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Women who code: Lotte Pitcher
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a director of a small web development agency in Shoreditch, London. It is actually a family business, which is somewhat rare in our young industry. My mother started the business in 1980 writing MS-DOS programs, and over the last 38 (!) years both her and my father have kept up-to-date with technology enough to still be working as web developers.
I joined the company after graduating from university. For the last 10 years or so I have been the technical lead, so I am definitely the one now needing to keep one-eye on the future, as well as on the bottom line. I still do a lot of coding though, it's the part of the job I love the most. I manage to keep the business administration and project management to about a third of my time.
What's your experience with Umbraco?
I first discovered Umbraco in 2011 I think. I remember the version number, of course, v4.7. It was when razor support was first added. When we first went from Windows to Web development we went down the Microsoft route, so finding Umbraco was a perfect fit with our skillset. I wish I had discovered it earlier, although then I would have needed to get to grips with XSLT, so perhaps not!
I am about to become a fully-fledged Umbraco Master as have the final certification, Searching and Indexing, in April. Even though we only use Umbraco in about 25% of our sites (a lot of our projects have no CMS requirements), I am an active member of the London Umbraco community as I still get a lot from the meetups. I have also been lucky enough to attend both CODECABIN years.
When and how did you become interested in coding?
In my early teens my mother used to employ me as a systems tester on her Windows software. She figured if a 13 year old could use the system it was good enough. I guess that must have been when I caught the coding bug. Today's children get to program Minecraft: I had to do with BBC Basic and make pixelated pictures, but it was still fun!
When you decided to enter this industry, were you concerned about facing prejudice as a woman? If yes, what were your concerns?
As I was joining the family business those concerns weren't really relevant for me. But it was studying Computer Science at university when I was first exposed to the huge gender imbalance in IT.
Having been at an all-girls school it was a bit of a shock to be on a course where it was a 15:1 ratio of men to women. To be honest, this didn't really bother me. What did was the fact that most "CompSci" students seemed to spend their entire life in the computer science laboratory. Very few did sport, or had any hobbies or interests that didn't involve a computer screen.
Basically, very few seemed to be people "like me". This was in the late 1990s when the perception was that the industry was full of the stereotypical male geeks who would prefer to communicate via a keyboard than face-to-face. Sad but true.
I confess that I was always delighted that people were surprised to learn that I was a computer scientist. I don't think it was because they were surprised that a woman could do it, more that a woman would actually want to do it, especially an extrovert sociable woman like myself.
Why do you think there still aren't that many female coders?
I don't believe that girls/women are dissuaded from coding due to being inadequate or incapable. Not these days. I fear that the perception of it being quite a solitary career still exists. Okay, yesterday I spent six hours of just me "against" my computer... but those days are thankfully rare.
Inside the industry we all know that being a successful developer is not just about coding, you need to be able to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively and, hopefully, mentor empathetically too. There's no reason why men should get more out of problem solving than women, I think some women don't realise what a sociable career it can be. Which is a real shame, as with more and more companies embracing remote working, it's a great career to fit around family schedules.
In your opinion, what could help to increase gender diversity in tech community?
Fair enough, most coders I know are men. Most of these men are family-oriented individuals who have full lives outside of writing code. Perhaps they play sport, go running, play the bass (lots do for some reason!), or just enjoy hanging out with their kids.
Point is we're a diverse and interesting bunch just like within any industry. So clearly we need to be more transparent about that. We need those on the outside to see people "like them" on the inside.
An easy thing to do is avoid the use of hyperboles such as "rockstar" programmer. To me that sounds like an overly loud person who won't entertain the ideas of others. Not someone I want to work with!
What advice would you give to someone looking to make a career move and learn to code?
Look out for local "learn to code" meetups and events. You'll make connections with people so you can get ideas and help when needed. Then find that personal project that you really want to build and get started. Be realistic and get something simple working, then build it up bit by bit. If you're a logical thinker who likes problem solving, then keep at it!
How do you imagine your future as a developer?
It's a bit of a balancing act, at the moment, between being a developer and running a business. Whilst I still enjoy the coding, I shall continue as I am. We are always learning new stuff in our career and, whilst that is part of the joy of it, I fear that there might be one learning curve too many at some point. In which case I'll switch to doing more business stuff and let the younger generation do the "real" work!


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Kim Kardashian's BF Brittny Gastineau just revealed that she wants Kim's one-night Las Vegas bachelorette party to resemble The Hangover. "All you need is that one night," she told People mag. We, personally, like the idea of Kim waking up with a missing tooth or face tattoo. If they are planning a booze and boys-fueled evening, they'll need some bachelorette party essentials:
Shop our guides to the best wedding costume jewelry, black bridesmaid dresses, and simple wedding dresses.

subset: commoncrawl


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Do I get compensated for appearing to testify?
You are entitled to $5.00 for each half day and $10.00 for each full day that you appear to testify. There may be a mileage allowance for witnesses. After your appearance, a member of the County Attorney's Office will write the total mileage on your subpoena and ask the judge to sign it. You will take your subpoena to the Criminal Clerk of Court, Room 201, Polk County Courthouse for compensation.
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Student suicide
Any instance of suicide at a higher education institution must be dealt with sensitively, recognising the impact it will have on friends, family, and the educational community.
Public Health England and Business in the community have produced a suite of materials to help institutions including a suicide postvention toolkit co-produced with the Samaritans that can be found here.
Other guidance for educational institutions can be found on the Samaritans website here.
In September 2018 Universities UK released guidance for institutions, in conjunction with PAPYRUS, on preventing student suicide. This guidance can be found here


text: Team Germany! Team Germany won first place in the 2009 Solar Decathlon by applying photovoltaics to every available surface. I had been rooting for Virginia Tech for their use of aerogel as insulation that allowed natural light to shine through, but it only ranked 13 out of 20 competitors. Team Germany's Cube House was considered…Read More


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Hell's Bay Boatworks was formed to create the perfect fishing boats. The company's namesake, "Hell's Bay", is a body of water located deep within Everglades National Park. Navigating through the narrow creeks and shallow bays to get to "Hell's Bay" requires a skiff that can run in very shallow water, turn on a dime and also cross larger bodies of water in rough conditions. On top of that, the skiff must provide anglers with enough dry storage, and a stable platform for flyfishing or spincasting.
Hell's Bay Boatworks currently produces 9 different boats specialized for a variety of inshore and nearshore applications. Today, Hell's Bay boats are used by the most highly revered guides in the southeast United States, as well as recreational anglers seeking the ultimate fishing experience.
Captains for Clean Water partnered with Hell's Bay Boatworks due to the company's deep roots and heritage in the fishing community and boatbuilding industry. The team at Hell's Bay Boatworks, led by Chris and Wendi Peterson, is very passionate about the boats they build, and equally passionate about protecting the environment that supports their business. Florida's marine industry creates a $15.3 billion annual economic impact to the state, and provides 183,000 jobs, which is a powerful force that local, state and federal policymakers simply cannot ignore.
We will keep this page up to date with exciting news from the Hell's Bay & Captains for Clean Water partnership!


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Marked with an infallible token of death
Touched by a white horse, now looms my final breath
Rotted fingers and little black spots
An old adversary, come to draw my lot
No beak of rose, juniper and mint will mask the stench
As bodies fill up the fresh dug trench
Pestilence has come upon we peccant souls
Come with a purpose, to fulfil its role
– R.K. Lightfoot
'White' Is the first in a planned series of poems about the Four Horseman, with 'White' clearly dealing with Pestilence. I decided to have The Black Death as Pestilence's disease of choice because of the devastating effect the disease had on 14th Century Europe and the imagery that I could draw from it.
© 2018
Photo via Pixabay CC0


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To support our mission to conduct research that supports scientific and educational programs at iSustain; there are a number of ongoing research projects and new projects.
Long-term trends in coral and algae on Bonaire's reefs
Since January of 2008; data have been collected at 10 sites in Bonaire using videography. The data from the ten sites are being analyzed to determine the extent of the decline in coral and increases in algae and rubble over the past decade. Other important factors such as coral disease and shifts in types of corals are being analyzed.
Long-term trends in reef fish communities
Abundance of commercially significant reef fish and parrotfish over the past decade are being determined from AGRRA data. Species are being grouped into size classes. Trends over time and length at first maturity is being analyzed for each species to understand the potential impacts of fishing
UV-light detection by reef zooplankton
Using light traps, we have been studying the response of zooplankton communities to different types of light at night; including UV. Studies have shown zooplankton respond to UV and that UV can harm zooplankton. We are interested in finding what members of the night zooplank
Reproductive aggregations of box jellyfish
Alatina alata is a box jellyfish species (cubazoan) that forms spawning aggregations eight-to-ten days after each full moon. From October 2015 to January 2016, we collected jellyfish using hand nets during spawning. Individuals were photographed, weighed and samples of gonads were collected to confirm gender in the laboratory.
Parasite on surgeonfish – historical and current distribution of the disease
Dark spots have been notice on surgeonfish in the Caribbean including Bonaire. We are studying the prevalence of the ocean surgeonfish disease on Bonaire and how this changes with time. Considering the important ecological role of surgeonfish as herbivors on the reef ecosystem, it is important to investigate the effects on surgeonfish populations and document the distribution of this condition which will ultimately lead to a better understanding of the disease.
Light and Motion Sensor program
iSustain is restarting a program that measures light and temperature at 10 sites along the west coast of Bonaire. Data for this program were collected for 7 years prior to the implementation of the sewage treatment facility. iSustain plans to re-establish the sensor arrays and deploy them during the summer of 2018.
This program was supported by dive community on Bonaire and the collection of data following implementation of the sewage treatment plant was a major objective of the original study. The photo is from Jones et al. 2008.


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I have been trying to create the development and test databases in Redmine, with rake db:create:all, but I have receive the following error :
Couldn't create database for {"encoding"=>"utf8", "username"=>"bitnami", "adapter"=>"mysql", "database"=>"redmine_development", "host"=>"localhost", "password"=>"e06fad54d8", "socket"=>"/home/tudor/redmine-1.2.0-0/mysql/tmp/mysql.sock"}, charset: utf8, collation: utf8_unicode_ci (if you set the charset manually, make sure you have a matching collation) rake aborted! Don't know how to build task 'development'
This is my database.yml file
adapter: mysql
database: bitnami_redmine
host: localhost
username: bitnami
password: ********
socket: /home/tudor/redmine-1.2.0-0/mysql/tmp/mysql.sock
encoding: utf8
adapter: mysql
database: redmine_development
host: localhost
username: bitnami
password: *********
socket: /home/tudor/redmine-1.2.0-0/mysql/tmp/mysql.sock
encoding: utf8
I've checked that mysql is turned on. The production database is created by default, the problem is with the development one. One possible source of error that I found while reading other forums is using tab instead of two spaces in my database.yml, but that's not the case here.
Testing configuration :
- Ubuntu 11.04 Redmine v. 1.2.0 Ruby v. 1.8.7 Rake v. 0.8.7 Rails v. 2.3.11


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Giovanni Agnoloni (Florence, Italy, 1976) is a writer, a translator and a cultural blogger.
After his Honours degree in Law, he devoted himself to literature and languages.
He is involved in the collective novel Il postino di Mozzi, coordinated by Fernando Guglielmo Castanar (Arkadia Editore), published in April 2019.
Furthermore, he is the author of the novels Sentieri di notte (Galaad, 2012; published also in Spanish as Las sendas de la noche, Ilíada Ediciones 2018 – and in Polish as Ścieżki nocy, Serenissima 2016), Partita di anime (Galaad, 2014; published in Polish as Rozgrywka dusz, Serenissima 2018), La casa degli anonimi (Galaad, 2014; published in Polish as Dom bezimiennych, 2018) and L'ultimo angolo di mondo finito (Galaad, 2017), (blending philosophy with thriller and sci-fi nuances).
His short story Il liberto has been published by Kipple Officina Libraria (2017), and his English short story The Return has appeared on no.1 of the New York-based literary magazine "October Hill" (Spring 2017 issue).
His short story Il sepolcro del nuovo incontro (already included in Partita di anime) appears in a fiction collection entitled Nuove eterotopie (Delos Digital, October 2017), which collects the best of the production of the Connectivist movement (that he is a member of), with Bruce Sterling's participation. Previously, he had contributed to the multi-author short story collections Avanguardie Futuro Oscuro (2010, Kipple Officina Libraria, edited by Sandro Battisti, and with the participation of Valerio Evangelisti) and Noir No War (2006, Giulio Perrone Editore, edited by Alda Teodorani and Marco Milani).
Still in September 2017, his short story Lente trasformazioni appeared on the literary magazine "Reader for Blind".
In October 2017, his English short story The meeting was published on the literary magazine of the Croatian writers' residency "Zvona i Nari".
He also wrote three published long essays on Tolkien's literature –Letteratura del fantastico. I giardini di Lorien (Spazio Tre, 2004); Nuova letteratura fantasy (Eumeswil/Sottovoce 2010); Tolkien e Bach. Dalla Terra di Mezzo all'energia dei fiori (Galaad, 2011) – and was the editor, translator and co-author of an international collection of Tolkien studies, Tolkien. La Luce e l'Ombra (Senzapatria, 2010).
With the article Tolkien as a Benchmark of Comparative Literature – Middle-earth in Our World, he appears in the publication The Ring Goes Ever On: Proceedings of the Tolkien 2005 Conference (The Tolkien Society, 2008).
In June 2015, Galaad Edizioni published Piccola inchiesta sul provincialismo – In che modo blocca o rallenta la crescita culturale? (edited by the literary critic Simone Gambacorta), a collection of articles previously published on the newspaper "La Città"of Teramo, with a contribution of his.
Still in 2015, his essay on the Connectivist movement Il Connettivismo: dalle premesse all'Oltre was published on Italica Wratislawiensia, the Italian-Polish studies journal of the University of Wrocław (Poland).
A participant in literary residencies, festival, readings and conferences across Europe and the United States, as well as a guest-speaker at various international cultural institutions across Europe and the US.
He translated books by Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Amir Valle, Peter Straub, Noble Smith and Christiane Taubira, and essays on J.R.R. Tolkien and Roberto Bolaño. He also translated from English a poetry collection by the Danish poet Kenneth Krabat.
He writes in Italian and English, and as a translator he works with Italian, English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. He also speaks Polish well and is currently studying Swedish, German and classical guitar.
He collaborates with the blogs La Poesia e lo Spirito, Lankenauta and Postpopuli.
He is represented by the Factotum literary agency for the Italian language and by Stradescritte for foreign languages.
Giovanni Agnoloni's main publications:
"Il postino di Mozzi" (collective novel), coordinated by Fernando Guglielmo Castanar (Arkadia Editore, 2019) (as a contributor)
"Dom bezimiennych" (Polish edition of "La casa degli anonimi") (Wydawnictwo Serenissima, 2018)
"Rozgrywka dusz" (Polish edition of "Partita di anime") (Wydawnictwo Serenissima, 2018)
"Las sendas de la noche" (novel) (second Spanish edition) (Ilíada Ediciones, 2018)
"The Return" (short story) ("October Hill" magazine, Spring Issue, 2017)
"Il liberto" (short story) (Kipple Officina Libraria, 2017)
"L'ultimo angolo di mondo finito" (novel) (Galaad Edizioni, 2017)
"Ścieżki nocy" (novel) (Polish edition) (Wydawnictwo Serenissima, 2016)
"La casa degli anonimi" (novel) (Galaad Edizioni, 2014)
"Senderos de noche" (novel) (first Spanish edition) (El Barco Ebrio, 2014)
"Partita di anime" (spin-off: novelette + short-story) (Galaad, 2014)
"Sentieri di notte" (novel) (Galaad, 2012)
"Tolkien e Bach. Dalla Terra di Mezzo all'energia dei fiori" (essay) (Galaad, 2011)
"Tolkien. La Luce e l'Ombra" (collection of essays: editor, translator and co-author) (Senzapatria, 2011)
"Nuova letteratura fantasy" (essay) (Sottovoce, 2010)
"Letteratura del fantastico. I giardini di Lorien" (essay) (Spazio Tre, 2004)
A selection of English, Italian and Spanish poems of his was published on the American poetry journal SpinDrifter in 2005 (Vol. 2, No. 1, Spring 2005).
Translations and co-translations:
– Hermann Simon, Danilo Zatta, "Strategie di pricing" (Hoepli, 2006)
– Masaru Emoto, "Il miracolo dell'acqua" (Il punto d'Incontro, 2007)
– AA.VV., "Tolkien. La Luce e l'Ombra" (edited by Giovanni Agnoloni) (Senzapatria, 2011)
– Jason Berry, "La cassa del vaticano" (Newton Compton, 2012)
– Edmundo Paz Soldán, Gustavo Faverón Patriau (a cura di), "Bolaño selvaggio" (Senzapatria, 2012)
– Amir Valle, "Non lasciar mai che ti vedano piangere" (Anordest, 2012, and Verlag Ilion, 2018)
– Noble Smith, "La saggezza della Contea" (Sperling & Kupfer, 2012)
– Peter Straub, "Nel cuore segreto del male" (Anordest, 2013)
– Tania Carver, "The Surrogate" (Anordest, 2013)
– Amir Valle, "Le porte della notte" (Anordest, 2013)
– Tare Tereba, "Il gangster. La vera storia di Mickey Cohen, il criminale dei criminali" (Newton Compton, 2013)
– Mike Tyson, "True – La mia storia" (Piemme, 2013)
– Alain Ferdière (with contributions by Armand Desbat, Monique Dondin-Payre and William Van Andringa), "Gallia Lugdunensis", in the context of the series "Roma e l'Impero" (Mondadori, 2013), published in volumes attached to the newspapers and magazines "Sole 24 Ore", "Panorama" and "TV Sorrisi e Canzoni"
– Jorge Mario Bergoglio, "Siate forti nella tenerezza" (Rizzoli, 2014)
– Rudolf Abraham, "Croazia" (White Star, 2014)
– Caroline Moorehead, "Un treno per Auschwitz" (Newton Compton, 2014)
– Felix Weinberg, "Bambino n° 30529" (Newton Compton, 2014)
– Damien Lewis, "Cacciatori di nazisti" (Newton Compton, 2016)
– Gerald Posner, "I banchieri di Dio" (Newton Compton, 2016)
– Kenneth Krabat, "Rosso.Niente." (Kipple Officina Libraria, 2017)
– Sefy Hendler, "Un mostro grazioso e bello. Bronzino e l'universo burlesco del Nano Morgante" (Maschietto Editore, 2017)
– Christiane Taubira, "La schiavitù spiegata a mia figlia" (Baldini e Castoldi, 2017)
– Joseph Wresinski, "I poveri. Incontro del vero Dio" (Jaca Book, 2017)
– Francesco Ammannati, "Food availability and food consumption patterns in Florence and Tuscany in the late 19th century", article included in the volume Florence: Capital of the Kingdom of Italy, 1865-71 (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2017)
– Sylvie e Noémie D'Esclaibes, Bambini senza paura con il metodo Montessori. Come crescere curiosi, autonomi e intraprendenti (Sperling & Kupfer, 2018)
– Il libro di Shakespeare. Grandi idee spiegate in modo semplice (Gribaudo – Penguin Random House, 2018)
– Daniela Sacerdoti, Tienimi accanto a te (Newton Compton, 2018)


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Late this morning, I took my youngest child and only son to college for the first time and left him there with my blessings and prayers. The short drive back to Houston by myself from Texas A & M (TAMU) was not especially fun. But I am glad I did it and he was of course appreciative. This week is the week before classes start and we had already moved a car load of stuff Saturday.
Today, however, was different. From now on, he will be a college student and we will be visiting him there. He is out of the house and becoming more and more his own person. Not that he hasn't been becoming his own person for the last 18 years.
Alex William, get some decent sleep tonight. Remember that you are all we hoped for in a son and in a person. You have taught me how to be a better dad and Christian and person. You have your own horizon now, one to which God is calling only you. We'll always be here for you. And love you. Your Mom and I are overjoyed that you are kind of person you are!
Have a great week and we'll see you Sunday for Convocation!
...self care is never a selfish act- it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give it the care it requires, we do so not only for ourselves but for the many others whose lives we touch.
Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak
Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak
Monday, August 18, 2008
Bittersweet Monday
Posted by Scott Endress at 2:37 PM
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Why Clergyspirit?
- Scott Endress
- Houston, Texas, United States
- Having been in ordained ministry in the UMC for 34 years, I've experienced the truth that although, clergy are frequently present for others, no one can offer what they don't have.That's why if you're a clergy person, you need someone who will listen to you. Not the random next closest person available, but rather someone like a spiritual director, a therapist, a peer who can be fully present to you. I hope the links and posts you find here will give you ideas, humor, hope and encouragement. Scott Endress
Wag More, Bark Less!
Try Gratitude
If you want a formula for making the best of the less-than-perfect and making the most of what you have been given, then begin to compare your lot to what you were before you were born, and it will empower you with wonder every time. John Claypool


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MyAdvantech is a personalized portal for Advantech customers. By becoming an Advantech member, you can receive latest product news, webinar invitations and special eStore offers.
Sign up today to get 24/7 quick access to your account information.
For system integrators that provide noise, vibration, and harshness(NVH) testing systems to automobile manufacturers, data acquisition capabilities are as crucial as software programming and system integration capabilities. This is because precise collection of audio samples is essential for accurate signal reproduction and reliable software analysis. Another important consideration during system development is hardware costs. Excessive costs will reduce the company's overall profitability and affect the NVH testing system's market competitiveness.
System Requirements
The company's automobile NVH testing system is configured according to the client's measurement requirements. Numerous IEPE microphones are installed in an array and used to identify noise sources. Therefore, the audio extraction solution must include an industrial computer with an adequate number of slots for installing multiple PCI Express dynamic data acquisition cards. Moreover, the acquisition cards should support multi-channel synchronized sampling,24-bit resolution, a sampling rate of no less than 100 kS/s,IEPE signal adjustment functions for microphone sensors, and a wide input voltage range in order to accommodate various sensors for different applications. Furthermore, the new solution must be capable of simultaneous sampling not just for all channels on a single card, but also simultaneous sampling between multiple cards to ensure precise measurement data.
System Description
In addition to an industrial computer with up to 19 slots that support microphone arrays, a key component of this solution is Advantech's PCIE-1802 dynamic signal acquisition cards. These cards feature eight 24-bit analog input channels and support synchronized sampling on all channels at a sampling rate of up to 216 kS/s. Thus,the cards satisfy the multi-channel, high-resolution, high sampling rate, and simultaneous sampling criteria required for microphone array applications.
PCIE-1802 also provides useful functions for different sensor specifications. One of these functions is IEPE signal adaption, which allows users to set the required firing current (0, 4, or 10 mA) using software. Another notable feature is the wide input range (±0.2~10V),which ensures the system does not lose resolution with sensor changes. These two features offer system designers increased configuration flexibility.
Furthermore, Advantech actually customized the high-speed multicardsync cable especially for this project. This unique cable reduces the time lapse of each card to within nanoseconds, thus preventing errors and facilitating simultaneous sampling.
Project Implementation


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Paul Van Hoeydonck artist biography | original signed artworks & limited edition prints for sale
Paul Van Hoeydonck is a Belgian artist.
Belgium, 1925 | male artist | Pop art | Space Art | Zero Movement | Found Object | Share on Facebook and Twitter | www.paulvanhoeydonck.com
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Found object is the term used for a man-made or natural object, or object fragment which an artist either finds or buys, keeping it for inspiration or as a work of art. The artist may also modify it, or use it for collage or assemblage.
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Having a generator on hand can be a lifesaver during emergencies such as blackouts or natural disasters. It can help the household keep their power going to keep their food from going bad or to run space heaters when the power goes out during snowstorms. Emergencies aren't the only circumstances in which these devices can be handy, however. Having the best generator available can also mean that you have the power you need for charging an electric car, for powering outside tools and for camping. Of course, you first have to find the best generator possible before you can complete those tasks, but that's an easy thing to accomplish thanks to the top ten list below that's been compiled for you.
10. Champion Portable 1200-Watt
This multi-purpose 1200-watt unit is ideal for anyone who wants to be prepared for the next snowstorm, hurricane or tornado. It's also a good unit for hunting or fishing, for boating, using on the family RV or for tackling small jobs around the home. It will produce 1500 starting watts and then maintain 1200 running watts during its operation. It has an operating decibel level of 65dBA at a distance of 23-feet and can run up to 10-hours on a full tank of gas if it's operated at fifty percent load. Other features incorporated into this unit include a built-in surge protector, cold start technology, and a 120V 20-Amp household outlet.
9. DuroStar DS4000S Portable 3300 Watts
With a 7-HP OHV engine that can pump out 3,300 running watts, this unit has enough power to light up some low wattage items such as lighting, as well as a large appliance such as a full-sized refrigerator or a small air conditioner. Which makes it a good unit to keep around the house for emergencies. It has a 4-gallon gas tank that gives about 8-hours of run time at 50% output and is pretty durable thanks to a heavy-duty steel frame. Other key components that are integrated into this unit include a low-oil shutoff mechanism, a quiet muffler to reduce engine noise and an EZ-pull recoil start.
8. Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable 1,800 Watts
Weighing under 50-pounds and powered by gasoline, this portable unit is perfect for a variety of different purposes from camping to powering outside tools and for use during an emergency. It has a quiet 52 dB noise level, and a 12-hour run time at 25% load on its small 1.2-gallon gas tank. This unit has built-in 120-volt and USB ports, so powering small appliances such as TVs or air conditions is quite simple. And if this unit doesn't supply the necessary power for a particular job, it can be paired with another Westinghouse unit using a parallel cord, which can be purchased separately.
7. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable 1600 Watts
Designed to be a portable power source that can be used for a variety of different purposes, the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 has a number of features that make it a very useful tool. It has a starting wattage of 2,000 watts and a running wattage of 1,600 watts, enough power to supply a variety of small appliance and has an inverter system with Pulse Width Modulation control. It is also CARB compliant, a smart throttle that varies engine speed on load and a quiet muffler. Other features found on this unit include a fuel gauge and petcock, the capability to be run in parallel with another Yamaha unit and oil watch warning system.
6. Wen 56310i 3,100-Watt System
Regardless of whether this unit is used for power outages, for powering small tools around the workshop or for using on campgrounds, this 3,100-watt unit uses a 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine that can operate at 57 decibels when the unit is running at 25% load. This model also has a lightweight design that has a collapsible handle and built-in wheels that make it easy to take from place to place. Other integrated parts found in this unit include 2 three-prong 120-volt receptacles, 1 12-volt DC receptacle, 2 5-volt USB ports and 1 120-volt AC receptacle. It is also equipped with overload protection and a low-oil shutdown warning system.
5. Wen 56200i Portable 2000-Watt
Generating 2,000 surge watts of power, this unit will be found useful by a number of different people for different applications. It provides enough power to power small appliances using a 79.7cc 4-stroke PHV engine that produces only 51-decibels of sound at 25% load, which is quieter than most window AC units. And since it limits total harmonic distortion, it provides power that's safe enough to run tablets, monitors, smartphones, and computers. This unit is EPA III and CARB compliant and has two 3-prong 120-volt receptacles, one 5-volt USB port, and one 12-volt receptacle.
4. Champion Dual Fuel Portable 3,800 Watts With Electric Start
With the ability to run off either gasoline or propane, this unit provides the user with the versatility they need for just about any situation. It can be used out at a campsite, around the home or in the workshop and will provide clean reliable power. It can run up to 9-hours on a completely full tank of gas, has a noise level of about 68 decibels from a distance of 23-feet and provides 4,750 starting watts and 3,800 running watts. Other features this unit has included a propane hose, touch start capability, a safety fuel selector switch, a portable folding handle and never-flat tires.
3. Champion Portable 3100-Watts With Remote Start
An ideal unit for powering things around the home or on an RV, this Champion unit has 3,100 starting watts and 2,800 running watts and can provide up to 8-hours of run time at a 25% load. It's fairly quiet with only a 58-decibel level and also has a convenient electric start with a three position ignition switch. It also provides power stable enough for running electronics such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones that are plugged into its dual USB adapter. Other features users can expect to find on this system include two 120-volt 20-Amp household outlets, a 120-volt 30-Amp RV plug, and a wireless remote start.
2. Champion RV Ready Portable 3,500 Watts System
Equipped to deliver 4,000 starting watts and 3,500 running watts, this system can run for up to 12-hours at 50% load on a full tank of gas and only make about 68 decibels of sound from a distance of 25-feet. It's also equipped with a 120-volt 30-AmpL5-30R outlet, a 120-volt 30-Amp RV TT-30R outlet, and 120-volt 20-amp 5-20R household outlet. It is also designed with an auto-voltage regulator with a voltmeter, a low-oil shutoff sensor, and cold-start technology. And since this unit has a high-quality steel frame that makes it very durable, this unit is sure to provide many years of power.
1. Honda EU2000T1A1 2000Watt Portable Unit
While this might be a stylish looking unit, it's also one that delivers some serious power. It can power provide power for up to 8-hours on a single gallon of gas and has an operating noise level that's more than acceptable. And since it's a compact unit, it's easy to take from one location to another. This unit is designed to power small appliances such as televisions or DVD players, coffee pots and small refrigerators. It can also be used to power tools on job sites that don't have access to conventional power sources. All in all, this is a unit that's sure to provide the power a person needs when they need it without exception.


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After an initial discussion about the project and fees, we start with a face to face survey with our customers. This can take a few hours and we review the following:
- Subject area and size of the map.
- Interests of the family and personal events.
- Area history
- Places of interest to be noted.
- Overall tone, color scheme, and borders.
- More technical cartography elements; topography, nautical, etc.
Our customers typically share photos, other maps and family stories with us. We've found that the survey process is enjoyable and helps jog the memories of all involved. The Linscott team will also spend time researching the history of the area and all available topo/geosurvey, historical and road maps to insure we include relevant information.
After the initial survey meeting, there are typically a few follow up calls or emails. Depending on our backlog, the process usually takes about 3 months from initial survey to completion. Custom matting and framing, and high-quality reprints are provided at an additional cost.
All members of the Linscott Maps team use complete discretion in dealings with our clients. All information regarding the families we serve, including all contact information, is kept confidential. Once completed, the rights to the map belong to our customers.
Link here for a video of a custom map in process: Hand Drawn Map In Process


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It's time for another 10 Things on Tuesday! Here you go!
1) I'm still excited about completing my first open water swim and I may have convinced some of my teammates to join me in a few weeks.
2) I have a corporate sponsor for my fundraising. I'll give you the details soon, but for now, just remember that if you make a donation to my fundraising page it will be matched. All the money I raise goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
3) I really need to learn how to shift gears on my bike better. It is something that isn't intuitive for me and I never learned how to do it properly when I was younger.
4) One of my favorite bands, Ambertone, is getting back together for a one time show next month. I got my tickets in the mail and hopefully Crystal will be able to make it since she is the one who introduced me to them. It will be awesome show!
5) I'm currently taking a medication that requires me to avoid the sun. That is tough for this Florida girl. We went to Epcot yesterday and I loaded up on the SPF 30 (normally it's SPF 8 f0r me). We actually decided to go ride Journey Into Imagination and Captain EO. I even tried to convince Rob to go into Oh Canada! Basically, anything inside was an ideal attraction.
6) Spartan Race has a new series premiering on NBC Sports tonight. I think I'll check it out. I am reading a book by the creator of Spartan Race. I will finish it one day soon. I'm trying to read so many other things, including stuff for work. So much reading to do!
7) Have you seen American Ninja Warrior? More importantly, have you seen this Kacy's performance on the show. She is amazing!
8) When Rob's band played at House of Blues last month the opening act was Carly Jo Jackson. She is currently on America's Got Talent. In fact, she was just on a few minutes ago. I don't know how this week will turn out, but I have to say that seeing her in person was much more exciting than what I just saw on the show.
9) I really wish that I could sing better. I am great in a chorus, but I've never had a soloist or a pop voice. I have an audition for a choir next week. I should probably get the music for it so I can practice!
10) File this under things "Things That Happen in Florida". Yeah… What were these people thinking?!? Fair warning, this is a news article that contains some censored video.


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Our reaction RN:
In what is literally the best news we've ever heard, two of our favourite lollies have made a love child!
Pascall's have starting to tease that 'something legendary' is coming on social media.
And know we know that they definitely weren't lying because when Pineapple Lumps and Jaffas combine, we're left with this!
There have already been reports of these in some supermarkets across NZ already so get in your car and go have a look because that is exactly what we are doing right now!


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Words coined in the 2010s in all BBC programmes
Tom Heap hears four visions for the future of the British countryside after Brexit.
Where does Brexit leave the UK countryside? Tom Heap hosts a debate.
Tom Heap examines the potential impact of an exit from the EU on the environment.


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High Desert Beard OilHigh Desert Man
The high deserts of northern Arizona are peppered with pinyon pine and one of our favorite trees - Juniper; some have called it "Southwest Cedar", though a cedar it is not. A base of juniper punctuates this rehydrating, warm oil, with a waft of cedar and just a hint of pepper spice.
Ingredients: Jojoba, Argan, Grapeseed, and Sweet Almond carrier oils, Juniper, Cedar, Black Pepper and other essential oils


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2013 Gran Prix of GloucesterClick to view whole series
"Edward Hopper lived and painted in Gloucester. People theorize he is one of the most important "photographers" of the century even though he never took a photo. His work is very photographic; the way he cropped, his cinematic style, his tones, angles etc. You can't go into a photo gallery today without seeing work that was either consciously or unconsciously influenced by Hopper (see Gregory Crewdson, Robert Frank, etc. etc.). The New York Times has done a map of all the Gloucester houses that he painted (bathed in magic hour lighting, of course). On the Sunday morning of the race, I woke up several hours early to look at Gloucester in the most Hopper-esque manner possible. I wanted to make Gloucester photos inspired by one of the most important contemporary artists, because going to Gloucester and not trying to experience Hopper's Gloucester seemed like a waste of time." —Emiliano Granado
Speaking of which, while in Gloucester we ran into a genuine fisherman like the one Marky Mark played in that movie, kinda.
"My name is Joe. I live in Cape Cod now but I visit Gloucester twice a year. I come from a huge Gloucester family, the Nicastros. My shorty story goes like this. My dad was a commercial fisherman. He was the captain of his own boat from the age of 17 until the age of 76. When he retired, they (presumably the boat owners) demolished his boat on the beach. It was 110-foot sub-chaser, wooden. In the summer time they chased mackerel, in the winter it was codfish and haddock.
"As a kid I fished commercially for four summers and one winter. It didn't take long for me to realize I didn't want to go fish the rest of my life. Fishing is a very difficult life. I was a financial controller but then I went through a life change and now I'm a headhunter. I specialize in the construction industry, high-end commercial projects, big projects. Finding superintendents, executives."
"It was hot and dusty. Evan Murphy and I stayed at a cute bed & breakfast (where I met Joe Nicastro) with Evan's dog. The caretaker was lovely and breakfast was delicious. Evan crashed into a barrier on Day 1 and ended up in the ER for stitches. We ate burritos that night from Lupitas. Team Cannondale has a 18 year old kid on the team. It was literally his birthday that day. Stuart White, I think is his name.1 I interviewed him. He got weird when I asked him if he had a girlfriend. He looked at Trebon and said, "I thought this was a cycling interview." Trebon laughed. Then I asked him if he was going to be Prom King, he said, "I'm not too concerned with the prom thing right now."—Emiliano Granado
Manual for Speed interviewed Curtis White, newest member of the Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com team in the back of a semi-truck trailer used as the team's mobile shop. It was Curtis' eighteenth birthday. What follows are his words.
"We are sitting in the Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com trailer because I'm part of the team. I'm really excited to be part of the program, especially at such a young age. This is going on my eighth year of racing. I started racing road first. Then, at a crit in New Hampshire, someone told me I should try cross. And I guess I was crazy enough to listen to him. My dad has a few friends from Ireland who are cyclists, I was given an Irish National Team Jersey. Tom Mannion, who is from the south shore, saw me in the jersey and introduced me to cross. I still race road. I just got my Cat 1 and I just graduated from the Hot Tubes junior team. The road situation for next year is really up in the air, so hopefully something that works well with the cross season comes up. I've had more success in cross than I've had on the road.2 At first my friends didn't really believe me; but then they started to see me riding around town when everyone else was supposed to be in school.
I'm a senior in high school. I'm really lucky that the school works with me, I'm able to train in the middle of the day between morning and afternoon classes, I'm taking AP classes.
"Because I'm doing the whole season with Cannondale I'll go over to Europe for the World Cup circuit. Hopefully things will go well at Nationals and hopefully I go on to Worlds. For the road, nothing is set in stone yet. It's humbling and cool to be at the highest level, learning from the guys who have been doing this forever. I've spent the last two Christmases in Europe with Jeff Proctor at the Euro Cross Camp, and last year I did the full World Cup circuit aside from the last race. I was able to compete at the sharp end of the races. I met all the kids over there as well, the Belgians. It's blue collar over there; the kids of Fidea and teams like that, they're all in. It's bike racing, then school. So it's different in that respect, that attitude. But at the U23 level we're all on the same level. My parents are more than supportive, I'm very lucky to have them on board."
- Indicated by the 18-wheeler this interview took place inside.
- Editors Note: Thekidsname is actually Curtis White.


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This article " Relationship Struggles Can Be Overcome" is to give you tips for overcoming many of the struggles relationships go through.
There are often situations where a relationship has its ups and downs. There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. Every relationship will have rough patches now and then. The thing that determines how a relationship fairs through these struggles is how the struggles and roadblocks are handled. If you know what to do and the best way to go about dealing with things, you are much more likely to see your relationship blossom and continue to grow.
Communication is the key to any and all relationships. If you are not able to communicate effectively with your partner, you are not going to get anywhere. Communication lays the foundation for the rest of the relationship. The first thing that you do when you meet someone is have a conversation. It may be very short at first and very basic. There may be very few words spoken. However, you are conversing with a person. This is the groundwork of any type of relationship.
Honesty is also paramount in any relationship. If you are not able to be honest with yourself and with your partner, you are destined to failure. It is a sure bet that lies and deceit will ruin any chance at a healthy relationship. Your partner is supposed to be the closest person to you. They are the other half of your life. They are what make you whole. If you cannot be honest with each other and open, you should not even enter into a relationship.
Finances are a major source of discontent within a relationship. Most problems that come about and most arguments are centered on financial problems. People begin to struggle to make ends meet. If they have been in a relationship for a long time, the arguments and struggles can be worse,Relationship Struggles Can Be Overcome.
Most new relationships find the people walking on eggshells. They do not want to upset their partner and they do not want to risk doing anything to make them mad. Therefore, they will avoid conflict and will not talk about concerns or issues that are creating problems for them.
However, as relationships continue on, this newness wears off. The couple begins to realize that they are going to have to discuss their issues and problems with each other. They have to work together and find solutions. It is not a situation where one person is responsible for all of the problems and all of the aspects within the relationship and the other person is just there. They have to work together. Relationships are 50/50. They are give and take. You cannot have an effective relationship if one person is trying to do everything.
If you are able to work together and communicate in a relationship, you will be able to handle nearly any situation that arises. You are capable of working together and dealing with your problems. There is no need to end a relationship when you are able to improve it and make it work. Some of the most lasting relationships have had many problems and struggles along the way.
However, they have been able to work through things and stay together through it all. I hope that this article " Relationship Struggles Can Be Overcome" has assisted you in strengthening your relationship.
Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


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MINE! The dual declaration reverberated throughout the manse. The word was so full of power that the building and all inside seemed to quake in its wake, resolute, infinite. Felipe's pronouncement was a deep possessive growl on his lips. He threw his head back and let out a full roar of conquest as he pulled me into an embrace. The same affirmation from me was quite different. I slumped in his arms as it fell from my mouth to the ground before me in defeat, shattering my Happily Ever After into a million pieces.
The binding spell worked like the charm that it was. Felipe's love for me was something he emitted through every pore. It resonated through me and God help me, the feeling was freakin' mutual.
I swung my body around to face the window as the magnitude of my grave error took root. Felipe is mine? I thought to myself. My hands were splayed on the glass and I looked out desperately searching for an anchor in the sea of people that flowed through the streets below. The view from high above was breathtakingly beautiful: a futuristic vampire paradise and my own hell. We were light years away from Blooood in the Quarter and a lifetime away from the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
"Sin City. Glitter Gulch. Sunset Strip. City of Lights. The Gambling Capital of the World and The Entertainment Capital of the World is also The Fang Capital of the World." Accented words told me in a low tone. "You, my sweet," he said regally, "may call it our fiefdom but most importantly, you will call it home." Cool, firm hands massaged my arms and shoulders and I was so tempted to melt into him.
"Vegas," I said, recognizing the famous landmarks. I could have sworn that I saw extended canines flash in the smile of the neon cowboy sign. This was the one place that a God-fearing southern gal never wanted to find her self, not even in the wildest of dreams.
The sound of my gown ripping up the back confirmed that this, unlike the many times before, was not another of my beautiful nightmare encounters. My body went completely numb. Felipe's tepid frame clung to my back. He took deep inhalations of my scent, burying his face in my hair. I somehow knew that he was intoxicated by the fragrance of blood that flowed just below the thin fragile barrier of my skin. I also knew that the hypnotic rhythm of my pulse entranced him. My body heat drew him close and he longed to take a sip of my life. That's what drinking from the living is for vampires; the undead, living vicariously through its victim, as long as there is a heart beat. I don't know why I empathized so strongly now, but I did.
Strong arms banded around my waist, pulling me against a rock hard body. His satin sleep pants had somehow disappeared. He was a little taller than I remember and he was oh-so-happy to see me. Panic in full throttle, my chest heaved and tears streamed. "But I love . . . Fe . . . li ..." I silently mouthed. No matter how I tried to say another, my mouth and mind could only fathom or form the name of Felipe.
Strong arms banded around my waist, pulling me against a rock hard body. His satin sleep pants had somehow disappeared. He was a little taller than I remember and he was oh-so-happy to see me. Panic in full throttle, my chest heaved and tears streamed. "But I love . . . Fe . . . li ..." I silently mouthed. No matter how I tried to say another, my mouth and mind could only fathom or form the name of Felipe.
Born thousands of years ago and suspended in time as a perpetual 30 year old, (give or take a few years) Felipe de Castro is a reigning vampire king who now controls three states; Nevada, Louisiana and Kentucky. The National Vampire League, which is the largest Supe organization on the planet, count him as one of their five leaders, as well. He was the mastermind behind the hostile take-over of Louisiana, leaving only one-fifth of the state's vampire leaders alive. For all Supes in the entire world who compete for power, he is the one to beat.
He is average height and weight, not the warrior type of Eric, Quinn or CJ, yet his presence is larger than life. Next to them, he doesn't look small, but they look too tall and brutish in comparison. He does not take up space, he saturates it. He possesses the angelic attractiveness of the Fae, smells of dark spices and glows vampire. His beauty, however, turns my stomach. Well . . . most of the time it does.
To me, he is deception at the core and I know nothing good of him. The Loas that are after me don't have a thing on Felipe for he is the bringer of chaos, death and destruction. There were many of the undead that I considered friend. Felipe is truly foe. To give him a swift kick in his ancient booty everyday for the remainder of my existence would thrill me no end. He reneged on a promise of protection to me, after I helped save his life, which makes him a liar in my book. He also used my weakest point to torment me through my dreams. His warped view sees it as seduction or a way of acquisition, following the "all is fair in love and war" rule. The only problem with that is he hadn't declared his love or war and was willing to acquire me in a hostile takeover, just as he did Louisiana.
My trembling body was sandwiched between the cool window that towered above the city before me and the cold steely body of the vampire behind. All is lost. However, CJ was not finished with me yet. Inside of me, burned a majestic fire. Double, double toil and trouble, I said to myself. Somethin' was a brewin', I knew. Even in his helpless and hopeless state, he would not permit the undead have me.
I was being pulled toward CJ. Well, in my mind, I was. My gift, which he held on to like a life line, permitted me to see precious glimpses of him. I could feel his pain. He could feel my turmoil and was trying to provide a way of escape for me. He was in a far worse place and dreaded the thought of my mind being imprisoned in his hell. So there we remained, in limbo, for what seemed like an eternity.
Felipe was waiting, too, for other things. Our bodies touching are like fire and ice. "From what I've tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire." A poet (Robert Frost) once said and I whole-heartedly agree. A less seasoned vampire would've sank daggers into my nearest vein and ravished me until I was nearly depleted. Felipe is patient and his resolve is strong. He will wait until I no longer shriek at his touch or tremble at the sound of his voice. His love for me will not allow him to take that which I am not willing to give.
That was wishful human thinking. The vampire's roaming hands were making a liar out of me before I completed the thought. I was waiting for my miracle while the king of my desires poked and prodded for a point of weakness.
I was convinced that the cavalry would arrive on white stallions and deliver me from my misery. "Stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you!" I imagine CJ saying like Hawkeye said to Cora in the Last of the Mohicans. I would have settled for the less dramatic, "I got you" like he always said. CJ said nothing of the sort. He knew that I was being ripped apart and it pained him. My mind could not reconcile a world were CJ did not exist and a world were I loved Pepe de Psycho. I did love him with all my spell bound heart.
I heard an eerie silence before the lover of my very soul suddenly released my mind like a great bird losing its prey from high above the earth. I don't know if CJ let go on purpose or by accident but I began to descend back to my station. It felt like long talons being extracted from deep within me and I was falling, falling, back to me, back to who I was, back to the world where the undead reign supreme.
The good book tells us that a house divided cannot stand and Casa de Sookie is no exception. My psyche splintered into two viable entities and then collapsed. My defenses fell in on me like a house of cards.
"CJ!" I cried out in shock of my new, unbearable reality. I think that I actually heard the poof of my heart imploding. "He let me go!" A vacant and cracking voice painfully strangled out of my throat. My song bird, my Prozac, my fire-breathing dragon, my teacher, my soul-mate left me. I sank to the floor. Felipe held on to my shuddering body in a comforting embrace. When the very last of CJ's essence evaporated, my entire being became as cold as the grave. In the blink of an eye my pendulum of power swayed to negative and held there. The imbalance was disorienting and I searched the vampire's face in an effort to steady myself. Felipe wrapped my trembling body in his own robe. It smelled like him, dark spices and vampire. The fact that I found comfort in the fragrance was disturbing. I wept.
The Felipe that I know would have taken advantage of a weakened Sookie, like he did after the Fae war. He would be pretzeling my legs around him and doing unmentionable things over and over until I cried uncle or worse, cried "Felipe!" My blubbering was probably a turn off. Strangely enough, the callous creature truly pitied my fragility. Love makes for uncharacteristic choices.
For days I lie in state, like Sleeping Beauty, waiting on a kiss from my prince to awaken me. During my slumber, I'd been elevated to the vampire queen to be, or so Felipe's mind told me. Yes, I could hear this vampire's every thought. CJ had told me that if a being could manage a cognitive thought, I could read it. It was a truth that I didn't want to know. Unlike Eric, whose mind was full of regret, Felipe had none. He expelled such things from his mind thousands of years ago. I blocked most of it out, only permitting emotions and the necessary particulars like if I could die now? The images, however, continued to flow from his head to mine. I saw my surroundings through his eyes.
My body was bathed, perfumed with smell goods and placed on the finest linen. My gown was a true work of art. "Only the best for my queen," he had said to my ladies in waiting, of the vampire persuasion, of course. He was impeccably dressed as well. He wore a dark suit with a dark shirt, heavily starched with ruby and onyx cufflinks set in white gold that bore the NVL logo.
Physicians attended my every whimper. Dr. Greyson Blade was the chief of staff at the infirmary located somewhere in the building. He spent most of his time on me. He smelled wild, like the woods. Shifter, maybe. The mitt-like hands that examined me were ice cold, Vampire cold. The chime of his voice lilted like the Fae. Thick magic surrounded him as if he were animated by it.
Incense burned in a continuum as Amelia recited chants and anointed my body with oils. She knew that I was not dead or dying. She was trying to counter the spell that was breaking my fragile hold on reality.
The binding spell (that seemed to be growing stronger by the second) mandated that if I thought of another love, past or present, my vision blurred and my heart ached until I either changed course or passed out. I can be a little slow on the uptake sometimes and my reaction was so debilitating that it took a couple of days to make the connection. Pretty soon, I associated love with Felipe and pain with all who I had romantic feelings for. Unless I was asleep, then I could dream without consequence. So I was contented with only dreaming on two occasions, day and night.
My dreamscape was how I could bear my existence. I could be where I wanted to be, back in Bon Temps, before I ever knew of the undead. My nocturnal journeys would also shelve me in a time when I was uncorrupted by the "survival of the fittest" modus operandi. I dreamed of lazy days sunbathing in my chaise on my family's property. I dreamed of being a barmaid at Merlottes. I dreamed of the first time I saw Quinn and how we met. I dreamed of the Fae and discovering who I am. I dreamed of CJ and the night we stumbled upon each other's gifts. Good times! My favorite getaway was dreaming of New Orleans at the Carmichael estate and being fitted with the necessary armor that would allow me to live harmoniously with the supernatural.
My most vivid dreams, however, were of the vampires. Maybe it was because I could smell their dry scent in my sleep. Maybe it was because their blood, which had brought me from the brink of death many times, still coursed through my veins. Maybe it was my fear that I hovered on the cusp of vampirism. Just like in my real life, my dream turned into a nightmare.
It was a formal affair. Bill and Eric were happy and being presented before the King's royal court. All of their dreams and aspirations were about to come to fruition before a sea of their constituents. Something went terribly wrong and they turned on the king and ripped him to shreds. The vision vexed me to no end. I didn't want to dream anymore after that and I finally cracked my eyes open.
The windows that surrounded the loft were translucent at night and then turned an opaque darkened hue to block the sun. The sleek pristine furniture reflected the rich colors making the room seem to change décor with each passing day. A fireplace burned in one section behind the glass, pretty as a picture. It was noticeable only when in use. The heat elevated the temperature to a toasty warm to accommodate the human.
Surprisingly, Felipe was patient and very thoughtful. He never left my side. The good part of this scenario is, for once I could see the humanity in the king of Nevada. It was brought on by a spell but there just the same. The bad part was that he had a front row seat to my dreams and nightmares. He was familiar with the Shifters and vampires that I mentioned in my sleep. He knew not of this CJ or why I cried for him night after night. He did know that he hated the sound of CJ's name on my lips.
Countless days and nights of ministrations and incantations yielded no results. Poor Felipe didn't know what had hit him. He grew more in love with me with each passing moment. He felt compelled to stay with me and see me through. To his own peril, he refused all nourishment, organic or synthetic.
The sleep chamber brought in to accommodate him remained unused. Nights would find him in a nearby chair, watching and waiting. During the day, when he should have been resting, he would climb in the bed next to me and place my head on his silent chest or lay his head upon mine. He liked to hear the hypnotic thumping of my heart. I'm sure that my built in pillows provided some comfort to him as well. Only the strongest vampires could go without food or daytime rest. One night he even cried over my still body and begged, "My Queen, come back to me." To his utter amazement and my chagrin, I did.
My body sat up in a graceful move. No warm blooded woman could refuse such a heartfelt plea from her love, so I did as he asked. Aaaand, the spell commanded me to or I was going to be consumed by a lake of fire or something like that. He was so excited at the victory that he wanted to applaud. He stumbled a few paces back. Chantilly lace covered me in an intricate design from head to toe. It was kind of gaudy but better than the tattered nylon gown that I arrived in. I glided over to where he stood, stopping and bowing in a regal curtsey.
"Splendid!" he said a little louder than he intended. He attempted to hide his excitement by masking his face in a stoic pose. I mirrored him, in an effort to mask my own horror of my acquiescence. With glee he pulled me to my feet, looked into my eyes and then gasped. I was expecting a burning stare filled with utter devotion. A look of disgust is what I got. It's not something you want to see on the face of someone you love. It actually reminded me of the way CJ reacted when he found out about my ties to the undead. "The Sorcerer's Kiss," he whispered in distaste. He may as well have said "Eww, you've got the cooties!" I didn't know what made him say that but I was not ashamed.
"CJ gave up everything for me" and yeah, he kissed me, long and hard and, and I liked it, thank you very much. Since I wanted my head to remain attached to my body, I kept the last part to myself and was thankful the he was not telepathic. I would never be ashamed of CJ. If I was ashamed of anything, it was ending up back where I started and feeling so powerless.
Then he asked me the single question that had been on the edge of his mind since he heard me cry out his name. "Do you love him?" I shook my head. My mouth could not form the single syllable answer. "Do you love the Northman?" That name brought a slight smile to my face. The pain of thinking about any love that I might have for him drove me to my knees.
He joined me on the floor. I trembled in fear from the heartache. Rather than wait for my reaction as he went through Sookie's all male review, I silenced him. I got up in his handsome face and spat the words, "I love Felipe de Castro and only him." He exploded into celebratory laughter adding a clap of his hands and then quickly calmed.
His body language pronounced a relaxed nonchalant "No Big" but inside he was doing the Church Lady Victory Dance. His fangs, that he tried to hide by keeping his mouth closed, were fully extended. Ebony eyes were wide with wonderment and awe. I actually saw a little twinkle before a solitary crimson tear escaped his almond shaped eye.
"I know," he said low, his voice was filled with excitement. He caught one side of his lower lip between his teeth and rubbed his hands vigorously. "It is a spell, yes?" I didn't answer. I figured that the question must be rhetorical since we both had the same spell cast over us. His grin turned devilish and I backed up in a scramble over the floor until my back hit the bed. He followed, stalking toward me. He flicked a long tongue out a few times, (to catch the drool, I was sure). His fingers reached forward and pulled a ribbon from my bodice nearly spilling its contents. I held the pieces of fabric closed with my hands. "You cannot deny me, either," he purred in a deep and rich Spanish brogue of come-hither. His voice put me in the mind of Antonio Banderas when he played the hit man, el mariachi guy. The sound strummed my hearing like a caress and I actually smiled and then I caught myself.
"There you are," I said to myself as the real Felipe stood up to be counted. He was sex personified, master of deception and on the prowl and I was skerred. I was scared of getting lost in those pretty brown eyes. His dark thick eyelashes actually brushed his cheek when he closed his eyes. I will not touch the sinewy muscles that corded his frame. I will not listen to his sultry words.
He slid the gown down to reveal my naked shoulders and hungrily kissed each one in turn. Obsidian eyes pierced through me. He held me close and kissed the vein on my neck with an open mouth. That set off all manner of sensors in my body and it blossomed. I could feel his hunger and he desperately wanted to bite. My head tilted to the side and my back arched so far that it hurt. I cussed aloud. My body was going to give it up to him no matter what my mind said. I could not believe the next words that left my lips. I tried to reel them back in but out of the mouth the heart speaks.
The thick curls of hair on his head laced through my fingers. It felt so good. It felt so rights. My hands positioned him perfectly and I could feel his full, wanting lips on my neck. The loud pounding of my heart and pulsating blood coursing through my veins rocked my body. "I will not deny my love," I confessed breathlessly.
"But I will!" My pixie shot in just before the scores of kisses reached my mouth. "Excuse me! I do NOT see any rings on these fingers." She must have been perched around my ear but she appeared to come out of thin air. The shock of her presence and her Herculean push caught him off balance.
"Dyxie!" He laughed as he tumbled back to the shiny dark floor, holding on to the Pixie.
"Don't be Dyxie-ing me. No sampling. You want, you buy, mi amigo."
"You know I don't do humans, Dyx." He said matter-of-factly while getting to his feet. He shook his head at the absurdity of the assumption. Eric had told me that. It seemed like a life-time ago but he had said that Felipe did not consort with humans. Felipe's tone was cocky and pretentious now. It was evident that the softer side of Felipe was something that he wanted to keep under wraps. His hand brushed the hair from my face adoringly. "I'm just getting her primed and ready for purchase."
I watched the volleying conversation, some of which was directed at me. "I can't believe you," Dixie fussed at me "standing there and letting him feel you up."
"She is mine!" he scoffed. He pulled the pixie to his lips and kissed her before releasing her into the air like a dove. "When she is made vampire, she will beg me to feel her up and fill her up." He laughed deep and low in his throat. "She will be my progeny. She will come at my beckoning and I shall take pleasure in that most ardently."
He lost me at the "feel" and "fill" comment. His thick accent made some of the words sound alike and it took me a while to catch up. The word "come" sent me off for a moment, as well. "Ugh!" I gasped at his crudeness. The look on his face was even worse, eyes hooded were just ravenous, tongue grazed his fangs like a feral hungry animal. Then my hands began to tingle with magic. He was going to make me a vampire? My heart ached at the thought of losing him but I'm a somewhat averse to losing me. Felipe was going down.
"Not now, my precious," Felipe added, noting my obvious displeasure. "You have been under the weather and that would not make for a strong transition but you say the word when you are ready."
"How about NEVER? Is never good for you? I'll Sharpie you in my calendar." By this time I was fuming and more than ready to turn Felipe, my love, into toast. My eyes burned like lava and I closed them tight, fearing that the pixie would be caught in the line of fire. An animalistic growl rose from within me and I took a deep breath, preparing to unleash my fury. All went silent in the room excluding the buzzing of fairy wings close to my ear.
"Uh-ruh, Girlfriend? Yeah, let's back this thang up." Dyxie said in exasperation. I looked toward the sound instinctively and sorcerfried the pristine bed, part of the chair and destroyed what I thought was a real window. The simulation of the landscape was so beautiful and life-like. It surrounded the entire room. Well it used to. Part of it shattered and the other melted to reveal a cold and dark cinder block wall. Even the fireplace was gone.
"Illusions!" I spat. I sealed my eyes not willing to take in the sight of another lie or let one tear escape. "They are all a big illusion!" I was ready to destroy everything in my path.
"We happen to need this illusion, Sweetie," she squeaked, giving me a maternal reality check. "These illusions provide asylum for us and keep the boogey man at bay. You need to ix-nay on the agic-may before we have to am-scray. Ya feel me?" I nodded. "Now keep your eyes closed and count to ten." I had to count to a hundred and ten, twice before the burning in my eyes stopped.
Harnessing such power is truly an exercise in futility. How did CJ do it? I wanted and needed to blow some sh*t up. I was reminded of something that CJ said about training the trinity to live in harmony and decided that blowing stuff up was probably not conducive to finding the Chi. Control the energy control the gift, I said to myself as I meditated for a moment and I calmed.
After a long while, the curiosity of the quietness in the room made me pry my sullen eyes open. Dyxie was lounging on top of the dark hair on the vampire's head as if she didn't have a care in the world. The vampire stood next to the smoldering bed. He was frozen in place by my anger. "Shepherd of Judea!" I said in astonishment. I did it? I did it! He looked like a stuffed doll and soooo much less intimidating. My mind worked double time. I was trying to figure out a way to rattle his cage while he was incapacitated.
I'd been wanting to try that tornado kick that CJ taught me. What I wouldn't give for a jar of fire ants and some peanut butter. Could I conjure up a cattle prod?
I'd been wanting to try that tornado kick that CJ taught me. What I wouldn't give for a jar of fire ants and some peanut butter. Could I conjure up a cattle prod?
"No magic means, no magic!" Amelia's words came into the room before her. "I can smell it outside of the room." She gawked at the stilled vampire. She opened a panel on the wall, and pressed a few buttons, apparently locking us in and others out. "Ooooooo." The witch circled him. The knock she gave him on the head sounded like solid oak.
"He wants to turn me," I said in my own defense. "I didn't mean to petrify him."
"It's cool!" the pixie squeaked. She was deep in thought and pacing back and forth on the vampire's head. "Eeeeeverybody stay calm."
I sat on the floor since the furniture and bed were smoking. I was feeling sick and my legs just gave out. I would have thrown up, I was sure, but my stomach had nothing to give. Thy dry heaves took a while to subside. I was just so upset at the possibility of me giving away our location that I couldn't calm myself.
"Will they find us now?" Was my biggest concern. It would make CJ's sacrifice all for nothing.
"We are several stories below ground and surrounded by the undead, so it's unlikely." Amelia answered. So being on the top floor of a high-rise building is all an illusion too, I realized. No wonder he didn't flinch when the sun appeared to rise. "I gotta give it to you fairy, bringing us here was a stroke of genius." The witch directed to the pixie. "Not even CJ would look for us here. It's like we don't exist."
"If there is power in my own tongue let me state right now that I do not want to stay here. I do not want to become a vampire. I want to live and not in this hell hole with the dead!" Although he did look awfully cute with his lips perched and ready to speak "I do not want to be in love with Felipe."
"Chill!" Dyxie interjected. "Felipe being in love with you is our Ace in the hole. Your love makes you slaves to each other's will." her little green pixie fingers formed air quotes. "That means that if your will is to remain human, he will not change you."
"Is there any way to break the spell . . . from me at least?" I looked to Amelia for the answer. If my will changes, because of my love for him, I am in trouble. She thought about it for a while.
"I know of none which is why I told you to CUT IT OUT!" she responded, snapping at me. "Love spells almost always end bad. Look at what happened with my parents." Her parents were beguiled in a love triangle for all eternity. That spell was performed by an experienced alchemist and practitioner of the arts. If I had learned anything from Amelia it was not to do trial and error magic. "I did hear once that if a virgin offers you their blood," she said eerily, "that will break any spell." We both looked over to the pixie.
"Don't be looking over here at me!" she snorted "Um strictly dickly, ladies. Don't get it twisted. I gets mine on the regular. Ow-kay! I likes to tap that, spank THAT! Oh yeah, Baby! You know what um sayin'?. . ." Dyxie continued on a tangent and after a few more very colorful statements we decided to ignore her.
We would bide our time in the refuge that Felipe provided. I would suppress the magic as much as possible. We would surface when it was safe to do so and we would find CJ. When I divulged the latter part of my plan, the witch was stricken with a look of such utter hopelessness that I had to ask. "What has happened to him?" She shrugged her shoulders.
"I am counting on the fact that the rarity of Junior will save him. To train a mage to adulthood is uncommon. A lifetime of training is but a stitch in time to the Loas and they can wait for another to be groomed. They they will not get another CJ. His natural gifts of sorcery and song are what make him truly one of a kind." Amelia was trying to convince herself as well as me. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I knew that her brother was being punished for his transgressions against the gods. His stay, wherever he was would not be a pleasant one.
I decided at that point in time that I would not reach out to him. I knew he would be compelled to answer. I would not be trying any more binding spells because I didn't know what the hell I was doing. I would suppress the magic. I would play nice with the vampire. All this for one low price of becoming the Queen of the Damned.
"We cool?" The pixie asked after we had talked in circles and come to the conclusion that we must stay put. I gave an infinitesimal nod. "Good! Now mum's the word, ladies. Felipe assumed that we were on the run from the Fae when we arrived," she informed us. "We will just let him continue to think that." We all agreed.
I gathered my courage, laced up my dress and released the vampire at my will. He blinked a few times before the rest of his face moved and we all stood staring. We didn't know if, or how well, my way of reanimation would work. His face displayed a myriad of conflicting emotions. We all breathed a sigh of relief when the rest of his body moved. He tilted his head to pop his neck, stretched all of his muscles and shook them out. He moved mechanically at first but then became limber in his motions.
"I'm going to need you to not do that again," he said to the room with a nervous chuckle. He seemed oddly cheerful as he assessed the damages. "Wooo hooo hooo. Never a dull moment when you're around." He gave me a wink and the gun. He was pissed enough to use a real gun although he pretended not to be fazed in the least.
"I love you," I said nervously. That was my get out of jail free card. It sounded more like a question than a statement. I looked around the room that was once like a work of art. The Sorcerer's Apprentice meets Hurricane Katrina was the decorum now. I was little anxious since he, unlike Eric, was very much aware that he was disabled for a time and he didn't appreciate it at all. The house guest from hell is what he called us in his mind. He walked around the room several times in silence and then responded.
"You love me." He stopped in front of me, grabbed my face and gave me a quick peck on the lips. I wasn't sure if his words were a statement or a question so I waited. He was about to speak but then paused. He licked his lips several times very slowly, suspiciously. He could taste the magic from my lips. I said nothing as he fought an internal battle of coming back for another taste of my intoxicating enchantments or remaining highly pissed. "Love" pissed won the battle "will speak the truth about why you are in hiding, oh great Queen. Then you may tell me about the Loas and just who Junior is." We all panicked and went straight Babylonian, stuttering and sputtering simultaneously and not making a lick of sense. We went on and on until he held up a hand. "Never mind. I get the gist."
I frantically searched my memory to learn exactly what we had divulged. "You know," he said, beginning his stroll around the room again. "I have been a cat for far too long to be fooled by a kitten." He stopped and stared the pixie down. She offered a protest, which he immediately shushed. His attention turned to Amelia. "You should ask Pam what they do to witches who enchant vampires." His voice was cool but he was vampire angry. His fangs appeared longer, more like weapons. As he got close to her I knew she was a graze away from becoming a human Pez dispenser.
"You had no qualms about it when it helped you get into my house and into my dreams," I interjected with more balls than brains. He smiled at the memory and then his expression went cold. I knew that would get his goat. He was thinking that Amelia put the love spell on him. His stare was blank and detached. He saw that I was trying to deflect the attention away from my friend. He measured me with appraising eyes for a time in silence. Then he demanded in a deadly tone "Remove your dress, love."
I stood motionless as he continued to try and rattle me. He moved in closer than I cared for him to be. "Don't be shy. I have seen all of you." He was going to have to come harder than that. I hung out with Shifters who stripped down at the drop of a hat. Nakedness, even my own, didn't bother me one bit. "I bathed you on the night you arrived. Love compelled me to wash the stench of the bayou from every orifice of your body." He taunted, smiling at the memory. That was true and my fault for casting that stupid spell in the first place. "I didn't molest you . . . much." He was even closer to me now, almost touching.
"Liar, liar," I thought. Actually, he was near tears the whole time, afraid of losing his loooove. I wasn't going to bust him out, though, and let everybody know that the great and powerful King was in touch with his feminine side. I would definitely know if someone did things to me in my sleep. Right? Besides, the spell wouldn't permit him to violate me in such a way. It was a pretty good bluff though.
"Had you been with me, you would not have suffered any of those battle scars." That stung me a little. It wouldn't break me but he was not done "Strangely, I found each one sexier than the other. Especially the one where you got staked" he was suddenly very close to my ear and startled me. "Ohhh! You gotta love a woman who can take a big stick like that."
"Liar, liar," I thought. Actually, he was near tears the whole time, afraid of losing his loooove. I wasn't going to bust him out, though, and let everybody know that the great and powerful King was in touch with his feminine side. I would definitely know if someone did things to me in my sleep. Right? Besides, the spell wouldn't permit him to violate me in such a way. It was a pretty good bluff though.
"Had you been with me, you would not have suffered any of those battle scars." That stung me a little. It wouldn't break me but he was not done "Strangely, I found each one sexier than the other. Especially the one where you got staked" he was suddenly very close to my ear and startled me. "Ohhh! You gotta love a woman who can take a big stick like that."
The sound of fabric ripping halted an all out assault on the king. Moratorium on magic be damned, my girls were about to teach him some manners in how to speak to a southern lady. He really liked that dress. He had it specially made for the Queen. I enjoyed hearing him gasp as I ruined it. I knew what he wanted to see. The long sleeves of the dress fell to the floor revealing the veves that marked my arms. Incredulity momentarily masked his face and he suddenly went from serious to cautious, predatory to protective.
He grazed the etchings with his thumb. He was upset with himself that he didn't pay more attention to them when he bathed me. His eyes were chock full of other things at the time. "Do they own you?" He questioned quietly. I shook my head. "But they want you?" I waited for a few moments and then nodded. He was thoughtful for long time and then conceded. "I promise you sanctuary for as long as you need." I reached out my hand to shake on it but Dyxie swooped in.
"Hold Up! She does not have to sleep with you, right?"
He laughed low and deep. "Thank you, Dyxie. We should negotiate terms."
"Yeah, thanks." I said dryly but I really should have thought about protecting my back side, literally.
"You seemed to have many preconceptions about Felipe, the King." He paced around the room again, his finger tapping his chin while the gears of deception turned in his vampire head. "During your stay, I ask one favor. Forget what you heard about me and go only by what you see. You no like, you no buy. Agreed?" I wouldn't buy a dang thing from him so that offer was a no brainer. We waited for the other shoe to drop. "You will stand by my side as queen-to-be, my help meet, so-to-speak, and share in my vision for all vampires."
"We will not be harmed?" Amelia questioned before I could agree or disagree. "And we are free to leave whenever we want?"
"Deal" he agreed.
"You will not turn me," I demanded through gritted teeth.
"Don't knock it until you have tried it, my sweet." He chuckled. I didn't find any humor in my own demise. "Suit yourself. Deal!" It was a little hesitant but he agreed. We were on a roll.
"You will not try to sex her up, even if she asks you to." Dyxie wanted reassurance. He propped himself up on what remained of the couch. His dress shirt still looked to be freshly laundered and heavily starched.
He sucked his teeth before offering a resolute "No Deal!" He stared at the wall as if he could see a vivid scene being played out. "Listen carefully for I will only say it once." His gaze turned to me "I wait for her slightest beckoning and oh yes, I will certainly comply. Nothing will stop me from going in hot, hard and heavy over and over and over." His thickly accented voice made for a hypnotic soliloquy and we were all captivated. "I long to feel your body quaking underneath me and your tender voice urging me to finish you." He said as a side note, directly to me. My eyes bugged out. A sly smile broke the line of his serious expression. "No, I will not be gentle. No, I will not stop. If she retains her sanity in the aftermath I have no doubt that she will beg me to . . ." He paused, was thoughtful for a moment and rephrased. "You will never leave my side."
"Umph! I felt that in my shondo," Dyxie squeaked. I wasn't sure what a shondo was but we all felt that and said simultaneously, "Deal!" and let out a collective, audible whoosh. He was across the room, but the intensity of his words and piercing gaze left us gawking. I wanted to scream out a snappy, "Dream on buddy!" but I had a feeling that he would have no problem driving his point home.
"I thought you didn't do humans," I said. The visual of his statement had me reeling and my words, a response of shock.
He threw an arm over my shoulder like we were old friends and spoke sincerely. "Humans tend to break with a vampire of my," he paused searching for the appropriate terminology, "experience. Turning you is simply a precautionary measure and selfishness on my part. I want to be able to enjoy you for years to come."
He wasn't trying to shock me or scare me like before. He was simply answering a question. I guess that's what frightened me. I actually took a few steps back. I wanted to take off running. I could see the Bon Temps Bugle headline: SOOKIE STACKHOUSE SCREWED TO DEATH.
"Kay," I whimpered. I faced what was left of the window that cast a crimson hue. I hardly recognized my own reflection. Felipe stood to my right. He was smiling like he had just won the lottery. We looked like we belonged on a wedding cake. My gown, even though it was minus the sleeves, was stunning. Dark curls framed my face. CJ had changed the color to disguise my appearance when we went shopping, I remembered as I pulled on one of the locks. I wonder if he had a premonition about me needing to stay in disguise or if he just forgot to change me back. My skin looked pretty pale in contrast. My eyes glowed amber full of magic. My mirror image confirmed that I am not the helpless creature of old. "I'm a beast!" I said. My eyes traveled down to the tattoos on my arm. They glowed with power as if to reassure me. "The night fears you," is something that he had once said to me. We were going to find out if the sorcerer's words were true.
"So," Dyxie said loudly before I lost the nerve "we are in agreement?" She pushed a tiny green hand out and all joined in a group shake. We all looked to Felipe who we still didn't trust any further than we could throw him.
"What?" he asked incredulously. "You have my word on all the aforementioned promises and are hereby under the protection of the king," he said ceremoniously. "I will not reveal your location to any being. That is my solemn vow. Rest assured that what happens in Vegas . . ."
"STAYS IN VEGAS!" we completed the phrase in unison.


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For the first time since 2014, Jack Ma has returned to reclaim his spot as China's richest man on this year's edition of the Hurun China Rich List.
The annual ranking estimates the Alibaba founder's fortune at around $39 billion, up 35 percent from last year, enough to surpass both real estate tycoon Xu Jiayin and Tencent CEO Pony Ma, who rank second and third before a $13 billion drop off to fourth place. Here's the top 10:
While the richest of the rich are still getting richer in China, the same can not be said of all the country's fabulously wealthy. Though 2,130 individuals made the 2 billion yuan ($288 million) cut off last year for inclusion in the list, only 1,893 did so this year. Meanwhile, the number of dollar billionaires in China dropped by 27 to 620.
Hurun Report Chairman Rupert Hoogewerf blamed these decreases on the US-China trade war and China's struggling stock exchange. It marks the first such drops since 2012 when there were only 251 dollar billionaires. A decade before that, there were zero.
Here's some more interesting factoids from the report:
- 7 percent of those who made the list are surnamed Wang. 6.9 percent surnamed Li.
- 11.7 percent were born in the Year of the Rabbit, ahead of the Year of the Dragon at 10.5 percent.
- 15.5 percent live in Beijing, only 8.5 percent live in Shanghai.
- 28.7 percent of those on the list are women, including #4.
- Only 7.5 percent are delegates to the NPC or CPPCC.
- There are 219 new faces, led by Colin Huang, the founder of China's newest e-commerce giant Pinduoduo at 13th with a fortune of $14 billion.
- Haidilao CEO Zhang Yong made the top fifty with his wealth growing ten-fold after his hot pot company's Hong Kong IPO last month.


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