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Animals With Deadly Electrical Shock
Animals With Deadly Electrical Shock – Electrical charges emitted by living things produced by positive ions and negative ions are present in all living things.
Including humans can generate electricity from his body. This post discusses about the animals that are capable of producing large power used to feed and protect themselves from other predators. The following animals which produce electricity and some can even kill humans.
Electric Pari fish
Electric ray or electrically Stingrays have similarities with the electric eel, which is capable of controlling the voltage on each electric charge in his body.
Organ electricity production was located on both sides of the head, and both can generate electricity together from 8 to 220 volts.
There are 69 species of stingray electrically, and which has an electric power of the most dangerous is a fish called torpere.
The name means "causing stiffness or paralysis", because the electric shock providing such effects. The average electric shock generated electricity stingray equivalent to the effect of dropping a hair dryer into the tub.
Including members of the order monotreme, spiny echidnas are animals that have a long snout, which serves as the mouth once the nose.
That long snout that can generate electrical signals, which help them find insects to be devoured. When on the ground, this animal muzzle is always wet, so it can still conduct electricity when it will prey on insects.
However, scientists have suggested that these animals owned electricity is to function as a self-protection in the face of predators, as they are not too difficult to find prey without using the power of electricity.
Read Also : Cuisine With Animals The Eaten Alive
Elephant Trunk fish
Peters elephantnose fish also called elephant's trunk fish found around the river in west and central Africa. Views fish body is dark in color, and has a bulge like an elephant's trunk that was in his head, which is her mouth.
These animals have organs that can generate electricity, which is located in the tail. Special electric organ was called electroplax (or electroplaques).
When it is at rest or is not used, each cell electroplax it has a negative charge on the inside, and a positive charge on the outside. When the organ was stimulated through muscular contractions (such as the touch of a predator), then the current electric will turn around, and sting any creature touching it.
Hammer Head shark
Hammer head sharks (Hammer head shark) has hundreds of thousands of organ electrorecptor called ampullae in their bodies.
The organ that makes this shark to be the only shark that has the greatest electrical sensitivity, which can detect the electrical signals from the other animals so make it easier to find prey.
This shark electric organ serves to detect the electric fields generated by the occupants of the other water, even down to the seabed. In addition, these sharks also use their internal electrical detection devices such as GPS (Global Positioning System), which helped them adapt to the ocean currents like having the navigation.
Electric Catfish
Freshwater catfish (Catfish electric) is native to the tropics of Africa, and catfish is capable of generating up to 250 volts of electricity equivalent to the amount needed to operate the computer for 45 minutes.
With such power, catfish is also able to deal with predators and other animals that try to bother him. Electric organs of these animals is a specialized muscle tissue that forms a layer such as agar-agar, and is located under the skin.
Electric Skate
These animals spend most of their time on the seabed or in cold water, and use electricity ability to absorb a weak electric field which is issued by the shrimp, snails, and clams, which become their favorite meal.
The animal's mouth is located in the lower part of his body, so that makes it easier to find and eat food. Animal electricity generated comes from its tail, and sting produces different effects depending on the species that stung. They use electric force it against predators, and to recognize each other and communicate with one another.
Electric eels
Although named the electric eel (Electric eel), but this animal was not classified as an eel, but rather as a fish. Animals that are found in the waters of South America is capable of generating electricity that is larger than the other electrified animals.
In addition, the electric eel is able to generate electrical energy for one hour continuously without getting tired. Electrical energy generated this animal reaches 500 volts, so that the sting can result in death, even for a human being an average-sized adult.
Read Also : Action of crazy What Do the Name of Love


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Three Belgian Science Institutes Accelerate Data Delivery After Discovering Hitachi Vantara
What is discovery but the realization of what has always been there? For three Belgian organizations at the research forefront of weather, climate, Earth and beyond, discovery is the daily mission.
The Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy and the Royal Observatory of Belgium collaborate as the Belgian Science Policy's space hub, aka Space Pole. The Belgian Science Policy provides the interface between the research world and partnering countries and institutions. Space Pole engages more than 500 scientists, Ph.D. students and administrative staff.
Leading research partners around the world — and around the clock — rely on Space Pole data to deepen their understanding of our universe. Massive data volumes are generated, processed and analyzed to support further exploration across the space sciences. Unfortunately, Space Pole's continual data growth and subsequent storage were becoming untenable and costly, jeopardizing computing capacity and performance.
Discover how Space Pole implemented an Hitachi storage architecture to boost data access and relevancy, slash costs by 50% and supply stellar business insights to partners.
"For us, 24/7 availability is a must, and we simply cannot afford to lose instrument data from cutting-edge satellite missions and scientific experiments. The Hitachi solution gives us the reliable storage we need."
— Johan Bulcke, IT Manager, Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy


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Okay, you know rally racing involves cars and driving them fast. But rally racing is its own animal, more realistic and exciting than just whipping around a round track in laps. Rally racing is a form of auto racing that takes place on usually private roads with modified production or specially built road-legal cars.
Driving a rally car is an amazing adrenaline pumper. Just watching the sport and cheering on a driver can produce such an amazing adrenaline fix. What makes the experience even more fun, a lot like the car chase in your favorite movie, is that you are not on the side lines jumping and cheering, you're in it. You're in the wild, on a probably narrow dirt road, flying over crests, with faith, luck and an imprudent passenger clinging to your side. The perpetual skidding and sliding required to go fast on these loose surfaces-and not just to look fancy – is what gives rally driving its high thrill factor.
Aside from the thrill, rally driving actually enhances your driving capabilities and leaves you with a real insight into the tricks and trades that make it such an adrenaline based sport. Being in the driver's seat and flying over road surfaces, no matter the type, while navigating hairpin bends, gives you that first hand hair raising thrill that is characteristic of rally car driving. You get the perfect opportunity to handle the car and polish your driving skills.
Your adrenaline rush may start to build even before you get into the car. Possibly it heightens the moment you get behind the wheel of that rally car and realize the moment is here. This is it. You feel the grip of the wheel and are amazed by it, you are thinking about the acceleration, and braking ability of the rally car. You start the engine and hear the rev; the little beast is ready and rearing to go. Even with your own blood pumping in your ear, you know, you have to maintain some calm while not taming the adrenaline that is surging through your body. Adrenaline is a key factor that makes rally racing what it is today. Adrenaline excites, but it also helps to keep you sharp and focused. The race is on, and you know you must prove your skills and outclass your opponent.
Those who desire to do rally racing should first equip themselves with the required skills and techniques. If this is your first time out rally racing, then you may actually have a rally school instructor seated in the navigator's seat while you are behind the wheel. As you are taken through the paces, you will feel the thrill. You may realize there is a difference in the thrill you feel when you are on the side lines and when you are in action. In the driver's seat, the brain acknowledges that this is business, and going around the circuit you will experience the thrill like never before. Rally racing is designed to ensure you learn special techniques such as power slides, handbrake turns and under and over steer.
Author Bio:
Neil Hilden contributed this guest post for Wish UK. Neil is a rally driving enthusiast and a freelance writer. His articles mainly appear on auto publications. Find out more about rally cars at Wish.co.uk.


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Sucking Vibrator G Spot Clit Vibrators for Women with Suction and Vibration Nipple Stimulation Toys
Sucking Vibrator G Spot Clit Vibrators for Women with Suction
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After startup, short press the button to change a sucking mode.
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Press the button for about 3 seconds to make the product enter standby mode or turn it off.
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❤Get the most pleasing sensation for yourself by adding some water-based lubes.
Silicone Material
Made of body-safe silicone, it is super-soft, hygienic and nonporous. So please rest assured that there is no need to worry about it getting any allergic reaction to the skin.


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Exciting photographs are paired with cool facts and simple explanations in this earthmoving ABC. Kids love trucks and diggers and this alphabet book has all their favorites, from the speedy skid steer loader to the giant 797 off-highway truck (one of the biggest trucks in the world!). Seeing real Cat machines at work, digging, hauling, dumping, and lifting, puts young readers right there on the construction site in the middle of the action. (No hard hats necessary!)
Publication Details
- Publisher:
- Chronicle Books LLC
- Publication Date:
- 2012
Caterpillar (Author)
Caterpillar is respected worldwide as the top producer of construction and mining equipment and machines.


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Donald Trump attacked Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama over a report on Wednesday that revealed the United States gave Iran $400 million in cash at the same time that four American soldiers were released from Iran.
"Our incompetent Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, was the one who started talks to give 400 million dollars, in cash, to Iran. Scandal!" said Trump on Twitter.
Our incompetent Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, was the one who started talks to give 400 million dollars, in cash, to Iran. Scandal!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2016
The Obama administration airlifted the money in an unmarked cargo plane in January, which coincided with the release of four U.S. citizens detained in Tehran, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.
Other prominent Republicans also came out criticizing the transfer.
"Obama administration sent plan[e] load of cash to #Iran as ransom as part of deal on hostages. Just unreal," said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) in a tweet.
Obama administration sent plan load of cash to #Iran as ransom as part of deal on hostages. Just unreal. https://t.co/UHfdK4BEyN
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) August 3, 2016
The #IranDeal is nothing but a series of bribes/secret agreements that fail to prevent Iran from nuclear capability https://t.co/fhjnb4hONc
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) August 3, 2016
The administration, including President Obama and Sec. Clinton, is responsible for leading America into a deal that will arm #Iran.
— Richard Burr (@SenatorBurr) August 3, 2016
The $400 million was the first installment of a $1.7 billion settlement the Obama administration reached with Iran to solve a decades-old dispute over a failed arms deal signed just before the 1979 overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The settlement, which was resolved before an international tribune, occurred on the same weekend the United States and other global powers brokered a nuclear deal with Iran.
"With the nuclear deal done, prisoners released, the time was right to resolve this dispute as well," President Obama said on Jan. 17.
Although he did not disclose the $400 million cash payment, Obama did suggest the United States would give money to Iran.
"The United States and Iran are now settling a longstanding Iranian government claim against the United States government. Iran will be returned its own funds, including appropriate interest, but much less than the amount Iran sought," said Obama at the time.
"For the United States, this settlement could save us billions of dollars that could have been pursued by Iran," he added.
The release of the prisoners was portrayed as a diplomatic breakthrough by Secretary of State John Kerry and the Obama administration. The Americans who were released included Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, Idaho pastor Saeed Abedini, and former Marine Corps Sergeant Amir Hekmati. The United States released seven Iranian citizens and dropped extradition requests for 14 others.
Senior officials denied a connection between the cash given to Iran and the prisoner exchange.
"As we've made clear, the negotiations over the settlement of an outstanding claim …were completely separate from the discussions about returning our American citizens home," State Department spokesperson John Kirby told the Journal.
"Not only were the two negotiations separate, they were conducted by different teams on each side, including, in the case of The Hague claims, by technical experts involved in these negotiations for many years," he added.


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monday 8th march at 6.30 pm
Gnosis" – overtone harmonic chant
by David Hykes
and the Harmonic Choir
David Hykes is one of the
pioneers of modern sacred music and brings to this evening a new
dimension in music, the music of the spheres. It is the music of
overtones which hold sway throughout the universe and govern all
spatial and mathematical relationships. As music, these wondrous
sounds retain an extraordinary mystery, for they do not belong to
Throat singing, Overtone or
Harmonic singing is atmospheric and mesmeric music where the singer
manipulates the harmonic resonances as air travels from the lungs
past the vocal folds and out of the lips to produce a melody. This
type of singing is specific to the vast steppes of Central Asia and
Siberia allowing the singer to create more than one pitch at the
same time by changing the shape of the resonant cavities of the
mouth, larynx and pharynx.
The Harmonic Presence Foundation was founded in 1981 at New York's
Cathedral of St. John The Divine and has been sharing knowledge
about the deeper nature of harmony present in the universe and the
mind. They have been organizing teachings, practices, seminars and
retreats around the world linking the mind, music, meditation and
medicine for the past 30 years.
David Hykes is a cultural visionary, an award winning
composer-singer, teacher and a pioneer in contemporary sacred music.
He collaborates with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Gyuto monks
to present his work to neuroscientists of the Mind & Life Institute.
His recordings include 'Hearing Solar Winds', 'Harmonic Worlds' and
the recent 'Harmonic Meeting Concert DVD'
More Video Links:
Harmonic Opening,
Spectral Path
David Hykes, composer-director
Timothy Hill
Seth Markel
Joel Bluestein
Bruno Caillat, percussion
8th march at 8.00 pm
"Songs from an itinerant Sufi" by Madan Gopal Singh
Unfortunately this
melody of the month fashion has resulted in the cultural
bastardizations known as Sufi-rock, Sufi-pop and Sufi-Kathak. The
public has now come to believe that the repetition of the words
Allah, Maula or Ali is all there is to Sufi music. Madan has even
convinced himself of the improbability of the existence of a
practicing Sufi. The age of fakirs has withered and the dervishes
have lost all their sanguine spirit to the whirling traps of
unending ritual.
But there is a purer side that still exists.
It lies in the haunting melodies that are offered gratis at the
mazaars of pirs and murshids for a gathering of believers who are
willing to shed the inhibitions of the self and pass into a state of
trance. For Madan Gopal who is neither a Muslim nor a Sufi it lies
in trying to catch an invisible something, an emotion, an idea, a
time gone by, a lost utopia. It lies in a secular reaffirmation of
human dignity. It lies in a fearless vision of cultural plurality,
even in cultural intervention.
Drawing from a lifetime experience as a teacher, a singer, a
composer, a film maker, a cultural activist and a researcher into
the rich musical heritage of an undivided Punjab he brings to us
this evening the authentic voice of Punjabi Sufiana.
Madan Gopal Singh has written and lectured extensively on cinema,
art and cultural history. He co-wrote the screenplay, dialogues and
lyrics for the film 'Name of a River', composed the music for the
documentary film 'Paradise on a River of Hell' and for the film
'Khamosh Pani". He was a Presenter – Performer at the Smithsonian
Folklife festival 2002 and performed at the 2nd Sufi Soul World
Music Festival. He teaches English Literature at Satyawati College
in Delhi.


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Dental Hygienists
Natalie Byrnes and Joanna Mohammadi – Dental Hygienists committed to comfort, care and quality.
Prevention of dental disease starts with a regular oral hygiene routine at home. Simply brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once daily and maintaining a balanced diet can help ensure a healthy smile and strong teeth that last a lifetime.
Visiting DFY Dental's committed team of dental hygienists for regular check-ups every six months is the perfect compliment to your at-home dental care. Regular visits with our experienced dental hygienists can help keep plague tartar from building up. Those regular visits can also be used to spot early warning signs of gum disease and make sure the problem is treated promptly.
Who are our Dental Hygienists?
Our team of dental hygienists are consummate professionals. Both Natalie and Joanna are committed to the top quality care of every patient, and they serve as an integral part of the team at DFY Dental.
In addition to their other duties, both Natalie and Joanna are committed to making sure every one of the All on 4 patients at DFY Dental receives the post-surgical and ongoing oral healthcare services they need to maintain their healthy smiles for life.
In addition to coordinating post-surgical care for All on 4 patients, Natalie and Joanna focus on diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative services for their patients – all with one simple goal in mind. That goal is to enhance the oral health of each patient and control common dental diseases.
Both Natalie and Joanna have years of experience in all manner of orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign systems and the treatment of gum disease.
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Natalie and Joana are proud of their training and expertise, and they are always willing to share their knowledge with their patients. Both hygienists work closely with the other members of the DFY Dental team, and the care they provide is an integral part of our success.


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The gaming world is never ending, as there are many consoles through which players can enjoy their favorite games. There are the heavy duty consoles such as PC, the Xbox, the Nintendo Wii U and the Playstation, and there are the handheld consoles such as the Portable PS. Without a doubt, 3 of the most popular consoles are the PC, the Playstation and the Xbox.
The Playstation 4
The Playstation 4, which is referred to as the PS4 is a home video console that is developed by Sony. It is the successor of the PS3, and it was announced in a press conference in 2013. Its main competitors are the Nintendo Wii U and the Xbox One, which are all new members of the 8th generation of video gaming consoles.
The Xbox One
One of the main competitors for the PS4, it is developed by Microsoft, as its flagship gaming console. The console was announced by Microsoft on 2013. This edition of the Xbox moves away from the footsteps of its predecessor and its Power PC architecture. This is because the Xbox one shifts back to the x86 gaming architecture that was used for the very first Xbox. The console features an AMP APU (Acceleration Processing Unit), that is build around its x86-64 architecture. The console separates itself from the rest with its focuses on cloud computing as well as the integration of other entertaining apps and services.
Gaming Genres
There is an endless amount of gaming genres, whether when it comes to consoles or casino games. For casino games, the list might be a bit shorter as they include slot machines, blackjack, keno games, video poker and roulette to name a few. As for console gaming, the list is much longer. Some of the most popular genres of gaming have to be the "First Person Shooter" genre, also referred to as FPS games. It is where players control the game play in first person, using different weapons to eliminate other players, or go through a single player campaign. Some of the popular franchises and games that fall under this genre is Call of Duty and Battlefield.
Another popular genre is the Multi Player Online Role Playing genre, also referred to as MMORPG games. It is where players control a character, equip it with weapons, armor and other items to go through different quests, or fight against other players.


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See what we've been up to
News and Blog
Gloucester Estate Regeneration AspinallVerdi has recently been appointed as part of a multi-disciplinary by Gloucester City Homes (GCH) to produce masterplans for the exis
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Christmas: a period marked by gifts, cheesy family jokes, lazy afternoons in front of festive films and everything yummy or, for retailer marketers, the time to get down to some serious business. Whether consumers are shopping for presents, food, trimmings or party outfits, they want more and they're spending more. This is the busiest time of year for retailers all over the UK but to make the most of the consumer mania, your business needs to take action.
Many Christmas advertisements and marketing campaigns are already in full swing but as we're still in November, there's still plenty of time for an email marketing campaign. Email marketing is a quick and effective method to directly target your Christmas-eager audience with personal, fun and converting concepts. So, here are 5 ideas that will help you get in with the festive marketing frenzy and boost your Christmas sales:
1. Send a Christmas E-card
In the run up to Christmas, marketing emails are swarming consumer inboxes thick and fast. Masses of businesses get on the bandwagon every year and they start early, upping their game as the time approaches. Yet, a nice way to stand out from the rest is to send your customers a Christmas e-card. Simply personalise to their name, thank them for their custom and wish them a Merry Christmas. You're spreading the festive cheer, making your customers feel valued and most importantly, reminding them of your brand.
2. Offer a Discount
Although discounts are one of the most widely used tactics in the email marketing stable, they are also one of the most effective. Your existing or potential customers may have no intention of buying from you but offer them a deal and it's a different story. How do we know this works? Because we're all guilty of giving in to a tempting percentage off. A discount offer pops up in our inbox and all of a sudden we're telling ourselves: "oh yes, I could do with one of those actually". Discounts are the power behind impulse buys and your chance to drastically increase your sales.
Boost your campaign even further by incorporating some personalised remarketing – show items that consumers have previously viewed but not purchased. Plus, promote the discount as a gift – it's your way of saying thank you for their custom.
3. Offer Free Delivery
Christmas shopping in town: a stampede of people on a mission to grab those last minute gifts, queues that run the length of shops and the annual manoeuvre between trolleys so overloaded with food that it won't be finished off until next summer. For many people, it's all part of the festive fun but for others, it's to the internet that they go.
An increasing number of people are turning to online shopping at Christmas, to avoid the frantic rush and save time. Boost their online custom and encourage more of your customers to change their shopping habits by offering free delivery. Add a time limit to create that feeling of urgency and introduce it a while before and then again much nearer to Christmas, to cater for those last minute shoppers.
4. Create a Christmas Competition
Gamification is hot in the marketing world and introducing the concept into your Christmas email marketing helps you to tap into the festive fun of the period. Set up a one-off competition where your customers can win discounts or prizes, create an online Christmas-themed game or simply ask your audience to like your social media page to be entered into a draw. The opportunities are out there so use your imagination to get more email opens and drive further action from consumers.
5. Offer a Christmas Gift Guide
Although consumers are free to browse what you have to offer instore, online or both, many still like the idea of snuggling up on the sofa and having a good old flick through a Christmas gift guide. Send emails that offer your customers a FREE guide that they can either download or have posted, to offer them an alternative way to shop. The guide is also your opportunity to place gift ideas centre stage, exposing your customers to products that they may not have actively looked for.
The Christmas period offers great opportunities for your email marketing but just remember, you're not the only business in the game. Take the time to be imaginative, creative and give your customers what they want to make the most of the shopping swell and get that extra sparkle of sales from your business.


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She peed on the floor.
I think I may lose her tomorrow because she can barely walk and falls over.
The vet said I can come before 2 and then they would put her in a box so we can take her to the cemetery.
I dread this.
Her right eye has a ulcer and the pupil is messed up from the strokes.
She has always been my fav cat.
My poor sphynx Cleo is very close to her and so is Meeko.
Meeko became s upset when Stormy died she needed a vet.
Also I lived in San Bruno for until 1999 and know the area that is on fire very well.
My dad still has the house I grew up in but lucky it is away from the fire.
Prayers for everyone in San Bruno.


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National Director, Turnaround Arts
- Location
- Washington DC
- Salary
- competitive
- Posted
- Oct 30, 2018
- Closes
- Mar 11, 2019
- Function
- Executive, Director, School and Teaching, Teacher
- Career Level
- Executive (Director, VP, Department Head, etc)
- Hours
- Full Time
The Kennedy Center is searching for an exceptional individual to develop a comprehensive strategy and lead the Turnaround Arts program as the National Director. This position reports directly to the Director of School and Community Programs (SCP) at the Kennedy Center; directly supervises the Turnaround Arts Implementation Director and Program Manager, as well as having oversight of the entire team and external relations contractors. The Turnaround Arts program utilizes arts education as a tool in school reform for the nation's most underserved public schools, grades PK-8. Through ambitious and strategic arts investments - aimed at impacting every hallway, every classroom, every staff member, and every student in the school - Turnaround Arts fuels whole-school transformation. The program provides tangible arts education resources to each local program partner and school, including arts supplies, musical instruments, school musicals, teacher trainings, and more. Through our framework for school improvement, ongoing coaching, and a focus on the connections between broader school goals and strategic use of the arts, Turnaround Arts schools are making significant gains. The National Director serves as part of the SCP leadership cabinet and ensures alignment and contribution of Turnaround Arts to the overall SCP strategy and cross-functional workstreams. The objective of the National Director is to:
- Plan, develop, and set the vision for Turnaround Arts
- Collaborate closely with the Implementation Director and Program Manager to develop and execute strategic goals for the program
- Direct and supervise all external relations efforts, including leveraging high-profile artists, fundraising, and public relations
- Develop and maintain a national program evaluation
- Represent Turnaround Arts and the Kennedy Center at national conferences, meetings, site visits, and more
Collaborate with and develop alignment with SCP overall arts education strategy and programming.
Plan, develop, and set vision for the Turnaround Arts program
Collaborate closely with the Program Manager and Implementation Director to develop and execute strategic goals for the program
Focus on sustainability of the national program, advocating for its fidelity
Direct and lead all Turnaround Arts external relations efforts, including but not limited to engaging, building relationships with, managing, and leveraging high-profile artists for their work with Turnaround Arts Schools and other Kennedy Center Education programs; collaboratively creating a mutually beneficial program site management plan to promote independence and sustainability; developing a strategy and implementation plan for school and local program site visits; collaborating with the Kennedy Center Development team to create, develop, and manage relationships with national funders to raise visibility and support for Turnaround Arts and other SCP programs; building visibility for the program through various communication strategies, including public relations, media engagements, newsletters, social media, and more; and managing Turnaround Arts talent shows and music videos.
Develop and maintain a national program evaluation
Collaborate with the Kennedy Center's Research and Evaluation department, along with an external contracted evaluator, in this work
Provide technical assistance and coaching, both in-person and remotely, to local program partners
Serve as liaison and occasional presenter for Turnaround Arts to other national organizations, partners, conferences and more, representing the Kennedy Center
Supervise Turnaround Arts staff positions and external contractors.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Must be able to work beyond a 40-hour week on a regular basis. Occasional weekend and evening events.
Travel up to 50% may be required.The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a world premier performing arts organization and our nation's cultural center. Diversity is a critical component of our mission, vision, and values. Our staff exhibits a wide variety of perspectives and experiences which enable us to foster and strengthen an environment of diversity and inclusion. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan. Back Email Apply Now


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Minor Spoilers Ahead
The Good:
This is a beautiful film. The scenery is majestic and captivating. There is more detail in the Light Sabers as the camera gets closer. The wildlife is bizarre and interesting to look at. The movie keeps with the Star Wars convention of having something the audience has never seen before in every shot.
The plot is unpredictable. This is saying a lot since the last Star Wars movie was almost a remake of A New Hope. There were multiple plot points that left me genuinely pleasantly surprised.
The acting was excellent from all parties involved. There was sincerely not a single scene that stands out to me as poor.
The Bad:
The Force Awakens sets up several large mysteries. First, who are Rey's parents? Second, who is Supreme Leader Snoke? The answer to the first question is the worst possible answer: nobodies. This is the least entertaining answer possible. It is possible that this is a case of an unreliable narrator, but I wouldn't bet on it. Since Snoke dies we won't ever get an answer to who he was in the films. There is more on this in the Cancer section.
Joss Whedonism is rampant in this movie and it's awful. Star Wars is a space opera. It has humorous moments, and definitely silly characters, but the series itself shouldn't be reduced to Big Bang style snarky millennial replies. The movie should have a sense of timelessness and dignity befitting an epic. They should be attempting to create an instantaneous classic. These moments will not stand up well in the future.
A character in the movie has a very cool moment when she rams a cruiser through a Star Destroyer at faster than light speed. This is a very cool moment, but it raises many answers that break the continuity of the series. If FTL ramming is so powerful, why don't they use faster-than-light cruise missiles instead of fighters? Why did the Rebellion bother attacking the Death Star with traditional ship combat? Why didn't they simply ram it with an old, but massive ship?
Porgs are an obvious ploy to sell toys. Stop it, Disney.
The Cancer:
The Cancer is strong with this one.
The Resistance, the good guys, is composed of non-white males and white women. The only good white men in the film that I can remember are Luke Skywalker and a soldier from the third act of the film who tasted the dirt and declared it was salt. The First Order, the bad guys, is almost entirely white and male. I looked very carefully and only a few east asian members of the side of darkness. The only woman-of-evil I detected was Captain Phasma. Of course, Phasma is also promoting the diversity narrative as a woman is the most badass and cool of the Stormtroopers. The message of this film is very clear; white males are the enemy.
The interesting thing about the diversity is that although the quantity of diversity is extremely high the quality, for lack of better word, is very low-normie tier even. There are blacks, latinos (latinix isn't and never will be a thing, tranny supremacists), asians, and women in virtually every shot. What the movie lacks is Somalians, Indians (feather and dot), middle easterners, aborigines, Polynesians, etc. It's curious how American the movie is in its diversity. What this means to me is that the people designing the movies aren't advanced thinkers in the field of diversity. They are only mirroring what other people do. I think this is a good sign as it means they can be pushed through peer pressure to become less cancerous. They aren't actually committed to diversity. They are only being trendy.
Vice Admiral Holdo is the worst thing to happen to cinema since the all-female Ghostbusters movie. She is literally purple haired. She is dressed in the most unmilitaristic fashion imaginable- a flowing dress of delicate fabric. She is clearly a shout out to all the terrible misandric cat lady political-lesbian feminists who are just now getting into science fiction now that they've colonized it. This is confirmed by all problem-glasses-enthusiast celebrating her.
There is a loss of the sense of legacy that permeates the Star Wars saga. Luke starts the new hope believing that Darth Vader killed his father, creating a revenge sub-plot. We then discover of course that Luke is the son of Vader, making Luke's attempts to save his father and his father's attempts to corrupt his son more compelling and complex. Luke's lightsaber belonged to his father. In the prequels we discover that C3P0 and R2D2 also belonged to Anakin. Star Wars paradoxically isn't a movie series about war. It is a story of a family. All of that is thrown out with this movie. Rey is the daughter of nothing and no-one (this could be an unreliable narrator). Yoda gleefully burns the Jedi texts. The mystery of who Supreme Commander Snoke is not merely unrevealed, but apparently forgotten.
This may seem like a point of preference rather than outright cancer. It is cancer because this is an attack on traditionalism, the concept of the family, of being tied to the past in anyway. Legacy and family is an import concept in traditional European story telling. In the Lord of the Ring the ranger Strider is revealed to be King of Gondor. King Arthur discovers his father is Uther Pendragon. Hercules's power comes from his father, Zeus. This abandonment of the concept of blood and history is an attack on the western story telling tradition itself. A soft attack, perhaps, but an attack none the less.
The Rebels are now called the Resistance. This may seem like innocuous choice, but where there is liberals, there is signaling. In America "Rebels" have an association with the Confederacy and thus nasty gross white men who don't do what New Yorkers want them to do. Can't have that. "Resistance" appears to be a direct reference to the French Resistance in World War Two, making the First Order Nazis by default. It should also be noted that the good guys are fighting the First Order. They are literally fighting order itself.
The Resistance appears to be composed of non-state actors. They have minimal resources and apparently no homelands to defend. This isn't really a civil war in the original Star Wars. The Resistance are much closer to the Taliban, ISIS, or communist guerillas.
Oh, and Snoke's ship is literally called "Supremacy". SJW's are not subtle.
8/10 Quality, 10/10 Cancer
- The Good, the Bad, and the Cancer: The Last Jedi The Cancer is strong with this one - December 17, 2017
- South Park: The Fractured But Whole Review The Good The Bad & The Cancer - October 22, 2017
- Why Liberals Can't Be Reasoned With An Intro to Neuropolitics - October 19, 2017
- Why Liberals are Going Extinct And How to Accelerate It - October 14, 2017
- Blade Runner 2049 Review The Good, The Bad, and The Cancer - October 12, 2017


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We made cupcake crayons this morning. It was a rainy day and this activity was perfect for them.
Not only did they have to sort them by color groups
It took us awhile but they all enjoyed it and didn't complain once. Once they get them all peeled they each got to put together 2 crayon cupcakes. They got to pick the colors they wanted to put together. This part was fun to watch because they all chose different colors and different combination.
Cole insisted on keeping all the wrappings so the boys got to pick them up and put them into the bag.
I cooked them at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes. I think the oven here is a little on the hotter side.
I then let them sit for about 45 minutes and turned the muffin pan upside down and just tapped on it until they fell out. Some took more time then others.
I will have to take pictures to show the final product. Hopefully we will get to use them this afternoon when everyone wakes up from there naps.


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David Watson collaborates with local artists creating classic British designs.
100% Silk twill
Hand rolled hems
100 x 100 cm
Made in Britain
DW Gift box
Dry Clean Only
Meet the Artist!
Valeriane Leblonde is from Canada and has lived in Wales since 2007. She loves going on walks and was instantly charmed by the green hills fusing into the sea and the small white washed cottages giving her great inspiration. This design is of Hafan in Wales.
She paints on wooden panels and loves working with textures, colours and patterns, drawing on the natural world and the traditional Welsh way of life.
Shipping methods:
|Estimated delivery
|UK delivery
|3 - 5 days


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DISCLAIMER: Copycat is the property of Jon Amiel and Warner Brothers, no infringement intended.
COMMENTS: I love this movie. There is most definitely not enough fan fiction focusing on these characters. I'm only trying to rectify that. If it totally sucks, forgive me.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: What if MJ had returned to Helen's after the fire at Peter's house and found the psychologist there alone instead of kidnapped? What if all of that had come afterward? I decided to write this scene outside canon. It's my first published Copycat fan fiction, so if it's not up to par, you have to let me know so I can quit before I get way behind.
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.
What If?
By Cj
Part One
The knock at the door did not surprise Helen. She knew who it was. After all, MJ had called on her way over to let the psychologist know she was coming. Helen made her way to let the detective in, checking the peephole out of habit. She couldn't stop a brief smile at seeing the petite cop rocking on the balls of her feet as she waited for entrance.
"I should probably have you a set of keys made," she joked as she opened the door. MJ just smiled crookedly and scooted past Helen into the apartment.
"I'm not sure they would all fit in my purse," the shorter lady responded. She headed into the sitting area. "Have you been watching the news?"
"Of course. You want to tell me what happened?"
MJ was using the remote and flipping through the television channels, each station playing basically the same footage of the fire that destroyed much of the evidence needed to find and put away their suspect. Helen noticed the frown on the other woman's face and the worry lines crinkling her brow. For a second, the psychologist in her wondered when she had learned how to read the inspector so well, but that thought was quickly replaced by another.
"MJ, where is he now? He's destroyed his base of operations, which means he's planning something big and we have no idea of what or where he's planning."
The cop glanced up and sighed. "Your guess is as good as mine, probably better." She turned off the television and threw the remote on the couch before starting to pace. "I don't understand. Why would he do something so careless if he wasn't ready to follow through with his complete plan? Why lead us to his house?"
Helen listened to her as she continued to rant, knowing it was best to let the other woman vent before trying to answer any of her questions.
"I don't like it. Do you have any thoughts on his next move?"
"I'm surprised he hasn't shown up here actually. I imagine he's hiding out, enjoying the commotion he's caused. His appetite has grown in the last month because his attacks have been closer together. I do think he's on a time schedule, but he's also very patient, which means he's probably planned for this. He could strike again tonight or it could be days. I just don't know."
As MJ sank down into the cushions of the couch, Helen resumed the other woman's pacing, her mind moving faster than her feet. For a long while, neither spoke until MJ realized what Helen had said.
"You think he'll come back here?" she asked slowly. Helen stopped walking and looked down at the inspector.
"I don't know," she answered honestly. "Maybe."
"Then I'm staying here." She held up a hand. "No, I will hear no arguments. I'm staying here. I'll call the office and let them know and to add an extra round of surveillance outside."
Helen smirked as the detective, who was laying out reasons why she should stay, stood to reach for the phone.
"What?" MJ asked when she noticed the doctor's expression.
"Nothing. I, uh, I'm glad you're staying. I could, uh, use a friend tonight." Helen ducked her head at this, almost blushing at both the admission and the sudden thought that a friend was not the only thing she needed from MJ.
"Good, then you got one," MJ responded softly. Her cop voice, as Helen had come to call it, returned as she barked orders for more police protection around the doctor's apartment building. The inspector's eyes never left Helen's as she finished the call. "Thank you," she said at last and hung up the phone. "We're set."
Helen just nodded, which caused a strand of unruly hair to fall into her face. MJ found herself taking a step forward in a desire to push the curl back and caress the cheek it was tickling. She stopped before reaching out to follow through on the thought.
"So, have you eaten?" Helen asked in an attempt to give her hands and mind something to do. She moved toward the kitchen and felt rather than heard the inspector follow.
"Actually, no," MJ answered, grateful for the distraction. "I guess ordering take-out is out of the question, huh?"
Helen laughed before shaking her head.
"No need. I am a great cook. Comes from being in the house all this time."
"Ooh, what's your specialty?"
"You name it and I'll try it."
"I don't know. Why don't you surprise me."
Helen thought about it for a minute before opening a cabinet and pulling out ingredients.
"I'll be the cook; you can be my assistant. First things first, set the table. You probably know where everything is."
MJ grinned and began getting out plates and utensils. She was slightly surprised that she remembered the layout of the kitchen as well as she did. When she had made coffee for the doctor after the last attack, she hadn't thought she had been paying much attention to the location of the silverware. Obviously, she was wrong.
After setting the table, she returned to the kitchen to find Helen chopping tomatoes.
"Now what?"
The doctor handed her the knife.
"Keep chopping while I work on everything else."
The two women worked in companionable silence only broken by the occasional direction from one to the other. Before long, the kitchen was alive with a delightful aroma.
"Here, try this. Do you think it needs more oregano?"
MJ blew on the spoon full of sauce that Helen held out for her before taking a small taste. She smiled and shook her head.
"No, seems just right." She laughed when the doctor finished her bite.
"You're sure?"
"You're the paranoid one, remember?"
Helen just glared before belittling her expression by throwing a towel at the shorter woman.
"Good thing I have you to keep me grounded."
"Someone has to," MJ replied, which caused Helen to laugh.
The cop smiled as she watched the doctor continue making them dinner and allowed her mind to settle on the jumbled thoughts that came to her whenever she was in the other woman's presence. As long as she concentrated on the case, she was fine. But if she ever lost focus, it took her a little while to get it back. MJ knew she had made this personal, which she also knew was a mistake when working any case, but something about Helen demanded that MJ protect her.
"Hey, you in there?"
The cop quickly snapped back to reality at Helen's teasing jab on the shoulder.
"Oh, yeah, sorry. Just kind of zoned out there for a second."
"I noticed. I thought I had lost you."
MJ managed a weak smile for the other woman, who just quirked an eyebrow. The smaller woman had a feeling that her "lost in thought" moment would be a topic of conversation later in the evening. She could tell by the expression on the doctor's face.
"C'mon. Dinner's almost ready. Help me put everything on the table."
Again, they worked in silence until they sat down to eat. It was then that the psychologist turned her critical eyes to the detective.
"You want to tell me what's been going through your head tonight?" she asked as she took a sip of her wine. "And, please, don't insult my intelligence by telling me nothing. I know better than that."
MJ tried to glare at her but failed miserably.
"I've never met anyone like you before. It's only been a few days but you already know me better than most people I've known for years. How is that possible?"
"Noticing people and their personalities and attitudes is what I'm trained to do."
"Is that really it?" MJ asked, surprised by the rush of disappointment she felt that Helen could construed her as just another subject.
"No," Helen answered. "No, it's more than that. Frankly, I'm curious why you're even here, how you managed to sneak past every defense I've ever had to settle yourself so firmly in the middle of my life." The doctor shrugged. "I don't have all the answers, MJ, but whatever they turn out to be, I'm just glad you're here. Now eat."
MJ's grin spread slowly but soon quirked into the crooked smile that the doctor found completely charming.
"Well, doc, the more relaxed you become, the more I like you," she finally said and Helen returned the detective's smile with one of her own. The conversation from there took on a lighter tone for the rest of the meal.
"That's the last of them," MJ replied as she brought the last of the dinner dishes into the kitchen to Helen, who was putting them in the dishwasher. The pair finished cleaning up before going into the living room. "It's been a rough couple of weeks, especially the past few nights, why don't you get some sleep?"
"I could say the same to you." Helen sighed before continuing. "Look, MJ, I'm not sure that either one of us is going to be sleeping much tonight. There's really no point in trying to deny that something is wrong. We're both very aware that there is a serial killer out there who wants to see me dead. He killed Andy, he's been in my apartment, and he seems to enjoy torturing me. Sleep is not on the top of my to-do list."
MJ stared at the other woman for a long moment before doing something that surprised both of them. The detective leaned forward and quickly but gently brought her lips to the lips of the psychologist and applied a hint of pressure. The taller woman responded almost instantly by bringing her arms around MJ and dragging her closer. The cop took that as an invitation and deepened the kiss. Finally, MJ pulled away and, untangling herself from Helen's arms, stood and moved away from the other woman.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I I don't know what got into me. I " She was still breathing hard and couldn't meet the doctor's gaze. Helen moved the few steps it took to stand in front of the other woman and reached for her.
"MJ, it's okay. I wasn't complaining. Actually, I think if you will recall, I was just as much of a willing participant in that kiss as you were."
The statement made the shorter woman crack a smile but MJ still didn't look at the doctor. Helen ducked her head until their noses touched and kissed the cop again. Although surprised, the taste of Helen's lips was an unexpected treat to MJ, who thought she had screwed up by kissing her friend just moments before. It was several minutes later before they separated and each had to take a lungful of air. With their foreheads touching, both had their eyes closed as their breath mixed.
"I've wanted to do that for days," the petite woman sighed.
"What took you so long?" Helen asked before kissing the other woman again. Her hands found themselves tangling in the detective's long hair and she felt her companion's slender fingers tickling her hips.
"We have to sit down," MJ panted when they parted once more. She guided the doctor to the sofa and pushed her into the seat before dropping down to sit next to her. Helen had no time to respond because MJ's lips were already caressing her own. A thought occurred to the slim inspector that she had wanted to taste this woman's lips since their second meeting but had pushed away the idea. A faint ringing broke through the haze of their growing passion and MJ leaned her head against Helen's shoulder when she realized the ringing was her cell phone.
"It's okay, MJ, go ahead and answer it."
The smaller woman disentangled herself from her friend's arms and reached for her purse.
"Monahan. Yeah. Where? Yeah, okay, I'll be right there."
The inspector turned slowly to face the psychologist, who was still sitting on the couch.
"I have to go back to the scene. The captain seems to think we're missing something. Will, uh, will you be alright here? He said he was sending another guard over to stay with you while I was away."
Still flushed from their heavy make-out session, Helen just nodded her acceptance.
"I really don't want to go," MJ said as she joined Helen on the sofa once more. "But I have to. I'll be back as soon as I can. Call me for any reason."
"I'll be okay. Just go so you can come back."
MJ grinned and leaned forward to kiss the other woman breathless before rushing out the door.
"I'll see you soon."
Helen returned the smile even though the cop couldn't see it. Well, she thought, this is turning out to be more interesting than I thought it would be.
Part Two
"It's open," I yell from the bedroom. The doorbell had echoed loudly throughout my silent apartment and, for a moment, I think it's a figment of my imagination. But then I hear the door open, slowly, and decide it's best to check out my visitor. My cop senses aren't prickling, so I'm not expecting anything dangerous but caution is a police officer's best friend. I make my way down the hall, into the kitchen. Then I see her. Dressed in black, peering around my living room, learning little about me from the few personal items I have lying here and there. I stand in the entrance for a long moment watching her. I know she knows I'm here. I admit to being surprised at seeing her. Even after all we've been through in the last few days, I wasn't sure she would be spending much time outside of her apartment.
"I, uh, I thought I would go to the funeral with you," she says as if reading my mind. She turns around to face me and offers an uneasy smile. "I hope that's okay." My thought processes are slow in starting but eventually I nod.
"Of course. I'd appreciate the company." The lopsided grin I've grown accustomed to in the last couple of weeks returns and I feel the accompanying jolt I've also come to expect. We stare at each other before I realize that I probably need to move. "Uh, make yourself at home. There's plenty to drink in the kitchen. I've got to finish getting dressed." I disappear upstairs to the bedroom once again, leaving her to continue her explorations. I return a few minutes later and again find myself just watching her.
"We're going to be late," she says as she picks up a picture of me and my father. Putting it back on the shelf, she finally turns to me. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm good. A little sore, but the bullet just grazed my shoulder. I'll live." I cringe at my choice of words and she smiles sympathetically. Wanting to be nearer, I move closer to her and catch her eyes. "It seems like years since I've seen you. How are you?" She laughs humorlessly and ducks her head.
"It was only yesterday, but I'm fine. Better than you thought I would be." I smile sheepishly and wonder when she had time to learn me so well. "I never left your side in the hospital that night." Her serious tone surprises me. "It wasn't until the next morning, yesterday, when they assured me you'd be okay, that I left to answer questions." Her admission means more to me than I'm willing to admit to myself or to her. But I have the feeling, from the look in her eyes, that she knows its importance. "We should go."
I nod and mentally try to prepare myself for the task I am about to perform. We're silent during the ride to the funeral home, and I want to continue with that all the way through the service. But as I enter the chapel, my fellow officers want to share my grief and their own with me. I offer slight nods and short replies to their questions and condolences. She never leaves my side. I feel a tug on my jacket and turn to see the disheartening face of Nico.
"Hey," he says quietly. "How ya doin'?"
"I'm okay considering all that's happened. You?" He just nods and tries to smile. I feel for him because I know that he's suffering almost as much as I am. Helen's hand on my lower back brings me a comfort I don't deserve but I lean into her touch anyway.
"It's about to start," she tells us softly. I'm about to follow her when Nico reaches out to stop me.
"If you need anything, just tell me."
"It's okay. Helen's taking care of me." He seems confused by my statement and I wonder briefly if my expression mirrors his. Before I can put anymore thought into it, I glance up at her to see the hint of a smile gracing her face. Instead of analyzing, I let her guide me to my seat. Soon we have only a walk to his grave, followed by another short service. At the end, after they have lowered him to the ground, is when I say my goodbyes. She stays a respectful distance away until I start to cry. I feel rather than hear her arrival by my side. I keep my eyes on the now covered grave as I tell her how Reuben and I first met and how he could always make me smile. As I'm telling her about the last stake-out we had conducted, I turn to look at her. I'm laughing with tears running down my cheeks, and she smiles along with me before we both fall silent. Then she surprises me by wiping away the only evidence of my sadness.
"I wish there were words to make you feel instantly better," she whispers. "But knowing there aren't, all I can really offer is my time." She waits a heartbeat before continuing. "Let's go home." Walking away was harder than the actual funeral had been, but Helen stays close by. We make it back to my apartment without saying a word to each other and before I start to cry again. I'm barely inside when the tears begin. All I really remember is her leading me to the couch and hugging me tightly as everything from the last few days catch up to me. I fall asleep in her arms and wake a little while later out of them. I stumble from the couch into the kitchen where she is sitting at the table reading the paper. I smile sleepily and she motions to the coffee on the counter.
"Thanks," I tell her, glad that she's still here.
"I thought you might need it. God knows I did. How are you feeling?"
"Better. I, uh, thank you. I mean, for earlier, for staying. I'm glad you're here."
"Me, too. Are you hungry? We could order in if you're feeling up to it?"
"Sure, that sounds great. There's some take out menus next to the phone. I think I'm going to go take a shower. Order whatever you want. I'll eat just about anything." I put my glass in the sink and disappear down the hallway. I take my time and let the hot water beat down on me to wash away a lot of the stress from the past 48 hours. I hear the doorbell and finally decide it's time to get out. When I finally make it back to the living room, Helen has the food containers lined up on my coffee table, along with plates and utensils.
"It's about time," she says as I join her on the couch. She gives me a fork and tells me to eat. "I hope you like Italian food. I had a craving for lasagna."
"No, this is good. It's been so long since I've had this that it's even better than I remember."
"Food is not on your priority list, is it?" I have to swallow before I answer her.
"Well, no. Not that I forget to eat. It's just, sometimes, I have other things to do. It's all hours when I eat. It's hard not having a real schedule. I've learned to adapt."
"Because you're the big, bad cop who has to solve all the crimes?" she teases.
"Yeah, something like that."
"MJ, what do you remember about that night?" she suddenly asks. I think about it before answering her.
"I remember most of it, I think. I remember seeing you, and then not seeing you. I knew you had to be there somewhere and I had to find you. I remember trying not to panic, of aiming." I sigh as the memories come back to me. "I'm not sure how long we sat in that doorway. I remember being moved by the backup I had requested after they tripped over us a few times to gain access to the roof. I remember you insisting I go to the hospital to get checked out. I don't recall the bundle of questions from reporters and officers that were thrown at me on the elevator ride and short walk to the ambulance. I do remember you holding my hand and I remember giving my report to the chief at the hospital before I was pumped full of pain pills." She laughs with me at that. "I I, uh, I also remember waking up yesterday morning and seeing you there."
"I wouldn't leave until I knew you were going to be okay. It seemed like the least I could do."
"I was relieved although I don't know what happened after that until I woke up again a few hours later."
"They whisked me away for questioning and your fellow officers kept a vigil over you until you demanded to be released."
"I asked about you. The chief would only tell me you were well and safe. He had Nico take me home and wouldn't let me come see you."
"He told me."
"You talked to him?"
Helen nods her head as she answers.
"Briefly. He was the one who told me about Reuben's funeral arrangements. He asked if I would give you some time and assured that he would keep an eye on you for me."
"He never said anything."
The smile she sends me then has me thinking that I've missed something.
"I think he believed you would try to break one more rule to set a record for the night."
"If I could have walked, I probably would have," I retort.
She mocks me for a while before we move on to other subjects. We spend hours talking, laughing, remembering. At some point, we become silent again, and I notice her far away gaze.
"Penny," I say, capturing her attention. She laughs softly.
"I was just thinking how things have changed in 72 hours. Until three days ago, I hadn't been outside of my apartment in over 13 months. I hadn't had physical contact with anyone but Andy and a few of his friends during that time. Now, I haven't been home in days and I can't seem to pull myself away from you." Her admission catches me unaware, and when I look up, she's watching for my reaction. I think she surprised herself as well.
"Well, good because I have no intention of letting you go." I pause to gather my thoughts before adding, "I don't want you to go anywhere. In fact, I'd really like it if you would stay with me tonight." If she wasn't shocked by her own admission, I know she is with mine. I wait for a long moment for her response, too afraid to tear my eyes from hers or to move when she scoots closer to me.
"I'd like that," she says softly, then very slowly leans forward. My senses return in time for me to meet her lips half way. The first touch is deceivingly gentle and far too short. Just as I'm about to complain, she captures my lips with hers again. This time, our kiss is more demanding, passion overwriting tenderness, and I feel her pushing me down further into the couch cushions. I don't protest and mold into her body easily. I've never been attracted to another woman before, but Helen has overwhelmed my mind. "Mary Jane," she whispers in my ear. The heat from her body as she hovers above me distracts me from actually listening to her. She has to repeat my name several times before I realize she's questioning me. "Mary Jane, are you sure?"
"I've never been so sure of anything in my life. I'm so sure it scares me." I barely get the words out before reaching up to capture her lips again. I have to have her. It's only been a matter of weeks since we met, but we've put this particular activity off far too long. I move from her mouth to her neck and follow the curve to nibble on her ear. When I hear her giggle, a sound I would never associate with her, I smile against her smooth skin before moving back to her lips. "Say it again," I tell her as I feel her hand slipping up my hip. She nuzzles my cheek and whispers my name in my ear.
We move slowly, learning as we go how to touch each other and what we really like. I enjoy mapping her body with my tongue, tasting every part of her as I take her clothes off. This may be a new experience for us but by the time our skin comes in contact, we're both ready to consummate whatever it is we've started.
Hours later, we still lay on the couch. We're completely spent and wrapped around each other in a most possessive manner. I realize, despite the recent events, that I am completely content. Helen is asleep, and her steady breathing is a comfort to me. I want to wake her and ravish her one more time before morning. Since we didn't talk about the future, I'm not sure I'll have her after a new day starts.
Part Three
I wake to an unfamiliar weight across my stomach. Glancing down, I see M.J.'s right arm hugging me tightly and smile at the memory of last night's activities. I remember falling asleep on the couch, but at some point we kissed our way up to her bedroom and exhausted ourselves in each other's bodies. When she opens her eyes and our gazes meet, she smiles shyly at me.
"Good morning," she says hoarsely. I feel her sigh of contentment slide across my collarbone as she snuggles deeper into my embrace. "Did you sleep well?"
"What little sleep I got was good."
"I didn't hear you complaining last night," she replies as she pokes me in the side.
"No, no complaints." I hesitate before asking, "Do you have any plans for the day?"
"Yes," she answers and a moment of panic hits me as my doubts and paranoia resurface. "I plan on staying right here with you," she adds sensing me tense. She leans up onto her elbow and looks down at me. "Helen, I'm not going anywhere. At least for a while. I still have a few more days off."
"We've been together so much over the past two weeks; I thought you might want a break. I know I can be difficult at the best of times."
"You were at your best last night and I can personally attest that there was nothing difficult about you. As for being together so much, that's been by choice. My choice if I recall correctly. If you want a break, just tell me. I'll back off. Otherwise, you're stuck with me."
I don't know what to say to her at that, so I lean forward to softly kiss her lips.
"I'm glad I'm here," I tell her as we part.
"Me, too."
"I don't want to leave."
"But I do have to go home sometime. I need to see what kind of shape my apartment is in and get some clothes."
"I'll take you. Let me grab a shower and we'll head over there." She kisses me once more before getting out of bed. "You want to join me?" she asks cheekily and I laugh as she wiggles her eyebrows comically.
"Go. I'll meet you downstairs."
"Make coffee," she calls over her shoulder as she disappears into the bathroom. I get out of bed and pull on her white, fluffy terrycloth robe. Downstairs, I have to open several cabinets before I find everything I need for the coffee but soon the soothing aroma surrounds me. I take a chance and check MJ's front steps. Her newspaper is near the apartment and I open the door enough to reach it. Before I get to start reading, however, the phone rings. I'm hesitate to answer it but the sound soon grates on my nerves.
"Uh, hi. Is MJ there?"
"She's in the shower. May I take a message?"
"Yeah, just tell her that Nico called. She knows how to reach me."
"No problem."
"Hey, uh, is she okay?"
"She's very well," I answer and blush at the sudden flash of just how okay she is.
"Good, good. Will you, uh, tell her that I called and that I'd like to see her tonight, please?"
"I'll tell her."
I'm left with a dial tone before I can say anything else. I stare at the phone in my hand for a long moment and grabble with the feelings the caller enlisted in me. Nico. MJ's ex-boyfriend. The man whom she's shared her life and her body with. I know it's less jealousy that I'm feeling and more the anxiety of a budding relationship. I'm not the most stable individual in the world on a good day. Add to my usual insecurities the fear of losing the first person I've ever truly cared about and I'm going to crazy in my skin. Taking a deep breath, I try to push away all the negatives I'm thinking so that I can focus on the positives, the main of which I hear coming down the stairs.
"Nico called while you were in the shower," I tell her when she joins me in the kitchen. I'm sitting at the table nursing a cup of coffee.
"Okay, I'll call him later. Thanks."
As she continues to dry her hair by rubbing the excess water out of it with a towel, I notice her movements are a little stiff.
"How's your shoulder?"
"Sore," she replies smiling.
"I guess last night's activities didn't help it any."
"It's worth it," she says as she stops what she's doing to really look at me. "Helen, what's wrong?" Her voice is laced with concern and I cringe since I don't know how to answer her. "Helen?"
She takes the chair next to me and reaches out to hold my hand. The towel she was using is in her lap and I smile as I watch the ends of her hair curl. I remember the way it tickled my stomach as she kissed the underside of my breast.
"You should call Nico. He wants to see you."
She shrugs and squeezes my hand tighter.
"I don't want to see him. Not right now," she says and takes a sip of my coffee.
Her blasé dismissal of her former lover bothers me for reasons I can't explain. When she disappears into the living room looking for her hairbrush, I follow her.
"Why do you go by your initials?"
She looks surprised by my question but shakes it off to answer.
"Because because I just do "
"Mary Jane," I warn.
"In the business that I'm in, it's better not to let anyone know that I'm a woman until the last possible moment," she says frustratingly. "People in this line of work still tend to harbor prejudices against the fairer sex, whether they mean to or not."
"You use the fact that you're a woman to your advantage. I've been on the receiving end of that innocent charm. I'm willing to bet that you were called MJ before you began working at the police department. You said last night you have a brother?"
"Don't do this, Helen. Don't analyze me. I'm not one of your patients."
"Then what are you?" I shout. Taking a deep breath, I break eye contact with her and shake my head. "I just, I feel like I know everything about you except where I stand in your life. Are you ready for me, for an us? Am I ready?"
"We're ready for now," she whispers and takes a step closer to me. "We'll get ready for the future as it comes." She glances at me before sighing softly. "I'm sorry, Helen. Maybe I pushed too hard too fast."
The self-resignation in her voice makes my heart ache and I reach out to her without thinking. I have to tug on her wrist before she slides into my embrace.
"No, I wanted last night as much as you did. Maybe more." I close my eyes and kiss the top of her head as her arms encircle my waist. "I don't know what's happening. One minute I'm pushing you away and the next I can't let you go. I just met you a couple of weeks ago, yet you're more familiar to me than anyone I've ever known."
I feel her chuckle against my shoulder and squeeze me a little tighter.
"I know the feeling." We let the silence surround us as we take comfort in each other for a long moment. "You want to talk to me about what got you so wound up?" she finally asks and I laugh quietly.
"No." She nods but I can tell she's smiling at my petulant tone. "I'm afraid of losing you, and I shouldn't be."
"No, you're right. You shouldn't be."
I pull away from her and begin pacing around her living room. She watches me intently, her eyes taking in my every movement.
"Why not? We barely know each other. You had a life before you met me and all my problems. Why should I expect you to hang around? It's not fair to you."
"Helen." Her voice is firm and it forces me to look at her. "The only thing that's not fair is if you dismiss me from your life because you think it's what's best for me. Being with you should be my choice. I know it won't be easy. It never is when you get two strong-willed, opinionated people together, especially women in our business with our pasts. But for reasons I can't explain, we've bonded. You felt like someone I had known forever after our second meeting. That kind of connection doesn't happen often. I, for one, am not going to give it up." Her tone softens and she comes to stand before me again. "Look at you. You're out of the house, you managed to escape from a dangerous situation, you've let another person into your life," she smiles as she adds, "and into your bed. I want to be with you, in any way I can, in every way. We'll work everything else out as we come to it."
"Nico?" I ask and feel foolish for being so irritable at the very sound of his name.
"What about him?" I only shrug as she studies me, and then she laughs. "Helen, are you jealous?"
"Of course not! I mean, I don't know what I am." I sigh at those words. I've been saying that a lot here lately. "I'm new at this. I've never been faced with the issue of an ex-boyfriend before, especially one who works with my with the person I'm " Unsure how to describe our relationship, I wave my hand between us.
"I think the term you're looking for is girlfriend," she replies. "And as for Nico, he and I will always be bound together because we shared a life and because we work with each other. But you have nothing to worry about concerning him. He and I are just friends. We couldn't stay together because we couldn't get along for more than a few hours at a time and because we didn't have the kind of love that a lifelong relationship should be made of. We never had it and we never will." She takes my hands and ducks her head to catch my eyes. "Helen, I never, not once during the entire time he and I were together, felt about him even an ounce like how I feel about you. When we're together, I feel whole. Like I've finally found the piece I never knew was missing. I know it's early yet, but I really believe that we belong together." She tugs on my hands until I smile at her. "Now, what do you say to giving us a chance, hmm?"
"Since I really don't think I can live without you now, I guess I don't have a choice." My words have the desired affect and she grins at me.
"Get dressed and we'll go to your place." She kisses the tip of my nose and starts to grouse over her missing hairbrush again. As I head upstairs, I stop to look down on her. The scene playing out before me seems so homey and I smile at the ridiculous feeling of happiness spreading through me. I know our future is uncertain and I still have plenty of issues to work out, but I know that I'm no longer alone. Sappy as it sounds, the world doesn't seem as big anymore.
The End
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