched here, rather than somewhere else." She looks from Serafa back to N'ano. "I always lose my best apprentices to Searches. I lost my Caylea to High reaches just a little bit before you and Serafa arrived." She turns back to Serafa and smiles at her. "Congradulations."
N'ano grins, reaching a hand over to embrace Hyti "Well, think 'bout it this way—I spent a /big/ portion of my candidacy scrubbin' the 'firmary, so you can abuse her s'much as me!" he chuckles, standing and offering a hand up "Well, she should probably go get settled into the barracks then… then we could all go get somethin' to eat… no?" Grinning towards Serafa moment's later, he adds "And congrats from me, as wee!"
Serafa stands up a little shakily, dusting herself off with great concentration, keeping her mind on the little things was keeping her mind off the big thing. "Yeah that would be good" She murmurs before treating them both to a big grin. "Thanks you guys" That's for the congratulations. The rolling of her eyes is for the mention of the chores. She had forgotten about that.
Hytiaf takes N'ano's hand and stands up slowly, a smile on her face. She nods and wrinkles her nose. "Yes.. then i'll help you move some of your stuff and a good sleeping cot into the barracks. I can't say the ones in there are comfortable." She wrinkles her nose. "come on, lets get you moved in."
"Brace y'self, kid… you're in for a /dutiful/… 'member how exhausted /I/ was?" N'ano chuckles, winking again "You'll remember it for the rest of y'like though… but anyway, let's take a shortcut… mount on up Byd!"
You clamber up Bydelth's neck and set yourself between two neckridges.
Serafa clambers up Bydelth's neck and settles in between two neckridges.
Hytiaf clambers up Bydelth's neck and settles in between two neckridges.
Up up up and away! You leap into flight, scattering sand.


text: Did you get a phone call or text message from (603)338-9303? Other formats of number (603)338-9303 are 6033389303 and 603-338-9303, area code is 603, in Manchester, NH. The phone number (603)338-9303 has got 17 rating and 16 reviews and all these reports are negative rated. From the site Bing, it is found that the caller made call for various purposes and those are 5x Telemarketer, 5x Financial services, 3x Nuisance call, 2x Scam call and 2x Unsolicited call. As in this report, scamming is one of the causes for getting negative mark, you should be aware about this. This phone number is from United States, Texas and that is why, the caller it is easy to know information online. The number seems VoIP and that is why, the callerˇŻs information is hidden.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Well this is rather interesting.
He looks like a twink.
Cute, innocent, and very sexy.
He will make the perfect bottom.
But no!
He's not gay.
I don't fancy men.
Not one bit.
Sure you don't.
You just want to suck my dick and have my fuck you.
'Straight' men!
They really are so stupid.
But I love them.
I'm just out of a relationship.
She just did not understand me.
Oh I think she did.
I think she knew a gay when she saw one.
She did not approve.
Of course she didn't!
She wanted you to eat her pussy, but you wanted to suck her dad's dick!
No you don't understand.
I'm a sissy boy.
Say what?
A sissy boy: In the BDSM practice of forced feminization, the male bottom undergoing cross-dressing may be called a sissy as a form of erotic humiliation, which may elicit guilt or sexual arousal, or possibly both, depending on the individual.
Thank you wiki.
I want you to strip me, dress me up and hurt me.
Feck me!
Can't a man just have regular sex?
Why does it have to be kinky shit every time?
I have to confess this will be my first time.
I don't normally go for cross dressing types.
They tend to look rough.
But your man actually is very good looking.
He would make a pretty lesbian.
Femme like.
So it's agreed.
I'm going to dress him up, put him in a chastity device and be mean to him.
Shit's fucked up but someone has to do it!


text:
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Medium - Last between 99-101mm. Average width
Medium - instep circumference approx. 1/3-1/2 length of foot
Medium - neither standard nor high volume leg shape
Very Stiff - ideal for the strongest, most aggressive skiers
The Speedmachine 120 from Nordica is a fantastic option for aggressive skiers with a medium to narrow foot and leg shape. Nordica's Tri-Force Construction has a beefed up construction on the sole and spine of the shell that drives extra energy to your skis with a high amount of responsiveness when you are cranking turns at high speeds. The 3D Custom Cork Liner has a cork lined heel and ankle pocket that is easily customizable and will start to self-shape to your foot after only a couple of days on the slopes. The Infrared Customizable Shell allows an Authorized Nordica Dealer to use an infrared lamp to heat the shell and an air compressor to expand the shell where you need it. Primaloft Insulation keeps you extra warm and comfortable on cold days. If you want a powerful boot that can easily be dialed in perfectly for your foot, the Speedmachine 120 is a perfect option.


text:
|raceytay full moon polarity locket
Taurus is about comfort - material goods, finances, physical pleasures, beauty.
Taurus is a fixed Earth sign that does the work - step by step with patience and persistence (their reputation for stubbornness grows from this) - yes, at the end of the day they want to pamper themselves with the good stuff,
but they are willing to work for it and they are great practical manifesters (when they control their tempers - don't get a Taurus mad - they are the bulls with the horns after all).
Taurus also rules the throat so anyone with any muscular neck issues might be wise to wear a scarf now to keep the chill from causing tightness - I usually wear a light scarf even when working in my studio. I love the scarves Noelle makes here.
Sooo, we have this moon that launched last April reaching its fullness in a sign that relates to our values and security. We also have 3 planets that were retrograde until last week now moving direct. And we are currently in Taurus's mirror polarity energy of Scorpio (death- what we have to release to create the space for something new).
How does this all fit together? Well, different astrologers interpret this in different ways and we each have individual charts (a picture of the universe at the moment we were born and the very moment in time we are literally created from) that are triggered in different places. For example this full moon is 25 degrees Taurus so if our birth chart has any hard aspects to that, this moon will be more challenging.
For most this full moon will be about finances, values, commitments, time, contracts - what we are willing to be/do/spend/risk - how fully are we aligned with our core values? what are we committed to? what are we passionate about? how much beauty are we living with, how much do we need? how fully are we participating in this game called Life on Planet Earth? are we all in?
When I was a banker and closed on a business loan I would sometimes say to the business owner -''we are going to spend a lot of money and we are going to make a lot of money."
This is a time to not hold back.


text:
21 Top Tips
On how to create Far from Ordinary Photography for your Hotel
Key points
The essence of your hotel's luxury is in the details that portray the feeling, the heart and the very soul of the hotel. Give the photographer time to seek out and identify those details.
A photographer must be passionate about your hotel to portray it in its best light. Give the photographer time to get to know the interplay of light both inside and outside your establishment.
Choose a professional photographer who is genuinely interested in your hotel`s heritage. If your history doesn't spark curiosity, then it won't be reflected in your photos.
You many need to bring in the crew two or three times in one year to capture the hotel in different seasons. Ideally, shoot just before the high season when everything is pristine.
Geo Identifiers
A well travelled crew will pick out your key Geo Identifiers immediately and use them to draw future guests to your hotel's unique location.
Styling & Lifestyle
A good crew will have a stylist that knows the luxury market and the brand name products and props that reflect the latest fashion and style.
Technical Checklist
In order to capture a room AND a view, use a digital technique called High Dynamic Range (HDR) which requires the photographer to shoot multiple exposures.
Digital and Print
Let your crew see your brochure and website layouts. This will help them shoot suitable visuals – especially if you intend to use panoramic crops.
Photo Selection
Take advantage of a professional set of eyes and ask the photographer to help you choose the best images.
Ask for high resolution "tif" images for print and low res "jpgs" for digital media. Insist that primary photos are selected and sorted into sensibly named folders for YOUR easy retrieval.
You should have three back-ups: one on-site, one off-site and one with the photographer.
Project Management & Human Resources
Allocate a member of staff to be the coordinator during the shoot; this will save a lot of time.
Pre-shoot planning
Plan ahead with the photographer to develop a production schedule from your desired shot list. Do this before the full crew arrives to ensure a smooth running shoot with minimal disruption.
Appoint a junior member of your staff to help one of the assistants for any last minute details.
It is an advantage if the crew is experienced in casting and can help with the model selection. Staff are usually willing models and this can work well, but professionals are a far safer bet.
Choose a photographic crew that will not look out of place in your luxury hotel. Crews that look like shabby art students will make your guests and staff feel uncomfortable.
Ask all models, both professional or staff, to sign a waiver authorising the hotel to use their images. This can avoid costly complications at a later date, particularly if staff subsequently move on to another hotel.
Book the photographer three days early to pre plan the shoot and experience the hotel as a guest. This is a relatively small additional cost to the shoot that will reap huge rewards.
Choosing a Photographer
Choose a photographer who is passionate about luxury hotels and thrives on each opportunity to communicate their essence to the world. It will show in the images.
Be sure the photographer has plenty of experience in communicating what it's actually like to be a guest in a luxury hotel – and has a portfolio to endorse it.
Choose someone that you feel you can trust and will enjoy working with – excellence in photography is a team effort.


text:
What chores have you got to run today?
other than your job of work?
I have a couple...
got to post some photos to my 'mate'. he lent me a book a couple weeks ago and I noticed there are some really old photos in there. think they must be his dad. as an aside, he ain't my mate any more. he wouldn't let me use his toilet when I was in desperate need and threatened to rip my throat out a couple years back.
Also got a couple jeans to drop off at the charity shop and some ebay items to post.
finally, gotta pick up some medication for my granny.
other than that...nothing
now YOU
gotta get home and jump-start my wife's car
and if I get time, clean out the animal hutches which I've been failing to do since Sunday
I had to post a letter
Just did it.
Might hoover later.
Easily achieveable:
Go to Waitrose and get the following items:
Smoked salmon
Mascarpone/cream cheese
4x bananas
At home:
Throw out mascarpone in the fridge as it's old
Check to see we have enough pepper (before going to Waitrose)
Dump some old shoes in a shoe bin somewhere
Hopefully my new shoes will arrive, so unpack these and check them out
Phone my dealer for some more weed
Put twenty CDs up for sale on eBay
Download Sarah Palin: You Betcha! (if I can find a torrent).
- PickledOeuf this'd this
- take my phone to the shop to get it fixed / diagnosed
- make dinner
I'm such a crap adult and I don't care.
pick up some teething granules
make dinner
wash up
couple o' pots tae wash
prolly do it before i stick tea on, normally just before Pointless.
had to run a letter somewhere at lunchtime. treated me'sen to a bottle of orange Lucozade and a pork pie on the way back.
had to rearrnge an appointment by phone this morning. did it in bed.
pick up apples, bananas & mixed nuts for the week - done
go to residents association meeting - to do
have a shit - working on it
I went to buy some shoes
I needed hem clips too, but I had to get back to work to let the bat people in.
This evening I'm going to (finally) take the hem of my work skirt up so I don't look like an orthodox Jewish women, hem clips or no hem clips.
I'm going to do loads if laundry too
Because my boyfriend thinks he's allergic to the detergent we use so his stuff need rewashing in different detergent. EXCITING.
I need to speak to my ex and get him to set up a payment to cover the loan for the car. Then I need to get my accordion out of the garage, make sure it still works and if so stick it on ebay.
Need to pack for going away tomorrow, but that's just chucking a few clothes etc in a bag so I'll do that later
I have already cleaned the bathroom, washed the dishes, washed laundry, posted DVDs back to lovefilm, shopped for dinner ingredients (falafel), and lunch (bread), downloaded some music, wrote a hectoring email and picked up some foreign currency.
What a terrible thread.
got to go and hand in some paperwork to the Bursary
got to pick up some food and drink I left at a mate's
that's about it
run chores?


text:
SARASOTA, Fla. (June 30, 2016) Wagner Realty owner David Eckel has long supported USF Sarasota-Manatee. Now he's unveiling a program where two USFSM graduates are earning scholarship funds while they learn about real estate.
Eckel, whose company employs more than 200 agents in Sarasota and Manatee counties, said he's hoping to bring more young people into the real estate industry and capitalize on millennials' social media expertise to reach younger buyers.
"Millennials know how to relate to other millennials," said Eckel, adding that he thinks his scholarship program might be the first of its kind, at least for this area.
Before they're able to notch their first sales, many new agents need a number of months to train, earn their licenses and build a portfolio of clients. That dry period where commissions are scarce can dissuade some from joining or sticking with the sales-driven business.
Eckel's scholarship program seeks to carry those new agents through the lean times. The longtime businessman and philanthropist says he doesn't want to reveal too much about the scholarship except to say it runs for a year, doesn't have to be paid back and can be used for anything from training costs to living expenses.
"Normally it takes up to a year to earn an income where you feel comfortable, and for a lot of young graduates this can be discouraging. They don't have the staying power with having to pay student loans, rent and other expenses," he said. "What we've done is develop a plan to address those entry obstacles."
Because of his ties to USF Sarasota-Manatee – Eckel advises the College of Business and serves on the campus' board and Community Leadership Council – he decided to select two USFSM spring graduates, Coy Carter and Hannah Veitkus, for the program's rollout.
The alums and former USFSM Ambassadors started working at Wagner right after graduation on May 9. They've undergone weeks of training and are scheduled to sit for their state licensing exams on Saturday, July 2.
Carter, 21, said that for now he's helping to manage resort properties on Longboat Key by reserving rooms and making them presentable for arriving guests. At the same time, he's learning how to create a real estate-centric website, develop a portfolio of clients and organize marketing campaigns for available properties. His decision to join Wagner wasn't based solely on the scholarship, but it helps, he said.
"It definitely helps while you're learning about the business and trying to build up your client list," Carter said.
Veitkus was appreciative as well. The 21-year-old psychology grad is delving into the intricacies of residential property sales. She may want to return to school eventually to pursue a master's degree, but she wants to enter the job market first. Wagner seemed like the right fit while the scholarship program sealed the deal.
"It definitely takes the edge off during that learning period," she said. "In real estate you don't make money unless you're selling and helping people buy homes. Being very fresh in the business, I don't have a lot of leads, so this helps a lot."
Eckel, who has also brought on USFSM accounting student Roger Walser as an intern, said the scholarship is part of a larger effort that includes in-house training, job shadowing and mentoring to prepare new agents for when they finally venture out on their own.
"I've found that many graduates never fully understand that real estate is a highly skilled business with a high earning potential," he said. "Most graduates when they get out of college try to find a job at a major company and they don't realize they can have a future in real estate. This is a highly skilled business."
Jay Riley, program director of student alumni engagement, thanked Eckel for "going above and beyond" in supporting USFSM alums Carter and Veitkus.
"Anytime a local business leader steps up to help our students and alumni we are very appreciative, but in David's case he has really gone the extra mile," Riley said. "David's efforts to give back have been exceptional and his support for our students and alumni has been outstanding. He is truly helping to change lives."
About USF Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM)
USF Sarasota-Manatee is a regional campus of the University of South Florida system, offering the prestige of a nationally ranked research university with the convenience of a hometown location, including classes in Manatee County, Venice and online. Separately accredited, USFSM is ideal for those interested in pursuing a baccalaureate or master's degree, professional certification, or continuing education credit in a small, personal setting with distinguished faculty and a dynamic curriculum of over 40 academic programs. Website: www.usfsm.edu.


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| Most of this page uses content from Wikipedia. The original article was at BuluBebek. The page may have contained some inaccurate or outdated information, so please edit it so it contains better information.
The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Malware Wiki, the text of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Common Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License.
Remove this template when most of the Wikipedia content has been removed or the Wikipedia information is outnumbered by non-Wikipedia information.
BuluBebek is a computer worm that was first discovered on October 10, 2008. The worm is not exceptionally widespread, but rather has only infected small groups of computers. Related to the Kenshin, Doraemon, and Naturo viruses, the worm has infected computers in various parts of the world. It is written in a high level programming language, known as Visual Basic. The virus is only 53 KB in size and creates two files on the computers it infects, an EXE file and an INF file.


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Count Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) as a dove on Syria.
The Lone Star State conservative said Monday that America shouldn't intervene in Syria in the wake of a deadly chemical weapons attack in the country last week.
"The United States Armed Forces doesn't exist to be a policeman for the world and I certainly hope the reaction isn't lobbing some cruise missiles in to disagree with Assad's murderous actions," Cruz said on Fox News.
"The focus should be the only justifiable reason for U.S. military forces to be engaged is to protect our national security and sadly, that has been the missing variable from this administration's approach from the beginning as they allowed Assad to slaughter over 100,000 of his people," he added.
White House press secretary Jay Carney said Tuesday that failing to respond to a reported chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime in Syria would pose a "significant" threat to U.S. national security, making it clear the administration believes intervening in the state is in the national interest.


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Hiring a Security Consultant
Dealing with a security consultant makes one secure than deciding on any security guard with no pieces of pieces of advice on the qualities to be considered for quality and professional guarding. Consultants are entitled to giving unbiased information on choosing the best security services. There are myriads advantages linked to choosing a security consultant other than choosing blindly.
Offers Unbiased Information on Security Qualities
Viewing things from a perspective of someone outside your circle is important. By this, spotting unknown security gaps is possible. A consultant has nothing to lose informing you about the right standards of security services. Security guard experts have the ability to embrace the required rules to curb any unscrupulous people with an intention of breaching our security.
Therefore, this serves best saving a huge property loss from incompetent personnel. A genuine consultant advises the company on the best security agencies with the policies without favoritism. They are objected to advice for the best and not with a corrupt mind. It does not help to advise on the basis of whom you want to be considered for a security job but who gives the best.
Security Problem Solving
A security consultant advises on the steps to be taken in the case of any problem concerning misconduct of the guards or anything entangling these services. For instance, they run the tests and analyze the security grievances accordingly, giving results that will be a solution to a given problem in question. They majorly implement security policies and measures that govern all the guards and the clients.
By briefing and coordinating all the security guards on their duties and rules and regulations, a security consultant minimizes collisions among themselves. It gives a sense of cooperation at work. A well-organized security service entails smooth workflow thus, fewer problems arising. The best consultant you choose for pieces of advice, the more professional you end up in your service delivery.
Property Loss Reduction
Security consultant ensures hiring of the right guards for the protection of property. By this, a company ends up with competent, well trained, and qualified security guards for that particular job. Choosing the right consultant will help prevent property loss since they will emphasize the right personnel conduct thus protection from thefts and natural calamities like fire.
A consultant scrutinizes the best security agencies in the area by observing who meet their stipulated policies. They are always aware of the less efficient agencies as well. Therefore, hiring a consultant is a solution to all the worries of ending up with incompetent guards.
Client's Trust
Hiring a security consultant is essential as a brand ambassador of one's security firm. A good consultant leads to more clients. If a consultant is able to clearly elaborate what they offer as a security company, it attracts multitudes of clients.
They are objected to examining the assets of the customers and ascertain the required security, then meet and give a detailed policy with a technical security system advice inclusive. Give consultants a priority to save you the stress of landing on the wrong security services.


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Liverpool need to replace Coutinho with a proven quality star and Uruguayan international Luis Suarez has been in the lime light.
Yesterday, we covered a report (via Don Balon) claiming that Liverpool want to re-sign the South American center forward, who is one of the best goalscorers in the world.
Another Spanish source in the form of Diario Gol have actually reported that the 30-year-old star has got proposals on the table from his former clubs Liverpool and Ajax.
Also Read: Klopp wants to Snap up £89million Ex Benfica Star for Liverpool
Diario Gol claim that Barca have spent a lot on Coutinho and Dembele and the idea is that they are expected to spend a huge sum to lure Griezmann as well. With Messi and Suarez around too, it will be difficult to fit them all in the team.
It is mentioned that Klopp is looking for a striker like Suarez and the German coach believes that the center forward would fit well in his system at Anfield.
Luis is one of the best strikers ever to have played for Liverpool and the fans should welcome him back. This season, the Barca star has so far netted 11 goals in 15 league outings.
His current contract with the Nou Camp club will expire in 2021 and he earns around £230,000-a-week (Daily Mail).
Liverpool have made Proposal to Sign £230,000-a-week Star
Liverpool need to replace Coutinho with a proven quality star and Uruguayan international Luis Suarez has been in the lime light.


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Parents often underestimate the amount of influence they have over their kids.
Children, even from a young age, are always watching and learning from their parents.
In order to teach their children well and instill healthy habits into their lifestyle, parents should always model good behavior.
Parents Can Be a Role Model for their Children
Parents witness the watchful eyes of their kids in many aspects of life, beginning when the child is young.
A child might declare that they want to do what daddy does for a job when they get older, or a child may mother her dolls using the same kinds of words her own mother uses.
Children Take More Than the Good Habits
Kids see and mimic the negative behaviors too – using bad words or pretending to smoke. It should be no wonder that as kids get older they continue to watch and imitate what they witness.
If a parent smokes, their children will likely smoke. If a parent abuses alcohol and regularly comes home drunk, their teen may abuse alcohol. A parent who does drugs is much more likely to have a child who experiments with drugs also.
A parent can warn, threaten and talk all they want about saying no to drugs and alcohol, but if the parent isn't modeling positive behavior, they are undoing their whole message.
Modeling Healthy Behavior
Not only should parents avoid teaching their children negative behavior by avoiding certain things, but they should work on doing positive things that they want their child to learn.
A parent should work on stress reduction techniques so that their child learns healthy ways to manage stress.
Parents can show a healthy respect for prescription medications to instill these values in their children.
Above all, a parent should model a fit lifestyle, including eating right, exercising and getting adequate sleep. This will not only help the adults to be healthier, but their kids will learn some important lessons about taking care of their bodies as well.


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Remembrance Bears
A friend asked whether I could make teddy bears from the clothing of a relative who had died. Not one bear, but six, a whole herd (flock? gaggle?--maybe just a family) of bears. So I sewed and stuffed and finished the last one yesterday. They don't have bows yet, as we have to decide what kind of ribbon is best. But here they are:
I can feel their little eyes watching me as I type this. And here's the back view:
Don't they look like a class ready for instruction? So that's one project completed. I'm also working on drawings for Susan Shie's Lucky Drawing 106 online class. Having the discipline of assignments and deadlines really helps me to get past the fear of drawing. Like anything else, the secret seems to be "Just do it." Don't sit around waiting for inspiration or some magical/perfect technique--get out a pen and draw something. I won't post drawings here, as they're not yet ready for prime time. But one day, maybe I'll develop the courage.
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Bobbe Shapiro Nolan, Fiber Artist in Eagle Lake, TX. Trying to learn to call the sewing room my studio, and myself an artist. I retired after 15 years in hospice nursing--so now I have the time!.
August 2018
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Friday, October 21, 2016
Time for a breather!!!
I have been busy as of late and I am ready to take a breather. I have been going from one endeavor to the next event to the next happening, and I'm just ready to not have to think. Oh, everything I've been doing has been a lot of fun and just a pleasure to be doing, but it has been tiring. My body doesn't recover as quickly as it used to! Dognabit, it don't! But that's ok. I think most everything has calmed down a bit for me though and I hope to get back in my art place and play. Everyone needs to play a little from time to time. It's good for the soul and cheaper than therapy! hahaha
I had shared with y'all about the Hebrew class that I had been taking, well, I'm sad to report that it is over. Just broken hearted! But, if I heard and understood the teacher correctly, she will pick back up in the Spring!!!! Woohoo!!! Yes, I was paying attention. hahahaha Is it Spring yet?????? I just can't tell you how much I enjoyed the class. I did learn a lot, but I know I have soooo much more to learn. I hope I can share a little more with y'all, of what I did learn. One of the ladies wrote out Psalm 23 on the white board in Hebrew and the imagery that goes along with each Aleph-Bet and she done such a great job!!! It took a lot of courage to do that, and it was quite impressive to see. You know who you are, big hugs and much love to you, Ms. Pam!!!! WooHoo!!!!
My Family Community Education Club, through the local County Extension Office had our All Clubs Day event yesterday. All of the clubs in the county come together for one event to tell about how each club ministered to the community. It was quite impressive to hear about what all the clubs have done over the past year. And that's why I'm so pooped today, but it's a good thing!!!! It was a huge success!!! My club was the one that was over the meal prep and serving and all that good stuff. Everyone always says we do such a great job and we do! We do put a lot thought in to what we want to do and try to make it a good and fun day and it was. I did not take pictures of the event, I was too busy. But I did take a picture or two of the favors I made and of the Sweet Potato Casseroles I made. So I will share those with y'all. Don't blame me if you drool over your key pad and ruin it! hehehehe
I'm gonna throw in a commercial break right about now.........If you are a telemarketer, stop calling me!!!! If you are campaigning for your favorite politician, stop calling me!!!! Sorry, but I DO NOT like all the calls from whom ever is making them!!!! All these calls are getting quite ridiculous!!!!! It's one thing for the calls to come in all hours of the day, but all hours of the night......I'm telling you, "I would love to reach out touch someone!!!!" Remember the commercial back in the day, being sung so nicely by this beautiful female voice "Reach out, Reach out and touch someone"? Consider it being sung by someone who can't carry a tune in a bucket but would dearly love to reach out and touch someone!! Well, that's me, and I would love to, seriously!!!!! Trust me, if you are selling something, I don't need it!!!!!! If you are campaigning, trust me, the only solution for that, is strong toilet bowl cleaner!!!!! Does that sound like something that a Christian woman would even want to say? Not hardly, but I have just about had it with all the calls!!!!
I don't know a whole lot about much!!!! I'm the very first one to admit that. But let me tell you this folks, if it stinks, no amount of the finest perfumes is gonna cover the stinch!!!! One of the sisters at the tomb of Lazarus told Jesus, "but he stinketh by now". (my paraphrase, you can look and see what she actually said.) Well, after listening to all the campaigning for over a year now, I can truly say to you "this campaign stinketh by now!!!!" No amount of the finest perfumes or in this case, fancy talking, is going to cover the stinch! It stinketh!!!!
At this point, it's painful to think about who wins!!!! What I do know is this, the American people, the voters and tax payers, will be the ones hurt by this election!!!! I DO NOT like feeling like that at all!!!! Where is morality? Where is common sense? Where is honesty? Where is truth? Where is character? Where is championing a cause? Where are the true heroes that we desperately need now?
Morality has gone the way of the dinosaurs! Common sense flew the coop so long ago that it too has become extinct. Honesty, what is that? Truth.....oh that depends on who you talk to and what day of the week it is. That didn't make sense, did it? Well, the so called truth that spews forth from some peoples mouths don't make much sense either. There is no such thing as absolute truth for them. Everyone wants to throw in a little gray area. When we start putting in the gray area, that's when it becomes a lie. It's either black or white. It's either right or wrong. A little bit "right" is still 100% WRONG. A little bit "wrong" is still 100% WRONG. It can't be both ways. It's right or it's wrong. A few years ago, in my neck of the woods, on all the school billboards we seen the phrase "Character Counts". I am 100% convinced that our politicians don't know how to read, otherwise, some of them would have read that and at least googled it to find out what it meant. If they had read it and understood what it meant, would they not have tried to live up to those words, "Character Counts"? Maybe they misunderstood it for bad character, I don't know, I really don't. Who knows, maybe I'm the only one that feels like I am drowning in the stinch of what's happening around me. I am just waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel and praying that the light is not attached to an oncoming train!!!! Championing a cause today has become taking a stand FOR sin. Go figure. And the only true hero we ever had was crucified some 2000 years ago between two common thieves. So what do we know or care about a hero?
Oh yeah, I was about to forget this one. I don't know how I could, but I almost did. About all the calls, some of them have been for the proposed bill that will be on our local vote ballot. You want to know what that one is for? Wine in grocery stores!!!! Oh boy, MORE DRUNK DRIVERS!!!!! Ask anyone that has ever gone to the cemetery to look at the headstone of a loved one who's life was cut short by a drunk driver what it feels like. That's all I'll say about that. End of commercial break.
I don't know what all the answers are to all the questions that are on some of our minds, but I will tell you that I know where we can find the answers! We can start with:
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
What people group is being spoken to here? Yahweh is not speaking to everyone. He is speaking only to His people. Who are His people? Have you accepted Yeshuah as Messiah, Lord and Savior, of your life? If you have, then you are who Yahweh, God is speaking to. He is not speaking to those who have blatantly made a mockery of Him and blatantly turned their back on Him and the call that He has had on their lives. In other words, His words are for "Christians". The lost people don't know or care that they are living in sin. But, Yahweh, is speaking to the ones who belong to Him and call Him Father. He is calling on His people to humble ourselves; He is calling on His people to pray and seek His face; He is calling on His people to turn from OUR wicked ways. What are some of those wicked ways? We are not living our lives in such a way that is making a lot of difference to the lost people we know. We have allowed the culture of the day to rub off on us and we have started to stink a little. There used to be actions or behavior in society that we called sin. There is no such thing as sin in the culture today. Oh, we wash it and clean it up with new names, but what Yahweh called sin from the very beginning, guess what, it's still sin. I finally realized that Yahweh was speaking directly to me and not the lost person that doesn't know or care. He is speaking directly to me! How humbling is that? If all of us that are called by His name would do as He asks of us, He will forgive us of our sin and heal our land. Oh how the land cries out to be healed!!!!! Yahweh's people are one people divided by a bunch of man made denominations and legalism within those denominations that has all but destroyed the testimony that His people should have. We all should be running from that which we know has no basis, ground or foundation in the Holy Word of Yahweh! There are no gray areas with Yahweh. Trust me, I have tried to find the gray areas, there are none. Just what am I willing to call "sin"? If Yahweh called it sin, then I will call it sin. You know, I don't want to hurt anyone, but I would be doing a far greater disservice to someone if I agreed with sin and a life of destruction. I don't know of anyone with the heart to serve Yahweh that has a desire to walk up to someone and call them a sinner point blank to their face and that's not what anyone who loves Yeshuah ever wants to do. But, sometimes it has to be done in love.
All through history, we have seen people in every generation that have thumbed their noses at God and His way and the people that have tried to point them to a better way of living. Yahweh calls on us, the righteous few, to keep praying for the wicked generations. So, the righteous few pray. The righteous few will keep praying, even in the face of persecution. There have been more people martyred in the last 100 years of history than in the previous 4 to 6 thousand years. What does that say about the wickedness of the land, across the whole world. I think it says that we are looking at a world that has no morals, no common sense, no honesty, no truth, no character, no worthy causes, and no hero. The only way to fight the first 6 things that we as a world have lost, is to put our eyes on the only real hero this world has ever known, Yeshuah, Jesus Christ. I am ready to do that. Will you join me?
One of the things that I will mention here is this. Some of our drs have successfully, single handedly, with permission from something called Roe v Wade, killed out a generation of human beings; we normally call them babies until they are being killed and then they become fetuses. How can killing over 50 million human beings be a good thing? It was horrible when Hitler done it, but there are laws today that protect killers and make it ok to wipe out generations. How sad does that make your heart? Go study that "law", and study it hard and look for truth in that law. There is no truth in that law because it was founded and based on a blatant lie. Its out there, go look for it, you'll find it. For me, I despise the word fetus!!! I know that it's a technical medical term. It is a term that needs to be done away with, in my feeble opinion. The term, in every circumstance, should be baby. Again, my opinion.
This is not meant to hurt any woman that has had an abortion. I know how you have been lied to, coerced and threatened. I know the stories of far too many women to make light of the subject. I've seen the faces of those who have dealt with this. I know that there is MUCH mental anguish associated with it. I know that there is much needed heart and spiritual healing for this. I would love to see some of our tax dollars being spent now on the grief counselling that Roe v Wade has caused. So, for you ladies that have been in that situation, please search out support groups in your local churches. Some of the churches in my area offer Celebrate Recovery program and it is a great program to go to if you get a chance. If there is a Crisis Pregnancy Center in your area, call them to see if they offer the bible study "Save One" written by Sheila Harper. Any Crisis Pregnancy Center that does not offer that bible study should check it out. You will be thrilled you did. It is an awesome bible study and there is healing in that bible study!!! I have seen many women gain spiritual freedom from that bible study! Google it and see if you can find out where a bible study is offered in your area. The ladies and volunteers that work in Crisis Pregnancy Centers have a heart of love and compassion and are passionate about you! It will always be confidential, so you don't have to worry about your story being mishandled. It will be one of the best things you will ever do for yourself. Just know that Yahweh is good and in Him is freedom!!!!
On Sunday, October 30th, at 3:00 pm cst in my neck of the woods, there is going to be a prayer rally at the local court house square. There will be several counties that will be praying at the same time, at their local court house squares, for our nation and world as whole. You don't have to have an organized rally to join in this prayer. Just mark your calendars and join in, where ever you are, join in. Who knows, it could just be the call to prayer that sets this nation on fire for the truth of Yahweh's Word once again. I am reminded, "For such a time as this". Oh how I pray for a spiritual re-awakening in the land!!!!! If now is not the time, then when?
Well, I have just about covered it all again tonight. I don't know what my tomorrow is going to bring me, but I know the One who will bring my tomorrow to me. I just pray that I can live as He would have me live in the blessing of tomorrow. I pray that for you too. I pray that as you lay your head on your pillow tonight that you will give all your worries over to the One who took your place on the cross and know that you can sleep well with Him in charge of it all. Always remember that Yahweh, Father God loves you. I love you too! Till we meet again, right here at the next appointed time, hugs and love.....Patty
4 comments:
It is so good to read your words of encouragement and added phrases of laughter this morning. 2 Chronicles 7:14 has been the sermon I've heard several times this month from different individuals...your words of blessing puts "icing on the cake". It appears that God is speaking to this nation at this time that we all as Christians need to do what is said in this passage...thank you for such a time like this!ReplyDeleteReplies
Lois, I am thrilled that you came here this morning!!! This is what Father Yahweh has had on my heart for so much of the time here lately and a lot of other peoples too. It is a very good thing! I believe we are seeing that we are at a very critical moment in history and I pray that all Christians are being drawn back to their first love, Yeshuah, Christ Jesus! I love you and your words of encouragement for me!!!! hugs, pattyDelete
Wow! It looks like you were really busy. Thanks for sharing. And I agree about this election - it's a lose/lose choice. As always, thanks for pointing people to the Lord. hugs...ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks so much Tina!!! One of these days we will have an election that will be a pleasure to cast our votes, I have to believe that anyway. I appreciate your continued support!! love and hugs, pattyDelete


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It was a warm but not humid day in Raleigh, so I headed out to Pullen Park to see if I could get a good panning shot in the carousel. I took a lot of photos and got 4 that were decent. Two in the carousel and 2 of the train that runs around the park. Not my favorite technique. Maybe need more practice! Here is the best shot of the day:
The train photo isn't as sharp, but I liked it enough to post.
Opie and Andie were enjoying the sun as were the ducks and the geese:


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Hi ya everyone! Sorry for my absence. Myself and my family have been very sick the last few weeks! I think we are on the mend finally. Keeping my fingers crossed anyhow.
Today, I'm sharing with you a card for my Artist in Residence spot for Imagine! I love this team and the products I get to work with. You might be thinking to yourself, I don't know who Imagine is, but you probably due as they distribute products from Tsukineko like Versafine and Memento Inks. You might not know however, that they have so many wonderful products of their own too. I'm on their blog today, sharing how I made the above card.
I also made a video on the process. You can watch that video below! Please head over to the Imagine blog and leave some love too!


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|Only sounds like Keith Flint
Hey so, you guys read way more than I do. I'm looking for a new read. I typically like stuff that is unconventional and provocative. I was wondering if there was anything like that in the YA age range.
Fantasy, Sci Fi and Horror are preferred. General Lit is good if it is surreal. Ideas?
|*Special Achievement Award Winner 2010* shines on like the stars
"Little Bother"
Life is too short to read a bad book.
Not too sure what you mean by 'unconventional' but I've recently been pointed to and enjoyed Kelly Link's short stories.
I prefer to live in a country that's small, and old, and where no one would ever have the NERVE to wear a cape in public, whether they could leap tall buildings in a single bound or not.
the parrot... ...gets tiresome.
the parrot... ...i ate him.
|Only sounds like Keith Flint
Thanks, guys! I'll check those out.
By "unconventional", I mean, something that doesn't follow the trends or standards of modern YA fiction. Something DIFFERENT.
|is imperfectly illuminated
I'm afraid I don't know what the trends are in YA fiction...
but I'd try China Mieville's UnLundun, it's a very good YA work.
*is currently impressed*
|was not written by a man named "Cougar"
You might try The Pearl Wars by Nick James.
It's a quick read and not overly complicated, but the story is interesting. Plus it was recently picked up and featured by Scholastic, which is a good endorsement.
(Disclamer: I also grew up with the author and his sister, so I'm not entirely unbiased here.)
|Goofy Beast
No idea whether German author Michael Ende is famous for anything other than The Neverending Story in the English-speaking world, but I can very much recommend Momo, which I still re-read every now and then. Same for The Neverending Story, by the way; both novels deal with fairly complex themes and are wonderful reads. I don't know whether the translations are any good, though - in the original there's none of the patronising talking down to a younger audience, they're poetic but not flowery, but little ruins a book as much as a crappy translation.
We scraped along like rats, but now we will soar like eagles... eagles on pogo sticks!
|lives deliberately
My favorite YA fantasy title to come out in recent years is The Lost Consipracy by Francis Hardinge. It's totally unconventional as a fantasy world...instead of having a Medieval European flavor to her universe, she bases her fantasy in a world that's derived from pacific island cultures and the clash between natives and colonists. Incredibly good stuff.
Terry Pratchett came out with "Nation" a few years back, which was also set on a tropical island about to be colonized.
If you like historical fiction, Laurie Halse Anderson wrote "Chains" and "Forge" which looks at the American Revolution from a slave's point of view.
MT Anderson writes highly unconventional YA fiction. He has his hands in many genres from historical fiction (The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing) to dystopian sci-fi (Feed).
Scott Westerfeld is really good at being on the cutting edge of literary trends...his Uglies series popularized dystopian fiction for teens and his Leviathan series is deliciously steam punk. I don't know if you consider these to be mainstream trends in YA fiction, but they certainly are worth reading.
If you're looking for a good survival tale, Revolver by Marcus Sedgewick is a chiller.
Then there's Brian Selznick, who wrote The Invention of Hugo Cabret and now Wonderstruck, both of which are gorgeously illustrated novels.
I've got plenty more to recommend (I used to work for a children/YA book review service) but those would be a good place to start! Enjoy!
ego forceps ergo ego forceps
"Yes, m'lud?"�
"Is that Ms Ephemera hovering over the croquet lawn?"�
"Indeed m'lud. She's marshalled all the haggle-dans. Missy-twigs and vale-nymphs from Claypole Woods. Apparently she intends to tear this house down and dance on the ruins."�
"Well, Chives, you'd better start the car, what? And pack my tennis things too"�
--- Joe 3Heads
|Only sounds like Keith Flint
Thanks, all! I'll look into this list. You guys are a great help.
|Vampiric Scottie-bat trainer
My current favourite YA author is John Green (Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, Will Grayson, Will Grayson (with David Levithan) and The Fault in Our Stars). I haven't read everything by him yet, but I can highly recommend The Fault in Our Stars, with Looking for Alaska a close second. They're more realistic fiction, but Will Grayson, Will Grayson (which I haven't read yet) has a definite SciFi element, so you might try that.
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Today's post comes in the form of a warning: according to my research, Horse Council BC is making a desperate bid to turn itself into the seventh 'hell no' province. And they are doing it without communicating a single word of it to their member. As a BC resident and longtime HCBC and EC member, I am throwing up in my mouth over this. I know HCBC signed an affiliation agreement in 2009 that stated unequivocally that they accepted a $5 EC fee for members in 2010 and a $10 fee for 2011. I don't know who Smitty thinks died and made him king but he's dead wrong in his reckoning. I know some of you Backcountry Horsemen types hate EC and all it represents. As you can see from past posts I am not an undying fan of Mission Control either – but you folks SIGNED ON THE DOTTED LINE. Oh if I only had more time today to pull out all the dirty laundry – all the underwear with skid marks, the dirty socks with holes in the toes and the t-shirts with ketchup stains dribbled down the front. But I don't.
All I'm going to say is this: if you are a member of HCBC and you are one of the thousands of people who can't renew your EC sport license, I encourage you to attend the HCBC AGM on March 26 at 1:15 pm. Ask to sit in on the Board meeting. I've been told all members are allowed to observe the Board meeting. Get a bunch of friends together. Crowd the place with bodies. Then stay awake for the proceedings because I don't think you're going to like what you see. My bet is there are a lot of members of the HCBC Board who will be just as disgusted by developments as I am. Whether they outnumber the Board members who want to jump off the cliff and join six other provinces in the Abyss of Irrelevance remains to be seen. You know what this whole mess that HCBC has brought upon us is over? FIVE DOLLARS. If there are people who would choose not to renew their HCBC membership because of a $5 fee increase, I would venture to say perhaps they should not own horses because they obviously can't afford to feed them.
HCBC Board, please. Stop the insanity. Cooperating with the National Federation doesn't prove you are weak. It proves you are intelligent enough to see the only reasonable (and ethical) course of action. Or is it just the case that, as one disappointed stake holder said, some people would rather reign in hell than sign a service agreement in heaven?


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This is full-size luxury sedan is under production from 2012. It came as a replacement of two models – STS and DTS and it stands somewhere between these two models. It is smaller than the DTS but larger than the STS. Despite this is pretty much fresh model, there are many new things for 2015 Cadillac XTS. Although it will stay pretty much the same outside, it will get some new features inside. However, the main change is under the hood, where you will found all-new engine option and also a new trim level called Vsport.
2015 Cadillac XTS exterior and interior
This car is based on enlarge Epsilon II platform. The look of 2015 Cadillac XTS remains pretty much the same. Recognizable Cadillac's front grille and head are still there, but variant with new twin-turbo engine will get new unique grille and deck lid identification. The interior of 2015 XTS looks very elegant and stylish. It is designed to provide high level of comfort both for front and rear passengers. There are plenty of color combinations, so you can customize your own model. This car has four levels of equipment – standard, luxury collection, premium collection and platinum collection. New features for 2015 year model are reserved for platinum collection and those are 22-way power-adjustable front seats with heat, ventilation and massage and new armrests with radio and sunshade controls.
2015 Cadillac XTS engine
The standard engine for this car is 3.6 liter V6 with 306 horses and 264 lb-ft of max torque. This engine is paired with Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control. The 2015 Cadillac XTS also comes with new option under the hood. It is the same engine but turbocharged this time. It comes with new Vsport trim level and it outputs 410 horses and 369 lb-ft of max torque. It uses the same Hydra-Matic transmission.
2015 Cadillac XTS price
The price of 2015 Cadillac XTS is in a very wide range because of many trim levels. The base price is around 45.500 dollars, while new XTS Vsport costs around 63.000 dollars.


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Treasury Secretary James Baker isn't exactly Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton, and the ''Tax Reform Shuffle'' Mr. Baker performed Tuesday on Capitol Hill wasn't exactly up to the standards of the ''Super Bowl Shuffle'' the Bears recorded last season. For one thing, Mr. Baker thought finger- snapping and fancy hoofing beneath the dignity of his high office.
Still, when government takes to verse, the public ought to take note. Among the lyrics:
Rosty started hearings before the fall.
They were Gucci to Gucci out in the hall.


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2018 JDHS Kid's Dance Clinic
Spend a day with the National award winning JDHS Dance Team!
Saturday April 7th, 2017 at Juneau Douglas High School Gym
Session 1: 10:30am - 3:00pm (Registration at 10:00am)
2nd Graders thru 12th Graders
Session 2: 12:00pm - 3:00pm (Registration at 11:45am)
Kindergarten thru 1st Grade
Clinic Performance: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Participants learned dance/hip hop technique and a character routine that were performed in a show at the end of their clinic session. Participants also received a "Certificate of Participation", and a Dance Team T-shirt! Several clinic groups were chosen to perform in the JDHS Dance Team's SHOWTIME on FRIDAY APRIL 20th and SATURDAY APRIL 21st at 7:00pm. We'll be announcing which teams get to perform during our main event. Click HERE to see the slideshow of the clinic and performances.


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Odama's death was caused by generator fumes – Police
Police Force Headquarters has released a second autopsy report behind the reason of the death of Joy Odama. Odama was a student of Cross River State University of Science and Technology under the Mass Communication Department.
It was stated in the first autopsy report that Odama has died due to acute cocaine poisoning, as reported by National Hospital in Abuja and the family was informed about this. However, the police stated yesterday that it was the generator fumes in the house of the Alhaji Adamu which is the prime suspect, which caused the death of Odama.
Meanwhile, Odamas family have reacted to the findings and insists that their daughter had died because of cocaine infusion in Adamu's residence. They don't believe that the generator fumes killed their daughter and they feel that the police were trying to protect the suspect. In line with this, Basic Rights Enlightenment Foundation President Augustine Okechukwu said that suspect if Addamu is under police custody.
Deputy Superintendent Jimooh Moshood, Force Public Relations Officer said that they don't oppose with the allegations and have cleared that murder is considered as a capital offense so this matter should go to court. He also pointed out that police have done their job and can validate any report in the court once the proceedings will begin. In line with Okechukwu's allegation, Moshood assured that the prime suspect in Odama's death is still under the police custody and made sure that justice will prevail.
Moshood also noted that police never rejected the result of the first autopsy report and it was the Inspector General who asked for another report because the previous report was inconclusive. He also added that the Dr. Paul Jubril who actually conducted the first autopsy is present in the presentation of the second autopsy report which was done by Dr. Wilson Ayewu and was conducted in Abuja's National Hospital. He mentioned also that Okechukwu was also present in that presentation of the result of the autopsy.
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Jharkhand JSSC PGT Syllabus Pattern 2018:- The Jharkhand Service Selection Commission (JSSC) is going to conduct written exam for the recruitment of post graduate teachers (JCPSICE-2018) under various subjects in the month of January or Feb 2018. Applicants who have applied for this recruitment can check out their examination syllabus and pattern mentioned right on this page. Get the latest new syllabus pattern for JSSC PGT Syllabus Pattern 2018. All information related to prelims and mains exam syllabus and pattern is mentioned on this page below.
JSSC PGT Syllabus Pattern 2018
About The Exam:- Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) has invited online applications for the post of 3010 Post Graduate Trained Teacher (PGT) in Various Subjects Last Date To Apply Online is on or before 30 December 2017. JCPSICE-2018 syllabus and pattern is mentioned on this page. It should be also noted that JSSC reserved rights to conduct direct mains exam if applications are received in less number. Otherwise if more than 15000 applications are received preliminary exam will be conducted which will be only qualifying in nature.
Click Here For Jharkhand PGT Previous Year Solved Question Papers & Free Study Material
For More Latest Syllabus & Pattern
JCPSICE-2018 Prelims Exam Pattern
- The preliminary exam will be conducted online (computer based test) with all multiple choice questions.
- There will be total 150 questions with max 450 marks.
- Right answer will award 3 marks where as 1 mark will be deduced as negative marking against each wrong answer.
- The total duration of the written exam will be 2 hours.
- The question paper will be provided in Hindi and English language both.
- Detailed pattern and subjects are mentioned in the table below.
|Name of Subject
|No of Ques
|Max Marks
|General Studies
|General Knowledge
|General Mathematics
|Mental Ability Test (Reasoning)
|Basic Computer Knowledge
|Jharkhand General Knowledge
Jharkhand PGT Prelims Exam Syllabus 2017
General Studies:-
- Current Affairs – Regional, National and International
- International, State Relations and Current Events.
- Environmental issues and Disaster Management
- Economy of India and Jharkhand State.
- Geography of India with a focus on Jharkhand.
- Indian Constitution and Polity with a focus on local self Government.
- Society, Culture, Heritage, Arts and Literature of Jharkhand.
- State Policies of Jharkhand State.
- History of Modern India with a focus on Indian National Movement
- History of Jharkhand with special emphasis on Movement for Jharkhand Statehood.
- National / International Awards.
- Indian Languages.
- Sports-Players, Authors, Books, International and National Dates.
- Independence Movement and Role of Jharkhand.
General Knowledge:-
Questions will be asked from any field of daily events and current affair knowledge. Read all the current affairs of past 3 months. Read newspapers daily and all the important events happened recently In India and Jharkhand. The basic objective is to check the General knowledge of candidate.
General Mathematics:-
- Number System
- HCF and LCM
- Squares and Square Roots
- Cubes and Cube Roots
- Percentage and Averages
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest.
- Profit, Loss, and Discount
- Partnership
- Ratio and Proportion
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Statistics.
Mental Ability Test:-
- Analogies.
- Similarities & Differences.
- Space visualization.
- Problem-solving.
- Analysis.
- Judgement.
- Decision making.
- Visual memory.
- Relationship concepts.
- Arithmetical reasoning.
- Verbal and Figure Classification.
- Arithmetical Number Series.
- Non-verbal series etc
Basic Computer Knowledge:- This test will based on basic computer methods and operations used in daily day to day life. Applicants have to perform basic computer questions on MS-word, Word-Pad, MS-Excel, Powerpoint, Operating System, Input-Output Devices, Internet, Browsers, Data Storage, Basic Networking, History of computers, Saving Files, Computer Shortcuts etc.
General Knowledge Related To Jharkhand:– General Knowledge questions will be asked related to the state of Jharkhand.
Jharkhand Post Graduate Teacher Exam 2018 Mains Syllabus-Pattern
- There will be two papers in the mains examinations.
- Paper-I will have general knowledge and Hindi language questions.
- Paper-II will be of Related Subject on which applicant have applied.
- The duration of the exam will be of 3 hours.
- There will be no negative marking in mains exam.
|Max Marks
|General Knowledge & Hindi
|3 Hours
|Concerned Subjects
|3 Hours
Paper-I:- The syllabus for paper-I is nearly as same as the preliminary exam. However Hindi is included in which question will be asked from unseen passages.
Paper-II:- Questions of Concerned Subject will be of post graduate level covering all topics as provided in post graduation. The Paper-II will be conducted fro the following subjects:-
- Hindi Language & Literature
- English Language & Literature
- Sanskrit Language & Literature
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Commerce
- Biology (Botany & Zoology)
Click Here For All Subject Wise Syllabus For JSSC PGT Paper-2 Mains Exam 2018
Click On the Link Above For All Concerned Subjects Syllabus:- Hindi Language & Literature, English Language & Literature, Sanskrit Language & Literature Economics, Geography, History, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Commerce, Biology (Botany & Zoology).
In case of any doubts and queries related to "Jharkhand JSSC PGT Syllabus Pattern 2018 JCPSICE-2018 Post Graduate Teacher Exam 2018" please comment below so we can answer your questions right on this page.


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Please note: logging into Pressible first automatically passes your account information to the site administrator. Only use this form if you do not have a Pressible account.
The Media Show continues!
Reposted from The Media Show. Written by Gus Andrews.
Email goes horribly astray when the new intern tries to help Weena with her... hamster problem. Lesson learned: You never know whose hands your message will fall into if you spell that address wrong. Even spell check can't save you.
Post a comment.


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About Bass Pond Press
A Cookbook called Taste and Tales of Massachusetts by Bass Pond Press
Massachusetts' favorite regional cookbook, our recipes celebrate the foods of Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and New England. Published since 2004 by Bass Pond Press, our state, regional and specialty food cookbooks can be found across New England.
In 2003, three women got together and decided to publish a cookbook, Taste and Tales of Massachusetts. Together we covered the three essential items necessary in putting together a book, design, content, and artistic. One day I was in the studio of Louise Minks (www.louiseminks.com) and I saw this wonderful painting of a tidewater scene on the wall. I said, "that would make a wonderful cover, could I use it?" She was thrilled with the idea. I then asked Cathy Cornwell, a graphic designer, if she would be interested in designing the book and she said, "yes." So I wrote, Cathy designed and Louise illustrated. The Massachusetts cookbook was published in late 2004 and is in its sixth reprint.
My next book was on cranberries, then Cape Cod and the tale goes on. I was a history/political science major in college and my books give me the opportunity to bring together my love of history and food. People enjoy reading the tales and cookbook collectors have enjoyed learning about the little facts about a region or food product.


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Two children dead after left in car for 15 hours, mother charged
SAN ANTONIO - A Kerr County woman was charged with child endangerment after her two daughters, ages 1 and 2, were apparently left inside a car for a period of about 15 hours, according to a statement from Kerr County Sheriff Rusty Hierholzer.
The two girls passed away on Thursday at University Hospital. They were identified as Brynn Hawkins, 1, and Addyson Overgard-Eddy, 2.
According to Hierholzer, the children's mother, Amanda Hawkins, 19, showed up at Peterson Regional Medical Center with the victims, claiming they had collapsed while running around and smelling flowers at Flat Rock Lake and may have gotten into something poisonous.
But investigators said they later determined the children were intentionally left in their mother's car overnight, until about noon on June 7, while Hawkins and a 16-year-old male friend were inside another friend's home.
Sheriff Hierholzer said that at some point the 16-year-old went out to the car and slept for a while but then went back inside the house. Hierholzer told us he also understood someone inside the house could even hear the children crying and told her to bring them inside the house but she didn't. He said the children were without food, water or restroom visits during their 15 hours in the car.
The sheriff stated after returning to the car and finding the children in trouble, Hawkins did not immediately take the children to a hospital. He said she instead tried to cover up the incident by bathing and redressing the children. Hierholzer said it was his understanding the children were unconscious at this point.
Sheriff Hierholzer said Hawkins finally sought medical care after being talked into it. After arriving at the hospital in Kerrville, the children were taken to University Hospital. Hierholzer said sometime around 5 p.m. Thursday, both girls were taken off ventilator systems and passed away.
The sheriff told us their records showed 'no history' with Hawkins but that investigators determined it was not the first time she had left the children in a car.
Hawkins was charged with two counts of child endangerment, but Hierholzer said the charges could be upgraded after the findings of the case are presented to a grand jury. She was taken to the Bexar County Jail following her arrest and will remain there until her transfer back to Kerr County. Her bond was set at $35,000 for each charge. Sheriff Hierholzer said the 16-year-old who was with Hawkins may also face charges.
Hierholzer called the case the "most horrific case of child endangerment that I have seen in the 37 years that I have been in law enforcement."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as they become available.


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Well, as many of you lovely folks know, I am a bit of a rugby fan and I thought I'd share a few thoughts on the upcoming World Cup (starts September 9th) in New Zealand. Taking a cursory look through the groups I realised there are some countries that I've barely heard of, so I grabbed the nearest atlas on hand for more info.
I'll try to provide a bit of an overview for each team heading into the World Cup. After covering Group A and Group B last week, and Group C yesterday, we're left finally with Group D, just in time for the tournament to begin tomorrow:
South Africa
World Atlas Reference (According to the Onion's Our Dumb World): "The citizens of South Africa fall victim to a serious crime every 17 seconds – a statistic that is nearly impossible to verify, as everyone in the country has his or her watch stolen every 12 seconds."
Capitals: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial) & Cape Town (legislative)
Population: 50,586,757 (2011 estimate)
IRB World Ranking: 3rd
Random Fact(s): South Africa is home to 11 official languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu.
The Story: The Springboks go to New Zealand as the reigning World Champions, hoping to repeat their feats from four years ago. Many influential players from the 2007 campaign remain, including John Smit, Victor Matfield, Butch James and Bryan Habana.
Player to Watch: This could be lock Victor Matfield's swansong. His near constant presence in South Africa's engine room (107 appearances in a Springbok sweater and counting) has guided them through rough patches and up to the top of the world. With captain John Smit not necessarily a guaranteed starter (due to the challenge of Bismarck du Plessis), it may be upto vice-captain Matfield to be the de facto leader of the Springboks in this tournament, a burden that he is more than apt to carry on his 6 foot 7 shoulders.
X-Factor: Selections. The Springboks, more than any other side in the tournament, and certainly more than any contender for the title, have serious options at many key positions, leaving the possibility that their success may be dependent upon coach Peter de Villiers choosing the right mix. Does he drop squad captain John Smit in favour of Bismarck du Plessis, who is widely regarded as the best hooker in the world? Does he compromise his front row scrummaging power in favour of a configuration that fits both Smit and du Plessis in (at the expense of a specialist prop)? What about at fly-half? Will it be Butch James or Morne Steyn? Does he keep them both in the lineup, with one covering at fullback, coming at the expense of the promising Patrick Lambie or the skilled Francois Steyn? It's an abundance of riches on paper, but sure to be keeping de Villiers up at night.
RWC 2011 Prediction: 1st place in Group D; Semi-Finalists.
World Atlas Reference (According to the Onion's Our Dumb World): "Wales in the birthplace of the Welsh language – the oldest, longest, and least-pronounceable language in the world. When spoken, it sounds like a beautiful song, but when written, it looks like the alphabet just vomited."
Capital: Cardiff
Population: 3,006,400 (2010 estimate)
IRB World Ranking: 6th
Random Fact(s): Wales is largely known for its contributions to world rugby and music.
The Story: The Welsh go to New Zealand on the back of some impressive wins over England and Argentina and a rise in the IRB Rankings to 6th, making them dark horse contenders for the William Webb Ellis Trophy. If Warren Gatland is able to keep his players honest and stick to their game plans, they might have enough to make a bit of noise. They will, however, be in tough against Samoa for the second seed in Group D, making every game crucial.
Player to Watch: It's hard to be Shane Williams. The little man has long been known as the most exciting player for Wales, and despite being 34 years old, is in no danger of losing that title. He's a once-in-a-generation winger, and Warren Gatland's team must be thankful that whatever generation Williams considers himself includes them. Almost certainly at his last World Cup, it would be wonderful for the Welsh to send him off with a championship. At the very least, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him tally a few more international tries to add to his already impressive 54 (in 81 appearances for Wales).
X-Factor: Name confusion. Looking at the squad list, it appears there are more than a few Davies (Bradley and Jonathan) Williams (Shane, Scott and Lloyd) and Jones (Stephen, Ryan, Adam and Alun Wyn) in the lineup. How might that confuse the poor television commentators who have to call these games? Not to mention how hard it is for their teammates to come up with nicknames. You can only have one Jonesie.
RWC 2011 Prediction: 2nd place in Group D; Quarterfinalists.
World Atlas Reference (According to the Onion's Our Dumb World): "With almost every tectonic plate in the region smashed to pieces by the colossal-boned Samoans, the country puts a severe strain on the earth's crust. Samoa also suffers regular earthquakes every day during lunch hour, school recess, and whenever more than two people sit down."
Capital: Apia
Population: 179,000 (2009 estimate)
IRB World Ranking: 10th
Random Fact(s): The Independent State of Samoa, is actually the western half of an archipelago, shared with the unincorporated territory of American Samoa.
The Story: This is as close to a home tournament as the Samoans will ever experience. Their squad is filled with players with close-connections to New Zealand, either through birth, lineage, or current residency. Furthermore, for many of the fellas in the team, this is their last chance in a World Cup. Playing in front of a friendly crowd (and you can be sure that every match that Samoa plays in will have the crowd behind them) will be a special advantage that they will be hoping translates into a spot in the Quarters.
Player to Watch: If the name Tuilagi sounds familiar, that is because it is. Alesana (or Alex) is one of seven brothers, six of whom have played club rugby for Leicester Tigers (including England international Manu). The middle brother, Alesana is 260 lbs and plays on the wing (he might be considered skinny by Samoan standards – I don't know).
X-Factor: Sydney. July 17, 2011 in Sydney, to be exact. It was on that day that Samoa shocked everyone and beat World No. 2 Australia 32-23. How much of that can be attributed to a poor performance by the Wallabies? How much could be the hunger of Samoa? I would be willing to bet a few dollars that South Africa and Wales have watched that game tape over and over.
RWC 2011 Prediction: They'll scare the top sides, but may unfortunately end up with 3rd place in Group D.
World Atlas Reference (According to the Onion's Our Dumb World): Fiji amazingly enough doesn't appear in Our Dumb World. I guess it's not really a country after all. RWC 2011 tournament organizers should be made aware of this immediately so the situation can be rectified.
Capital: Suva
Population: 849,000 (2009 estimate)
IRB World Ranking: 15th
Random Fact(s): The name for the country of Fiji actually comes from what Captain James Cook heard their neighbours the Tongans calling it. Fijians had called their main island "Viti", while the Tongans called it "Fisi".
The Story: Wildly unpredictable to fans, opponents and teammates alike, Fiji is one of the most entertaining sides to watch at a World Cup, using Rugby Sevens-style play in a fifteens environment, often to unexpected results. On the best of days, they are able to cut open defences and rack up a bunch of tries. On the worst of days, their ill-discipline and recklessness costs them winnable matches. In 2011, as world rugby has become even more competitive, will raw creativity be enough?
Player to Watch: Deacon Manu is actually a relative late-comer to international rugby, having only made his test debut in 2009 at the age of 30. The reason why Fiji waited so long to select the prop is that they didn't really know he was available. Manu is actually from New Zealand and played Super Rugby, but had never represented the country beyond the U-21 level and also playing for the New Zealand Maori. After playing the past five years in Wales, Deacon Manu, also now the captain of Fiji, will have quite a homecoming in the World Cup, even getting to play Fiji's last group match in his former home stadium in Hamilton.
X-Factor: Waisea Luveniyali may be the first choice fly-half for Fiji, but you only need to look to the bench to see Fiji's all-time points leader in Nicky Little. It wouldn't be much of a shock to see Little and Luveniyali on the field at the same time when the stakes are up. Sure, he will be 35 years old by the second week of the tournament, but the man knows how to get things done.
RWC 2011 Prediction: 4th place in Group D.
World Atlas Reference (According to the Onion's Our Dumb World): "From the Sossusvlei dunes where Brad Pitt once wiped his brow, to the incredible scenery in that city Angelina Jolie has mentioned a few times, Namibia is home to breathtaking coastlines, endless skies, and – for a brief, magical spell – the most stunning celebrity couple of our generation."
Capital: Windhoek
Population: 2,108,665 (2009 estimate)
IRB World Ranking: 20th
Random Fact(s): The Kalahari desert is one of Namibia's best known geographical features, attracting tourists from around the world.
The Story: Namibia arrives at the World Cup as the lowest ranking team in the tournament and stuck in what many have called the "Group of Death". Suffice to say that expectations are quite minimal.
Player to Watch: Jacques Burger is a stud. The loose forward made a name for himself playing Super Rugby for the Bulls and now earns pounds sterling at Saracens. On a squad where 17 of 30 players don't even have Wikipedia entries, it really highlights how much a player of Burger's calibre is worth.
X-Factor: Jobs. The Namibians can take the four games they are guaranteed to play in the tournament and turn them into auditions. There is a reason 17 of these fellas don't have Wikipedia entries and that is because most of them are playing for local clubs back home. If all goes well, there is no reason a stand out performance can't turn them into the next Jacques Burger and find a job playing Super Rugby or in Europe.
RWC 2011 Prediction: 5th place in Group D.
That's it for the previews, now on to the action. The Rugby World Cup kicks off tomorrow! (Check your local listings)!


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Looking for an excuse to have a glass of wine mid-flight? This could be it!
Drinking plenty of fluids during a flight might seem like a sensible thing to do but there's one beverage that cabin crew say you should never order onboard – water.
Considered the worst drink you can ask for while flying, a flight attendant revealed to Business Insider that you should never drink tap water mid-flight because the dirty little secret is that it can be pretty dirty.
"Flight attendants will not drink hot water on the plane," the attendant said.
"They will not drink plain coffee, and they will not drink plain tea."
This is because while the water tanks do get cleaned, they're never informed when or how often.
As a result, they're not sure how clean the water is at any given time and stay away from water, hot or cold, altogether unless it's bottled
read more on independent.co.uk


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According to The Hollywood Reporter, "the Beatles is the biggest selling group of all time in the U.K." (Read the rest of the story here...)
"The Beatles, Popular Music and Sixties Britain", taught by Rikky Rooksby, is a fascinating examination of the Beatles and their impact. The course description says:
" Revered and reviled in equal measure, the Sixties continue to fascinate. We will explore how the Beatles made their music, and trace its development from the relatively simple recordings of their first albums to the layered recording techniques of Abbey Road. We will place their songs in context by discussing examples by other notable British groups of the period. The course also includes some British poetry and articles from the decade, as well as archive film of Swinging London and other clips, and mention of some of the key events in British art and politics. However familiar you think the Beatles' music is, prepare to hear more in it than before."


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Qatar prince discusses investments in India
The two leaders discuss investments in infrastructure & energy sector, and also conditions of Indians living in Qatar.india Updated: Sep 16, 2006 10:00 IST
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met with Qatar Crown Prince Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani on the sidelines of the NAM summit in Havanaand discussed with him thepossibilities of Qatari investment in India, including in energy.
External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said that the two leaders discussed investments in infrastructure, energy sector and other areas and also conditions of Indians living in Qatar and provision of better amenities to them.
This is the first meeting that the 27-year-old crown prince had with the 74-year-old Indian leader. Both are here to attend the September 15-16 summit of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Qatar possesses the world's third largest natural gas reserves and has one of the highest per capita incomes of any country.
First Published: Sep 16, 2006 10:00 IST